#i saw it and felt a kinship with each and every one of u

[mousethe]

Let's get Silly with it!

[stanzoeywade]

Tiptoe - Poppy x MC

Taglist: @somewillwin @uhh-the-green-thing @jmojellybae @simp-pony @made-me-deep-blue @uselesslesbianfr @it-lives-in-braidwood-manor @belvoiresqueenbee @alexlabhont @samanthadalton @crazzyplays @sparring-hyena @baexpoppy @cloakanddaggerthings

Summary: Poppy and MC meet in summer and they were dating but broke it off, not related to free falling dhaisja don't ask about ch3 idk either.

A/N: uhm hi I've been a ghost for like months lol but I heard from a little birdie that queen b is coming back in September and I'm so ready to clown for my wife Poppy again. Based on song below which is a bop. I also did not check my spelling or grammar I die like a dumbass. My one braincell would like to thank u all and Gabi for this fic 💗

There's hardly anything in this world that captivates you, until you see her. Her flawless skin, her blonde hair and those deep chocolate orbs that you just want to stare at and drown in forever. Who knew such a beauty existed? It boggles you to know that the Min-Sinclair heiress is perfect. One might say that you're jealous but deep down you know that's not the case. Jealousy? No, it's not jealousy, you're enthralled by her. It's not even because of how fucking gorgeous she looks, it runs deeper than that. There's just this weird sense of kinship that you feel when you look at her. She's more than the ranking, she's vulnerable and actually cares, something you saw when you went to the animal shelter.

The way her eyes sparkled when she saw the rescue animals, the way her mouth curved into that gentle smile. Who knew the queen bee of Belvoire had a heart? Her vulnerability is further shown when you realise that the golden girl of Belvoire has her own scars, her pride a by-product of the hurt caused by family and so called friends.

Having seen the forefront of it all, Belvoire is cutthroat. Everything matters, the clothes you wear, your family name. It's a free for all, no one cares who gets burned, low blows exchanged, it's all a big mind game and those who fall under pressure lose not just their reputation but everything they have worked for. But apart from all of that, she's still the first thing that makes you smile.

It's damning, the way your mind and heart races at the thought of Poppy. The way her eyes light up when she flashes that gentle smile, where one look is all it takes to make your knees weak and the blood rushing up your cheeks. You've never seen such a beauty, her smile is like a soft ray of sunshine, warming you up. However, she's also as mysterious as the moon, especially since she acts so sweet and the next minute she's as cold as ever. It's enough to give you whiplash.

Such gentle and delicate features, yet her personality is as fiery as the sun, I guess it's true what they say, the sun is beautiful yet staring at it can become painful.

It's confusing as to why Rosie's fallen so hard for Poppy, they've been rivals from the start, with each other's goal to come out on top. Things have definitely changed after the night they slept together, Poppy's words have no actual bite to them. If she were brave enough Rosie would've called Poppy out on it, but she's so confused on where they stand that she doesn't want to risk this newfound "friendship" if one can even call it that.

It suddenly hits Rosie like a brick. 'Wait, has Poppy been courting me in her own weird way or am I imagining shit?' She becomes more confused as Poppy seems to stare at her longer than she ever did, sometimes Rosie would meet eyes with Poppy who seems to have a longing stare as if she has so much to convey yet has no courage to do so. Sometimes it gets to the point where Poppy blushes after she realises that both of them have been staring at each other for too long. Both of them being a flustered and blushing mess, looking away as if they've been burned from getting too close to a fire.

Most people in Belvoire would argue that its not longing and wistful glances that the two are exchanging, they'd say that those were intense glares formed from the ongoing rivalry that the two have established in public, but anyone who personally knows Poppy and Rosie would say differently. There's also an ongoing bet between the students of the school. Some argue that Poppy and Rosie are secretly dating whilst the rest argue that they absolutely loathe each other and the ongoing stares are to intimidate each other to give in and leave Belvoire.

Zoey and Veronica are secretly in cahoots in which they bet that the two are definitely dating or in Veronica's words "those two are definitely fucking" which earns her a fond smile as well as a roll of the eyes from Zoey. Chloe suspects something between Poppy and Rosie, considering they genuinely don't seem to put energy behind the insults they throw at each other. She doesn't think that the two are lovers but she definitely thinks that they're secretly friends.

It's not until Veronica sees Rosie wink at Poppy when she thought nobody was looking, and she was certain that the blonde would glare at Rosie but imagine her surprise when Poppy flirts back by winking back. In which she's all too excited to text Zoey about. "Omfg bitch, you won't believe what I saw today, like holy fuck the two gays were flirting when they thought no one was looking." All she gets in response from Zoey was "show receipts pls."

Rosie can feel herself falling for Poppy, both of them know that things have changed. Neither seem too interested in fighting and when they do argue, it's all for show, after all no one knows that they're secretly pining after each other. She suddenly remembers how they met.

-Flashback-

Being relatively new to New York, Rosie was eager to meet new people and what better way to start off than hooking up with strangers from a random bar? After all, the city was big and it's been a while. As soon as she arrived someone immediately caught her attention. One Poppy Min-Sinclair, dressed to the nines, she was definitely Rosie's type. Not really expecting anything Rosie struts towards her, in hopes of beginning a conversation.

At first Poppy seemed uninterested, scoffing and she felt a presence near her. She didn't really want to deal with anyone considering they're usually just random guys who wanted to hook up in the bathrooms or worse they're drunk as fuck trying to flirt with her. However, imagine her surprise when she looks at the person that dared to sit by her. Poppy would be lying if she said that the girl in front of her wasn't her type. She seemed sweet, and had a gentle smile. It was also a bonus that the girl seemed to know how to dress herself.

When their eyes met, there was this lightning spark that just fit into place, the two had chemistry. It was undeniable, the two just knew how to push and pull. The banter was there, so was the attraction.

Poppy wasn't shy about showing her attraction, obviously checking Rosie out, which earns her a low chuckle from the other girl. "At least buy me dinner first before you undress me with you eyes?" said Rosie with mirth dancing around her eyes, whilst Poppy just laughs, soft and languidly slow. At which point Rosie knew she was screwed, the blonde in front of her looked like she just walked out of the runway, and her laugh was definitely something Rosie wanted to hear more of.

She's pulled out of her epiphany once Poppy speaks, voice sultry and pulling Rosie in like a siren. "My name is Poppy Min-Sinclair, and I do what I want sweetheart." The confidence she exudes is shown in her voices. It's addicting the way the blonde presents herself, every move calculated and poised. Every word that leaves her lips is deliberate and elegant in her own unique way. If she was in her right mind, Rosie would've been terrified by how enraptured she was by this girl in front of her.

Rosie wasn't one to back down from a challenge therefore she decides to tease the girl in front of her. "Is your name supposed to be important? I've never heard of it. Anyways, since you've introduced yourself so nicely, my name's Rosie." Poppy just raises an eyebrow at her semi-surprised that the other girl hasn't heard of her. "Sorry babe, the whole world doesn't revolve around you." said Rosie with a cheeky smile and wink and before Poppy can retort Rosie finishes off by saying "but it definitely should revolve around you, I mean look at you, you're mesmerising."

If it were any other person, Poppy would have definitely rolled her eyes and walked away, but Rosie seemed to mean it. The other girl definitely looked like she wore her heart on her sleeve, and it was just so damn endearing that Poppy, against her usual M.O., she decides to stay and talk to the other girl. 'She looks cute enough, but if she's gonna be annoying then I'll just ditch her later.' thought Poppy.

Both women were intrigued by each other, and one thing led to another. Before they knew it they were together in a hotel room. Neither of them cared about who made the move first, all they knew was that they had to have each other one way or the other.

Despite her pent up desire and lust, Poppy still cared about her reputation, after all even if she was on break it didn't mean she can be careless, plus she didn't exactly want to expose Rosie to Belvoire's dirty laundry, the girl seemed nice enough and Poppy wasn't about to mess with this girl. Sure she's a fucking bitch but that doesn't mean she wants people to suffer because of her unless they've wronged her or any of her friends in some way. She's petty but she's not that petty.

God knows Belvoire is a shithole.

They're definitely closer than what should be conceived as acceptable, considering Rosie is literally one step away from kissing Poppy. Not like either of then cared considering they were too focused on each other to pay attention to their surroundings. It's only when the bartender coughs that the two pull away from each other as if taken out of their seemingly lulled state.

Rosie's about to say goodbye, considering the blonde seems like she's torn between leaving or staying, but she's caught by surprise when Poppy yanks her arm back. "Where do you think you're going, little lamb? I didn't say I was done with you yet." The way it was said was enough to make Rosie shiver. The way the Min-Sinclair heiress said it so confidently, it didn't help that she looked to be the epitome of lust and desire at that moment, but from then on Rosie knew she was fucked, both literally and figuratively.

Before she knew it she was pulled into a car headed to the nearest luxury hotel, which just so happens to be a presidential suite at The Ritz. Rosie didn't show but she was shocked. She knew the girl was rich, I mean come on her clothes are fresh off the runway and the blonde exuded power and wealth. But this was like a bucket of ice water being dropped on Rosie's head, this was definitely something she wasn't expecting.

NSFW AHEAD

She's taken aback by the inside of the hotel suite, she expected it to be fancy, but nothing could prepare her for the plush king sized bed, as well as the overall layout of the room. It looks like something straight out of an IKEA magazine, Rosie can't help but think.

"Well, are you just going to stand there or are we actually going to fuck?" says Poppy. Rosie is taken aback from how bluntly Poppy put it. Speaking of which, the blonde girl is already half way through removing her clothes. She couldn't help the gasp that escapes her as she gawks at Poppy and the way her body looks so perfect, unblemished milky white skin that looks so soft, all Rosie could think of is leaving marks in her wake. She licks her lips in anticipation as Poppy gives her the come hither gesture, and Rosie is immediately lured in, like a moth drawn to a flame.

Her hands immediately raise up, helping Poppy out of her clothes, until all that remains is Poppy's underwear. Her eyes scan Poppy's body and out of the corner of her eye she can see Poppy's satisfied smile. Rosie is pulled in, her body pulled in flush against Poppy. Her eyes dart over to Poppy's lips as she leans in to kiss Poppy. A hand covers her mouth as she hears "Not yet Hughes, it's unfair if I'm the only one in my underwear."

Rosie's ears are definitely bright red at this point and she's pretty sure that her whole body is flushed, but she gives Poppy a show as she takes each article of clothing slowly, piece by piece as if testing Poppy's already short patience. As she takes her blouse off, Poppy's staring at her so intensely she can feel her legs wobble. The look conveying an unspoken promise. It's enough to make her a little self conscious, but her confidence is regained as soon as she sees how flushed Poppy is. It also helped that she saw Poppy gulp, looking at her like she's the only thing in the world. "See something you like, Min-Sinclair?" she can't help but tease and the blonde rolls her eyes.

"You were doing so well until you started speaking. Just get your ass over here. I'm not used to waiting for things I want." said Poppy. Rosie struts over to Poppy.

She's immediately back at Poppy's side, the Min-Sinclair heiress looking her up and down which makes Rosie nervous as the way Poppy stares is intense. Her doubts are quickly quelled as she's soon tugged harshly the collar. Poppy pulls her in roughly for a kiss, as their tongues dance and weave against each other, battling for dominance. They both step forwards towards the bed, and the noises that come out of Poppy is irresistible and music to her ears. She sounds incredible and Rosie can't get enough and with a flick of her tongue Poppy is putty in her hands.

They both fall towards the bed, Poppy ending up under Rosie. They pull away quickly to catch their breath, and Poppy's eyes are blown so much so, her pupils are dilated like a cat ready to catch its prey. Her lips parted and bruised, taking in oxygen as if all of her breath has been taken away. If Rosie thought she was in charge, she's got another thing coming. Their position is switched, as Poppy expertly flips them over, landing her on top of the other girl. Rosie ending up with her back against the bed as Poppy straddles her. "You're a good kisser, Hughes." she says and Rosie smiles mischievously "I try." she replies.

