#i see sparks fly whenever you smile || golden stage

[nxttheendxfthestxry]

Tag Dump - Ships, Pt 1

[ofragesaesthetics]

Tag Dump 6

[issaxcharlie]

Something so right

Pairing: Alive! Luke x Fem reader

Summary: A date with the golden boy of the school reveals Y/N’s and Luke's true feelings for each other and they have no choice but to face what they feel. Who will take the first step?

(The fragments of the song are from Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift)

Luke Patterson was more impatient than usual. 7:30 pm and no sign of his best friend, the one who had never missed a Sunset Curve rehearsal in these two years that they had been playing together.

“Am I the only one worried about Y/N? She is not usually late."

Reggie slaps his forehead, a memory snapping back into his head. "I forgot to tell you she won't be here today, she said something about a date."

The guitarist feels a punch in the stomach, he tries to hide how bitter the news fell on him, but his friends know him better than that.

“A date? With who?” Alex asks, genuinely curious.

“Austin Grayson.”

“Ugh, really Y/N?” But of course it had to be the school's golden boy. Luke can't help not feeling insecure. Austin Grayson is everything Luke Patterson isn't, and that scares him. What if that's what she's really looking for in a partner? He just wouldn’t stand a chance.

“Nice, he really has to like her to invited her despite what everyone says." Bobby responds as he takes advantage of the short break to rest his hands. Reggie and Alex nodding in agreement.

“What do they say?” Luke asks, completely lost.

“Oh please, most of the school thinks you guys are dating. There isn't a day that I don't hear someone call her Patterson’s girl." Alex replies, and Luke looks even more lost.

He can somehow understand why they would think that, he always enjoys having her and feeling her close. Usually touching her hand or arm in some way, hugging her whenever he sees fit. Carrying her books in the hallways or supporting her at her basketball games, just like she accompanies them to all the band's rehearsals and performances, or how she sometimes wears to school the clothes that he 'accidentally' leaves at her home when her mom invites him to dinner. On second thought, it’s easy to understand the confusion.

You don’t know what is happening. Austin is sweet, handsome, smart, and yet you feel nothing. Forced yourself to laugh falsely all night, and couldn't help but think that it would have been more fun to join the boys in rehearsal, especially when they were only a few days away from Sunset Curve's first performance at school.

When you finally get home, you walk with your head on the floor, trying not to make eye contact with your date. Austin gently grabs your chin so you turn to see him.

A fake cough from behind causes you both to jump away from each other. You don't even have to turn to find out who owns that perfect timed cough.

“What are you doing here?” You refuse to turn around, but you know he's smirking anyway.

“It’s movie night, love.” You force one more smile towards Austin as you curse Luke under your breath, who emphasized the last word in that seductive deep voice he sometimes does when he sings and that secretly melts your legs.

“Patterson." Austin tries to get past the awkward moment by participating in the conversation, and Luke responds by approaching and placing his arm on your shoulder.

"Grayson. Thank you for bringing her safe and sound." He sounds sincere, and that makes you smile for real for the first time of the night.

“It was nothing... I should go. Goodnight Y/N, I had a great time.”

Luke lowers his arm from your shoulder and leans back, ashamed of his rare moment of insecurity and letting you say goodbye to the boy.

As soon as he leaves, you turn to see your best friend, who looks sadly at the ground, and you hug him tightly.

Luke has been through very difficult months, and it is easy for someone who is vulnerable to feel insecure, especially in situations new to them. Not to mention that you are definitely not going to fight with the person you love for putting his arm on your shoulder or calling you in an affectionate way, which are things that he usually does, guy in your doorstep or not. You decide that he showing a little jealousy for once is not the end of the world.

“I missed you so much, rockstar.” You murmur still against his chest, your statement only makes him hold you tighter. You can't help but think about how just hugging him for a few seconds makes you so much happier than the whole date you just had.

“I’m sorry for making a scene. No wonder everyone thinks we are dating.“

“I don’t mind. I couldn't wear your cool flannels or your necklaces if I was dating someone. Plus it would take away valuable time that I can use as the president of the Sunset Curve fan club.” He chuckles. You can feel his body relax and his heartbeat begins to calm down. He gives you a sweet kiss in your hair before letting you go.

Best friends walk into the house, and as Y/N goes to change into something more comfortable Luke sits at the kitchen counter to chat with his second female best friend.

"You have to do something quick, I don't want to have you here crying and eating ice cream while she's on some date with some graceless snob.”

The guitarist can't help but laugh. Y/N's mom has always been a music lover and one of his greatest inspirations. She gave him his first guitar and taught him how to play, always supporting him in each of his steps as a musician. She has always loved him like a son, believing in him with all her might and always blindly entrusting him with what she loves most in the world, her daughter Y/N.

“I know, I will I promise. What I felt today when I saw Grayson touch her face and so close to her lips... I never want to experience that again. I was thinking maybe at homecoming? Sunset Curve is going to perform.”

She wrinkles her nose in response and Luke laughs again.

"Yeah too much information, I’m sorry. And I know, but we have to start somewhere. As soon as we get booked at a good enough club you'll be the first guest.”

They both make a pinky promise and smile.

“I’ll make you proud someday. I swear.”

“I’m always proud of you, my sweet boy. I know you’ll do amazing things, just take good care of my princess during tours.”

“You know I will.” They pinky promise again and reunite with Y/N in the living room to watch movies til the teens fall asleep cuddling.

Homecoming day arrived and you don’t have a partner. It is not hard to imagine why, being surrounded by at least one of the Sunset Curve members 24/7, especially Luke who tries to be close to you as much as possible, as if he is afraid that you will forget him if you spend too much time separated. Which is actually something you like, if you are honest with yourself. Is not something you would tell him but feeling him close and having his attention devoted to you most of the time feels quite special.

The date with Austin didn’t feel right and only confirmed what you've been trying to deny yourself for months. You are in love with freakin Luke Patterson. And you are in really deep, loving the good, bad, fun, boring, charming, and annoying parts, absolutely every side of him. And now is the time to finally do something about it.

After the guys show tonight, even more girls will be raining down on them than usual and things could get really messy, it's best to make your move first. Inside your heart you know that he feels the same, and if he doesn't have the courage to act on it then you will.

The first and most important thing you need to do to get the operation going is to kidnap Reggie, Alex and Bobby.

After a little threatening session everyone sang about Luke's idea for tonight, which made you grin like an idiot and feel more confident about your plan. The surprise that he will get when he sees how you sabotaged his plan.

Convincing Luke that it was best for you to come on your own so that they would have more time to prepare was not easy, but in the end you succeeded.

He's not a suit kinda person, but you went along with him to get a dark blue one that looked unreal on him just a few weeks ago, and you knew he would find a way to wear it sleeveless so he will look even more irresistible. You opted for a black dress that fades beautifully to blue towards the bottom of the skirt and in which you really look pretty good If you can say it yourself.

Sunset Curve finishes singing the first song, Now or never. It's time for the song Luke wrote for you, but he turns to see his friends scared when he still can't find you in the crowd. They smile at him and start to play the song they practiced with you just a few hours before.

“The way you move is like a full on rainstorm, and I'm a house of cards. You're the kind of reckless that should send me running, but I kinda know that I won't get far.”

You walk onto the stage as you start the first verse, Luke is shocked for a few seconds but then grins from ear to ear.

“And you stood there in front of me just... close enough to touch.” He recovers much faster than expected and pulls you by the waist towards him, just the microphone separating you two while he looks at you with the most seductive face you’ve ever seen.

“'Cause I see, sparks fly, whenever you smile... Get me with those green eyes, baby as the lights go down.” He blushes a little and smiles while his eyes are locked on your lips, capturing every move.

After what seems like an eternity, the song ends and before you can even say thank you, Luke's lips crash against yours, and it’s even better than what you’ve dreamed plenty of times. All the people start screaming, but you especially hear Reggie and Alex a few steps away who sound pretty happy for you.

“Reggie, an issue occurred, I have to go, sing home is where my horse is if you want to.” Luke whispers to his friend, before effortlessly carrying you off the stage.

“Admit it, you just want to touch my legs.” You joke while he walks with you on his shoulder.

“I’m in love with a really smart girl.” You stay quiet, your heart wants to jump out of your chest and you don’t even want to imagine how red your face is right now.

The guitarist finally brings you down when you leave the building, and you both walk to the park next door, where you met when you were just kids.

"Do you remember exactly how we met?" He asks while taking your hand.

“Reggie and Alex teamed up to destroy you in a game they invented and I was the only one in the park, so you invited me to join your team. And when we managed to win you said that we were the best duo on the face of the earth, that we had to be best friends forever."

“I sound very intense.”

“You are.”

They both laugh at the memory.

"You were still right."

“When did you finally realize that you loved me?” Luke asks, smirking playfully.

“I've known for a long time, but I didn't dare to admit it until recently.”

He completely accepts my answer and sincerity and smiles at me.

“I always knew that we would end up together, you eat me with your eyes when I'm not wearing a shirt.”

His teasing takes effect and you blush just remembering him in that situation.

He smiles cheekily and then takes mercy on you and changes the subject.

“So, we are the best duo on the face of the earth, best friends forever, and now an official couple?”

“That’s right, handsome and smart. Nice.”

Both approach until their lips touch, the kiss begins calm but quickly becomes more passionate, his tongue claiming every inch of your mouth, his arms strong on your hips. You let this amazing sensations envelop you and you lose yourself in him, happier than you've ever been.

When you are with the right person, everything feels just right.

Thank you for reading!

Taglist:

@siennanoelle01 , @totomoshi , @kiss-themoongoodbye , @writerinlearning

[faiasakura]

long live all the magic we made 

a kent pov jackparse endgame playlist that takes us through their friendship, breakup, and reconnection click here to listen on spotify!

