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sunsents · 3 years ago

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Empty - F.W (1/2)

Gah daym this was a JOURNEY to write. I swore to myself to never write angst because, well I suck at it. But here we are, I swear this has a good ending because my heart can't bear that. I could've written this much better, so I promise to bring my A GAME for chapter 2. Enjoy, also Lee in this is a hate crime. This is very story telling-esk so I hope it flows well.

I wouldn't have written this chapter without the help of my good friend @mochiixjimin she helped me edit and spice up this whole thing so thank you so much to her! She's an amazing writer, go check out her work and show her some big love right now or else!! her wattpad

Chapter 1 out of 2 (Backstory)

Summary —> Life has always been a cruel joke to you, yet you simply play along. Overshadowed by Eva Burke your whole life, watching from the sidelines while everyone flooded each other with love, it would always feel like a joke.

Pairing: fredweasley x fem!reader

Word count: 6.1k

Warnings: ANGST ANGST ANGST (with a fluffy ending in the second part) / One mature scene (18+) and then it's angst again <3 / Some slander / Offensive language

Rating: 18+

DON’T REPOST MY WORK

You were a bright child.

Beaming bright enough to keep a tight lipped smile during flu-shots, and enough to put on a happy façade when your dad threw away the drawing you had done of your family dog, rather than hang it up on the fridge.

Children have foolish dreams, and that was yours. Your friends in preschool boasted about their pictures being hung like trophies on fridges, with decorative magnets and even bigger pink bow ties.

The fridge in the Y/L/N manor was empty. Always empty, just how Ms. Y/L/N liked it. Empty marble floors with empty rug designs, and empty rooms with even emptier people living in it. They were both empty people. Hollow and void of any emotion, at least towards you.

You were different though. You were filled to the brim with ambition and hope and so many positive emotions that your parents never seemed to reflect on you. You were like those Disney princesses. The princesses always had hope, and when you have hope good things happen.

Right?

Your dad never meant to give you false hope. He just wished you’d keep your mouth shut as he worked until late hours. Using big words and having big aspirations, you shouldn’t have.

Mr and Mrs Y/L/N weren't bad people per say, just busy. They didn't know how to raise a child, this was obvious, because the purpose of even having a child was to fix their marriage. But a temporary fix wouldn't do it, it never did. There was always that hole on the roof, leaking rain of despair into their falsely built home that no bucket big enough could hold back. Because it always found a way to overflow.

They didn't know how to show their love, so they did it with money, clothes, toys and crayons that you would later use to draw pictures of your family, only to have them end up in the dumpster once again.

They spoiled you rotten, bought you gifts you never even dreamed of asking. You just shut up and enjoyed it, what else could you do? Whine and demand attention? Risk losing their favor? There was no favor to lose.

You got yourself a fat A plus on your third grade math test. Star stickers on your chest, you entered through the glass double doors of your house with a crooked smile - two front teeth missing of course - making your joy all the more endearing. Your backpack strapped tightly over your narrow shoulders, hanging low with all the crammed books you pushed before leaving school because you were just so excited to show your parents.

You received a big sloppy kiss from your Nanny, who practically was like a second mom to you, and dashed right into your fathers office to show him your new accomplishment.

"Good job, I'm proud of you."

You froze. You found a way to actually get their attention. The attention you so craved, the recognition you would die for. This was revolutionary. Basically a new era for you.

Nanny made you a star shaped cake that night, and sat with you while gently stroking your hair and listening to you blabber about how easy the math questions were. It felt warm, motherly love. Even if it was false, it would never compare to the love of your own mother, a love you would never get.

You spent all your night studying, your eyes burning under the harsh light of your lamp in the early mornings and your pencil, ebbing away over sheets and sheets of blank paper. Writing away your little hands off until they ached, just to snatch another A and get a good job.

This was good, it worked out very well. You became that student who looked forward to class, just to get a good grade and have the validation of your parents. The sight of your father’s lips quirk up even in the slightest, and how your mother’s eyes shone briefly in appreciation of your hard work, even if it was for a quick second, it was worth it.

Until the new neighbors moved in.

Mr. Burke was a round, cheerful man with an even rounder belly, and a big fat pipe that always hung on his lips. Mrs Burke looked and acted like those fairy godmothers you adored. You couldn’t believe such people existed. Mr Y/L/N invited them over for dinner, for courtesy. He was not happy about said courtesy.

He ended up liking the couple, they had a little daughter called Eva, who was small and adorable with round red cheeks and big doe eyes. Not only Mr and Mrs Burke, but the Y/L/N’s adored Eva as well. She was happy, always smiling, and her teeth weren't nearly as crooked as yours, not to mention she had pretty long hair like a princess.

You liked her a lot, took her to pick flowers, showed her the drawings you had prepared for the empty fridge; in case Mr Y/L/N ever had a change of heart and hung them up, you had been trying for three years and weren't giving up any sooner.

Eva was nice, kind enough to share her M&M's and very used to compliments unlike you. She seemed to get a lot from her parents and yours. The adults were so kind to her, always smothering her with love and kisses. You were happy for Eva, happy that Eva somehow managed to gain the favor of your parents before you did.

Little girls tended to be jealous, you weren’t. You were just glad to have a friend so cool, she didn't blush and stutter under praise and apparently her drawings were pretty enough to go on a fridge.

It was a Thursday afternoon when your mom smiled at you for the first time since your last exam grade. "Look, Eva drew us a picture, isn't it pretty?"

The crayola stash under your bed was no longer needed, they appeared clumsily dumped in the neighborhood trash the next day, most of them stomped under the pressure of your little sneakers. And the bundle of drawings you hid under your pillow, wishing on fairy godmother that one day they would be hung up too, were ripped; clearly a struggle given. You had paper cuts on your hands, and your Nanny thankfully applied ointment before Ms and Mr Y/L/N noticed, or rather, stopped to care.

Though you knew that even if you paraded herself with bloody fingers dripping to your elbows, they wouldn't care.

Nanny did, she was there. There when you were haunted with nightmares when the moon was particularly dark, cooing at you and letting you sleep next to her in that small bed of hers. There when you tripped and fell, small scratch resulting in a screaming tantrum. She was gentle, sweet, paid well.

You decided to go and pick flowers with Eva, and make a pretty flower crown for yourself, months after your drawing incident. Of course, you didn't have such silly dreams anymore. You didn’t wish to have your pictures hung, to have your mother wear the flower crowns you made and frankly you didn’t care for the sight of the sparkle in your parents eyes. Nanny’s was enough.

Eva agreed, dressed in a pink tutu Mrs Y/L/N gifted. You didn't comment, though deep down you gazed at the skirt in sparkling envy. Your mother never bothered to get you such pretty things. The two of you gathered saturated petals and nice ribbons while giggling amongst yourselves. Until, you accidentally caused Eva’s flowers to levitate.

Eva ran home, crying and calling you a witch. Mr and Mrs Y/L/N’s dirty looks made her feel shameful, and even dirtier when a letter addressed to her was dropped by a pretty owl you insisted on petting. It was from a school called Hogwarts, in the faraway land of London, and it seemed, not only you but Eva got the same letter the next day.

Though the Y/L/N’s and Burke’s were proud of Eva’s letter. They weren’t with yours.

— — — —

The ride to Hogwarts was interesting to say the least. You had so many questions unanswered, were you a fairy godmother too? Was that your destiny? Was that the reason you never got any attention, because you were destined to give instead of receive?

Eva was cheerful as always, making fast friends in newly bought uniforms and holding a pretty, long and thin wand, with designs flowing across the premise. Your wand was...functional. You were sad you couldn't choose, and that the wand chose the owner. It didn't make sense, what if you didn't want this wand? What if you wanted something charming like Eva’s? It should have been mutual.

It was while trying to find your way to the bathroom that you met the Weasley twins. Quite handsome, a year older and absolute fucktards. A word you learned from the two. Though you always found yourself laughing more at Fred’s jokes, you liked them both equally.

“Hey George! Look.” Fred had exclaimed, clinging onto his brothers shoulder and dragging him across. “Who's that girl?”

You introduced yourself, happy façade on, gentle words slipping out of your mouth like nectar. They had to like you, you told yourself. Just this once, more than Eva.

When sorted into Gryffindor, Eva, you and the twins became inseparable. Your group grew in second year, when Katie, Lee and Alicia Spinnet joined the bunch. You would make fun of the ghastly Potions Professor Snape, and imitate Dumbledore in the hallways to mess with the older students.

You loved your time at Hogwarts, and the adventures that came every year. Especially when Harry Potter joined.

“Hey Fred.”

Fred, who was fiddling with his bracelet you had bought him hummed in response, not bothering to look up.

You sighed, “Do you think the flowers can feel it when we pluck them?”

Fred turned at that, his bracelet was now tightly secure after his struggles. “I hope not.” he smiled, a faraway look on his face whenever he gazed at you. “You know, some people like pain.” he winked.

You merely looked at him confused, clearly way too young for...whatever that is.

He started laughing loudly, slapping his knee and causing you to scoff and slap him on the shoulder.

Third year was when it bloomed. The slight girly attention you gave Fred grew. Fred was...Fred. A handsome ginger, beater for their house's Quidditch team, always charming and charismatic that somehow oozed out of him whenever he did anything really. It was not unusual, every girl in school had a crush on him. That wasn't the case, Fred was one of your best friends, and you refused to entertain the idea of a possible...relationship.

Yet sometimes, you'd find yourself thinking about hugging and kissing Fred like you’d seen couples in your favorite movies did and you’d fall asleep with reddened cheeks and a boy with even redder hair in your mind.

But feelings couldn’t be controlled, nor easily hidden. Eva found out in your fourth year after hearing you mumble his name in your dreams. Fred Weasley was getting more handsome as years passed, and you found it hard to contain your feelings. You were crushing, hard.

Eva was...Eva about it. Happy, but nothing changed. She didn't tease like George did when he found out, nor did she act any differently towards Fred.

“Hey ____!” Fred had sat next to you, shaking the entire couch because he grew that tall during summer. “Got a new girl after me.” he looked at you, almost expectantly, as if you wouldn’t react the way you always reacted.

“That’s great Fred.” you smiled, gulping whatever lump that was forming in your throat and struggling to come out as vulgar words you wished to yell.

“Yeah,” Fred sighed, “It’s...great.”

Fred Weasley was a ladies man, and he wasn't afraid to show it. It was okay, because you were happy enough to be one of his closest, and that was enough. He often boasted about getting girls, and how successful his jokes were, and you always loved snapping back to him cockily, even more cockily than him. Playful banter was easy, comforting between them and when he turned away you would love to shyly entertain the idea of being one of those girl’s Fred talked about.

Fifth year, you had a sudden growth spurt. That was also the year where you discovered Cosmopolitan, Vogue and of course Witch Weekly. Hair no longer in a ponytail, legs shaved and smooth, short skirts with no nylons, you were a new person. After getting your period in third year, your spurt came late, but sudden. Way too sudden in the time of three months. It was hard to handle the changes occurring to your body. It was all too much that you had to become a lady and the fact that you didn’t have your mother to help was a pain you hid deep within.

It was as if whichever god above decided to squeeze your entire life into a summer and call it a day, because it was simply too busy. How ironic. No one saw your growth except old Nanny Gladys. Not Eva, nor her parents considering they went on a getaway and the Burke's, who had gone to Brazil.

But you were over that, you discovered the great telephone, and the great Hermione Granger, package deal with Ginny Weasley. You guys would talk on the phone for hours upon hours, Ginny obscuring your personality and Hermione altering your view on your parents. And Hermione was right, they were assholes. You didn't give a flying fuck about empty praises anymore.

You had become almost too tall for your older clothes, and your breasts were way too big to fit in the training bra you bought not even a month ago. Your hips, now wide and swaying as you walk became graceful, were decorated with long gem bracelets.

You cursed like a sailor that summer, ran around fields with family - your family being your dog, Jambo - bare feet. You stomped on flowers you used to pick as a little girl, stomping on those silly fairytale dreams you used to nurse, and never felt freer. For the first time ever you felt that maybe being empty could be more freeing than having false hope weighing you down.

Returning to Hogwarts was a big deal to students. Who changed, who glowed up after what happened last year - nothing, it was all childish drama.

Before your parents could even see your new self, your escapade to the Granger household was successful. The Y/L/N's didn't care, nor did they write. You knew it should’ve hurt, but frankly, you didn’t think having the pain in your chest was worth it. Hermione was awestruck, of course, after laying her sights on you for the first time since May and insisted on walking into the Entrance Hall, arm in arm with her and Ginny to show you off like some sort of revelation.

It was a revelation all right, at least to the boys, and some girls. It seemed no one saw you as a girl before. George oogled, and Lee was so shocked to find out that you were actually a girl with a pretty figure and an even prettier smile that he stopped clapping you on the back like he always did. Not a girl, you have become a woman. It was far too sudden, new uniforms and a whole new wardrobe had to be bought.

"____? You were a girl?" Fred joked, ruffling your hair like nothing changed between you. And that's when you realized, no slutty skirt, how much pushup your bra, or no matter how pretty your hair looked, Fred would always see you as ____, the girl with crooked front teeth and who once ate a worm in second year. Your teeth weren't crooked at all anymore - thanks to a few years of braces - and finally clear of uncomfortable metals but you felt as if Fred would always see the ghost of them on your pearly whites when you smiled.

He had this view of you that blinded him, caused him to treat you as he treated Ginny while he flirted and played footsie with other girls, including Eva.

That did not stop Eva from giving you false hope, and you took the bait, naive like always. Hope, that's what ruined it all. "You're beautiful now, of course you have a chance!" she said, rubbing your shoulder reassuringly, as if she had warmth to begin with.

It was all false, yet you still believed. You always had. Like a fool.

Ginny didn't like Eva, and maybe that's why you gravitated towards her. She was the first person who had ever met Eva that wasn't charmed by her kind smile and attractive words. Eva was...displeased. She grew up having the attention of everyone around, so when Ginny Weasley told her straight to her face that she wasn't shit, Eva seethed. The attention of Ginny changed nothing though, because Eva was the main character. Everyone - except Ginny, and secretly Hermione (though she would never say it) - loved her, they followed her around like puppies and praised her on her wonky wand work.

The upcoming Yule Ball brought great upswing to Hogwarts.

You were far too busy with her classes to take interest in the tournament - even though the dragon race was the gnarliest sight you had ever seen. Your goal was set, become a badass Auror and move out as soon as possible, so you didn't have to face your parents (except Holidays, yuck.)

But the Yule Ball was your chance. A chance with Fred Weasley.

You could ask to go as friends and maybe, just maybe a little hope and the night would end much more romantic than you had anticipated.

Plucking up courage was the hardest part, you practiced with your bathroom mirror so long that Ginny had to blast through the door and drag you out of her dormitory.

Fred Weasley agreed, why wouldn't he? You, his closest friend, asking to go as a group and drink all night while gossiping? It was a win win. At least that's what you told herself.

That was a lie, it wasn't a win win.

You gave it your all getting ready, dress silk, makeup and expensive shoes. You took a long shower, scrubbing and shaving yourself to a smooth gliding porcelain, only for it all to be washed down with reddened eyes and a boy with even redder hair.

Fred greeted you the same, danced the same, and you chatted the same; you were reminded again, for the second time, that you stood no chance.

Fred told you that he was going to get drinks, a quick trip to the booth and mumbled I'll be back in a second. He was not back in a second. Several minutes passed, and your worries caused your feet to follow after Fred's footsteps.

You ran, trying to find him in the empty corridors of Hogwarts, tears welling in your eyes because he wouldn't. He wasn't that cruel, life wasn't that cruel.

But it was, and in a distant empty classroom you saw Fred Weasley, on his knees and between Eva's legs, groaning and praising her like a starved man. Worshipping her like everyone else had, burying himself in her and completely forgetting the drink he’d bring back in just a second. He’d left you thirsty and alone in the Great Hall and left you to drink from a cup he hadn’t known to be forbidden. Yet Eva did.

Eva's perfect dainty hands tangled in his ginger hair, thighs clamping shut while her high pitched moans flooded your mind and echoed around your head. They were so loud that she couldn’t even hear the loud echoes of your footsteps and the woeful cries that left your lips as you ran. It wouldn’t be the first time she had ignored your pain for her own selfish reasons.

Your heart shattered, and suddenly you were six again, watching your parents praise Eva, hang her drawing on the fridge. A soft breeze tickling your bare toes, dangling from the small cushioned seat you sat on while you watched Eva braid Mrs Y/L/N’s hair. Emotionless, silent, not asking for anything, knowing that you won't receive in return. Eva's small hands carefully placed the flower crown on Mrs Y/L/N’s pool of hair, and she smiled, heart warming and hopeful. Suddenly you remembered the feel of your own hands tangling in between your locks as you stood on your tiptoes, trying to imitate your mothers braid on yourself in the mirror you couldn't reach. You pretended, only for a moment before it twisted into knots.

What a cruel joke, you thought as you watched Eva receive the world from Fred, from your parents, from your friends and from every damn person you had met.

You cried on a big set of stairs that night, your wails echoing as you asked whoever, whatever what you had done. What you had done to deserve such treatment from the people around you. It was rather cliche - and maybe a bit too dramatic. It was an uncomfortable seat of course, and your body, as well as your heart, ached. Pain, misery, false hope and enough hair spray to melt the ozone.

The princesses always cried on big sets of stairs, uncomfortable stone floors causing them to shiver while they hid away their beautifully animated faces in their perfect hands. This was different, there was no fairy godmother to fix your makeup and clone a gentlemanly Fred Weasley, a perfect prince. You knew, because you cried, and prayed and cried and prayed until your throat was sore. There was no fairy godmother, it was all a lie. There was no happy ending. There would be none.

No one came to find you that night either, and you had to drag yourself back to the Gryffindor common room, feet bare, mascara, blush - anything else you put on in hopes of being able to become like Eva even only for one night - practically nonexistent from the way your tears washed them away.

You didn't sleep that night, and your head was unusually clear, pounding, but clear. You laid awake, eyes blood-shot and stinging while your dress shuffled uncomfortably between your sheets. You were too tired to change, and your dress was far too pretty to be worn so short.

Ginny's words replayed over and over again. "They're not worth it." her voice was so clear, and true. Mr and Mrs Burke weren't worth it. Your parents weren't worth it. Fred Weasley wasn't worth it. Eva wasn't worth it. The midnight chirping of bugs invited themselves in from your open window, and blue moonlight streaks beaming down in lines from the tulle curtain flowed with breeze, it was calming.

You felt calm, for the first time in sixteen years. You felt calm.

Fred and Eva started dating that week. Everyone acted like they expected it, and you realized just how blind you had been. Eva Burke and Fred Weasley, golden couple of Hogwarts.

You watched them, emotionless, as they embraced with love and so much passion that you felt embarrassed. Embarrassed at how you’d blushed and squeal over Fred in front of Eva and George and anyone who had found out because now you knew. Now you knew that their amused smiles were probably pitying grimaces because they knew that you two were never meant to be. It was always Fred and Eva.

Fred was an amazing boyfriend, making sure Eva was taken care of, lovingly staring at her whenever and wherever, arm looped around her waist at all times; you realized they were truly not worth it.

"You disgust me."

You didn't mean the words to escape so carelessly, but when you said them, you realized you didn't want to take them back. The growing pit in your stomach felt weightless. "Excuse me?" said Fred, stopping his nibbling on Eva's neck, who was just as shocked. You scoffed, Eva already had enough purple bruises to parade around so why did Fred have the need to add more?

"You heard me right," George, Lee, Ron, Harry, Katie and whoever sitting in their circle stared at you, wide-eyed, Ginny and Hermione, however, were grinning devilishly. Kind ____, wouldn't hurt a fly, quiet at times and didn't know how to stand up for herself. It was shocking, but you were done pretending. You didn't want to be like that anymore, you wanted to say whatever came to mind and not worry about the consequences. "You guys disgust me, I know I should be supportive but you don't match, at all."

You turned to George. "And you, no you can't talk about Katie like that." George went pink. "You're disgusting for sleeping around carelessly and telling girls you'd write, stop giving people false hope. Grow up. You’re nearly an adult and you can’t even treat a girl right."

"And you Lee," Lee went quiet. "What gives you the right to make fun of me like that. I'll wear whatever the fuck I want, just because you don't have the courage to wear a headband. If you can talk about my breasts, I'll talk about your shrimp."

"Ron, you take advantage of Hermione then lead her on. Open your eyes, asshole."

