#i apologise for this slight ramble but eh

[darkeyedghost]

Something I love in rap is often how you'll be able to hear the rapper's spoken accent come through and I just think that it's pretty neat!

[flowerbloom-arts]

A rather unneeded apology, don't you think?

Progress shots and thought process below the cut (warning, it gets heavy on pshycological analytical nonsense and spoilers for Exploits of Moominpappa/'s Memoirs, and it's really long):

Ah yes, Muddler angst, something that should be one too many yet you can't quite get enough of it-

So it all started with this little metaphor from this post I made a while back and I thought "Hmm... I should really make a follow-up for that!" so I did, and here it is.

This was originally gonna be a lineless painting but then when I started to do that I thought about how much of a drag it would be and scrapped that for my regular style but with cooler shading and coloring. I'm happy with it, it's been a while since I've done a full illustration and I'm proud that I managed to make this in like... (Checks timer on my drawing app) 2 hours and 25 minutes? Huh.

Anyway, this whole illustration is more or less just a metaphor going on in Muddler's head when he's cracked under stress, it's the "boat floating on your own personal ocean" metaphor like the post I linked above, it is indeed a constantly raging sea of stress and change and mental/lifestyle instability that's going on in Muddler's head and he's on a houseboat floating on it trying to balance and protect itself from the tides. It's always rocking back and forth but it's been doing that all the time for so long that it barely registers for him anymore, so he's living in this unnerving calm where the calm is not serenity perse but a lack of terror, yet, sometimes that raging sea manages to break through a window or two and flood the place as a good reminder that he isn't immune, he can and will drown for as long as things are like this.

The sea isn't a place of good memories for Muddler in either version of the book, like, the sea is so big that it's general emptiness on the horizon tickles his eyes. Before that he painted the boat red and got it all over himself and then painted his tin with the leftover paint, needless to say he had a rather traumatic night where the paint never dried and it got all over his food and bed and whiskers which drove him insane (or plume crazy I should say). He also had a rough time in his tin while packing for the riverboat and being swept away by the flood caused by Edward the Booble, he said his nerves (and his button collection) were all unsorted after the rest of the crew managed to get the tin on board. Then other stuff happens- an awful Hemulen Aunt boarding the ship (he literally wished death upon her, a rather extreme gesture especially for Muddler), the Hemulen Aunt being taken away by the Niblings (and the ensuing guilt he felt when he felt that it was his fault since he wished for her to be eaten), a rough and sticky night, being the first to realise the boat was setting off to sea unintentionally in the middle of the night, having to sit through a gale in which he got very sick- and that's just stuff that happened on the boat! He also had to suffer the likes of the revenge of the forgotten bones! The Ghost painted Muddler's tin and he cried about it, thinking it's a warning sign that he'll never marry! And he's the only one who was legitimately terrified of the Ghost, imagine being one of like, a 4 person friend group and being the only one scared of a real scary thing that directly affected you in one of the worst ways possible- vandalism of your own home. And don't even get me started on the fact that he lost his parents during spring cleaning and still believes they're alive.

With that being said, I believe we all understand that Muddler has been through alot, he had a revelation that adventures cause nothing but trouble for the poor guy in the middle of the book. And seeing how he cried at the idea of never getting married, we can presume he just wants a normal life after that. Thankfully, Fuzzy provided that through marriage and kids, even though they lost one of them by accident.

Now with this in mind, I have implemented a few elements from the book into the illustration. I've also followed some color-coding rules I've made up for myself;

Blue=Safety and comfort (Hodgkins is his uncle and is canonically blue-colored for the most part, not to mention that his Maxwell House Coffee tin is blue aswell, both are sources of safety for Muddler)

Green=Protection (Joxter is usually depicted in a green dress/hat, he stood up for Muddler atleast twice in the book and we can presume these weren't the only times he does it. Joxter is rather confident in his abilities despite being lazy and Muddler would rather admire that)

Yellow=Achievement/accomplishment (nothing much here, just uhh... Gold is yellow-ish and gold usually means you've accomplished something)

Red=Stress/general negativity (This is mostly coming from the red paint incident)

I've also added some small references and details. I've avoided using the ruler tool on my lineart to give it less solid feel to the backround and everything, showing how it's not supposed to be a full representation of reality, the pictures being faceless also adds to that. I drew an interpretation of the Muddler and Fuzzy wedding photo found in the moomin theme park, the gold medal on Hodgkins' portrait says "you helped" and it's supposed to be the medal that Hodgkins said Muddler deserved for helping him figure out the propeller (accidentally) in the Exploits version and I like to think he has that thought always in the back of his mind as one of the few times he's felt genuinely useful since he got so happy from it. Oh! And the picture almost completely hidden by the curtains is a portrait of his father and that's Joxter at the bottom looking like he's peeking over the curtain when really he's not. The curtains are green because they protect him from the red outside world, the suit and yellow dead flowers being darkly colored are supposed to represent a sense of meaninglessness or general distain, the red liquid is supposed to be red paint, not blood aaaaaaand the window is a slight shade of blue with a screen overlay.

"Apologies for being weak-minded" is supposed to be a rather insincere but tired quote from Muddler, he doesn't really want to apologise for cracking under pressure and having a literal breakdown but he feels like he has to because I think he just feels like a nuisance alot of the time and being so negatively emotional just makes things worse, so he has to come up with an apology rather than tell the person he's talking to the reason why he broke down, and belittling his own feelings by calling himself weak-minded. He knows himself to be "too" sensitive.

Anyway, that was too long a ramble. Just know that I'm not trying to take myself too seriously here, it's a silly amount of thought put into this but eh, I enjoyed it, and I thought you might want to read about it and if you made this far; thank you.

[msjr0119]

Cordonian Wags

Introduction

In a world full of Professional footballers and their demanding wives- can their football team nicknamed the ‘Cordonian Apples’ succeed? An American female physiotherapist joins the club. Will this cause issues with the footballers wives?

*This series is based on The Royal Romance characters who belong to Pixelberry- AU Plot switch*

Disclaimer- Mention of drug use!

I’d like to thank @pedudley for being such a superstar supporting me, listening to me ramble on with ideas about this series prior to posting - you’re amazing babe! 😘🥰

Tags: @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @yukinagato2012

*******

Riley Brooks, a sports physiotherapist- closely worked with football teams in UK. Born and raised in New York, she decided to spread her wings and study in England, when her parents had passed away. Her first job after graduating was with Manchester City- this is where she met her husband, the clubs striker Xavier López. Scrutinising job opportunities for physios, she decided to take the risk and accept the job in a completely new country. There were plenty of opportunities within the UK but she needed a fresh start.

Riley arrived in Cordonia - the little unheard of country that provided breathtaking views. It was like stepping into a fairytale. The blue sea was crystal clear- that you could see the fish swimming without taking much notice. The scattered hills provided a stunning landscape. The country itself was clean throughout and provided a friendly atmosphere.

Arriving at the Applewood Stadium, she contemplated what she was actually doing. Was she crazy? Possibly. If I don’t try- I’ll live to regret for not trying. The stadium was tiny in comparison to what she was used to. The contract she was due to sign was only for the new season. She had spoken to the teams coach, Bertrand Beaumont over the phone. Today was the day she was meeting him in person as well as the chairman Constantine Rhys. Pulling up to the security gate, she showed her ID - the security guard knew that they were expecting her and had offered to escort her to the chairman’s office once she had parked up.

****

Leo Rhys snuck into his house at 5am, still intoxicated. He knew his wife Madeleine would berate him the second she laid eyes on him. Stumbling around, he lost his balance and went flying into the expensive large vase. Laughing to himself on the floor, he knew he was going to be in dog house- yet again. Madeleine walked into the grand hallway- her arms folded, and her eyes narrowed providing daggers at her husband.

“And where the hell have you been? You have training soon!” She snapped- knowing full well that he will have been at the strip club again.

“Oh Maddy. You know what I do. I hate you. I do these things to live because quite frankly you irritate the fuck out of me!”

Madeline stormed off. She had only married him due to his status in the team - the captain. People called her a gold digger, she was and she didn’t care. She knew what she wanted and she cunningly got it.

Sneaking off to her bathroom, she created three identical fine lines before she snorted the white powder. You need sex to live darling, I need this to try and forget all the scandals you cause.

*****

Drake Walker rolled over in the king sized bed- reaching out for his girlfriend Kiara. However she wasn’t next to him. When they first began courting it was amazing. They were known as the perfect couple- ‘couple goals’. Kiara was very career minded and an independent woman. Their relationship had ‘fizzled out’ since she had began her new job- she was multilingual and worked as a translator for a local law firm. She wasn’t the usual type of footballers wife, she earned her own money. There had been suspicions by the press that Kiara had been unfaithful to Drake - these accusations constantly jeopardised her career. His friends and sister had advised him to end his relationship with her. Deep down he wanted to- but he felt like wasn’t worthy for anyone, so just accepted their failing relationship that was full of lies and deceit.

“Ki? Where are you?”

“Sorry. I went to work.”

“But it’s 6am!”

“Early start Drake. I’ll see you later, I don’t know what time?”

“Kiara have you forgotten? It’s the first day of training and the pre season party tonight!”

“Oh...good luck honey. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make the party. Have a good time.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“See ya.”

Drake just sighed after the phone call. Recently he kept making excuses up for Kiara’s absence- much to the annoyance and frustration of his friends. Tonight was going to be deja vu - ‘Drake Walker the mug’.

*****

Liam Rhys and his wife Olivia, were sat in their sun lounge having a light breakfast. Olivia was frustrated with Liam- he had been offered a transfer to Real Madrid last season but wanted to stay loyal to his home country and his family. Threatening to divorce him didn’t even make him reconsider his decision.

“I see that your brother is in the papers again.” Olivia snarled, whilst flicking through the papers.

“Liv, don’t start.”

“Why he is still the captain I will never understand. If anything he should be on the bench! He is an embarrassment to this club.”

“Love, that he may be. But it’s Leo. He’s always been the same. Maddy puts up with him - forgives him every time.”

“You deserve to be the captain Liam. You work the hardest out of all those plebs.”

Liam shook his head. He didn’t want all that responsibility of being the captain. No matter how much of a poor husband his brother was- he was a successful striker.

*****

Zeke and Penelope were the only couple in the club who had a family. They had two beautiful girls. Before training began, he always wanted to spend quality time with his daughters - taking them out for a rides on their ponies. Family time was precious.

“Go on Emma! Go on Emily! You girls are doing amazing!” Zeke shouted proudly to his daughters.

“They have definitely improved with their riding skills.” Penelope said, snuggling into her husbands embrace.

“I could watch them all day. Did you manage to get a sitter for tonight?”