Act 1 – The Golden Age (until it wasn’t)

1. A Place in this World – Kent entering the Quebec Junior Major Hockey League.

I'm alone, on my own And that's all I know, I'll be strong, I'll be wrong Oh, but life goes on Oh, I'm just a girl Trying to find a place in this world

2. Sparks Fly – the electric meeting between Jack Zimmermann and Kent Parson

I'm on my guard for the rest of the world But with you I know it’s no good 'Cause I see, sparks fly, whenever you smile

3. Fearless – the unstoppable Zimmermann-Parson duo

And I don't know how it gets better than this You take my hand and drag me headfirst Fearless

4. Dress – sneaking around in the Q

Our secret moments in a crowded room They've got no idea about me and you

All of this silence and patience, pining in anticipation My hands are shaking from holding back from you

Say my name and everything just stops I don't want you like a best friend

5. Cornelia Street – making memories that will come back to haunt

We were a fresh page on the desk Filling in the blanks as we go As if the street lights pointed in an arrowhead Leading us home

And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

6. Eyes Open – Juniors is still major league hockey

The tricky thing Is yesterday we were just children Playing soldiers just pretending Dreaming dreams with happy endings In backyards, winning battles with our wooden swords But now we've stepped into a cruel world Where everybody stands and keeps score

7. Mean – fuck you media pt.1, we keep dreaming

Someday I'll be living in a big old city And all you're ever gonna be is mean Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me And all you're ever gonna be is mean

8. State of Grace – they make magic on and off the ice

You're my Achilles heel This is the golden age of something good And right and real

9. Change – one set back isn’t a final loss

Because these things will change Can you feel it now? These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down It's a revolution, the time will come For us to finally win

10. Long Live – winning the Memorial Cup

Long live the walls we crashed through All the kingdom lights shined just for me and you I was screaming, "long live all the magic we made" And bring on all the pretenders I'm not afraid

11. I’m Only Me When I’m With You – codependence

I'm only up when you're not down Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground It's like no matter what I do Well, you drive me crazy half the time The other half I'm only trying To let you know that what I feel is true And I'm only me when I'm with you

12. Both of Us (B.o.B. feat Taylor Swift) – how do we help the ones we love?

I wish I was strong enough to lift not one but both of us Someday I will be strong enough to lift not one but both of us

13. Wonderland – the lead up to the overdose

We found wonderland You and I got lost in it And we pretended it could last forever, eh

14. Out Of The Woods – the overdose

Are we out of the woods yet? Are we out of the woods? Are we out of the woods yet? Are we out of the woods? Are we in the clear yet? Are we in the clear yet? Are we in the clear yet? Are we in the clear yet?

Act 2 – The Fragile Line Broken

15. The Lucky One – fame and fortune isn’t all it’s cracked up to be

And they tell you that you're lucky But you're so confused 'Cause you don't feel pretty You just feel used And all the young things line up to take your place

Another name goes up in lights You wonder if you'll make it out alive

16. Forever & Always – stage of grief: shock and denial  

Oh, I stare at the phone, he still hasn't called And then you feel so low you can't feel nothing at all And you flashback to when we said forever and always

17. Cruel Summer – stage of grief: pain and guilt

So cut the headlights Summer's a knife I'm always waiting for you Just to cut to the bone

18. Me! (feat Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco) – stage of grief: anger

I know that I'm a handful, baby, uh I know I never think before I jump And you're the kind of guy the ladies want (And there's a lot of cool chicks out there)

I know that I went psycho on the phone I never leave well enough alone And trouble's gonna follow where I go

19. All Too Well – stage of grief: depression

Maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much But maybe this thing was a masterpiece 'til you tore it all up Running scared, I was there, I remember it all too well

20. Haunted – first confrontation at Samwell

Come on, come on don't leave me like this I thought I had you figured out Something's gone terribly wrong, you're all I wanted

Stood there and watched you walk away From everything we had But I still mean every word I said to you

21. Last Kiss – stage of grief: depression

So I'll go sit on the floor Wearing your clothes All that I know is that I don't know how to be something you miss

Never thought we'd have a last kiss Never imagined we'd end like this Your name, forever the name on my lips

22. Death By A Thousand Cuts – stage of grief: back to denial

I look through the windows of this love Even though we boarded them up Chandelier still flickering here 'Cause I can't pretend it's okay when it's not It's death by a thousand cuts

23.The Story of Us – stepping into the Epikegster

I used to think one day we'd tell the story of us How we met and the sparks flew instantly People would say, "they're the lucky ones"

Now I'm standing alone In a crowded room And we're not speaking and I'm dying to know Is it killing you like it's killing me yeah

24. The Archer – fight at Epikegster

Combat, I'm ready for combat I say I don't want that, but what if I do? 'Cause cruelty wins in the movies I've got a hundred thrown-out speeches I almost said to you

25. The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody) – the unheard plea at Epikegster

This is the last time I'm asking you this Put my name at the top of your list This is the last time I'm asking you why You break my heart in the blink of an eye

26. Breathe (feat. Colbie Caillat) – newfound grief

Music starts playin' like the end of a sad movie, It's the kinda ending you don't really wanna see 'Cause it's tragedy and it'll only bring you down, Now I don't know what to be without you around

27. Red – stage of grief: (attempts at an) upward turn

Remembering him comes in flashbacks And echoes Tell myself it's time now Gotta let go But moving on from him is impossible

28. Sad Beautiful Tragic – stage of grief: acceptance

We had a beautiful magic love there What a sad beautiful tragic love affair

Act 3 – This Love Came Back To Me – the canon divergent pimms endgame

29. New Romantics – LV Aces vs the world

'Cause, baby, I could build a castle Out of all the bricks they threw at me And every day is like a battle But every night with us is like a dream

30. Shake It Off – fuck the media pt 2, ignore them bitches

But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop grooving It's like I got this music in my mind saying it's gonna be alright

31. You Need To Calm Down – fuck the media pt 3, possible coming out

You just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace And control your urges to scream about all the people you hate 'Cause shade never made anybody less gay

32. Holy Ground – parse in a better place

Tonight I'm gonna dance Like you were in this room But I don't wanna dance If I'm not dancing with you

33. Gorgeous –thirsty for Jack and his glow up

Whisky on ice, Sunset and Vine You've ruined my life, by not being mine

You're so gorgeous I can't say anything to your face 'Cause look at your face

34. Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince – stuck in old patterns

And I don't want you to (go) I don't really wanna (fight) 'Cause nobody's gonna (win) I just thought you should know

And I'll never let you (go) 'Cause I know this is a (fight) That someday we're gonna (win)

35. Delicate – reconnection and insecurity

We can't make Any promises now, can we, babe? But you can make me a drink

Is it cool that I said all that? Is it chill that you're in my head? 'Cause I know that it's delicate

36. Wildest Dreams – hookup, not daring to hope for more

His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room And his voice is a familiar sound, nothing lasts forever Say you'll see me again even if it's just pretend

37. New Year’s Day – the fragility of beginning again

Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you And I will hold on to you Please don't ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere

38. End Game (feat. Ed Sheeran & Future) – what Kent has always wanted

I wanna be your endgame I wanna be your first string I wanna be your A Team

39. This Love – together again

This love is good This love is bad This love is alive  back from the dead, oh These hands had to let it go free And this love came back to me,

40. Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran) – approach a happy ending

All I know is, you held the door You'll be mine and I'll be yours All I know since yesterday, yeah Is everything has changed

41. Lover – the ever after

Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever? And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever) You're my, my, my, my lover I’ve spent almost a year working on this playlist and have so many thoughts still. Feel free to talk to me on tumblr, discord, or wherever else you can find me.

[until-we-fall-in-love]

Ingénue: Chapter One

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Sam Wilson x Reader, in later chapters Natasha Romanov x Reader and Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Summary: You take a job as a showgirl in an illegal speakeasy owned by two of the most notorious mobsters of New York City in 1921. Caught up in the glamor and mystique, you go spiraling into a world a little more dangerous than you had originally thought.

(1920s AU.)

Warnings: In this chapter, some swearing and nudity, but this will be an explicit series in later chapters for smut and violence.

If you are under 18 you should not be reading this!

A/N: hello everyone! this is the start to my second series and it’s probably going to be shorter than that one is stacking up to be! it’s also more for fun and aesthetics with less plot, but some if you squint! i’m a huge history nerd so i love AU’s from different time periods so this will probs be the first of more to come! please let me know how you like it!

Read on Ao3

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New York City

1921

    Pale, afternoon light streams through the rafters above the stage that you stand on. The speakeasy, The Valkyrie, looks far different beneath the sun than it does the moon. There is no smoke drifting around, cloying and foggy, the air is almost clear save for the soft, mellow dust that floats in the golden light. It is quiet, closed for the moment, and won’t open again until dusk when patrons come searching for booze, jazz, and a good time.

    The wood stage creaks beneath your feet and you look out into the sea of wooden tables and chairs, plush booths off in the corners of the room, and the bar in the back. In the daylight, it is far less mysterious, though carries a certain charm to it. It is strange, to be here without the dancing and music and drinking; as if you’ve stepped into another reality, hazy in this soft light.

    Natasha takes a seat towards the back, chair scraping, noise echoing in the empty place. And she doesn’t own the place, but she definitely runs it as if she does. She hires all the workers, all the entertainment, oversees all that happens here. You know that she is close with the owners, who are rumored to be mobsters, crooks, or criminals. Perhaps she is, too. You swallow.

She settles into her chair as if she is the boss, legs spread slightly. She takes out a cigarette, lights it with a sudden spark, let’s it dangle from ruby, red lips lazily.

    You straighten your back, tip up your chin a little. The fact that you’ve managed to schedule an audition with her is an honor in itself; you know Natasha only looks at the best in the city. You know The Valkyrie only ever hires the best in the business.

    “Whenever you’re ready,” She drawls, with a wave of her cigarette, smoke curling slowly into the air.

    You glance to the pianist that sits behind the grand instrument, who has your sheet music you’ve supplied propped in front of his face, the reflection casted in his glasses. He looks up to you and you give a nod before he sets his fingers to the keys and begins the slow, cascading tune of your song.

    It’s sultry and winding; a goodnight sort of song that is full of mystery and enchantment and an achy sort of tender love. And you open your mouth and sing, at first soft and low, a lullaby that comes from your chest. You step forward, claim the stage as your own.

This is what you love; the music, the performance, the emotions that swell. Whether it be in front of hundreds and a full band under twinkling stars, or just for one, with a piano that echoes in an empty room in broad daylight. You perform as if it’s your first time, as if it’s your last, too.

You lower your eyes, cast them out to Natasha and share your love with her, your longing, and the soft, simmering desire beneath, as you croon out your song.

She perks up, straightening, watching you closely. You have her attention and you intend to keep it.

Instead of easing closer, you turn, show her your back as you peak demurely over your shoulder. Your voice carries all soft and lovely, floating upwards with the dreamy light of a warm afternoon.

Natasha leans forward, fascinated now.

You turn back to her slowly, draw her in with voice and eyes, lips parting for a higher note. And you step forward, measured and confident. The piano twinkles, a roll of pretty high notes.