Poppy's quick to kiss Rosie again, as if she's her only lifeline teetering her to the world. Every kiss shared feels like sparks flying, the intensity and passion leaving them both breathless. It's not like Rosie's gonna give in and let Poppy top her, she quickly pull Poppy by the waist, bodies completely flushed against each other before rolling over so that their position is once again switched. This time Rosie comes out on top.

Before the other girl can complain, Rosie's quick to shut her up but trailing kisses from lips to her neck. Poppy smells like fresh cherries and vanilla, which for some reason is very fitting. After all cherries are sweet but the fruit itself can be dangerous, however there's a hint of danger. After all cherries do have cyanide in the seed. The whimpers and moans that come from Poppy's mouth are sensual and spurs Rosie on even more. She can't get enough of the blonde.

She can feel Poppy's nails taking across her back, and she's sure that those are definitely going to leave marks, not like she minds considering she's too far gone from the sound of Poppy's moans and whimpers.

Rosie looks at Poppy and she can't help but admire how beautiful Poppy looks under her, eyes half lidded and chest heaving. "You look better when you're quiet, Princess." said Rosie, but instead of reporting Poppy just pulls her back in and their lips are clashing against except this time its rough. Poppy pulling and tugging at her hair, while leaving small nibbles on her lips. Rosie knows that her lips are going to be all sorts of red and bruised the next morning.

Rosie's hand finds their way to the waistband of Poppy underwear, and she can feel the wet patch. She slides her hand inside and moves her fingers to find Poppy's clit, where she rubs small circles, and she feels the blonde jolt from the sudden contact and Rosie is about to apologise until she hears Poppy's breathy moans. "I swear to god, if you stop I'm going to fucking kill you." whimpered Poppy.

Rosie just smiles against Poppy's skin as she continues teasing Poppy until the other girl is a panting and whimpering mess. "I need your fingers inside me Hughes, stop fucking around and actually start fucking me." It's said so desperately Rosie finally grants the blonde her wish and starts pumping her fingers in and out until the blonde cums, back arched away from bed and a loud and filthy moan is all the can be heard. Rosie helps the other ride out her orgasm by cooing gentle words and leaving kisses that are definitely going to leave marks on the Poppy's unblemished skin.

-NSFW END-

-FLASHBACK END-

The casuak hook up turns into dates and outings, and both of them start to catch feelings for each other. As much as it surprises Poppy she genuinely enjoys the time that she spends with Rosie. The other girl always making sure to make Poppy smile. It doesn't help that Rosie had this weird way of knowing when Poppy was upset or stressed in which she'd always do something to help the blonde feel better. Rosie's become a constant, a home away from home in a sort. Always there even on Poppy's worse days, not giving in even when Poppy's relentlessly cruel and bitchy. If she weren't so fucking smitten Poppy would have thought that Rosie was a Saint considering how patient she is. However, she refuses to confess her feelings to the other girl first, after all she's a Min-Sinclair and they don't confess ever. People confess to her.

They're both stubborn, therefore they both refuse to even acknowledge their budding feelings for the other. Though there have been too many times where Poppy has gotten jealous when people stare too much at Rosie, though it's reserved and usually subtle. Poppy quietly stakes her claim by always having some sort of physical contact with Rosie. It could be something as simple as a hand on Rosie's forearm or wrist. But the real warning comes from her passive aggressiveness when others get too close to Rosie or the glares that are given if anyone is dumb enough to try and flirt with the other girl.

It's not like Rosie is any better. Whilst Poppy is subtle with her jealousy, Rosie is not. She's always quick hold Poppy's hand as if to signify that the blonde is hers and it's even worse if anyone ignores that. She becomes more physically affectionate. She hugs Poppy as if her life depends on it. There's also been a few times where if Rosie's patience was tested she'd get really jealous and the next time they're intimate she always leaves marks where no one but her or Poppy knows. It's also when she becomes quite dominant in the bedroom and it genuinely entertains Poppy so much so it's become her second favourite past time. The first definitely being their intimate moments.

It gets to the point where both of then get so frustrated they confess how they feel that the same time, which becomes one of their inside jokes considering they both felt like idiots for not confessing their feelings sooner.

However, it's not like summer lasts forever and both of them end up breaking it off, since Poppy actually likes Rosie and she refuses to put her through the shit that goes on in Belvoire. "It was fun while it lasted, Hughes, but I'm sorry. I have to go back and I'm not sure I'll ever see you again." said Poppy, voice cold as ice as if the whole thing didn't matter. Poppy would be lying if she said that it meant nothing, considering she's never been happier. The other girl definitely had a special place in her heart but as they say if you really live someone you have to let them go. She might be cruel but she's not about to fuck Rosie's life up by involving her in the stupidity of Belvoire, she deserves better. Maybe after unibersity she can find Rosie and they can try again.

Rosie's quite sure that she's never going to find anyone that makes her feel the way Poppy does, but she's not one to make things more complicated. "I'm glad I met you Poppy Min-Sinclair, it's been fun while it lasted. Maybe someday we can meet each other again."

Imagine her surprise when it turns out that Poppy attends Belvoire, both of them shocked to see each other again. The only difference being that Poppy seems much colder than the one she met before. Her eyes didn't have that shine or hint of mischief. It looked too detached. "What are you staring at?" said one of the girls following Poppy. Her eyes widened in surprise as the person her roommate Zoey warned her about was Poppy. She's barely acknowledged by Poppy as she just walks away without a word.

Things start to get more complicated as both of them are put against each other, as they compete for the top spot. It's not like Rosie really cared about the fucking thing, in all honesty she didn't even want to compete with Poppy but it's not like she had a choice considering no one cared that she didn't want to compete with Poppy. It gets to the point Rosie avoids Poppy altogether, not really wanting the unsolicited drama with the other girl.

It becomes even worse when rumours start that th reason why the two girls avoided each other like the plague was because Carter was cheating on Poppy with Rosie, and this gets blown out of proportion during the football game in which the screen shows a poorly photoshopped photo of Rosie and Carter kissing.

The way Poppy looked at Rosie broke her heart. Poppy looked tired and upset. She looked like she was betrayed and worse of all the look was directed at her. It's made even worse when Poppy wordlessly looks away, tears on her eyes as she runs to get away from the stadium.

Things change when Rosie chases after Poppy. It's the first time she sees Poppy cry, and it breaks her heart because how can she be so foolish. This was the person she fell for, and it sucked because she was the reason why Poppy was upset.

She approaches Poppy carefully, and as soon as she's noticed. Poppy's eyes narrow into a glare. "What do you want Hughes? Haven't you done enough already?" she yells, her voice full of venom. The words sting, but Rosie marches on, as she apologises. "I know I'm the last person you want to see, but I wanted to say I'm sorry. You didn't deserve all of that." She reaches out to try and comfort Poppy but she stops as remembers that she's the reason Poppy was crying in the first place. They both stand there in a tense silence, both not wanting to speak until they both say something at the same time. "Why didn't you tell me that you go to Belvoire?" they both say in sync.

Rosie lets Poppy speak first. "If you said that you were going to be attending Belvoire, maybe things would have been different." she says and this catches Rosie's attention. "Different how?" she asks and Poppy looks at her eyes softening as she says "I would have admitted that I was falling for you."

That's how they got back together.

[dirt-cup-draco]

Twins x Friend!Reader- Two Stars and The Sky

Hello!! Could u do stargazing with the twins? Just pure fluff. One where they sneak out of their own bday party with y/n and stargaze with them? Thank you

There was no doubt in your mind that Katie Bell could throw a party. Streamers were everywhere, the iconic red and gold of your best friends’ house were present but so were oranges and yellows, and you even think you saw a corner full of pink. You giggled as you watched Lee poke a balloon until it popped, the inebriated boy falling from the couch he was standing on with the shock of his toy self destructing before his eyes. 

Fred helped him up with a dazzling grin and a “Watch yourself mate, next time you topple over like that you might turn my birthday into your deathday,” 

You let their conversation bleed into the background noise of all the cheerful fifth years who were dancing about and mingling. You sipped at your drink and wrinkled your nose at it. You hadn’t even finished your first cup of firewhisky and you doubted you would. 

Drinking was a part of every party in Gryffindor, and you didn’t mind the way it made you feel warm, didn’t hate the way it made your shoulders sag in relaxation. But you absolutely detested the taste. It was worse than drinking any potion Madam Pomfrey shoved down your throat after a nasty fall during a quidditch game or a prank gone terribly wrong. 

“Not enjoying yourself?” Angie teased as you scowled into your cup. 

“This is amazing, Katie should be proud of herself,” You said instead, handing her your half filled drink which she happily took and knocked back. Angelina beamed at you, her eyes sparkling and bright. No one loved a party like she did. 

“She’d be proud if she wasn’t already asleep with her head in the toilet,” 

“No! Is she really?” You giggled, going to follow Angie and see for yourself the state your friend was in but two sets of hands grabbed one arm each and you were pulled back. 

“Sorry Ang-” Fred apologized. 

“We need to borrow her,” George explained. 

Angelina just rolled her eyes as the corner of her lips tugged up, grabbing Lee by the arm to show him Katie and maybe get some help in dragging her up to her dorm room. 

“Where are we headed?” You whispered as you ducked your head through the hole in the wall, the Fat Lady muttering sleepy protests and you apologized gently to her- knowing it was well past midnight. 

“Outside-” 

“-want some air,” 

You tsked at them but linked your arms with theirs as George took the lead in your chain, moving you all towards the passage that would lead you out of the castle and near the black lake. “Leaving your own party boys? For shame,” You teased a bit louder as you took the last few steps from the cold stone passage and into the chill night air. 

Fred just shrugged but grinned, plopping down into the dewed grass, a content smile on his face and a flush to his cheeks from a long night of drinking, smiling, and laughing with his friends and much of the gryffindors in your year. 

“Just want to spend some time with our favorite person,” George answered more honestly, squeezing your hand and tugging you down into the grass too so you were shoulder to shoulder between each boy, hands linked. Fred was soon to follow in interlacing his fingers with yours.

You found in the passing years that the twins were affectionate with everyone, they loved being near the ones they loved and you found it only more endearing as time went on. You also discovered that when they found something they truly liked, or someone in your case, you couldn’t be separated from them. 

Lee had started the joke that you were their triplet and sitting there with them in the grass, stars twinkling above you, you thought he might be right. You were closer to them than you’d ever intended to be but you were immensely grateful for the boys. You were a found family even if you weren’t connected by blood. 

“Penny for ‘em?” George asked, nudging his thigh against yours and it was only then you realized your skin had become ice and you had been outside, eyes glued to the stars, for much longer than you thought. 

A misconception that many had of Fred and George was that they always had to be speaking, moving, clowning around. You got to see them in quiet moments that they used to only share with each other. Another misconception that had begun to circulate was that you were romantically involved with one or both (depending on which gossip you asked) of the twins. 

However, you felt nothing but kinship and contentment as you sat between them. They were your dearest friends, not to discount the great love you felt for Katie, Angelina, and Lee. Growing up with your friends just meant that you were most often together rather than apart and it was something you never wanted to end and no romantic relationship could compare in your eyes, if anything you felt as if a romantic relationship with anyone in your friend group would dampen what you had now and you were more than content to stargaze with the twins and feel the familial and familiar weight of their hands in yours. 

“Just happy I’ve got you two in my life,” You smiled at each twin, taking note of your favorite freckle on George’s nose and the funny cowlick that made Fred’s hair stick up in an odd spot on his head. “The universe planned you two very carefully I think, and no matter what anyone says you are both perfect to me and I couldn’t ask for better friends,” 

“Can I have my penny back?” 

“A little sappy Y/N, I feel I need to wash my hands now lest I feel sticky later,” 

“Oh bugger off,” You snorted, trying to sit up in retaliation, as if you would actually leave, before Fred was pulling you back down and pressing a caring kiss to your temple. 

“Nobody could be as perfect as us, but you come pretty close I suppose,” George played and Fred looked mock-thoughtful. 

“If we are the stars, you’d be the sky that makes us shine brighter,” Fred tried to tease but as the words fell from his lips he realized with stark clarity that it was true and he felt his chest swell with appreciation for you. 

George seemed to agree, swallowing a lump in his throat and tearing his eyes away from you. You were sat comfortably in the grass, hands now cold with the lack of shared heat but now folded over your stomach. You looked completely at peace and George was glad to see it. He never wanted he or his brother to drive you away. 