“Yes, Amber offered to look after the girls and the poodles. She will be here at 5pm. Are you glad to be going back to training?”

“What do you think? I’d rather spend time with my family and our animals. I need to check Sterling’s leg before I go- he was limping a bit. Hence why Emily is riding Lady instead.”

“You really should have become a vet instead of a footballer darling. Well, good luck. I’ll see you later on.”

*****

Maxwell Beaumont, the coaches younger brother felt pressure at every match. He was the teams goalkeeper, his best friend Hana supported him, and socialised with the teams Wags. Their friendship had blossomed over the years, secretly into something more- both of them denied it when their relationship was questioned.

“Hey. Are you ready for the first training session? I’ve brought you some breakfast.”

“Thank you- you’re the best! And don’t remind me...Bertrand has been drilling it in my mind to be punctual. To concentrate and to not embarrass him.”

“Max I believe in you. What will be will be eh?”

“Yep.... I wonder how much trouble Leo is in this morning? He’s in the papers again.”

“This is why I always advise you to not go out with him- he’s a bad influence.”

“Hana, I go out with him to drink- not to do the rest of the activities he chooses. And we know why I go out drinking with him. To stop speculations about our relationship.”

*****

Bertrand was waiting in the chairman’s office along with the chairman Constantine and his wife Regina. They were all nervous about meeting their new physio. They had interviewed her over the phone and fell in love with her ambition. Would the men accept a female physio? Would they retaliate? The club had no choice- there wasn’t much interest in the position. The other interested candidates qualifications and experience didn’t compare to what Riley had. They didn’t want to tell the team straight away, in case she rejected the offer last minute. There was a slight knock on the door. Bertrand stood up to answer, and greeted her with a friendly smile.

“Hello. You must be Riley. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“You are correct. Nice to meet you Mr Beaumont.”

“Welcome to Cordonia, Mrs López.”

“Thank you, Sir. Your country is absolutely beautiful. But please call me Miss Brooks. Myself and my husband have separated.”

“I do apologise- I don’t know how you must be feeling? But we are thrilled to welcome you to our club. Bertrand has the contract ready for you to sign. Then we will take you on a tour of the stadium- the team aren’t due for training for another hour. We thought you’d like to accompany us to the pre season party tonight and we will formally introduce you to everyone?”

“Oh. I was hoping to have an early night. To be prepared for tomorrow. I need the players to fill out some medical forms so I know what I’m working with.”

“I like a woman who is determined and prepared- I knew you was the perfect candidate for the role. But there’s no need to rush into your role. Our first match isn’t for another week. And we would like you to enjoy yourself too.”

“Okay, I’ll come tonight. Just let me know the time. I’ll do some preparation after the tour.”

******

The men each showed up to training. Bertrand was smiling - they all looked at him bewildered. He never smiled, he was strict with them all- even the chairman’s sons.

“Welcome back gentlemen. I’ve got a good feeling about this new season. We will just have a quick session today as we all need to get ready for the annual pre season party - and the chairman wants to introduce you all to someone later....Right let’s get to it.”

Riley stood, watching in the background- trying not to gain attention. She wanted to view how they played as a team. Hoping that there wouldn’t be too many injuries whilst she was in Cordonia. On the tour, Bertrand showed her pictures of the men and explained their positions- whilst watching them train she figured out who was who.

“Hi. You must be Riley.”

Riley jumped before turning around to see a mystery brunette smiling at her softly- whilst holding a toddler in her arms.

“Erm. Yes. Nice to meet you...?”

“Sorry! My manners. My name is Savannah Beaumont- Bertrand’s wife. Drake Walker is my brother. I hear that you are from the States? Myself and Drake are American too- on our mothers side. I hope you’ll settle in just fine. They aren’t a bad bunch really.” Is she kidding? I’ve been watching them for ten minutes and already their egos are getting the best of them and they are already arguing.

“No offence Savannah, but I know you are lying about them not being a bad bunch. I know how footballers minds work. I’m married to one myself. Yes, I grew up in New York but I moved to the UK where I studied and later worked in Manchester.”

“Oh. I didn’t know you were married- I suppose the wedding ring gives it away huh?” Riley twiddled her rings with her thumb before laughing nervously.

“I won’t be married for much longer. We have separated- I started the ball rolling with the divorce before I left. That is why I came here when the opportunity came up. A fresh start.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Riley. If you ever need anyone to talk to I’m here.”

“Thank you. But I’m only here to do a job. Then when the season is up- I’ll move on. I’m going to go to my flat, I’ve seen enough. I’ll see you at the party?”

“Yes, you will. See you later.”

Just this brief conversation, made Savannah’s mind work overtime. She believed that Riley was intelligent, she was beautiful. She couldn’t suss out why she would be separated- she didn’t want to elaborate on the situation and seem nosey.

*****

Drake pulled Liam to the side after noticing his sister talking to a stranger, whilst they were stretching. Savannah wasn’t one to socialise with people she didn’t know.

“Who’s Sav talking to?”

“I don’t know? Why? She’s probably one of Leo’s flings. You know how they all come and stalk him after he uses them. She’s gorgeous- don’t tell Liv I said that. She would stab me - quite literally!”

“I doubt Savannah would be acting so calm with one of your brothers flings Li. If Bertrand asks where I am- just tell him that Sav needed me.”

Drake ambled over to where his sister was - she was content sat under the tree with his nephew, Bartie. The mystery woman had disappeared, like a ghost. Taking his top off, he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“Hey Sav.”

Savannah was playing with her son, not noticing the figure appear beside her. Feeling like she had a mini heart attack- she was ready to throttle her brother.

“Drake! You scared me! Your brother in law will go berserk if you’re not training.”

“So? Who was you talking to?”

“Why do you ask?” She smirked.

“Just curious. Liam assumed she is one of Leo’s flings.”

“Incorrect. You’ll see her tonight.”

“Why?”

“It’s a surprise, I’ll see you and Kiara at the party.”

“It’ll just be me. She’s erm... she’s...”

“Cheating on you Drake. You always seem to make excuses up for her. Since she started that job nobody has seen her- the press have snapped pictures of her with mystery men. You deserve better, big brother.”

“They are her colleagues, Sav!”

“Oh really? What’s the excuse going to be tonight Drake? I love you, I just want you to be happy.”

Savannah held her brother in a tight hug. She walked away furious with Kiara’s actions.

[kanna-ophelia]

Love’s Pure Light

31 Days of Ineffables Day 7: Silent Night Dedicated to the lovely and talented @alltheprettygirlsintheworld

On AO3

On Wattpad Somewhere in New Zealand, 1990

The starry night was silent, or as silent as nights generally get, which is to say there were the sounds of wind, bugs, sleepy sheep noises, and, in this case, cursing and pleading.

"Turn around, just fucking turn around, you stupid bloody sheep, I--"

Glory streamed from the sky. Golden light pulsed, trumpets sounded, choral music swelled. An angel descended, white wings spread, arms held out, their face concealed by radiance too great to look at. "BE NOT AFRAID."

"Fuck fuck fuck--" The shepherd, if that was what it was, scrambled back in panic, utterly failing to be not afraid. "Look, don't get mad, can see you're busy, I'll be getting along now, popping back to Hell, no need for a fight."

The glorious angel tittered. Distinctly tittered, as the radiance faded and they took a more ordinary, if immaculate, human form.

"*Aziraphale." Crowley hesitated, torn between relief, fury, joy and amusement, and settled on the last one. He flung his head back and laughed and laughed. "Oh, you bastard. Come here." He lunged himself forward and his arms around the angel, and it was only when Aziraphale stopped giggling and stood suddenly stock still that Crowley realised he had never embraced him before. He stumbled back for the second time this evening, and they stared at each other. For lack of anything else not revealing to say, Crowley repeated "You bastard."

Eventually they found themselves sitting side and side on a log, staring at the sheep. "You really are a bastard," Crowley said. "I thought you were Gabriel, coming to announce the next messiah. Or Sandalphon announcing the first. Did you ever get a firm confirmation from Headquarters on that one?"

Aziraphale pursed his lips, wrinkled his brow and looked unhappy, which Crowley knew well enough to read as She doesn't talk to us about things anymore. He felt slight compunction over his urge to keep prodding, keep encouraging Aziraphale to question, keep--keep what? He didn't really want his angel to fall. Just to keep him company. That would be more evil than even a demon could contemplate.

He wanted to apologise and couldn't. Instead he rambled on. "Or Michael. You have no idea how terrifying that would be."

"Why Michael?" Aziraphale, looking curiously at him, sidelong under perfect long lashes. Crowley wished he wouldn't, and wished he would, and couldn't sort it out at all. "You always seem to have it in for her. She's a bit strict, but she's not so bad, really."

"You imagine sitting in a paddock full of sheep and your Dad shows up. Especially when she's a straight-laced wanker."

"Oh." Those pretty lashes blinked. "I don't know why that surprises me. You had to be Created somehow. Born from tears, eh?"

Crowley would do anything to stop Aziraphale looking at him in that tender, compassionate way. "So what are you doing here, angel? I thought you hated this neck of the woods." Aziraphale hummed under his breath and didn't answer. "On assignment?" Aziraphale stared at his plump fingers, twining and entwining, and still said nothing. Crowley was very good at seeing in the dark, and he was almost sure there was pink creeping up from Aziraphale's neck.

Is it me? Did you come see me? Oh, angel, it's been twenty-three years. Tell me you missed me. Tell me that was slow enough. Tell me you came looking. To New Zealand, of all places.

"What are you doing? You seemed to be yelling at some sheep."

"Oh, yeah. Well, it was a great idea." Crowley beamed. "This was practice. Do you know there's thirty-nine million sheep in this place? Imagine how much terror and chaos it will cause if one morning the humans wake up and every sheep is facing in the other direction."[1]

"Brilliant, my dear," Aziraphale said politely.

"Yeah. Only they're stubborn, sheep. And apparently have no terror of demons. Or at least of me." Crowley sighed, resisted with practiced skill the impulse to take Aziraphale's hand, and leaned back, staring at the sky.

"I'm sure you're very intimidating."

"Oh, shut up." Crowley felt ridiculously happy. Here, under the stars, the baaing and bleating of sleep, the warm presence of his angel by his side. He felt a surge of courage.

"Let's have a picnic tomorrow," he said casually. Aziraphale tensed by his side, and he rushed on. "The cheese here, it's amazing, you need to try it." Every time he had tasted some, he had thought of Aziraphale, what he would look and sound like taking the salty creaminess into his mouth. "And they have these coffees--flat whites. Ristrettos with the glossiest, most velvety textured milk. They think they invented them."

"Didn't they?"

"The Australians think they invented them." Crowley grinned to himself. "Simultaneously. But each thinks they are first and the other country tried to steal the credit. You have no idea the amount of bickering and bad feeling between the nations it causes."