"Harry, you're not the main character. You're not always going to be the center of attention, nor do you have the right to yell at your friends."

"Alicia, god you're so stupid. I'm sorry, you're great but such an airhead. No, you can't ride a Thestral if you can't see them, and stop eating quill ink they're bad for you."

You stood up, grinning proudly, heart loud in your chest you feared someone might hear. "Frankly, I don't wanna be friends anymore. I'm done with this façade, except you two, 'Gin, Hermione. The rest of you are just so fake." she gestured to them. "Boys," she nodded again. "Don't talk to me anymore, and Lee, give me back the money, think it's about time don't you think? I've been paying for you since third year."

And with that, you left. You left Three Broomsticks, grin wide and chest heaving. Hermione and Ginny ran behind, whooping and cheering you on as they laughed.

The news of your outburst spread fast like wildfire caught in wind. That week was bliss, you no longer had to watch Fred and Eva, nor did you have to act sweet to anyone. You didn't have to laugh along Lee's sexist jokes and look away to wince, it was pure bliss. You realized that the feeling of being free didn’t have to be momentary.

Pansy Parkinson was surprisingly a good friend, she didn't have the same fakeness to her, the one Eva had where her smile was too kind. She spoke her mind, though every Slytherin did, and you liked that. Ginny wasn't happy with your new found friends, but she couldn't separate you. You made your own decisions from now on. It was refreshing.

You told your new friends everything, eager to get it off your chest and breathe, and they listened. For the first time, someone listened. You didn't have to get good grades, nor did you have to act like a sweet angel.

You teared up the first time Pansy said; "It's not your fault,". You knew it wasn't your fault, but hearing someone else say it with such genuine eyes made you believe. Actually believe.

It started off with you watching from the sidelines as Draco and Blaise pranked, insulted and shamed whatever your old friend group did. It wasn't unusual for Draco to act this way, but he got especially irritated after hearing what you told them. Blaise, someone usually quiet, had stepped up and decided to somehow release the pent up anger he had for the Gryffindor students.

The year ended, and you had started to sneak in an insult or two towards Fred and Eva. It felt nice, like finally, step by step you were clearing your years of hidden jealousy. But, there was no one to tell you that this simply wasn't the right way.

That summer, you stayed at the Burrow. Ginny had invited you and you were quick to say yes; obviously a fact forgotten. Fred, George and whoever you had insulted last year stayed in the same house. You simply didn't want to go home, and if this meant seeing Fred Weasley then you had to endure it.

Molly Weasley was the sweetest person you could ever meet, and it was genuine. It felt genuine, you feared your teeth might rot if the woman got another word in. Molly greeted you as if you were her own daughter she hadn't seen in years. You felt valued, seen.

Until Eva was there, Fred invited her. You had to watch the only person you were able to love, introduce the only person he was able to love to his mother. It wasn't you. It would never be you.

And you realized, even after everything, Eva had once again found a way to be more loved than you.

The grin Molly broke out was nothing short of beautiful, and you couldn't help but smile as well. The smile wasn't directed towards you of course, and you sat on that small kitchen chair, celebrating a relationship that caused your ruin.

Eva didn't care that your friendship was over, nothing budged in her life. She still got the same attention, still received the same love from Fred. The same affection, the same attention and the same everything. Or so it seemed.

Though unlike Eva, Fred merely watched you with sad eyes.

You stayed clear of the couple and the rest. You hung out with Ginny and Hermione only, ignoring the dirty looks Ron and Harry gave you. The secret, whispered insults Eva threw your way. George didn't say anything, but he didn't object either. This was enough to show how he felt. At this point you really didn't care. Why would you, when they didn’t either?

You held your head high just like Ginny and Hermione told you to, and you spoke in a loud and clear tone whenever asked something. Eva didn't, she stuttered when you spoke to her directly. Her words scrambled against each other when she tried to voice her insults in louder statements than a whisper. For the first time, you felt relief. You felt intimidating, protected by the barriers you had built around yourself.

Longest day of summer hit, and it boiled. Tanning became a distant dream, you would bake in this weather, and you were thankful to the big AC box you had brought from home. You couldn't sleep that night, sweat beads falling down your forehead that was already covered in a thin sheen. You had decided to get a cold glass of water, not sure how you ended up face to face with Fred Weasley. His wand tip shone with blue light, and his freckles were much darker because of the sun. It seemed the sun decided to be cruel to Fred Weasley back and wash Fred over with it's deathly heat. He was sunburnt, this was an understatement. He was burnt.

You couldn't help but start laughing when you met, ignoring the proximity, ignoring the sleeping house, dead silent and a big leap from the lively Burrow, ignoring Fred's soft breaths he let out every other second. You couldn't live off on false hope anymore.

Suddenly it wasn't so funny anymore, and your face quickly fell. You took a big step back and inhaled, ready to ignore him like you had been doing for the past year. But Fred Weasley was a persistent man, and he gripped your arm and looked at you with determined, doe-like eyes. "Tell me what I did wrong." he said, adamant on fixing this, whatever this was. You both didn't know.

You stood silent.

"Please flower,"

"Don't call me that." you said, stern and gaze sharp. Fred didn't react, he kept on insisting.

"Please, tell me how to fix this. I can fix it," he pleaded, a plethora of empty promises fell out of his lips like nothing. He lied like it was nothing, he was oblivious to everything he and everyone around them had put you through. It was infuriating.

You didn't say anything. You knew he would not fix anything but maybe staying silent would give him the false hope that spinned mockingly in your head for the past eighteen years.

"I'm sorry, just please. I can fix this, I promise, don't be like that." empty tears fell down from his eyes. He looked empty, tired. They lacked the charm they usually shined with and you wondered if it was only you that caused such dullness. Eye bags prominent that you never noticed before. It all felt like a lie, a cruel joke.

Fred Weasley was simply a cruel joke. His presence could only be compared to a shot of whiskey, especially when you down it like how Hagrid nurses a Firewhiskey filled pint glass. You never know how it will hit you. But in the end, you'd always find yourself curled next to the toilet, crying your eyes out because your headache was simply too much.

He was sobbing now, hanging onto your waist like you would simply vanish and you let him. The grip he had on was like steel vice - almost concerning - but you didn't touch him, didn't say anything. You just let him be, like he did to you. Allowed him to hopelessly hang off you before you would eventually leave him alone, like he did to you. "Where did I go wrong? How could we end up like this? What went wrong?"

‘You’, but your voice couldn’t be found.

Questions were useless when the answer was already right in front of his eyes. You didn’t let a single tear fall, you wouldn't forgive yourself if you cried in front of him.

You blinked, and that night was over. Summer continued on like nothing happened, like it didn't leave you heart broken and in such shame yet again. You continued on ignoring Fred as he looked at you with sorrowful eyes. Looked at you more, with more than he did his own girlfriend.

You blinked and the school year started again with another terror looming around the corner. There was simply no need to keep up anymore, because school was easy. You attended classes, got good grades, a few scar here and there from Umbridge's torture chamber, a woman who stood at a whopping five foot three yet still teriffied an entire school.

You blinked and you had already become a proud member of Draco's insult the Gryffindor's club. You didn't even feel bad, being horrible to the people you hated for years felt like a breath of fresh air. You didn't go as far as physically hurting any of your old friends, but coming up with damaging insults was such fun. A lot more fun than sitting around with a fake smile.

You blinked, and you were already moving out from your childhood house. Mr and Mrs Y/L/N were unusually happy, this was a given. They would have a new empty room and make another office, like they didn't have enough already. You feared they would start getting rid of bathrooms once too into their work, and they would have to do their business in bushes or buckets. Scratch that, you didn't fear that, it would be fucking hilarious.

You blinked, and when had time passed too quickly? Where did all those empty childhood years had gone? You were already graduating, on your way to become an Auror. You had lost contact with all your old friends now, regretfully Ginny and Hermione too.

The war had hit too quickly, luckily you survived, so did your friends. Unluckily, it left you with a nasty scar right across your left brow. It looked sick, but the hit wasn't worth it. It hurt like a bitch. You could see, it was a close call but vision wasn't an issue. The trauma though, god did Bellatrix's breath smell bad.

When it was all over, you had seen Fred hugging his family tightly. It seemed the Weasley's all survived, and you gave them each tight lipped smiles while holding a bunched up rag to your head to stop the blood gushing out. This wasn't the reunion you wanted to have with Ginny, but hey, you take what you can get after a revolutionary Wizarding war you barely made out alive.

Before a franticly running Fred could reach you though, you apparated to your flat in Diagon Alley, ignoring the thrumming of your heart, and how you practiced in front of a mirror to congratulate their successful joke shop that morning.

#angst #hp angst #fred weasley x reader #fred weasley fluff #fred weasley #fred weasley x y/n #weasley twins #fred weasley angst #fred weasley smut #fred weasley series #reader insert #harry potter fluff #harry potter fic #fred weasley imagine

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ferids-despair · 3 years ago

Note

hello: 3 i can ask for hc about ky, crowley and urd if they find out that their s/o got really bad injuries and maybe gonna die (but in the end she survies lol)

btw if it's too dark you can delete it hehe

S/O almost dies pt.1

⤷ Ky

- Snapping at everyone, I mean, no one is safe from his endless panic and rage right now. He let you go on one mission alone and you come back on a hospital bed. When he gets the news that you're in the infirmary - he throws the person he is talked to the moment aside and dashes to the infirmary.

- Anyone alive that was on the mission with you will be questioned immediately. Don't give him any answers and he'll dispose of them because they did not keep you safe. They didn't keep you safe.

- Once you become healthy again but still have to remain in the hospital, except for some calm scolding. It eventually turns into a full-blown argument which essentially makes Ky leave you alone for the night. Except not to be able to go any missions alone anymore. He meant what he said about keeping his eye on you.

⤷ Crowley

- Love, what have you do? You drive this man mad, honestly. he did not know what he was going to do when you did not return back safely. When he heard that you were in terrible condition, he rushes to the infirmary. The chance of you dying is inevitable and even with your frail body - you attempt to smile for him. Which, Crowley is disgusted by because even know you are so selfless.

- Watches over you for the next couple of days. He doesn't visit you as much as he should be able to because of his duties. Practically jumps with joy when he hears that you might recover from your severe injuries. He brings you gifts as well and you stay in the infirmary for a couple of months. Once you are out - no missions He does not like not being able to protect his lover. He doesn't like seeing you hurt and this will also keep him from losing his marbles on the servants in the palace.

⤷ Urd

- Ahem, yeah, you aren't going outside anymore. He never wants to see you almost about die on a damn hospital bed. He even offers to turn you into a vampire(if you aren't one). As you lay unconscious, he regularly thinks about your smile and laugh. Hoping to keep a piece of you with him if you do pass away. He does hope you keep fighting so that you can wake up, soon.

- He's so relieved to hear that you are recovering quickly. He chooses not to talk about the mission with you. It isn't something he wants to bring up just yet. Choosing to deal with sensitive topics later instead of now. In a few months or weeks, you'll be able to leave this hospital.

#ky luc x reader #crowley eusford #urd x reader

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pandoras-princess · 4 years ago

Text

Next Best Thing (Tommy Shelby x fem!reader, John Shelby x fem!reader)

*gif not mine//credit to owner

A/N: Hello my lovelies! 🌸 Welcome to my first ever Peaky Blinders fic, I wrote it ages ago and have just edited it slightly so my apologies if the quality isn’t greaaat but the other parts will be better I promise! 😅 This is an AU fanfic where John never married Martha or had kids before he married Esme and there is no Grace for Tommy andddd the timeline is absolutely wack, I know it’s a lot so if you’re in the market for a traditional by the book Peaky Blinders fic this one is not for you I’m afraid 🤗 also if you’re finding it a bit slow I advise you to hang in there until after the time skip because that’s the better half of this part in my opinion, nevertheless I seriously enjoyed writing this so Happy Reading Peoples! 🥳🥳 as ever I appreciate every like, reblog and follow, feedback is forever welcome 😌

Summary: Being the bestfriend of Jonathan Shelby meant that you’d grown up attached at the hip. And considering you were hopelessly in love with him, life was eventful to say the least. With John marrying Esme you decide it’s high time you got over him. And as they say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else...

Pairing: (OOC) Thomas Shelby x fem!reader, John Shelby x fem!reader

Warnings: Swearing, violence, smoking and drinking, mentions of addiction, mentions of sex but no smut I’m afraid

PART TWO PART THREE PART FOUR

━◦ ♡ ◦━◦ ♡ ◦━◦━◦ ♡ ◦━◦ ♡ ◦━

Being John Shelby's best friend was definitely not an easy job.

You and John were the exact same age, born on the same day of the same month of the same year, precisely one hour and eleven minutes apart, and since your family only lived one house away from the Shelby's it was a given that you and John would grow up to be best friends.

You were as good as family to them, so when your father was killed in the war and your mother unable to cope turned to the drink and drugs, you were left officially orphaned at age 10 and Polly arranged for you to live with them, raising you as her own.

Growing up with the Shelby's came with it's challenges. They were all fiercely protective of you but no one more so than John. When you were kids he'd beat up anyone that dare made you cry, or sad or angry or anything other than happy really, and as you grew older and began to date he'd scare away anyone deemed not up to scratch, which seemed to be pretty much all of them, threatening violence known around Small Heath as common behaviour for the Peaky Blinders. This meant that you never really had a boyfriend, or many boys interested in you at all for that matter, and any who were rarely had the balls to act on it for fear of the Peaky Blinders wrath. However this didn't bother you much as there was only ever one boy you truly wanted interested in you, the one boy who never would be interested in you.

Of course being a teenage girl you'd had your silly crushes, Tommy being one of them. But they all paled in comparison to what you felt for John.

Being best friends meant that the two of you spent practically all of your time together, did everything together, went through and dealt with everything together. He had always been your shoulder to cry on, your ear to bend, your hugs and smiles and laughs, your safe place. It was inevitable that you'd fall for him. And fall for him you did, painfully obvious to everyone except John himself.

Shortly after your 16th birthday, you were reading a book by the fire, a woven blanket strewn across your legs and a steaming mug of hot chocolate warming your hands when John bursts into the house loud, drunk and jolly. He often snuck out to join his brothers in their shenanigans - whether it be business or pleasure - and you were all too happy to listen to his stories when he came home.

You watched John intently as he regaled to you his latest night out. You watched the corners of his mouth twitch ever so slightly as he spoke, a smug smile tracing his lips every so often. His eyes glistened from the whiskey and his lips were wet. A cigarette clasped lazily between his fingers, his eyes closed for a split second whenever he took a drag. Deep in admiration of the boy sitting in front of you, you didn't quite notice the change of events in the story.

"-and then she walked right up to me and kissed me!"

It was at that point that your attention snapped back, ears pricking up and heart racing as you go over what he'd just said. But too excited to wait, John didn't give you the chance to work out if you had misheard him.

"Well before I know it she's got me in the back alley dress hiked up going at me like a feral she was. Can ya believe it after all this time I'm finally a man aha!" John exclaims, a goofy, ear-splitting grin plastered on his face.

He spares any explicit details, knowing it was no way to talk with a lady no matter how close they are to you or how drunk you may happen to be. Nevertheless, upon hearing those final words coupled with the look of pure elation on his face, your heart shatters into millions of ice cold shards right before your eyes. The pain that was rapidly building in your chest and the image of John with some tart, skirt bunched around her waist fucking like dogs in the alley was too much for you to bear. A wave of nausea washes over you and you stand abruptly, dashing to the loo before the contents of your stomach emptied onto the carpet.

A few minutes later you hear faint knocks on the door.

“Ye alright in there love?” John asks, concern lacing his words.

“All good” you reply quickly, willing your voice to steady itself.

Wiping the sheen of sweat from your forehead you collapse into a heap against the wall, and a sigh escapes your lips as you wrack your brain for the exact moment you had lost him. While John had never shown any signs of liking you, you were always able to draw hope from the relationship you two had, no matter how blind it may have been. Now though, he had dashed that hope, blind or otherwise, as he had given himself to someone else. He had openly chosen not to be with you.

Not to be yours.

Fobbing John off with some excuse about a dodgy dinner you quickly retreat to bed, going without giving him a hug, unable to bring yourself to touch him. And from that day onwards you lived with the knowledge that your love was unrequited. You lived with loving him, and him not loving you.

For the most part it was rather easy. John wasn't the kind for serious relationships - preferring causal sex to the committed kind - so you never really had to deal with any girlfriends or the lark, just the occasional tart interested in him on the rare nights out you tagged along. Even then, you soon learned not to go on any nights out without Ava or Polly present and so the issue of John and his women quickly became dormant. That was, however, until John agreed to marry Esme Lee.

Tommy came to you before asking John, asking for your help in convincing him. He knew John would come to you with it asking for advice before deciding. Tommy explained his plan, marry John off to the Lee girl forcing them to squash the war and join forces to overthrow Billy Kimber. It was simple enough and since you'd already accepted there was never to be a you and John, you agreed.

The time came and sure enough John came to you, confused and somewhat annoyed at Tommy's rough handed approach, and sure enough you stayed true to your word, telling him it was nothing new, people had arranged marriages all the time.

So on he went to marry her, your true feelings unknown to the man.

[2 years later]

"You shouldn't be working here you know. John certainly wouldn't like it" Tommy said, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched you carefully wipe down the bar surface. He was referring to your new job as barmaid in the Garrison and having just finished your first shift you were cleaning up. Last orders had been and gone and every punter had now left the pub, drunk and merry on their ways.

After John married Esme you spent the next two years much to yourself. You embraced the spinster lifestyle and faded away into the passing days. However it was the turn of a new year and to everyone's joy you'd come to your senses, deciding it was high time you stopped wasting your life moping after John. He didn't love you - that much was clear - but somebody out there must and so it was time for you to move on, you thought. Reinvent yourself. This 'new you' started with marching into Tommy's office and demanding the new barmaid job. Surprisingly he offered no resistance, merely a quizzical look at your sudden determination before giving you the job. So here you were, your first shift done and nobody left in the place but you and your new boss.

"Well it might surprise you to know, Mr Shelby, but I don't abide my decisions by what John would or would not like me doing" you reply. Finishing up you leave the cloth on the bar and make your way over to the table, taking the chair adjacent to his.

"Is that so?" He asks, his piercing blue eyes meeting yours as he offers you a cigarette. You accept, bending down slightly to the offered flame and without breaking eye contact, you light the cigarette and take a drag, exhaling as you sit back up.

"Yes, Thomas, that is so" you reply, the use of his name making clear your exasperation with the questioning.

"Very well then, a toast-" he picks up the bottle of whiskey and pours some into each glass, placing one in front of you and taking one himself "-to your new job, and to your new found freedom" he says, locking eyes with you on his last words and clinking your glass before you both down it. If growing up with the Shelby's had taught you one thing it was how to hold your liquor.

Soon you and Tommy were halfway through the bottle and quite drunk, too caught up in the fun to notice. It was now something past 3 in the morning; you and Tommy had been talking, drinking and laughing for nigh on 3 hours now, going through old stories of your childhoods, stories from before you were born and from afterwards, stories of your parents and stories of his.

"So tell me, what is the meaning behind this sudden change in you then?" Tommy inquired, only too happy to see your old self back again.

Before you knew it the whiskey had gotten the better of you and you found yourself telling him the reason. You told him about John, about your love for him, about that night and about how you'd come to terms with it and decided to move on.

"Besides, it's not like he was the first boy I ever liked, so I'm quite sure he won't be the last" you state matter of factly, unaware of the storm you had just brewed.

See, unbeknown to you, Tommy was fully aware of everything you had just poured out to him. He knew about your love for John. He knew the deepest parts of your heart, your mind, your soul. Every crush and fling you'd ever experienced Tommy knew all about it, thanks to a little book you liked to keep hidden under your mattress. You had been detailing all matters of yourself in that little black journal for as long as you could write. Polly happily replacing it when you found your current one full, it was much easier than finding a shoulder to cry on every time you needed one. When Tommy came across it he had no idea what it was, merely out of curiosity did he open it and start reading.

"Oh, who was?" Tommy asked, lighting another cigarette. Following suit you decide to take a minute to weigh up your options, drinking in the smoke as you did.

"You” your voice remains deceptively steady, not wanting the man watching you so closely, so attentively, to become aware of the raging swarm of butterflies occupying your stomach.

"Is that so?" Tommy pulls on his own cigarette, the smoke rising from his lips as his eyes lock onto yours. "So what changed then?" His eyebrow arches perfectly, a smirk gracing his lips.

