#i still can't figure out how to link the chapters together

[bloogers-boogers]

Kyle Brofloski/ Eric Cartman (SP FIC) part 3

/A player with lies/

Fatass can actually move? Kyle gets overly pissy for no good reason and Stan needs a damn break

Slight warning ⚠️ the characters name says it all, if you're not comfortable with the ship then this isn't for you, but if you are then hop on in and enjoy the ride ☆

~~~~

It was a beautiful morning, three boys waited patiently for the bus to arrive, it was a Friday, meaning it's time to finally take a break from school after a hell of a week.

Stan was on his phone as he scrolled effortlessly through his social media, liking randomly posts with out putting to much thought on it.

Kyle yawned tirelessly as he was still caught on doing extra work for school the last few days because of his lack of attendance from last month, so yeah, sucks for Kyle.

And dear Kenny found himself watching some porn shamelessly with out earphones on, as he grinned watching big boobs appear on screen.

The absence of their fourth friend wasn't too noticeable, as Cartman had the tendency to do shit in the morning after breakfast making him come either too late or too early depending on the scheme he's doing.

A blonde beaming boy walked their way, placing himself infront of them, a little too cheerful for their liking.

"Morning to you, Butters," Stan commented, more like a question than a greeting.

"Mornin' hasn't Eric arrived?," he asked glancing at his spot.

Neither bother answering as it was obvious he hasn't.

"Geez, he must be really excited today," He commented as he took out his phone and typed in some music, Kyle arched a brow confused.

"Let me guess, he's 'excited' to lay in bed, doing absolutely nothing, eating junk food for two days straight." Kyle sarcastically said, making the other two boys laugh.

Butters tilted his head, bewildered as he eyed him. Making Kyle feel insecure about being stare down like if he didn't know what he was talking about. He knew the fatass, no one should make him feel like he didn't.

It's Cartman, what else could Cartman be possibly excited for during the beginning of the weekend? If it isn't to lay down in bed and do nothing, mostly school related. Even though he doesn't do much of that either during the week, but still, he had an excuse.

"He.. hasn't told you guys? Oh hamburgers," he looked around, "I think I said too much then," he tried dashing off but Kenny stopped him by placing his hand on his chest pushing him backwards.

"What're you talking about, Butters?," Stan asked, now placing his phone in his pocket.

The blonde scratched his neck nervously before spitting out the truth, "you guys may not know this, but there gonna be a roller derby in town tonight, I thought Eric had already told you guys but-"

"What're you talking about, Butters?," Kyle snapped, gripping on to his shoulders shaking him frantically, "what could possibly Cartman do and hide from us?," He blurted out almost daring.

"Yeah, dude, Cartman's an awful liar, normally he'd come running to us if he was excited about something just to tell us all about it," Stan defended Kyle's argument, even though he found his reaction a little overeating.

"That's what I thought!," Butters exclaimed, letting loose from Kyle's grip, "I figured Eric would've told you by now cause he's been in it since sixth grade. "

"Since sixth grade!?," Kyle blurted out in disbelief, "that's bullshit, Butters. Are you fucking with us? Cartman can't take something seriously for that long!."

"Kyle's right," Kenny chimed in, confused and a little skeptical, "Besides, if Eric's been so serious about something that he's soo into, he would've told me by now."

"And 'in' what!?," Kyle remarked.

"Well if you guys actually let me finish speaking I could explain to you guys what's going on!," Butters snapped now tired, making them all go silent.

"Like I was saying, I'm surprised Eric hasn't told you. Because I do believe he takes it seriously, I've been with him during his games before and he looks.. well, seriously about it?," he explained trying to pick the right words to use, looking at the boys who watched him with odd looks, "guys, Eric's been in the South Park roller derby team for three years, and you guys haven't even realized it? I believe even Clyde knows it! Today's a really important game for him, and he's been waiting for it for the past three months."

Kyle felt his world shattered.

Theres no fucking way.

This is bullshit, he's calling bluff right there.

"Fuck you, Butters," He spat bitter, poking him in the chest aggressively, causing the boy to startle, "FUCKYOU, if you're still willing to pull up this type of shit with Cartman! Trying to mess with us this early in the fucking morning!," Butters slapped his finger away from him, glaring.

"Look Kyle, if you don't believe me then that's all on you, jewboy," he barked back mimicking Cartman's nickname on him, making Kyle snarled.

"Okay guys, calm down," Stan placed himself in the middle of the two boys.

If there someone who's capable on getting to Kyle's level was an angry Butters.

"Butters, you don't have like any proof you could show Kyle or something?," Stan inquired, still skeptical himself.

Butters huffed, as he scroll through his phone shoving it harshly to Kyle's face, earning a groaned from the boy.

"If that isn't enough, why don't you scroll through the south park derby page, ask the coach himself or wait? Ask fucking ERIC!," he screeched out, face heated in temper.

"Dude, chill your hawaiian is showing," Kenny tried calming him down, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't like being called a lying snake," He huffed once more, shoving Kenny's hand away.

Kyle scrolled frustrated through the photos Butters had showed them, they were all separated in a folder called 'Eric' pretty much all the folder had were photos and videos where Eric was included in, or taken with. Or stupid selfies the fatass will take in Butters phone.

What he was frustrated about was that seemingly enough, Eric and Butters were in some type of rally, fat boy grinning wide as Butters thumbs up while being taken the picture.

Date: October 28th, two years ago

On another, it was just Eric seemingly stretching his leg out in some booth, having roller skates on, a white helmet and some gym looking clothing as he glared to what it seemed like nothing but in the background they were plenty of people meaning he must've been glaring at someone.

Date: November 15th, one year ago

Then there was another where Cartman stood full picture, revealing his entire outfit; like a uniform with the number 9 plastered in the front, some red shorts too small for his ass and roller skates on, some black ankle and elbow patches, a green helmet in hand with a white stripe as he posed like he was about to run, grinning confidently.

Date: December 1st, one year ago

And another one, he felt himself being hit by an avalanche of rocks each second he look through each photograph.

Cartman looking forward, some other players beside him showing off their backs, it seemed the photo was taken from a far not as far, but far enough to tell he was about to race and Butters was probably just watching from the crowd.

Cartman's t-shirt said 'South Park derby' plastered big in the back part, words adorned around the large 9 with a goofy cow logo.

Date: January 4th, actual year

He shoved the phone back to Butters, as he glared to the ground defeated. The plan was too elaborate for it to be fake, and there were more photos in there than just those he analyzed.

He clenched his fist tight, and gritted his teeth, holding his head high as he saw Butters leave.

"Wow, I guess Cartman is in the roller derby team," Stan finally spoke out after brief seconds of silence.

"Yeah, I suppose so," Kenny then added.

The silence was now unbearable, Kyle kept contemplating what he just learned. Glancing at the bracelet he held around his wrist 'tsk.'

Stan and Kenny awkwardly shared a concerned look to their friend.

"Maybe Cartman was just too embarrassed to admit it to us?," Stan suggested, trying to relieve the tension that was now formed.

"Probably thought we'd ripped on him, which we definitely would had," Kenny agreed, both boys eyeing the redhead who just stood there unresponsive with a nonchalant expression.

"'Embarrassed' but not embarrassed enough to tell Butters?," he finally snapped, turning his fuming glare at them, "Don't you guys feel betrayed?."

"No," Stan admitted nonchalantly," it's really not a big deal dude, it's not like we all don't play a sport ourselves?," he kept on blabbering, "I play football, you play basketball and Kenny plays with pussy."

"Yeah," Kenny nodded.

"You guys don't get it, we've been friends with Cartman for YEARS, dealt with his shit for years and still, he can't even tell us about being on the derby team? It's not like we haven't seen him do more embarrassing shit! Why all of the sudden is he running off discreetly to play some stupid sport!?," by this point he was all spiteful and riled up, "that bastard doesn't treat us like friends! He treats us like- like some lab rats he likes to test with.

I'm tired of his fucking shit!."

Both boys stood listening not daring to say a word, just letting him spit all his anger out, they've learned by now that it's always best to let Kyle vent out all his frustrating opinions before they spoke out their own.

They knew well enough that he wasn't in all finished.

After like a minute they glanced at each other more surprised that he hadn't added anything else than discovering about their fat friend's secret.

"Well, what you want us to do Kyle? It's not like we can do much." Stan commented.

"Y'know what?," Kyle said with a thoughtful face as he tapped his feet contemplating some type of plan, "maybe we should teach Cartman a lesson about 'friendship' and where it leads people when you overtake advantage of it."

Both boys stared at the red head worrisome not knowing the type of shit they had gotten in to.

"Like what?," Stan follow along, still uncertain about it.

"We're gonna go to that rally and make him fucking lose that so precious game he's been craving for so long."

Bewildered the boys looked at Kyle, speechless.

'My god'

"Kyle, I don't think that's a good idea," Stan tried to reason with him.

"Dude, Cartman does this type of shit with us all the time! This is no different," he blurted out, placing his hands on his hips, "Besides, we have reasons!."

"We do?," Kenny added confused.

"Yes. We do," He said sternly, "he makes us deal with his crap all the time, and we just let him step on us everytime he wants? Cartman little derby game is our payback from all the shit he's made us go through as children! Technically, we're not doing anything wrong," he tried justifying his actions as he walked in circles.

"Dude, you sound like Cartman," Stan blurted out baffled.

"¡IDONOTSOUNDLIKECARTMAN,GODDAMMIT!," he screeched out loud causing them to wince.

Kyle has never felt more betrayed than what he's feeling right now, he doesn't know why this has got him so badly. But it became personal.

He really thought he was already figuring out Cartman and the douche bag, again, makes him reconsider everything!

It's like he's doing it on purpose, he sighed scribbling in his notebook, thinking of a plan to sabotage Cartman's game tonight.

Garrison kept blabbering about his upcoming wedding for like the 100th time of that week, they all already wished he got married and get that shit over with.

He looked to his side, glancing at Cartman who was making paper planes alongside Kenny, throwing it to their sides all dramatic and random flying across the room, among the students. Innocently batting their eyes as Garrison scold them.

Well, it didn't seemed Kenny was too affected by being lied by his BEST FRIEND, was he really the only one who cared to complained? He looked at Stan that was flipping through his textbook not caring for the world.

Cartman seemingly looked in a good mood which just added to his wrath.

He huffed as he rested his chin on his hand.

°°°°

"Dude, are you sure about this?," Stan asked as he zipped his jacket covering the vegetal oil they had planned on sneaking in, "what if Cartman actually gets injured?."

"Do you really care if he does?," Kyle asked skeptical, glancing at a couple of people who walked in the stadium.

"Good point," he added as he grabbed his phone and dialed Kenny, "Dude, did you bring it?."

"I'm on my way dudes, I couldn't find the cheapest brand I could afford but I found some cheap brand on wish," he said frantically as he was running while talking on the phone.

"Whatever dude, just don't die on us," Stan meaningless said before hanging up, "I can't believe we're actually doing this."

"This is for the best, Stan. Think about all the things Cartman has done to us, think about the time he's ripped on you, call you names, taunting you because you have a girlfriend and show you not even an ounce of respect," the redhead kept reassuring to his friend.

Stan frowned as he contemplated his words, now nodding assertively, "yeah, you're right. Fuck that fatass! He's never treated me with respect no matter how many times I followed through his stupid shit and called him a friend," He blurted out, a he held his fist high on to his chest, more confident.

"Atta, Stan," Kyle beamed patting his friend in the back, now turning to look at a panting Kenny.

"I-Im herE.." he continued panting as he took out some marbles out of his jacket to show them.

"Okay, cover those, we don't want to get caught," Kyle shove the marbles back inside his jacket.

They went inside, buying a ticket and glancing at the huge crowd. They didn't know roller derby was that a huge deal for people, the place was packed.

They spotted Butters in one the seats there, headed twoards the boy as they sat next to him.

Butters turned their way, "Oh, geez, you guys actually made it? Does that mean Eric already told you about the derby?," he asked casually, as he sipped from his soda.

Kyle smiled forcefully as he nodded, "yup," he lied.

"Cool," Butters beamed as he waved at some random player there, knowingly who that was.

"So when does the game start?," Kenny asked from the forth seat at the end of Stan.

"You mean the jam?," Butters corrected unfazed, chugging on some chicken nuggets, "the first pass still hasn't initiated. They're still waiting for the seats to be full, and it normally just starts at eight it's still six thirty."

They look at each other not knowing well about how that sport worked, they didn't looked deep in to it.

"Okay, so when does second round start?," Stan added, earning a scoffed from the blonde.

"Didn't Eric bother to explain you guys?," He rolled his eyes, sipping loudly on to his soda purposefully making the other three boys annoyed.

"In derby they're not precisely called 'rounds', they're jams that consistent on a timer of 2 minutes, that, or the lead jammer decides to cut it short," He continued to explained to them, as he beamed waving another player in the rank, "we could say the end of the first period will be thirty minutes in during jams, cause they're two periods. A game last sixty minutes you guys."

They blinked in confusion.

"And.. what exactly are jams again?," Stan winced out apologetically, as Butters groaned annoyed and roll his eyes in response.

"What's hard to understand?," Butters exclaimed in disbelief, "first pass; choosing the lead jammer, no points counted. Second pass; the pointer starts and the first jam is started."

"Dude, what's a jammer?," Stan asked still confused.

"And how the hell do we count a point?," Kenny added.

Butters frowned, "you guys didn't talk to Eric did you," he guessed out making the three boys look at him with blank stares.

"Look, Butters, where here. That's all that matters," Kyle chimed in, as he extended his arm around his shoulder making him arched a brow.

"My god. What're you guys planning to do." He immediately pointed out, realizing their motivates.