"And who invented them, or do I really need to ask?" sighed Aziraphale.

"I always did like coffee." Crowley grinned. "And pointless hostility and resentment between otherwise friendly nations. Ask me about pavlova some time."

Aziraphale gave him a suspicious look. "No flavoured syrups in flat whites?"

"Who do you think I am? I'm not that evil."

"I think you are someone who has four sugars in your tea. Pure chaotic wickedness."

Crowley laughed, tried not to hug him. "Come on." He couldn't manage puppy-dog eyes, not with these yellow snake-like things, but he was good at pleading eyebrows. "A picnic. You promised."

Aziraphale's mouth and brow were worried, but his eyes were very soft and liquid. "All right. See you tomorrow night. Here, at the same time."

And he was gone, leaving enough time for Crowley to panic thoroughly and over-cater. Even if you could over-cater for Aziraphale.

* * *

Aziraphale oohed and aahed satisfactorily over the local cheeses Crowley produced. Buffalo mozzarella,, camembert, burrata, maasdam, washed-rind, ash-coated goat's cheese, ricotta, haloumi.

"I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I bought them all," he said nonchalantly, pulling out some old gouda and blue cheese. Bread, crisp around the edges and fluffy white inside. Manuka-smoked cultured butter. Local honey. Crayfish salad. A pavlova, creamy with cheese and miraculously unsquashed, adorned with berries and kiwi fruit. Flat white coffees, miraculously still hot and velvety. And in pride of place--

Pan-fried pāua, nestled back in their shimmering blue shells.

Do you remember Rome, angel? The first time you approached me, rather than the other way around. The first time you asked me to spend time with you and seemed eager for me to agree. I was so sad, so sickened, on the point of giving up on the humans and going back to Hell--and then you. Luminous, kind, and taking such joy in those damned oysters, so much pleasure, so that I kept forgetting to eat and just kept watching you. My light, hope to a demon. Look at these, Aziraphale. Pretty oysters--well, pretty snails, I guess. Gleaming like you. Remember, remember.

He has no idea if oysters in Rome even meant anything to Aziraphale.

"Oh, it looks all delightful," cooed Aziraphale, spreading gooey camembert on a stick of bread, and Crowley tried not to smirk bashfully. He leaned back to watch the show.

It should be daylight. He should be watching his angel lit up by sunshine, playing in the pale curls, warm and golden on the soft curves of his cheeks and neck. But if moonlight and starlight was what he got, he would take it. Aziraphale unselfconsciously gathered up some camembert on his finger and licked it off, and Crowley shivered. Yes, he would take it.

He watched in fascination as Aziraphale tried everything, chewed and tasted and made small sounds of appreciation. He wondered if the angel had any idea how enrapturing he was in his unabashed enjoyment.

"Won't you eat too, dear?" Aziraphale asked softly. "You went to all this trouble."

Crowley cut a slice of aged cheese, popped it in his mouth, savoured the umami and salt as he chewed slowly and swallowed, but the real pleasure was in Aziraphale's increased joy, the gentle lifting of his thin expressive lips.

"Are you happy, Crowley?"

Crowley blinked. He had never, in his entire existence, been asked that except in angry, blaming tones. Now he was here with Aziraphale, looking at him kindly, looking as if his happiness was important. He wasn't sure how to handle it.

"Demons aren't supposed to be happy. Pleasure and enjoyment, yeah. Happiness, no." Aziraphale's face fell, the wrinkles in his forehead deeper, and Crowley reached out, clutched his hand. "Yeah." He passed a thumb across the back of Aziraphale's hand, and told the truth. "I'm happy."

"I'm so glad." Aziraphale was actually glowing in the dark. "Do try this honey, it's amazing." He dipped a spoon in the honey and held it out to Crowley. Honey. RIch and golden and sweet and--oh, it felt like Aziraphale was offering himself, and that was a ridiculous, insane, dangerous thought. Crowley parted his lips, and let the honey pass into his mouth, held it there, let it dissolve.

"It's beautiful." His voice was thick.

"Try the butter." Aziraphale's voice was strange too, his movements quick and jerky as he spread butter on bread. "Here." He broke off a piece, and held it to Crowley's lips.

Crowley had imagined, so many times, hand-feeding Aziraphale. Dreamily imagined it, as they shared meals together. Meltingly, when he saw something his angel would like. Desperately, frantically, ashamedly, alone and consumed with craving, carried away with the thought of doing something, anything, that would mean he was causing the angel pleasure, admitting to himself that he would rather make Aziraphale made a pleased sound with than any carnal pleaure with anyone else, admitting to himself that desire was fiery and demonic and, yes, carnal.

Crowley had never imagined Aziraphale hand-feeding him. He felt vulnerable and exposed, and saw the same expression in Aziraphale's face. Eating--eating was special to Aziraphale. A special pleasure. And he was sharing it... Aziraphale's hands were trembling, which was only fair, because Crowley was trembling from head to toe.

He took the bread into his mouth. The cultured and smoked butter was tangy, nutty. Sweet from the honey, creamy. And the salty, burned taste of the smoking, a whiff of Hell in all the heaven. Not ruining it. Making it better.

"I've missed you," breathed Aziraphale, and Crowley surged forward and kissed him.

Too much, too fast, he warned himself, but Aziraphale's shoulders were rounded and warm under his clasping hands and Aziraphale's lips, sweet and salty with cheese and honey, were returning the kiss, warm solid arms coming up around him as if helpless to do anything else. He was kissing the angel, and the angel wasn't kissing him away, he was returning the kiss so sweetly, so tenderly, so longingly. Crowley didn't dare deepen it, didn't dare risk losing this miracle, the lips against his, the arms around his back in the quiet night.

Just let me have this moment, he prayed, to--God? Satan? Aziraphale? I can live in this moment forever, whatever else happens. I love him so desperately.

Aziraphale pulled away eventually, and Crowley stared into his face, so pale in the moonlight, his eyes looking dark for once--night time or desire? He didn't know, could only hope. "Aziraphale," he whispered. "Please."

Aziraphale shook his head violently, the moment passing, fear coming back. He dropped his arms. "Not here. Anyone--anyone could see."

I want to kiss you here, Crowley thought rebelliously. Kiss you and kiss you and claim you, right under heaven, so they can see you belong to me, see you choose me, see you are mine.

And then what? his conscience asked. And why did he even have a bloody conscience? The pathetic angelic remnant was just a disadvantage to a demon. You want to take being an angel away from him?

"Come back to my hotel, then," he said, anyway. He was a demon. Selfish. "We can be alone--angel. Please." He was pleading without hope.

Aziraphale shook his head. It was inevitable, but it still hurt. "Don't make this harder. We are enemies--with an Arrangement."

Crowley wouldn't cry. Wouldn't manipulate Aziraphale that way. "Then let me buy you coffee tomorrow. You haven't drunk yours."

He thought Aziraphale would refuse. The angel was chewing his lip and looking down as if he was going to say no and flee.

"Yes. You worked so hard on flat whites. I owe it to you to taste them."

"Thank you."

Aziraphale's mouth twisted, as if Crowley wasn't the only one trying not to weep. "Don't thank me." He took a breath. "Anyway, I should thank you. This picnic, it was marvellous."

"Don't thank me," Crowley echoed, bitterly.

Aziraphale stood, fussily brushed crumbs off his neat trousers--and what was wrong with Crowley that watching those pampered hands brush Aziraphale's wonderfully thick thighs still sent fire lancing through him?--and looked down at him.

"Well. At least let me show my gratitude." Aziraphale flicked his fingers in the air, and there was a disturbed bleating.

All the sheep in the paddock were facing in the other direction.

"Angel." Despite all his mixed emotions, Crowley felt a grin creep over his face. "Just here?"

"All over New Zealand, I'm afraid." Aziraphale paused, then a glimmer of a smirk crept across his face. "And Australia."

"Angel," Crowley repeated, adoringly.

Aziraphale's smirk increased, then Crowley was alone in the silent night.

* * *

Something like thirty years later, when there had been many kisses, and many picnics, and much much more, when they could walk openly together hand in hand under the sky, and kiss there, Crowley stopped at a coffee stall and bought a flat white.

Aziraphale made a face. "They don't make them properly in England, you know that."

"Don't care. " Crowley looked at the slimy mess that was supposed to be milk microfoam, and sipped it dubiously. They had used a long shot of espresso, not ristretto, and burned it to boot. "It's a good memory."

"Yes, it is. The first time my husband kissed me."

"My glorious, terrifying angel."

Aziraphale pouted. "Oh, you make have quaked a bit, but you've never been afraid of me."

"No. No, somehow I never have been." Crowley snapped his fingers to dispose of the awful excuse for coffee, and went for Aziraphale's mouth, which was much sweeter instead. "But don't pretend to be Gabriel again."

Aziraphale shuddered. "Never." He smiled up at Crowley, whose heart turned over and over. "Shall we have another picnic today, my beloved?"

"Only if you promise to hand feed me," he said, and Aziraphale laughed happily, and, oh.

All was calm, and all was bright.

* * *

1 Inexplicable phenomena were not in themselves unusual on the Discworld. Rains of fish, for example, were so common in the little landlocked village of Pine Dressers that it had a flourishing smoking, canning and kipper-filleting industry. And in the mountain regions of Syrrit many sheep, left out in the fields all night, would be found in the morning to be facing the other way, without the apparent intervention of any human agency. --Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man.

Notes:

1) I've never actually been to New Zealand, but gosh, their cheese. Fun note: I'm lactose intolerant.

2) Pāua are incredibly beautiful mollusks (of your choice). Fun note: I hate seafood.

3) Seriously, thank you again for all this support for this series of fluffy first kisses.

4) See you tomorrow for "Choir"! @drawlight

[shewolfofficial]

Crush!Levi x Reader ~ Outside

Summary: You and your friends, Mikasa, Eren and Armin talk about the outside world and your futures, secretly being listened to by a certain Captain

Warning: Spoilers for Aot Season 3, Cursing

A/N: So I've had this idea play in my head for a while now and it's finally time I write about it lmao

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

"It's weird when I say it... But shouldn't you guys watch out for me more?" Eren sighed hunched over as Armin helped him walk "I knew if you got hurt it would heal up quick, so I just watched" Armin told the brown haired boy beside him, Mikasa followed the two as you walked on slightly ahead. The three sat down next to each other "that's so cruel.." Eren mumbled looking down to the stone path "You're the one who incited it" Mikasa retorted calmly, lost in throught you subconsciously kept walking on ahead thinking your friends were still following until Armin called out to you.