"You're 4 years older than me! There was no way you'd ever look at me as anything other than an annoying little sister!” You say in a chuckle, the fiery whiskey encompassing all of your thoughts in a humorous glow.

"And if I told you I do look at you as something other than an annoying little sister?" His eyes flick to your lips for a millisecond before returning to your own (E/C) orbs. If you’d have blinked you would’ve missed it, but your full attention being fixed on the man before you meant that you hadn’t.

"Well... that would certainly change things." The possibility of one of your fantasy's coming true ignited you to your very core.

Silently, Tom rises from his seat and offers his hand to you. You take it, and he leads you to his office with the worst of intentions in mind.

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whimsicallyenchantedrose · 3 years ago

Text

Dead Man’s Cell Phone--Epilogue

Summary: When Emma Swan starts getting phone calls and texts from an unfamiliar number, she decides to check it out–only to discover the number belongs to a Killian Jones, who was killed in a robbery gone wrong six months ago. With some help from a medium, Merlin Emrys, Emma hopes to find out why a dead guy is contacting her–and why she feels such a strong pull to someone she has never met before.

Rating: K+

Tagging a few people who may be interested (Let me know if you want to be added or taken off the list): @sailormew4 @annaamell @flslp87 @emmateo26 @bethacaciakay @ultraluckycatnd @effulgent-mind @ilovemesomekillianjones@kat2609 @brooke-to-broch @missgymgirl @galadriel26 @the-lady-of-misthaven @charmingturkeysandwich @jennjenn615 @laschatzi @kimmy46 @snowbellewells @iamanneenigma @daxx04 @nickillian @a-rose-for-a-savior@in-spirational @gillie @britishguyslover @ginnyjinxedandhanshotritafirst@kmomof4 @linda8084 @golfgirld @captain-swan-coffee @searchingwardrobes @hollyethecurious @laughswaytoomuch@allyourdarlingswans @winterbaby89 @facesiousbutton82 @cssns @therooksshiningknight, @lfh1226-linda @tiganasummertree @eastwesthomeisbest @dreamingdreamsalways @xsajx @justren21 @laughterandbooks @cocohook38 @therealstartraveller776 @jrob64 @resident-of-storybrooke

Welcome to my entry for the Captain Swan Supernatural Summer! A big thank you to @cssns, the ladies on the Discord! Thank you also to @eastwesthomeisbest, my artist and my beta @veryverynotgood!

Other Chapters: Prologue 1 2 3

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One year later

“It’s time, Little Brother. Are you ready for this?” Liam asked, giving the bowtie of his tux one more straightening tug.

Killian ran a hand through his hair, examining his appearance in the mirror. He looked rather dashing if he did say so himself. “Younger brother,” he murmured affectionately. It had been rather a running thing between them since they were lads. “And aye. I’m more than ready. I would have wed her after our first date if she’d have had me.”

Liam laughed as they climbed the stairs and emerged onto the library roof, now decorated with a bower of blooms and a velvet aisle between rows of chairs, filled with all of their closest family and friends. “I trust you for that, Killian,” he said. “It was plain to me from the first time I saw you together that the lass had stolen your heart clean away.”

Killian smiled as he took his spot at the end of the aisle and his brother and best man stood beside him. “I’ll not deny that. Given the way we met, it would have been pointless to deny our connection, and doing so would have prevented an entire year of bliss--although as I recall, you weren’t too keen on Swan to begin.”

Liam rolled his eyes. “I was merely trying to protect you. I must admit to a bit of selfishness as well. After all, it was clear you’d go to the ends of the earth for her. I had no doubt it was only a matter of time before you’d be leaving me for the States permanently. In any case, I’ve seen the error of my ways, and I did apologize.”

“That you did,” Killian agreed with a nod.

It had been quite a year since he’d woken from his coma. He and Emma had begun dating immediately, and it had been as though they’d been together all their lives. Their relationship held the comfort of a long union and the excitement of something new. It was the best of both worlds.

For a few months they’d endured a long distance relationship, each of them taking turns visiting the other, but it soon became apparent that Zoom calls, texts, and the occasional, far too short, in-person meeting simply wasn’t enough for either one of them.

And so, as Liam had alluded to, he’d decided to move to Storybrooke. He’d taken a job at the docks and then eventually started a charter service where he took patrons on sails around the harbor.

Six months after they began dating, Killian took Emma on a midnight sail under the stars. There, he’d gotten to one knee, pledged his heart to her forever and asked for her hand in marriage. To his everlasting joy, she’d said yes.

The ensuing half year had consisted in a flurry of wedding preparations. Emma’s sister-in-law and best friend had been rather insistent on throwing her the wedding of the season.

And so here they were, only minutes away from pledging themselves to each other for the rest of their lives.

In the end, the choice of wedding officiant had been rather a no-brainer. If it hadn’t been for Merlin and his help, Emma and Killian may never have met. Killian might still be languishing in a coma.

And so, when Merlin took his place at the end of the aisle and clapped Killian companionably on the back, Killian shook his hand heartily, feeling the need to thank the man yet again.

It was then that the music started, and Killian’s attention was drawn to the other end of the aisle where his bride stood smiling, arm in arm with her brother David. Killian felt the tears swell at the sight of her, so beautiful in her lacy white dress and veil that he was overwhelmed.

Killian watched a single tear trail down her radiant face as she slowly walked toward him. The rest of their life was about to begin, and he couldn’t wait to take this adventure with her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In the back stood three chairs, marked off as reserved. To all eyes the chairs appeared quite empty.

To all eyes, but Merlin’s, that is.

He saw the truth. The chairs were occupied by the spirits of Graham Humbert, Arthur Pendragon and a woman Merlin had never sensed before, but a woman whose identity he knew well enough.

Alice Jones, Killian’s late mother.

When Emma and Killian had asked Merlin to officiate at their wedding, they’d made another, rather unorthodox request as well.

“Is there any way we could, like, invite Graham and Arthur?” Emma asked. “I mean, it’s really because of them we’re even together. I don’t want to, you know, disturb them if they’re all happy and everything in the afterlife, but it would mean a lot to have them there.”

And so, in lieu of a bridal shower, Emma had held a seance, she and Killian the only guests, other than Merlin himself. Graham had appeared as soon as he’d been called, although it took a bit more persuasion to bring Arthur back to the land of the living.

The two spirits had been delighted at Emma and Killian’s happy news, and had readily agreed to be guests at their wedding. Just before returning to their everlasting reward after the seance, Graham had taken Merlin aside.

“There is someone else who very much wants to attend,” he’d said. “Killian’s mother has been watching over her little boy all his life, and she couldn’t be happier at the turn his life has taken. She wishes to share in his joy.”

Graham asked for Alice’s presence to be a secret, to be revealed only at the right time. Merlin smiled as he guided Emma and Killian through the ceremony that would knit their hearts together forever. Once the formal events of the day were over, he’d bring the newlyweds back to reconnect with their most mysterious guests.

“By the power vested in me, I now declare you husband and wife,” Merlin proclaimed joyously.

No sooner were the words out of his mouth than Killian took his brand new wife into his arms, connecting his lips with hers.

“You may kiss the bride,” Merlin said, rather unnecessarily, as the gathered assembly chuckled indulgently. “Are you ready for your happy beginning?”

The End!

Notes:

--Well there you have it! Happy endings for everyone.

--Thank you to everyone who read, liked and commented on this story! You’re support has meant so much to me!

#cssns21 #captain swan supernatural summer #my fanfiction #cs ghost story au #sort of #dead man's cell phone

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mavda · 3 years ago

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Beast Tamers

Ch.1 | Ch.2 | Ch.3 | Ch.4(1) | Ch.4(2) | Ch.5(1) | Ch.5(2) | Ch.5(3) | Ch.5(4) | Ch.6(1) | Ch.6(2) | Ch.6(3) | Ch.7(1) | Ch.7(2) | Ch.7(3) |

Ch.7: Of burdens and duties (4)

Naruto tries to look like he is not bored out of his mind. But they sure are testing his patience. To go see a lord he already forgot his name when he’s free, to consider sponsoring a new trade route Naruto had already discarded with the council, to lend his power to suppress an uprising someplace he didn’t care to remember.

His father’s hand touching his shoulder almost made him whine in relief.

“I’m afraid I need Lord Naruto for a while, if you’ll excuse me.” His father actually looks apologetic, and Naruto almost wants to congratulate him for being such a good actor. Do whatever you need to do, just get me out of here, he thinks.

And although the lords and ladies surrounding Naruto complain and whine about his father taking him, Minato takes him away amids excuses and apologetic glances everyone else buys.

They are out of earshot when Naruto sighs and thanks his father for his timing, “I was dying of boredom.”

His father snickers, “Thought it was time for you to get stressed out.”

“Hinata?”

“With Lord Gaara.”

Naruto raises an eyebrow at him, but doesn’t press further. He’s going to her right now to make sure she’s all right anyway.

There are some people who look at him and make as if getting closer, but Naruto raises a hand in apology and keeps on walking. He has already spent a good amount of time with them, let him leave, jeez.

Temari is the first one to notice him, and she gives him a nod before moving her body to give him a clearer view. Sai is looking around, sitting right beside Hinata. She is sitting straight, all poise and elegance, and her attention is on Gaara, who’s talking and moving his fingers as if counting.

He comes closer, keeping his eyes on her. Kankuro turns then, Sai glances over him and Gaara raises his head as he realizes his siblings’ attention is elsewhere. Then Hinata looks away from Gaara, follows his line of sight and looks at him.

Her shoulders drop in relief, her eyes widen and Naruto has to stop himself from gathering her up in his arms and crushing her against him. Sai stands up the moment he’s close enough and Naruto sits beside her. She stays unmoving and Naruto searches for her hands before bringing it to his thigh. Hinata gives him a small smile and as he rubs circles over her skin she squeezes back.

Gaara resumes his talking when Hinata looks back at him.

“So,” he continues, “only in attendance today are the One-Tail, the Five-Tail, Six-Tail and the Nine-Tail.” His fingers come down as he remembers. “The Four-Tail is allegedly dying-”

“Which him not coming today kind of fans the flames of that rumor,” Kankuro shrugs and Temari nods along.

“And reports have been coming in that the Two-Tail has been sealed already but they are giving time to their Beast Tamer to acclimate.”

Hinata frowns, “T-the others… w-where are the o-other B-beasts?”

“In the wild,” chimes in Naruto, “being restrained by the clans who want a claim on them.”

“W-who?”

Naruto shrugs, “We can’t know unless someone comes forward and claims their stake, but so far no one has done so. We don’t know where they are either.” His tone is matter of fact and his stance tells Hinata he doesn’t mind the situation one bit.

She keeps her worries to herself. If it’s not enough to worry a Beast Tamer, then surely they were unfounded. But Naruto presses on her hand, grabbing her attention.

“Anything else?”

“Ah, w-well. Isn’t it d-d-angerous?”

“Oh, well, if the Beasts were roaming freely then sure, and we Beast Tamers would have to step up and contain it. But since they are out there doing nothing, it’s better for us not to waste resources on that. They are being taken care of, and eventually a new Beast Tamer will appear.”

“H-have you h-had to?”

Naruto cocks his head to the side in confusion.

“T-take care of a w-wild B-beast.”

“Oh, no,” he says, “not in our generation. That kind of thing happened like three generations prior, when we were starting to seal them in ourselves.”

Hinata nods, as now everything starts to come together with the knowledge she had of Beast Tamers before becoming the wife of one. Before the Beasts were sealed in humans the clans either drew them off into the wild and far away from them or tried to seal them in places. A mountain, a cave, a forest. Only when they started sealing them within themselves to draw from their power did the Beast Tamers came into reality.

Hinata wonders, steals a glance at Naruto who is starting a conversation with Lord Gaara. Would it be so bad to let the Nine-Tail out into the wild again? Tied to a forest far away from everyone? That way Naruto…

He brings her out of her thoughts as he scoots closer to her and lays their intertwined hands over her thigh now, Hinata feels herself blushing and notices immediately the mischievous smirk on Naruto’s face.

He is enjoying this.

⁂⁂⁂

Hinata spends the rest of the day by Naruto's side. Like his father did before, when people don't accept Naruto's hand wave and leave, he walks to them, away from the group and comes back immediately after.

Lord Gaara and his entourage left a while ago, as soon as the demonstrations started. Each Beast Tamer sits in a specified area around the arena, at the highest part of the structure, in order of the number of tails of their respective Beasts. Lord Naruto sits at one of the edges and Lord Gaara is right in front of his line of sight.

Naruto relaxes the moment the show starts, and it's obvious why. The area the Beast Tamers sit at is off-limits to anyone but the people sanctioned by them, and a quick glance around tells Hinata that the Beast Tamers only keep their guards and a selected handful of other people. Many of the lords Naruto talked with before were not in here and new faces were presented before Hinata with a whole new attitude.

These people he liked, she realized, and by the way they conducted themselves the feeling was mutual.

Most of the lords and ladies that came to Naruto before sit under them, in the next level. Still substantially high up, but incapable of bothering the Beast Tamers. Not that they seem to mind, as they are now enthralled in the fights under them. With their hands intertwined and grabbing their clothes in suspense, Hinata sees some of them groaning in frustration while others clap in glee at the results.

Naruto sits with his hand on her thigh, and he glances back at her every once in a while. Rubs his thumb over her clothes, offers drinks and food Hinata ends up refusing after a while.

Sai sits right beside her, on her other side, and Sakura has come sit next to Naruto instead of Shino. They comment on the fights and some of the lords and ladies they met before and Sakura's laugh fills the room in intervals.

Hinata snickers at some of their comments, harsh and way too honest, and whenever she sits there, confused since she's missing information, either Sakura or Naruto lean to her and add an explanation.

There are few instances in which Hinata had the fortune of visiting a festival before. All of them under the eyes of the Hyuga. The places were beautiful and the people were happy and Hinata could only watch. Her stutter made her keep her mouth quiet and it meant she could never join in anything worth doing.

Naruto presses his hand on her leg, inches closer to the edge of his seat as the fight reaches its climax. One of the fighters uses a flashy fire technique that engulfs half the arena and the people watching hold their breaths as they expect to see the opponent laying on the ground. But he's cocooned inside walls he raised from the ground, and he dashes forward immediately after. His enemy yields the moment he sees him running towards him.

And Naruto laughs in joy. "Did you see that?" He asks, and Hinata can feel his eyes on her. She smiles and can't control the feeling that overcomes her as Naruto looks at her expecting a reaction. Whatever it may be.

She takes her time, as usual, but she doesn't worry, because she knows he will wait. "Went all or n-nothing on that last one, d-didn't he?"

Naruto's energy is contagious, and Hinata can't remember a time in which she was so mesmerized in fighting before. He nods along and shrugs, "You always gotta keep your chakra supply in check."

"Like you've ever had to worry about that," jabs Sakura, and Naruto turns to her with mock hurt on his face.

"I'll let you know I am very conscientious about my own chakra, thank you very much."

Lord Minato rarely comments and spends his time quiet and attentive behind his son, but this time he inches forward, right between Hinata and Naruto, and he says, "You are very welcome, son, thank you very much."

Naruto turns to him and looks as if he's been betrayed in the worst way possible. Sakura keeps on pestering him, now that Lord Minato has joined in, and Naruto waves them away frowning as if he's pissed, but he snickers the second after, and he can't help but laugh as he attempts to defend his position with weak arguments.

Even Sai chimes in, and Hinata can feel herself relishing this ambience, this situation. She is enjoying herself. And she brings her hand to her mouth in an attempt to hide the laugh that threatens to spill forth.

The tremor that rattles their room is enough for the conversation to die out immediately and for everyone to stand alert. Naruto grabs her arm and brings her closer to him.

The sound comes to them from the farthest corner of the arena. The people standing in attention stare at the direction where the sound came from and Hinata can feel Naruto's hand trembling as they realize that it's-

"Gaara," Naruto whispers and he squints his eyes as if that's enough for him to be able to see between the people and the cloud of dirt that stands between them.

"The structure gave away?" Ventures Sakura, and they all remain quiet, still ready for action, aware of their surroundings and everything around them.

The screams are still far away, but it's enough for Naruto to grab Hinata and start walking away from the windows. His eyes still glued to the commotion, glancing around every now and then to make sure that whatever was there was not yet here.

"An attack?" Lord Minato looks dumbfounded, and the lords and ladies inside the room whisper around them with the same tone. Nobody aside from Naruto and Sai have moved and it's clear nobody yet believes there is even a chance for an attack to be happening.

"Everyone, gather your things, your guards and leave this place immediately." Naruto's voice resonates within the room, and he breaks the spell. Everyone begins to stand, looking more and more worried by the second.

And then Gaara's One-Tail comes into view, and Naruto can feel a shiver run down his spine. "What the fuck…"

The Beast roars to the sky. His weight is too much for the wood and metal structure under him, which is why every move he makes make the place collapse. The Beast's body is like a gigantic bear made out of sand, with purple linings running through its body like veins. His yellow eyes are surrounded by black and they lock on the people under him.

Naruto has trouble breathing. He wishes to go and help, make Gaara regain control, but there are so many things yet he doesn't know. He can't put Hinata at risk due to his carelessness.

"I'm going to help," his father states and then runs towards the window.

"Sakura!," Naruto shouts, trying to reign control of the situation and start giving the orders they desperately need. But Sakura is already on his father's heels.

Minato throws a kunai in front of him, breaking the glass before jumping out, with Sakura at his back. They disappear into the sea of people who have already started to leave the premises as fast as they can, making the dire situation even worse. Naruto follows his father’s back for a second before losing them completely. And then he turns around and brings Hinata to his side, his arm around her shoulders.

"We need to leave," he orders. Hinata trembles under him and his brain starts working with one goal in mind: getting her out of here.

"Shino, you guide us out of here. Sai, at my back."

Shino's bugs are already buzzing and flying around them and he starts moving immediately after receiving the instruction. Naruto feels Sai glued to their backs and he allows himself a second of relief before moving.

The people pile upon each other in a desperate attempt to escape, but it only makes it harder to do so. Naruto understands Shino's instructions without the need to voice it. He crouches, places his arm behind Hinata's legs and raises her into his arms.

She brings her arms around him as a reflex, her eyes wide and filled with worry.

"It's gonna be all right," he whispers against her head, "it's going to be all right. I got you."

They jump in between the people. Like many others lords and ladies are doing as well, being carried in the arms of the guards they brought. They keep away from each other, still too worried about the source of the attack.

The One-Tail stops roaring and Naruto feels himself stand straighter. He knows this pattern. He looks at the monster and sees it breathing in.

"Take cover!!" He yells, hoping Shino and Sai hear him. He falls to the floor, covers Hinata with his body and raises his hand in front of him, letting the chakra of the Beast pour out.

The One-Tail shoots out balls of pressured air to the people. In no order. The ground trembles, the arena starts falling apart wherever the attack touches and then it stops.

Naruto lets his chakra die out and looks around. There are people splayed out in ways that no living being could withstand, and he brings Hinata closer to him. The arena still stands, but it's a matter of time before the One-Tail pounds it to the ground.

"Shino! Sai!"

Sai jumps next to him, with his scroll on his hand and a bleeding gash at the side of his head. Shino is nowhere to be found. "He'll find us," he tells Sai, who only nods before following again. Shino specializes in tracking, if anyone will be able to find them after being separated will be him… or so Naruto wants to believe.

The screams and now wails of pain fill the air and Naruto feels his senses heightened due to the danger around them. Which is why he stops before the One-Tail even stops screaming.

The Beast gives out an interrupted yell before disappearing under a flash of light.

His father did it.

He did it.

Gaara is okay.

He doesn't realize he's trembling until Hinata brings her head out of his neck and he puts her on the ground, cups her cheek. His fingers can't stop spasming. "Are you hurt?"

Hinata shakes her head no and hugs him, rubbing her head against his chest. Naruto can't help the sigh of relief that leaves his body.

He has to go check on Gaara.

He reaches the ground with Hinata in his arms first. Whatever happened to Gaara can happen again and it's best for Hinata to get out of here.

Sai will take her. Naruto looks around, hoping to see Shino or Sakura coming to him, but only the people jumping down from the stands are running around. The guards with their clients under their arms, looking around in search of danger while they move as fast as they can. There are whimpers and wails of agony around them, but the thunderous racket from before gave way to a sort of calm that only makes Naruto more nervous.