One of the perks of being around Cartman for so long is to recognize a liar, manipulative, two face bitch a mile away trying to take advantage of his naive behavior. This knowledge is something Butters holds dear on to, as it's gotten him out of many messed up schemes from his peers before, even from Eric himself. Giving him a boost of confidence while contradicting someone is he didn't agree on what they're doing, saying or opinion. He felt a little more freeing knowing he can atleast not take shit from his friends when he didn't feel like doing so unlike with his parents.

"Well good luck with that," Butters hummed out as he heard their improvised plan, "if you guys want to actually sabotage Eric's skates you're gonna need to do it now before the jam starts. Their break is thirty seconds long before a next jam starts and their longest break is a minute long on mid period, so you should guess, Eric has no plans on taking his skates off," he said nonchalant, now gesturing a snack seller to come towards him, purchasing a bag of gummy bears.

He held in front of Kyle, "these are gonna be for Eric cause he's gonna win no matter what," he said in a confident manner, intending to provoke the red head.

Kyle frowned, "just you wait!," He screamed as he stormed off to the benches, Stan following behind.

'Fucking asshole, who does he think he is?'

He kept on walking ignoring his best friend's complaints, as he halted abruptly, the whole damn reason he was here was because of Cartman, and he didn't even bother to even check if he was there at all. But now, holy damn. Now he couldn't just ignore him. He stood far apart near the circuit track chatting with all his teammates next to the penalty box.

'Wow' his eyes widen, bewildered. He's seen Cartman's in his derby uniform in Butters pictures, but the real deal was entirely different.

It felt like his surroundings just stopped moving as Cartman was the only person there that moved in a very slow dramatic way. Everything becoming blank an fuzzy as the only color there that blossom was Cartman.

And no matter how far Cartman was from him, he felt like he was the closest thing there that his eyes couldn't unfocused on.

'Kyle?'

'Kyle, dude!'

"Huh?," he asked now seemingly confused, turning to look at Stan.

"The oil?," He reminded him.

"Right," He blurted out continuing to move, side eyeing Cartman; as he turned his back flipping off some players from the opposite team.

'Oh god'

He stopped again dumbfounded, contemplating how well those shorts complemented his hips and-

'Kyle!'

"Ah?," He asked startled by the abrupt tone, "right!," He reminded himself, as he shook his head running twoards the benches were the players kept their belongings.

They searched through the bags looking for Cartman's, but they couldn't find it.

"Kyle, look!," Stan pointed out, were the coach sat in a empty bench with a bag seemingly not his.

'That's Cartman's,' he felt it.

"I'll distract him, and you sabotage his skates," Stan ordered, shoving him the oil as he approached the coach.

He nodded, as he slowly pulled the bag away as Stan had forced the coach to help by leading him to the bathroom as he had faked puked.

He opened the bag and looked through Cartman's things, he gripped on to the skates beaming relieved that he hadn't put them on yet. He took the oil from his pocket and opened the lid accidentally dropping it inside the bag. He reached out for it and gripped on to a folded piece of paper.

He examined it closely and seemingly enough, it was definitely a very old careless torn off polaroid folded by the middle. He flipped it open, and found four boys popped up posing silly as one flipped off the camera, another beaming mischievous, the other peace signing smiling, and lastly another making a goofy face.

Those four boys were them.

He felt himself contemplating between the bottle of oil or the polaroid photo, feeling himself softened, unsure of what to do.

He gulped, "C'mon, dude, Cartman's coming," Stan said worrisome, as he grasped his arm dragging him away to their seats.

"So? Did you manage to oil them in time?," Stan asked expectantly, sitting down.

He nodded reluctantly knowing damn well he didn't.

The jam was about to start, as the players got in position. For what Butters had told them, Cartman was the pivot, so he placed himself in the pivot line alongside the opposite team's pivot which is infront of the blockers and lastly behind them, the jammers.

A pivot being the one that normally leads the blockers signaling the strategies that will be put to use, also being the only teammate there that could turn into a jammer during a jam.

Apparently the first pass is where they choose for the the lead jammer.

Then second pass is when the score begins to count.

Or something like that for what he understood.

Kyle bit his nails nervously, watching Cartman smirking mockingly the other pivot. The red shorts and white shirt with the added helmet suit him so well it even looked grossly cute.

He rubbed his face with his hands, he wasn't thinking straight, literally.

He rubbed his legs as he heard a whistle blow initiating the first pass.

He digged his nails on his legs, seeing Cartman skate on the rank was extremely..

"Don't worry, dude, we'll get him next time," Stan reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder in a comfort gesture. Probably thinking he looked upset that the 'plan' failed.

'Oh God,' he plead merciful, looking Cartman rolling around the track as he 'booty block' a blocker.

He unintentionally bounced his leg frantically, as he keep watching Cartman making sure the jammer pass through with ease.

"We still have the marbles," Kenny reminded, as he was kinda entertained by the game, stealing Cartman's gummy bears from Butters.

But he was already too far off to listen, seeing how a blocker shoulder bumped Cartman's side as he hip trusted his side in response moving him sideways letting his jammer pass through.

Two whistles were heard as the referee gesture south park's jammer as the lead jammer, the crowd cheered as most there were obviously from the town.

Cartman stretched his back, clapping hands with the jammer in a smugly manner.

He quickly stretched down his hands to his toes as he quickly went back to position.

Kyle mentally saving that small moment savoring every second, his leg bounce some more, unknowingly receiving a concerned stare from Stan.

He felt himself heated, as his legs moved frantically, faster, zoning out by the fuzzy and blurry feeling he felt, breathing heavily as he watched Cartman now on his second pass.

He panted, as he tried grasping for air, Stan turned his way giving him a weird look alongside Butters who heard him squeeze.

'Oh god' he thought as he abruptly stood up, dashing to the bathroom, he excused himself as he pushed some people out of the way.

'Hormones, hormones, hormones, stupid hormones!' He screeched angrily smaking his head consistently, earing weird stares from the people around.

He entered the bathroom turning on the sink and splashing water on his face, cooling himself down. Not daring to look down.

He looked at his flustered face, in horror realization, 'there was no fucking way' he eyed his dilated pupils as he gently caressed the side of his eye.

'No. Way.'

Stan dashed after him, entering the bathroom and kneeling beside him as he found his friend curled up in a ball at the floor corner.

"Kyle, what's wrong?," he asked worried.

Kyle hold on to him as he bawled his eyes out, sobbing uncontrollably by the overwhelming emotions.

Stan was left bewildered as Kyle vomit on him still holding him by the arm.

"Dude, chill the fuck out. Tell me what's going on," Stan said sternly holding on to his shoulders making him look at him in the eye.

Kyle swallowed loudly, denying with his head as he stood up tirelessly, "let's just go.."

Stan reluctantly stood up not furthering questioning his friend as he followed behind him brushing off the vomit out off his jacket.

Stan halted looking at his best friend continued walking off, he went to Cartman's bag as he got out a piece of paper writing down 'we need to talk, meet up at yours after your derby race, fatboy -s,' now no longer caring being caught in the rally or snooping in his stuff.

°°°°

Cartman quickly rolled down town, not caring about ruining his derby skates as he was afraid of possible blackmail by the hippie of all people!

He couldn't even celebrate his victory with the guys by getting pizza, cause he had jolted off like a mad man not being able to enjoy his awsome evening.

He gripped tightly his bag as he got to his side of the sidewalk eyeing Stan sitting in his doorstep.

"What the hell do you want," he pointedly accused, almost slipping down by a small peddle.

Stan stood up looking at the floor with both his hands in his pockets.

"I think Kyle's really affected about you not telling us about being in the South Park derby team," he bluntly admitted, causing Cartman to tilt his head confused.

"Huh?," he said.

"Look, fatass, just.. I think you should talk to him." He frowned, glaring at the floor before glaring at him, "Dude, I'm serious, if you try saying some stupid shit to him I promise you I'll tell everyone about the Jody incident," he threatened.

Cartman flinched, "who told you," he shuddered out.

Stan rolled his eyes, "you weren't really being discreet Cartman it was a public park dude, anyone could've seen you ." He shaked his head dismissively, "look, I don't care if you're gay and shit, I just need you to tell Kyle you didn't mean to hide the derby thing from us."

Cartman spat offended, "he kissed me, dude! Not the way around, I was startled okay!?."

"Yeah, whatever dude. Just talk with Kyle," Stan shrugged off indifferent before walking off.

Cartman grumbled, he couldn't believe Stan had saw the incident with Jody. He really wasn't expecting it! That dude just sent him a letter in his locker and he figured it'd be some chick confessing her overbearing love for him not the ginger kid he manipulated back in forth grade.

He sighed as he tossed his bag at the door before taking off his skates angrily and bitter, tossing them to the ground as he walked barefoot to Kyle's front door.

He knocked unwillingly, as he placed his arms behind his back hearing steps head down stairs.

"¿Yeah-" Kyle's mouth flattened, gripping on to the door frame, "what you want, fatass?."

"You're hippie boyfriend complained to me you were upset over the rally thing, I didn't know you'd figured it out," he shamelessly rat on Stan.

Kyle frowned, "I don't care," he spat out dryly.

Cartman stared at him for brief seconds; he wore a white t-shirt and some black square patterns bottom pj's. His gaze fell on the now naked wrist, Cartman figure Kyle would eventually take the bracelet he gave him but now looking at his wrist, it made him feel a little disappointed.

Kyle awkwardly hid his hand when he noticed.

Standing awkwardly for seconds that felt like minutes.

Things between them have just been so awkward nowadays, and Cartman hated to admit why.

"Okay, cool.." he blurted out looking at the ground then turning around and walking back home.

"Wait," Kyle spat out, now holding on to his arm stopping him.

Cartman cursed inside him for feeling his heart skip a beat.

"What do you want?," he shoved his hand off.

"I think we should just.. talk about it," he admittedly struggled out, wincing his eyes, "someone has to put an end to it."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Cartman glared defensively, acting like he didn't know.

"Cut the shit, Cartman. You know, I know," he stated firmly, gripping on to Cartman's shoulders making him look at him, "we should just get it out of our chest and move on."

"I don't know what you're talking? I've moved on, Kahal, but it doesn't seem like you have," Cartman continued lying between teeth, "you're making it weird, our dynamic it's just..flopping? And it's your fault! You broke our rule, kyel," he continued pin blaming Kyle.

Kyle glared at him, "Cartman, were not gonna leave from this spot until we finally discuss it. It's driving me crazy."

"Watch me," he dared trying to leave, but was gripped hard on to his arm earning a '¡owe, Kyel that's hurts!,' "okay, fuck! We'll talk just let me go you asshole!," He whined out in a cry, scowling him as he now let him go, rubbing frantically the injured area.

Things weren't going to turn back to normal. They knew that, it was hard to grasp it. And they've tried so hard to shove it off.

He and Cartman hated change, that was something they both openly agreed on.

Their dynamic has always been like that; they've have some bizarre moment between each other and they shoved it off behind the back of their brains trying to not acknowledge it, trying to not take it seriously. Just getting back to their usual banter ignoring whatever happened between them that shook them off from their usual dynamic. Like a intruder invading a home that was built by scratch and decorated with time and being carefully planned; moving all their stuff and placing them elsewhere, stealing them, breaking them pretty much destroying the property they built for years.

They feared for it to happen again, making new barriers and creating knew strategies to prevent the intruder to make his way back in. Putting up locks and blocking the windows.

Not acknowledging how'd it'd affect them physically and mentally.

Making their little spacious home fell more like a trap, tight, suffocating, imprisoned. Being scared to get out but also craving to get out and breath some air, some freedom.

Screeching for help, as they longer couldn't stand those walls, trying to grasp on the little space they had while it slowly killed them.

They figure it wouldn't be any different now, but they were wrong. They just couldn't, they had went to far pretty much breaking a entire wall out, being in for so long inside the opening freely feeling just being too overwhelming for them to welcomed, handle.

No longer having the energy to just block it, as they were just tired, and the damage was too much to build around it with out destroying it more in the process.

Which they have been doing unintentionally, being so.. out of character, feeling more vulnerable around each other, one being uncontrollably unable to handle his anger and paranoia and the other uncontrollably unable to control his stress and obsessions. The bars were just unbalanced and their personalities were going elsewhere, being mix up with so many feelings they can't just grasp in to it all, having to forcefully grab one an drain it dry inevitable taking all their energy out as they couldn't keep up with the ongoing changing feeling. It felt wrong not being able to control their emotions, it was frustrating not being able to grip on to one, knowing your place and how to act.

It felt so unnatural, and somewhat obsessive being so dependent on each other even when it came to their feelings, characterization and personalities.

Kyle sighed defeated, sitting in the sidewalk, Cartman hesitated before sitting besides him.

Cartman rested his chin in his hand, Kyle half lidded eyes darted to the empty street.

It was time to open up to change.

"So.." Kyle trail off, trying to lighten up the tension between them.

"Kyle, it's clear you don't want to talk about it," Cartman said with a bored face.

"No- I mean I do! It's just.. I don't know were to start," he admitted, looking at the beaming light from the poll from the other sidewalk.

"You mean being some psycho gaywads or about the change of our dynamic?," he guessed, now relaxing his body, shivering lightly as he was already feeling the cold sweep in.

Kyle pouted thoughtful, "honesty? Both," he said, taking out from his sock the bracelet Cartman gave him.

"Seriously? Fucking gross dude," Cartman winced dramatically sticking out his tongue in disgust.

Kyle chuckled unfazed by the comment, "I- I was really angry today cause you didn't tell me about being a south park derby, and somewhat thought I'd be vengeful by throwing my bracelet away, but I just couldn't. I want to have it on me, so I justified myself putting it under my feet for I to continuously stepping on it yet still have it, you get me?."

"Wow, how evil of you," Cartman remarked sarcastic before rolling his eyes feeling a smile crept out his face, "does that mean you've still had it on before today..?" He eyed him expectantly.

"Yeah, dude, I like it. The colors just match well," Kyle nodded admittedly, gently caressing the fabric.