"Hey Y/N where are you going?" he asked gaining the other two's attention, whizzing around you offered a shy smile "sorry I just got lost in thought.. I guess.." you scratched the back of your neck as you made your way back up to the trio "Let me guess... You were thinking about the Captain again?" Eren raised a eyebrow immediately sending you into a blushing state "w-what!? Eren shut up!" you exclaimed in embarrassment, Mikasa chuckled "it's alright Y/N why are you still embarrassed when we talk about your crush?" she pinpoints. Shrugging your shoulders you sat in front of them "I don't know.. I just don't like the thought of people teasing me about it" you sit back looking up to the star sky "we won't tease you, and don't worry if horse face starts teasing you then I'll gladly knock him out" Eren smirked at the thought making you roll your eyes "just to get dropped to the floor by Levi again?" you snicker to him, Armin laughs lightly "yeah he came out of nowhere".

Silence fell over the four of you when you noticed a Garrison soldier walk with a lady across the street, freezing with wide eyes the man looked identical to Hannes. Until he turned around fully making you all ease up and sit in silence.

The silence didn't last long until Mikasa spoke with her arms crossed over her legs "once we retake Wall Maria... A-And defeat all the enemies coming for us... Will they come back?" she asked looking downwards as her raven locks cupped her face. Vivid images of your childhood, your home and your parents came back into your mind as you kept silent." Those days... We'll bring them back.. But some things are forever changed and we'll make them pay for that" Eren responds calmly looking over to the large wall, nodding you sigh leaning back against the step behind you "bein' honest, I actually can't wait to go back home... To walk the streets again.. Smell the fresh baked bread I'm going to make sure we get our home back and I'll be damn stubborn about it" you smirk deviously to them, Eren nods smiling.

"Yeah.. but there's more than that" Armin adds looking to you, tilting your head to the side slightly you raised an eyebrow. "The sea" he smiles "a salt lake so big that merchants could spend their whole lives and still not get all the salt" his imagination sparks at the thought of it. Raising his head up to the sky smiling widely "there's more than just titans outside the walls! Fiery water, lands of ice, sandy snowfields.. I joined the scouts so I could see all of that" Armin exclaims turning to Mikasa and Eren. Smiling fondly to the blonde you listen. "Y-yeah you sure did" Eren replies.

Armin leaned forward ever so slightly, his eyes widening a inch before he stood up abruptly. "Right!?" he said grinning "Let's start by seeing the sea! Y/N we can even bring the Captain!" Armin turned to you as you smiled at the thought before he gazed back to Eren. "You still doubt that it's real Eren! You'll see it does exsist!" Armin continues excitedly, Eren couldn't help the smile that tugged at his own lips "all right then.." he replied not breaking eye contact "guess we'll have to go see" he continued. "It's a promise then!" Armin squeaked even more excited "Yet another conversation you two will get" Mikasa pipes up as Armin didn't stop his rambling "we can explore the outside world! It's got to be way bigger than inside the walls!" Armin finishes glancing quickly over behind Mikasa and Eren "okay I get it" Eren tries to calm him down motioning for Armin to sit back down.

Finally sitting down Armin watched you sit staring out towards the wall once again in thought. Mikasa quickly caught on and furrowed her eyebrows. "Y/N?" Armin asks tapping your shoulder gently, turning around to face the three again you nod letting him know you have your attention. "Do you ever plan on telling the Captain? You never know.. he could return the feelings" Armin grinned, shaking your head you let out a sigh "I highly doubt it Armin... Plus Levi would probably just tell me to get a grip of myself or just tell me to piss off" your face drops at the thought of it. Eren's expression softens "you still have some chance right?" he looked to Mikasa who nodded "maybe if you do end up getting together you could probably settle down in Shiganshina" she states plainly making you squeak. "Mi-Mikasa! You say that so casually about me settling down with him! He doesn't like me for crying out loud" you exclaim from embarrassment, Mikasa lets a laugh slip past her lips.

"I just... I don't want to tell him because one, he's our superior, two, he'd most likely reject me and three, he's probably not into romance or love" you sigh as Eren pats your back. "Come on.. You could at least try?" he attempts once again as you catch Armin glancing back behind Eren again. Shaking your head to Eren you look questionly to Armin "what do you keep looking at that's behind us?" you ask curiously. "O-Oh nothing, don't worry about it" he responds waving you off.

Silence clouded the four of you again before you suddenly shot up "shit! Shit! Shit! I forgot Levi told us to be in bed like half an hour ago!" you screech looking down to them, Eren bursts out laughing at you being so worried about going to bed. "Y/N o-oh my!" he continues to laugh hunched over "I never knew you would take his bedtime schedule so seriously! Awe little Y/N! Levi said it's time for bed" Eren cries from laughter as your face scrunches up in annoyance. "Eh!? Yeager I swear to fuck!" you frown at him making him laugh harder, Armin tried to pat his back attempting to get him to calm down while Mikasa sat there silently watching.

"But everyone went to bed Eren! He'll kill us!" you continue to screech in panic, Mikasa shakes her head at you two. "Y-You're so scared of him giving out to you it's hilarious" Eren wipes a tear from his eye slowly gaining back his composure. "Well fuck you too I guess..." you mumble to him.

// Time Skip \\

You heard Mikasa and the other two stand up from behind you, looking over your shoulder you shot them a questioning look "where are you three off to?" you ask watching their every move, Eren snickers playfully "heh... Bed" he says. Rolling your eyes you turn back facing ahead "well goodnight you guys" you call back to them. "Y/N you're not coming?" Armin puzzles "I'll be there in a bit... I need some... Me time.." you tell him as he nods before walking off with the others.

Sighing you lay back on the stone looking up to the stars in silence listening to the crickets chirp their tunes in the midst of night. Hearing shuffling from behind you-you dismissed it as someone walking into their home behind you until you felt a slight nudge at your shoulder.

Orbs flickering up to meet cold grey ones your eyes widened as you hurriedly sat up giving your superior a sloppy salute, Levi clicked his tongue waving off your salute. "What are you doing out at this time?" he asked, the question immediately made you regret your choice of staying out late . "I... - uh..." you tried but Levi shook his head, sitting down next to you he placed his cup beside him. "H-How long have you been there for sir?" you nervously asked the raven haired man. Levi looked to you at the corner of his eye "I've been here since you and the three others sat here earlier" he informs making your breath hitch in your neck "d-did you hear what we were talking about?" your voice was laced with embarrassment as he nods. A comfortable silence overcomes the air as you sit next to each other.

"You know.. I'm quite interested in the fact that there is different types of land and a so-called sea as Armin calls it" Levi says looking to the star speckled sky, nodding you smile at the thought "yeah I bet the outside world is beautiful.." you add. "Do you....Plan on leaving the military when all the titans are gone... And once we have taken back Wall Maria?" Levi looks to you with a strange glint in his eyes. Shrugging you sigh "I don't know.... All I want is my home back... Shiganshina... I don't know what I'll do when we take it back" you honestly say thinking about your future. "What do you plan on doing when the titans are gone?" you offer him a soft smile "I don't know.. " Levi mutters picking up his drink and taking a sip from it. "Maybe when we take back Wall Maria and defeat our enemies and titans I'll serve in the military for a few more years before living in Shinganshina... Only if everything goes well" you couldn’t help but giggle slightly, Levi hummed in agreement.

"I heard what Mikasa said earlier sending you into hysterics" Levi says careful not to make you too scared of the situation. Your mood dropped at the mention of it "Captain I'm sorry-" you were caught off by Levi making his signature 'tch'. "Why are you apologising for the feelings you have Y/N? You can't help it" he says as you nod nervously, Levi takes another sip from his drink "I wouldn't mind settling down with you in Shiganshina" he says suddenly, your jaw drops slightly as you stare at him in shock. "No need to be pissing yourself when I'm around, am I that scary?" Levi teases slightly making you scratch the back of your neck "w-well I don't fancy getting shouted at.. " you reply innocently.

Levi rolls his eyes before turning to you "so what d'ya say Y/N? Wanna uh... Go out?" Levi struggles with the question as you nod eagerly smiling widely. Scooting closer to you Levi feels your side against his as he places his free arm over your shoulders taking another swig from his beer.

"Well.. I guess we'll have to see what the future holds then" Levi says finishing his drink, nodding you hesitantly rest your head on his shoulder treasuring the moment.

[fihznzqli]

Ursa Major - Part Of My Charm

Chapter 1 - Chosen

A/N

Disclaimer: I don't own Gravity Falls. Gravity Falls was created by Alex Hirsch and Disney owns it.

However, I do own a few OCs in this story.

The story takes place after

Weirdmageddon 3 (Gravity Falls Epilogue).

This story is going to need a lot of work and a lot of research. But all I need is your approval and praise for this story.

______________________________

The sounds of boots can be heard across a very hall of a greek-like temple. A young girl, about 13 years of age, who's face cannot be seen under her white hood with blue accents that goes all the way to the cuffs of her long sleved yet comfortably body suit she was wearing but only strands of her black hair can be seen in front of her face.

She inhales and exhales deeply as she struggled to keep a steady breath. Her eyes shows anxiety and excitement by the impossible news she has.

Something has happened in Earth, something has happened. The oracles can see it. She need to find the Malco-

"Maya? What's the rush?"

She hears a familiar voice behind as she looks over to her shoulder and a tall man in his thirties wearing a white smog mask with noticable yellow glow brewing in one of the mask's outline , wearing silver pauldrons on his shoulders with a yellow accent running down each side and underneath is avery tight metallic body suit that hugs his body very well. He wears a waist guard that has an emblem shape like a unicorn and silver legplates.

He steps closer and looks at the girls face, Concerned, he kneels down to the girl's level, holding her shoulders in comfort. He knows something is up.

"Maya. Whats going on?" he asked.

His face of concern slowly turns into confusion as he sees her slightly smiling with excitement.

"Malcolm! Oh my god! Oh my god! Your not gonna belive this! You see I was visting one of the watchtowers and one of the watchers came to me and said a new constellation has been chosen. And your not gonna believe this, it's finally back." She rambles in a slight Russian accent. She jumped in excitement and breathing for air as she tried to form a few words or sentences from her mouth, because of running about 3 miles to get to this place to tell the General about the incredible news. She couldn't believe it herself.

She had heard of the legends, the myths, their stories, their fights, their adventures. She admired them even if she has a different mark and path but they were once one of the amazing constellations of all time.

She had never expected to be this excited. But after 100 years of its absence and involvement after the Dark Ages, It finally chose someone. Whoever this is, might be as powerful as she hopes like in the stories.

"What? Who, Maya? What constellation?" Malcolm asked as he seems to be catching on to whatever the girl is saying. He has a pretty good idea... And he hoped it is true.

Maya looks up to his face with a grin.

"An Ursa Major has been chosen."

______________________________

"Maso- Dipper Pines?"