She smirks now, as if she knows what you’re doing, knows the little spell you have put her under and she suddenly stands. Perhaps to throw you off. You don’t falter, nor back away. And she moves forward, around tables, coming to the very front row. She pulls out another chair, right in front of the stage, as if to intimidate you.

You take it as a test, as a challenge. The end of the song approaches, where it grows slow and sultry, with a touch of longing. And instead of retreating, of creating a fourth wall between you; you shatter it.

You move, fluid as water, graceful as a cat and sink down to the edge of the stage. Your legs dangle off the edge and you hook one over the other, flash a little skin. She smirks. She’s near close enough to touch and you sing your last, final notes directly to her, holding her eyes for a moment as the piano drifts off.

She takes a drag of her cigarette, leans forward, and blows the smoke in your face.  

You cough, soft, girlish. Blink wide eyes at her.

“Pretty little thing, aren’t you?” She hums, amused with your reaction. Then, “And you sure know what you’re doing on that stage, huh?”

“Thank you,” You say in response, sit prim and proper now.

She studies you, eyes falling over your face, dropping down to the line of your neck, to your shoulders and the rest of your body. You force yourself not to squirm or shy away. Without the music, without the performance, some of your bravado tends to leave. But you exhale quiet and slow, sit tall and pretty for her eyes.

“Can you dance, babydoll?” She asks, taking another puff of her cigarette.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been dancing ballet since I was young and--”

“Alright. Be here tonight at five sharp for rehearsals with the other girls. We’ll work you into the opening number and the big group number.” She instructs without further preamble, “We rehearse everyday for two hours before the club opens at seven. And you work until the last performer is done, even if you’re no longer in any numbers.”

You nod, quick, taking this all in, breath leaving in a soft rush. Does this mean that you have a job now--?

“And I want you practicing a solo this week to perform for next. You won’t be highlighting just yet, but I’m sure you’ll get there.” She says in an amused sort of way, eyes falling over you once more. But she pushes on before you can respond, “And don’t sleep with any patrons and stay out of trouble, understand?”

“Yes, miss.”  

She smirks again, blows another slow, curl of smoke into the air before snuffing the bud out on the table in front of her. “So obedient,” She croons in a way that makes you flush, and she stands once more.

You glance up to her, peeking up into her face. You hope she can’t see the blush that spreads over your face, but with her keen eyes, you are certain she does.

“One last thing,” She says, “How well do you keep secrets, babydoll?”

Your heart kicks up and you know it’s wrong to try and find work in speakeasies, they’re technically illegal, but run so rampant around the city that you’d barely know. Regardless, the way she asks makes you think there is more than the average illegal drink that they serve. Your stomach twists, perhaps in excitement, perhaps in a rush of nerves. What are you getting yourself into?

But you hold her gaze, “As well as you want me to,” You reply with a flutter of lashes, an innocent look.

Natasha laughs, a sound that curls around you, warms you. She turns, waving you away; you’re dismissed. “I’ll see you at rehearsal in a few hours.” She glances over her shoulder, eyes glittering, “Don’t be late.”

You hop down from the stage, standing now. “Thank you!” You call after her, voice echoing, heart soaring with triumph. And you swallow, a little tentative as you glance at the establishment around you.

Apparently you have a new job at The Valkyrie.

---------------------------------------------------------------

    When you return for rehearsal a few hours later, you are sure to be early, and Natasha introduces you to the group of girls that you will be performing with. But other than that, you are thrown in head first into both the opening number and another, big group performance. Luckily, you are a quick learner, both in music and dance. By the time rehearsal ends and it is time for The Valkyrie to open, you have a grasp on both performances.

You’re informed that on weeknights, there are usually only solos, duos, or trios; it is more mellow than the weekends, more for the background of music. But on the weekends, the intent is to be as raunchy and to perform, to draw in all the fellows, to make people dance and drink more. Tonight, a Friday, you’re told will be a good taste of weekend work.

“Hopefully you’ll fit into the old girl’s costumes, until we get you your own.” Natasha remarks as the girls flood backstage, to the dressing rooms. “Wanda!” She hollers to another girl darting by, “Help the new girl out, will you? Show her around.”

And the girl, Wanda, twirls around with wide, dark eyes that are strangely bewitching. Unlike most, she still has her hair kept long, falling around her shoulders in loose curls. “Of course,” She responds, and you realize her voice is slightly accented. From where, you are unsure.

She turns those eyes on you and you feel your heart trip. She’s almost darling looking, except there is a dark, enchanting sort of edge to her that you can’t place. She hooks her arm in yours, though, and smiles. “Stay by me,” She says sweetly, then promises, “I’ll help you.”

And so you do.

She ushers you to a dressing room that is full of shrieks, loud talking, cigarette smoke, and half-naked girls. Feathers, glitter, and beads flutter and fly through the air as girls try to get ready, shoving and moving around you.

Wanda’s arm around yours tightens, “Unfortunately, it is always this chaotic. Especially on the weekends.” She informs you, offering a small smile, “But its fun. We grow close quickly.”

A woman in front of you shucks off her brassiere without preamble and you blink at the sudden nudity, “I can see that.” You agree with her and she dissolves into giggles at the faint blush that warms your cheeks, pulling you deeper into the fray.

She pulls a costume off of a rack, holds it up to your body, “You should fit into this one. Try it on.” She urges, pushing it into your arms as she reaches for her own costume now, too. Like the others girl, she is perfectly comfortable with shedding clothes, switching into the glitzy, little gold number that you all will wear for the first number.

You come to discover that the costume, full of fray and beads, is a little snug on you. But Wanda assures, “The men will adore it. Don’t worry.” And she sets you down in a chair near the mirror to show you the way in which they all do their makeup.

She does your eyeliner, small hand tilting up your chin as she shifts to stand between your legs. You can do it yourself, but you like the way she delicately touches your jaw, you like the hint of friendship you have gotten from her.

After a moment, she questions, “What brought you to The Valkyrie?”

You try not to move your eyes as her pencil glides over your eyelid, “I needed a job. I like performing. I figured I’d try it.” You answer, voice softening now that she is so close.

“You’ve never worked in a speakeasy before?” She presses, shifting to the other eye, “Or anything like it?” And she pulls her hand away to scrutinize over you.

You shake your head, “No, not really.” Your eyes flicker up to her face, “To be honest, I’m not quite sure what I’ve gotten myself into.” You say with a slight laugh.

Wanda smirks, once more grabbing your chin and lifting your face to hers, so that she may continue your eyeliner. “You’ll be alright. Just stay out of trouble and keep your mouth shut. Natasha deals with anyone who can’t and you don’t want to be on her bad side.”

You exhale slow, “I wouldn’t dream of crossing a dame like her.” And then you hesitate, think back to the way Natasha had asked how well you were at keeping secrets-- what more could there be than just the illegal booze? You grow bold enough to ask Wanda in a rush of air, almost wondering if you don’t want to know the answer.

Wanda’s eyes flicker dark at this question, a slight smirk touching her lips, bewitching and almost devilish. It holds mystery, perhaps danger. And God, you shouldn’t be so enraptured by her, by the secrets she promises.

“You have a lot to learn.” She responds lightly, dropping your jaw to look at you once more, to move on with the rest of your makeup.

She doesn’t elaborate further and your stomach flutters, but after another moment, you now ask her, “How did you end up here?”

Wanda dusts blush high on your cheeks. “One of the owners, Steve, helped me out of a touch situation.” She informs, “He gave me this job, got me back on my feet.” She lets out a breath, “And I’ve been here since.”

“That’s awfully kind of him,” You comment lightly, perhaps baiting too, searching for more information.

    “He’s a good man,” She adds, reaching for lipstick, “Despite the line of work he’s in.” And she gently, carefully, glides lipstick over your parted lips. Her thumb catches a smear on your bottom lip, which makes your heart leap lightly.

    When she’s finished with you, she turns you towards the long, stretching mirror that spans the wall of the dressing room. “What line of work is that?” You question, blinking up at her before finding your reflection in the mirror.

    Wanda’s done a swell job with you; you look well and truly like one of the flappers your mama always warns you about when she sees you. Doll-like lips, rosy pink cheeks, sharpened liner to accent your eyes. The skimpy outfit displays the lines of your collar bones, a peak of your chest. The gold makes you look divine, heavenly, with your softly curled hair.

    Wanda’s face appears beside yours, catching your eyes in the mirror, “You really don’t know what you’ve gotten into, do you?” She muses all pretty and smooth. Her fingers brush your pink cheek, other hand settling on your shoulder.

    And naively, you shake your head, fascinated with the glimmer in her eyes.

    “Organized crime, if you want to be technical.” She finally answers, “Mobsters. Gangsters. Crooks and criminals.”

Your lips part lightly, lashes fluttering; you knew this was illegal work but you hadn’t fully expected anything like that. There’s been rumors but— your heart kicks up, thundering around inside of you. All you knew of mobsters were that of crime and death, horror stories you read about in the papers with losing hands for crossing them and bribing off the law. Untouchable. Corrupted. Dangerous.

Faintly, you realize, that Wanda had mentioned Steve. Did she mean the Steve Rogers? A mob boss to one of the most infamous gangs in New York? The one the police have been hunting for what felt like years?

Wanda giggles as she watches your face, amused by your surprise, even your horror. Her eyes gleam pretty and wicked.

“I told you, darling,” She muses, patting your cheek affectionately, “You have a lot to learn.”  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite your better judgement, you keep the job at The Valkyrie. It pays well, keeps your head above water as a single girl living in New York. And it isn’t so bad, despite discovering Natasha carries a pistol on her thigh and that the men that holler and reach for you during performances, are perhaps all criminals. Wanda likes to tease you, calls you angel and darling as she laughs at your adjustment to this lifestyle of jazz and liquor and dancing.

    Natasha is stern but protective; if there’s a fella giving you a hard time or a little too handsy, you need but utter a word before she takes care of them. You’re unsure entirely what it is she does each time, but you appreciate her nonetheless.

    And you’ve never met the owners, who are, in fact, two of the most notorious mobsters in the entirety of the city. Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes. You hear their names tossed around, as if they’re ghosts, tall-tales, more fiction than truth. The only one who seems to know them with any sort of solidness is Natasha, who speaks as if they are old friends, both with irritation and a sort of fondness that only dear friends harbor for one another.

    You’ve been given a solo song in the few, short weeks you’ve worked here, nearing closer and closer to highlighting the weekend evening shows. Natasha’s put you in a vision of white, given you a dreamy and coy little number that is meant to warm up the crowd before some of the bigger acts. You change from your opening number costume, into your solo dress; glittering white, a plunging neckline, and a slit up the side to flash your garter. And as you drape the white, fur shawl around your shoulders, Wanda siddles up to you in the mirror.