Cartman felt his cheeks heated, flustered embarrassed and slightly flattered, "thanks.." he sighed heavily, "I- I was kinda disappointed you didn't have it on just now," He laughed nervously before playing it off, as he grabbed the bracelet from Kyle's hand and tied it up back on to his wrist.

Kyle let himself smile back by the gesture, letting those feelings invade his now tight fluttered chest.

This felt nice.

"Well now that were being honest here, I was mesmerized by your ass at the derby rally this evening," He shamelessly admitted.

"Woah there, kahal, a little bit too much don't yah think?," he added, a little baffled by Kyle's boldness.

Kyle chuckled, he really enjoyed Cartman's red flustered face. He enjoyed being able to do that.

He leaned forward, "I really liked that kiss," he admitted in a whisper, slyly smirking as he saw Cartman face burning hard red flames, he could swear he even heard a small 'yelp' coming out from his mouth.

Guess the fatass can't find his way to snap back at him, which is a accomplishment on it's own cause Cartman wasn't the one that'll keep his mouth shut always wanting to have the last word into everything even if he had to blabber nonsense to get that.

He squiggle his mouth, moving his eyes fanatically left and right, left, right, left and right again. Kyle cautiously counted each movement, waiting expectantly.

"Me too, jew.." he blurted out after brief swallowing seconds.

"Cool," Kyle nodded, as if he had already knew that.

"About the derby thing, I honestly didn't bothered mentioning it to you guys cause I know the type of assholes you are, not much about.. well it wasn't a you thing," he admitted as he glance the other sidewalk.

Kyle nodded understanding, anger long gone by that point.

"So now what?," Cartman reluctantly asked after another brief seconds of silence.

Kyle shrugged.

They sat for over an hour before being called out by Gerald, who'd ask Kyle to get inside as it was already getting too late. Still not exactly finishing everything they wanted to say but it was enough to bare for the night, Cartman waved goodbye as he left to his home and Kyle stood in his doorstep looking out for Cartman until he saw him get inside his house before reluctantly getting inside himself, contemplating how things unfolded between the two and how good Cartman's gigantic ass looked when he walked off.

Prev — Next

[ktkat99]

Update to this prompt I posted a little while ago. Scroll to the bottom for a link to the story.

Tim gets injured while not wearing his suit one night.

Bernard, who has never met Tim before, finds him and takes him home. He ends up losing his memory and Bernard decides to let him move in while he heals, unaware that he's really Red Robin.

Bruce and the rest of the family can't find Tim anywhere.

Days turn into weeks.

Weeks turn to months.

All without a trace.

Tim and Bernard are getting used to living together, and both the pros and cons of being roommates.

Tim will sometimes have nightmares or flashbacks, but he’s also started to heal.

His family ends up torn, with Jason, Dick, and Steph convinced he’s alive, while Bruce, Cass and Damian have all resigned themselves to believing that he died.

One night, Tim and Bernard take a nighttime walk to a convenience store and witness a robbery.

Tim stops the guy on instinct and has a flashback of fighting with Nightwing. He assumes he was a criminal and runs off before the clerk can thank him.

Something the clerk mentions to Officer Dick Greyson when he arrives to arrest the thief. The clerk hands over the surveillance footage, which ends up being proof that Tim survived.

Dick is overjoyed, but Steph and Jason point out that he isn't being held hostage. He's free and yet never contacted them.

Was he in hiding?

From them?

Or for his own protection from someone?

Or maybe the civilian he was with had done something to him?

Whatever the reason, they decide against telling the rest of the family until they can figure out what's going on.

They begin following Tim, keeping their distances.

Tim, meanwhile, after ‘remembering’ being a criminal, can't stop obsessing over his scars, and who he might have hurt to receive them. He keeps thinking about the convenience store clerk and Bernard, wracked with guilt about all the things he may have done.

Bernard stays by him the whole time, doing his best to calm him down.

Tim doesn't tell him what's on his mind out of fear of being kicked out, and Bernard assumes the event was too stressful for him and doesn't push him to talk.

Eventually, the two of them fall asleep together, and Tim promises to make up for his past crimes by protecting Bernard. Things gradually go back to normal with Bernard going to work and Tim, who has no valid id, staying home and taking care of the apartment.

Nightwing, Red Hood, and Spoiler take turns watching Tim and Bernard.

They still haven't told their family, but know they can't just follow Tim forever.

Before they can decide on their next move, though, Cass bumps into him while grocery shopping. She freezes and he doesn't recognize her, but Dick, Jason, and Steph have to come clean.

Cass is pissed, Bruce wants to bring Tim home immediately, and Damian points out that he might not even want to come home, and that they should leave him be.

They decide that, before they make their decision, they need to talk to Tim. Maybe he really did just decide to quit.

Tim, meanwhile, has been using his free time while Bernard is at work to help people who need it. He becomes somewhat of a neighborhood vigilante, believing that he needs to make up for his past crimes.

Most of the injuries he incurs are minor and easy to hide from Bernard, but one day he takes a knife to the arm.

Bernard freaks out and tries to give him stitches in their kitchen, but then has to convince Tim to let him take him to a hospital.

Tim, not wanting to be arrested for crimes he doesn't remember committing, therefore leaving Bernard alone, argues that he's fine.

It doesn't hurt that bad.

He'll heal.

Bernard gets frustrated and shows off his own scars, which he had worked hard to always keep hidden. He explains what happened to him, and how his family disowned him as a result of ending up in the cult, and that he promises he won't put Tim in a situation where he could be in danger.

He asks to know why Tim is so adamant against going to the hospital and Tim reluctantly admits what he's pieced together from his flashbacks.

Bernard is shocked to find out that he might have been sharing his apartment with a criminal, but reasons that that must be why Tim knows how to fight.

Deciding to focus on the problem at hand, Bernard convinces Tim to at least let him take him to Leslie’s place, as she doesn't ask questions.

Leslie proceeds to ask questions, prompting Bernard to be the one to answer them for Tim.

Leslie comes to the conclusion that Bernard is answering so that Tim doesn't say the wrong thing, and only grows more concerned when she tries to subtly give him openings to slip her a message or some sort of sign that he needs help and he doesn't.

She decides that, since he's acting like he's never met her, she'll play along.

Once Bernard and Tim leave, she calls Bruce and tells him what happened.

Bruce decides it's time to step in because something is clearly wrong with Tim.

Tim and Bernard head back home and have a long talk about everything Tim's been hiding and what he's been up to.

Bernard wonders if Tim might be wrong about his assumption that he was a criminal, but Tim remembers stalking Batman, fighting with Nightwing, Robin trying to kill him and a few other things.

Tim was a criminal, and he's certain of it.

At a loss of what else to do, Bernard convinces Tim to get takeout for dinner, since neither have eaten yet.

Tim agrees and they walk down to Tim's favorite place.

On the way there, Batman and Nightwing show up and order them into the Batmobile.

Tim manages to fight off Nightwing as Batman is driving and Nightwing isn't expecting Tim to fight him and escapes with Bernard.

Their suspicions all appear to be confirmed; the Batfam believe Tim is being controlled by Bernard, while Bernard and Tim believe he's a wanted criminal.

Tim decides he needs to leave, since he's obviously being hunted, but Bernard refuses to let him.

Not alone, at least.

Tim wants Bernard to stay safe, which means away from him, but Bernard is just as worried about Tim's safety. They argue, but ultimately both find an abandoned building to hide in together.

They decide to take turns sleeping and Tim falls asleep wondering what sort of crime he committed to warrant the Bats searching for him. He ends up dreaming of the night he found his father's body and wakes up believing that he killed him.

Bernard has nodded off at this point and Tim needs to clear his head so he heads up to the roof to process what he dreamed about.

The bats decide that, for their safety and his, Tim will need to be taken by force and they can figure out what's wrong with him once they have him back home.

They track them to the abandoned building and break in, but only find Bernard.

Bernard ends up getting captured quickly and taken to the batcave for questioning.

Tim, who witnessed the abduction but hadn't been quick enough in getting down from the roof to do anything, decides it's time to go on the offensive against the bats.

He has had enough flashbacks to piece together that Batman is Bruce.

He's tired.

Angry.

Frustrated.

He's been living for months without knowledge of who he used to be and having to deal with random flashbacks and trying to piece together what his life before looked like.

The bats taking Bernard is his last straw.

He decides to start by breaking into the manor and looking for Bernard there.

Bernard, meanwhile, is desperately trying to convince Bruce and the others that he has no idea where Tim is, that he didn't do anything to Tim, and that Tim has amnesia.

They don't believe him until Tim shows up and goes all-out trying to attack them and escape with Bernard, but Bernard is the one who manages to calm him down and convince him to listen to his family.

It takes a while, and a lot of proof, but Tim finally regains his memory.

He and Bernard officially start dating and move back in together.

They like to joke that Bernard had the craziest introduction to the family, despite being a civilian.

[dovveri]

sun-kissed

bachelorette masterlist - part 1 • part 2 • part 3 • part 5 • part 6 • part 7

synopsis: an unexpected arrest deters filming for day 4 so instead, y/n and sana spend the day together. almost like a date?

warnings: mentions of child pedophilia! suggestive, cursing - i forget to tag that alot bcs its in all my fics but just assume its always there oop

w/c: 5.2k

a/n: okay this took me way longer than it should’ve to write but i think it’s maybe my favourite chapter so far… or maybe i’m soft rn 🤭 enjoy!

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could they have made any less of a scene?

the sirens have stopped but the blue and red lights continue to blaze as you stand in shock with the rest of the contestants while the cops raid the mansion.

sana had been taken away by the producers as soon as the police cars had pulled up.

when they're finally done checking the mansion, they walk out a cuffed wonsik. his head is down, refusing to look at any of you, hands behind his back as he's shoved into the back of the police car.

none of you had a clue what was going on, you were all enjoying the third rose ceremony and nothing could've predicted where this night had led you.

eventually, after the police have long driven away, the producers return with sana who looks a little shaken up. you head towards her immediately, wrapping your arms around her shoulders, but she can't seem to face you, eyes blank as she follows the producers instructions for everyone to come back into the mansion.

"sana? sana?" you're trying to get her attention, shaking her slightly.

she snaps out of it with a blink, looking up at you in confusion, "hm?"

"you okay? kinda lost you back there."

"mm yeah i just- it was just really unexpected."

"what was?"

she nods her head towards the producers who are now standing in front of the leftover contestants preparing to make an announcement.

"okay guys so we only just found this out but wonsik has been arrested on charges of owning child pornography, engaging in pedophilic acts, and sexual assault of a minor. the police have searched the house and confiscated all of his items and any incriminating evidence they could use in court. as you all know, we do conduct background checks on all contestants before they are accepted onto this show, and we apologise that this incident has been overseen. we won't be editing wonsik's arrest out of tonight's episode, but he has obviously been eliminated. we'll take tomorrow off filming to allow you all a small break and please do let us know if you have any concerns moving forward with filming."

what the actual fuck?

as soon as the producers are done with their announcement everyone is talking on top of each other, trying to figure out just what the hell happened and how this happened under everyone's noses.

"did you know?"

"holy shit i never saw that coming out of him-"

"man its always the quiet ones that are the most fucked up-"

you turn to sana in shock, feeling much like how she had looked just a little earlier. "sana?"

she's still a little distracted when she looks at you, "hmm? i'm tired y/n. let's go back home?"

you're nodding quickly, leading her away from the aftermath to the quiet cool of the outside air. you wave down your driver and quickly lead sana inside, stuttering out directions to your villa and sitting back, sneaking a glance at sana who's looking out the window with glazed eyes.

the drive back is silent save for the low hum of the engine. you're a little surprised when sana shuffles closer to you, linking her arm through yours and placing her head on your shoulder, still not saying anything.

you take her hand in yours, interlock your fingers, and lean your head on hers. the rest of the short drive is spent like this, the silence is thoughtful, but not awkward.

even as you arrive back at the house, your hands never leave each other's, you lead her towards your shared bathroom and brush your teeth side by side. only letting go of each other when you both go to start your nighttime skincare routines.

sana has a much more intricate routine than you because of her obsession with all things health-related and her need to take care of her skin well. so you finish earlier than her, mumbling a quick goodnight while she's still bent over the sink and moving past her to retire yourself to bed.

you close all the blinds, intending to have a full night's rest and wake up late tomorrow because filming was cancelled, climbing under your sheets and sighing at the feeling of soft fabric against your skin.

your eyes are slowly drifting shut when your door peeks open, and sana's slipping in, closing the door behind her, shrouding the room in darkness again. she tiptoes to the edge of your bed, lifting the cover and sliding inside, cold feet come to entangle themselves with your legs, shuffling close as you get a whiff of her night serum, the sweet, tangy smell of mandarin subtly descending upon your senses.

"this is okay right?" she's murmuring against you, you're lying face to face, eyes sleepily open while your eyes readjust to the darkness, making out the soft curl of her eyelashes and the perfect slant of her nose.

you hum against her, sliding an arm over her waist and pulling her closer, resting your foreheads together and closing your eyes comfortably.

you think she's drifted off to sleep after a few minutes, but she speaks up in a whisper, barely there, you wouldn't have heard her if you weren't almost lip to lip, "y/n?"

"hm?"

you feel the soft breath of her sigh against your lips, "i... i should've known... he- i could've put him away faster- i gave him a platform- he was on national television and oh y/n, kids the kids he took advantage of could've seen him on tv and thought-" she's slowly panicking the tone of her voice getting shakier as she spirals and allows herself to voice her thoughts out loud for the first time, "-thought that he was in the right that it was okay that there were no consequences and then i kissed him oh my god i kissed him y/n and what kinda message does that send like-"

"sana sana baby shh, shh c'mere-" you're pulling her into you, tucking her head under yours and she starts crying and shuddering, hands twisted at the collar of your shirt.