"Present"

It was 8:37 AM in the morning at school. Class for the past few days has been normal.

A little too normal for the Pines twins, Dipper and Mabel Pines.

They were sitting at the third row, bored and a little tired. Mabel covers her mouth with uer hand and let out a muffled yawn while Dipper is struggling to sit up straight and rubbing his eyes with bags underneath.

Everything went back to normal, in a bad way for them when they returned to Piedmont, California. Nothing has been the same since Weirdmageddon in Gravity Falls, Oregon. While it was a really bad memory to even forget, that town that they used to live during the summer, holds many good memories to them. 

Of course, they could always come back next time...

Dipper was copying the lesson written on the blackboard when he felt something hit his neck, something wet. Then he realizes and he frowns. Spitball... He looks behind to the direction where the projectile hit him and sees his childhood bully, Chad. Looking really innocent and looks at Dipper with eyeborws furrowed.

"You got a problem, Dipstick?" He sneered at Dipper with a smug grin plastered on his face. Dipper looks down under Chad's desk and sees him holding a straw. He turns his back to the board again, plucks the spitball and flicks it away from his reach.

"Psst!" he hears his sister from his side and whispers "Ignore him, don't let him get through your head" with a comforting smile, but soon turned into a frown when she shoots a glare at the bully who scoffs and rolls his eyes at her.

______________________________

Dipper stuffs most of his books in his locker and closes it. He sighs since today was horrible for him. Not for his sister, Thank God. Somehow, he's glad that no one bothers his sister but him. If anyone ever lays a hand or hurts Mabel's feelings, who nows what he'll do.

"Hey, bro-bro!"

Dipper turns his head to see his sister with a sheepish smile on her face.

"Could you tell Mom and Dad that I will be coming home late today? I have cheerleader practice later after school."

"What? But, we go home together... And why are their cheerleader practice after dismissal?" Dipper asked with a raised eyebrow. It was odd that they have practices after school.

"Oh don't worry, Dipper. It's only 2 hours. I'll be home right on time." Mabel reassuringly says to Dipper.

She was ecstatic when she joined cheerleading club of their school. Dipper, on the other hand joined the chess club.

Dipper sighs. "Ok, you can go practice. But Dad will come pick you up after that."

"And I will need your help on some of the homework. Thanks, Dipper. See back at home!" Mabel hugs her brother and runs off.

Dipper slungs his bag over his shoulder and walks outside to his father's car waiting for them. Well...for him actually.

As Dipper walks towards the car, thr front seat window rolled down to see Alex Pines, his father.

"Hey kiddo. Where's Mabel?" He looks over to Dipper's shoulder as if to see his daughter standing behind his son.

"Cheerleading practice."

"After school?" Alex asks.

"Eh. School's getting weird these days. But, she can handle herself. Trust me." Dipper says to his father as he open the car door and sat in the backseat.

Alex deeply sighs and turns his head to Dipper with his right arm resting on top of the front seat.

"Listen, I know that whatever happened in Gravity Falls, I hope it doesn't happen in here too. And I am concerned for both you and your sister's safety. I mean gnomes, flying eyeballs, manotaurs, time travelers, 'dream' dimensions? Things like them exist in our world? How is that even possible?"

Alex and his wife, Dana was very suspicious whenever they asked the twins about how was their summer, they were hesitant... But the only thing they told them was that Grunkle Stan had a twin brother and he came back after he went missing for two years.

It took an hour for them to close their mouths from the revelation that day. But completely shrugged it off later.

His own son was a lot like him when he was young, smart, curious, adventurous, and a nerd. But that didn't stop his future wife to marry him and have twins.

So like Dipper, he 'checked' Dipper's room one day and found a blue journal with golden accents   around the cover. He read it and it was filled with ripped pages, obviously not ripped from the book itself. It was old and written in black ink. He could've swore it was also written in blood...

Dipper came in later on, mouth gaping as he saw his dad holding the pages from his journal. A heated argument can be heard with Dipper shouting at his father for looking through his stuff and Alex, who is a little angry tried to apologise and tries to explain what he was doing. It's a good thing the two were alone, Mabel is with her mother, going shopping.

After the argument, Dipper calms down and sit nexts to his father in the bed as he tells him. He explains that Gravity Falls is a place where magic and monsters reside. He says it in a excited way, like he always does when it comes to solving mysteries.

Alex have had a hard time believing the things his son is saying that monsters and ghosts exist in real life. What is this... A Mystery novel now? He was also shocked to hear that Dipper and Mabel met Stanford Pines. Not the one who runs the Mystery Shack. But the real one who was stuck across the multiverse.

Does that mean that their Grunkle Stan, his Uncle Stan was not 'Stanford' but 'Stanley'? The other twin who faked a car crash?

He thinks he might have a heart attack.

Then Dipper told him that they stopped the end of the world by a flying dorito demon thing.

He doesn't know if he should be worried or proud, he probably prefers the latter. This will take a long time getting used to. But he trusts Dipper's choices, as long as he doesn't get any trouble. He promises to keep this a secret from her wife. Knowing she will freak out and become overprotective to her little angels. He told her daughter that he knows and has nothing to be worried about.

"Dad look, We're fine. Me and Mabel have fought gnomes, haunted wax sculptures and tiny golf people. But we're still in  good shape. We can handle ourselves. We are still your kids but you don't have to worry about us." Dipper comforts his dad while he scratches his birthmark on his forehead under his hat that Wendy gave as a farewell.

His dad sighs and says "Ok, But, please be careful. And protect your sister. For my sake-" He looks at Dipper who was scratching very loudly, he can hear the scraping it makes. It is really cringey

"-And stop scratching your head. You'll probably get rashes on that."

"Sorry, My head feels itchy just now. This never happened before." Dipper says that as he continues to scratch his forehead.

"Well, you'll only make it worse. Your mother probably has some skin treatment. Ask her." Alex starts up the car and drives away from the school.

Dipper asks "You'll pick up Mabel later, right?"

"Of course, what time will her practice be over?"

______________________________

"I thought you were one of the most powerful entities of this multiverse. Have you lost your fucking mind?!" A man with gruff voice shouted at someone.

The man was about in his forties, who looks like he's Midwestern, is very large, has a well shaven head and a bushy beard and a small scar across his left eye. He was wearing armor similar to the armors from the gladiators in Greece, but it's color are charcoal black and has magma flowing in his armor's accents. He is like a living volcana.

He has two large pistols that resemble deagles but almost has the same design as his armor.

Beside him was a small man, about as tall as his shoulder height. He was blonde and has noticeable stubble in his face. And he looks to be Australian. He iswearing a green scaly tabard instead but with armor leggings. He wears gauntlets in his arms, and it has a noticable blade inside it.

They were talking to a giant white lizard who was actually one of the powerful entities known as the Axolotl.

"I am aware of what you're feeling right now. But, he needs to be helped. He is troubled, he always has been. All those stories are merely stories only for everyone to see him as a threat." The Axolotl states in a very deep voice that can be heard a mile away.

"As much as I have a hard time believing that, Why did you want us take care of this bastard? And couldn't you at least ask other blokes to bring his sorry arse with them?" The small man crosses his arms and narrows at the Axolotl. Waiting for a good reason why they we're brought here.

"Isn't that what you Constellations do? Protect the Earth and its inhabitants, prevent any disasters, and contain dangers?.. like him?" The reptile says as if it was the most obvious thing.

"That is true. But why would you think that he would be redeemable? He destroyed his home and entire family. And just because he invoked your name that doesn't mea-" The large man was suddenly cut off by the reptile's action.

Axolotl stomps in front of the two and stares at them. Almost looks like he's glaring at them.

"I see him as just a troubled child who was manipulated into doing those horrible things. I was upset that he has had the nerve to invoke my name and bring him out of death's grasp. But I sense that he deserves a second chance if you guide him through your path. He will not be like you, but he will fight on the same side." Axolotl states in his booming voice at the two.

The two men looked at each other for confirmation, until they both decided and looked back at the Axolotl.

"Fine, bring the wanker in. Before we change our minds." The small man narrowed his eyes to the reptile.

He nods and opens his mouth to shoot a beam in front of them. A small blob can be seen in the beam and is forming into the shape of a triangle with arms and legs a top hat hovering on its head. It suddenly screams, like its being burnt to death. It quickly reforms and turned into human male body. Black and yellow fabric wraps around him and creates clothing around him with his top hat still intact on his head.

The beam then slowly disspears, and the person or thing flops to the ground, groaning.

He then he sits up and sees the two men who was glaring at him, arms crossed. He stiffens when he looks at and turns back to see the Axolotl.

Oh boy...

"You know, when I invoked your name and asked to be return to the living. I never expected living with these hippies" Bill Cipher narrows his eyes at the reptile, who merely shrugs with his arms. Bill scoffs and felt a hand grabbing his suit tightly.

"Hey watch it, Scorpio! I just got my clothes back."

"Shut up, you twat." Scorpio shots back.

Bill then looks at the large man with a raised eyebrow.

"What're you supposed to be? An Aries? Thought you guys would be bigger."

That earned him a black eye.

______________________________

A/N

Wow! This took like 2 days to write. I'm completely new to writing but I'm getting pretty good here. I hope you all enjoy this book. More chapters will come out randomly. Sorry it's not scheduled. I'll try to formulate on how the story progress.

7/14/19: Completely changed the entire chapter for improvement... I hope this is way better.

I hope you all enjoyed reading and I'll see you guys next time. PEACE!

[fallinglikemagic]

Mistletoe (LWA Secret Santa (Part2))

The written portion of my Secret Santa gift for @sleepynook! Sulotte focused with background Dianakko. Hope you enjoy and Merry Christmas!!  (@lwasanta)

Read on AO3

_______________________________________________________________________

The library was quiet, the usual sounds of murmurs, rustling pages and scraping chairs absent as most students had gone home for the holidays. The only sound was the occasional turn of a page and the scratching of a pen as Diana took advantage of her free time to get in some extra studying in preparation for the next semester. Diana appreciated the silence, but it felt...out of place. She had almost gotten used to the constant noise...

SLAM

“DIANA I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!’

Aaaaaand there goes the peaceful silence.

Diana rolled her eyes and shut her book with a sigh. She turned to the door where Akko was bent over, hands on her knees as she caught her breath.

“W-wait....just...just gimme a sec...” Akko took another deep breath before jogging over to Diana, who stood next to the desk patiently.

“Well?”

“Eh?”

“What did you need help with?”

“Oh! Right!” Akko grimaced. “Lotte and Sucy are being oblivious again...”

Diana sighed. She had seen for herself how infuriating it was, watching those two dance around each other for months now, both believing that the other would never feel the same. Of course, Sucy was much more subtle and never said anything out loud - at least, not to Diana, but it was clear in her behaviour.