His father must be with Gaara, tending to him. He will not come back until Gaara is fine, and he’s grateful for it. But that means that Sakura won’t leave his side either and if Shino doesn’t come back soon only Sai will be there to protect Hinata. And taking the current events into consideration, Naruto fails to feel comfortable without sending at least two guards with her.

He takes too much time thinking. It’s the first thing that comes to mind as the tremors come back again and the noise escalates around them. It’s terrifying, the sight before him. Aside from Gaara’s, he has never seen another Beast on the loose. Wouldn’t even think he would ever do so in his lifetime. And yet…

The Five-Tails stands now before him, a horse-like Beast with white fur extending from its face to its five tails. The stands are already in shambles so the moment it appears, his hoofs start stomping in an attempt to stabilize itself.

The wave of dust and air that moves to them leaves Naruto with no time at all, and his only reaction is to cocoon Hinata in his arms and throw himself to the ground, hoping no debris falls to them.

The second the trembling settles they are running away. Naruto coughs as the particles latch to his lungs and he worries whether Hinata is having a hard time breathing as well, but he refuses to stop now. First they need to get out of here.

The dust makes everything harder to see and Sai tries his best to make a way for him to go through, moving people out of their way. They move faster than almost everyone on the ground and yet they are still inside when that distinct trembling happens again.

Naruto knows what’s happening before he even turns around. Somehow, his senses catch onto his surroundings before his brain can have a chance. He puts Hinata on the ground, looks for her face.

There are tears going down her cheeks and he doesn’t know whether it’s because she’s scared or because the dirt around her is irritating her eyes.

It doesn’t really matter.

He raises her head, cups her cheeks with his hands while his thumbs wipe her tears. She locks eyes with him, “Stay close to Sai.”

Hinata frowns at him, confused, but Naruto doesn’t have the time to explain, so he pushes her towards her guard, who is already right behind her.

Naruto smirks, he catches on quick.

Sai, like never before, latches onto Hinata’s wrist and mid-section to keep her from moving, as she tries to reach for him. “My lord-” she calls, but Naruto walks backwards with growing intensity.

He catches her struggling with Sai, who remains still as a statue. And as if on cue, the Six-Tails gurgles to the sky. Slimy and gooey, the slug-like Beast stands behind him too. Naruto can’t find any explanation for what’s happening. He just fears-

“Naruto!!” Hinata cries and Naruto can feel his heart squeezing. He forces himself to keep on walking. Not now. She has to leave and he has to put distance between them.

Whatever is happening, it’s targeting Beast Tamers. And if there is any pattern to this.

-he fears he’s next.

#naruto #naruhina #fanfic #fanfiction #Hinata Hyuga #Naruto Uzumaki #beast tamers #ch.7 #part 4 #I...#(。_。)#you all are entitled to free virtual hugs all right #no questions asked #(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)#have a great one #and see you all next week <3

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prettywordsyouleft · 4 years ago

Text

To Be Continued - Part 5

Summary: As an author, you had created Brian Kang for your current trilogy series to represent the ultimate man that everyone would love, along with Charli Evers - your female protagonist. What you hadn’t expected was for him to find a way out of the story and begin shaping up your world instead

Pairing: Brian Kang x female writer (ft. Park Sungjin)

Genre: writer au / romance / fantasy

Warnings: fictional characters coming to life / a bit of angst here and there / Sungjin as a cop (or does that only affect me?) >_>

Word count: 2174

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Epilogue

Somehow you had fallen asleep.

You didn’t quite remember when or how, but when you fluttered your eyes open, the sun was casting a warm light across your body. You felt entirely content, and as you stretched out your arms, you found no niggling thoughts or remnants of your cold.

Had it all been a dream?

Searching around yourself for any obvious signs, you slowly rose to your feet, scooting them into your slippers and wrapped your robe around yourself. Padding down to the kitchen calling out Binks’ name, you stopped when you realised your cat was already preoccupied.

With Brian.

You didn’t know what shocked you more. That it hadn’t been a dream after all, or that your cat – who normally went into hiding at the first sign of a male entering your home – was allowing Brian to scratch under his chin affectionately. The loud purr only indicated Binks’ absolute delight by the gesture, and you scoffed loudly, giving both men the notice of your arrival.

“Seems like you’ve made yourself at home,” you pointed out as you rounded the pair to head for the jug to brew some coffee. You blinked when Brian handed you an already prepared mug, still warm to the touch.

He smiled gently. “I was going to make you breakfast but you’ve beaten me to it.”

“You don’t have to make me anything,” you mentioned, a light cough rising in the back of your throat at the thoughtful offer.

You strangely felt wary of relying on Brian already. After his help from not letting you fall face-first to the ground last night, you were a little shaken up by how easily you wanted to enjoy your time around him. If you allowed your mind to wander, the idea of having breakfast together would become your new favourite thing.

You hoped to god he wouldn’t go into any domestic chores in front of you or it would be incredibly hard to rein in your desires.

Staring at the man, you eventually smiled. “Do you feel okay?”

“Fine. Why?”

“Maybe I should take you to see a doctor? Get you checked out, you know, make sure you’re really here,” you murmured and Brian’s concern soon erased, a smirk adorning his perfectly shaped lips. Ah, if you truly had created this specimen, you had done the best work of your life.

Brian was breathtaking. Perhaps you needed to go get your heart checked out too with how fast it started to beat.

“I’ll go if you want me to.”

“You will?”

Brian nodded as he continued to pet Binks. The feline seemed more than appreciative of your new house guest, winding himself back and forth against Brian’s outstretched hand. Finally, Brian glanced up at you, his eyes bright with joy.

You almost dropped the cup in your hand then. Grappling for it, and thanking yourself silently for draining the coffee before such a moment could occur, you laughed lightly. “Ha. So clumsy!”

“So I can tell. Are you normally like this, or is it just in my presence?”

“Are you generally this straight-forward?” you shot back and Brian cocked his head to the side, knowing full well that you should too know the answer to this question. “Right. Of course. It’s one of your charms.”

“Am I charming you, Miss Writer?”

“Okay! Time for me to get dressed and book you a doctor’s appointment. Maybe a joint one. I’ll need to uh, just check my own sanity out whilst I’m there.”

“Are general practitioners able to do all that in one visit?” Brian teased and you huffed at him before dashing down the hallway, closing your bedroom door behind you and raising your hand to your chest to capture your beating heart.

You willed it to slow down but it seemed out of your control.

“Just like the world and characters I’ve created,” you whispered, glancing at your door and biting at the bottom of your lip as a million thoughts raced through your head.

You were surprisingly relieved that your doctor could see Brian as well. You had half-wondered on your drive over to the clinic if he was simply your imagination. You had often heard about writers having muses that seemingly became like imaginary friends to them over the years. Since you considered yourself a newbie author, you were certain it would take many more years before your muse stepped out from one of your novels like that.

And you certainly hadn’t expected Brian to become this real, if he were your muse.

So to hear Doctor Pritchard greet Brian and see her shake his hand – a little too long for your liking, admittedly – did ease some of your concerns about your well-being.

And solidified Brian’s existence further.

“So you want to get your friend here a general check-up?” the doctor enquired, and you nodded your head eagerly.

“Check him all over. Make sure he’s as perfect as I made – as nature created him to be,” you said with a little laugh, Brian’s lips curling up at your almost mishap.

“Well, I’m sure from what I see, there will be no problems along the way,” the doctor expressed, again concerning you with how her eyes lingered. Realising her unprofessional conduct suddenly, she cleared her throat and began her examination.

You realised you should have waited outside for this. It was all very straight-forward in the beginning. She checked his vision and hearing before looking into the back of this throat. And then she suggested he unbutton his shirt a little so she could listen to his heart. Brian didn’t hesitate, fingers nimbly popping open a few buttons. Even you heard the way the doctor gulped before putting the stethoscope into her ears and placed the other end upon his chest.

Brian shot you a small inquisitive look then, and you darted your gaze to the heavens, wondering why you were testing yourself like this. Keeping them there for the remainder of the examination, you waited for the results to garner your attention.

“Well Brian, aside from the old scars I noticed on your body, you’re in fine form. A wonderful state of health. We’ll need to get a blood test from you but other than that, I’m signing you off as perfect.”

“Really doctor, thank you,” Brian mentioned, oozing his charms so effortlessly. He seemed satisfied by the stumped look upon both yours and the doctor’s faces and got up to follow the nurse who had come in to take him off to get his bloods taken.

And then Doctor Pritchard leaned over her desk towards you. “Where did you find him?!”

“Long story,” you mentioned, realising just how ironic that statement was. Rubbing the back of your neck awkwardly, you then mirrored her action and leaned forward towards her. “So he’s fine?”

“More than fine.”

“I mean, as a person.”

Doctor Pritchard nodded. “He’s healthy, Y/N. You, however, look rough.”

“I had a cold. He helped me get over it.”

“I bet he did,” she mentioned with a sly smile and you gasped at her reaction. She grinned back at you. “What? I struggled! Next time you plan on bringing someone as gorgeous as Brian into my office, warn me first! I didn’t go to medical school for all those years to find myself drooling over a patient. It’s so unprofessional of me!”

“Imagine my surprise when I first--” You stopped, smiling at the doctor who seemed to understand despite not telling her the full story. You weren’t sure how to explain Brian’s existence to anyone yet.

“If you don’t snap him up as your own, Y/N, you’re a fool.”

“Oh, believe me, he’s mine. He’s definitely mine,” you told her, taking the script she had given you to help combat your low immunity before heading for the door.

You didn’t know what you were going to do with Brian now.

“Do you want to go back anytime soon?” you asked Brian later that evening, the man marvelling the crook of his elbow where the nurse had taken blood from him. Leaning closer, you winced when you saw the small bruise rising upon his skin. “That looks painful.”

“She seemed to struggle, much like the doctor did.”

“Does it please you, having so many people fawn over you like this?”

Brian shook his head, though there was a small smile that played upon his lips as he did so. You rolled your eyes in response, and Brian chuckled. “In my world, everyone’s looking at Charli or Devon as beautiful and handsome. Not me.”

“Devon is your rival, so of course he’s seen as successful. Whilst the reader is meant to find you more amazing, just as Charli does.”

“Like you do too.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll admit it. You’re handsome. I made you that way because-”

“Because?” Brian asked, scooting in closer. You stopped breathing, or at least, it felt like you weren’t getting enough air with the way he was intensely awaiting your answer.

Blinking rapidly, you looked back at the TV you had aimlessly turned on. You didn’t watch TV all that often, far too engrossed in the worlds you created.

Yet, you hoped right now it could save you from having to answer him.

“Miss Writer,” Brian prompted, and you groaned.

“Don’t call me that.”

“What should I call you then?” he almost purred, and you leapt up from the couch, heading over to the kitchen to find something to do. You cursed under your breath when Brian followed you, reaching out for the breakfast dishes he had cleaned earlier to put away.

“Just call me by my name.”

“Y/N,” he said, and you hissed, shaking your head. Brian laughed. “What, that is your name!”

“But it feels too… intimate the way you said it.”

“How I said it?” he repeated and you nodded once, not daring to look in his direction. The air around you felt smug, however, and you knew he was pleased again.

The sheer amount of validation you were given him as a person would have been building him up easily. You knew it was one of his insecurities and without realising it, you were paying enough attention to him, much like Charli had begun to do so too.

You wondered if Brian was blurring lines within his own mind now about what you meant to him.

“Why are you here?” you asked softly and Brian’s humour softened, his dark eyes searching yours momentarily.

“I wanted to find out more about you.”

“But why? When you have Charli to concern yourself with?”

“You’re more interesting to me than her,” he whispered, blinking a couple of times when he realised what he had said. Trying to brush it off with a smile, Brian reached out for a bowl but your hand grabbed onto his wrist and stopped him from putting it away.

“Why?”

“You have a lot of questions about me today, Miss Writer.”

“I’m trying to understand how the man I created as my biggest self-indulgence for a character is somehow standing before me right now. I need to figure out how to accept or deny you in my world for my own sanity. I created you because you were missing from my world and now you’re here I…”

Brian placed down the bowl again and turned to face you, seeking out your lowered gaze. Hooking a finger under your chin to lift it back up to him, he smiled gently. “Now I’m here?”

“I’m worried I won’t want you to go.”

“Well, I don’t plan on going anywhere soon,” he told you firmly, nodding to emphasise it also. “I want to stay here in this world with you.”

“How is it possible though?” you breathed, and Brian shook his head.

“I’m not sure, but can’t we just focus on the fact that you see me and I see you, and this is what we both want?”

“You want to see me?”

“I wasn’t lying when I said you’re more interesting to me.”

You got caught in the moment. Brian’s thumb gently caressed your chin as he held your gaze fondly, searching for his own reason to like you. However, you were long gone. You had created Brian, poured so much love and attention into him that having him stare like this at you made you disregard everything.

Much as last night, you were uncaring of where he came from, or who he was meant to be with. Right now, you wanted to be the only person he ever looked at like this again. He made you feel special, as if you were carved out of the same stone of life and meant to be for one another.

You couldn’t tell who moved in first, whether it was you or Brian, but the angle he now held your jaw at was much closer to his face, ready for his lips to make an impact.

And just as you were certain that he was about to kiss you, the front doorbell rang.

_________________

Part 6

[DAY6 Masterlist] | [Main Masterlist] | [Request Guidelines]

#kwritersworldnet #young k #young k fiction #young k fanfic #young k fluff #young k romance #young k au #day6 #day6 fiction #day6 fanfic #day6 fluff #day6 romance #day6 au #pwyl; to be continued #kpop fiction #kpop fanfic #kpop fluff #kpop romance

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backslashdelta · 4 years ago

Text

Pandemic mental health check in

This is so sweet! Thank you for the tag @heartsmadeofbooks!

How is everyone holding up?

I’ve been pretty good. I’m a homebody anyway, so for the most part I haven’t minded sticking around my house and keeping myself entertained.

What are you doing to keep healthy?

Wearing a mask when I go out and am around people, sanitizing my hands, trying to stay away from places with lots of people if I can.

Are you working, not working, working from home?

I’ve been working from home since mid-March, and will be until at least January, but quite possibly even longer.

Anyone caring for kids or elders?

Thankfully I’m not. I think I would be a lot more stressed out during the pandemic if I were.

What was you best/worst day?

One of the best days was when some of the restrictions were finally lifted and I could finally hug my grandparents again. I think rather than a worst single day, I had a worst event. A close relative of mine (though not immediate family) had been fighting cancer, and he and his family opted for end of life care this past summer. It was the right decision for him and I’m glad they made it, but it was still a difficult time.

What inspires you?

I don’t even really know to be honest. I find inspiration in the weirdest places, it just strikes me out of nowhere. Sorry this isn’t a better answer.

Are you taking up hobbies?

I started writing fanfiction during quarantine, so that’s a hard yes. This is my life now and I love it.

What kind of content helps keep the joy on your dash?

My blog has turned into a Glee blog, so just all of the Glee blogs I follow now bring me so much happiness and joy. Thank you all for being so lovely. <3

Has life gone back to “normal” where you are?

It mostly has at this point. Everyone is still wearing masks, but most things have opened back up again and I’m able to see my friends. I don’t think there’s any cases where I am currently, so I’m incredibly lucky.

What are you doing for fun?

As I mentioned above... I’ve been writing a lot of fanfiction. Like, a lot of fanfiction. It’s been very fun.

I’m not sure how many people I’m meant to tag, so I’m just going to pick a handful but anyone else I haven’t tagged can feel free to do this as well! And if you’ve already been tagged, I apologize, I have no idea who has already done this lol (and also no pressure if you don’t want to do it!).

@gemsofthegalaxy, @arsenicandnewlace, @mostgeckcellent, @unhappyending, @thecriminalchipmunk, @personalgarbagepile, @kurthummeldeservesbetter, @kurtanaaa, @kuiinncedes

#mine #personal #heartsmadeofbooks #this is such a sweet idea!#tag game #I guess?#not really a game but idk

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hypnotica-ships · 3 years ago

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3x3

So, thanks to some A+++ enabling from the discord server, I've decided to post my BNHA self insert fanfic. I haven't really talked about my insert, but I plan to sometime in the future, but for now I"ll leave ya'll in the dark.

This whole thing was made just to make me and my friends feel good and give us some much needed self indulgence.

Word Count- 1,550

Hypnotica- My S/I

Grafight- @fictional-characters-are-hot's S/I

Slasher- @alwayslovestruck's S/I

It's been 3 hours.

4 hours since the hero team Discorded was asked to help out with a capturing some drug smugglers.

3 1/2 hours since they found the drug den.

3 hours since Hypnotica sent in Grafight and Slasher to covertly search the place.

3 hours since he's heard a response.

It was a loud, shrill scream that made his blood go cold. Expecting the worst, he decided to find some loiters and use his quirk to get some backup.

After being only able to scour up 2 shadows for his mask alts to posses, he realized the longer he spends time looking for people, the more harm could come to his friends...*family*. Dolly, taking the form of a Harpy, and Dylan taking a shape of a Lion man, will have to do for backup. Hoping that it won't be needed, he finds an open window and heads into the den.

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

"Look! They're opening the crates. That must be how they ship the quirk enhancing drugs."

"Slasher. I can't see shit, it's too dark in here and I don't have dope cat eyes like yo-....wait a sec..."

The younger of the heroes takes out a sketch book and quickly draws our some night vision binoculars and they suddenly 'pop' out into a physical object. After giving a thumbs up, in order to stay quite, Grafight uses the goggles.

"Oh shiiiiiiiiiiiiit....that's a lot of powder. How the hell do they sell it all?"

Slasher just shrugs it off and continues watching the group of men, tail swaying as they do.

All of a sudden, all of the men stop moving. A few moments later they all turn to the gurder that the hero duo were perched on.

"Hey! Lookey here fellas, some new 'test subjects' to try the new mix on."

"Oh as if you'd even come close to touching us! You won't even get a chance to lay a finger on us. Right Grafight?"

"Right! Good luck fuckers!"

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

"Slasher! Grafight! What's going o-...."

"We won!'

Hypnotica was greeted by the sight of Slasher triumphantly standing with one foot on top of a human mound of passed out thugs while Grafight was looking over the crate of drugs, kicking one of the thugs that started move on the ground.

"Wha- Then who the hell screamed?!"

Grafight, grabbing the thug she kicked by his collar and threatening to punch him again.

"This guy did. I think he's like...the kingpin or something. Screams like a little bitch though."

"We managed to take these guys out super easily, like it was nothing! Can't believe they were talkin' smack like they could beat us..."

Still a bit shaken up from his worry, Hypnotica headed over to check out the crate. Noticing a strange metal box buried slightly underneath some of the drugs, he pulls it out and begins to question the kingpin about it.

"This your tracker? Is this the thing that you use to keep an eye on your 'supplies'?"

"You better answer. Grafight is pretty liberal with bodily harm."

Slasher says as she walks over to look at the box better, poking it with one of her claws.

"...it....it...he.....hehaha..."

"Punching time?" Grafight asks looking up at Hypnotica.

"Not yet. He needs to be conscious to answer our questions."

"Talk then, asshat."

"...doesn't matter....we....we were gunna..."

"Gunna what, idiot?!"

"d....die...die anways..."

"...Punch him Grafight."

Hypnotica grumbles while Dolly pried open the box with her talons.

"Gladly!"

"...I don't think he meant, like, *80 times Grafight...*"

Slasher now worriedly watches as the kingpin get's absolutely destroyed by fists.

"..."

Hypnotica seems frozen as he looks down at the box, unmoving, and holding his breath. Cocking her head, Slasher notices that somethings wrong with him.

"Hey....you alright big bro?"

"..."

Finally stopping her onslaught on the kingpin, Grafight looks over to Hypnotica.

"Cat got your tongue or something?"

Still not saying a word, Hypnotica turns the box so the others can see. In the box is a small glowing green tube with wires attached to it, there's also a countdown screen slightly below it. It's only got 3 seconds left on it.

As her tail drops, so does her heart, with only a few second to accept her fate Slasher meekly gasps as she starts to speak.

'Oh..'

'Shit'

Grafight finishes Slasher's thought, right before everything goes white.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sirens are blaring as the green mist clears from the rubble of what's left of the warehouse. Various bodies are strewn all about, policemen and EMTs were able to arrive on the scene fairly quickly. Not that it mattered, the damage was done. From the looks of everything, there was no survivors, all thugs and kingpin were either crushed by the rubble or suffered from some strange type of asphyxiation. Death seemed to encompass the area, until one of the EMTs discovered a lion like shadowy figure seemingly protecting a group of still breathing bodies. The figure soon dissipated leaving a strange mask in it's place.