“You two do that all on your own, now settle down and watch the stars with me,” You commanded with a bright smile that rivaled the gleaming full moon in radiance. 

With an in sync, “Yes ma’am,” The boys were back to laying beside you, all three of you watching the stars blink against the inky veil of night that was slowly growing lighter as the time passed you by. 

The three of you didn’t leave until the sun made her presence known, a sliver of gold on the horizon. 

Tag List: @stuckysdaughter​ @thehumanistsdiary​  **I’m sorry I’ve forgotten all that were previously on my tag list, if you wish to be added/taken off just send me a dm and I’ll get that fixed!**

[anjanettexcordonia]

Chapter 4: Psycho

Book: The Royal Romance A/U

Catch Up Here Ties That Bind Masterlist

Rating: Mature (18+); NSFW; Dark; Torture; Rape; mentions of child abuse; Death

Pairings: Liam x Riley; Drake x Olivia 

Word count: 2,922 (+/-)

A/N: Please excuse any grammatical errors. 

A/N: Please Read With Caution! 

Thank you @texaskitten30 for bouncing ideas with me & beta-reading! If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have finished this chapter anytime soon! 

Thank you to @yourmajesty09 for Godfrey! ;) 

Disclaimer: Some characters & some scenes belong to Pixelberry. (This is not based on any actual events!) 

Tags: If you would like to be added or removed please let me know. 

PermaTags: @yourmajesty09 @gkittylove99 @kingliam2019

Series Tags: @cordonia-gothqueen @mom2000aggie @texaskitten30 @hopefulmoonobject

Clink. Clink. Clink. 

Celeste winced at every snap against the bars in her small confines. 

“Uh what’s going on Li? Why is she in there?” Drake choked out. Drake's eyes darted around the dimly lit room. He saw Celeste curled up a small cot in a jail cell. 

“Shut up Drake.” Olivia snapped. 

“Olivia Nevrakis, Drake Walker.. is.. is  that you?” Celeste choked out. Liam pressed his finger to his lips to silence them. 

“Hello, my dear Little Sister” Liam hissed. Riley could feel the heat radiating off his naked body as she stood next to him. 

“Hello brother, I had a feeling my abduction had something to do with you & her,” Celeste pointed in Riley’s direction with her long bony fingers,” when I was left in this filth of country.” Celeste eyed Riley. Celeste always felt a slight connection towards Riley. Not friendship but kinship. They shared demons, not the same demons different traumas but demons all the same. Celeste craved power. Power at any cost no price wasn’t worth paying. Riley craved blood, the blood of the powerful. Blood of those who had wronged her or Liam. 

Liam scoffed at her remark. “Cece, of course you know why you’re here?” 

“William, You know I had nothing to do with what happened to Leo. Or you. I had no idea anything was going on. Madeline she.. she.. forced me. And Regina & Adelaide.” 

“Ya know Cece, I don’t care what lies you tell yourself to clear your conscience. Better yet you're more like me than I like to admit. We don’t have a conscience, do we dear sister? Madeleine’s blood is on your hands.” 

“Go cover your dick and get out William, I’m done with this conversation. And take your whore of a wife with you.” Celeste mumbled as she turned to face the wall away from the group standing on the other side of the bars. Riley could barely contain her excitement the more defiant Celeste became. 

Riley walked over to a scanner mounted on the wall. She presses her thumb firmly to the scanner. The wall retracted into a much larger room. The room had a large bed in the center and large ornate thrones for the King and Queen. The thrones were positioned against the wall with a perfect view of the entire room. Surrounding the bed were.. torture devices to say the least. Riley grabbed a catch pole and large hook and joyfully walked towards Liam. 

“My King,” Riley knelt to one knee in front of her husband holding the pole and hook above her head, her arms outstretched towards him to take the pole from her hands. 

Liam leaned down taking the devices from Riley and caught her pouty lips into a passionate kiss. Riley wrapped her arms around his neck and her hands finding the hook in Liam's hand. Still locked in a heated kiss, Riley and Liam rose to their feet. Riley suddenly broke the kiss and snatched the hook free of Liam's hand. In a flash, she put the shaft of the hook through the iron bars and hooked Celeste around her neck pulling her towards them. Riley pulled the pole as hard as she could causing the cable around Celeste’s neck to tighten. With Liam standing behind her with a wicked grin appearing on his face she pulled Celeste flush against the wrought iron bars. Liam pried the pole from Riley’s fingers and brought his face as close as he could to Celeste. 

“Sit.” He commanded Olivia and Drake. Both of their faces twisted in fear and confusion. “I understand you’re both curious as to what’s going on. Right now, you will observe and your questions will be answered. Please be assured neither of you will come to any harm at my or Riley’s hand.” In typical Olivia fashion, laughed at Liam’s remark, “Me, harmed by either of you, I'm interested in what game you two are playing.” “Liam, I don’t know about this. Can I at least have my pants back?’ Drake runs his fingers through his thick dark hair nervously. Liam gave Riley the catch pole that held Madeline flush against the cold bars. He sat down on his throne, Olivia and Drake took their seats on a bench on the far side of the room. “Bring her to me, my Queen.” Riley bowed her head, she opened the door to the cage and jerked the catch pole pulling Celeste hard. Riley pulled her infront of Liam and slammed her to her knees on the floor. “What the fuck, you bitch?” Celeste yelled at Riley. “Let me out of here Liam NOW!” She bellowed. Riley drew her hand back to hit Celeste for her outburst “Riley stop.” Riley froze at Liam’s command.

 Riley knew, right now her and her husband were not equals. He needed her to do this for him and she was more than willing. He needed to heal and she would heal his wounds. She would save him from himself. She is saving him from his torture and hate. She will fill the void that they left behind. What’s love without obsession?

“Celeste, the more you fight, the worse it will be. Riley come here my Queen.” Riley dropped the pole and went to sit on Liam’s lap. Liam pulled her into a tender kiss. Liam kissed her down her chin to her neck and up to her ear, “Get the knives.” Riley walked over to a safe built into the wall. She typed in the password and scanned her palm. The safe opened and she pulled three small daggers out. Each dagger was adorned with a large jewel. 

“Olivia, Drake here.” Riley handed them each a dagger. “These daggers are of importance. Each one has a specific crown jewel encrusted in the hilt. Olivia, red obviously for the scarlet duchess and House Nevrakis. Diamond for you Drake. You’re a true diamond in the rough and a pillar in our reign.” Riley explained. “Riley, Liam I don’t know what to say.” Olivia thanked them as she looked at the dagger in her hand. A large red ruby was encrusted in the hilt along with Nevrakis Justice engraved along the blade.

Liam stood from his throne. “Let’s get on with it. I’m tired of waiting. Riley Rhys, Olivia Nevrakis, and Drake Walker, today I am judge and jury. You are executioner.” 

“Jesus Christ Liam, you are such a drama Queen. You’re not going to kill me and neither will these bastards. It’s treason.” Celeste snapped. 

Riley couldn’t control her blood lust any longer. She walked over to Celeste and sliced her across her back with her Rhys sapphire encrusted dagger. Riley froze as she watched the blood pour in small estuaries down Celeste’s back. “Fuck you really are a crazy bitch aren’t you!” Celeste screamed in pain. “Liam stop this NOW. I’m the mother of your first born child!” Liam’s lips curled at the sound of mouth forming the words mother. “YOU ARE NOT A MOTHER OF ANY CHILD OF MINE.” His voice boomed. “Regina forced me and so did father. You know that Liam!” “Shut up. You’re a liar.” “Do you think I WANTED to fuck my half brother over and over?” Liam sat down quietly. “Maybe, maybe not. But your natural response spoke otherwise. Every time I fought, you came harder. And what about Savannah?” 

Drake's eyebrow quirked at the sound of his sister's name. “Savannah? Li what?” “Tell him Cece. He knows you raped me. But does he know that you are the reason for his sister's death? And his father’s death? That had Jackson Walker executed for false allegations of rape. That you found out about Constantine,our father, abusing Savannah and impregnating her? Instead you helped Regina take her son away.” 

“Son?” Drake screamed. “My father… my sister… because of you..” Drake charged at Celeste. Liam grabbed Drake by the throat. “Stop. I’m not finished.” He calmly spoke. “Get the fuck off me Liam. This bitch… she.. she..” “There’s more,” Liam directed his attention back to Celeste who sat in complete silence. “What about Olivia, Celeste?” Olivia's face drained of all color. She knew exactly what Liam was about to say. She had never spoken a word to anyone before. “No Liam, stop. Don’t…” she whispered. Drake eyes his wife. “What’s he talking about Olivia?” 

“Liv I’m so sorry. I tried to stop it.” Celeste sobbed. “No, no, Cece tell the truth.” Riley interrupted. Celeste’s tears stopped abruptly as if she could control her tears. A smile formed across her face. “You’re right Riley. I’m lying. I knew what Constantine was doing. Why do you think I was your best friend, Livvy. He said he would fuck the traitor out of you. I guess he didn’t do a very good job.” She shrugged. “None of you are worthy of the crown. You’re weak. You allowed the torture. You weren’t strong enough to fight back. Liam, your own father destroyed you. I stole your illusion of innocence. No one may have touched you Drake but your poor sister and disgraceful Kings Guard of a father got it enough for you. And Liv, you were the most trusting. You are the most weak. You don’t rule Nevrakis with an iron fist. You all got what you deserved.” 

Liam returned to his seat on his replicated throne. “Riley. It’s time. We will let Drake and Olivia work out their aggressions. Drake, Liv… you may do as you please to her. Do not kill her and make sure when you are finished she is fully concious.” Drake felt the anger rising inside of him. He felt as if his skin would burst into flames at any moment. He had never felt hatred in his life until this moment, listening to the evil drip from Celeste’s lips. The hatred engulfed him and he understood. He understood Liam in a way he had never before. Drake darted from his place on the other side of the room. He felt himself losing control until he pounced on Celeste. “You stole my family. You murdered them.” Drake screamed as his arm drew back to hit her hard across her jaw. Celeste screamed as Drake pummeled her. “Enough.” Liam’s deep baritone voice boomed through the room. “Sit Drake.” Drake immediately turned to look for Olivia. Celeste lay balled on the floor. She was badly beaten and bloodied from the brutal beating Drake had given her. “Well deserved. That was for my father and my sister. And for my nephew and my mother.” Drake hissed at Celeste. Olivia kissed Drake deeply. Drake poured his anger and relief into the kiss, emotions he never knew he felt for the loss of his family and finally knowing the real truth. 

Celeste lay on the floor breathing heavily. She closed her eyes and laid her head back on the cold tile floor. “Princess CeCe..” a smooth yet sharp voice poured into the completely silent room. She felt her breath hitch in her throat. She felt the cold sharp lightly touch the sensitive skin of her throat. She felt the sharp scratch of the dagger glide down her chest between her breaths and stop abruptly at her pubic bone. She felt the dagger press harder until she felt the pierce of her skin and the blood coming to the surface. Celeste’s eyes opened in a flash. “Nevrakis” she hissed. “No need for words.. shhh.” Olivia pressed her finger to Celeste’s words. Olivia continued running the dagger down her thighs drawing the slightest bit of blood. 

Liam, Riley and Drake watched in awe of Olivia. Liam felt his cock twitch at the sensual torture taking place in front of him. He took Riley’s hand and placed it gently on himself. She gripped him hard and slowly pumped his shaft. “Bring her in. She’s going to watch.” Riley nodded her and released her husband from her grip. She disappeared into another room. 

Olivia continued to make the small cuts over Celeste’s body. Celeste was crying out for the pain to end. Olivia pressed deeper and deeper into each cut. Liam was getting more and more excited as more and more blood pooled on the floor beneath the vile creature before him. He watched as Olivia’s naked body hovered over Celeste, Olivia’s hands were deep red from the blood of Celeste. Liam snapped his head when he heard the muffled gasp. “Regina,  join us.” Liam grinned a sinister grin at her before he turned his head back to Olivia and Celeste. Riley pushed Regina down against the wall to sitting position. 

“Enough Olivia,” Liam barked. 