    “We’ve got guests tonight,” She says, a little mischief in her eyes.

    You quirk a brow, “You’ll have to be more specific for me, Wanda.”

    “Steve and Bucky are here tonight.” She tells you, adjusting a curl by your cheek, brushing it lightly from your face.

    You whirl around to face her, nerves suddenly erupting inside of you. And she laughs at the look of fear that etches onto your face, too teasing and playful for her own good. You swear sometimes she just likes to watch you squirm.

    She hushes your fears, a trace of laughter still in her voice, and lightly adjusts the string of pearls around your neck. “You’ll do just fine, darling.” She promises, and then, “Break a leg.” And pushes you off towards the darkness of backstage.

~~~~~~~~~

Steve settles into a booth in the corner in between numbers, followed by Bucky and Sam, while patrons applaud and hoot and holler for the girls. Smoke and darkness curl around them, cloak them and shield them. But regardless, many still notice the trio. It is hard not to be noticed at times. Two of New York’s biggest crime bosses with their right hand man, they are known and feared and loved. Everyone has an opinion on them, few are bold enough to voice it to them.

They crowd the booth; it’s a miracle they all fit and he watches as Sam and Bucky elbow and knee at each other for more room like children.

Steve lets out a sigh, “Christ, I can’t take you two anywhere.”

“I ain’t even doing anything.” Bucky huffs and Sam is about to protest when Steve cuts them both off with a crisp enough. The pair thankfully quiet.

They rarely go out to their own establishments for relaxation or pleasure and Steve isn’t about to listen to the two bicker the entire evening. Though, they still have business to attend to, it just isn’t as pressing as usual. They are just there to make sure all is running smoothly, make an appearance, make sure everyone is in line.

Besides, Bucky and Sam like to watch the girls.

Not that Steve doesn’t but he just-- he doesn’t like to ogle or--

“Holy shit, I think I’m in love.” Bucky suddenly gasps, argument with Sam long forgotten, eyes fixed towards the stage.

“Barnes, you say that every time--” But Sam’s words die the moment he also focuses ahead.

Steve follows their gaze and what he finds on stage is you, bathed in serene light, white dress clinging to curves, draping over you elegantly. The fur shawl around your shoulders slides a little lower; a peak of your shoulder, of the soft line of your neck. Demure. Lovely. Dreamy.

“I think I’m in love.” Sam mutters as they watch you take the microphone with a graceful, fluttering hand.

And Steve can hardly blame them. His mouth is hanging open, he knows it. But you’re enamoring, a vision of silk and fur and glitter. Even more so when you open your mouth and sing.

Bucky genuinely swoons, brows furrowing slightly, as if your voice has touched his very soul. Sam’s eyes go all soft. Steve is struck breathless, speechless, watching in total awe as you sing out to the audience. The number is coy and sweet, draws everyone in, makes them sigh or laugh or smile. He glances around the audience, certain that by the look on all of their faces, they’re incredibly taken by you.

He’s incredibly taken with you.

And he can tell Bucky and Sam are smitten, too.

Your song ends too early for Steve, he wants to see more of you. And by the end, Your fur shawl is hanging low, around the dip of your waist, exposing your shoulders and neck ,the plunging cut of your dress. He can’t take his eyes away. The crowd goes up in applause, in hollers and whistles. You bow, smiling prettily, lashes fluttering, before gliding off stage.

“I gotta know her name.” Bucky says the moment you’re gone. “I gotta meet her.”

“Where’s Natasha? She could tell us.” Sam suggests and Steve’s eyes finally drift back to the two, as if he’s awaken from a dream or a trance. For once, it seems they’re able to work together. And all over a dame.

“What could I tell you?” Drawls a voice behind them and they turn, almost cartoonishly, at the same time to see Natasha approaching them. Speak of the devil. She looks good as always, dressed in a swanky black number, cigarette held between red nails.

“Who that angel was on stage.” Bucky answers and she rolls her eyes. But she does settle herself into Sam’s lap, knowing there was no way they’d be able to slide over and make room for her, too. Casually, she drapes her arm over Sam’s shoulders.

“I swear you say that about any pretty little thing that walks past you.” She muses dryly, taking a slow drag of her cigarette.

Bucky swipes it from her fingers, takes a drag as well, lets smoke roll out of his mouth that Steve follows with keen eyes. “Come on, Nat, give me a break.”

She takes it back with a pointed look.

“We’re all real taken with her.” Sam then admits, a little smoother, giving Natasha a winning smile.

Natasha looks over his face, shifts her eyes to Bucky, then finally they land on Steve.

“All of you?” She prompts him, since he’s been rather quiet.

Bucky and Sam look at him, too. He swallows. His cheeks and tips of his ears go warm.

“Well, I mean,” Steve clears his throat, “She was really something. Her voice was gorgeous.”

“Yeah, of course it was her voice that you liked, Stevie,” Bucky mutters under his breath and Steve nudges him sharply in the ribs with his elbow.

Bucky yelps. Sam snickers.

Natasha rolls her eyes at the three of them, but she settles back into Sam’s chest, “I can introduce you to her after the show.”

Bucky gets so excited that he grabs Natasha by the back of the neck, brings her close, and plants a big kiss on her cheek. Steve cracks a slight smile. Then Sam pulls her in for a kiss on the opposite cheek. She makes a show of wiping both off. “Christ, relax,” She mutters, but Steve can tell she’s rather pleased.

“Just don’t scare her off,” She warns the trio, eyeing them critically, “She’s one of my best girls.”

“You’ve got nothin’ to worry about, Nat.” He promises, but the wolfish smile that pulls at his lips says otherwise.

Natasha rolls her eyes, hopes you’re wise enough to know these three as the dogs they really are.

-----------------------------------------

After the final act has left the stage, a smattering of applause and whistles for the band, too, you’re finally able to begin to head out. It’s near two in the morning now; many will stay and drink and slow dance to the last members of the band that hang around. But you’re pretty exhausted, ready to strip from your dress, your heels, unpin your hair and collapse into your bed.

However, Natasha is waiting for you, leaning against the door frame of the dressing room as she gazes at you. You pick your head up, shouldering your purse, “Something the matter, miss?”

She shakes her head, “Just got some fellas that wanna meet you, babydoll.” She tells you and you swallow. You have a prickling feeling you know who it is and your heart stutters to life and rambles into an unsteady pace. Why would they want to meet you? As if Natasha can read your apprehension, she adds, “You know, if they give you a hard time, I’ll take care of them, too.”

A shaky laugh escapes you, “Thank you,” You tell her, and for a moment, you think she’s only teasing. Surely, she doesn't mean she’d really go toe to toe with the owners, with mob bosses.

But she doesn’t quite laugh and it leads you to believe she’s being serious. You swallow again, nearly gulping. You have to wonder how dangerous Natasha really is. And without another word, she leads you out of the dressing room and to a quiet wing of backstage.

Three men stand in the dim ghost light, dressed smart and with nice, broad shoulders. Your stomach flutters, twisting nervously as you approach. The first thing you realize, faintly, is that their wanted posters do them absolutely no justice.

They’re all handsome in their own way; Steve with those pretty eyes, Bucky with the sharp jawline, and Sam with a winning, lovely smile. You scold yourself, remind yourself that they are criminals. You pause behind Natasha, nearly hiding behind her.

“Fellas,” Natasha says, then steps to the side gracefully, leaving you bare to the three of them. And their eyes fall on you in a way that makes your cheeks warm. She introduces you to the three of them.

“This is Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, and Steve Rogers.” And then she adds only to you, voice lower, “Say the word and I’ll tell ‘em to scram, okay?”

“Okay,” You exhale, nodding, before you turn back to them.

Sam is the first to speak, “You’ve got an amazing voice, babygirl. We were all real impressed with you.” He’s got an easy, open, and warm face. And tentatively, you smile back at him.

“Thank you, Mr. Wilson.”

“Nah, call me Sam.” He corrects quickly, smoothly, “Mr. Wilson makes me sound like my old man.”  

And you can’t help the slight, small giggle you give him. His smile only widens and the three are looking at you in a sort of wonder that you’re unsure you deserve.

“You’re a real vision, doll.” Bucky then says with a disarmingly charming smile; it’s a little roguish, promises a girl all sorts of the best kind of trouble. It makes your blush darken to something fierce.

And Steve, observant, quiet, finally speaks up, “Alright, lay off her.” He warns the two, “I’m sorry ‘bout these two, sweetheart. We’ll get out of your hair, I’m sure you wanna get home for the night.” He says soft and once more you are taken by surprise in the sincerity of his voice, the gentleness in his features.

The truth of the matter is that they seem nothing like the mobsters you’ve been warned about. It should be more unnerving than it is.

“It’s okay,” You murmur, trying to find your confidence, “Who doesn’t like a compliment from time to time?” You try to joke a little, give them a shy smile.

Bucky nearly melts, and his voice goes all coaxing and warm, “I’ll give ‘em to you all the time, if that’s what you want.” And he almost adds he’d give you anything you want, if only to get you to smile a little more like that.

Sam rolls his eyes and says to you, “He thinks he’s slick, huh?”

“You know what, Wilson--”

You laugh again, bright and more unrestrained, features lighting up in a way that seems to steal all of their breath away. You don’t know if you’ve ever felt so admired before in your whole life, warmth blossoming slow and sweet inside of you. And you’re certain you’re being naive about the three of them, you’re certain they’ve done this with every new girl, but you buy into it for one, fleeting moment. You’re something spectacular.

“There’s no need to fight,” You playfully chastise.

“That’s right, there’s no need to fight, Barnes.” Sam says smugly as he nudges Bucky, smile wide and toothy and wonderful. It’s your turn to admire him now, breath taken straight from your lungs for him. For all three of them.

Bucky parts his lips to argue again, you follow the movement a little too closely, wonder what those lips would feel like—

“Alright, I think we’ve wasted her time enough.” Steve speaks up before he can, jarring you from your thoughts that had begun to unravel in a way that made pink tinge your cheeks, the top of your ears. You hope the boys don’t notice. Steve’s darling, blue eyes are on you, though, as he asks, “You walk home, sweetheart?”

“Yes, sir,” You reply politely, fingers squeezing around the strap of your purse as you peak up at him through your lashes.

Perhaps it’s just the shadowy, dramatic lighting of the ghost light that makes his eyes seem to darken with the tilt of his head, the slight inhale of his breath or perhaps he is looking at you with just a little more hunger in his gaze. But as soon as that shadow had passed over his features, it was gone, as if it'd never been there at all.

“We could give you a ride home.” He suggests gently and then asks, “You ever been in an automobile before?”

Your eyes go wide with the idea, mouth popping open as you look up at him in surprise and wonder and awe. An automobile? You’d only ever seen them growling around the city, looking slick and modern and incredible. They really are something incredible. “No,” You answer in a rush of air, “No I can’t say I have.”

“First time for everything,” Bucky grins, crooked and sinful.