The bodies were still alive, but barely, and they needed medical attention and fast.

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

"-Sources say that the 'hero' team were incapable of apprehending the group and had to resort to extreme measures to stop the-"

"Horseshit! Why would we set off a bomb? We had it covered already, it wouldn't kill them to get their facts straight..."

"Calm down Gummybear, the doc said you shouldn't strain yourself..."

It's been 4 days since Grafight was released from the hospital, suffering from 2 broken arms, rendering her unable to use her quirk...among other things. Fatgum, her partner, had insisted to stay by her side until things healed, neglecting his own hero duties in the process.

"The doc can shove it as far I care! These newscasters have no right to spew out garbage lies like that! It's gunna hurt our rep.... Sure we might not be the nicest, safest, smartest heroes in the game, but we aren't villainous either!"

"...You...you do have a point, but don't worry about it, I"m sure one of the others will give them a piece of their mind and sort things out. Right now you and I have dinner to eat!"

Grumbling as she rose from the couch, Grafight followed her partner to the kitchen, sitting down at the small round dinning table that the family usually shared. This dinner was different though. The table had a nice white satin cloth draped over it, with 2 light candles on top. It seemed that this time these two will be dinning alone.

"Take a seat baby, I'll go grab our meal."

"It better be something good, the meals at the hospital were utter shit..."

She lets her sentence trail on as a covered plate is placed ever so gently in front of her.

"Oh? Did you plan on surprising me? ....Babe, my arms, I can't open it."

"Yeah, my bad, here ya go my sweet Gummy."

Fatgum slowly removes the cover for maximum surprise effect. Once it's off, Grafight can't help but smiley widely as she notices one of her favorite meals, but with a culinary twist. Hotdogs sliced up into star shapes, surrounded by a circle of mashed potatoes, topped with melted cheese, a dash or salt, and a glob of ketchup in the middle of it all.

"So? Ya like?"

"..."

Grafight's eye's start to tear up, but her smile still stays plastered on her face. Fatgum notices right away and goes to quickly grab some tissues.

"Oh Gummy, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to upset you! I just...I just thought I could do something special for ya...I...I-"

"Oh baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabe! I love it! Omg, I love it so much, you're the best, you know that right?"

"I...yeah....no. Wait. YOU'RE the best, you're so strong and special to me, I...I"m just so happy that I didn't lose you...you mean the universe to me."

"Stop...I'm already crying, let's just...let's just enjoy this meal together, okay?"

"Okay. I"m starving anyways..."

Fatgum takes his place across from Grafight, and starts to devour his meal.

"Uh....Ahem...."

"Oh! Yeah, my bad, let me help ya."

The two enjoy their meal together, never breaking their love filled eye contact.

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

"Slow down Mochi, you shouldn't be over-exerting yourself."

"But Kano, I want to dance! I really like this song...cough cough...it's a total....total banger, and I deserve to have some.....fun after what happened. Everyone else has been so....gloomy since then....I just....want to bring some life.....back into the house is all...."

"I know, I know...but, you won't be able to do much joy-spreading if you can barely walk to the mailbox without getting winded halfway there."

"Hmph, stupid bomb chemicals getting.....getting into my lungs...fucking up my whole system...did they ever figure out what...what was in that tube...anyways?"

"They still haven't called us back about the results yet, but they said the inhaler they gave you was working well enough for us not to worry. So we won't, right Mochi?"

"...Yeah...I guess...I just hate...feeling weak like this...I wanna cry but.... I don't want the others to...to see....they've been through enough....I don't wan them to worry about me...me too..."

Kano takes a moment to think, after a moment he takes Slasher's paw and leads her into the living room.

"Sweety...what are you doing?"

After he gets Slasher to relax on the couch, he walks over the Hypnotica's advance sound system and grabs a homemade looking CD. Putting it in he looks to Slasher.

"The good doctor said YOU shouldn't exert yourself, but....he never said anything about me."

As soon as the music starts, Kano begins to dance in a way that's all to familiar to Slasher. It's a dance they've grown to call the 'Humpty Dance', and no one else in the house can quite get it right like these two.

"Oh Kano! This....this makes me so....happy! Keep...keep going! Maybe...maybe you could...put in some...Slipknot next? Pwetty Pwease?"

"Anything for you my Mochi."

Slasher enjoys the show Kano puts on for almost 2 hours, by the time he gets done, Kano is just about as winded as Slasher has been recently. The two then cuddle on the couch, just taking in each other's slow and labored breathes.

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

"You will most certainly not."

Sir Nighteye slams his hand down on the counter to emphasize his point, making Hypntoica jump a little.

"And why the fuck not? The need to get their facts straight. I will not stand for all of this fucking slander."

Sir sighs and pushes his glasses up, trying to calm himself down.

"I understand that, but 'kidnapping the newsroom executive' is not the most ideal way to go about it. You can barely walk, even with the crutches!"

Motioning to Hypnotica's broken left leg, and the sprain in his other. Hypnotica just huffs and looks off to the side, still with an angered expression plastered on his face.

"So. Fucking. What? Okay, maybe kidnapping is a bit extreme, but..."

Sir's own angry expression starts to soften as he notices the tears that begin to fall from his partner's face. Wondering how long he's been holding it in.

"...I can't let my family take the blame for a stupid mistake that I made!"

Hypnotica's body begins to shudder as more tears fall, Sir walks over to him and embraces him in a way to try to calm him down.

"It's not your fault...all of you did what you could to try and handle the situation."

"That doesn't excuse all of the death and destruction that happened, and not to mention all the hurt my family is going through because of it!"

"No. It doesn't. But how is any of that your doing, hmm?"

"...I...I..."

"Shh, just stay, and relax. I'll make up a fully detailed report and send out a few copies to some of the stations. They'll most likely use those facts since my name does carry some weight..."

While still holding him with his right hand, Sir uses his left to tilt Hypnotica's chin up to meet his eyes. After a few seconds go by, he rests his head on his partner's.

"...Trust me dear. Everything will turn out just fine."

"Promise?"

"I promise. I saw it."

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

"A trusted source, who has decided to stay anonymous, has confirmed that the deaths in the Discorded Warehouse accident were not the before mentioned teams fault, but the fault of-"

"Thank you! Finally, a news channel that checks their facts. Even though I'm fine with a few deaths under my belt, but whatever I guess."

"Oh! Look Gummy! That's me! Saving all of those orphans was quite the task, I'll have to tell you all about it later."

"Kano my love! Let me help you with those dishes, there is far to many for one man to clean."

"Thank you Mochi! I kinda went all out with the meal this time, it was a celebration for everyone recovering so quickly....well, mostly everyone..."

"I call bullshit. Of course right after I get healed I trip down the stairs and end up right back to square one."

"Guess that means I'll have play nurse bit longer my dear."

~~*Cue Laugh Track*~~

#my writings #neversetinstone #...#I don't know if i want to tag this with the source material tags...#considering this made for like 3ish people

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milky-mochi · 5 years ago

Text

before you (2) | cyj

genre: nerd! yeonjun, nerd! reader, aged up! yeonjun, college! au, boyfriend! yeonjun

pairing: choi yeonjun x reader

summary: falling in love with choi yeonjun was like breezing through the chapters of a book, with highlights of him bookmarked in your head.

listen to: 🎶 me after you - paul kim 🎶

chapters: intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

the first time you realised you liked yeonjun, you couldn’t believe you had been blind to it for so long.

four months had passed since that first day of library club. since then, you and yeonjun formed a friendship you had come to depend on. it started out by sitting next to each other during lectures. then, it evolved into study calls, which turned into talking on the phone for hours. at the height of it all, your weekly study sessions.

thursdays were reserved for your time with yeonjun, when you both would sit at the cute little cafe across the road and pour over your books. misery felt a little less bad when done with another person.

initially, you were just there for the friendship. the study sessions became a source of comfort. the both of you were working hard to keep your reputation afloat, and yeonjun was the only one who understood your struggles. he felt your pain and your joy. there was sincere companionship in this boy that you had never found in anyone before.

eventually, these meetings meant more and more to you. they became the highlight of your day, before climbing its way into becoming the highlight of your week. before you knew it, you depended on it so much that just thinking about it brought you excitement.

but you didn’t even realise it then. you did, however, in one study session.

one thursday, your professor asked to see you after class. at first, you didn’t want to go for it. you were waiting anxiously to go see yeonjun instead. the temptation to give your professor an excuse and run off was overwhelming, but he did mention giving you some good news, and the overachiever in you had to give in.

picking up your phone, you speedily dialed yeonjun’s number. he picked up after only three rings of the dial tone, startling you. in the background, you heard the sound of cars driving by, indicating that yeonjun was already off campus.

“hey y/n! i’ll be there in a few, i’m walking over now!”

“hey yeonjun, i’m so sorry, i’m gonna be late. my professor has something to tell me so he asked me to meet him after class. i’ll probably be like, 15 minutes.”

you braced yourself for his reaction, expecting his voice to fall in disappointment or disapprovement and your heart to twist in pain. instead, his chirpy voice rang in your ears. “oh it’s okay don’t worry about it! i hope it’s good news?”

you sighed in relief, releasing a breath you didn’t even realise you were holding. “he slipped that it was regarding a new opportunity, so it should be good?”

“hell yeah! go get that thing! whatever it is! i’ll wait for you at the cafe, yeah?” yeonjun said.

you laughed before humming in agreement. seeing your professor bidding you to come over, you ended the call and made your way over to his desk.

“hi professor, you wanted to see me?”

“right, y/n,” your professor started, gathering a stack of papers, “you know about the praestantia award right?”

everyone knew what the praestantia award was. it was the most prestigious scholarship a person your age could get. the scholarship was a guaranteed ticket to all the embellishments on your portfolio. all the opportunities you were dying for would easily be within your reach.

“yes of course, sir.”

“well it’s nomination period, and the english faculty has decided to nominate you under the language category,” he said, handing you an envelope. “i’ve emailed you the portal for the application, and these are the resources you’ll need to complete your application. thank you for all your hard work, y/n.”

receiving the envelope with a nod, you smiled graciously at your professor. your heart was beating out of your body with excitement. all your hard work had finally paid off into something you could be proud of. as soon as you saw your professor leave, you scooped your bag out and dashed out of the lecture theatre, heading straight for the cafe.

after running at top speed, you reached the cafe. grabbing the handles of the glass front doors, you swung them open. inside, yeonjun sat comfortably, staring down at his books. a single earbud was in his ear as he picked his pen up to write something down. his coffee sat patiently beside his pencil case.

“hey yeonjun i’m so sorry i’m late,” you sighed, sliding into your seat. after placing your bag down, you took another look at the table. raising your eyebrows, you asked, “what’s all this?”

yeonjun flashed you a sheepish smile. “well, you said you were gonna get good news, so i wanted your coffee to be here by the time you were. i got you a cake too!” he said, gesturing to the second drink and plate in front of him. “i got your favourite, hot white chocolate mocha, and the red velvet cake. i even got them to add marshmallows into the coffee, since we come here so often.”

you felt like melting, like said marshmallows were melting into your mocha.

he remembered your order. not only did he remember it perfectly, he remembered the coffee you drank for celebration, which was different from the coffee you drank when you were sad (a cold brew with coconut milk and extra sugar, yeonjun remembered that too).

“yeonjun, oh my goodness, thank you so much,” you gushed, “how much was the coffee and the cake? i’ll pay you back-”

“don’t worry about it,” yeonjun waved, melting you with yet another smile, “my treat. you deserve this, y/n.”

shit.

it was at that moment awareness knocked on the door of your mind. everything fell in place: all the stolen glances, all your smiles at the thought of him. this was the moment you realised your oblivion melted away to reveal what you had been blind to: you liked choi yeonjun.

it was, however, a very weird moment for you to realise. it was nothing like all the love scenes you had read in your books. usually the female lead came to this epiphany when the male lead hugged her in the spur of the moment, or when she got jealous of another girl, or even when he brushed his hand against hers to reach for something.

but no. you realised you liked yeonjun because he bought you coffee and a cake.

but it really did mean a lot to you. it meant so much that yeonjun cared for you enough to want to celebrate your good news, without even knowing what it was for. he made you feel seen. so, maybe, it wasn’t that weird at all.

“thank you, yeonjun,” you thanked him once again.

he smiled and told you to try the cake. you complied, picking up the fork and scraping a piece off its side. when you tasted it, your face lit up. yeonjun laughed at your smile and offered you a napkin to wipe the cream cheese frosting from the corner of your mouth.

over cake and coffee, you talked instead of studying, for the first time this semester. usually, your conversations would unfold on the way to the bus stop afterwards, and on the bus home. but that day was not a usual day, given the two new pieces of information that had shaken your world. that day, the both of you had synced mentally, subconsciously aware of the fact that both of you wanted companionship, and not to study.

you talked for a long time, about anything and everything. about all the weird times you’d experienced together: the time you caught two people making out during library club, the time your professor brought his dog to class, the time an old lady asked you guys for a recommendation on the cakes and then bought you said cake. you talked until every drop of coffee had been sipped and the white plate by your side held nothing but maroon crumbs.

once yeonjun realised that you were both finished, he asked, “by the way, what did your professor want to tell you just now?”

“oh,” you said, mouth full of your last bite of cake. you swallowed it before continuing with a proud smile staining your face. “he told me the english faculty is nominating me for the praestantia award. under the language category!”

yeonjun let out a laugh, a mixture of surprise, happiness and pride. he put his hand up, offering you a high five. “y/n that’s incredible! you deserve it so much!”

smiling brightly, you high fived yeonjun. in his excitement, yeonjun held your hand and shook it as he commended you on your achievement. he gushed about all the opportunities it would bring you, about how high you could fly with that award. he didn’t even realise your hand in his.

a blush crept up on your cheeks as you felt yeonjun’s fingers on your. how else could you respond when the guy you liked held your hand, and didn’t even realise it?

it took yeonjun a while, but when he did realise, he pulled his hand away, the same way you did the first time you placed your hand on his shoulder during library club. under his breath, he muttered a sorry as he darted his gaze away from you. you swore you could have seen a light pink dust his cheeks too.

yeonjun cleared his throat to try clearing the awkwardness lingering in the air. “well you did amazing y/n. i’m so proud of you! we should go celebrate.”

your ears perked up at his words. he wanted to celebrate your achievement? with just the two of you? your heart picked up speed as you nodded meekly, unwilling to reveal what you were actually thinking.

“where do you wanna go?” yeonjun asked, almost nervously, as he placed his hands on the table.

“the new bookshop across town,” you answered, almost too quickly. “i heard they have cats in it, and they publish their own poetry. they publish their books with the binding i like.”

“the ones with a wide margin before the text starts?” yeonjun asked. he didn’t know why he did, if he was being honest. of course he remembered your favourite type of book binding. you liked it that way because then you could read without creasing the spine of the book.

delighted that yeonjun remembered such a little thing, you nodded with spritely energy. “and they use e.b. garamond!”

looking at you geeking over the books, yeonjun laughed and promised to bring you there over the weekend. it excited you to no end. but you had to chastise yourself for being unabashedly thrilled to go to the bookstore with him. your heart swelled with unknown and unfamiliar feelings, categorizable only by whatever you had read in books. and yet, you told yourself that your life wasn’t a romance novel. this crush would go like all the ones you had before. it would result in a one-sided pining for someone who would never like you back. you told yourself not to get too ahead of yourself and to cut all this crush stuff out. yeonjun could never like you back.

but little did you know, yeonjun’s heart resounded with the same feelings for you.

---

next chapter

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mystic-kitten-writer · 5 years ago

Text

Limerence [M] ︳15

Pairing: Zuko x OC

Genre: Romance, mainly fluff with future smut, and if you squint hard enough - you’ll find some angst.

Rating: SFW

Words: 6400+

Notes: It’s a big chapter everyone! Let the drama unfold and enjoy everyone <3

Masterlist ︳14 ︳ 16

❤ Buy me a coffee? ❤

Limerence: (English/n.) the state of being infatuated with another person.

The moment their eyes locked they knew - the flames within him twisted while the water within her turned. It was a connection, a connection that would lead to love, adventure, and drama.

Thanatophobia

(Greek/n.) The phobia of death; losing someone whom you love.

~ Ying Yue Jiang ~

“You look beauti- ahh-ahh-chooo!”

I giggled at Aang’s face, as it scrunched together as the sneeze seemed to overtake his whole body. He slightly jumped as the air he released was beyond reasonable, and even a few servants looked at us with surprise; their clothes swaying from his sneeze. Aang gave them a cheeky smile, as he innocently rubbed the back of his head, “Sorry…” he muttered out with a shy wave.

“What I was trying to say was you look beautiful Yue.” He said as he turned back to me. I giggled and nodded, “Thank you Aang.” He rubbed his bright red nose and tried his hardest to breathe; his nose must be so stuffy... I pouted and found myself tempted to heal, but as if he knew what I wanted he just smiled brightly through a dry cough, “Don’t worry.”

“I do worry. You should be in bed. Not here, it’s just a party – there will be tons in the future.” I grumbled as I watched the way Aang’s chest struggled to breathe properly. He was sick, a lot sicker than anyone expected. But yet here he stood, all dressed up in his Avatar attire with his wooden staff. “I’m already missing the party; the least I could do is come for the ceremony,” Aang said with a smile, trying to play it off as if he wasn’t in pain. He had deep under circles from the lack of sleep under his eyes, and his lips seemed a bit paler than usual.

“Aang, it’s fine. I would be happier if you were in bed.”

“I wouldn’t miss this day for anything Yue. The least I could do is be here for you.” He said thoughtfully. I smiled sadly and nodded at his words since I knew what he meant. Today was my big day. The day I was going to be introduced to the public as Zuko’s Consort. It was scary and exciting all at once. Yet, as happy as I was, I was a bit blue not having everyone here for this day. That wasn’t to say I wasn’t appreciative of Aang and Sokka or even Zuko’s family. They were sweethearts and supportive figures who helped me navigate the ropes, but it still would have been nice to have the gang here.

“Thank you…” I said softly, and Aang grinned, before giving me a small wink, “Before I forget, congratulations.” He said playfully. I titled my head to the side as I looked at him puzzled, “Congratulations?” I repeated in confusion. Aang chuckled, although it soon turned into a small fit of coughs. Gosh, Aang, you’re so sick! You need rest…

“You and Zuko. He told me you guys are finally official.” Aang said proudly, playfully shoving my shoulder as I blushed and nodded.

“He asked me out the other night….” I mumbled bashfully.

“You don’t understand how awesome this is — my two best friends, together. Soon you guys will get married, have little kids-” He ranted as he clasped his hands together in joy. For someone sick, he can for sure talk. I raised a brow as I observed how joyful he was but was soon distracted by the butterflies that danced in my stomach. Aang blurted everything that I would usually daydream of out in the open. Marriage, Kids? I thought I was rushing into things.

“It was you, wasn’t it?” I snorted. As if he knew what I was referring too already, Aang openly rubbed his beard and shrugged, “I may have talked to Zuko a bit…given him that little push.” Aang said mischievously. I laughed - I knew it! Zuko would have been too shy to ask me out that bluntly unless he had a driving force. That’s not to say Zuko wouldn’t want to, but he was definitely someone who needed that extra push.

“Thank you, Aang,” I said tenderly, and Aang nodded, understanding.

“Well, I’m going to get going, your endearing and loveable boyfriend is here. He seems happy.” I rolled my eyes but giggled as Aang wiggled his eyebrows and gave me a childish look. No matter how sick he was, he will forever be his upbeat self. He dashed off, his mustard coloured robes swaying with every sneeze. He really needed some rest if he wanted to get better before the Earth King comes in four days. Maybe I could stop by his room and heal him for a bit after the party…Katara will kill me if she finds out how sick he was.

The sound of people shuffling and mummers brought me out of my thoughts, as I turned around on my heel and gazed at the door. Probably just another royal family is entering, but as I stared around, I noticed that no one was saying a word but were bowing deeply. Why is everyone so…Heavy footsteps echoed into the room, and as my eyes gawked towards the door, I put two and two together.

Zuko strolled through, several guards following suit as he nodded his head in acknowledgment towards everyone. But he seemed different. His shoulders were relaxed, head held high, and he even had a specific something with every step. Aang was right, Zuko does look happy. Beyond happy - euphoric. An amiable smile painted his face as his golden eyes mused with interest. It was me biting my lip that brought me back to reality and reminded me to bow down at his presence.