He stood from his throne and reached for his wife’s hand. Riley placed her hand in his, both of them transforming themselves into their regal Queen and King stance. Olivia slinked back to her place beside Drake. Liam looked at Riley, an unspoken conversation happened between them. Riley knew exactly what to do by her husband’s expression. She knew the depths of his tortured soul better than anyone. She knelt down beside Celeste’s head. She pulled Celestes arms above her head and held them in place. The catch pole cable still wrapped tightly around Celeste’s neck. Liam knelt down between Celeste’s legs. 

Regina cried out, “Liam please no.” Liam ignored Regina's pleas. “Did you stop when he begged you to stop Regina?” Riley spoke through gritted teeth. “Did you Celeste? When you forced his seed into you? Did you think he would never come for you?” Liam slammed his cock into Celeste as hard as he could lurching her forward. She let a scream, “No.” “How does it feel to to be the one vulnerable?” Riley whispered into Celeste’s ear as Liam continued to violate her body. “Hold her My Queen.” Liam commanded his wife. Her grip on Celeste’s wriggling body tightened holding her in place. Liam leaned into kiss his wife deeply as he continued his assault on Celeste. “Dagger.” He whispered. Liam could feel his orgasm building within his body not caring about the sandpaper feeling that enveloped his cock. Riley released her grip on Celeste and went to retrieve the Rhys dagger. Liam grabbed a firm hold around Celeste’s neck. The sweat dripping from burned her wounds. She looked at her mother, who was crying watching her daughter's assault, helpless. “This is your fault you fucking cunt.” Celeste whispered, as she gasped for breath at her mother. “Now Riley.” Liam removed his hands from Celeste’s neck, Riley immediately replaced his hands with the dagger. Riley watched her husband’s face twist and contort as he reached his climax. Riley pushed the knife deep across Celeste’s jugular vein. Blood sprayed over Liam as he released himself deep within Celeste. Her body jerked as more blood poured from neck. Liam slowly pulled himself out of Celeste, wincing in pain. They stood both covered in Celeste’s blood. Neither making eye contact with each other. 

Regina sobbed at the sight of her daughter's life leaving her body. Celeste became who she was her fault. The twisted monster before her, Liam, she knew was her fault. All of it was her fault. “Liam if this is what you need to lead our country, so be it.” Regina whispered through hushed sobs. 

“Our country? MY COUNTRY.” Liam thundered. “It is your fault. Celeste, my father EVERYTHING WAS YOUR FAULT. A child I can’t love like mine and Riley’s children.” A fresh anger coursed through his veins. A rage he needed satiate one last time for himself. He snatched the dagger from Riley’s hand and marched to stand directly in front of Regina. “Look at me.” He commanded Regina. “Liam..” “Your Majesty. You will call me your majesty. I am your King. You tried so hard to remove me from my rightful place. You destroyed my brother, you took everything from me. But I took it back. I have MY Queen. My family. And MY COUNTRY. And you will die here in a foreign country, and forgotten in your own.” Liam plunged the dagger into Regina’s heart. “Today I’m taking back MY power, not for me. But for her and my children. All of them.” Regina whispered, “I’m sorry.” Liam pulled the dagger out of her heart. He plunged it back in again. “DO.” The squish of flesh beneath the dagger was the only sound in the room between Liam’s cries. “NOT” “APOLOGIZE.” Liam had tears running down his blood spattered face. Riley ran over and placed her hand on his, “she’s gone, baby.” She wrapped her arms around him to hold him. He sobbed into Riley’s shoulder. 

“I’m so sorry Riley, I love you so much.” “Shh shh.. it’s okay, I love you too.” Riley comforted him. 

Drake and Olivia sat in a stunned silence at the scene that just played out in front of them. They could sense a flood of relief flow in the room. The room was covered in blood, two women lay deceased on the floor.. but somehow they sensed a peace. Evil had been exterminated and replaced with a light. 

A dim light, is still a light nevertheless. 

[krlworld]

donghyuck loved her more than he ever loved anyone else before. she made him feel at ease, how her beautiful eyes would look at him and asure him everything was alright. he met her through his friends, she was renjuns cousin. he didnt thought of her that way immediately but he couldnt deny she was gorgeous. eventually one night when the whole group of teenagers decided to cancel their movie night without warning the two of them he got to know her better. she told him about her childhood, her family, where she grew up, she had two siblings, one older brother and one younger sister and the way she complained about doing house chores because her sister was too lazy to help and how she loved her dog to death moved donghyucks heart. that night in december when they stayed home on the couch telling each other what others dont know, feelings were found.

   love (lŭv) n. 1. A strong feeling of affection and concern toward another              person, as that arising from kinship or close friendship.

 eventually donghyuck started feeling awkward about her, not in a bad way actually, but his heart would start to beat faster whenever she was around, when she gave him compliments his cheeks would go red. he loved holding her hand and when she fell asleep on his chest. he loved her laugh even though she said she sounded horrendous. he loved how funny she was, how she didnt mind a joke and fought him back. he loved her wild side, when she made flirty jokes that made him flustered and then she would just laugh and knocked it off.  in conclusion he loved everything about her, he loved her.

                                             am i in love?

 It took him some time to notice the strong feelings he had for her but hey, he got there. now it wasnt the beating of his heart that was making him wonder, it was the fact that he had so many feelings for her but he didnt know how she felt. he grew curious, asking himself “does she ever think about me?” “does she miss me like i miss her?” “how would her lips feel against mine…” at that point it was obvious for everyone, except you, how donghyuck felt, he wondered how you could be so dense.

 "falling in love" means to feel a strong sense of attraction towards another person.

 everything was so new to him, he never actually liked anyone except for a cute little girl he once met in kindergarden but apart from that he never felt that strong feeling of almost losing his breath he got whenever he was with you. he started to fear being around you, everything you did made him fall for you even deeper. his friends had told him to confess, “what could go wrong?” they said, but he knows damn well what could go wrong. he couldnt bare thinking about her not wanting to see him anymore because he made her uncomfortable, not having her around, just thinking about it made him feel sick in the stomach, almost feeling like throwing up. he decided to keep you close even if that hurted him.

  unrequited love or one-sided love is love that is not openly reciprocated or understood as such by the beloved.

 one night she called him and asked if he wanted to spend the night. in other scenarios people would think this was weird, but in reality they were more close than they appeared out to be, it wasnt unusual for donghyuck to stay at her place when some random guy who turned out to be a bad blind date made her feel like shit, him having to hold her, wipe her tears and tell her the usual “maybe what you really need is closer than you think…” leading her to think that “something” meant jaemin or chenle, he couldnt help but smack his forehead because of how stupid the situation was… but there was also the case where she would just feel like being with her favorite person, playing video games, eating some pizza and telling each other everything that happened that week, she looked at him with such loving eyes making him wonder if she could ever feel something for him, she made him have some hope but he didnt want to make himself feel better because thats exactly what he wanted to hear.

 that night he spent at her house it was a little different, her parents were out of town with her sister and her brother had left for college, it was just the two of them. in the beginning it was all very normal, the usual stuff, movies, food and laughing about whatever came to mind but as the night went on the atmosphere felt… heavy. he couldnt tell what was making him feel so nervous or maybe he did, maybe he didnt want to accept the fact that she was closer than usual, that her hands were on his thighs and how she looked at him with rosy cheeks.

 she couldnt stop thinking about him, her precious best friend. how she wanted to be more than that, wondering if he wanted to touch her as much as she did, if he ever though about her, if he wanted to make her happy like she wanted to make him feel. she was very good at hiding her feelings because no one had a clue about her affection for the boy, not even jeno who was able to read every single one of his friends.

 you remembered… it was on march, movie night at marks house, you felt closer than ever to donghyuck you couldnt help but cuddle onto him the whole night, thinking about how he made your heart go wild when he was just wearing a simple grey shirt and skinny jeans, literally anyone could say he looked boring and he did, but to you he looked breathtaking. he had black hair at that time, you thought that was the best hair color he ever had it fitted him so well, you wanted to stare at him forever.

that night you left marks house feeling dizzy, you couldnt even describe how you felt, did you like donghyuck? taking your keys out trying to open your front door you stopped yourself when you heard someones heavy breathing. you turned around just to find donghyuck behind you holding your coat.

“hyuck? what are you doing here? i thought you said you were sleeping at marks today?” you asked surprised to see him in front of you, you kind of had an idea of why he was there but you also didnt want to make yourself believe he left marks house walking just to give you a damn coat.

“you left your coat… and i thought you would be cold, but i didnt manage to catch you as you can tell” he said finally catching his breath and fixing his shirt. he then handed the coat to you.

“why would you that? mark lives far from here hyuck, something could have happened to you” you said out of concern, because actually mark did live far away from you, almost a 30 minute walk to be clear.

“maybe i just wanted to see you a little bit longer…” he couldnt help but blush, he really did mean what he said but he felt so embarrassed like he was a child trying to tell his mom he did what he wasnt supposed to.

you wanted to tell him to stay, to make you hot chocolate like he usually does, to play with your hair like he does when feel sleepy, the words didnt come out, but actions did. you grabbed your coat quietly thanking him and giving a quick kiss on the cheek you couldnt tell what was funnier, the way you wanted to throw yourself out of the window or hyuck getting completely flustered and leaving like he saw a ghost.

                                                 i think i love you.

 you were convinced donghyuck wouldnt like you back so you decided to try something to forget him, and that was seeing other guys, simple right? but the plan didnt go so well, for some kind of reason, only assholes seemed to be attracted you and that would end up with donghyuck holding you while you just cried. and maybe he thought it was because of your bad dating experiences but it was actually because the boy you wanted to forget so bad was the one who never left you.

 so eventually you decided to get some courage and make the first move, and tonight seemed like a nice moment to do so.

 leaving your thoughts for a second you analyze the situation, you are resting your head against his chest, your hands on his thighs while his hand is rubbing your back up and down making you feel like your heart is about to burst out of your chest. you look up at him admiring his features, he is so beautiful, his now brownish hair, his dark skin that you loved so much everything about him was so mesmerizing. he then looked into your eyes and you couldnt help but blush a little, you had to tell him, still looking at each other you cleared your throat.

“hey hyuck”

“hm”

“have you… have you ever thought about us?” you felt like you were going to explode, your face burning hot, trembling as each word leaves your mouth.

“y-you, what do you mean?” he swallowed hard and his eyes were all over the place except for you.

“you know as like, a thing” playing with your fingers, you started to get nervous, feeling like he was just about to reject you and thinking this was a bad idea.

“yes” he simply replied. you looked up to him and couldnt hide the bright smile on your face, finally taking his hand in yours and getting even closer. “wow, whats wrong, are you okay?” he said as he looked at you and then your hand you never noticed how much you were shaking but you just couldnt believe it.

“i-im sorry.. i just, i,“ you sighed “i just really, really like you. like a lot” and then everything went silent, you were so scared, still shaking you looked up to find his face inches away from yours. 

“i adore you, you know that right?”

and then he just kissed you, after so many nights thinking about this moment it was finally happening. he grabbed your cheek with one hand while the other held your waist because he knew how much you loved that. your hands went to his hair just touching, finally being able to feel him. you couldnt help but feel like crying you loved him so much it was indescribable. then he started kissing your cheeks, your jaw, your neck and after that you werent even aware of your surrondings, drowning in his scent and his touch. it wasnt until he slightly squeezed your waist that you jumped a little and looked at him.

“so, does this finally make you mine” he whispered, now holding you even closer than before, if that was possible.

“maybe, who knows” you laughed a little smiling against his lips, you could say you were the happiest person alive.

                                          he was finally yours.

[maks-lawrence]

『 FINN HAYTON ❙ CIS MALE』 ⟿ looks like MAKSIM ‘MAKS’ LAWRENCE is here for HIS JUNIOR year as a BUSINESS student. HE is 21 years old & known to be LOYAL, FEARLESS, BRUSQUE & WITHDRAWN. They’re living in OFF CAMPUS HOUSING, so if you’re there, watch out for them. ⬳ 

brace urself its a long one!!!

April 19th, 1999. Winter’s fingertips just barely clinging to the rural towns outside of the city of Kharkiv, a priest opens the church doors to a biblical sight: pink and sleeping, swaddled in worn but clean linens, a baby in a basket. The baby is a boy. He is deemed healthy but still unclaimed, the area is poor, there is tension on the border, another child can be a child too many.