You want to, you realize in a flash. It sounds exciting and terrifying. Perhaps you should be more fearful, though; it isn’t wise for you to get into an automobile with three men that you’d only met officially a few moments ago. However, Wanda’s voice comes back to you now.

He’s a good man.

Regardless, you remind yourself that you don’t know them. And you look to Natasha, whose been silent, seeking her council.

You trust her. You know she’d never let you take off with men she thought would harm you in any way. And when she catches your eye, she answers your unspoken question, “You’re safe with them. ”

Some of the nerves unfurl from inside of you. You look back at the trio, a tentative, mounting smile coming to your lips as you say, “There is a first time for everything.”

“Atta girl,” Bucky praises in a way that makes you practically melt—

“But no funny business.” Natasha suddenly warns the three, leveling them all with those sharp, intimidating eyes. Perhaps they read more than you can in her expression. But you nearly gulp for them. “Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Steve says, respectful and tall, fishing into his pocket suddenly to pull out a set of keys.

“We’ll take care of her,” Sam grins, suddenly moving drop his arm around your shoulders. “Catch you later, Nat!” He guides you away from Natasha, from the others, and drops his voice to something intimate for you, eyes twinkling like dark stars, “You’ll love it,” He promises with a smile that guarantees you all sorts of fun and revelry. Your stomach swoops low.  

The night air is cool and brisk on you, but Sam’s body beside yours keeps you warm. Bucky and Steve are close behind, their voices carrying quietly in the darkened city as you exit the club finally. Music spills out behind you, jazz following you with every step, soft and coaxing at this hour. The city streets are filled with party goers now; flappers, finely dressed gentlemen, people stumbling down sidewalks. They shout and sway and sing off-beat about a lost love, infinitely happy and lost in this grand city. There’s something magical about it all, that makes your chest ache with bittersweetness; soft and gleeful, filled with wide-eyed wonder that tapers off into a sweet sort of pain because desperately you want to keep this moment forever but know it escapes you with every beat of your joyful, longing heart.

The twinkling lights of tall, reaching buildings open up against the dark sky for you. The wind kicks up your hair as you walk, and when you brush it from your eyes, you finally see a flash of slick, dark blue metal.

Steve’s automobile gleams beneath the hooked street lights like the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen. And you break from Sam, racing for it excitedly. The boys watch you with a fondness you don’t notice. You’ve never seen an automobile this close up before; it’s a convertible, huge and shining, and it’s a marvel that you’re really about to—

Strong arms encircle your waist suddenly, lift you clear off the ground and you squeal in surprise before you’re dropped into the backseat of the car. Bucky hops over the side then, too, and settles down right beside you. You laugh, giddy and bright. Bucky grins, settling back as Steve takes the driver’s seat and Sam settles into the passenger seat.

You give Steve your address just before the engine roars to life. It hums beneath you like a living, breathing beast and you gasp as Steve suddenly tears off down the road. You jolt back, nearly right into Bucky’s arms and chest. He steadies you with a laugh, warning you to be careful as he ducks his head nice and close to you.

The world is a blur then; it’s just you and their smiles, laughter carrying on the air as wind tears through your hair. Lights speed past your eyes, as if they’re stars that streak past you. You're overflowing, enamored with the kiss of the wind on your face, with the speed that you race through the city. With the three boys you’ve only just met. You’re so suddenly in love with life, with all the brilliant, startling world around you.

You rise up, grabbing hold of the back of Steve and Sam’s seats as you ease up onto your knees a little more. You feel the push of gravity taking you back, whisking your dress to press tight to your body.

Hands grip your waist, strong and broad and sturdy. You glance back to Bucky just as he says, “I’ve got you, doll,” as if he knows exactly it is you want. And he’ll give it to you.

His smile encourages you, the glow of his eyes and tentatively, your rise up taller. The wind grows stronger. But Bucky’s got you and Sam’s looking back at you now, too, with that smile that sends your heart fluttering. You force yourself to ease up a little higher, back tall and shoulders back and proud. Your arm goes to Bucky’s shoulders for support for a moment but then you’re—

Then your arms are thrown out wide, wind pushing at you but Bucky’s got you. Steve floors the car for you, makes the engine growl and you yelp in surprise before laughing. It echoes around the city and Steve’s smile sets you on fire. You’re full of life, full of the sweet, warm rush of adrenaline and wonder and excitement.

“It really is something!” You say over the wind in your ears.

“So are you!” Shouts Bucky, completely taken with you, eyes full of awe, smile all goofy and warm.

You laugh again now, letting your eyes shut, head tipping up to the heavens for a heartbeat, trying to savor this moment. Trying to let it surround and fill you. You want this moment forever, burn it into your heart with a soft, glowing fierceness.

And then you fall back down into Bucky’s waiting arms, against the back of the seat. He laughs with you, his arm going around your shoulders and his chest is warm and solid against the wind. His eyes twinkle and you watch as he catches Sam’s eyes, the happiness that fills them. The way Steve glances back at them with a smile that’s crooked and boyish.

He rounds a corner, pulls onto your street and slowly brings the car to a stop in front of your apartment building. You're flushed with adrenaline, hair a mess, smile bright and lovely. “That was incredible,” You gush, eyes sparkling.

“I’m glad you liked it, sweetheart,” Steve says with a fond sort of smile.

“Thank you for the ride home,” You add in a rush of air and you lean between the front seats to plant a kiss on Steve’s cheek suddenly. He blinks, lashes fluttering, that charming, sweet smile tugging at his lips before you turn to Sam and do the same. Sam's smile outshines all the moon and stars above your head.

And when you turn back to Bucky, he’s already offering his cheek to you; a little presumptuous, the best kind of arrogant and your laughing lips press a kiss to his cheek, too, as you nearly fall into him.

When you pull away, Sam gets out of the car for a moment to grab you and lift you right over the side as if you weigh nothing. He sets you onto the street, steadying you.

“Now get some rest so Nat doesn’t skin us for keeping her best girl out too late.” Sam instructs with a playful smile.

“Goodnight, doll,” Bucky hums, looking tousled and wonderful in the back seat of that car.

“Take care of yourself, sweetheart.” Steve says, soft and a little stern.

“Yes, sir,” You say again, but your smile is cheeky, and Steve’s turns a little crooked.

Sam gets back into the car, door slamming, “Hopefully we’ll see you again soon,” Sam tells you and you realize the amount that you do want to see them again. For being so apprehensive earlier, you’ve really warmed up to them. But it’s hard not to, you suppose, when they all look at you the way they are now.

“Yes,” You agree, earnest and excited, “Don’t be strangers.”

And you bid them goodnight with flushed, pink cheeks and bright eyes. They watch you until you’re safely tucked away inside, climbing up the stairs to your apartment. And you fall into bed, light hearted and dazed and full of so much joy you feel as if you could simply burst.

And you dream of them that night in bright, dazzling, technicolor lights— blurry and dizzying as you dance and swirl around the city with them as if you own every, last corner of it.

[be9rhee]

Two Opposite Poles / Yoongi

Pairing: slytherin yoongi x hufflepuff reader

Word count: 4.9k

Description: Everyone knew that you and Yoongi were completely different. You were a social butterfly with a bubbly personality. He, on the other side, was an introvert who was talented at intimidating everyone, which is the main reason you didn’t want to come in contact with a person like him. Though after the black-haired boy gets hit by a bludger, you begin to think that opposite poles might be able to attract.

A/N: Hello, everyone! This is my first ever au posted here! I usually write for myself and never post any of my work, but I’ve been so obsessed with bts x harry potter lately, and after reading a couple of aus I’ve decided to write some myself ;-; I hope you like it! If I make mistakes, please forgive me, as English is not my first language.

P.S: I forgot to save the changes for the draft and lost a good amount of this and almost started crying :’)

Just a teeny tiny bit. . .

You carefully took a bite out of your energy bar under your desk, praying to God that Professor McGonagall won’t see you. Lunch was just ‘round the corner, but you didn’t get to eat much at breakfast, and your stomach couldn’t take it anymore. So you took an energy bar out of your bag and started munching slowly.

Soo good. . .

“Miss L/N!” Professor McGonagall asks on a loud tone, startling you so bad you hit your head on the desk, making you moan in pain at the contact. “What are you doing there?”

Your brain quickly thinks of a good-enough excuse before it was too late. “I, uhm. . . I dropped my pen!” You say in your defence, though your half-full mouth doesn’t help you much. The whole class starts laughing upon seeing you get caught for eating during class.

“And I suppose you stopped for a bite half-way?” The woman raises an eyebrow, trying to hide a smile of her own. You hurry to finish the remaining food in your mouth before leaving hour head hung low in embarassment.

“I apologize, Professor McGonagall,” you start, hoping she won’t take off house points. Hufflepuff was so close to beating Slytherin to first place, it would be a shame if there’d be a bigger gap because of you. “It won’t happen again.”

“Next time, control your appetite until lunch, Miss L/N,” Professor McGonagall advises you, turning her back to the class and continuing her lesson. A few laughs could still fadely be heard in the class.

Heat rushes to your cheeks as you drop your head in your arms, trying to hide away the embarassment. You usually never disturbed classes, but you knew that you had food on you, and the urge was so big—

You felt someone staring at you. And God, it suddenly felt so cold in the Transfiguration classroom. . . You raise your gaze, scanning the room to see who the culpit was. And suddenly, your eyes lock with someone you were surprised to see. A few tables in front of you, in the corner of your eye, Min Yoongi, a slytherin boy that was the same year as you, was deeply staring at you.

And as you stared back, he didn’t urge to look away. With a questioning look, you continued to look at him until Professor McGonagall requested for the whole class to write down the next piece of information she was about to give us about today’s lesson.

Weird. . .

You obviously knew who Yoongi was. Basically everyone in this goddamn school always compared the two of you to the other. “Wow, Y/N is so cheerful and Yoongi is so cold,” they say. “They’d make a great couple!”

You never usually understood the last part. Why would the two of you make a good couple? You barely spoke a word to each other. The only times you had interacted with him was whenever Namjoon, your best friend, met up with him while you were present. You had a lot of mutual friends, though you couldn’t consider yourselves friends.

The bell wakes you up from your thoughts, and you hurry to gather your things and blast into a sprint towards the Great Hall, your stomach still protesting.