Sucy would only ever listen to Lotte if asked to do something she didn’t want to do. Almost all of her genuine smiles were directed at the ginger, and even a hug or a brush of hands would cause the potion maker to freeze in place, her cheeks taking on a slightest tinge of colour.

Lotte on the other hand, didn’t even try to hide her feelings when Sucy wasn’t around. And at first, it was endearing, but at this point all of the Red, Blue and Green Team group had gotten sick of waiting for one of them to make a move.

“UGH, I JUST CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!” Akko clutched onto Diana’s shoulders, lightly shaking the blonde. “WE’VE GOTTA GO SOMETHING”

“‘We’?” Diana asked skeptically, placing her hands on top of Akko’s. “I do not recall agreeing to this.”

Akko pouted, sticking out her bottom lip and gazing up at Diana with wide, watery eyes. “Come on, pleeeeaaaaase?”

“Don’t give me that look,” Diana groaned, looking away. “Would it not be better to ask somebody else for assistance? I’m sure Amanda would be happy to help out. Or perhaps Constanze - she was the one who helped us get together, after all...”

“But the green team all went home for the holidays a few days ago, remember? Pleeeeeeaaaaaase?”

Diana looked back at Akko, intending to scold her. “Akko-”

Diana wavered.

“Fine,” she sighed. “But you’d better have a plan.”

“YATTA!” Akko exclaimed, giving Diana a quick peck on the cheek before letting her go. “I may have a few ideas~”

Diana sighed as she followed Akko out of the library. “She knows I can’t resist the puppy dog eyes...”

Lotte sat alone atop her bed, a stack of books by her side, one open in her hands. She hummed to herself, enjoying the peace and quiet away from her rather...chaotic roommates-

A sudden knock on the door scared Lotte out of her skin as she jumped in her spot, her glasses falling askew, accidentally knocking over the pile of books. She took a moment to catch her breath before another knock sounded, slightly louder this time, once again making Lotte jolt.

“C-coming!”

The ginger clambered down the ladder clumsily, almost slipping as she rushed over to the door and opened it.

“S-sorry, sorry, I was reading, and then, you knocked and it, it scared me and, sorry, um-” Lotte stood up straight, adjusting her glasses bashfully. “S-sorry, how can I help - Diana?”

“Lotte, is everything alright?” the blonde asked, slightly concerned and confused.

“Yes, yes, everything’s fine, sorry,” Lotte smiled sheepishly. “What did you need me for?”

“Ah, Akko requested I come and get you. She wishes to show you something.”

“Why didn’t she come herself?” Lotte asked, slightly suspicious. ‘What’s Akko up to this time..?’

“Akko is looking for Sucy, and thought it more effective if I was to come find you in the meantime.”

“Well...OK,” Lotte agreed, still kind of skeptical. “Just give me a few minutes.”

Diana nodded, turning and leaning back on the wall as she waited.

‘I hope Akko knows what she’s doing...’

“Sorry for making you wait!” Lotte exclaimed as she exited the dorm room, having thrown on her shawl on top of her pyjamas. “I’m ready now.”

Diana nodded, stepping away from the wall. “Shall we?”

After a few minutes of walking together in silence, Diana could feel the tension, the silence overbearing. She decided it would be a good idea to get Lotte in the right mindset.

“So,” she began, “How are things coming along with Sucy?”

Immediately, Lotte flushed. “W-what do you mean?”

“In terms of your relationship.”

“R-right...” Lotte cleared her throat. “I mean, I don’t know, nothing’s really happened, I mean, she’s always really nice when it’s just the two of us - she even bought me a book she thought I’d like...”

“Really?” Diana was slightly shocked at this. ‘Seems Sucy cares even more than we thought...’

Lotte nodded. “It’s about a mushroom farmer and a writer and how they slowly become friends and develop crushes on each other-”

‘Oh boy here we go’

“It’s really sweet seeing them start to care about each other more and more and seeing the ways they try and show their affection. They’re both really oblivious though and eventually all their friends know and they get really frustrated and try to convince them to confess to each other but they don’t wanna ruin their friendship so- o-oops, sorry I almost spoiled something really important, but um- it’s a really good story! Uh...” Lotte looked down and played with her hands sheepishly. “S-sorry, I started rambling again...”

Diana just stared at Lotte, confounded and in awe of just how oblivious the ginger could be. Now she understood why Akko was so desperate to get these two together.

“It’s alright, I don’t mind,” Diana reassured her. “I know what it can be like to get into a good book.”

“Really?”

Diana nodded. “Perhaps I could recommend you something later?”

“Y-yeah, that sounds nice!”

A few moments later, Diana stopped. Lotte continued for a few steps before realising that the blonde was no longer at her side and paused, confused.

“Diana?”

“My apologies, but I just remembered Professor Chariot asking me for a favour and I’m afraid I will be late if I do not rush to her office immediately,” Diana was slightly scared at how easy it was to make up a lie on the spot. “Akko should be just down the hall, around the next corner. I trust you can make it there yourself?”

“Oh! Of course!” Lotte smiled. “Thank you!”

Diana nodded. “It was no problem at all. I wish you luck.”

Before Lotte had a chance to ask what Diana meant, the blonde had already walked off.

Lotte stared after her for a few minutes before shrugging, continuing ahead and around the corner.

Sucy was stood leaning against the wall, bored as hell. Her eye shifted over to Lotte as she heard her approach, sending a shiver down the ginger’s spine.

“H-hey Sucy!” Lotte greeted, standing next to the taller girl. She looked around briefly. “Where’s Akko?”

“She said she had something to do.”

“But Diana said she had something to show us...” Lotte grew suspicious, holding her chin in her hand. “What’s she up to this time..?”

Sucy glanced around, before finally looking up at the ceiling and freezing, her eye widening slightly.

“S-sucy?” Lotte followed the Filipino’s gaze to see a strange plant hanging from the ceiling.

“I-is that..?”

“Mistletoe,” Sucy groaned.

Lotte’s eyes widened comically, heat rising in her face, cheeks as red as Sucy’s eyes.

“Akko must’ve set this up...” Sucy groaned, grimacing and looking away. “I should’ve known...sorry about this.”

“N-no, don’t apologise!” Lotte said frantically. “It’s totally fine!”

A heavy silence filled the air as Sucy bit her lip, refusing to look at the ginger. Lotte fidgeted with her hands, staring down at her feet. Did Akko seriously expect this to work? Sucy would never be the kind of person to follow this kind of stupid tradition, regardless of her own feelings in the matter.

That being said, she was surprised Sucy hadn’t already walked away...

“So...um...”

“What?”

Lotte cleared her throat. “Does this mean we...um...”

Sucy took a few seconds to realise what she said, her cheeks taking on a slight tinge of colour. “Kiss?”

Lotte felt the heat rush back to her cheeks. “Y-yeah...”

“...do you want to?”

“U-um, well, I mean, uh-”

“It’s OK if you do.”

“Huh?” Lotte looked up at Sucy who was turned to the side, her visible eye facing away from the bookworm.

“If you wanna kiss, you can just say it...”

“And...” Lotte adjusted her glasses. “What if I say yes?”

“Then I’d have to do this...” Sucy took a few steps forward so that she and Lotte were only a few inches apart. She put one boney hand on the Finn’s shoulder, holding her cheek with the other. She leaned in so that Lotte could feel the mushroom lover’s breath on her lips. “May I?”

Lotte swallowed before nodding, also leaning forward. Sucy closed the distance between them, her cold lips pressed against Lotte’s soft ones. Lotte melted into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Sucy’s waist as the Filipino pulled her closer. They broke the kiss, holding each other close and looking into each other’s eyes.

“Lotte...I...”

“I know,” Lotte smiled, eyes shining with affection as she leaned forward for another kiss. “I love you too~”

OMAKE:

Akko’s grin could not be any wider as she peered around the corner at her teammates. She ducked back behind the corner, turning to her own girlfriend with a smug glint in her eye.

“Told ya it’d work!” she bragged with a wink.

Diana rolled her eyes with a smile. “Good job.”

Suddenly, Diana took a small step forward, reaching out to grab Akko by the waist and pull the Japanese witch closer. Akko opened her mouth to question it before Diana pointed up at a mistletoe she’d placed there when Akko was distracted. Akko grinned, leaning in and closing the minuscule gap between them.

[buchanannn]

party favour. (joshler)

blurb: They leave a party early. Josh showers, Tyler tries to sleep. But knowing what Josh is doing on the other side of the wall is enough to keep Tyler awake.

word count: 2176

warnings: blow job, pining, swearing (eh, a lil bit), that gay shit, um not good smut lol soz

The room was hot and hazy and all Tyler wanted to do was sleep. He was exhausted, after having driving in the van all day and carting around giant suitcases and gear from one point to another.

But it was a birthday party. And he couldn't just leave.

So he just kept sipping Red Bull, hoping it would wake him up just enough to actually enjoy himself.

"Why so tense?"

Tyler turned to the sound of his bandmate's voice. He felt his heart begin fluttering.

Yes. He was a cliche, a Christian boy in love with his male best friend. Feelings he repressed in fear of rejection. Feelings he constantly held back from acting on.

"Just tired." He almost had to yell to be heard over the music and crowd gathering in the small bar.

"You wanna go back to the hotel?" Josh asked. He had dark bags under his eyes and Tyler could recognise his own exhaustion in his best friend.

"I'll be alright." Tyler waved it away. "I'll go back with you if you want to though."

Josh chewed his bottom lip, looking around. "I totally wanna crash but I feel bad."

"Not your birthday." Tyler shrugged. "Not anyone you know personally. I don't think you should have to stay."

Josh rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. He sighed deeply. "I think I might head back if you wanna come. I'm just so frickin tired."

Tyler nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I just gotta pee first."

"I'll go let Mark know we're leaving. Meet you outside." Josh yelled, hooking a thumb toward the door.

Tyler gave him a thumbs up, immediately internally cringing at the action. Josh chuckled as he walked away. Tyler pushed through the crowd to answer natures call.

The air outside was chilly, and despite the walk only being brief, Tyler felt it. By the time they'd unlocked the door, he was actually shivering. Like, teeth chattering, knees wobbling, shivering.

"Geez, I'm gonna pass out." Tyler hugged, peeling off his coat. They were sharing a room, and a bed. It wasn't anything they hadn't done before. Being a relatively small band meant that their budget for beds was fairly small.

"Yeah. I'm just gonna jump in the shower quickly." Josh pulled his hat off and tossed it on the sofa. He was already stripping off his layers as he walked to the bathroom.

"Oh- okay." Tyler watched wide-eyed, only catching a small glimpse of Josh's bare back before he disappeared into the bathroom.