An orphanage in Kharkiv becomes his home. He is given the name Maksim (meaning the greatest, it feels like a joke) and he learns quickly that people are not always kind, that he must look out for himself, and that affection never comes without a price. He becomes half feral like all the children in the home become, mean to survive, with nothing to call their own.

There were two instances of near adoptions, first when he was a baby, barely a year old, but the paperwork never went through. The one he just barely remembers, when he was four and a lovely couple from the UK came to peruse the orphanage, delighted in the tale of how he’d been found. He was returned six months later, the mother in tears at the unmanageability of the child, shocked at how he’d bite and scream in Russian. Maks only recalls the smothering smell of her perfume when she’d hug him too tightly, and the endless stream of English words he did not understand.

He graduated to a boys home at seven, where he grew the closest with the other boys. There was comfort in friendship like that, like the kind of kinship and protection that’d be felt in a pack of dogs. The fundamental understanding of the home was once a child passed the threshold of thirteen they would not be leaving it, just graduating from institution to institution until they were legally old enough to release on their own.

He was ten when the first volunteers from America came to the home with their hundred watt Chiclet smiles, attitudes always upbeat. They annoyed him at first, taking photos of the boys, asking questions in broken Russian, making them practice their English. He didn’t know it at the time, but they were creating profiles for each of the boys, adoption portfolios for families in America. There was one video of a surly faced young Maksim, introducing himself with a thick accent, his eyes darting to the right of the frame. He appears shrunken in it, shoulders caving in and head ducked.

The Lawrence family saw this video and contacted the volunteers. The adoption process is long and expensive, but the Lawrence’s were determined. Within six months and just shy of his eleventh birthday, Maksim was on a plane for the first time, heading towards his new home.

The transition was difficult, Maks was not an easy child for the older couple to handle. He would fight and yell when people came too close to him, a strange child in a strange place. His English was poor, but the words he did know where all spoken angrily, the way an animal growls when backed into a corner.

He could see the love and kindness the older couple were offering him, but Maks felt like he had to continually test it. Explosive, his episodes were violent or cruel, their only intention to hurt. He had to know if they were strong enough to handle him at his worst, or if they’d give up, and he’d be sent back to the Ukraine again. He believed the things that all the children in the boy’s home believed— he was not something worthy of anything, and that’s why he had nothing.

Slowly, thing became better. He got along with the other children more than he did the adults, the comradery of the boys home made it easier for him to find common ground in them. He was in therapy for years, learning how to let go of the damage his childhood had brought, and embracing this brighter one. He proved to be a good student, though stubborn, and was able to catch up to others his age by his freshman year of high school, participating like a regular student.

He’d always had an interest in how things worked, and this manifested in quiet tinkering in the family garage. He’d teach himself how to repair the broken family lawnmower over an afternoon with a few YouTube videos before progressing to bigger engines and machines. He was able to make a small business out of it, earning enough cash in one summer with his small repair service to buy his first car. He threw himself into modding and improvements to the engine, funnelling far too much of his money into making the little blue 2012 Mazda RX-8 an absolute menace on the roads.

He couldn’t apologize to the Lawrence’s for the way he’d been as a child, just like he can’t quite thank them for what they did for him. He loves them, and expresses it in his own quiet ways. He’s still withdrawn, he struggles to reveal what he’s feeling, but he’s the closest with the other Lawrence kids. They share stories of treacherous pasts— a similar understanding that binds them together.

By the time college rolled around, Maks applied to Radcliffe dutifully. It seemed the best choice— close to home and without any real idea of what his future would hold, the best thing to do at the moment. Spending the first year in dorms, he realized that the close quarters and the packed in students were not for him. He moved into an apartment off campus, and though he struggles to make rent every month, has been much happier ever since.

Maks often defaults to being cold when things get tough, and being cruel when they get tense. He races on the outskirts of campus, and gets into fights weekly. He’s always in trouble in some way, usually bruised or battered a little.

He’s a little hard to get there, but he’s a good friend. He cares a lot about people, though he struggles to show it. He’s a little gruff and can be sort of blunt, but he’s an alright guy. That being said, he does stand his ground and will do a hit if provoked :(

some more fun head canons (because I haven’t typed enough):

can outdrink nearly anyone (vodka on the rocks all night long baybie)

almost always has torn up knuckles and a don’t ask, don’t tell system of how he got them

funnels nearly all his money into modded his car and rent so as a result, he’s always broke :)

prefers cigarettes to vaping in the pretentious way that people prefer vinyl

his sexuality is one big question mark and don’t ask him about it he angee

likes to listen music that’s basically just one electronic thrash sesh— its unlistenable but he’s destroying his eardrums with it!!

he dresses very non-descript, can’t afford labels and wears a black bomber jacket basically year round: think cartoon character and you’ve got the right idea

still sees a therapist semi-regularly, begrudgingly going in on sessions to keep his mum happy

cuts his own hair (disgostin I know)

he’s good at racing and fighting because in the moment he doesn’t give a shit; hit it until it breaks. he feels shitty about it after but it’s something he’s never quite been able to explain; it feels good to just go ape shit every once in awhile!

if u made it this far, congrats i honestly commend u, and of course pls hit me up 4 plots etc etc thenk yew

[thephoenix-hq]

☞ NAME: Amelia Bones. ☞ AGE: Twenty-One (07.12.1958). ☞ BLOOD STATUS: Pureblood. ☞ HOUSE: Former Hufflepuff. ☞ GENDER: Cis-female. ☞ FACECLAIM: Kat Graham.

+ THE STORY SO FAR +

There is a little known secret within pure blood families that the women are secretly the reasons the men do so well. They may appear to be nothing more than a trophy, but there’s an ocean of intelligence beneath those glassy surfaces. Amelia Bones was no exception. She played her part well. Smile at everyone, show kindness, don’t speak too loud. But she had a twin brother and that gave her an advantage most society girls didn’t have. As soon as they got home from whatever gathering required their best behavior, the shoes came off, the bobby-pins pulled down the curls, the girdle loosened. She could grind dirt under her nails as she dug for worms with Edgar. Nobody knew, nobody saw. Hardly even their parents, as the two Bones children were almost entire raised by their House Elves.

Though Edgar was about six minutes older than his twin, Amelia spent most of her life taking care of him. It started when they were children. It was her instinct to show love through grooming. Chubby little fingers would latch onto his shirt, pull his clothes straight - because Edgar was always disheveled, even as a baby. Throughout their lives and always in time with their parents’ absences, Amelia would take care of Edgar. At fourteen, she started dating a boy from school. He invited her to stay with his family for a week and when she returned, Edgar had secured a kinship in some Muggle boys from a nearby neighborhood. Amelia was happy for him until she discovered what these boys were teaching her brother; the art of recreational drug use. Edgar, always the manipulator, convinced her it was okay and for a number of years, she believed him.

He got his homework done and always showed up to class, if just a tad late. The drugs didn’t really become a problem until the twins graduated. They continued to live at home as their parents were never there anyway, and the house would be empty otherwise. Edgar no long had anything to keep him on track and it was left to Amelia to make sure he was still breathing when he passed out every night. The worry was eating her alive after only a few months of these behaviors and she knew she had to get out. There was nothing she could do for her beloved brother, so she had to live for herself. There was a ton of fear when it was decided when and where she would take her travel year, but Edgar was supportive. So she left. And the freedom she experienced was relief like she had never known. When the year was up, she almost couldn’t bring herself to return, fear of walking back into her old life causing her considerable anxiety.

-  J U N E  1 9 7 9 -

Amelia was only home for two months before she decided to get a flat with Marlene in London. Edgar had only gotten worse over her absence and every time she reverted back to her old ways of cleaning him up in the mornings, he would get angry with her. They were fighting constantly and before she knew it, her twin wasn’t coming home at all. She moved out so that he could at least be in his own home when he made such thoroughly bad decisions. And then one day in early March, he showed up on her doorstep a completely different person. Amelia didn’t exactly know what had happened, but when he asked to stay, she said yes happily. Albums Dumbledore showed up the next day to talk to her about an organization he wanted her to be a part of. He told her that it had been on the suggestion of her twin that she was a perfect candidate to fight for equality. Touched and with a new zest for life, Amelia accepted.

←  C O N N E C T I O N S  →

← Edgar Bones

When they were children, they shared each other’s thoughts. Amelia could tell before she even opened a door exactly what Edgar was feeling on the other side. That isn’t much the case anymore. Too much distance and addiction splintered their connection, but they’re slowing healing back together. With the same thing to focus on like when they were in school, their relationship is clearly on the mend.

→ Marlene McKinnon

Amelia has known Marlene McKinnon as long as the younger girl has been alive. They weren’t that close when they were growing up, apart from holidays where they bonded over being the only girls in a mass of boys. There was a time where Amelia liked Marlene and then there was a time where she didn’t. The then-thirteen year old went through a sudden and viscous shift. Gone was the baby face with chubby cheeks and dirt under her nails and in her place was a porcelain princess with angular cheek bones and an obvious distaste for carbohydrates. Amelia, who had been fifteen when she first noticed the difference, immediately changed her opinion of the small girl. And then she found her in France, a full woman with more fight in her than she ever would have thought. She realized the truth of the situation when she found Marlene in an alley with a busted lip. She was overcompensating for years of pretending to be fragile by being gruesomely rough. Amelia made it her mission to teach Marlene that she didn’t have to go from one extreme to the next. And slowly over that year, the Real Marlene came through. The two became closer than ever before and when Marlene graduated from Beauxbatons, she asked Amelia to get a flat with her in London. Having been home for a few months with Edgar’s negative energy, she accepted. Amelia recognizes Marlene as perhaps the strongest person she has ever met. There is nothing but admiration between the two of them.

← Gideon Prewett

As kindreds do, Amelia noticed Fabian and Gideon early on for their similarities to herself and Edgar. They were twins; that was it. The only thing the four had in common was the proximity of their births. The gryffindor boys were so in tune with each other, people got them confused and they reveled in it. Amelia has never seen two people more connected. It made her jealous in their youth. When she heard of Fabians death, her heart broke for Gideon. She couldn’t imagine the hurt he must be going through. In fact, there was a small, secret part of herself when Edgar was in the thick of his addiction that would’ve been relieved at his death. She thought at least her brother wouldn’t be suffering anymore. But to lose half of your soul was another thing. She can sense Gideons jealousy because it rivals what she felt once upon a time, so Amelia tries not to flaunt - but she can see that only makes the situation worse.

→ Emmeline Vance

Emmeline was a force to be reckoned with. Amelia could see that much when they were in school and the first time she ran into the witch in Saint Mungos, she was reminded of it again. Amelia’s father had been injured on the job and though she was told through the patronus sent to her at home that he was fine, just being kept for observation, she rushed to his side anyway. Emmeline stopped her at the door and told her to take a deep breath. She didn’t allow overly emotional visitors in to stress out her patients. So she took a moment to calm herself down and the healer let her in to see her father. As she checked on him, Amelia noticed the meaningful looks Edgar kept giving her that Emmeline artfully ignored by putting her full attention into her patient. Amelia didn’t know what it meant exactly, but she certainly wanted to find out. Emmeline Vance felt like someone she could rely on, even where her slightly erratic sibling was concerned.

AMELIA BONES IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS.