In your hurry, you accidentally bump in a couple of students, and when you turn to apologize, you notice that one of them was none other than Yoongi. Great, he was staring at you again. That cold stare of his, one that sent shivers down your spine.

Gosh he really was intimidating.

“I’m s-sorry,” you stutter, standing frozen for a couple of seconds before remembering what you were meant to do. Right, lunch. So you gather the power to escape the boy’s aura that had you trapped like a bird in a cage, and sprint to the Great Hall in your second attempt.

There, you hurry to dig into the food available, joining Hoseok and Taehyung, your other friends who were also in the same house as you. The boys were talking about their next Quidditch match, which was against Slytherin, when you dropped in a seat beside them.

“Missed anything while I was away?” You ask, not even bothering to look at them as you guide a chicken leg to your mouth. Hoseok and Taehyung watched the sight of you devouring you food in awe before answering.

“We have a huge problem!” Hoseok whines, making fake crying sounds. For the sake of your friends, you stop eating for a second. “Oh? What happened?” You ask, curiousity getting the best of you.

“Woojin is utterly ill and we have no seeker for tomorrow! This is a disaster!” Taehyung cries, sitting back in his chair, sighing deeply. For a second, you thought the two of them were pulling a scene on stage. You try your best to hide a smile, for the sake of not hurting their feelings.

As you guide a spoonful of mashed potatoes to your mouth, Hoseok suddenly stands up, his chair making a loud screeching noise which startles you so bad that your precious mashed potatoes meet your cheek instead of mouth. You mutter a profanity under your breath as you grab a tissue to wipe the food off your face. Instead of mashed potatoes, you favor your glass of water.

“Y/N,” he turns to you, a dumb smile doninating his face, “aren’t you fast on a broom? What do you say?” He suggests, a spark of hope glistening in his hazel eyes.

The water in your mouth almost erupts like a fountain upon hearing his offer. “Me? A s-seeker?” You scream in disbelief. Heads turn upon hearing the loud sound. Crossing your hands over your chest, you shake your head in disapproval.

“Please! You are our only chance! It’s just this game! We only need you for one game!” Hoseok cries, clapping his hands together and falling on his knees. “Hoseok, what are you—“

“We beg you, Y/N!” Taehyung joins the red-headed boy, doing the exact same gesture. “I’ll give you the Marauder’s Map for a whole week!”

“And I’ll wash your robes and convince Namjoon to do your Arithmancy homework!” Hoseok throws his offer on the table as well. Now the whole Great Hall was curious to see what the hell was going on at your table, eager to find out if it was a fight or a confession.

But, to their disappointment, it was just two idiots trying to win you over.

And to spare the three of you more public embarassment, you decide to give up. “Fine, I’ll do it,” you say, almost as a whisper, but loud enough for the two to hear.

“YES! THANK YOU!” They both scream in unison, starting to dance and pulling each other into a hug, cheering in victory. You could feel the stares of so many people that you lean in your seat, almost falling under the table as heat rushes to your cheeks, the exact same thing that had happened less than half an hour ago.

Soon after, the two sit back down and return to their meal, acting like they didn’t just cause a scene a couple minute before. Why were you even friends with such idiots? But you answer to your own question as your lips curl into a smile. They were just too funny.

“Wait, hyung,” Taehyung suddenly starting, sipping on his pumpkin juice. “If Y/N is our seeker, that means she’ll have to beat Yoongi-hyung.”

Y-yoongi. . .?

Gosh, you had completely forgotten that he was Slytherin’s seeker. Not only that, but he was a really good one. . . It was settled then. You were no match against him.

“If he’s the seeker, then I’ll be as good against him as no one,” you sigh, stuffing the last piece of chicken in your mouth. Why did they even ask you if they knew—

“Don’t think so lowly of yourself, Y/N!” Hoseok sweetly says. “With your swift and motivation, I can bet that the golden snitch will fly directly in your hands!”

“You just have to catch it, sweetheart,” Taehyung says. “That will secure our win. That’s all we ask from you!”

It seemed so little, but it felt like so much to ask for. . .

.

.

.

Why were you here?

That question had lingered in your mind for the past week, ever since you started training for the Quidditch match. And after a whole week’s worth of training, you thought you were in a pretty good place, but that still didn’t make all the fear of screwing everything up go away.

On the third day of training, you managed to catch the golden snitch for two times, and that’s when your streak started. The next day, three times, the next one, four, and so on. And the first time you caught it, your heart filled up with joy, because being a seeker is probably the most important position on a Quidditch team, and the fact that you were able to do that. . .

Wow.

You felt complete.

You try to wipe the confident smirk off your face as you fix your gloves on your hands. You and the team were in the locker room, a few minutes away from the beginning of the match. 

“You can do it, sunshine,” Hoseok crouches in front of you, throwing an encouraging smile. “Thanks, Hobi. I still feel like I’ll do a shitty job,” you confess, your gaze falling.

“Stop saying that. You’re really good. You were great even before training started. I’m sure you’ll do a great job today, even if we don’t win.”

You can’t help but blush at his encouraging words.

Just then, Madam Hooch storms into the locker room, telling you all to get ready to go out on the field and start the game. You took a last deep breath before standing up from your seat, broom in hand.

Taehyung and Hoseok find way to both of your sides, each placing a hand on your shoulder. 

“We believe in you,” they both say in unison before the doors slide open.

In front of you appears the Quidditch pitch. All bleachers were full with students, everyone present to watch what was predicted to be the hottest match this term. You felt every pair of eyes piercing through you, making you feel uneasy. But you tried to push the bad emotions away. You needed confidence tonight.

“Our first team is Hufflepuff, with the most sudden replacement! Please welcome them and their new seeker for the night, Y/N L/N!” Kim Jongdae, the commentator, screams into the microphone, the crowd following his instructions.

They cheer for your team, for you.

To know that more than a hundred people were rooting for you felt extreme. It felt big, and it surely warmed your heart.

“And their opponent for tonight, this season’s favourite team. . . Slytherin!” Jongdae cheers once again, and so does the crowd as the slytherins enter the field. 

You look through your opponents, searching for one particular black-haired boy. And there he was, behind Park Jimin, his face expressionless, as always. His eyes lock with yours for the second time today, and the second time ever. His stare pierces through you, and you try to not show the fear that was slowly but surely taking over you.

“Players, mount your brooms!”

All fourteen do as instructed, and when Jongdae screams ‘Ready, set, game!’, you all blast off into the sky.

Your first plan is to go as high as anyone and start scanning the pitch, in hopes you’d spot the golden snitch. And after a couple minutes, you see it flying around the Ravenclaw bleachers, so you fly as fast as possible to get to it.

“Not so fast, replacement,” you hear a deep voice behind you, and before you know it, Yoongi passes by you, trying to reach the golden snitch before you. Replacement, you say? That was his nickname for you?

“It’s just a game. Let’s not start insulting each other,” you scream through the wind, deciding to be a pacifist. Yoongi turns his gaze to you, smirking.

“You’re such a Hufflepuff, it makes me vomit.”

“Thanks. You’re a good Slytherin yourself,” you say back, proud of yourself. Because of your small bickering, the two of you lose sight of the golden snitch, and surely Yoongi isn’t quite happy with that.

The boy growls in annoyance, flying off to God knows where. You ignore him and start going around the pitch once again.

"Oh Sehun of Slytherin scores once again! Seventy-fifty for Slytherin!" Jongdae's voice echoes, ringing in your ears. He sure had an interesting voice. . .

The golden spark catches your eye in an instant now, and before you know it, you and Yoongi are back at each other, trying to catch the golden snitch.

"I can't lose to a beginner," he huffs, leaning in to reach for the small ball. You were pretty high now. You try to push him away from the snitch. "It seems today is not your lu—"

You don't get to finish the sentence as a bludger smashes into your arm so hard that it pushes you off your broom. "No!" You scream in despair and notice Yoongi stopping in his tracks to look at you falling.

As you were falling, you manage to pull your wand out and yell 'Accio!', your broom coming to you as fast as lightning. Before you meet the ground, you mount your broom once again.

Phew, that was close.

"Are you okay?" Yoongi comes beside you, the slight show of worry making you feel weird. Though you decide to ignore it. "Yeah, I guess," you reply, an awkward tension building up between the two of you.

"Y/N! I'm so sorry for not protecting you!" Hoseok flies to you, pouting. "It's okay. Go back! Get your head in the game!" You yell, adrenaline getting the best of you.

A couple more attempts later, you decide that this was the final straw. You were better than to try and catch it for over five times. This had to end. Not only were you getting tired, but you were also getting sick of the repetitive routine.

Yoongi was back at being first to try and catch the golden snitch, and you were ready to do anything to stop him and steal it, securing Hufflepuff's win.

You quickly glance to your left, thanking God for your good reflexes.

"Bludger!"

You point your broom down and dodge the dangerous ball, catching speed and taking advantage, your grip tightening around the golden snitch.

You almost fall off your broom, happy that it had finally ended.

A scream full of joy runs off your lips as you feel the golden snitch in your hand, the whole pitch screaming, except for the Slytherins. You quickly land, and soon, your teammates join you, hugging you tightly.

"I knew you could do it!" Taehyung says, quickly wiping a tear off his cheek. "I'm so proud of you, Y/N!" He adds, ruffling your hair. All you could do was giggle like an idiot, overwhelmed by the amount of love you were getting, as well as the joy that was building up inside of you.

"Out of the way! This is an emergency!"

Madam Pomfrey's irritating voice catches your attention. You turn around, curious to see why she was present on the field. But then, your eyes land on the famous black-haired boy that laid on the ground. Worry overtook you.

Apparently, the bludger you had dodged had hit Yoongi in the head and made him fall off his broom, but luckily it wasn't from too high up. Maybe five meters, if not less. But still.

You and your six other friends —who were also Yoongi's— hurry to see if he's okay, but Madam Pomfrey puts a hand out, making you stop.

"I expect not to see you in the hospital wing until after he's woken up! Jesus!" She whines, sprinting off with the unconscious boy and Headmistress McGonagall to the hospital wing.

You didn't even realize that he had gotten hurt because you were so caught up in your win. Now it didn't even feel like a win anymore.

But why were you so marked by Yoongi's injury?

The question remained in your thoughts while you waited for him to wake up. It was probably the fact that he showed worry when you fell, and you wanted to get back at him. You felt like you owed him one, since you ignored him getting his head smashed by a ball.

That should have been it. .

.

.

"Why are you doing this? Is there something going on between you and I didn't know?" Namjoon asked, flipping through his Alchemy book. You had always envied Namjoon for being absolutely intelligent, hence he was able to take classes that he was meant to take in the sixth or seventh year.