"i just- like what's worse is i actually liked him-"

"mm no no sweetie stop stop. listen no-one knew what he was okay? it's not your fault you fell for him you can't blame yourself for that. he literally came here with the intention of making you do that you were just another one of his unlucky victims okay? and look, once this gets out on the news he's not going to have that platform anymore okay? in fact he'll probably hate that he came on here because he's going to be even more infamous than if he had stayed anonymous. we can only be real and truthful going forward so that those poor kids are validated in their feelings. he's going to be put away for a long long time now and he's not gonna have the chance to pull any more of that shit okay?"

she's sniffling into your shirt, listening to you talk and soothe her. you continue whispering sweet reassurances into the night, waiting for her to calm down.

she sniffles again, finally looking up at you, eyes red and snot dribbling out of her nose, your heart aches, "can we go out tomorrow? just us, like old times."

you smile at her request, nodding and pressing a gentle kiss onto her forehead, "of course baby. we can go do whatever you want. i promise i'll be yours for the whole day."

she's smiling, thanking you softly and closing her eyes. you wait to hear the her breath slow into quiet even snores before you stop stroking her hair, just holding her against you and closing your own eyes. drifting off to sleep with the adorable mimimimi sound she lets out only when she's exhausted and sleeping well.

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the next morning the both of you wake up around 10am, a comfortable time that allowed you to sleep-in, but not so much that you'd miss out on the entire day.

some producers stop by to check in on sana and go through a small debrief of everything that's happened and what they have left to film in the show.

you can tell she's still a little on edge and wants to get away from everything as fast as possible so you politely ask the producers for time off today and to leave the both of you alone until tomorrow since no filming was happening anyway.

eventually, they're leaving and sana's throwing on casual white pants, a light cardigan on top of a knit button-up, sunnies, grabbing her prada handbag and she's ready to go.

you're lucky you have so many things at your disposal, even multiple cars in the garage to pick from as you grab a random set of keys and click unlock. spotting a white convertible respond with its headlights flashing twice and leading sana towards the car, hopping in. sana's mood has already improved greatly, bubbling with excitement as she lists off some names of a couple restaurants you could try in town for lunch. you smile at her nodding along and humming as you start the engine, pulling out of the garage and onto the valley road, turning on the radio and laughing at the way sana almost jumps out of her seat, neck craning up, eyes closing, letting the wind sprinkled with a hint of sea salt blow through her hair, breathing in a deep breath of satisfaction.

you know you're meant to keep your eyes on the road but it was empty anyway and sana looked so so beautiful. you traced the slope of her nose, down to the curve of her lips as she smiles, the sharp lines of her jaw, and the smooth plane of skin at her neck.

she's peeking an eye open at you, laughing when you realise you've been caught, her giggle high and airy. you loved her so much. and it was getting harder and harder to say that to her without it meaning something a little more.

you're pulling into town soon, she's babbling excitedly and pointing at things that interest her with the curiosity of a child, you're trying to find parking and smoothly drive into an angled spot just in front of the restaurant you had both decided on.

you're jumping out of the car and running to the other side to get her door, and she's giggling and smiling when you take her hand, pressing a sweet kiss to her knuckles, and helping her out of the car.

you enter the bustling shop hand in hand, smiling kindly at the waiter who greets you and ushers you to a table situated next to a large window, allowing a picturesque view into the bay area with a couple fishing boats coming back in after an early morning.

you continue your act of chivalry, pulling out her chair before she sits, and then walking over to take your own seat across from her.

you both glance over the menu enjoying the hum of a busy eatery.

"do you know what you want yet y/n?"

the words on the menu were quickly meshing together, lots of french and seafood terms you wouldn't be able to take a first guess at the meaning of. you pout and shake your head.

she giggles at your antics, "it's okay i'll order for us." she's waving over the same waiter who greeted you at the door, then listing off a few menu items, her french sounding poised and elegant, though you knew she had not-so-secretly spent a year obsessing over french ballet and had even taken up a few lessons herself, only to realise she was much too clumsy to continue it. she had thanked your mutual friend mina for the gracious lessons but resorted to attempting to learn french as an outlet for her obsession.

"-leave out the pickles in everything. and that'll be all thankyou."

your heart picks up a little at the small gesture. you despised anything with pickles in it, and she knew that, making sure you wouldn't have to pick out any of those sickly green slices.

you smile in thanks when the waiter leaves with your order, only to come back quickly afterwards with a bottle of chardonnay which she pours into two elegantly carved wine glasses she's brought along with her.

you raise your eyebrows at sana, questioning the alcohol, but she only sits forward, propping an elbow up on the table and leaning her head into it with a smile.

"day drinking?"

"what? i'll drink yours if you don't want it."

you roll your eyes at her affectionately, taking the glass and sipping, humming at the sweet and tangy bitterness that fills your mouth.

she copies your actions with a beam, setting her glass back down and licking her lips. you follow the action.

"is there anything else specific that you wanted to do today?" you're asking her, taking another sip from your glass.

"mm, not really. i don't mind as long as i'm with you."

"glad to know you're feeling well enough again to flirt."

"oh always with you baby. you're the only one for me."

"that's a bold faced lie and you know it."

she pouts at that, and you can't help yourself, leaning forward and pressing lightly on her bottom lip.

"stop that. put that back in there."

she licks your finger and you hiss, pulling away quickly in mock disgust while she laughs, "please you've made me suck on your fingers and now you're grossed out?"

the waiter decides to come with your first dish at that exact moment, a light dusting of pink on her cheeks when she overhears sana's comment, you don't fare much better when you flare up in embarrassment, hastily wiping your finger on your skirt and babbling out a loud thank you to the waiter.

you glare at sana who's trying her hardest not to laugh, no shame whatsoever, shaking in her seat at the effort of keeping it in, her lips pursed and eyes twinkling.

"you're so going to get it when we get back." you mumble as you stab into a mussel on the plate in front of you.

"awwwwh poor baby's embarrassed, don't worry, mommy will make it better."

your fork drops at the term and you feel yourself going extraordinarily red. she's laughing now, loud and boisterous, drawing the attention of a few onlookers and you throw your napkin at her, whining and slinking back into your chair trying to hide your face.

it's a few seconds after you've folded you arms across your chest and tucked your chin in, willing the heat in your cheeks to go away while staring into your lap, that sana's stopped laughing.

she picks up a mussel with her fork and holds it out to you, leaning forward onto the table again, eyes bright making an 'ahh' sound.

you turn your head, not giving her the satisfaction of paying her attention, but she's persistent, "c'mon y/n. i'm sorry i won't tease anymore i promise."

it's no surprise that you can't resist her, rolling your eyes and opening your mouth, accepting the fleshy piece of seafood and chewing. she's smiling and poking her own piece to put in her mouth, humming at the taste and making sure it was to your liking as well.

the rest of lunch is spent like this, playful and fun, it's good to be able to feel like yourselves again after all the hectic film shooting.

you're standing up to grab the bill after you're both finished when sana shakes her head at you, "i got it already don't worry."

"huh? what do you mean?"

"i told the waiter earlier in french so you wouldn't know. just let me treat this time? i still haven't really been able to thank you for coming along with me for this."

"what? sana this was like... a one hundred dollar meal at least. don't be silly let me pay you back."

she's humming and putting her cardigan back on, standing up and walking in front of you, "pay me back by winning something for me at the arcade?"

you sigh, grumbling along as she giggles at you, taking your hand and leading you out of the restaurant, thanking your waiter who still looks a little off-put by you, and walking down the street to where you had spotted the small arcade earlier.

you purchase a hefty amount of arcade tokens and get straight into all the classics. sana just barely won air hockey against you, jumping and whooping with every goal, you have to take off your jacket midway through the game, sweating as you try and focus on hitting the little puck. you get her back on the dance machines though, you can't keep in the laugh when she somehow ends up sprawled on the floor, limbs tangled and missing every following beat.

you cycle through the arcade, speeding through mario kart and midnight run, shooting with abysmal accuracy at the gun games, trying your hand at some of the more unique japanese arcade games they have (which sana completely destroys you at), and eventually ending up at the wide variety of claw machines.

sana's pulling you towards one with spy x family collectibles, and you furrow your eyebrows in concentration as you try to get the small anya keychain for her.

she's giving you instructions from the side of the machine, trying to give you as much perspective as possible before the time runs out and the claw drops. you wait with baited breath as it grabs the keychain, comes back up with a whir, and then... the keychain falls out at the bump at the top of the machine.

you don't even hesitate when you push in another token, determined to win this one thing.

sana's with you the whole way, her reactions only getting more and more expressive with each loss.

you're probably on your 9th try, the claw grabs onto the keychain, lifts it up, and with a whoop the keychain's falling successfully into the claim box. sana's caterwauling and jumping into your arms and you lift her up in glee, spinning her around once before setting her back down. you bend down to pick up the keychain, presenting it to sana with a flourish, and then she's kissing your cheek and squeezing you against her in a hug, thank yous spilling out of her in rapid succession.

you giggle against her, hugging back, relishing in the contact.

after you exchange your arcade tickets for prizes, you head down towards the docks, stopping for some ice cream before making it to the boardwalk.

there are a few other couples doing the same thing, and when you nod politely to an elderly couple holding hands, you're hit with the abrupt realisation that you and sana must look like a couple right now. unless people were homophobic, then you'd just be a couple of close friends, maybe roommates.

you're suddenly hyperaware of the sweat starting to collect on your palm, releasing her hand and wiping it on your skirt when she looks at you with a cocked head, mid-lick of her ice cream cone, eyes wide.

you switch your own ice cream cone to your other hand so it looks like you had an excuse to let go, avoiding her questioning gaze.

eventually you both decide to sit down at the end of the boardwalk, legs dangling over the edge and looking out across the bay. there weren't any boats currently docked in so you had a clear view of the blue vastness in front of you.

sana's leaning in and looking up at you with puppy dog eyes.

"...what?"

she doesn't speak, her eyes darting down to your own ice cream cone and back up.

you roll your eyes and hold it out for her.

she's grinning and sticking out her tongue to lick a long strip along the side of your cone, humming in satisfaction.

"wanna try mine?"

"i'm okay thanks."

she's pouting and you can't have that so you lean in and lick some of hers, cringing at the overly sweet taste of artificial fairy floss but the smile she gives you afterwards makes up for it.

you both sit back and enjoy the light afternoon breeze, a calming presence after the hectic running around you did at the arcade.

"i missed this." sana speaks up first.

"me too."

"things have been pretty crazy with the house. i'm really glad that you're here with me though."

you turn to her and smile, "i'm glad you let me come."

"of course. the home visits later on are gonna get a little crazy. every season those are always full of drama."

"do you know who you want to end up there yet? your final four?"

she hums, thinking for a little, "still not really. we have... nine- wait no, eight since wonsik's a pedophile. so jacky, eunji, jihyo, momo, jun, jiwon, nayeon, and dae."

"it's a good mix i think. they all have different types of chemistry with you."

you're distracted by a buzz on your phone, taking it out and opening your messages.

miyeon: y/n!!!!! i just saw the news about wonsik! its everywhere rn r u guys okay?

"who's that?" sana's looking at your with a curious lilt in her voice.

you hesitate to respond, knowing how she reacted the last time you and miyeon were together.

"oh just my uncle. he's asking what to get my mum for her birthday later. you'd think he'd know since they're siblings but..." you trail off, typing a quick response back to miyeon.

y/n: it was crazy no one saw it coming! the producers called off filming today.. probably so they can deal with all the legal disputes that'll come up bcs of this

you tuck your phone back into your jacket, ignoring the new messages you get. you could respond to miyeon later. today was meant for you and sana.

sana's sighing and leaning her head on your shoulder, "wish i wore swimmers. it's such nice weather and the water looks soo good."

"we can head back and go for a swim in the pool if you want? we haven't had a chance to use it yet. may as well get the most out of being the main character on this show."

she's up in seconds, grinning, all fatigue gone as she practically prances back towards the car, only turning back to yell at you to hurry up.

you beam at her, running to catch up, laughing and smiling, just the two of you.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ♡ɞ˚‧｡⋆

sana's yelping when you cannonball into the deep end of the pool, splashing her with cold water in your wake.

"y/n!!"

you break the surface grinning and laughing, trying to splash more water on her.

"sto- stop! y/n oh my god-"

"hurry uppppppp! it's not cold if you get it over and done with!"

"no! i need to put on sunscreen first!"

"sunscreen? it's 4pm!"

"there are still UV rays at this time! i don't want to die from skin cancer and if you're a good girl you'll get out and let me put sunscreen on you too."

you narrow your eyes at her while she's lathering her legs with the white cream.

you decide to ignore her, diving into the pool and resurfacing a few times, splashing around by yourself while she takes her sweet time. to be honest, you're glad for the coolness the pool offers you, when sana first stepped out in her pale yellow bikini, you had felt your cheeks blush all the way up to the tips of your ears. you'd avoided her gaze quickly, instead opting for racing her outside and jumping in right away.

now that she wasn't watching you though, you couldn't help the way your eyes drifted over to her. she had finished with her legs and was now applying lotion to her arms. you traced the outline of her-

"y/n!"

you startle in the water, and she's looking at you curiously when you make a sort of weird strangled sound and water goes swashing around. "y-yeah?" you clear your throat, hoping you weren't as red as you felt.

"can you help with my back? i can't reach." she's looking at you with a dangerous pout, eyes pleading.

you mumble incoherently as you swim towards the shallow end, stepping out of the pool and grabbing the sunscreen bottle from her, gesturing for her to turn around while she grins at you.

you squirt some of the lotion onto your hand, rubbing it diligently into her back. you knew how much she cared for her skin, and even though you cared significantly less for your own, it mattered to her so you had to make sure you did a good job.

the problem arose when you started reaching her lower back. the pressure you've been applying becomes considerably less when you realise just how close you are to sana's ass. sana's very very attractive ass, only emphasised in these bikini bottoms.