[jeonginsdimple]

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*soft bias tag*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

okay so i was tagged for this about five times i swear but they’re so deep in my notifs that i Can’t remember who tagged me and im too lazy to look but whoever u are i love u with all of my heart thank u it’s like this tag was made 4 me i am such a soft stan

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 1. Who is your bias?

g o d not this question. i’ll do jeongin bc he probably owns the most uwus of mine

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 2. What made you notice them?

hm.... honestly his b o y s sweater in hellevator was the first thing i saw HJDSHJS i was like “wow.......... that’s...... kinda gay also he’s really cute” but if i’m being completely honest he got such little screen time + lines i couldn’t tell whether he was a part of the group. later on when i looked up their profiles and i saw him i screeched he rly stole my heart very very early on. before i watched the show i kept thinking abt how excited i was to see more of him on screen PFF

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 3. What’s your favorite thing about them?

okay uhhhh u must be the Biggest Bool around if you think im going to name one thing anyway here’s my eight page essay--

fr ok i was going to list some things but i started writing about the first one and it’s too much i’m just going to keep that LMAO

his deep heart is something i think about a lot. i have to admit that i didn’t start watching the show until around when the fifth episode? came out. beforehand i had seen a clip from the fourth episode where jeongin had been practicing for school life, and he started admitting all of his struggles n insecurities n everything (the clip is called ‘jeongin is tired’ or something to that effect on youtube). anyway that was the first thing about stray kids i ever cried about! i sobbed so hard watching that y’all i felt like the Largest Clown around crying alone in my room sobbing over some boy that doesn’t know me PFF. watching him work so hard and worry so much about everything made my heart ache so bad hdsfsjkfdsjk especially since about .2 seconds before watching that clip i had seen a few people hating on him on twitter (which is why stan twt is inferior! too much hate tbh). i think it was at that moment, even if i wasn’t fully aware at the time since i hadn’t seen enough of them, that i really fell in love with jeongin anyway this is getting Too Soft god i’m moving on

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 4. Who would initiate skinship more?

ME HAHA WHAT KIND OF QUESTION-- have y’all seen that boy he’s like a metal rod when it comes to skinship. there’s this one video where minho’s doing a little pat pat 2 jeongin u kno nd he was STIFF AS HELL it was so funny. i’m so annoying and touchy i’d be attached to that boy deadass like some kind of leech he couldn’t get rid of me if he tried. trying 2 sleep? too bad Big Fool! suddenly i am Your Pillow

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 5. Who would hog blankets more?

hm............ well usually i’d say me because i get cold way too fast, but tbh if it was in a situation where i was laying w jeongin??? i’d let myself contract hypothermia and die he can have it

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 6. Who would be more clingy?

i kind of covered this already but 100% me y’all i’m so loud when it comes to being clingy. i’d be around him all the damb time if i had the chance fr

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 7. Who would say ‘I love you’ first?

also me i say i love you way too much. like on a more serious (kind of) note i sometimes worry that i say it to the point where it loses its meaning. i feel like that i should sometimes find other things to say because if there comes a time where someone really needs to hear “i love you” and they can’t believe me because of all of the casual times i’ve said it i’ll probably hate myself lmao. but that’s not important anyway in this situation i’d probably tell this loser i love him every time he came into my line of sight

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･  8. Who would be more easily flustered?

honestly ion know prob both? idk i’m such a loser and i get embarrassed so easy but @ the same time jeongin seems like he sucks at receiving attention without dying. so probably both depending on the situation

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 9. What cuddling position would you two have?

i am Embarrassed writing this but whatever i’ll just go 4 it. so i really love cuddling. like a Lot. also i have to take into account that i am Large and about two inches taller than jeongin. anyway i’d almost always prob be the Big Boy when cuddling. like i’d be wrapped around him in any way i could be. literally every position would be the one.......... if i wanted to give an example tho y’all know the vliev photoshoot that skz had........... the position that hyunjin n woojin were in? i’m hyunjin and jeongin is woojin that’s just how it is

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 10. Which colours remind you of them and why?

black bc he’s edgy uwu (no he’s not but for some reason black usually comes to mind......... it’s my favorite color tho so uhhh correlation) also pastel pink bc he’s so sweet and it’s like The soft color and i am Soft for him

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 12. Which season would you like to spend with them?

winter bc 1: his birthday uwu i’d spoil the fuck out of that boy with my 7 dollars and 2: so many kinship opportunities bc of the cold i’d live 4 it. plus there could b like........ hot chocolate and stuff wowow

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 13. Who would bake the cookies and who would steal the batter?

hm........... i like baking....... so i’d prolly bake n jeongin would snatch the batter and i would absolutely Not be angry that boy owns my heart and he can own that batter too

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 14. Which one of you would make bad puns and how would the other react?

ok i’d make so many bad puns every chance i got. fr give him incentive to smarten up and get the fuck away from my annoying ass

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 15. Who would want to adopt 50 dogs and cats?

hhhhhh probably me. like i can’t recall any specific time that jeongin’s even talked abt animals. even tho i’m wildly allergic 2 both (but i have two of each rn i’m not weak y’all can fight me) i’d force him to get AT LEAST one dog with me

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 16. Which one of you would nearly burn down the kitchen try to microwave a pop tart and who would come to the rescue?

okay i would definitely be the one burning shit down i have literally burnt mac n cheese. i may b able to bake but once it comes to anything that involves an appliance that isn’t an oven i’m screwed

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 17. Who likes to lean over tall railings and who pulls them back?

that boy would lean over a railing on like the twentieth floor deadass “owo whats this” and i’d barrel across the room breaking the sound barrier in the process to save that boy i’m way too nervous all the time

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 18. What would watching a horror film with them be like?

ok well i for one enjoy a good Spook. if it’s like..... real scary tho i’m a little bitch lol. anyway i’d be holding that boy to me like he was on the verge of death the whole time. if he ever jumped i’d probably hold him tight enough to the point where he couldn’t breathe it rly be like that

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 19. Who would be the cheesy flirt and who would be the smooth flirt?

i’d be cheesy 100% i’m so greasy. idk if jeongin would be smooth but considering he likes to introduce himself by saying he falls into our hearts and i introduce myself by messing up my first name i’ll take a chance and say he’s smoother

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 20. Who is more competitve?

him i’m literally so lame i’m not competitive at all. i’d let that boy win in a heartbeat if it made him happy (unless we were playing some like video game shit i get immersed in that)

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 21. Who would have to be given constant reminders? (Remember to eat, don’t forget to your keys, etc)

me all the way i am the most forgetful person on earth. i could be leaving the house n boy’s like “hey loser don’t forget ur fuckin pants”

*♡ ｡･ﾟﾟ･ 22. Who sends memes and who sends cute ‘I miss you’ texts at 3am?

i send both and he purposely leaves me on read until i apologize

Tagging: anyone fr i don’t know who’s done it already except @dinonugggies u have to

[syafiatudina]

Numpang as inhabiting threshold (2016)

Essay for Radio KUNCI at ifa Gallery, Berlin, April 2016

What is numpang? A friend of mine has been living in a communal house for his whole life. Once he lived in and took care of the headquarters of an artist-run space in the south of Yogyakarta. He didn’t pay the rent but he took a great deal of care of the house. He was numpang in the artist-run space headquarters, of which he was also a member. Numpang is taking a shelter, living in a place that “belongs” to someone else.

On a daily basis, this friend of mine would clean the house, repair some broken things, or make the house comfortable for other members when they come to visit. The house was a workshop for artists to produce silkscreens or linocuts. It was also the place for them to drink and hangout. After the hangout session ended, they would go home to their own individual places, except for my friend. He stayed in the house, because he lived there. Thanks to my friend’s daily efforts to take care of the house, including cleaning, repairing and rearranging things, it became a convenient space to work together for the collective. So the collective is numpang on my friend’s efforts to take care of the house. Here, numpang becomes a moment of dependency. Something depends on other things in order for certain things to exist.

The city centre of Yogyakarta is a dense area. In a very packed urban kampung (village), the street serves as the extension of houses. In the morning, women gather in the roads in front of their houses, to feed their kids, or do grocery shopping from mobile vegetable sellers. They exchange gossip, interact with each other while taking care of their children or doing other domestic chores. In the afternoon, the men will hang out in a few spots on the street near their homes, to smoke, drink coffee, as well as to gossip. When I passed the road where a group of men and women gathered, I would nod my head while saying “numpang..” Here numpang is a polite gesture that serves as an acknowledgement that I am temporarily using their space and creating a rupture in their time. Although the street belongs to the users, such as myself, I also consider it to be the neighbourhood collective space which I should respect. The collective space is shaped by the porosity of personal and domestic space (home) into public space (roads). These groups of men and women allow me to pass by because they are also numpang in the street. They use it temporarily to gather together.

In another case, a friend lived in someone else’s home for one year although the initial plan was to stay for one month. The owner of the house felt disturbed by this overstaying guest but did not know how to express her resentment. Because in numpang, there’s no written agreement on the rights and responsibilities of each person involved. It is based on trust and generosity. So numpang can easily escalate into parasitic numpang. Yet the uncertainty of numpang can create a space for relationships to grow into something else in the future. But the room to grow comes with consequences, such as insecurity.

This condition of encounters which filled with precarity reminds me of one chapter which entitled Contamination as Collaboration in Anna L. Tsing’s book, The Mushrooms at the End of the World. In this chapter, Tsing wrote about how everyone carries a history of contamination and we are being contaminated by each other through encounters. In Tsing’s own word;

As contamination changes world-making projects, mutual worlds—and new directions—may emerge. (…) One value of keeping precarity in mind is that it makes us remember that changing with circumstances is the stuff of survival. (…) staying alive—for every species— requires livable collaborations. Collaboration means working across difference, which leads to contamination. Without collaborations, we all die. (Tsing, 2015:27)

I’ve put the above-mentioned quote from Anna L. Tsing because of its correlation with qualities of numpang which I’ve mentioned early on in this text. Within the condition of numpang, there are no existence of “pure” personal and communal space, no clear boundaries between “I”, “them”, “us”, and everything is in contamination. My friend’s personal space exist side by side with the collective’s communal space and often times both spaces overflowed each other. The house is not only being cared by the person who paid for it or the host or legal owner. All the inhabitants become the carer of the space and to the extent, carer of each other lives. This is the embodiment of livable collaboration which Tsing has mentioned. I would like to extend numpang as not only a way of survival by collaborate with each other, but also as part of a new direction in world-making projects.

During my period staying in Berlin and working on the Radio KUNCI project at ifa Gallery, I encountered these porous moments. In the first week, we talked with Philip Horst (ZK/U) and Sithujan Varatharajah (Refugees Welcome) on how the practice of managing home (personal space) faced challenging moments of openness towards “others,” such as guests in residence, refugees, and even members of the public. This might involve a feeling of insecurity, but through iteration, negotiation and trust, both relationships and space grow. In the second week, we had a discussion with Alex Head (Wasteland Twinning) on the space of uncertainty and the ambiguity between private and public property as manifested in empty land or wasteland. Ferdiansyah Thajib also shared how an empty piece of land in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, become a site for a community which did not have a legal position to inhabit it, but then they created informal collective methods of land distribution. The porosity of private and public space creates a shared space where communities are always in the making. This is a site of emancipation and agency for the community.

More or less similar things are happening in the Bermuda Garten and Kommen und Bleiben initiatives in Weißensee, Berlin. They have been involved in connecting residents from different backgrounds (families, office workers, students, new and old Berliners), to exchange knowledge and facilitate the collective care for space and community. We also discussed the urgency to shake up notions of citizenship based on the division between “us” and “them.” To challenge this dichotomy between private and public (us and them) was also one of the centre of our discussion with Read-In (Annette Krauss and Hyunju Chung). How the practice of organising door-to-door reading group can highlight the potency of collectivity in houses as well as in reading practices.

I also want to dwell a bit on my experience living in Berlin for one month. I am very fascinated by the technology of locks, doors and windows that I have seen so far in Germany. There are heavy doors, light doors, special settings in which you can decide if you want to open the door only from the inside or also the outside, windows which can be only half opened, or fully. I also saw wooden blocks or bricks placed next to doors to keep them open at certain moments. So people or users add their own “technology” to expand the possibilities of certain material settings.

Although numpang is a word from Indonesia, but the practices which it represent shouldn’t be seen as intrinsic characteristic of Indonesian or Asian or attach to any racial, regional identities. This perspective can disrupt any further attempt to investigate the historical and material condition which enable these practices to occurred. Based on the series of discussion during Radio Kunci at ifa gallery, practices of numpang, especially as sharing means of living are also take place in Berlin and other parts of Europe or even the world, both in domestic setting such as houses and public spaces like community garden, parks, empty wasteland. I believe in this project, the term numpang has been functioning as vehicle to help us noticing practices which seem invisible before. In this case, what seem invisible before is the possibility of inhabiting the threshold.