The way his hair was pinned up and adorned with the Fire Nation symbol on top. Not a single strand out of place as he moved about and casually greeted a few royals at the entrance. Even his typically loose Fire Nation attire now hugged his body, revealing how toned he actually was. Gosh…the way his muscles flex as he shakes hands...Don't drool in public, that’s nasty Yue! I could spot a few folks around the room stealing glances at Zuko as well, seeing the same thing I was. But unlike them, I could proudly say he was mine. All mine.

He grinned broadly as he found Ursa, giving her a tight hug and pecking her cheek. Her eyes lit up with joy as she enthusiastically gripped Zuko’s arms and gushed. I could only imagine how happy she was, from the moment I arrived all she did was talk my ear off, saying how pleased she was for Zuko and me — thanking me for being there for Zuko, but in reality, he was the one there for me. Ursa was sweet, soft-spoken, and I could see much of her in Zuko, whether or not he realized. Kiyi pulled on his belt, wanting some attention, and Zuko ruffled her done-up hair with his large hands.

I could see Ursa smack Zuko’s hands and starting to grumble, annoyed that Zuko just ruined Kiyi’s hair. I found myself snickering at the sight; and the moment my giggle left my lips, Zuko’s attention switched from them to me. His eyes met mine, and the way his mouth slightly parted made it seem like he was surprised to see me. He stood there dumbfounded, and it wasn’t until Ursa shoved him forward, that he began walking hesitantly. Was he mad? Why is he looking at me like I have three heads?

I moved towards him and shyly bowed, “Fire Lord Zuko…” I said kindly, but Zuko didn’t utter a word. I frowned and tilted my head to the side as I observed him. “What’s wrong…is everything okay?” I asked tentatively as Zuko eyed me up and down. Was there something on my face? Did I do something? What in the world-

“Y-Yue. You look…gorgeous.” Zuko blurted.

I furiously blushed as I anxiously played with my fingers to prevent myself from slapping his chest. That was why this man looked at me like I had three heads or something!? A smirk played along his face as he spiritedly gripped my hands, bringing them to his plush lips and planting sweet kisses to every finger; not a single place untouched. My skin tingled in anticipation from his delicate kisses, as the thought of me looking gorgeous in his eyes filled me with an overwhelming sense of confidence.

I treasured dressing up, having my hair and makeup done. Yet no moment in my life could compare to this level of ‘appearance.’ My hair was pulled up from either side, letting my hair cascade down my back, as an ornate golden crown was carefully placed upon me. Painted golden dragons soared along my red and white robes, highlighting my own golden eyes. My makeup was also dramatic, which took me by surprise given that I haven’t dolled up in a bit since it has been too humid to do so. But the way Zuko’s eyes studied me, he seemed to be enjoying the sight. I need to ask Suki for some seductive lessons…

“Absolutely breathtaking - it’s dangerous…are you trying to get someone’s attention? Should I be worried?” He grumbled into my hands.

“Z-Zuko,” I spoke timidly, not expecting this much intimacy in front of everyone. I could see a few people observing us with merriment as Zuko kissed my hands. After seeing my rosy face, Zuko chuckled before planting one last possessive kiss on my ring finger, “If I had known they were going to doll you up like this I would have marked you up last night. Make sure everyone knows you’re mine.” He hummed as his hand caressed my glowing cheeks. I pouted, and despite all royal protocol, I prudently slapped his chest, “D-don’t say stuff like this so publicly.” I grumbled as he chuckled at my humiliation.

“Don’t tease the poor girl before she even stepped outside Zuko.”

Zuko turned around, caught off guard, and I curiously glanced over his broad shoulders. Who’s that? That voice…I don’t recognize it at all.

A tall, lanky man stood behind us, his hands placed over his thin figure as he grinned widely. He must have been around Ursa’s age, a bit older, as his smile actuated the wrinkles underneath his brown eyes. Zuko’s eyes lit up as he smiled harmlessly, letting his hand drop effortlessly from my face and loosely by his side. The man looked at me before he bowed deeply, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ying Yue, I’m Noren, Ursa’s husband.” Noren. Husband?

Zuko snickered as he seemed to notice the exact moment his words clicked in my head and I realized who this man was. “Oh! N-no, the pleasure is all mine.” I blurted as I bowed down deeply. This was Zuko’s step-dad; any slower Yue!?

Noren chuckled casually as he waved his hands to dismiss my formality. “Please, no need! I’m just a regular man, like everyone else in this room. I wish we could have met earlier; I was tied in some business and I just barely made it for your big day! We plan on opening another theatre in a local town. Hopefully, you and Zuko can come by and see it when the construction is all done.” He spoke gleefully. That’s right, Ursa and Noren were the ambassadors of Drama and Theatre for the Fire Nation.

I smiled and nodded, “I would love to visit the new theatre, is that alright Zuko?”

“Whatever you wish,” Zuko said with a smile towards me. Noren raised his brows, watching the way Zuko observed me with the broadest smile in the world. Zuko seemed abnormally happy today; was it because there was a party? How I looked? Or maybe, just maybe, because he was going to announce to the world that I was his...probably that – what a greedy man. Noren cleared his throat before eyeing the doors that lead to the Coronation Plaza.

“It seems all the preparations are done… whenever you two are ready.”

The moment those words left his mouth I could feel my palms get clammy and suddenly a cold sweat start. Gosh, I feel like I’m the one who's going to get sick at this rate. The whole time I was here I indulged in the treats that servants served or small talked with random nobles. But now that the moment had arrived, I could undoubtedly hear the ruckus from outside, and I nervously bit my lip. What if the people don’t like me? What if they think I’m not good enough? What if they found out I’m a Waterbender? Or what if I’m just too ugly-

Zuko tightly squeezed my hand, snapping me out of my self-defeating thoughts and gave me a reassuring smile, “Your perfect. It’ll be quick, and then we can go eat lunch in gardens, just as planned.” Zuko spoke calmly; he fingers gently rubbing my palm. I let out a shaky sigh and found myself looking back up to Noren. He smiled sympathetically, “You’ll get used to the royal speeches. Anyways, you’re in safe hands.” He said before giving me a quick bow and walking off to Ursa and Kiyi.

“Ready?” Zuko spoke as he looked at me.

“As ready as I'll ever be.”

“Perfect.”

With a quick flip of his wrist, the room fell silent, and all eyes were on us, “Let’s start.” Zuko said firmly. As if that was all was needed to be said, all the nobles began walking outside, leaving the room empty beside his family and us. It was then I felt someone poke my shoulder, “Break a leg, Princess.”

“Sokka…” I said breathlessly, when did he arrive? Sokka smiled, although I swore I could see his eyes tearing up a bit, “My little sister is all big…you know, it’s still not too late to leave this royal pain in the ass.” Sokka said light-heartedly only for Zuko to scoff, “As if I would let her.” I knew Aang had come back based on the endless fits of sneezes, “You better hold those sneezes during my speech.” Zuko lectured while Aang gave him a cheeky thumbs up. I laughed, before a guard came to us, bowing lowly before speaking.

“Fire Lord Zuko, it is time to depart. Imperial Consort Ying Yue, I shall give you your cue when the time to present yourself arrives.” I nodded, and with one last squeeze of my hand, Zuko let go, the sudden warmth that I had learned to crave - gone. Zuko stood in front with Aang, while Ursa, Noren, Kiyi, Iroh and Sokka followed suit. I watched as they left the room, as I was the only one left behind.

The crowds instantly roared seeing Zuko. And like second nature, Zuko smiled gracefully and began waving at his people. The nobles gazed over at Zuko with the utmost respect, and it was then reality hit me as to who I was dating.

Zuko was Fire Lord.

And while it was such an obvious fact, it was something I always pushed away - and maybe it was because I never got to see him fully engaged in his role. I was used to his playfulness, those silly pointless banters that we shared. But it was because of those sweet moments, that I forget who he was to the rest of the world.

He was a man of honour, a leader, and the very person his Nation looked up to in terms of hope and security. The weight of responsibility that rests upon his shoulders was tremendous, yet despite it all, he made time for me. Whether it was for a few minutes, to a whole day, he did it for me.

When he finally reached the end of the stage, he raised his hand, and the crowd instantaneously went silent. Zuko cleared his throat and began to speak with a powerful and booming voice, “Good Afternoon royal highnesses, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is with great honour, that today we celebrate a milestone, for not just myself, but the Nation as a whole…”

I found myself lost in his speech, the way he spoke so fluently, not an ounce of hesitation or fear lingered in his voice. He just seemed so confident, so self-assured in himself that anyone who could hear him wouldn't be able to rip their eyes away from him or ignore his words. Home, this was home to him. A gentle hand touched my shoulder, catching me off guard. I turned to look, only to see the guard smiling, “It’s time.” My eyes widen, and I looked forward.

Zuko was now facing me, Kiyi standing beside him and holding a small container of red paint, her smile warm as she swayed side to side in her spot. “It is with great honour, for me to introduce impending Imperial Consort Ying Yue Jiang, the future Fire Nation Queen,” Zuko spoke.

Shit. This is it. There’s no going back. Holy mother of pearl what have I gotten myself in to. With a deep breath, I walked forward. I tried my hardest to look at the crowd, but the moment my eyes wandered, I could feel myself getting panicky and looked back at Zuko. Zuko, right now, was my beacon of sanity, the only thing keeping me from tripping over my feet and having a nervous breakdown. My heart was pounding, and my hands were sweaty Yue calm down! You’ve done this countless of times. This is normal. Calm down! I could see Zuko chuckle as he seemed to notice my internal dilemma, although he was good at hiding it, clearly better than my dumbass.

The people applauded, and I stopped in front of Zuko. With a quick bow of acknowledgement, I kneeled in front of Zuko, only then did I look at him directly. His smile calmed down my beating heart, but I couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes darted back and forth, he was nervous. Just like me. He quickly dipped a finger into the red paint, that Kiyi held, before he started speaking, the oath.

“Do you, Ying Yue Jiang, willingly take this oath, of Imperial Consort?”

“I do.”

“And do you, Ying Yue Jiang, solemnly promise to represent the people. To protect and serve the Nation, to care and adhere to all laws regarding the Fire Nation. To serve me as your Fire Lord, in preparation of becoming Fire Nation Queen?”

“I promise.”

“Then, as Fire Lord, I shall declare you as my Imperial Consort, future Queen.”

His finger delicately ran along the skin between my eyebrows, and I knew right away what he was drawing. A flame. This was it. It was official. I was his Imperial Consort. There was no going back from this. No ‘redo's.’ It was literally sealed.

My eyes met Zuko’s, and we both started smiling bashfully, a nervous giggle escaping my lips as Zuko chuckled. There wasn’t a single thing I wouldn’t do for Zuko.

“Congratulations Imperial Consort Ying Yue. It’s a pleasure meeting you; I can’t wait till the wedding!” gushed a noble. Her eyes shinnied brightly as she linked arms with her husband, who wore formal military attire. He was a General, that was all I managed to gather, as I was still running on a high from the whole ceremony that took place just a few moments ago. “Maybe a few children as well? I never knew how much my life would change for the better until I had Lilian and Scar.” Her husband said with a bright smile.

I blushed as I tightly hugged Zuko’s arm, only for Zuko to chuckle and nod his head in agreement, “I look forward to that stage. How about you, Ying Yue?” Zuko asked as he gazed down at me. I timidly smiled and nodded, “I’ve never thought much about having a family until recently, I would love a child, in due time.” Zuko smiled before politely nodding his head, “I do apologize, but we must get going…” Zuko spoke, and the two nobles simply smiled and nodded, “No worries, but once again, congratulations Fire Lord Zuko and Imperial Consort Ying Yue. You both are lovely together.”

I nodded my thanks before we turned on my heel, wandering about. I let out another breath of air and Zuko did the same, “Tired yet?” Zuko said with a laugh at my anxious and worn-out expression. The day barely started, and I was already exhausted. We were in the gardens, where Zuko had planned the reception to take place. It wasn’t as formal as one would expect, and I was happy about that. Tables were scattered throughout the garden’s where people feasted on their meals and were free to mingle. The children, on the other hand, were given a chance to feed the turtle ducks at the waterfall, an idea strongly pitched by Kiyi.

I smiled, watching the kids line the edge of the water, trying to get the turtle ducks attention. They chattered amongst each other, only the spirits knew about what. There was a lot of children who resided at the palace, ‘after the war, a lot of babies were made’ Sokka once said as a joke. Who knew there was some truth to that joke.

“Would you like a family?” I blurted, and as soon as the question left my lips, I could feel my cheeks flare up. Zuko’s eyes widen a bit, taken aback from my blunt question, “S-sorry, you don’t have to answer that. I-I was just thinking and - you know, I’ll just stop talking now-”

“Yue~! Come feed the turtle ducks with us!” cried out Kiyi from the pond. She waved her arms around frantically, as she stood beside a boy who didn’t look much younger than her. Bless her for saving me from this awkward moment.

“Coming button!” I said as I waved my hand back to her with a large smile. But as I tried to dash, Zuko held his grip on my arm causing me to be flung back to his chest, “Not without me you aren’t. It seems like Kiyi is enjoying you more than me.” Zuko said with a laugh. I smiled as we both walked to the pond. Maybe he didn’t hear my question? Or decided to be merciful and ignore it altogether.

The kids all huddled together along the shoreline, and Kiyi hugged me, “Yue~. You look beautiful. Oh, this is my friend, his name is Tom-Tom, Tom-Tom, this is Yue. She’s my big brother’s girlfriend.” She spoke cheerfully. Tom-Tom flushed furiously as he nodded his head to me and muttered a quiet hello. I giggled and kneeled to their level, “So are you guys feeding the turtle ducks?” I asked as I watched all the children near us with small bags of food.

Kiyi nodded, but she pouted, “We’re trying to, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of them right now…and whatever turtle ducks are here they’re too far away.” She spoke miserably. I gazed upon the water and noticed she was right. They were farther into the water, but oddly enough, they weren’t swimming around but floated along the body of water. That’s weird…

“How about you guys step inside then?” Zuko spoke. My eyes widen as I stood up to face him; he was joking, right? “Get in the water?” I mused.

But before Zuko could confirm his suggestion, all of the children began stripping themselves of their shoes and started splashing about. Their pants and dresses were getting soaked, but they didn’t seem to care at all. They laughed and screamed with joy as they were finally getting close enough to feed the ducks. “Aren’t their parents going to get mad?” I spoke worriedly as I looked over the kids, who seemed to be having a blast. Zuko laughed and shrugged, “They’re kids. Let them have fun while they can…” He muttered.

I raised a brow as I placed my hands on my hips, “And what about their parents?” I asked. “I’m pretty sure they aren’t going to be happy having their kids soaking wet.”

“Good thing I’m Fire Lord. What I say goes.” I laughed and poked his chest, “Good job with not taking advantage of your power.” I snickered, and Zuko grinned madly, a trait clearly learned from Aang. He wrapped an arm over my shoulders, bringing me close as we watched the kids splash about in the water. Today was perfect. We were together, celebrating and happy. I let my head fall against his shoulder as I hummed to myself.

Kiyi held Tom-Tom’s hand in the water, as he seemed quite nervous. Probably not a swimmer…She held the bag of food, letting him throw the food at the turtle ducks. I watched as the water moved around the kids, but I couldn’t help but frown as I observed the water.

It seemed…different.

Something wasn’t right.

I could feel my muscles stiffen, as I began standing straight, “Zuko…” I whispered with an edge to my voice.

The water was darker than usual. Usually, I could see straight through to the bottom, but I couldn’t today. The water this time was murky. My Waterbender instinct started screaming ‘danger’ as I began to fretfully scan around. My eyes trailed upwards to the fall, and I noticed how deafening the sound of the water crashing downwards was. How did I not notice before? The water ran faster than usual. And for a split moment, I swore I saw someone or something standing above the cliff.

“Yue, what’s wrong?” Zuko asked, but I tuned him out.

The water was running faster and faster.

Small pieces of rocks were starting to mix with the water.

Oh my gosh, please no. Please, no.

My heart dropped, and I could hear my heart beating rapidly in my ears. My blood pumped furiously, and my body began to move without a second thought. My mind was on auto-pilot mode, as I anxiously ran towards the water, my steps splashing noisily. I raised my arms upwards, mustering all of the strength I could gather.

Kiyi, Tom-Tom…Anything but the kids. Please, not the kids.

~ Fire Lord Zuko ~

I embraced Ying Yue tightly to my side, smiling pleasantly to myself as I gazed over her. Everything about her was just perfect. The smile on her face was beautiful; her golden eyes were beautiful; she was just beautiful. But as wonderful as she was, she more than just ‘my girlfriend’ or ‘consort,’ she was my friend. A friend who seemed to understand everything, and even a bit more.

I looked back at the children that played in the water, large smiles painting their faces as they eagerly fed the turtle ducks. Family. She asked me if I wanted a family. I sighed to myself. Did I want a family? I frowned thinking about my own family. Would I be fit enough to be a dad? What’s to say that I wouldn’t turn out exactly like my father? A monster.

“Zuko…”

My ears perked up as I looked down at Yue. Her bottom lip trembled, and her eyebrows pinched together. A look of terror and apprehension painted her face as she looked forward. I gazed back at the children, what did she see that I’m not?

“Yue, what’s wrong?” I asked, trying to mask the hint of concern that mixed with my voice. Yue looked scared, no - terrified, as if she saw the dead rise in front of her. I pulled back to look at her carefully, but as if something entirely overcame her, she sprinted forward.

Her eyes were wide, and she panted heavily as her feet splashed into the water. “Yue!” I yelled and began to step forward, my boots struggling to keep up with her sprint. Was this pond always so muddy? My feet seemed to sink into the mud with every step. I reached forward, trying to grasp onto her arm, but her silk dress slipped through my fingers. My eyes widen as I watched her movement, stopping cold in my tracks.

Her arms started to rise by her sides, her fingers flicking upwards.

She was going to bend.

“YUE!”

A deafening sound echoed throughout the gardens, causing everyone to gasp and hurriedly covered their ears. What the fuck was that? With my ears covered, I looked towards the waterfall, and I could feel my blood run cold, and my stomach dropped.

The waterfall, the rocks, they were crashing down. They broke — a landslide.

The kids. They were still in the water.

I need to grab the children; I have to get them out there. But I can’t grab them all; the rocks are already falling. As soon as I found the ability to move once again, the water that was just underneath me begin to rise at an instant. I found myself wiping the water from my face, as the children screamed earsplittingly as the water engulfed them for a split second.

Yue stood in the middle of the pond, her arms spread wide, all of the water above her. She was bending; she bent all of the water above her. She was freezing the water; she was making a barrier to protect the children. The ice above her crackled and cracked as the rocks from the waterfall began to tumble on top of her. Sweat beaded down Yue’s face as she grounded down on her teeth. She was single-handedly supporting the weight of a whole waterfall on her back.

My eyes met hers, and with a look of desperation, she screamed, “GET THE KIDS. I-I can’t hold this for much longer.” She whimpered. Yue…fuck. I ran forward, “GRAB THE BLOODY KIDS!” I screamed towards the guards as they hastily scooped them into their arms. I could hear parents crying out to their children as the kids cried into their arms. I wrapped my arms tightly around Kiyi and Tom-Tom, scooping them into my arms without hesitation. “B-but Yue! Zuzu, Yue needs your help!” Kiyi cried out in my arms.

I dropped them at the shoreline, “Zuko- Yue.” Mom spoke worriedly as she cradled Kiyi close. Tom-Tom dashed off to Mai. Mai looked terrified as she scooped Tom-Tom into her arms. I turned around and swore. Yue fell onto her knees, the mud pulling her in as tears started to form. She was struggling. Where is the fucking Avatar when you needed him? “YUE!” Sokka shouted as he threw another kid onto land. I need to save her. I need to get her out; she won’t last much longer.

“STOP!” She screamed, and I looked upward, her face flustered as she whimpered out. The large wings of ice she managed to form were about to break; rocks started seeping through the cracks, cutting up her delicate skin. “A-are the kids…are they all safe?” She groaned out.

“Yes but-”

“Zuko run.” She spoke sternly.

“What?”

“I-I can’t- RUN!” She shouted. Sokka grabbed my arm, pulling me back, before dust and the sound of thousands of pounds of rock and stone fell. People coughed as dust flooded the air and my eyes burned. Sokka and I laid on the ground, struggling to breathe properly as the smell of crushed rock completely suffocated my nose.