"feeling shy y/n?"

"s-shut up."

"you can do my ass too if you want y'know. it's not like it's anything you haven't felt before."

you can picture the cheeky smirk on her face while you recap the sunscreen bottle after you're finished. and really, you just felt like you had to do something about that so before you know it, a hand's coming down and smacking her, a loud resounding slap followed closely by sana's yelp.

you're jumping back into the pool, trying to push the image of her cheeks rippling in the most perfect way to the very back of your mind.

when you break the surface again with a bubbly laugh she's still standing by the side of the pool, arms crossed and an unimpressed look on her face.

"did you just spank me y/n?"

you stick your tongue out her in defiance, sending a splash of water her way.

"oh you are so dead!" she's jumping in now, and you're scrambling away trying to put as much distance between you two as possible. but she closes in quickly, tackling you underwater and pulling you down so you're both submerged.

you're grinning and then you're laughing, but not in a good way because her fingers are at your sides tickling you and digging into all of the sensitive points in your body she's discovered over the time you've known each other.

you spend the next few minutes trying to one up one another, droplets of water flying everywhere, noisy screeches and laughs sounding out. you're lucky this mansion of a house was situated in the valleys with no neighbours or you most definitely would've gotten a noise complaint.

eventually, you decide to call a truce, cheeks sore from smiling, stomach sore from laughing. you float onto your back, closing your eyes and letting out a loud sigh in comfort. you can feel sana floating next to you, your heads next to each other, hearts beating in tandem.

she’s speaking up after a minute, "cats or dogs?"

you snort, "i don't mind."

you can hear the whine in her voice, "just pick one."

you hum thinking about it for a little, "whatever suits my lifestyle better i guess. if i'm really busy with work or i have to stay home a lot then probably a cat. but if i have a big backyard or something then probably a dog. knowing me though, i'll probably end up with cats. i'm too lazy to keep up with the energy dogs have."

"not with me though right?"

"what? of course not with you. also, you're not a dog sana."

"people say i look like a shiba inu."

"that's not the same thing."

she giggles a little before sighing, "you suit cats. okay. it's decided. we're getting a cat when we go home."

"huh?!"

she's breaking into high-pitched laughter again and you can only find yourself to be slightly concerned over whether she's being serious or not. you could deal with that at a much later date though. you drift back into a comfortable silence, listening to the sounds of the night wildlife slowly wake up in the valleys next to you.

"y/n?"

"hmm?"

"i love you."

your eyes are opening now, heart rate picking up. there's no reason to panic right? she meant it as a friend. a friend. so why was it so hard to say it back to her? as a friend?

instead, you say, "enjoy our date that much minatozaki?"

she doesn't respond with the same teasing tone you're expecting, "i really did." all honest and pure.

you're gulping, "...me too."

you know she's standing when you feel light waves push against your body, so you lift yourself up, looking at her puzzled, but she only goes to stand in front of you, grabbing your arms and wrapping them around her waist.

you let her, squeezing slightly and dropping your head onto her shoulder, your eyes drinking in the pinks and oranges of the sunset.

"you're not gonna say it back?"

you stiffen behind her, "what?"

"you know what."

she's tightening her hold around you even before you try to subconsciously escape.

you let out an almost-laugh breath, "...i love you too sana."

"was that so hard?" she's turning now, pupils dilated when they meet yours, pink lips slightly parted, noses almost touching.

you're shaking your head no, breath caught up in your throat.

a crinkle appears between her eyebrows, you have the urge to smooth it out, "are you lying?"

another shake of your head.

you feel her breath against your lips as she lets out a soft exhale, the tightening of her hands against your forearms helping ground you, if only slightly.

"i hope one day you'll be able to tell me the truth." you're confused, what was she talking about? "for now i guess this is fine." and then she's leaning in and pressing her lips against yours.

its almost an automatic reaction now. your mouth is moving against hers even before your brain registers you're kissing.

she's sweet, she always is. but this kiss is a little different. it's not filled with passion or heat, not like all your previous kisses that have always led to tangled limbs and heavy breaths. it's soft, tender, like she's trying to tell you something with her lips. you just weren't particularly versed in this form of sana communication yet to be able to tell what that was.

when she breaks away, the sun is dipping behind the horizon, her forehead leaned against yours, breaths coming in shorter after the lack of air.

she shivers a little when a cool gust of wind starts up.

"inside?" you ask.

she nods, letting you go, and following you out of the pool to dry off.

the rest of the night, even when you end up sprawled on messy sheets, sweat coating your bodies and arms around each other, your lips still tingle from her kiss in the pool. you fall asleep dreaming of small kittens, ice-cream, and sana.

[boredpotate]

Happier Chapter 8

Disclaimer: I do not own Arcane or any links. I only own the concept idea for this story.

Concept: Isekai Fem Reader turns back time to fix her timeline, but has unforeseen consequences.

Reader Pov.

I'm in a clear white space with blue pulsing light that that endlessly spread throughout the whole space. Up, down and around. I don't know how I got here, but a little ways away from me I see someone. A hooded figure with some kind of staff.

"Hello?" I call out and the figure turns to me, though I can't make out a face under the hood. A sharp pain suddenly goes through my skull and I black out.

My eyes shoot open and I feel my body being shaken on the bed again and grunts that I know only one little girl makes. I turn my head and see Isha trying to shake me awake, which makes me smile and forget about the weird dream.

"Five more minutes," I grumble and turn over to the other side, making Isha climb onto the bed and shaking me more to wake up. Her little grunts and hums insisting that I wake up for the day, "*sigh* Okay, I'm up. I'm up." I say as I sit up and get a morning hug from Isha. Her hug being much tighter than before, since her body has become much more healthy during this passing month. Along with more energy to run and jump around.

After separating from the warm hug, Isha hops off the beg and grabs my shoes and leg brace for me as I scoot over and swing my legs over the side. She helps me get my shoes on and put on my leg brace; tightening the lower straps while I tighten the higher one's before holding my hands and helping me stand up. The cane no longer needed now that I have enough strength in the rest of my body to balance myself, but my braced leg still not fully recovered, but getting better. I let out a big stretch and groan before putting on my gear. Isha almost immediately tugs on my hand after I'm ready and heads towards the bedroom door. Always acting like she's my nurse or caretaker ever since she started getting healthier.

What has felt like a little over a month has been nice. Therapeutic in a way. It felt like home again. Having talks with Vander, Silco and Benzo. Getting to know the older Claggor and Mylo and what their interests are and bantering like old times. Talking with Sevika, Vi and Cait about their work and learning that Vi and Cait moved into their own place; even getting invited for tea sometimes. Though most of my time was significantly spent with Powder, Ekko and Isha in Powder's lab. Surprisingly the same one Jinx had but a vastly different mood in it. Though more bright colors have been brought into it thanks to Isha and Powder's drawings and decorating together; creating a strange, but nice, mix of themes.

Mostly Powder, but with a touch of Jinx.

Both Powder and Ekko invited me in to help them with their project for the Innovator's Competition, in fact it felt like they insisted on it with Isha either pulling or pushing me to the lab with them. If I remember correctly it's some kind of chem energy cell that lasts longer and outputs more power. I couldn't do much on the research or figuring out how it works, but I could help with more labor tasks just like old times and Isha seemed to love learning from them. Besides that they would plop me into one of the bean bags or couch and let me watch them at work. Occasionally playing with Isha when she get's bored of waiting to continue working. I didn't mind; it felt nice not being alone. We eventually got the damn thing working, but they still need to run some tests.

Anyway, Isha drags me out to the bar where I see the boys with Powder sitting at their usual table and Vander getting the bar ready for the day while talking with Benzo. He turns to Isha and I as we sit at the bar. Opting for two tall chairs with backs to lean on instead of the regular stools.

"Rise and shine. Today's gonna be a big day," he says before heading to the back and coming back out with two plates of food, "Here, eat up. It's still warm." he says as he sets them down for us. Isha immediately stuffing her face, which makes me slow her down before enjoying my own.

"So, how many people are you expecting tonight?" I ask curiously as I eat my breakfast.

"Quite a lot. There's gonna be a whole party goin' on here along with the competition. Music and dancin'. Y'know Gert, right?." He asks, making me smirk.

"Of course. The girl Mylo has a crush on~" I say out loud teasingly as I glance at him. He flips me the bird as a response and I giggle before I turn back to a chuckling Vander.

"She has a band called "The Chem Sisters". They're gonna perform tonight, and Heimerdinger said he might play some toons too. Said he was working on some bar songs."

"Ha! Can't wait hear those!" Benzo says with a laugh.

"Hey I never asked, what's the big deal about the competition anyway? Is there some big prize?" I ask and I am greeted with Powder sitting next to me and scooting closer.

"Yes and no." she says as she steals some food off my plate. I give her a glare before poking her arm with my fork, making her laugh as Ekko comes up to sit next to Isha. Scooting his stool closer and laying and arm across Isha and I's seats, and I feel his arm brush against my back.

"There is a trophy for the winner, but it's mainly to catch the eyes of investors. Get them to invest in you or your invention, or at least have eyes on you to invest in for future projects or something." Ekko explains for me.

"Ooooh, so the real prize is just getting the spotlight in front of the investors?"

"Yup. The top three are likely to get more eyes on them and if your invention works and you get your bag, that's when you can start taking off in life. Or at least that's the idea." Powder says as she leans her head on my shoulder and letting out a sigh. A normal occurrence from both her and Ekko whenever we hang out somewhere. Ever since that one night we accidentally fell asleep in a pile in Powder's lab after losing track of time and spending all day working.

'It actually wasn't that bad. Best sleep I ever had in fact.'

For some reason, I spot a look from both Vander and Benzo. Their eyes going between Powder and Ekko, and I glance over and see Ekko shifting and adjusting in his seat; avoiding eye contact.

"Something wrong?" Powder asks sounding a little nervous, but is acting casual. Leaning more into me.

'Did they do something?' I wonder before looking at Vander and Benzo. The both of them having slightly narrowed eyes before glancing at each other, then looking back at us.

"Nothin'."

"Yeah, nothin'. Don't worry 'bout it." Benzo says as Vander moves and leans over to him and they start having a hushed conversation. Making me even more confused.

"What was that about?" I ask both Powder and Ekko.

"I dunno." "No clue." They both say with shrugs.

'Clearly I'm not gonna get an answer. Better just drop it.' I thought before I put whatever that was aside and finish my breakfast.

"So, you and Isha gonna join us again?" Powder asks, making Isha tug on my sleeve.

"I know, I remember Isha. Don't worry," I say to her before turning back to Powder, "I promised Isha I'd take her out for some ice cream today and get her an outfit for the party tonight, if she didn't have another paint bomb accident." I say making Powder stiffen before sitting up.

"You-You're going alone?" Powder asks with concern clearly in her voice.

"No. I going with Isha. But yeah, besides her it might just be the two of us."

"But what if you two get lost or something?"

"I think we'll be fine. It shouldn't be too hard to find our way there."

"What if you get hurt?," Ekko asks which makes me look at him in confusion, "Zaun is more safe than ever, but that doesn't mean there isn't any bad eggs stills around. Your leg still isn't fully healed, so if something goes wrong, you might not be able to get away." he explains his worries, but I still feel confused about their concern.

"You're not wrong, but what are the chances of something really bad happening that I'll need to run away? There's a bunch of enforcers on patrol too." I say to try to reassure them, but fail based on their conflicted looks.

"We can go!," I hear Claggor call out and we turn to look, "Mylo and I aren't doing anything today, so we can go with you. We could use a break after spending so much time on our plants." he explains and I see Powder relax a little out of the corner of my eye.

"Are you sure? You don't need to do any finishing touches on your plants or anything?"

"No. The samples from the tree and the plants really helped out a lot into understanding how to get them to grow and still produce air. We already spent the past few days running tests, so we're pretty much ready for tonight's competition."

"There we go. That solves it." Powder says before going back to her relaxed posture leaning against me again and I glance over to Ekko to see he also relaxed. I hear a chuckle from Claggor and glance back to see Mylo shaking his head.

"And people say I'm stupid," he says to Claggor sounding perplexed before turning back to us, "So what are we doing? I wasn't listening."

"We're gonna get clothes for Isha for tonight, then get her some ice cream. Maybe one of those big cones with three scoops." I say, which makes Isha excited; bobbing in her seat.

"You think we spoil her too much?" Ekko asks as Powder picks more food off of my plate.

"Definitely," I pinch Isha's cheek because she's being too adorable, "but she's our spoiled kid, so who cares." I say before pulling in Isha for a quick tight hug, then once again catch Vander and Benzo giving a skeptical look our way before turning back to their conversation.

"A-Anyway, we better get the energy cell ready. Right, Ekko?" Powder says as she stands up from her seat.

"Yeah. You two stay safe out there." Ekko says quickly as he stands up and they both go speed walking out of the bar. Clearly in a rush.

"Well. I'm done, what about you?," I ask Isha and she nods her head before hopping off her seat, "Alright. You two ready to go? Or you need to get breakfast too?" I ask Claggor and Mylo.

"Nah, we got something on the way here this morning." Mylo says as they get up from there table.

"Alright. Vander, we're heading out. We'll be back before the competition starts." I say as we head towards the doors.

"Stay safe out there."

"Bye!" I say and Isha gives him a wave before we all head out for the day.

Vander Pov

"She has got to be the most clueless person I've ever met." Benzo asks after we watch them leave.

"No kiddin'. I mean, I knew they spent a lot of time together. Never thought they'd get like that though." I say, as I look at him disbelief and remembering Powder leaning against Y/n and Ekko having an arm out behind her and Isha being protective, "I know those kinds of looks Benzo. You saw that too right?"

"Thought my glasses might have been playing tricks, but you're right. Those two lovebirds are usually always with themselves in that lab of hers; never seen them bring anyone else with them in there that much," he says as I refill his drink for him and filling a glass for myself, "I'm wonderin' if they both know what each other's feelin'."