The threshold which I’m addressing here is not a solid entity. Instead of separator, threshold can be re-imagined as a porous space across differences in between the domestic and public spheres, personal and collective time, as well as family, guest and host relations. Threshold with pores allows the circulation of people, goods, affects, ideas and with this ever-changing situation, various ways of doing things can emerge. Numpang is one example of practice which has been developing out of precarious condition and uncertain relations. Another possibility is to think of institutions in various forms and their forms of provision. Abdoumaliq Simone points out local “institutions” —either formal and clearly organized, or informal, blurred, diffused— in urban context, for example neighborhood and commercial associations, gangs, or temporal settlers of a property which exist between public and private. This “institutions” provide vernaculars to talk about everyday conditions through their operations such as promote relations to kinship to provide means of anonymity. Inhabiting threshold allow us to form an improvised set of choreography for living in uncertainty. Then a mutual-world might emerge in which living doesn’t mean a competition of survival of the fittest with more wealth or property ownership, but as a collaboration in order to take care of each other in precarious time such as ours today.

References Abdoumaliq Simone. (May 3rd 2016). Tactical Institutions. Retrieved from http://brooklynrail.org/2016/05/criticspage/tactical-institutions. Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing. 2015. The mushroom at the end of the world : on the possibility of life in capitalist ruins. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Stavros Stavrides. 2016. Common Space: City as Commons. London: Zed Books.

[macabrecabra]

if u r accepting prompts idk could you make a story abt reaper/genji being soulmates and how they meet is kinda tragic (genji on a mission, reaper being the enemy along with his talon friends) maKE IT BITTERSWEET AS POSSIBLE SORRY :,)

This prompt ;  w ;I have been trying to write it for months and just...can't get it tofeel right so I've stopped messing with it and finished it up. Idon't know why it was so hard to writes ; w ;

(Note: Not open to writing prompts asI'm waaaay behind on them and trying to clear em out!)

For anon! Title: One in a BillionRating:PG-13Relationship: bittersweet Genji/Reaper

Everyone was born one way or another, but everyone had a soulmate.There were people simply made for each other, sometimes in pairs,sometimes more than that. It was more than just a passionatefriendship or a breathtaking romance though. A soul mate was somethingmore than that.

It was a relationship unable to be truly putto words, something ethereal.  It was something so breathtaking, soreal, the very concept of a soul mate had been fabricated again andagain across human history as the greatest achievement of all time,the one thing to fight for, the prize of every heroic quest.

The reality though was the chances of any one person meeting theirdestined soulmate  were always slim and most of the population wentby without ever meeting their destined one. They got married, hadfriendships, and carried on life quiet normally. Not to mention evenif someone did find their soulmate, there was no guarantee the twowould be completely compatible or even get along. The storybooks liked to make it seem like everyone could find that one personor persons that they were meant to be with and fall deeply in love.The reality was such things were simply dreams and fantasies most of the time. Sometimes the personwho was your destined wasn't quiet there, sometimes only appearinglater in life, as if there was a change they needed to go to be whothey were born to be, mind, body, and soul. Sometimes they weren’t quiet ready to accept the bond at all.

Genji, from a young age, had long since accepted he wasn'tgoing to find his soulmate. He was a playboy and had issues withcommitment. Not to mention he never thought he would be the sort ofperson that anyone would want to be latched onto. That wasn't to sayhe didn't try at times, going from one partner to the next, waitingfor that sudden flush and spark of interest that would sizzle throughhis veins. He tried and had never felt it and had put it aside.

After becoming a cyborg, he had more or less given up on thatdream. He might have accepted what he was, but he was more than sureno one else would accept him. It was better to settle than to hanghopes on something that wasn't going to occur.Life though hada funny way of coming out of no where and putting everything in lineto allow that single encounter to happen.It has comeso suddenly during the mission.One minute Genji had been dispatchingthe last Talon guards at the clutch point, the next, he wasstanding there, feeling as if someone had shot him through with athousand volts of electricity. He stood there, staring, one handstill gripping onto the handle of his blade, every muscle tensed adfeeling like he wasn't capable of any sort of movement.

He had never personally encountered Reaper before, although thestories told about him were passed around the agents of Overwatchquiet liberally. Genji was more than aware as well that the shadowydeath-dealer had also been Gabriel Reyes at some point but now hadbecome something twisted and evil, according to Ana's grim words.

He now stood before the mercenary, staring down the barrels ofthe twin shotguns feeling like his whole world had suddenly zoomed in,blurring out everything else but the mercenary. Something in Genji'schest lurched, a sudden flutter of anxious excitement that only grewstronger in anticipation. It was a giddy sort of feeling like he waswalking on pins and needles. The reaction wasn't one born of fearwhich seemed almost odd with death staring him in the face, but oneborn of a relief, a sense of peace like the last few pieces of hislife finally slipped into place and all the world was well.

They both stood there, neither one moving although their handskept on their weapon, ready to strike. Slowly though Reaper loweredhis gun, head tilted as he were perplexed by something. Genji for hispart was glad for the visor that hid his face and masked the fact hisgaze was now wandering down the broad frame of the mercenary,drinking in the details of the outfit and how close it fit to hisform as if some part of him needed to commit it all to memory.“Whatdid you do?” Reaper finally growled out, voice low and dangerousand filled a rasp that made a strange shiver race up Genji's spine.

“I didn't do anything and frankly, I have no idea what you areeven speaking about,” Genji responded curtly.

Reaper let out a growling hiss, shoulders hunching as he gesturedvaguely to himself, “This...feeling,” he spat, “I can kill anyOverwatch agent without hesitation but you? Why do you make mehesitate? Why can't I pull the trigger on you?”Genji drewback just for a moment, shoulders tensed some as Reaper's words sunkin. The mercenary was admitting to feeling something that kept himfrom killing Genji. That in of itself must have been a very strongemotion, more akin to a bond of fellowship and kinship unheard of orperhaps-

A cold feeling settled over Genji's entire body and made his heartseize up. It felt like his entire being was freezing and burning allat once as he took a step back. It was a bond he was feeling and itwasn't just any bond. Before him stood his-

“You're my soul mate,” Genji managed to croak out faintly,“We're soul mates,”Reaper pulled back as if he had beenstruck, and a low sibilant hiss escaped him, “No fucking way. Isthis some kind of joke?”Genji almost laughed. All of thisfelt like a joke. A particular cruel joke thrown down upon him by thepowers that be that here he stood before that one in a billion peoplethat was made for him. The one who's bond would transcend all knowboundaries of relationships into something undefinable and beautiful.Beyond all odds, he had been fortunate to discover that soul thatrang in tune with his own....

And it was Reaper. His enemy. The one who would murder all hisfriends and family without a care just to sate his need for vengeance.This was the mercenary of death who drained the living to sustain histwisted existence and was born of the fragmented soul of a oncedecent man.

This was soulmate and Genji didn't know whether to laugh or cry atthis whole turn of events. “I wish it was a joke and wecould laugh this off and go back to killing each other,” Genjifinally managed out, “But neither of us will be able to kill theother. That is the nature of what we have. What we have always had,”

They were destined from their birth or perhaps re-birth inReaper's case. He had died Gabriel Reyes and returned as Reaper andin rare cases, sometimes that is what triggered the bond to finallyemerge. That did not change the fact though that they were enemies whowere suppose to be taking out the other to ensure the safety of theirown side or to live out some callous revenge.

“You can't be serious,” Reaper said, his voice holding atremor of actual disbelief, “Soul mates? Are you kidding me?”

“What you see it as then?” Genji retorted, “What explanationdo you have for not being able to shoot me? Had a special fondnessfor me back in the Overwatch glory days from all three times or so wespoke?”

Reaper's entire form tensed and his grip on the shotguns increasedbut he didn't lift them back up to take aim at Genji. He stood therelike a man possessed by some other power, fighting with himself. Itwas a feeling that Genji could relate to as his fingers twitchedalong the hilt of his blade, wanting to pull it free and strikefirst.

They only continued to stand and stare as the muffled sounds ofgunfire echoed in the air, so distant as the world seemed to shrinkback.

“Soul mates don't exist,” Reaper finally spat out.

“They exist, doesn't mean they turn out as we would hope,”Genji returned, dropping his gaze to the ground in defeat. Helet his hand fall away from the sword handle, letting the reality ofhis fate settle in at last.

He wouldn't be able to strike Reaper down. Wouldn't even be ableto land a scratch without feeling like his entire being was beingstruck down as well. Reaper though still fought, still had fingers onthe triggers although they seemed frozen in place, unable to tightenup just that little bit further to shoot the cyborg before him. “This is- this can't be fucking happening,” Reapersnarled.“But it is so what is the point in trying to fightit?” They could deny it all they want but here they stood,unable to kill the other, neither pleased with the situation but atthe same time, hope was there, at least for Genji. If Reaper couldstill form a bond as a soul mate, it meant there was hope ofredemption for him, that there was something there still.

Perhaps, just maybe, they could find a way to make it work. Itwouldn't be easy, it would take time. They would have hurdles toovercome and probably would be taking steps backwards rather thanforwards but maybe, just maybe-“Genji! Watch out!” Thecyborg whirled about in alarm, tensed up even as he saw Ana line upher shot, the beam of her rifle trained on Reaper. The mercenaryreacted as well, turning towards the sniper as well. Everythingseemed to go so slow despite the fact it all happened in less than afew tense seconds. The shot rang out and Reaper recoiled back, blackblood splattering over the wall as he dropped back, one handclutching his chest as a pulse of electricity raced through him.They had been on a mission to stop Talon. They had known aboutReaper's ability and Winston had devised a way to neutralize Reaper'spower enough to-“Genji are you okay?”

The cyborg felt numb as he looked down at the fallen mercenary,his mind reeling as if he had been shock himself. His body wanted tocollapse then and he felt his entire world pulled out from under himonce more. That feeling began to ebb and fade as he stared at theground, trying to force a response out. “Genji?”Hefelt her hand on his shoulder. He heard the concern in her voice buthe couldn't speak. He merely nodded as he stared at the body of the onethat was to be his soulmate.A man that may now bedead.Everyone got a one in a billion shot to find theirsoulmate but rarely did things ever work out in the end. Rarelydid people find that true happy ending.

[ecotone99]

[MF] Laying Tracks

EDIT: I have no idea why it’s formatting like this, I’ve tried posting it like 6 times and it doesn’t change. Give it a read if you can deal with the font, I think it’s a pretty good story. Would love any feedback.

I laid my tracks up his forearm, tracing his own with my fingers, softly, softly. My transgression, nameless, lay in a pool of his own vomit. A bin big enough to fit him into propped his neck and head up at an almost 90 degree angle. Were it not for the soft glow of my iPhone, the nighttime would render his body a black mass. I inched closer and closer to him, hoping and wishing that osmosis would permit me to share with him this heroin induced euphoria. I took in all the details, savouring every last morsel of him. I followed the path of a thin strand of saliva, which formed a bridge that connected the bottom of his chin to the collar of his beige corduroy jacket. Sunken cheeks softly inflated and deflated, revealing and hiding his sharp cheekbones. For seconds only, I dared to place my trembling hand in his. I let out a soft gasp and my heart melted when in his dreams, something told him to intertwine his fingers with mine. He stirred as unlocked our hands, rolling so that I had to leap away lest he bump into me and wake. I hurried down the alleyway back into the light, replaying every second of the encounter in my head.

Guilt began to eat me alive as soon as I got in the door that night. My housemates greeted me, and though there was no way they could’ve known what I just did, the split second of eye contact that happened as I hurried from the living room to my bedroom unnerved me. I heaved myself onto my bed, and sprung up immediately as if there’d been a thumbtack laying in wait. Actually, I’d just remembered that when I lay beside him, I got his vomit on my jacket. I threw it to the floor, then stared at it for a while. I sniffed the air. I took a step toward the jacket now laying spread eagle, and sniffed the air again. I got closer and closer to it, until I was on the ground. It was HIS vomit. A faltering smile flickered on and off my face, the centimetres I moved closer to the jacket cementing my fate further and further, as if I was laying tracks on a one way train line. And as I laid by them, I indulged in reflection. His hair was shorter then, mine the same as always. I’d paid the café and was checking my account balance outside when his drawl first hit my ears. ‘Scuse me mate, you got any baccy for mix?’ he asked me. I began to say no, as usual, but I saw his face and everything changed. I scrambled to get my pouch out of my pocket, ten different topics of conversation coming to my head at once, but he walked off as soon as the tobacco hit his hand. I watched as he lit a cigarette he’d had stashed behind his ear, blew a plume up into the air, and turned the corner into that alleyway I now knew so well.