"No. I just feel bad. You know how I am," you replied, doing your Transfiguration homework. It was the afternoon after the match between Hufflepuff and Slytherin. You had gotten information that Yoongi had woken up some time in the night yesterday, but he decided to go back to sleep.

"He asked me if I was okay when I fell off my broom, but when he got hit, I was so caught up with the win that I forgot about him and I feel bad for acting like that."

Namjoon came beside you, pinching your cheek. "Our sweet Hufflepuff," he cooed, the appearance of his dimples making you smile slightly. "That's really nice of you. Maybe this way you and Yoongi hyung could start being friends."

You couldn't imagine befriending someone who was the completely opposite of you. It felt weird. But, in all honesty, you always took the chance of making a new friend.

Which is why after classes, you make your way to the hospital wing. Today, hence you accepted Taehyung's and Hoseok's offer to be Hufflepuff's seeker for the night, you were in the possession of the Marauder's Map. So early in the morning, you sneaked into one of the tunnels that lead to Hogsmeade.

You didn't know what Yoongi liked, so you bought a Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Assorted Sour Strips and two Chocolate Frogs.

You could only hope for him to not get diabetes.

You knock on the door, Madam Pomfrey greeting you with a forced smile. "Dear, what brings you here?" She asks in a sweet tone.

"Good evening. I'm here to see Min Yoongi," you announce, trying to talk as quietly as possible.

"Wow, such a popular boy! His friends have been going in and out all day today!" She laughs, motioning you to come in. "He's the last one on the left. Have fun, sweetheart."

You nod and make your way to the said bed, trying to stop your heart thumping at your chest.  And there, you see the famous jet-black-haired boy, who was in his bed, reading what seemed to be a book about ghosts.

You take a deep breath.

"H-hi, Yoongi," you stutter, his head turning your direction as your words leave your mouth. He raises an eyebrow, probably surprised by your sudden visit.

"Why are you here?"

You try not to take it in an offensive matter, though the fact that you've heard that question for so many times had started to annoy you at last.

"Uhm. . . I'm here because I feel bad for not checking up on you when you were injured, since I was so busy with winning the match. And I'm sorry, so I'm trying to make it up to you."

"You don't owe me anything. You can go."

You close your eyes for a second. "You see, I went to Hogsmeade really early today and got you all kinds of stuff. . . I thought maybe you'd want them."

You take the sweets out of your bag, placing them on his nightstand. Then you dare to take a seat on the bed, surprising not only yourself, but Yoongi as well.

You search through your bag once again, pulling out a piece of parchment. "This is a summary of today's classes we have together, as well as the homework we got. Are you well?"

One thing you learnt about Yoongi that instant is that his other default expression was the one of confusion. As you look at him, you try your best not to chuckle at his funny face.

"Honestly, I was supposed to leave two hours ago, but Pomfrey's beds are surprisingly comfortable," he says after a good ten seconds, stretching his limbs.

That's when your lips curl into a small smile. "Well, I'm glad it wasn't too serious," you reply, putting the parchment on the nightstand as well. "Now, out of these three, which one would you like to devour first?" You ask, smiling.

Yoongi stands up, scanning the sweets. "How did you know I like sour candy?" He asks, picking up the bag of Assorted Sour Strips, his eyes going big.

"Well, who doesn't?" At that, you both burst out laughing, but quickly shut up, an awkward tension building between the two of you.

So you start eating the sour strips together, neither one of you saying something.

What's with the sudden closeness you had with Yoongi? It was like you've been friends for a long time, when in fact, today was probably the first time you had exchanged more than one word.

"Would you like to play the game with Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans?" You suggest, grabbing the box. Yoongi groans, staring at you deeply.

But this time, you don't feel your body freezing.

You feel it warming up.

"Fine."

And so he stands up again and you move closer, opening the box. "Do you think we'll be able to finish the whole thing?" He asks, yawning. He has been sleeping all day but he was still sleepy?

"I don't know, but there's only one way to find out," you smirk, throwing the first one in your mouth carelessly.

For the next half an hour, you two try out the beans. Honestly, it was you mostly laughing at Yoongi for getting bad flavors.

"This isn't fair, Puff! Why are most of mine bad ones? Did you curse the box or what?" He asks, groaning in frustration. You continue giggling like a maniac, catching Yoongi smiling while looking at you from the corner of your eye.

Heat rushes to your cheeks.

The last two beans laid on the bottom of the box. "One last bean to endure," you announce, taking one for yourself, the boy doing the same.

Yoongi counts to three before the both of you throw the beans in your mouths. You start chewing, immediately feeling like getting ill.

"Dirty sock!" You scream in utter terror.

"Buttered popcorn!" Yoongi yells in delight, an evil smile forming on his face, looking at you in victory. You could bet your face was looking disgusted as ever right now, and the fact that a boy was seeing you in this state made you uneasy.

"What is this fuss going on here?"

Madam Pomfrey's voice makes the both of you turn your heads. "Mr. Min, weren't you supposed to leave a long time ago?"

"I—Uhm— Oops?" He mutters, eventually getting out of bed. "I'm sorry. I'll get going now." He takes his bag, the parchment and the chocolate frog from you. "Let's go, Y/N."

He takes a hold of your arm, dragging you along. Your heart starts racing for an unknown reason as you leave the hospital wing. You didn't know where Yoongi was taking you, but as you started going down the stairs to the basement, you figured it'd be either the kitchens or the Hufflepuff dorms.

"Well, thanks for walking me to my dorm," you say, fidgeting with your fingers. "I guess I'll see you a—"

"Thanks for stopping by and for the sweets," he cuts you off, leaning on the wall. "And I'm sorry I called you a replacement and all that. I get really competitive when it comes to Quidditch," he mutters, scratching the back of his neck in embarrassment.

You smile at his attempt at apologizing. "It's okay, Yoongi. And I enjoyed spending time with you eating jelly beans. We should do this more often. You're different than I thought."

"Different? What did you think of me?" He arches an eyebrow, tilting his head to the side.

"Well. . . I'm not sure if you know, but almost everyone in school likes comparing us, saying how hyped I am and how cold you are, what a social butterfly I am and you're and introvert and things like that. Whenever you stared at me I could feel my whole body freezing because God you have such an intimidating stare," you say, your gaze falling to your shoes.

"But you proved me wrong. You don't seem as cold and intimidating as everyone says."

It was dark in the hall, though a torch was subtly lighting his face, and you notice his cheeks turning crimson. And then, you started studying his handsome features. You had heard girls drooling over his appearance, but you had never gotten the chance to see for yourself from up close.

Your eyes lock. And that's how you both start staring at each other for what seemed like a lifetime, but it was just for ten seconds.

"Uhm. . . I s-should head inside," you stutter, pulling your wand out. "Yeah, y-you should rest," he replies. And so you hit the barrel at the entrance in the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff. The door opens, but just as you were about to enter, you hear Yoongi's voice again.

"L-listen, Y/N. . . Since tomorrow is Saturday. . . W-would you like to go with me to Hogsmeade and spend our time at Honeydukes?"

The way he stuttered only filled your body with warmth.

"Sure. I'd love to," you say before closing the door behind you.

On the other side of the barrel, Yoongi began walking to the Slytherin tower, trying to wipe the smirk off his face.

All these years you've known about each other's existence, there was never something more than that. Yoongi wasn't good at making friends, hence he was only close to six boys. Together, they called themselves Bangtan.

But even if you weren't friends, that didn't mean that Yoongi didn't know about you. About how popular you were for your amazing personality. Every place he went to, it was impossible to not hear about that 'cute and sweet Hufflepuff girl'.

All the times he was staring at you was because he simply enjoyed looking at you. You were always smiling, and somehow, that warmed the boy's heart every time.

"Hyung?" Yoongi heard his cousin's voice as he entered the Slytherin common room. "Where were you? You were supposed to be discharged four hours ago! Did something happen?"

"Don't worry, Jiminie," the older assured, throwing himself on the couch. "I got caught up with something." As his words escaped his mouth, he couldn't help smile upon thinking about you.

That only made Jimin arch his eyebrow in curiosity. "Or should I say someone?" The silver-haired Slytherin suggested, a grin planting itself on his handsome face. "Say, is it the first time you're happy a bludger hits you, hyung?" Jimin smiled.

Obviously caught in the act, Yoongi pulled off a mad look.

"Shut up before I turn you into a chipmunk."

. .

You didn't know why you were so nervous to meet up with Yoongi today.

It wasn't like he asked you on a date. It was just a hangout between two people who are trying to befriend each other.

Right?

You slide your feet into a pair of black ankle boots, finishing today's look. You've decided to keep it simple today, wearing a plain shirt and a matchy skirt, hiding them under your long coat. Today's weather forecast announced a good temperature, considering it was the end of February.

"Where are you going, Y/N?" Your roommate enters the room, noticing you all dressed up. "Uhm, I'm going out to meet with someone," you reply, watching as Hoseok starts watering his plants.

"Oh? Is it perhaps a date?" He curiously asks, wiggling his eyebrows. You can't help but giggle. "I don't think so?" You say, unsure of your answer. "It's Yoongi. I think we're finally becoming friends."

"Right. Friends," he turns around, hiding his dumb smile. All the Bangtan boys knew about Yoongi's crush on you. It seemed he had finally built up the guts to do something about it.

"Well, I hope you have fun!" He happily says, pulling you into a quick hug. You greet your friend goodbye and leave the Hufflepuff dorms.

Two hours ago, your owl delivered you a letter written by Yoongi, suggesting you guys meet on the train to Hogsmeade at exactly 11:30am. Fifteen minutes before the meeting time, you start sprinting down the corridors.

When you get to the train station, you quickly hop into the train and start looking for him.

Of course, he was in a compartment on his own, looking out the window. You smile and open the door, greeting him. He turns to you, a smile of his own forming on his face. A small rose was in his hands, surprising you as he reached to give it to you.

"Ready to start our date, Puff?"

[psychosistr]

Sparks Fly- Part 1 (CaeJose Dancer! AU)

Part 4 of my CaesarxTrans!Joseph Dacer!AU (I honestly never thought I’d go this far with this little idea, but I can’t bring myself to stop now XD)

Summary: Joseph receives a gift from a secret admirer that may come in handy for her upcoming date with Caesar.