"They most likely do if you ask me. After that "she's our kid" comment those two looked more red than a tomato." I say with a chuckle at the image.

"I see why they would. Have you seen those four goin' out around town? Only a month and they're already actin' like a small family they are. I heard the rumors, but thought that's all they were." Benzo says before drinking from his glass.

"You're not alone. I only found out about it when Gert asked me one time during her shift, thought she was joking till I started really taking notice of those two's behavior around Y/n. It's pretty obvious now. Especially after that; never saw Powder get that comfy with anyone but Ekko," I say before taking a sip from my own glass, "So, what's your opinion on it?"

"Y'know me Vander, if they want to and Y/n is fine with it, then I don't see a problem with it. It's not like we haven't met anyone before who had some "friends"."

"That's different. What those two got goin' for her is more than just wantin' a "friend" Benzo. They want her heart."

"Hah! That's pretty obvious. They're already rasin' a kid with her. We better be careful, or else next week they'll be married. Wouldn't mind her as a daughter-in-law though. She fits right in around here." Benzo says, making me chuckle at the idea.

"I wouldn't mind either."

Ekko Reader

"Well it looks stable, power is going through fine, no leaks and not overheating. I think this baby is ready," Powder says after checking off a list of precautions we're taking. I watch her from her workstation as she examines the power cell and can't help but admire the look in her eyes. The passion behind them, "You're staring again."

I snap out of it and fumble with a screw driver I was holding as she laughs.

"U-Uh sorry. Can't help it sometimes." I say as she walks up and wipes some grease off my face before she leans in and gives me a peck on the cheek

"You're cute when you try to flirt," She says as she sits on the chair for her workstation and stretches, "I wish Y/n and Isha were here. We would be celebrating together." she sees with a fond look in her eyes and I can't help but do the same.

"It feels like somethings missing without them."

"Yeah," she says, obvious that her mind is wandering before blinking out of the trance she was in, "By the way, should we talk about that? Y/n, I mean. Y'know?" Powder asks, the first time either of us have actually addressed this topic about her.

'It's pretty obvious.'

"I mean, if you want to. We can. Only if you're ready though."

"Are you ready to talk about it?"

"Honestly, I don't know."

".......Tomorrow then?"

"That sounds good." I say with some relief in my voice. Too much on my mind today to really talk about this.

"So, I guess we're finally done. Investors are gonna eat this thing up, so be ready to feel like eye candy to them." she says with a satisfied smile. I can't help but feel conflicted as I glance between the energy cell and Powder, not wanting to ruin the moment.

".....Hey, I uh, I wanted to actually ask you something." I try to start off, but she is already giving me a skeptical look.

"Yeeeaaaaah?"

"I-I was thinking. Maybe we can present it together, as partners?" I ask her and I already see the hesitance on her face, "I wouldn't have been able to do this without you, and you seem to really like doing this. If we were to present together-"

"Ekko. I just.... I just don't know, okay?," she says as she starts to close in on herself before shaking her head and standing up, "I'm going to get ready. You should too." she says before she starts to leave.

"Powder!," I call out to her, but she doesn't stop, "Damn it."

Reader Pov

"Look at you. You look great Isha," I say as she wears her new frilly dress I got her. We got back awhile ago to prepare for the party for the Innovator's Competition and because the sun was getting low. Isha immediately wanted to go put on her dress; dragging me upstairs without giving me a chance to say hi to Ekko at the bar or bye to Claggor and Mylo before they left to get the plant they chose to show off for the competition, "Ready to show off to people?" I ask and she nods her head before holding my hand and we make our way back down to the bar.

As we walk down the stairs and I look over the people that have arrived a little early for the competition I hear Vander call out to us over all the noise.

"Now who let a princess in the bar, huh?" he says making Isha smile brightly and laugh a little while I also see Benzo and Ekko smile at her from there seats. We reach the bottom of the steps and I help Isha up onto a seat.

"Aw, she looks lovely," I hear from behind and turn to see Silco.

"Silco! You made it!" Benzo says as he claps a hand against Silco's shoulder.

"I wouldn't miss such an important event. Plus, we have royalty visiting." he says as he gestures to Isha with a slight bow, and Vander pulls out a coloring book and crayons from behind the bar for her.

"Get over here. I'm gonna need help serving tonight." Vander says, making Silco chuckle and he ruffles Isha's hair before heading behind the bar with Vander.

I smile at the two before noticing Ekko looking down and I get a look from Benzo. He nods towards Ekko, before moving over to Isha and asking her about her coloring book while I take his seat next to Ekko.

"What's got you so down in the dumps? Something happen to the power cell?" I ask, a little worried about all the hard work he and Powder put into it going to waste.

"No. That's not it. It's just..... I made Powder upset." he says and I give him a skeptical look.

"You didn't say something stupid did you? Did you say "Yes" when asks if she looks fat in a dress? You always say "No". It's not an actual question, Ekko" I ask jokingly which makes him chuckle and nudge my leg a little with his.

"No! Not that. At least I don't think I said something stupid," he says now making me look at him in genuine confusion. He turn on his stool to face me directly and I do the same, "Look, I know we've only known each other for little over a month, but we spent a lot of time together. You..... You see the same thing that I do in Powder, right? When she works? And focuses in on an idea?"

"Oh, yeah! Of course! Passion in her eyes, fully invested on the task, prodigy, genius, talented and a whole lotta potential. You both are the same like that..... except Powder has a habit of biting her lip when she's in her work trance," I finish before looking at Ekko and he stares at me in silence, "What?"

"U-Uh sorry. But yeah, yes! Exactly! I asked Powder if she would present the power cell with me as partners, so that maybe she would start pursuing her passion, but she didn't want to. It's not just this either. She has always been hesitating on pursuing a dream or passion and I don't know why. I know she can be great, an-and I'm not saying I don't like her now, it's just I know she has this passion that she loves and can pursue. But-"

"She's holding herself back for some reason?"

"Yes," he says with a sigh and takes a few breathes before hesitating to look back at me, "I know this might seem like a weird thing to ask, but d-" I cut him off by with a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll talk to her." I say which makes him smile before surprisingly he gives me a hug.

"Thank you." he says and I gladly return the hug even tighter.

"It's fine. As long as you don't mind keeping watch of princess over there." I say as I point a thumb over my shoulder towards Isha.

"It would be an honor, but I don't really know where Powder went. I haven't seen her since she walked off."

"I'm sure I can find her." I say as I stand up and head back up the stairs, already having an idea of where she might be.

'There was always a certain spot she liked to go to.'

I make my way up and up through doors and more stairs leading to upper levels of Zaun. I see and hear more people making their way to The Last Drop for the event. I get to look out over Zaun, the higher I go the more of Zaun and Piltover I get to see before finally reaching that special place I have engraved in my head. Powder sitting by herself at the edge in a new outfit and her hair down.

"Powder?" I call out to her and she turns around. I see she applied makeup and her new outfit in full. A nice jacket with a white dress making a simple, but very good combo.

"Y/n? What are you doing here?" she asks sounding confused as I walk closer to stand nearby, not wanting to invade her space since she might still be in a bad mood.

"Looking for you. Ekko said you were upset." I say, which makes her slightly sad before turning back forward to the beautiful view of our home.

"You didn't have to come looking for me. It wasn't anything bad."

"I know, but I wanted to find you make sure you're okay and..... maybe talk about something?" I say that last part with a little hesitance, which makes her sigh.

"Why?," she asks, still looking forward at the view, "Why does everyone keep pushing me on this? What's wrong with just staying where I am?"

"Because then you'll be stuck Powder. You'll be stuck while the world moves on and regrets build up," I say to try to reach out to her, "We all care for you, and we all know you have a gift. I know that may sound weird since we only met like a month ago, but I've seen the way you work with Ekko. You love inventing and working in that kind of stuff. What's holding you back?" I ask, genuinely curious on the reason.

She stays silent for a few second before I finally hear something.

"I'm scared."

"Huh?"

"*sigh* I'm scared." she says, now making me perplexed at that answer.

"Scared? You? What could you possibly be scared of?" I ask with a short laugh at the idea.

"My-......Myself."

That freezes me in place. My feet feeling rooted in the ground at that answer. At Powder being scared of herself. Just like before. Before she became Jinx.

"W-What?" I ask, trying to control my breathing and ignore the old memories resurfacing again.

"All my life, ever since I was young I always found a way to just mess something up," she says my eyes widening at her words. At their similarity to what she said to me before, "It's like I was bad luck or something. I go on a job with my siblings, it goes wrong. I try to invent something, it doesn't work or ends up hurting someone. What if..... what if I mess up again?"

"But, you were young then Powder. There's nothing wrong with failing; we're all supposed to fail and learn from them to get better. It shapes us. Makes us stronger." I say to try and reassure her, but I don't seem to reach her.

"I-I..... I don't know," she says as she stands up, "Maybe I'm just a jinx."

Jinx. That damn word echoes in my head. Memories of a young Powder crying and blaming herself for the deaths of Vander, Mylo, and Claggor. Believing herself to be destined to hurt everyone close to her. To never know peace or happiness.

'No! Not again!'

Powder turns around and walks past me to leave, but I grab her arm and turn her back around to stop her.

"No!," I say letting my emotions get to me as she stares at me in shock, "You listen to me, Powder. You have the making of greatness inside of you, but you gotta push for it. You need to leap! Charge down the path you want in life and let nothing get in your way," I take a step back and gesture towards the city with my arms, "and when the time comes in life for you to really test your inner iron and steel and show the world what you're made of. I-I can only hope I get to be there that day Powder. Catching some of the light shining off of you," I say as I look up at the stars starting to shine in the night sky, "You may not believe in yourself Powder, but I do," I say before turning back to look at her with tears running down my eyes and cup her face with my hands gently, "You're gonna rattle the stars one day. I know it."

I stand there in tears and see her eyes water before she shoots forward and embraces me into a close hug. I hold her close to me, hearing her sniffles and labored breathes. I take in the moment and just hold her close to me, feeling my shirt get wet from her tears.

We stand there for what feels like forever in each other's embrace, before I feel her pull away but still hold on close and I see her makeup streaking down her face, so I wipe them away with my sleeves.

"You-You're makeu-"

"Shut up." she says before I feel her grab my collar and pull me into a deep kiss her arms wrapping around my neck. My head blanking for that moment not knowing what to do as I feel her explore me deeply before pulling away. Then I start to panic.

"Wha-!" I go to yell, but she puts a finger over my lips.

"Ekko knows," she says, making my brain even more fried than it was a second ago and based off her laugh it shows on my face, "C'mon, I'll tell him about this tonight and we can talk about it all tomorrow. I just really needed that." she says before dragging me back down the stairs and leading me to the bar while I'm left with no words.

'What the fuck.' Is the only thing I have on my mind as we arrive back at the bar. All the sound and music not registering as Powder puts me on a bar stool.

"You're back!" I hear Ekko yell out and I turn to see him and Powder hug and kiss. The kiss brining back memories from just a few minutes ago and Powder gives me a wink, confusing Ekko and making me blush.

"I want to talk to you for a second." Powder says to him before pulling him off to somewhere as I stare at the bar counter; still processing what the fuck just happened.

"You okay?"

My head shoots up and makes eye contact with Vander and I immediately start to panic again.

"U-Uh u-um, ye-yeah. I'm fine. I just....," I say as I stare at the back door of the bar that I know leads to the alley, "I just need a breather from all these people. Be right back." I say before quickly rushing off towards the back door, and step outside for fresh air.

I take some deep breathes of the cool fresh air of the night.

'Calm down. Just breathe and calm down.'

I slowly steady my breathing before looking back at the door and consider going back in, but back out and instead head down the alleyway.

'I need to walk. Get my mind off of, whatever the fuck just happened.'

I thought before walking down the alleyway towards the main street which looked much more busy and crowded tonight.

"It really is a par-"

I'm cut off by a sudden force of pain to the back of my head and falling to the ground; my helmet rolling away from me. The world goes blurry and my head dizzy as I reach for my gun, but my hand is stomped on and my gun is taken from me.

"Got you now. Bloodhound," I hear someone say before I feel my multiple footsteps and my hands be tied behind my back and my mouth gagged, "I think it's time for payback gang." they say before I feel myself be picked up. Too light headed and dizzy to fight back.

'Help.'

Hope you enjoyed. Sorry if there are grammar mistakes.

[aftercamlann]

ACBB 10th Anniversary Recs: Our Destinies Our Own

And our final ACBB rec comes from dvigano10:

Title: Our Destinies Our Own Writer: katherynefromphilly Artist: Lao-Pendragon Ship(s): Merlin/Arthur , past Gwen/Arthur Rating: Explicit Word Count: 94,755

Summary: In the few weeks since Arthur stepped out of Lake Avalon, he's been confronted by perplexing technology, ancient prophecy, and belated epiphany about his true feelings for his manservant turned friend turned sorcerer turned- god help him- lover.

With prophecy fulfilled, Arthur and Merlin now face a new adventure: Finding their place in the modern world.

This is a story of what happens next. After Arthur and Merlin save the world and find each other. Of how an immortal sorcerer and an ancient king learn to move away from the past, and on toward the future, in love and together.

Link: FIC: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15736473/chapters/36588432 | ART: https://lao-pendragon.tumblr.com/post/177628090393/our-destinies-our-own-post-1-post-2-post-3-for

Why dvigano10 recommends this ACBB: this work is the second instalment in the "We Begin Again" series by the same author. I use the entry that the fantastic Kate nominated for ACBB 2018 to highly recommend reading the whole series!

-This comment is about the first part as to not spoil too much-

If you, like me, are a sucker for a "Arthur returns" fic then you absolutely cannot miss this series! There's everything from a refreshingly accurate characterisation of the once and "now" King, to the ups and downs that our two protagonists have to overcome to get to know each other again, and figure out how to start living together again. All of this is peppered with some hilarious situations of a "fish out of water" Arthur, who doesn't know how to orient himself in the present, and a lovely, spunky old gall, who can't explain what happened to the grumpy but dear old man who had become part of village life. We still have a couple of days before we start posting our 2024 ACBBs, so there's still time if you want to sneak in one last ACBB rec from our archive! Feel free to send us your rec through our 10th Anniversary Rec form!