The bed was pushed against the bathroom wall so Tyler figured Josh could make it there without the light on. He switched on the bedside lamp, sliding under the scratchy covers and tucking them under his chin.

He heard the shower running, the constant pour of water lulling him into rest. Just as he was about to slip off, the ongoing sound was interrupted. He would've ignored it, too, if it weren't so distinctive.

It was a light, breathy sound, loud enough to pierce the wall, but quiet enough that Tyler knew it was something Josh didn't want him hearing. Tyler felt paralysed. What was Josh doing?

The he heard it, an unmistakable string of syllables that pricked Tyler's interest. He heard his name. He moved subtly, sitting up and pressing an ear to the wall in the darkness.

It was clearer, then, the moaning of his name. His heart rate quickened, underwear tightening. He found his hand drift to his crotch, palming himself through the thin layer of material trapping his dick.

He bit his lip harshly, dipping his fingers into his briefs and wrapping his hand around his cock. Fuelled by Josh's slight sounds and the breathy tone of his name through the wall, Tyler pumped himself. He had to bite back his own moans, in fear of the, now apparent, thin walls giving away what he was doing.

It would be better off if Josh was ignorant to Tyler's knowledge.

All too quickly, the shower shut off and Tyler was snapped out of his ecstasy. As if broken from a trance, Tyler jumped, pulling his hand away from himself and lying back down in the bed. He was stiff in more ways than one, not moving as the bathroom door opened and the light switched off.

He barely registered the weight of someone else in the bed when Josh climbed in. He seemed to be completely unaware that Tyler had just heard him jerking off. And saying Tyler's name while he did it.

He didn't know how much time passed before he finally heard Josh begin to snore. He was still half hard in his underwear and at that point, it was just uncomfortable.

Tyler slowly and quietly slipped out of the bed, sneaking a glance at the sleeping Josh in the bed before excusing himself to the bathroom.

The other boy's sounds seemed to have cemented themself into Tyler's brain, easily recalled when his hand was once again around his dick. He began thrusting into his hand, picking up pace quickly. He bit back moans, only small squeaks of pleasure slipping out of his lips as he, as sinful as it was, imagined it to be Josh's hand wrapped around himself.

He, in a daring act, went as far as to quietly whisper Josh's name. It felt so right tumbling from his lips in the heat of the moment that it felt almost criminal that all the other boy was doing with sleeping in the room beside him.

Tyler could feel himself nearing the edge, his sounds becoming harder and harder to conceal. He closed his eyes, picturing Josh sweaty and half naked like he had been after so many shows before. He was so close and -

"Tyler?" There was a deep, hoarse voice from behind him, causing him to jump and squeak. His face flushed red, mortified. He hurriedly pulled his boxers up with one hand and yanked a towel from the rack with the other to cover his still 'excited' member.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry." Tyler gushed quickly, barely turning around to face Josh.

"No, no I'm sorry, I should've knocked." Josh was turned around, in only his underwear. It was a sight Tyler would've noted to add to his spank bank had it not been for the embarrassment he was drowning in. "I just though I heard my name."

Tyler groaned in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, Josh. That was just - nothing. I just, I should've not done that."

"No it's fine, I shouldn't have barged in." Josh said. He glanced over at Tyler, his face flushed a bright pink.

When Tyler looked back at Josh, the older boy was looking down at the bathroom tiles as if he were ashamed. He swallowed thickly, barely meeting Tyler’s eyes for half a second as his eyes moved around the room.

“Did you hear me before?” He mumbled. 

“Huh?” Tyler was confused and felt too exposed. He was still holding the towel against himself, hands curling into the material at his ribs.

“In the shower.” Josh’s voice kept getting quieter. Tyler watched him chew his bottom lip.

Tyler, ashamed, nodded. “Yeah. Sorry.”

“I should be the one apologising, it was totally inappropriate.” Josh rambled. “I just, I think I’ve kind of been in love with you for a while but never really accepted that. I just told myself it was a friend thing. And then I started thinking about you when I - uh - y’know. And I kind of figured it wasn’t a friend thing and more of a ‘i want to fuck him thing’. I didn’t wanna act on it because I was scared but then I just made things uncomfortable and I’m so sorry dude.”

Tyler was dumbfounded. It couldn’t be true. There was no way. There was no way Josh liked him in that way. 

He didn’t know what to say, mouth agape like an idiot, not talking. Josh’s cheeks flushed pink as he waited in the awkward silence for at least some sort of reply. 

“Did I completely fuck everything up?” Josh whispered after hearing no response.

Tyler immediately shook his head. “No! Of course not!”

He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “I just wish you told me earlier. It would’ve saved a lot of time.”

“How to, how do you mean?” Josh frowned. 

Tyler, hands sweating, swallowed his anxiety and smiled. “I mean, I like you too. I thought that was painfully obvious by now.”

Josh began to laugh and Tyler was suddenly terrified it was all a joke and he’d completely mortified himself again. 

Josh stopped his gigging but remained smiling. “I thought I was a psycho.” 

“Of course you aren’t.” Tyler assured him. Although, he could see in Josh’s eyes that he wasn’t entirely convinced. So, Tyler stepped forward, abandoning the towel and slipping his right hand to the back of Josh’s neck, pulling his face upward and joining their lips. 

Tyler wanted to scream, and laugh and dance around. He was kissing Josh. And Josh wasn’t running away. In fact, he began kissing him back, wrapping his arms around Tyler’s slender waist. 

The kiss was sweet and slow, until it wasn’t. It quickly became heated as Josh took control, pushing Tyler back against the bathroom wall. Tyler let out a squeak as his back connected roughly with the cold tiles. Josh planted kisses to Tyler’s skin, down his jaw and to his neck. He stopped at Tyler’s shoulder and sunk his teeth in. He rolled the skin and sucked, intent on leaving his mark on Tyler. The taller boy let out a small moan. Josh glanced up at Tyler’s closed eyes and smirked to himself.

“This okay?” Josh whispered to Tyler after he was happy with the purple bruise on Tyler’s skin.

“Is what ok-” 

Tyler’s words cut off as Josh hooked his fingers into Tyler’s underwear and dropping to his knees, pulling the cotton down as he did.

“Yes, yes, oh my gosh, yes that’s more than okay.” Tyler nodded quickly.

Josh chuckled at Tyler’s reaction, turning his attention to Tyler’s dick. He first wrapped his hand around it, lightly running his tongue over the head. Tyler let out a soft moan, head falling back against the wall behind him. Josh wrapped his lips around Tyler’s cock, revelling in the breathy moans from the boy above him. He began stroking what he couldn’t fit in his mouth with with right hand.

Tyler tangled his hand in Josh’s brown curls, chest beginning to rise and fall at a quicker pace. He couldn’t help the grunt from deep in his chest as Josh swirled his tongue around the tip. 

His hips twitched, bucking into Josh’s throat. Josh didn’t seem fazed, pushing his mouth even further down and swallowing around Tyler. He tugged at Josh’s hair, overcome by the sensation. 

“Fuck, Josh.” Tyler moaned,no longer feeling guilty as it wasn’t just a fantasy anymore. “That feels so fucking good.”

Encouraged by Tyler’s comments, he picked up the pace. Tyler’s sound became louder as Josh’s mouth moved faster. Soon, Tyler was reaching his climax.

“Shit, Josh, I’m so fucking close.” He choked out, tugging on Josh’s hair as if to pull him off. Josh, however, had a different idea, continuing to move his head back and forth, tongue flat against the underside of Tyler’s cock.

Tyler let out a loud moan as he finished, cursing and breathing Josh’s name as his cum spilled into Josh’s mouth. He pulled away, making a point of swallowing Tyler’s load while maintaining eye contact. And it drive Tyler crazy. He couldn’t believe that one person was so fucking hot.

Tyler tried to catch his breath, sliding down the wall until he was on the floor across from Josh.

“That was the best head I have ever gotten.” Tyler huffed. 

Josh chuckled. “Thanks.”

“No, thank you.” Tyler laughed.

He lent forward, taking a hold of Josh’s chin and pulling him forward. He tasted himself on Josh’s tongue and it was always something he thought something that that would be gross but in reality, he found it hot.

“You’re so hot when you’re cumming.” Josh pointed out. “More so than usual.”

Tyler laughed, cheeks tinting pink. “I bet you do to.”

“You’ll just have to find that out in some time, wont you?” Josh smirked with a tiny wink.

Tyler extended his pinkie outward to him. “Promise?”

Josh let out a loud laugh, wrapping his finger around Tyler’s. “I promise.”

They sat in silence for a moment, Tyler simply admiring Josh’s face. Josh chewed his lip, chapped and red. “You’re so beautiful.” 

Josh, not replying, simply leaned forward and kissed Tyler. “I think I’m in love with you.”

“Ditto.” Tyler laughed.

Josh feigned hurt, pouting and sapping Tyler’s knee. “Come on,” He stood, offering a hand to Tyler to help him up.

He led him back to the bed, turning all the lights out as they went. Once they were under the covers, Tyler lent his head on Josh’s shoulder, arm draped over his chest.

“I feel like I owe you now.” Tyler whispered into the darkness.

“You don’t owe me anything, Ty.” Josh chuckled quietly. “It’s fine. I’ve been wanting to do that for ages.”

“Oh, really?” Tyler laughed.

“Yeah, just call it ... I don’t know, it’s a party favour.” Josh concluded. 

Tyler laughed, curling up into Josh’s side. Best party favour he’d ever gotten.

[nct-thedreamchaser]

The Brightest Night to Remember

Words: 2767 

Genre: Fluff, very slight angst 

Pairing: Mark x Reader 

A/N: Nope, I did not have a request whatsoever but I was just inspired by a picture from a particular lantern festival that I found in my gallery! I had trouble figuring out which member from NCT to use, but it felt like Mark would fit the genre, theme and setting a little more than the rest. I really enjoyed writing this, especially when I have not written in a while. :) If you guys have any ideas or prompts you want me to try my hand in, do let me know via my ask box or submission! ^^ Enjoy!!! :> 

——————————————————————

“C’mon Y/N!! Hurry up or we’ll be at the end of the queue for the lanterns!” Mark exclaimed, finally resorting to grabbing my hand as we whizzed through the crowd, pushing past the people and finding ourselves apologising every so often to every person that we bumped into.

Trust me, if the booth was any further, I would have lost my voice at our destination. Unfortunately, to our dismay, there was a long,  snaking queue just to purchase a lantern and Mark pouted almost immediately at the queue. His expression could match that of a sad puppy that didn’t get what it wanted. For an innocent being like him, it was a little heart wrenching to see him in this state.