“Are you alright?” Sokka gasped, struggling to breathe. “Yeah, you?” I huffed out painfully. I rubbed my eyes trying to get a better sight around us. I could hear people coughing noisily, children crying, while other people muttered out in disbelief at the fact that Yue was a Waterbender. Our secret, it was out in the open. Fuck it. That’s the least of my fucking worries right now.

As the dust began to settle, I sat up and looked forward. The waterfall was no longer there. Instead laid a giant pile of rocks and gushing water. Yue. I have to find her. Pushing through my dry coughs and the dusty air I crawled forward, “Zuko, what are you-” Sokka groaned painfully, as he clenched his chest.

“Yue, she is in there.” I panted as I stood. The pile of rocks was massive. She had to be in there. Please be alive. Fuck, if she is hurt-

“Zuko?” a small faint voice muttered out.

My eyes widen, and I desperately began climbing over the loose rocks. Water began to gush from underneath my grip of the rocks, and like a lost child, she was slowly crawling from the top of the pile. Her long black hair stuck to her face, as blood began to drop from the small wounds on her face. Her clothes were torn as she struggled to pull herself out, “Babe, I’m here don’t move! Let me pull you out!” Without protest, she moaned in pain and let her body fall against the jagged rocks.

I wrapped my arms around her torso, “The kids.” She muttered. I looked down at her, was she really concerned with the kids after she single-handedly withstood the weight of a fucking waterfall and then let it crash on top of her? She was selfless. She was never thinking about herself, always putting herself second. She’s going to be the death of me.

“They’re safe Yue, are you okay?” I pulled on her body, as her head fell against my neck, “Just a bit…sleepy…” She muttered. With a final tug, I managed to pull her out of the rubble, as she rested over me. Her breathing was short and shallow, “Yue?” I spoke gently, as I patted her back. “Hmm?” She moaned. I pulled back, getting a good look on her. Her eyes struggled to stay open before her eyes finally fluttered shut. “Yue? Hey, don’t you fucking sleep on me now.” I spoke sternly as I gently tapped her cheeks.

But she was passed out. She pushed herself, pushed her bending to the very limits. I cradled her tightly to my body; I had to get her to the infirmary. Fuck Yue. Why did you have to so reckless, so generous? My feet evened out on the ground as I held her as close as I could to myself. Sokka looked over at me with concern, “Yue…” He started.

“She’s fine, passed out, she pushed herself,” I answered, but that was when I noticed a few council members standing behind Sokka. Frowns painted their faces as they looked at Yue with disgust. As if she was an enemy, a traitor, “She’s a Waterbender Fire Lord Zuko…” They grumbled under their breath. I frowned.

Let the shit show begin.

~ Azula ~

“Your little partner seems surprised. Didn’t let her in on the plan?” He spoke with a taunt. I scowled as I watched the way Mai tightly hugged her younger brother, a look of shock and fear painted her face.

“I made the mistake of trusting her too much. After today, I’ll know where her ties lie.” I spoke bitterly as I crossed my arms. I watched the way Ying Yue dissolved her wings of ice, and instead bent the water to embrace her. An ice bubble. The rocks began to fall, but her cocoon of ice protected her. What a smart and crafty girl…Just like her Uncle.

“So what do you think - Yakone…”

Yakone laughed as he crouched down, watching the sight unfold. He ran his hand through his brown hair as his blue eyes watched with amusement. The Royals looked like chickens with their heads cut off, not knowing whether to hide or run as dust puffed upwards. The sound of the rocks falling was deafening, despite us being high on the cliff, I found myself grimacing at the noise.

“Believe me now Yakone?” I spoke with my arms crossed as I gazed down at the man below me. A broad grin painted his face, a rare sight indeed.

“Oh, she’s my niece alright.” He said with a hysterical laugh as he watched the way Ying Yue bend. She was good; I had to give her that. Even better than that stupid Southern Water Tribe girl, what was her name…Katara?

I watched as Zuko struggled to climb up the debris, trying his hardest to reach Ying Yue, who seemed to have pushed herself to the point of exhaustion.

“So Yakone, does this mean she inherited the family heirloom?” I said with a laugh. But Yakone stood up, a dark and menacing smirk plastered on his face as he turned to face me. It was some of the few moments in my life where I felt a cold chill run up my spine. Yakone was not someone you could underestimate. He was petrifying, a terrifying figure who had no fear slaying the mighty or weak.

“She’s a Bloodbender alright. I wonder how much my sister taught her?” Yakone pondered to himself as he stepped closer to the edge.

A Bloodbender. The deadliest form of bending, and powerful. I guess I do have to keep my guard up around Ying Yue; I wonder if her friends knew her dirty secret? I wonder if dear Zuzu knows…maybe I should pay him a nice family visit sometime soon…

I swiftly turned on my heel, starting to formulate a new plan. We found out what we needed to know for now. Now I can leave my dear brother to deal with the aftermath. Hope I didn’t leave too much of a mess.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Avatar characters portrayed in this story besides Ying Yue Jiang, Lia, Kima, and any future creations.

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#Zuko #zuko x reader #zuko x oc #love story #avatar the last airbender #fluff #future smut #series #fire lord zuko #avatar #prince zuko #thanks for reading!#please enjoy

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coneygoil · 6 years ago

Text

Of Snowstorms and Snoggletog

Hiccup and Astrid’s first Snoggletog together doesn’t go as planned, but sometimes the most unexpected things turn out to be the most memorable.

Writer’s note: A (belated) Snoggletog collaboration fic between me and @chiefhiccstrid! What a fun time we had writing it together! Thank you Stef for being such an awesome writing partner and friend <3

“Took you long enough, son!” Stoick gave a hearty laugh and a generous slap on the back when Hiccup informed his father of his decision to take Astrid to be his wife. His father was over the moon with the decision and the joy radiating from him gave Hiccup the courage to ask if he could give Astrid his mother’s betrothal gift.

“I know it’ll be in good hands,” Stoick said as he pressed the medallion into Hiccup’s palm.

The corners of Hiccup’s mouth curved up as warmth rose in his chest. “Thanks, dad.”

“I’ll take care of the marriage contract with the Hoffersons. Now get back to the Edge! The faster you get back, the faster Astrid becomes my future daughter-in-law!”

A current of relief flowed over Hiccup at the weight in his hand. The medallion was finally in his possession; the same medallion his father presented to his mother all those years ago. Now he would present it to Astrid.

Tucking the betrothal gift safely in his saddle bag, Hiccup hopped on Toothless, his eagerness reflecting in his voice. “Let’s go, bud!”

***

Hiccup and Toothless had flown through many treacherous weather conditions, especially snowstorms which were not uncommon in the Archipelago. This storm was proving to be quite the challenge.

Toothless had spotted the thick gray clouds before Hiccup and tried convincing his rider to fly another route.

“C’mon, Toothless,” Hiccup chided, pulling on the handlebars to straight his dragon’s course. “We’ve flown through this type of weather before. Besides, if we fly around it, we’d be late for our first Snoggletog feast on the Edge!”

Toothless groaned his discontentment, but followed Hiccup’s lead.

Snow flurries rushed by as they approached the darkening sky. A shiver raced through Hiccup as the icy wind disregarded his clothing. His eyes stung to the point of tears at the cold blasts that quickly became unbearable. Hiccup leaned forward on Toothless, the dragon’s heated scales not penetrating the frigidness.

Several minutes into the snowstorm, Hiccup knew he should have heeded his dragon’s instinct. The snow became a thick wall of white the deeper they flew inside and Hiccup feared they’d crash into a sea stack or mountain if they continued on this blind course.

“Hey, bud!” Hiccup yelled into Toothless’ ear, “Find a place to land! We can’t go on in this storm!” Toothless rumbled smugly. “Yeah, yeah! You were right!”

Releasing several echo blasts that reverberated across landscape, Toothless perked up at the sign of something below. The dragon dived down, Hiccup tightening his grip on the handlebars at the sudden descent. It was no use with eyes open, the visibility being zero to none, and Hiccup shut out the icy darts that pelted him as they dove.

Toothless released one last echo blast and soon, Hiccup felt the bounce of his dragon landing. He rubbed away the gathered snow from his face and blinked away the blurriness that had set in during the blinded descent. A dense canopy of trees greeted them, making the visibility further, though they still seemed to be surrounded by a curtain of thick flurries.

Hiccup grabbed hold of Toothless’ harness for stability in the gathering carpet of snow and to not risk being separated. “C’mon, bud, let’s find shelter to wait this out. Looks like we’ll be late for the Snoggletog Feast after all.”

***

Worry flooded over Astrid the longer she stood outside of the clubhouse with her arms crossed and looking to the cloudy sky, waiting to spot a certain black dragon and his rider.

But they never came.

They were expected hours ago. Hours before the sun set and definitely hours before the snow started to fall and cover every inch of the ground.

It was Snoggletog and the first time spending the beloved holiday away from Berk. They were all supposed to spend it together after Hiccup returned from helping his dad with something he couldn’t...or wouldn’t...tell her about. But the later it got, the hungrier and grouchier everyone became so they just ended up eating without him. All except Astrid who was still standing outside and looking up at the sky that was now pouring thick and heavy snow.

Hiccup was usually only late for two reasons: he either got sidetracked by something or something was wrong.

Astrid’s gut told her it was the latter, and she usually trusted her gut. It had been right more than it had been wrong.

So, that’s why she filled a satchel with the essentials, leftover food, water, and a blanket, hopped on Stormfly and took off into the dark skies in search of her really reckless boyfriend.

The further south she flew the worse the snowstorm grew. It was coming down so hard and so fast now she couldn’t see Stormfly’s head in front of her anymore. She only knew her dragon was still there by the saddle in between her legs and the winds off the quick and constant flapping of her large wings.

Astrid was used to flying in the cold but this wasn’t cold...this was frigid. The more feeling she lost in her face and hands meant she was going to have to land if they didn’t find Hiccup soon.

But Stormfly’s sudden squawk threw that thought right out of her mind because Astrid knew that squawk. It meant whatever they were tracking was close, “Did you find them, girl?” she asked the determined dragon while scratching the side of her neck.

Astrid breathed a sigh of relief as they gradually flew lower and an island came into view. The girl and her dragon did one lap around the island and tried to spot them from above but the heavy snow and tree-covered forest made it too difficult to see. Figuring it would be easier on foot, the two landed in a small clearing.

Astrid hopped off and sunk into the thick snow that covered her feet and went up past her ankles. They began trudging through the forest, the snow crunching under their feet, and looking for any sign of the missing boy and his dragon.

***

The cave was shallow, but rider and dragon were sheltered from the driving storm. A small fire crackled to life thanks to Toothless and the spare branches Hiccup managed to collect.

Hiccup pressed his back into the heated belly of his dragon. As he gazed at the small flickering flames, his mind wandered to a roaring fire, a warm cup of mead, and beautiful blonde he longed to hold in his arms. He imagined, like he had many times before, asking her the question that had been on his mind even before he and Astrid were officially together. He’d loved her for so many years, but that love had grown and matured and it meant more now. So much more.

Hiccup sighed through his nose. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you, bud. I guess it’s just you and me spending Snoggletog together.”

Toothless crooned in empathy, already forgiving his rider for the mistake. Hiccup smiled at his best friend and reached out to scratch at his dragon’s jawline.

They’d both settled in comfortably. Toothless wrapped around Hiccup as the rider watched the furious snow blow across the entrance of the cave. Hiccup’s eyelids began to drift closed, the long journey and the warmth of the fire and his dragon lulling him to sleep. But he was jarred awake by Toothless’ sudden movement.

Hiccup sat up, rubbing away the drowsiness from his eyes. Toothless’ ears stood straight on end, eyes wide and staring out the entrance. “What is it, bud?”

The dragon’s ears twitched once, twice. Toothless jumped up and bounded from the cave. “Toothless, where are you going?!” Hiccup cried after him. Without a thought for his own safety, Hiccup dashed after him.

***

This wasn’t how Astrid expected to spend her Snoggletog. She expected a warm fire, a nice meal, and her crazy friends.

She wasn’t expecting over a foot of snow, a dark forest, or frostbite threatening to set in.

Yet here she was walking through the snow storm, arms wrapped around herself to try and keep some of her body heat contained while trying to stay alert looking for any sign of Toothless and Hiccup, who better have a real good explanation for making her spend her favorite holiday this way.

But the longer she walked and the deeper into the forest they trekked, the more the worry grew in the pit of her stomach. She was uneasy as the screaming winds picked up and the snow grew stronger, making it hard to see and hear if anything...or anyone...was going to sneak up on her.

Astrid kept a close eye on Stormfly walking beside her, knowing that the very second something was to go amiss she would be the first to realize it. Stormfly would stop and squawk and then turn her head in the direction of the sound or the smell...just like she was doing now.

“Stormfly…” Astrid trailed off looking around her for any sign of what caught the attention of her dragon.

Then her trusty companion just flew off.

“Where are you going?” She chased after her for a moment, but the heavy snow made it hard to see and even harder to run.

Astrid stopped and took her ax off the secure spot on her back. She squinted as she turned in a circle, hoping it would help see in the dark and through the blizzard.

Even through the screaming winds she still managed to hear the crunching of snow and the snap of a frozen stick behind her. Her heart pounding in her chest, Astrid adjusted the ax in her palm and whipped around, ready to strike at whatever decided to try and sneak up on her.

Her ax was raised and the next step was release but that part, thankfully, never happened.

“Astrid! It’s me!” Hiccup cried out, raising his arms to protect himself for the blow that never came.

She lowered her weapon and breathed a heavy sigh of relief that he seemed to be safe from both the storm and the damage her ax has been known to bring, “Gods, Hiccup, you know better than to sneak up on me.”

“I know, I know,” he took a few steps towards her and she could see his flushed face better now, “I just wasn’t expecting to find you out here walking around.”

Astrid crossed her arms and slyly smirked at the boy, “Is that really how you talk to the girl who flew and walked through a blizzard on Snoggletog just to make sure you hadn’t gotten yourself killed?”

He spotted the humor in her tone and played along, “No, probably not. What could I do to make it up to you?”

“Get us out of this snow and somewhere warm.” She shivered.

Hiccup held out his hand, which Astrid happily took and intertwined their cold fingers, “Right this way, milady.”

The two trudged back to the small cave Hiccup had emerged from earlier, hand-in-hand, and thankful that even if this wasn’t exactly how they imagined to spend their holiday, they were at least getting to spend the rest of it together.

***

“Toothless found this cave and we’ve been hunkered down in here ever since,” Hiccup explained as he broke a few more branches to feed the embers that were left of the fire.

The disappointment of missing Snoggletog and the special chance of proposing the question had completely slipped away now that Astrid was with him. Hiccup could hardly believe his eyes and the happiness of her presence sent sparks through him. This wasn’t exactly the ideal place to spend Snoggletog, but at least they were together now.

Astrid was standing across from him by the growing fire with her hands out in front of her and soaking up all the warmth that she could.

“How did the feast go back on the Edge?” Hiccup asked.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy it,” she smiled, “They left you plenty of Yaknog too.”

Hiccup chuckled nervously and tried his best to sound excited over having plenty of Astrid’s holiday drink concoction waiting for him when he returned, “Oh, great-”

Heavy footsteps tromped through the snow up to the cave entrance. Hiccup flicked his eyes up from stoking the fire, and just as he expected, his wayward dragon had returned with a friend.

He stood. “Nice of you two to join us.” Toothless warbled as he circled around the fire and gave his rider an affectionate nudge with his nose.

“You had me worried, girl!” Astrid hugged Stormfly, the Nadder gently nuzzling her rider’s cheek. Astrid smiled across the cave catching Hiccup’s affectionate gaze. “At least we’re all together now.”

“All we need is food,” Hiccup remarked. He reached for the saddlebag hanging from Toothless, but before he could reach it, Astrid’s echoing gasp halted his action.

“Oh!” Astrid suddenly remembered and began digging in the satchel she filled before she left, “I brought leftovers.” She took out the contents, showing them to Hiccup.

He peered over at the food she was unwrapping. She laid out slices of bread and cheese and then pork. Hiccup’s stomach growled when he got a whiff of his favorite type of meat. He looked back up at Astrid, grinning when the two made eye contact, “You’re amazing.”

She returned the smile and felt heat rise to her cheeks that wasn’t just a cause of the fire next to them, “And don’t you forget it.” Astrid pushed his shoulder playfully.

They ate, both so hungry that the only sounds were them scarfing down the food and the cracking of the fire around them.

Not long after they finished eating the leftovers they found themselves wrapped in each others arms. They were resting against a sleeping Toothless, Hiccup’s arms draped over Astrid’s shoulder and her head tucked perfectly in the crook of his neck.

Both soon found their eyes growing heavy from being full, safe, comfortable, and warm. Astrid was thinking about how this Snoggletog turned out to be pretty great, even if it had started out rough. Hiccup was thinking about how he looked forward to more Snoggletogs just like this one. Just him and Astrid and their dragons…and maybe little ones one day.

Hiccup sighed contently. Astrid’s head, having slipped lower in the lull of their comfort, rose and fell upon his breast. The cozy setting nearly welcomed them to sleep when his green eyes shot open, remembering the gift tucked safely away in the pocket of his flight suit.

Suddenly Hiccup was very much awake. His breath caught in his throat as his entire frame seemed as if he’d been shocked by a Skrill. His heart began to thud rapidly against his ribcage, and he was surprised the pounding didn’t disturb Astrid from her dozing.

“Hey, Astrid,” Hiccup spoke softly, gently nudging the dozing girl next to him, “Snoggletog is almost over and we haven’t exchanged gifts.”

With a sharp intake of breath as she was drawn from her drowsy state, Astrid sat back up, her eyes widening as she turned to face the boy next to him, “But Hiccup, I didn’t bring your gift.”

Hiccup smiled that gap-toothed grin that always makes her heart flutter and a smile pulled at the corner of her lips, “That’s okay. I think your gift will be enough for both of us…” he swallowed the nervous lump in his throat, “if you accept it.”

Astrid’s brow furrowed at his puzzling statement as she watched him dig in his pocket and pulled out an intricately carved medallion tied to a silver chain.

Hiccup placed it in his palm and showed it to the girl next to him, “My father gave this to my mother as a gift upon their betrothal,” he explained, his voice shaky and full of nerves, “And I went to Berk to ask him for it, so that I could give it to you.”

Astrid looked down at the meaningful and life-changing gift and then back up to the young man who, with this medallion, was telling her that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Her eyes wide and mouth hung open slightly as she took in the moment she didn’t quite see coming.

And she knew what was next as he reached for her. Even through the pounding of her heart and the shock of the moment, she knew exactly what her answer would be to the question he was about to ask her.

Taking both her hands in his, Hiccup poured his heart to her, “I love you, Astrid Hofferson. You’re apart of me, and always will be.” The rosy stains on her cheeks weren’t due to the cold. A warmth radiated from her, and Hiccup couldn’t help but press a lingering kiss to her knuckles. “Will you accept my offer of betrothal to become my wife?”

“I accept.” She answered without hesitation.

Hiccup’s heart soared and every bit of nervousness and uncertainty he once felt immediately diminished the second he heard her declare those words. He took a deep breath and continued, “I will take you as my wife.”

Astrid squeezed his hand, “And I will take you as my husband.” She declared, looking into the eyes of the boy she just agreed to spend the rest of her life with and realized she’d never been so certain about something in her entire life.

Hiccup raised the medallion as Astrid bowed her head for him to place it around her neck. The weight was unfamiliar but Astrid already savored the feel of it hanging there. This gift represented their betrothal vows to one another, vows that would one day soon become those of pledging their lives to one another.

Astrid smiled down at the medallion. “I love it, Hiccup.” Meeting his gaze that sent a spark up her spine, she smiled, “And I love you.”

Everything fading around them. The cave, the snowstorm, and being stranded was all forgotten as they exchange the betrothal vows. They both leaned in, the need to touch each other, to meld together as one overflowing and pouring out as their lips met.

Hiccup curled an arm around Astrid’s waist, longing for her to be closer. Astrid happily complied as she deepened the kiss. Her fingers raked through his hair and settled at the base of his neck, the pleasant pressure of her calloused fingertips spurring him on.

They parted to catch their breath. The lingering wetness of the kiss chilled their lips. They did not wish to part as they rested their foreheads together, holding each other and never wishing to let go.