A knock on the door jerked me back to reality. My sleepless night was not unproductive. I jerked off four or five times. I figured out how to make him mine. It was a simple plan. Get him to my house, get him stoned. The drugs, I hoped, would take care of the rest. As I walked down yet another dimly lit alleyway with a strong scent of piss and rotten fish emanating from it, I noticed the very rational fear of what was to come had disappeared. A smile broke out on my face, and I stopped for a moment. I looked up at the stars, smiling like they were clapping for me, like the whole universe shared in my excitement- it was beginning. The key ingredient in my love potion, heroin, was not all that difficult to source- Chapel Street was, after all, a strange convergence of the worst of both worlds- a place of synthetic highs and all too real lows. A quick exchange was made, neither of us particularly interested in the other. Looking from left to right as I strolled out of the Great Provider’s alley onto this 12am equilibrium, I was overwhelmed with an alarming juxtaposition: revellers, from Rev’s, with eyes rolled back into their heads in a desperate search for lost minds, ambled alongside a horde of doped up residents of the street; whose own eyes, glazed or altogether shut, were an indicator of differing poisons of choice. The kinship I felt with them confused me, but I thought nothing of it. I hurried away, clutching the tinfoil in my pocket and rehearsing obsessively in preparation for the first day of my life- “Need any gear, mate?…After some H?”. None of it sounded quite right, but I surmised I’d know what to say at the time.

My love was a fickle thing. I did not know his name, nor his favourite colour. I did not like what love did to me, the way it skewed my innermost principles and morals all in the desperate, primal pursuit of my opiate. We were both broken men, yes, but all those shattered pieces put together created a beautiful mosaic. With that in mind, I opened my mouth. 'First time buyers get a free sample so they know what they're buying, and yeah, I can tick you if need be', I heard myself say. The disconnect from my own vernacular only bothered me temporarily, as his was far more appealing. Slurred words spilled out of his mouth, doing their best to force his cracked lips open and succeeding only slightly. From what I could gather as we strolled through the park opposite the train station, like a couple going for an afternoon walk, he would indeed like some heroin- but could only pay me in 3 weeks when the money came through from the Great Danes him and an accomplice were breeding. Lots of money in Great Danes, it seemed. Little did my Javo know, he would be paying me in full and then some, within an hour or two at max. I offered up my place as a safe injecting facility, careful to come across as nonchalant, as if all my customers came over for a hit. Ecstatic, given his alternative was the alleyway he didn't know I knew of, he said it was pleasure doing business with me and shook my hand.

I had to consciously let his go.

Graciously, he offered to do me first. Torn between my past life and the one beginning now, I took far too long to answer. We were searching for two different climaxes, two different fleeting minutes of pleasure. I wanted him, his body and his soul, to join mine. I wanted to be as close to my obsession as one physically could be. His hand on my arm, we were skin on skin- still, I yearned to pull him closer. I murmured affirmation, and it seemed that while my veins had not yet been pierced, something foreign was running through them. The onset of the golden fog came slowly, slowly, and then, 20 seconds after penetration, it was there. I watched in anticipation as he, needle in his mouth like a cigarette, aroused his hungry veins with his belt. Using the same needle as me, he injected his dose, and my blood found itself in his. He lay back next to me and turned his weather-beaten face to mine. Simultaneously, we let go. His skin shed before me and I reached my hand over to his face without a second thought. We were kissing. Our tongues found each other as if they were magnetic, our hands transferred pleasure from one body to another as we touched and rolled in our beautiful drug induced little world. We peaked simultaneously. Twenty minutes passed in seconds, and the peak began to wear off. He became less receptive, as did I. I rolled off him, panting, exhausted, thrilled. I could find no words to express my happiness, so I lay staring at the ceiling in silence, as he did. He did not pant, nor sigh, and I worried he'd not enjoyed himself. I turned to him for reassurance, but found the polar opposite.

It seemed he'd been dead for quite some time now.

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[thereviewsarein]

Paul Brandt’s Hall of Fame journey continues with High Valley, Jess Moskaluke and Hunter Brothers

For nearly 25 years, Paul Brandt has been a model of consistency and quality in Canadian country music. And on Tuesday night, the five-time CCMA Male Artist of the Year and Hall of Fame member brought the Journey Tour to Oshawa to remind everyone that he’s still at the top of his game.

Along with fellow Canadian artists, High Valley, Jess Moskaluke, and Hunter Brothers, Brandt put on a show that entertained from start to finish, shared hits and fan favourites, and made it easy to forget it was a cold weeknight in southern Ontario. In the front rows of the pit and the back rows of the Tribute Communities Centre seats, country music fans sang along, clapped, and danced to the songs they know and love. And when special moments hit them, they responded with excitement, energy, and love.

Hunter Brothers were the first on stage to start the show, and the five farm boys from Shaunavon, Saskatchewan didn’t waste a single second of their short time in front of the crowd. Their sibling harmonies rang through the arena, their smiles were as bright as the lights behind them, and their energy (second only to those harmonies as a calling card) was at peak levels immediately.

Hits, Lost and Born And Raised bookended the Hunter Brothers’ set, with the boys jumping up and down, moving all over the stage, and making themselves at home. Already five-time nominees at the Canadian Country Music Association awards, these music-making men from the prairies are well on their way to big things in their career. And while the group only had a four-song set to share with the Oshawa crowd, they were far from done on the night.

Another Saskatchewan tour-de-force came next when Langenburg’s three-time CCMA Female Artist of the Year, Jess Moskaluke and her band played for the country music crowd in front of them. The set kicked off with Drive Me Away and roared from there. Moskaluke was able to squeeze in eight songs in her time on stage, but like Hunter Brothers, would be back later on.

As she strutted and sang all over the stage, Jess Moskaluke owned the audience. It was clear that they all knew the music, and they showed her just how much they’ve been listening to her career. And when she got to Cheap Wine And Cigarettes to end the set, they got louder than they’d been at any point in the night so far. It was a great moment, watching an artist that continues to move forward in her career, earning another Juno nomination for Country Album of the Year, and holding her place in the upper echelon of female country talent in Canada.

Nights like Tuesday serve as a reminder of what Jess Moskaluke has already done, and whets our appetite for what she’ll do in the future. We’d bet on big things.

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After a short break and stage changeover, the temperature in the arena seemed to rise when La Crete, Alberta brothers, and stars on both sides of the border, High Valley took over in Oshawa.

Brad and Curtis Rempel were shown love immediately, with the crowd singing along and dancing from the front to the back. And after years of seeing the boys on various stages, we feel confident in telling you that their audience continues to grow in size and strength every time they come back to Canada to play.

High Valley played a 12-song set, including a catchy bluegrass medley of I Saw The Light, I’ll Fly Away, and Shut Up And Dance that captured our imagination and proved that music is cross-generational, malleable, and fun. With massive radio hits like Come On Down, Dear Life, Make You Mine, and their first #1 single, I Be U Be, in their set, there were no misses. Every swing they took was a home run, every song they sang had the crowd engaged, and every smile and wave found its mark.

Note: High Valley also played a brand new song in their set called Single Man. The duo told the Oshawa crowd that the song has been pegged as their next single and that a video crew was shooting footage for the music video during the Tuesday night show. It’s another solid track from Brad and Curtis, adding their own sibling harmonies to the sound that has become their signature. Be ready for it at country radio sometime soon.

It’s been more than 10 years since High Valley debuted at country radio, but they show no signs and have no plans to slow down. The next time you have a chance to see them, take it. And be ready to dance.

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After three entertaining and talented sets, it was time for the main event as Paul Brandt came to the stage at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa!

The Calgary star, hall of famer, hit-maker, and modern Canadian country legend brought new songs and his original hits to the Tuesday night crowd, along with stories, special moments, and surprises. Hunter Brothers, Jess Moskaluke, and High Valley all came back out to sing with Brandt, getting great pops from the audience and adding to the entertainment value of the show.

But at the heart of it, this was Paul Brandt’s set and show. From the moment he walked onto the stage, carrying his guitar case, there was no denying the star power he continues to hold.

In his 16-song set, we heard songs dating all the way back to 1996 with My Heart Has A History (the most played Canadian country song of all-time), and his first #1 single, I Do. We heard new songs including The Journey and Bittersweet. And we got a taste of everything in between, and everything we were looking forward to.

Note: We’re not going to spoil anything, but be ready for some Houdini-style magic in the set before one of the guest appearances. It was awesome.

We’ve talked in the past about the importance and impact of moments in live music. There are big, macro-moments like confetti and surprises and special guests. And there are smaller, micro-moments that are more likely to be personal to each of us, triggering a memory, the thought of a loved one, or forging a personal connection we weren’t expecting.

During Paul Brandt’s set on Tuesday night, I was hit with a number of those small moments. Early in the set, when Brandt sang My Heart Has A History, I was instantly 14 years old again, watching the video on CMT and becoming a fan of the new country artist. When he preceded Small Towns And Big Dreams with the story of doubting himself and his path, feeling anxious about what would come after the early success in his career, I felt an understanding and kinship. When he sang a verse and chorus of Amazing Grace with Hunter Brothers, I was hit with memories of my grandmother, and thoughts of my mom. And when Paul Brandt sang I Do, I was in the present, thinking about my fiancee and how lucky I am. Those moments may have connected with every single person in the room, or maybe they didn’t. Perhaps there were other small moments that had big impacts on people in the crowd. I imagine there were. But I do know that Paul Brandt got me in the best way that live music can.

Brandt took changes to make things special for everyone that he could. He moved to the back of the arena floor and played songs on a small riser, closer to the fans in the seats furthest from the main stage. He smiled and waved often. He reached out to touch the hands of fans that had been waiting all night for him in the front row.

More than anything though, from the start of his set to the very end of his Walk The Line medley with all of the openers, Paul Brandt proved to be a premier entertainer. 25 years in, with loads of experiences, ups and downs, and heaps of success, Brandt is the benchmark. He is the high water mark. And we’ll continue to follow him on his journey.

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The Journey Tour Setlists, Oshawa

Hunter Brothers 

🚍 Lost 🚍 Those Were The Nights 🚍 When You Love A Girl 🚍 Born And Raised

Jess Moskaluke 

🚍 Drive Me Away 🚍 Kiss Me Quiet 🚍 Save Some Of That Whiskey 🚍 Nothing Holding Me Back (cover) 🚍 Camouflage 🚍 Halfway Home 🚍 Take Me Home 🚍 Cheap Wine & Cigarettes

High Valley 

🚍 County Line 🚍 Come On Down 🚍 Dear Life 🚍 Love You For A Long Time 🚍 Be My Baby Tonight (cover) 🚍 Chatahoochie (cover) 🚍 Single Man 🚍 Young Forever 🚍 I Saw The Light/ I’ll Fly Away/ Shut Up And Dance (bluegrass medley) 🚍 Make You Mine 🚍 She’s With Me 🚍 I Be U Be

Paul Brandt 

🚍 The Journey 🚍 Bittersweet 🚍 All About Her 🚍 My Heart Has A History 🚍 I’m Gonna Fly 🚍 When You Call My Name (with High Valley) 🚍 Small Town And Big Dreams 🚍 Life’s Railway To Heaven (cover)(with Hunter Brothers) 🚍 Amazing Grace (cover)(with Hunter Brothers) 🚍 YYC BNA 🚍 I Do 🚍 Open Road (with Jess Moskaluke) 🚍 Leavin’ / Didn’t Even See The Dust / Alberta Bound ENCORE 🚍 Thank You, Thank You 🚍 Convoy (with Hunter Brothers) 🚍 I Walk The Line (cover)(with Jess Moskaluke, Hunter Brothers, and High Valley)

Paul Brandt & The Journey Tour Hits Oshawa Paul Brandt's Hall of Fame journey continues with High Valley, Jess Moskaluke and Hunter Brothers For nearly 25 years, …