Sure, call me dramatic all you want, but it was as if watching a child with his favourite toy snatched away from him. He glanced at his watch and stared at it for a long while, mumbling about how long it would take for us to queue, set the lanterns, write our wishes and perhaps have some pocket time for hot chocolate and a walk at the Hangang River after. I smiled, especially when he seemed to ignore everything around him; too absorbed in his own thoughts and trying his best to accommodate my curfew, which was at 12am that very night.

He was about to turn around and apologise for wasting my time, but I shook my head immediately and silently pushed him to join the queue with a wide smile on my face. Of course, I joined him by his side, linking our arms together and waited patiently for the queue to move with a smile of assurance on my face.

“Aren’t you gonna be late at this rate? I mean… Based on my calculations, we might not be able to make it for our quality time if we queue for this. I r-really w-want it, but I don’t know about you—”

“Oh shush,” I said, giving him no chance to finish his sentence, or what was known as a ramble, “I swear, the more you idle and wonder, the less time you would have, so what’s a better way than to join the queue now right? And besides, it’s only 7.30pm. Just chill, will ya?”

Hearing me at first, he was a little taken aback, but it did put his signature smile back on his face. It was going to take a while, but we were pretty sure that it was going to be worth it; considering how pretty it was and how much we had wanted to do this for the longest time, it was probably only right to do it for his sake too, especially with how much he had done for me.

We went way back; going to the same elementary school, middle school and now, here we were, in the first year of high school. In total, we had probably known each other for close to 13 years and that was a pretty huge number if you ask me. Back then, I was probably the girl that nobody wanted to hang out with. Elementary school wasn’t so bad, and neither was the first two years of middle school, but it only got exponentially worse as time went by.

I was the “nerd” of the school and was probably the least popular. Furthermore, it did not help that I had gotten black rimmed glasses for my short sighted vision and braces due to my extremely crooked teeth. It was all biological, but it was definitely not well received by the community. There were constant snark remarks, shoving into lockers and getting all sorts of liquids and foods on my uniform “by accident”. That was until Mark stood up for me, and honestly, I had no clue who he was back then. His name was always mentioned and unlike me, he was loved by the student body. Girls would swoon hearing his name and the boys would talk about him with admiration.

Apparently, he was one of the most talented students; guitar prodigy, lyricist, singer (somewhat) and of course, he was well known for his English language and iconic raps. Indeed, he was always winning the #1 in talent competitions and without a doubt, he would be the winner. It was not just sheer popularity because even the teachers loved him and enjoyed all the shows that he put up annually.

Ever since he had stood up for me after the fact that I was viciously picked on, we soon became quick friends because of our similar interests. Contrary to what people perceived him to be, he was an even bigger nerd, or should I say, geek? He took immense interest in Star Wars, Big Bang Theory and seemed to love cars. Bashfully, he had admitted to watching Top Gear, a pretty famous reality show from the UK, courtesy of his classmate, Jeno.

Hence, from then on, we soon became pretty close friends and hung out almost all the time, whether it was to study together, have dinner or just going to chill when the examination periods became a little too much for us to handle. It was good that we lived a street away from each other and he was always inviting himself over to my place just to talk about all things under the sun. My parents did not mind at all, simply because he was a very lovable boy; helping my mum to cook and clean, as well as having intelligent conversations with my father, there was no reason at all for them to despise him.

We were a pretty happy family to begin with, but when Mark stepped in, the whole house seemed to light up with his mere presence and especially his smile and very iconic laughter. When we played hide-and-seek, he gave it away with the inability to hold his unique laughter in, and is always found within seconds, if not minutes.

We grew up of course, and we made even more friends together whenever he brought me around for the many events he attended. I got to know other boys over time and the same went for him, except that he was with the girls. Sure, we were only 16 then, but it was a painful feeling when he had gotten a girlfriend. They were adorable together, but I could not help but feel a tinge of jealousy and pain in my chest. Surprisingly, I found a boyfriend in no time and of course, it was all thanks to Mark. It was his best friend, Lee Jeno, the boy who had sparked his interest in cars.

Unfortunately, all good things had to come to an end due to the high school entrance examinations. Call it a coincidence, but I had broken it off first, before Mark called a few hours later on the exact same day, and said that things were just not working as well as he hoped that it would. Hence, we became each other’s pillars of support; going out for coffee, bingsoo, going to the arcade to relieve the pain, you name it, we probably did it.

It worked and that only brought us closer. At this point, it was obvious that I had the feelings of falling in love all over again and I know that it was absolutely crazy to do so, but I had wanted to confess when I confirmed his feelings with Jaemin, Mark’s other best friend from the neighbouring school. He was an honest boy, and the sweetest little thing, and he was probably not supposed to spill the beans but did anyway; Mark liked me too.

Sadly, he had gotten a street casting from SM Entertainment and went for the auditions without a second thought. I was happy for him achieving his lifelong dream, I really was, but the thought of not being able to see him and talk to him was a little too much to take and I knew that our feelings would go nowhere at this point. It was uncertain whether he was accepted or not, but knowing how talented he was, it was pretty obvious where the answer laid.

Now here we were, finally getting a lantern after bickering for a straight 15 minutes about who was going to pay for it. Initially, I did not want to go, especially after how saddened I was at the thought of possibly losing all contact with him, but my mother encouraged me, saying that even if it was the final opportunity I get to see him, I should at least make it worth it. Therefore, I masked a smile, and went to meet Mark at the festival with a heavy heart, but seeing him beaming at the sight of me made me forget those thoughts for a moment and soon, I was being dragged around the festival before I even had the time to process my true thoughts and feelings.

We had lit the flame in the lantern (after much difficulty) and held both ends of it, ready to let go but a voice stopped me and it said, “Hey… Y/N, why don’t we make a wish first? It will make it more worthwhile eh?”

I looked over at him and despite the small smile, I could tell that there was a hint of sadness that he hid behind that bittersweet smile. There were no tears, but it was probably going to cascade his cheeks down anytime soon. Mark was an innocent boy, despite his seemingly tough image that he liked to put up with. Deep down, he was the ordinary, sensitive and curious teenager; explaining why he always topped the classes and was the teacher's’ favourite classmate in every single class that he attended.

Nodding, we closed our eyes together and made a wish. I opened my eyes first and noticed that his head was still down as he held onto the lantern tightly. The candlelight only accentuated his features more, and I smiled at the sight of how he looked like a child wishing upon a shooting star. It could not be helped; noticing that he was so unlike his image, and that was what I liked about him.

He did not try to be what everybody else expected him to be. He believed in being genuine and true to oneself, and was able to express himself however he wanted. When he was happy that he topped the class, he would show it with the brightest smile ever, calling his mother shortly afterwards to spread the good news. There were times those acts caused the loss of his popularity, especially among the female student body when they had no idea he was the “mummy’s boy”. However, that did not stop him from being who he truly was as a person, no matter how “childish” it was perceived to be.

“Y/N… Y/N!!” He said in a sing-song voice, snapping me out of my reverie, “Hey, you ready? You’ve been staring for quite a while, you know?”

“A-ah… I’m s-sorry,” I answered, with my cheeks and ears soon feeling the heat. No, it was not the fact that it was the mid-summer months or the heat emitting from that relatively tiny candle, but I was blessed anyway with the surrounding darkness, and could not have thanked the Almighty more for that. I did not know really, but I would prefer to think that he did not notice my blushing cheeks.

And at the count of three, we let go of the lantern together, looking up into the sky with fascination written all over our faces. It was a beautiful sight as we looked at all the lanterns floating their way up. It was not long before our lantern had joined the myriad of everybody else that released theirs before ours. However, we still continued to scan the sky and I furrowed my brows just to concentrate and find our lantern, intent on looking at it until it went out of sight.

Little did I know of the boy whom I had known for a long 13 years looking at me with a small smile on his face until my eyes met his. He was startled (and I was too) but he only chuckled and shook his head, before continuing to look up at the night sky, which was now dotted with the many lanterns of Seoul’s very first lantern festival.

We hung out at the festival after a while, giving our hand at the arcade games and trying all the foods which they sold at the festival. Sure, you could find the usual rice cakes, fish cakes but there were others which I had never seen before, but it did not hurt to give them a shot anyway. It did not take very long though, because Mark was insistent that we go to the Hangang Park to take a nice quiet walk on our own.

Not without his cup of a cold Chocolate Oreo shake and my cup of Matcha with Azuki Beans to beat the summer heat, of course. Trust me, nobody in the right mind would go walking without a cold drink in hand.

The park was surprisingly quiet for a weekend, and I figured that the crowd had probably moved to the lantern festival to join the festivities and experience the hype together with their loved ones. I was not complaining, it was indeed better to have a more peaceful evening with Mark by my side without the usual chatterings and gossips that we tended to hear on this particular route.

For some strange reason, we walked in comfortable silence, occasionally pointing out certain spots where we shared our childhood memories together. From picnics to embarrassing falls to list of firsts, it gave a sense of nostalgia within our hearts and minds. I was not sure about Mark, but it gave me a sense of peace and comfort, loosening the tension in my shoulders.

However, we were disturbed by a loud sound and Mark only grinned sheepishly while taking out his phone and checking what someone had sent to him. As he scrolled through his phone, the smile on his face fell and he sighed, before silently taking his leave and choosing to take a seat at a nearby bench facing the night cityscape and the calm river.

“What’s wrong?” I asked curiously, though I had an inkling to what it was going to be about.

“I…” He hesitated, but took a deep breath and continued anyway, “I got accepted into SM Entertainment. They have given me the address of my dormitory and I would have to move in in a week.”

“Congratulations!” I replied, mustering as much pride in him as I could, despite the fact that it felt as if my heart had shattered into pieces.

“Thanks,” Mark responded with a small smile, before his lips fell again, replacing the happy-go-lucky Mark with a Mark of sadness, which was so unlike him, “But that means… I might lose the girl I love.”

“And who is that?” I asked, “I mean, we’ve been friends since forever so I definitely deserve a right to know.”

And without batting an eyelid, he replied with a resounding “You”.

My mind froze for a while and suddenly, all the thoughts that I had initially disappeared from my mind in an instant. My jaw was hanging and my eyes were probably as huge as golf balls right now, but that did not mean I was instantly happy and over the moon that my feelings had not been in vain. It just meant that it was simply going to hurt more, especially for Mark, who seemed small and vulnerable at this very moment.

“M-me…? I mean… I like you too but you know… You’ll meet so many other girls out there—”

Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to complete my sentence before I felt a pair of soft lips come into contact with mine. At first, I was a little taken aback, but I began to kiss him gently too, until we had to separate due to the lack of air.

“You’ve never changed really,” Mark said, “You were always that same Y/N I knew, who talks a little too much. Just remember:”

“I will love you till I die

And I will love you all the time.

So, please put your sweet hand in mine

And float in space

And drift in time.

All my time until I die,

We’ll float in space, just you and I.”