Without letting go, the two breathed a content sigh, leaned back up against Toothless, and fell asleep by the warm fire, wrapped in one another's arms, while both thinking about their future and dreaming about all the Snoggletog’s they knew they’d be spending together.

#hiccstrid #httyd fanfiction #snoggletog #chiefhiccstrid #hiccup haddock #astrid hofferson #toothless #stormfly

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adventures-in-progress · 6 years ago

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life updates!

so in the spirit of radical authenticity imma be completely transparent about some life stuff shaking out for us right now and why i’ve kinda been on and off the grid for a little over a year now. i’ve realized it’s really difficult to create meaningful connections with people when both parties aren’t being honest and true, so here’s me laying it all out. basically butt naked. i’ve only shared this with like 2 people in real life, so what the heck might as well share this with a bunch of total and complete strangers for the sake of meaningful connection! this is probs gonna be fairly wordy so here’s a page break so i don’t eat up someone’s entire dash haha.

1. since undergoing a lot of personal growth stuff and trying to define what this big adventure called life means for me, it’s been really hard for me to post on here. it just hasn’t felt in alignment for me to do so and trying to be present on here otherwise has felt a lot like forcing it any slapping on a happy face when, in all honesty, there’s been a lot of feeling very not happy. i’ve also felt like i’ve had to fit this certain image that i was when a lot of faces decided to join me on my journey, and so posting on here started feeling a lot like doing it for other people than continuing to do it for myself. so, i stepped back. i didn’t feel like people would understand, i didn’t feel like wanting to remember some heartache and icky stuff that happened, and i didn’t want to post stuff until i wanted to post stuff for me and because it was fun again. it was a healthy break and much needed.

2. i’m finally getting out of a funk that’s lasted a couple months and has been really not fun. i feel like my natural, uninhibited state is joyful and bright and optimistic and that got really tainted and hidden. i lost my hope in humanity and felt like all my dreams and goals were impossible and far from reach. things just felt kinda hopeless and that feeling was so scary because that’s so, so not me. i’m the girl that everyone calls childlike and naive because i believe in dreams and fairies and angels and magic and that love always prevails and that everyone should do what they love, with their soulmate, and live happily ever after. i lost that, and that was terrifying, because i didn’t know how to get back. but i think when you get deep enough into the self help arena, you reach this point where it all really comes down to being happy and doing what you love. regardless of anything. and i think we’re all just looking for permission to do that big, terrifying thing that makes our heart flutter and our stomach churn in knots. at the end of the day, you were born here, on this green and blue ball whirling through space, with your specific dreams and desires for a purpose. and i believe you are meant to do something with that, regardless of whether you receive money, or fame, or recognition for it. i realized over the summer that i’ve spent sooooo much time and energy and emotional investment trying to fix things for people and save people and help them accomplish their dreams, all the while completely neglecting and ignoring my own desires and dreams. and honestly, that’ll slowly kill ya. if you’re not living your life for yourself, why the heck are you even here???? what’s the point???

3. me pursuing running was a total cop out. it’s been my backup plan because i’ve been too terrified of pursuing ~the thing~ and getting my heart broken, so this was the safe alternative. minimal emotional investment. still get to achieve things and work towards something. but here’s the dang thing. the universe/god/whatever you want to call it wants you to do the thing, and is going to do what it can to get you there. cue multiple running injuries and setbacks. like one after the next after the next. it just was not working. and when i finally got to that place where i realized that this was not working, i lost it. because it made me realize that i felt like i couldn’t have running or the other thing. but not because i couldn’t do the thing, but because my brain killed that option off in my head because it wasn’t safe. the emotional risk was too high. what if i gave it my all and failed???? what if it never worked and i never got there???? and many other numerous intense irrational fears. BUT if you don’t ever go for what makes you feel excited to get out of bed even if it makes you want to pee your pants and question your sanity, WHAT IS THE POINT OF ANY OF THIS???? to live a boring, stable, mediocre life? to live a safe life is to choose boredom and misery for the rest of your life because it’s “comfortable” and “safe” according to your brain, and i reached the point that i just couldn’t do it anymore. i couldn’t be miserable and “safe” anymore. it was killing me.

4. so last month, i spent a couple days in an intense, intense internal emotional battle with myself. wanting to commit (let alone admit that i even wanted) to pursuing my dreams, but being so fucking terrified at the same time. and i understand that it sounds so stupid! like looking back, i’m like WHY was that SO hard???? your brain can be a huge pain in the ass, let me tell ya. sweet dan snuggled me one night when i was really struggling and talked me through things while being the voice of reason to my irrational fears and got me to the place where i could finally admit that i wanted to do the thing. and holy moly just admitting to something like that will change your dang life. it was like a woosh of tension and stress and weight just left my body. like that. done.

5. so here i am, like 3 weeks later, finding myself. going back to 7 year old me with the dreams and the joy and the possibility. looking for the good and finding it. mentally committing to going for it, whatever the hell that means or will even look like. but it has radically transformed my life in the best of ways. i’m killing any and all “have tos” and “shoulds” in my life. i’m doing what feels fun and breezy and brings the light back into my eyes. it’s all baby steps, and i still falter and fall, but i can feel where i’m going to be and finding my way back easier and quicker every time. i’m telling you, this is what makes life worth living.

6. dan’s also realized his life calling and dream this past month (yeah. october’s been real big for us hahah)!!! he’s gone from working at the fbi in d.c. to going to become an agent for the fbi office in milwaukee to meeting me (love will change your life in more ways than you realize) and not realizing what the heck he wants to do, to landscaping, flipping houses, and over the summer realizing he wants to be an architect that specializes in modern, organic, sustainable architecture. we’re looking at schools for him for next fall. :)

7. right now, dan’s boss just bought a new house on lake michigan as the next flip. we’re doing a proposal for a modern flip to this two story ranch in the next week or so, so if that goes through, prepare to see some fun house renovation progress pics! we’re really excited for the opportunity, and my dad (a prominent architect in mke) is overseeing our project and helping dan which is just going to be so, so cool. it’ll be soooo much fun if it happens, so fingers crossed!!!!

oh! if you’re wondering what the heck the thing is for me, it’s horses. it always has been. it’s been in there since is was 5 or 6. i don’t know how this dream is going to shake out, but it’s mine, and i’m owning it.

if you need permission to go for it, if you need a sign, this is it. it is worth it. the universe/god/whatever is not going to give you a dream that it will not fully support you in achieving. you just gotta fucking go for it. it’s scary, but we’re all in this together and there’s nothing more badass and fulfilling than going for it. if you need a dream buddy, reach out. i will 100000% support you.

#big things #rachelsrambles #because clearly EVERYONE missed my several thousand word rants hahaha #if you read this i sincerely thank you for spending the time to do so #and i hope this resonates with you in some way :)#also #all of this is my own opinions about my own life #so don't take this personally if you don't like it!

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diveronarpg · 6 years ago

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Congratulations, KIERSTEN! You’ve been accepted for the role of IMOGEN with a faceclaim change to Brittany O’Grady. Admin Kaitlin: Oh Kiersten... It’s no secret to anyone who asks how much I am in love with Isabella Gagliano. They are such a fascinating character. They bring this vibrancy, this sheer tour de force with them around every bend, carry their thirst for justice with them around every corner--their pen as their sword and paper as their shield. And you, Kiersten, my sunshine angel you brought them to us full throttle. I am particularly in love with the plots you’ve laid out for them, all the ways they seek to raze Verona to ash for the sake of the truth, no matter how bloodied it may be. I absolutely cannot wait for them to bless our dash. Please read over the checklist and send in your blog within 24 hours.

WELCOME TO THE MOB.

OUT OF CHARACTER:

Alias | Kiersten

Age | 20 (dub club, baby!)

Preferred Pronouns | she/her

Activity Level | 6.5/10, give or take a number depending on assignments, muse, mood, and all that jazz! I’m getting ready to go back to school; however, I think I’ve managed to keep activity up pretty well, in spite of that. Anyway, I have burning passion for writing (and pain)–and DiVerona! And along with my burning passion comes guilty pleasures–that is, prioritizing replies over not-so-important (but aren’t they all supposed to be important? c’est la vie!) assignments.

Also… I’m just gonna slide this here… https://catherinedaly.tumblr.com/ :)

Timezone | EST

IN CHARACTER:

Character | Isabella Elena Gagliano (with a FC change to Brittany O’Grady, pleeeeease!)

ISABELLA

origin: Spain

meaning: pledged to God; God is bountiful

“Qué linda, qué hermosa–nuestro amor. Gracias a Dio.” These are some of the earliest phrases that she can remember coming from Candela and Emilio Gagliano throughout her childhood. Affectionately nicknamed Bella from an early age, the Gagliano child has never been a stranger to beloved adoration. Every morning, her parents would shower the beautiful babe with kisses; every night, they would get on their knees and pray at the side of the crib, thanking God for the gift He deigned to give them.

ELENA

origin: Greece

meaning: shining light; the bright one

Candela Gagliano knew what she was doing when she looked down at her darling baby and decided to gift her with a middle name full of light and brightness. That is what Isabella was to the Gagliano family: a bundle of light that, when cultivated as sweetly as she’d been, would one day righteously burn anyone who dared to try to snuff her out.

GAGLIANO

origin: Italy/Germany

meaning: joyous; brave

There’s bravery in looking the hurricane in the eye and now cowering, but winking. There’s bravery in relying on words and ink rather than guns and bullets–this ideology has been absorbed by the little canary who prefers to sing her truths rather than fight battles that she knows she’s unequipped for. She takes immense joy in dealing justice–a rarity, especially in a place such as Verona.

What drew you to this character? | Would you believe me if I said a bit of my heart has always belonged to Isabella Gagliano? I’m no better than Eros leaving Psyche to tend to her as she so rightfully deserves. When I began toying with the idea of applying for a second character (yes, I know I’m tardy to the party), I told myself that I would look for someone who pushed me out of my comfort zone of innately soft characters. By no means do I consider Isabella rough, but she’s brazen in a sort of “it’s better to ask for forgiveness rather than beg for permission” kind of way. There’s a fire inside of her that I’m dying to get ahold of. And, after going through the list over and over again, I realized that I couldn’t turn a blind eye to Isa anymore.

What is a future plot idea you have in mind for the character? | Where do you see this character developing, and what kind of actions would you have them take to get there? 3 future plot ideas would be preferable.

SEE, I’VE COME TO BURN YOUR KINGDOM DOWN: Isabella is no stranger to injustice or loss; she’s had more than enough of her fair share of both while living in Spain. Her move to Verona was meant to only be an escape, to rid herself of the plaguing thoughts of her mother and father, but the seasoned man who took her underneath his aged wing implored her to write, she could not refuse. She wrote. The Verona Giornale took note of the little canary and offered her a place, promising her as much anonymity as they can give under the moniker of Imogen, and she greedily took them up on her offer, promising herself that she would EXPOSE THE MOBS FOR ALL THAT THEY’VE DONE. And may God have mercy on the souls who find themselves immortalized in ink by Isabella Gagliano; for, if they want to live like gods, she will assure that they are crucified like them—painfully, magnificently, and publicly.

YOU HOLD MY HEART, YOU HOLD ME DOWN: Isa was the one to force her beloved to choose between her heart and her family, for she was under the guise that she meant more to Celeste than the family that left her with no choice but to marry and join the likes of the Montagues. But if there was one thing her parents taught her, it was to never make assumptions; and yet, the Gagliano woman did and got burned in the end. Casting Celeste out of her house that night was the most painful thing she’d ever done, and I’d like to see how she could come to terms with it. Logically, of course, it makes sense–Isabella cannot afford to lose herself in a woman that can never fully be hers, but her bleeding heart cries for its stellina, cries to have the other sweetly nestled against the contours of Isabella’s body, even if only for a night. EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CELESTE is something I’m dying to do, especially since I see Isa as a rather possessive person; will she cave for Celeste, or will she go out of her way to try to make the Duval woman jealous? Will she seclude herself because of her battered heart and work twice as hard to expose the evil doings of the mobs?

CORRUPT A MAN’S HEART WITH A GIFT–THAT’S HOW YOU FIND OUT WHO YOU DEALIN’ WITH: I’d like for Isa to LOOK FOR WEAK LINKS WITHIN THE MOBS’ ARMOR, for both her own sanity and her publications. Though Fate has been cruel to her in the past, she’s loathe to believe that it could continue to be; surely, Isabella believes, not everyone involved in the work of Damiano or Cosimo is there because of their own volition. Surely, she believes, there are some willing to sing their song for her, so long as she offers something in return. While neither of us are sure what will be offered, I’d love to get the chance to flesh it out and figure out just how far Isabella will go to get what she thinks she needs.

Are you comfortable with killing of your character? | Only if it’ll cause the maximum amount of pain possible.

IN CHARACTER INTERVIEW:

What is your favorite place in Verona?

Wrapped under plush blankets, arm strewn lovingly across a frame she’s mapped dozens of times–that’s her favorite place in Verona. But, there’s power in a name and in the unfettered truth that she’s too selfish to give up; to remedy, Isa keeps the truth tucked close to her chest out of fear that, if she shares, she’ll lose it and Celeste. So, Isabella settles for something far more bland, but still honest: “My office– at home or at the Giornale.” The answer is far more bland, but it’s still honest. Both places scream Isabella Gagliano, for they’re littered with pads of paper marred by her loop-filled handwriting and her walls and desk are decorated with pictures she’s taken in her down time (however, her office at home dons more intimate photos–candids, true moments of happiness–than the one at work). “There’s something liberating in sitting down in a space that’s wholeheartedly your own and and just… Being able to write and to be. It’s cathartic, really.”

2. What does your typical day look like?

“I don’t really have a set pattern of what I do every day.” Isabella prefers to keep a healthy amount of change in her life, just in case someone starts to trail her. Writing under a moniker offers more protection than her given name, but it doesn’t offer invincibility; she wishes to follow in her parents footsteps, but in her own way: stealthily, creatively. It’s not easy living in Verona without mob protection, but she makes do with what she has; besides, she’d rather die a martyr than a murderer. Languidly and cat-like, she places an elbow on the arm of the leather chair, lips jutting out in thought. “But, first and foremost,” the curly-haired brunette begins, “I wake up. The time varies, depending on what I have planned for the day. If I have a ridiculously light schedule, I’ll lounge in bed ‘til noon or I get hungry—whichever comes first.” Playfully, she chuckles at her own admission before continuing, “But on ‘normal’ days, I head to Giornale, I interview people, I write. Maybe I’ll find time to visit a few friends or just wander around the city. I’ve been here for a few months, sure, but every single day I feel like there’s something else–something new–that I learn. And that’s a journalist’s dream, no?”

3. What has been your biggest mistake thus far?

“So what—this is it?” Disbelief colors her words and she’s grateful; without it, she knows without a doubt that Celeste would be able to hear the begging undertones, the wretched part of Isabella that wants nothing more than to love and be loved in return.

“Mi amore, what do you want from me?” Celeste’s voice is tired, worn. “You know me better than I do myself; you know—“

“What do I want? What do I want, Celeste?” Exasperated hands slam against her countertop, causing the other to jump in her perch on the couch. “You! All I want is you! How many languages do I have to say it in for you to understand it? How many times?” Isa rakes her hands through her curls to calm herself, but it’s no use; panic and vexation have settled deep within the marrows of her bones, for she knows deep down that this is the end.

“I can’t leave Tomas—“

“You don’t even love him.” Isabella’s voice cracks as it stumbles over the four letter word, the four letter word she’s breathed countless amounts of time against the soft skin of Celeste’s neck, at the insides of her thighs. Isabella closes the distance between them, brown eyes imploring as she nestled beside her lover on the couch, fingertips reaching and finding purchase on the other’s hands. “You love me. Why—why am I not enough?”

For the first time since the conversation began, she swears she can see guilt in her lover’s alluring eyes. Celeste says nothing, and the silence is as loud as anguished screams. Because you can’t provide for me in the way that my family needs like he can, Isa supplies mentally, because you have no merit in Verona. Because you are neither Capulet nor Montague aligned.

Because you were too late.

“Then go.” She all but snatches her hand away from Celeste’s and she abruptly stands. “Get out. Get out.” Heavy footfalls thump against the hardwood floors as she disappears down the hall to their—no, her—bedroom. A few moments pass before Isabella rounds the corner, Celeste’s belongings carelessly bundled in her arms. “Leave,” Isa hisses, all but throwing the clothes at the redhead, “and stay gone. Stay with him in that big, grand house of yours.”

The Duval woman can only comply. With clothes in her hands and tears in her eyes, she casts her beloved a longing look before leaving. And as soon as the door slams shut, Isabella crumbles to a heap of bitterness, of brokenheartedness. She pulls her knees to her chest and raggedly sobs until her throat is raw.

———

“Signorina Gagliano?” the interviewer prompts, brows furrowing.

She blinks—once, twice, then murmurs, “Perdonami—my mind has been elsewhere as of late.” Then, to remedy her inappropriate silence, she flashes a grin and admits, “Honestly, it’s a bit unnerving being on the other side of this. I’m much more comfortable in your position, caro mio.” His chuckle reveals that he’s not upset, not even bothered. He just wants answers, Isa tells herself.

All anyone ever wants is an answer until it’s not quite that they want to hear. She swallows thickly.

“My biggest mistake would have to be giving people the benefit of the doubt.” Doing so with Celeste had left a gaping hole in her chest that she knows will never fully fill. “When somebody shows you who they are the first time, amico mio, you better believe them.”

What has been the most difficult task asked of you?

“To write,” she murmurs softly, brown eyes more vulnerable than she’d like to admit. It comes as easily as air to her, that writing, but it brings so much pain, so much misery. It dredges up memories that she has spent years trying to bury. “It’s a gift and a curse, you know.” To equally love and hate what you do, to know that it’s the best thing to do–even if not for your own gain. She knows this better than many at the Giornale, for they write from a distance with no ties to the mobs, but she writes from unwanted connections: her lovesick heart, her bitter soul. “But, you know what they say: Nothing easy is worth having, or something along those lines.” And truly, deep down, Isabella knows this as well as she knows the sky is blue and the grass is green, but it doesn’t make it any easier to stomach.

4. What are your thoughts on the war between the Capulets and the Montagues?

This is the one question that leaves a metallic tang in her mouth—the mention of the mobs in what she thought was lighthearted practice for one of the newer interns has driven her to lock her jaws until she bleeds. This is all they do: they kill, they steal, and they lie—for trivial, worldly possessions. Money. Fame. Power. Her fingertips twitch involuntarily, the minuscule movement born from irritation and disdain. And this is why I’m here—to strip them of it all, to remind them that the pen is far mightier than the sword.

Isabella clears her throat and her mind by extension; to blatantly admit something that bold, even in the face of a comrade, would be the final nail in a casket she’s not yet prepared to lie in. “I’m not sure if it’s fair for us to have a say on a world that we know nothing of,” she breezily lies, fingertips absentmindedly tugging at her dark brown curls. A brow arches, however, asking the question that she knows better than to voice and he knows better than to answer: Don’t you know better than to ask about the work of the Devil?

Nonetheless, glossed lips tick upward at the corners, just enough to indicate a smile. “My thoughts are based on facts and facts alone when it comes to things not prominent in my own life, so I’m sure that makes them rather bland.”

Extras: If you have anything else you’d like to include (further headcanons, an inspo tag, a mock blog, etc), feel free to share it here!

EXTRAS:

MBTI: ENTP - The Debater

ZODIAC: Libra - October 11, 1994

MOCK BLOG:

https://isabellagagliano.tumblr.com/

PLAYLIST:

https://open.spotify.com/user/r7z4vyhjr8g2jp2t30pkapvwf/playlist/6eVrYzXLiF281uOg3GeqI1?si=PPb1kT6lQp6ZTCDGgA3sqw

HEADCANONS:

Isabella has a tiny, scripted-font “C.” behind her left ear. One drunken escapade quickly led to another, and before either Celeste or Isabella knew it, they were in a hole-in-the-wall tattoo shop. Isa held Celeste’s hand as she got her tattoo—“I love you, stellina, I love you,” the brunette had slurred with a lazy grin throughout the process.

The Gagliano woman is possessive, to say the least; but who can blame her—the child who lost what was most important to her at the time to outside forces, to greedy hands that only sought to take?

Along with journalism, Isa enjoys photography in her free time.

She’s fluent in Spanish, Italian, English, and she knows conversational Russian.

The man that took her in and encouraged her to write recently passed; she visits his grave at least once every two weeks.

#accepted #accepted: imogen

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