[writing-until-i-drop]

Wildflowers For A Hangman Ch. 20

Summary:

Daisy, a career novelist, moves in with her college best friend Phoenix who has been permanently assigned to Top Gun with Dagger Squad. She finds herself instantly connected with a cocky pilot who's soft only for her and Jake can't help but want to know everything about her. When the past comes knocking at both of their doors, will they stand together or fall apart?

Or: The Dagger Squad can't cook and Jake falls in love with a woman who makes a mean lasagna while they work their personal trauma.

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x writer!femOC | 18+ (eventually) minors dni. Fluff, smut (eventual), idiots in love, past trauma.

A/N: Jake comes clean and Daisy has to talk to Penny

AO3 Link

Previous Chapter

I managed to make it until we were back at my apartment before I broke. Tasha was spending the night at Javy’s place, which meant it was just the two of us and after a  few hours of thinking up the worst possible scenarios for what Jake had to tell me, I was ready to cry, scream, or throw up. Or do all three at once, it was a toss up really.

“I’m going to sit down on the couch and you’re going to tell me what’s going on,” I said, putting my hands on Jake’s shoulder to stop him from kissing me when we walked in the door. “Because I know there’s something you’re not telling me.” Jake sighed, running a hand over his face.

“We’re not breaking up, let’s start with that,” Jake’s voice was tired but serious, his words striking out one of my fears. I nodded, running my hands up and down my pajama pants, trying to ease my anxiety with the familiar feeling of the fuzzy fabric. “Rooster and I might be deployed soon.” The news hit me like a blow to the gut, deployed? What happened over Thanksgiving had been a mission, just a few days apart and that had been hell.

“How long?” I heard myself ask, knees folding into my chest. Jake sat beside me, wrapping me in his arms, chin resting on top of my head.

“I don’t know, Wildflower.” 

“Where?” 

“I don’t know and I couldn’t tell you if I did, it would be classified,” Jake kissed my hair. “I don’t have any details, I don’t even know if it’s happening. It’s all just whispers behind closed doors and rumors at this point, which is why I didn’t want to say anything.” 

“I love you,” It’s all I could think to say. Jake’s thumb brushed over my cheeks and that’s when I realized I was crying, “I love you so much.”

“I know, baby, I love you too,” Jake held me tight. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, I didn’t want to say anything until I knew for sure.”

“Tell me next time, okay?” 

“I promise, Wildflower. I’m sorry I worried you,” Jake kissed the top of my head, rubbing circles into my back. “I love you so much.” 

My first thought was to run, to get away but the second that crossed my mind, the idea of being without Jake hit me like a truck. I didn’t want to be without him, I couldn’t imagine not having Jake in my life. He had managed to intertwined every part of my life with his, from my writing to his family, we were bound together. Running away now would be running away forever. Right?

“Why don’t we call Penny in the morning?” Jake kissed my hair again, drawing me out of my thoughts. “Maybe we can call mama and pops too.”

“I’d like that,” I nuzzled into his neck, “How long are deployments usually?” Jake sighed, bringing me onto his lap.

“It depends, there’s short deployments of just a few months and then there’s deployments that can last over a year.” A year? My grip on Jake’s waist tightened, “It’s probably not going to be that long, baby but if it is, we’ll figure it out.” After a few minutes of silence that felt like hours, Jake whispered, “You’ll be waiting here when I get back?” 

“Always,” I answered without hesitation. I took Jake’s face in my hands, staring him down even though I still wanted to puke a little bit. Jake’s eyes were intense, his brow creased in worry. “I’m not going anywhere and no matter where you go, you’re coming back home to me. Deal?” 

“Deal.” Jake closed the distance between our lips, kissing me soft and sweet. There was no rushing, it was as if we had all the time in the world, and if we did have all that time, what was a few months apart? He pulled my legs fully around him and stood, never breaking the kiss as he carried me to the bedroom. 

When he laid me back on the bed and stripped me bare, Jake took his time. He covered my body in kisses, worshiping every inch like he was committing it to memory, and when we finished, he pulled me into his chest and held me tight all through the night. 

The next morning I called Penny, who evidently had been waiting to hear from me. I tried to ignore the fact that everyone around me probably already knew about the deployment, especially the fact that Tasha hadn’t said anything. Penny invited me over and Jake dropped me off,

“Call me when you’re ready,” He whispered, kissing my forehead. “I love you.” 

“I love you too, cowboy.” 

Penny greeted me with a hug and a mug of peppermint tea, she looked cozy in her navy pajama set and robe, pulling me into her living room.

“How are you holding up, kiddo?” Penny passed me a cream blanket that was soft.

“First thing I wanted to do was run,” Penny hummed, rubbing my knee. “Now I just feel a little numb.” 

“I thought having grown up with my father’s deployments would have made things easier the first time my ex-husband deployed but it didn’t.” She sipped her tea, staring ahead where a picture of her and Amelia hung on the wall. “I spent the first month crying in bed, almost got fired from my job. Then one of the other wives in his unit, an older woman named Vera, sat me down for a talk.” 

Penny looked the picture of calm as she spoke and I envied her for it. What I didn’t envy was how many years, deployments, and undoubted heartache that it took to cultivate that calm. 

“She first told me that I looked like crap,” I chuckled along with Penny. “Then she told me I was going to join her walking group. Most of the wives in the unit met up every morning and walked a mile around base. If we had news, we shared it, some women talked about how their kids were handling things, we organized what we were sending in care packages, and we traded recipes. Anything to keep ourselves sane.” 

“Are you asking me to join your walking group?” Penny pursed her lips at me, rolling her eyes. “What, you, me, and Ames could totally go for walks on the beach before school.” 

“Good luck dragging that girl out of bed early,” She pushed my knee, laughing. “But seriously, Daisy, one of the best things you can do while he’s gone is stay busy and stay connected with me and with him.”

“How am I supposed to talk to him if I don’t know where he is?” 

“You’ll most likely be able to call him but if you want to send him letters, you’ll give them to command and they’ll send the letters to him when they can.” When they can. That wasn’t very reassuring.

“What else do I need to know?” 

X

I spent the day getting my affairs in order, scheduling a stop on my mail, making sure all my bills were on auto pay, and updating my will and life insurance policies. By the time it was lunch, my head was pounding from all of the tedious details. 

When lunch time came and went without a word from Daisy or Penny, I stopped by the store and picked up a few things for Daisy’s apartment. Bath bombs, new pajamas, a few nice notebooks that she’d probably never write in for fear of “ruining” them. I chuckled to myself, I really did love her and all of her little quirks. If it wasn’t for Daisy’s one-year rule I’d pick her up from Penny’s and take her straight to the court house if she’d let me. 

Deployments had never bothered me before, in fact, I loved them. They meant that I could fly on missions, feeling the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I kept an eye out for enemy bogeys. Now the thought of being away from home for even a few days made my heart hurt. I wanted to go to work in the morning, fly formations with the team, and come home to Daisy at the end of the day. I wanted to fall into bed beside her and tease her when she spent twenty minutes rearranging the blankets so she wouldn’t be hot. 

The deployment hadn’t even started yet and I already wanted it to be over. I said a quick prayer, praying that this deployment would be a short one.

Taglist: @dizzybee03 @littlezee80 @nervousenemyduck @carolina-on-my-mind03 @mizzzpink @beltzboys2015-blog @writingrose @hookslove1592 @closetspngirl @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @closetspngirl @shanimallina87 @owenniasstars @cevansbaby-dove @caitsymichelle13 @bigstrongblackheart @mrsevans90

Next Chapter

[crowsofdarkness]

Moment Of Weakness: Chapter Sixteen

-gif not mine. credit to owner-

Pairings: Mob!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Content Warnings: language, 18 + smut, angst, fluff, affair, cheating, violence, kidnapping, faking a pregnancy.

Summary: Reader is the assistant to New York's most feared mob boss, James Buchanan Barnes. He had the picture-perfect life: status in the mob, friends, and beautiful wife. So why can't he keep his mind and eyes off of reader?

Authors Note: I just wanted to remind everyone who reads this, there are heavy moments of cheating/having an affair in this story. You might not agree with the actions of "reader" or Bucky but it does pertain to the storyline. If anyone is interested, tags are open for this! Just send me a message or comment!

Tags: @cjand10 @generalmoonpolice @sapphirebarnes @baw1066

With a soft breath, I turned over in bed and brought the pillow closer to my chest in hopes it eased my beating heart. Everything was so confusing, Bucky or Steve, and my mind was tired from trying to make a decision, even when the answer was pretty obvious. 

I let my eyes shut, thinking back to a couple hours ago with Steve’s lips on mine. 

Loud ringing from his phone caused us to jump slightly and we stared at one another, both of our pupils black with lust as we did our best to calm our breathing. 

Steve caught my lips in another kiss before he answered his phone, with a cough to mask the arousal in his voice. 

“Yeah?” 

His shoulders went rigid for a moment. “Hey Buck, yeah she’s fine. We're fine.” 

My stomach dropped at the mention of his name but yet I had no urgency to move away from Steve’s embrace. 

He looked at me with a raised brow. “Are you sure? No, I can do it but what about Y/N?” 

“What?” I asked, heart racing. 

“I’ll call you when it’s done,” Steve nodded before hanging up. 

I urged him once again, wanting to know what they were talking about. 

Steve ran a hand over his beard. “We figured out how to stop the hit.” 

My eyes doubled. “How?” 

“I’ll explain everything once I’m back. I have to go take care of something,” Steve said. 

“Wait,” I grabbed his hand. “You’re leaving?” 

He brought our linked hands to his lips, placing a kiss along my knuckles. “Sam is right outside in his car watching your house. No one is getting in without him noticing.” 

My racing heart settled, only slightly. Even if Sam was outside, I couldn’t help but feel afraid since I would be all alone inside. 

“Call me when you’re back home?” I asked. 

Steve nodded while his thumb ran over my bottom lip. “You know he’s never going to leave her, right?” 

There was a loud ringing in my ears as my mouth ran dry, unsure what to say. 

“Steve, I-.” 

He hushed my words with another kiss, this time shorter but still forceful with passion. 

"I know that you're dealing with a lot right now and it's such a dick move to make it harder for you but I couldn't wait anymore. I needed to let you know how I felt." 

Steve left me with another kiss and so much more to think about. This morning, everything seemed perfect. Bucky and I were together in our own secret affair but the nagging voice of reality had become too hard to ignore now. 

But my heart knew what it wanted, deep down. It wanted to be loved by Bucky even if it was an impossible task to complete. 

The clock on my end table told me that it was nearing two a.m and I still had yet to hear from either Bucky or Steve, which made me worry about what exactly they had planned for tonight. 

I brought my phone to my ear, the number dialing immediately. 

On the second ring, it went to voicemail which meant that he ignored the call. I swallowed the pain I felt in my stomach but still decided to leave him a message. 

“Hey Bucky. I’m wondering where you are. I haven't heard from you at all tonight, which isn’t like you. Listen, I think we should talk so if you get this message tonight, feel free to come by.” 

Only a few seconds passed with me pocketing my phone that there was a knock to my front door. All of the hairs on my body stood on end as fear filled my veins. 

“Doll, it’s me. Open up.” 

I eased, hearing Bucky’s voice, and hurriedly ran out of my room to let him inside. 

“Hi,” he breathed, leaving a kiss on my cheek. 

“Where have you been? I was expecting you to call or even text,” I stated while shutting the door behind him. 

He pinched his tired eyes shut. “I’m sorry. My date ran longer than I would have liked. Natasha kept wanting to do a bunch of different things, almost as if she wanted to keep me busy.” 

I snickered with my brows raised. “Yeah, it sure seemed like it.” 

Bucky shook his head, confused, so I pulled my phone out of my pocket to show him the picture Natasha had posted earlier in the night. 

“Shit,” he cursed. “Well, what else do you want from me, Y/N? You practically sent me away on this date.”

 “Are you kidding me?”, I scoffed. “Bucky, she’s your fucking wife. If you keep breaking these promises you made her, she’s going to suspect something is going on.” 

Bucky shook his head. “She doesn’t.” 

I ran a hand through my hair. “She’s already accused you of having feelings for me. How sure are you that she doesn’t already know?” 

He remained silent, only placing his hands on his hips.

“Did you stop the hit?” I asked, changing the subject.

There was slight hesitation in his breathing but gave in with a nod. “I had to pay Clint off in order to do so but it’s done.” 

“How much?” 

Bucky shrugged. “It doesn’t matter how much.” 

“Yes it does,” I exasperated. “It does when you were the one to pay for it. I can’t have you spending your money for me, Bucky.” 

This time I allowed him to close the distance, bringing me into his arms. “Doll, you’re worth way more than what I paid for your life tonight.”

I searched his eyes, gaining the courage to bring up what I had been dreading all night. 

“I-uh-I think we should maybe slow things down,” I stammered over my words. 

Bucky’s face blanched. “What?” 

“Everything's happening so fast between us. It’s only been a couple of months with our affair and I’m so confused about everything,” I admitted while not meeting his gaze. 

His eyes searched all over my face before resting on the skin of my neck, his grip around me tightening. 

“What’s that?” 

Immediately, I knew what he was looking at. 

“Did something happen tonight between you and Steve?” He asked through gritted teeth. 

I stepped away from him, not liking the tone behind his question, but knew that there wasn’t any point to deny or try to hide it from him. 

“We kissed,” I admitted.

Bucky leaned back, shock written all over his face but the hurt that I saw pool in his eyes made my heart drop. I stood my ground, not wanting him to see me break. 