Joseph was relaxing on her couch, reading through the latest issue of one of her favorite detective comics when a familiar, sharp knock sounded at her door. She looked up from her comic with a mildly annoyed frown. “Always right at the good part…” She grumbled but rose to her feet, setting the comic aside on the coffee table for the time being. Joseph really wanted to keep reading, but had learned all too well what hell would await her if she took too long and heard a second knock. “I’m coming!” She called while walking to the door. Opening it without bothering to look through the peep hole, she saw the exact person she expected. “Hey, mom. What’s up?”

Her mother, as usual, invited herself into Joseph’s apartment. Joseph noticed that she was carrying a few envelopes as well as a rather large box. “I picked up your mail while I was downstairs. This one is yours.” Lisa Lisa said while setting the large box down on Joseph’s coffee table.

Joseph cringed slightly when the corner of the box crumpled the page of her comic book a little. “Thanks, mom…” She walked over after closing the door and rescued her poor comic from under the box before poking at it. “Well, at least it’s not ticking.” She commented before going to grab a knife from the kitchen.

“It didn’t feel heavy.” Lisa Lisa idly replied while sitting on Joseph’s couch and going through a few envelopes with her own name on them.

“Didn’t see a return address, so whoever sent it probably didn’t care about it getting lost in the mail. Maybe it’s some of uncle Speedwagon’s cartel friends trying to frame me for something.” Joseph joked as she returned with a small knife and made short work of the box’s tape before opening it. Pulling the flaps open, Joseph peered inside curiously. “…?” Her face lit up with bright, excited eyes and a huge smile. “OH MY GOD!!” She yelled loudly in her excitement, startling her mother slightly.

“What is it?” Lisa Lisa asked after grabbing the envelope she dropped during Joseph’s outburst.

Joseph reached inside and pulled out the contents with an excited grin stuck to her face. “It’s a dress!” She held it out for her mother to see, holding it against herself to get a better idea of how it looked.

The dress was truly stunning. It was a gorgeous mermaid-cut dress in a shade of rivulet green that complimented her eyes perfectly. It was made of satin with long lacy sleeves- the lace weaving together to form patterns of stars in varying sizes all the way from the wrists to the shoulders of the gown. At the shoulders, the lace then straightened into a fine mesh that turned into the illusion-cut neckline above the bust of the dress. The cut of the dress in general looked like it would be very snug, at least until it got to the legs where, for comfort and a bit of sex-appeal, there was a slit just off-center. The way the fabric wrapped and folded around the area would allow for a bit more movement, but also added to the overall look of the green gown by making the remaining fabric just below the knees billow outward in the classic mermaid-dress style. To top the whole thing off, there was a gorgeous design all along the front of the gown- a series of golden beads that spiraled together like a galaxy with its center being on the left hip of the dress and spreading outward along the front of the fabric in a dazzling display.

“My, my..” Lisa Lisa said while looking over the dress slowly from behind her usual sunglasses. “It’s lovely.”

“I know!” Joseph practically squealed while hugging the beautiful article of clothing to herself. “I’m gonna go try it on!” She announced while running back to her room to change. She didn’t even wait for a reply from her mom, she was just too excited! She quickly changed out of her shorts and tee-shirt and slipped into the gorgeous gown. Once she had it on and smoothed her hands down the sides to make sure it was wrinkle-free, she looked at herself from all angles using the full-body mirror in her walk-in closet. “Hey, mom, come check this out!”

She was practically bouncing with excitement! This was incredible! She wasn’t a “girly-girl”, by any means, but she loved to dress up every now and then and feel pretty- and this dress made her feel downright beautiful!

She heard the clicking of her mom’s heels and turned to face her when she entered. Lisa Lisa looked her over from head to toe with a small, caring smile. “It suits you, Jojo.”

Joseph grinned, practically beaming with pride as she turned back to look at herself in the mirror once more.

It really did suit her: The color, as she already suspected, complimented her eyes perfectly, almost matching them in shade. The gold of the beads combined with the green of the fabric made her think of her favorite green and yellow scarf. The dress was already perfectly fitted to her every curve and angle, showing her figure off in a very flattering way and even cupping her chest just right to be appealing without too coquettish. To top everything off, the dress was actually COMFORTABLE. Yeah, it was definitely satin for the main material, but it had to be mixed with something else because it stretched and moved so seamlessly and comfortably whenever she moved that there had to be some sort of elastic or nylon or something- especially along the arms and shoulders.

“Yeah,” She said with a smile while doing a quick twirl to see the fabric swish and flutter around her long legs. “It does!” She held one arm out and traced her fingers along the lace designs. “I wonder who sent it..”

“This may shed some light on the matter.” Lisa Lisa said while holding up a small white rectangle between two fingers.

Joseph turned to her again and took it with a curious expression. “A card?” She looked over the fancy script on the little card and read the words aloud. “A beautiful lady deserves an equally beautiful dress. May this help you shine ever brighter, Miss Joestar. –Forever Yours, CAZ”

Lisa Lisa’s lip quirked up slightly as she raised an eyebrow. “Your secret admirer again?”

“Yeah, looks like it.” Joseph said while turning the card around to make sure there was nothing written on the back. As usual, there was nothing else but the simple message.

Joseph was all too familiar with the style of writing and the pen name by now. For the past two years, ever since she was about sixteen, she would receive gifts like this: There would be bouquets of flowers sent to her dressing room after shows, many of them beautiful and quite expensive- she would often take her favorite flower from each bouquet, preserve it, and turn it into one of her hair clips. For her birthday and Christmas she would receive jewelry that was sized to fit her perfectly- the stones alternating between diamonds, emeralds, and her birthstone, sapphires. Each gift would be accompanied by a card with a sweet message but no return address- all signed CAZ.

At first she had been confused by the gifts. Receiving such lavish, expensive gifts from an anonymous stranger? Why would someone go to that much trouble and not even put their name? Was it technically creepy that someone sent her that stuff constantly? Her studio and home address were both public record, so it’s not like it was stalking or something (at least as far as she knew) and the gifts were nice.

Also, the cards he sent to her..well..they made her feel better.

Around the time she’d received her first bouquet from CAZ, she had publicly come out about herself. It was met with…mixed reviews, to put it extremely nicely. Her family already knew and each and every one of them accepted her. She told herself that was all that she needed, but dealing with the constant mocking, harsh insults, and disgusted stares whenever she went out in something that was more comfortable for her or when she performed her first few shows in the correct tights and leotards…it…it started to wear on her. Then, like a beacon of light in a dark tunnel, a bouquet of pink roses and lilies arrived at her dressing room one evening with a note that said “You are the beautiful star the stage deserves- let no one ever tell you otherwise, Miss Joestar. –Forever Yours, CAZ”

It was the first time someone outside of her family had referred to her correctly and it made her so happy that she broke down in tears. It was such a small thing, a card with some pretty flowers, but it meant the world to her at the time because it was just what she needed to hear. The knowledge that there were other people out there besides her family that would support her, even if it was only one other person at the time, gave Joseph the courage and strength she needed to get through that difficult time in her life.

In the end, she decided to just accept the gifts and wait to see if the guy sending them ever revealed himself. He hadn’t yet, so she was left to imagine what he was like. He had to be someone kind and thoughtful for constantly sending such expensive gifts, right? Whoever this CAZ was, she’d love to meet him in person one day and thank him for both his presents and his kind words.

Joseph felt her mother pinch at the fabric on her shoulder to inspect the dress herself. “Well, he certainly spent quite a bit of money on you this time- this looks like a custom order.” She looked up at Joseph over her sunglasses. “You know..this is actually quite sophisticated. If you wanted to wear this for special events, it would be perfect.”

The way she said that made Joseph flinch a little. Guess she was still a little sore about what happened to her suit before. It was expensive, after all…

“Ahaha, oh yeah? Wow, what a lucky break.” She gave a nervous laugh, shriveling slightly under her mother’s piercing gaze. Then, with a gasp, a thought occurred to her. “Oh my god!” She looked herself over in the mirror, her excited smile back again. “I can wear this on my date with Caesar!”

Her mind was already racing with thoughts of what jewelry to wear with it. Oh! Maybe those golden stud earrings with the emeralds! Yeah, those would be a good start. She could pair it with that nice cocktail ring that looked like an emerald flower with a diamond in the center. The sleeves were long enough that she wouldn’t really need any bracelets, but maybe she could wear one of her necklaces? Nothing that would hang too low, of course, what with the collar of the dress- oh! She had that black choker with the small rows of diamonds, that would look good if she paired it with some black stockings or shoes and-

“So, you have a date with Caesar? When were you going to tell me about this?” Her mother’s voice was like being stabbed in the back with an icicle, making her shudder a bit.

“Ummm…probably after it was over?” She answered with a nervous smile while looking at her mother’s reflection in the mirror. “It just kind of came up while he was here. Not like I meant to keep it a secret or anything, I just kind of…forgot to mention it?” She felt a little bad about that, but, like she said, she didn’t MEAN to forget..

“Hmh..” Lisa Lisa’s lack of a direct answer for an extended period of time made Joseph squirm uncomfortably with the weight of guilt that was being placed on her. After a minute, though, her mother sighed and patted her back with a calm smile. “It’s fine. You’re a grown up now, and are allowed to make your own decisions.” She smirked ever so slightly, her tone teasing. “Just remember not to put out on the first date- make him work for it.”

Joseph’s face turned red and she hid it in her hands with a groan. “Mooooooom! That’s just- augh, I can’t even-!” She groaned again and hid her face deeper into her palms. She could hear her mom chuckling smugly over the ringing in her own ears and, after a moment of breathing to calm herself, she looked back up at her a little bit, peeking between her fingers. “Hey..mom..?”

“Yes, Jojo?” She replied, still looking rather amused with herself.

“On Saturday..could you..y’know..help me with my hair and makeup? I wanna make a good impression and, well, you’ve seen what it looks like when I do it myself…” Joseph liked how she did her own makeup for shows, but she was aware that it was a bit over the top for every-day application.

Lisa Lisa gave Joseph’s back another comforting pat. “Of course, Jojo.”

Joseph managed to smile a little bit. “Thanks, mom.”

She still felt nervous about the date, but she was determined to make a good impression, no matter what- and this thoughtful gift from CAZ would certainly help!

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-From the Beginning-