“But you have no right to get upset with me. You were out on a date tonight.”

Bucky’s nostrils flared as his jaw clenched. “That you practically sent me on. I could have spent the night here with you.” 

“She’s your wife, Bucky!” I repeated those same words from earlier. “Don’t you get it? Whether you want to believe it or not, you care deeply for her otherwise you wouldn’t keep going back to her every night!” 

He remained in place at my outburst. 

“You come here almost every night, fall into bed with me, and then you’re gone without a care in the world on how bad it hurts me!” 

Tears welled in my eyes and I blinked them away, the salt tasting bitter on my tongue. 

“I do,” Bucky nodded, trying to reach for me now.

I pushed his hands away with force. “Bullshit! Because if you did, you wouldn’t keep doing this. You come here in waves then leave me in your wake to save myself from drowning.” 

My feet began to pace the space of the living room, almost as if I was building up the courage to confront him about everything. I stopped, momentarily, to look at him with bloodshot eyes from crying. 

“For all I know, after you fuck me, you go home and make love to her,” I sobbed. 

His hands felt soft underneath my chin as he forced me to look into his eyes. “I’m not, I promise you.” 

I shrugged. “You’ve been lying to your wife for months. How do I know that you’re not lying to me, Bucky?” 

Bucky kissed me with so much force that I stumbled in his embrace, the intensity behind it made my head spin. His tongue brushed over my bottom lip and I granted him access into my mouth, exploring every inch of it almost as if it was his first time. 

“No,” I pushed him away. “I can’t keep doing this.” 

“Why not?” He asked. 

“Because I’m scared!” My voice bellowed off the walls of my home. 

Bucky tilted his head. “Of what, doll?” 

I choked out a sob. “Of falling for you and you breaking my heart.” 

We stood in front of each other, silent, neither of us expecting this would be how the night ended. 

“Do you want me to go?” Bucky whispered his question. 

I grabbed my own elbows to create a protective barrier around me and nodded. “It’s not fair to Steve, Natasha, or even me if we continue this. I just need some space to think things over but I’ll be back to work on Monday.” 

He gave me a weak smile. “I’ll be counting the days, doll.”

With one last kiss upon my cheek, Bucky left my house and as the door closed behind him, I fell to my knees, my cries wrecking my body. 

[fayes-fics]

It Had To Be You: Chapter 9 - Nobody Else Gave Me A Thrill

Masterpost PREV | NEXT

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, Modern AU

Summary: You two finally figure it all out on New Year's Eve...

artwork credit @colettebronte

Warnings: none, really… just some swearing and love confessions.

Word Count: 3.8k

Authors Note: A multi-chapter modern rom-com retelling of When Harry Met Sally. Here we are; this is the final chapter! Both reader and Benedict finally see the truth. There will be a short, hopefully humourous epilogue to this story as well, which I will post tomorrow. Thanks to @colettebronte for betaing. I hope you have all enjoyed this fic <3

For the next few weeks, the dreary weather, the clocks changing, and the chilly nights drawing in match your sullen mood. Your argument with Benedict at the wedding made you so sad but resolute to try and put it behind you.

It's the last weekend in November when you are buying a Christmas tree that you feel the worst. Making a mess of dragging the tree back to your place alone, leaving a trail of needles behind you, you stop halfway and slump onto a doorstep. Recalling with perfect clarity how you and Benedict had bought one together from the same man the previous year, laughing carefree as you easily carried it between you. Then you drank mulled wine as you haphazardly threw on lights and ornaments, dancing to cheesy Christmas songs. It's what you miss the most—his companionship, the ease of time spent with one of your favourite people.

Just as you are wrestling the tree through your front door, exhausted, sweaty and prickled by a thousand tiny shitty needles that seem to have it out for you, your phone pings with a message.

BB: I'm sorry for how things ended at the wedding. I've been thinking about it for weeks now. Please call me. I want to talk. 

Pride (and your current disastrous had-a-fight-with-a-tree-and-lost appearance) stops you from doing what you genuinely want to—picking up your phone and Facetiming him to sort it all out.

Not ready yet.

__

Two weeks later, it's mid-December, and you are sitting cross-legged on your living room floor with a big glass of wine, wrapping presents for friends, when your phone pings again. For a while now, almost every day, he has been sending links to Insta posts with adorable and hilarious content. Each of which you have enjoyed but couldn't bring yourself to reply to. This time, it’s a message.

BB: If you are available at the moment, please call me.

You stare at the little pop-up notification and take a gulp, a weird weight in your chest at the idea you might cave this time. Perhaps. Once you are done wrapping this gift. A few minutes later, your phone pings again.

BB: Okay, I assume no call means:

BB: (A) you can't take a call right now

BB: (B) you can, but you don't want to talk to me or 

BB: (C) you desperately do want to talk to me but are trapped under something heavy

BB: If it's A or C, please call me back later, doesn't matter what time

BB: Also, if it’s C, please call 999 if you are in danger, then call me after. I don't have any heavy-lifting equipment… 

You can't help but giggle at his gentle, silly humour, attempting to diffuse the tension. A large part of you wants to call; you even have the phone in your hand, but at the last minute, you rest it against your forehead with a sigh, something stopping you. Your stupid rebound fling being the biggest one, Benedict’s cutting remark about how quickly you let someone else into your bed, making your stomach roil. 

Still not ready yet.

—

“Obviously, she doesn't want to speak to me,” Benedict laments, his words muffled into a scatter cushion on Kate and Anthony’s sofa. 

It's the morning after they've returned from honeymoon, three days before Christmas. While they are thankful Benedict popped over with some basics to make breakfast, they could do without his melancholy—they’re much more about a ‘let’s have newlywed sex on the kitchen table’ vibe.

“What do I have to do? Get hit over the head? Be in some calamitous accident?” Benedict whines, twisting his head in aggravation as if trying to burrow himself head-first into the furniture.

‘What do we do?’ Anthony mouths to Kate, who throws her hands up defeatedly.

‘How should I know?’ she mouths back, frowning. ‘He's your brother.’

‘Your friend's fault,’ Anthony shoots back.

Kate crosses her arms and gets a look like a sour lemon, and he instantly regrets that line.

Benedict lifts his head to look up at them, and she has to stifle a giggle behind her hand at the deep red imprint of the cushion zipper on his forehead.

“If she wants to talk to me. She will call me back, right? I'm done with making an idiot of myself….” Benedict claims boldly.

__

You are sitting on the sofa at your childhood home early evening on Christmas Day, almost disgustingly full of Baileys (your mum's tipple of choice on this day) and Christmas pud, watching The Wrong Trousers - a family tradition - when your phone pings with a message.

It's from Benedict and your stomach vaults. You honestly thought after more than a week of silence, he had given up trying. And part of you was so sad. There is no text this time, just a video attachment. You excuse yourself to the downstairs cloakroom, taking a seat on the closed lid of the toilet, intrigued as to what it is.

The video starts with him looking directly into the camera, his handsome face filling the frame and making your stomach swoop again. Fuck, you have missed seeing it.

“Merry Christmas y/n. I hope you are having a nice time. I miss you, and I hate how we left things,” he opens honestly, “and when Bridgertons don't know what to do, we always act stupidly. It's our ‘thing’. So here, You can blame this on my genetics...”

The video cuts to black briefly and then fades into him, a huge 6ft lump, crowded behind a plastic toy piano on the floor, probably one of Daphne’s kids' toys. You instantly giggle at the ridiculous visual as he apes a maestro, closes his eyes as if about to play Chopin, and flexes his hands. Then, the tinny, electric sound of some familiar notes being played hesitantly begins. He isn't exactly a natural pianist.

“Hey, I didn't just meet you, And this is crazy, 

You know my number, So call me maybe,

It's hard to feel right without you, lady

You know my number, so call me, maybe…”

You are instantly laughing. He's such an adorable, charming idiot. Sitting behind a miniature plastic piano and playing, half in earnest, half in jest. At least his voice can hold a semi-decent tune. It brings an affectionate mist to your eyes even as it continues…

“Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad

I missed you so bad; I missed you so, so bad

Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad

And you should know that, I miss you now… so, so bad….”

For the last few words, he slows down the song and looks directly down the lens pointedly.

Something in his pleading look is the straw that breaks the camel's back proverbially, and with a slight tremor in your hand, you scroll to his name and hit the FaceTime button before you can think twice about it. The sound of the tone, as it rings, feels so loud, and each crisp ‘bringggg’ makes your nerves jangle. Just as you are about to hang up, the call connects.

“I'm sorry it took me so long to answer. I had to find a private spot.” he sounds a little winded.

“Where are you?” you frown, an unfamiliar background behind him.

“My childhood bedroom. Aubrey Hall.”

“Oh my god! Show me!” You enthuse, your initial equivocation derailed by nosiness, which you decide to frame instead in your mind as mere curiosity.  You never got to see it the wedding weekend for, well, reasons you don't want to dwell on right now.

He quickly flips the camera around, giving you an audio-guided tour of the room he grew up in. Dark blue walls with framed posters for his beloved Blur alongside Travis, Radiohead and Shaun of the Dead. Silly stick-on glow-in-the-dark stars on the high ceiling that are likely too high for anyone to bother getting out a ladder and peeling off. Shelves with little wooden car models he made with his dad before he died, mixed in with certificates of achievement from school, shiny brass archery trophies, and his early sketches in those cheap snap-in frames. And lastly, a collection of jagged small rocks and colourful pebbles. It makes you feel so very affectionate for little teenage Benedict.

“You are bloody adorable!” you blurt out, almost forgetting all the awkwardness from the past few weeks.

The camera flips around, and his lopsided grin fills the screen. “Thank you. I try to make a habit of it…”

You smile back and then sigh. “I’ve missed this,” you confess quietly, wistfully. 

“I’ve missed this too. You. Us. Can we please be friends again? Please? I know we both have a lot of things to talk about. With that night and all… but… can we reset? I need you, Bluey. I am miserable without my best friend,” he pouts, his raw honesty making your chest ache. 

It’s exactly how you feel, too. Except with a massive pang of regret that he seems to want to forget your magical night together. Sex is never like that, at least not for you—electric and addictive. Doing a reset to save your friendship feels like the most logical step. Still, it doesn’t stop the “what if” fantasies running in your head with increasing frequency, especially on a day like today—nostalgia, sentiment and overindulgence swirling in your being. 

“I would like us to be friends again,” you exhale, a lie by slight omission, drumming your fingertips on your cheek nervously to stop you from saying more. 

“Wonderful! Then it is so! I can’t wait to see you again! Are you going to the New Year's party? The one Simon & Daph are hosting at the Sky Terrace? Cos if you are, I was wondering, if you don’t have a date if we could go together? We always said we would be each other's plus one if neither of us is with anyone…”

That he wants to completely reset to that world makes your heart crack. You want to scream at him, ‘No! I want to be your real date! Pick me, for real, this time!’

“I… can’t do that,” you waver, and it comes off sounding tired.

“You have a date?” It’s soft, hesitant, trepidatious.

“No…” you admit, “I just don’t think it’s a good idea to go together like that. I… I can’t be your consolation prize anymore, Benedict,” you blurt out, the hurt taking over your tongue.

The look of stunned surprise on his face makes it worse. As if he had never even seen it from that perspective.

“That’s not what I….” he begins but is interrupted by a loud door bang as it slams into the wall and a yelling voice.

“Stop fucking hiding and get your bloody arse back downstairs. You can’t miss family dinner on Christmas Day!” Colin scolds loudly offscreen.

“I’ve got to go…,” he sighs reluctantly as an arm manhandles him up and off the bed. “Merry Christmas,” he adds, belatedly realising you both forgot to say it earlier on the call.

“Whoever it is, hang up. No one is more important than family on Christmas,” Colin gripes. “That’s it, I’m taking your phone…”.

The screen is filled with random shapes and loud noises as they seem to wrestle like children. And then the call suddenly disconnects. 

You sigh and tip sideways against the cold tile of your parents' cloakroom wall.

Merry Christmas, indeed.

__

Benedict takes stock of his surroundings. December 31st, 11:00pm, lying on his stomach on his sectional chaise, staring up at the big flatscreen on his wall.

This isn't so bad… he tries to convince himself. I've got Jools Holland’s Hootenanny - the only decent New Year's programme, some Glenfiddich and Mini Cheddars - the best snack there is… 

He sighs and realises how pathetic he sounds, even in his own mind, alone in an empty flat.

__

The man whirls you around, and you are almost thrown straight into Kate and Anthony.

“I should never have let you drag me to this,” you grouse so only they can hear.

They both shoot you an apologetic look until you are whipped away again. This man’s dancing style is more akin to a waltzer amusement ride than anything sensual or fun. Your shoulder is already aching. It's a far cry from the surprising salsa Benedict pulled out of the bag last New Year’s Eve. And the idle thought of him has you spiralling…

“Mind if we stop?” you puff as the band finishes the song with a flourish. He’s some slick European investment banking type, and really, you couldn't give two shits about offending him, merely your ingrained politeness kicking in.

He nods and goes off to grab drinks as you stand, hands on hips, trying to gather your breath as you watch all the people moving like a mass of limbs on the crowded dancefloor as the following number begins.

Why the fuck am I here?

__

This is much better… Benedict rationalises to himself as he wanders down the rainy, empty East London streets not far from his Hoxton pad. Who needs to be at a big, crowded party pretending to have a good time?

He pauses outside a trendy shop on Old St, selling overpriced crap that he's not even sure what it is.

See? I can do some window shopping. He tells himself silently—clutching at anything to distract himself from the creeping sense of dread in his gut. A slow twisting knife as he thinks about you dancing the night away, ringing in the New Year with some fancy, handsome man who definitely doesn't deserve you.

What does it matter to me? We are just friends. Best friends… the only friend I ever want to see every day… the only one who truly matters….

He has thought about how to repair the damage between you so much over the last few weeks that he's exhausted himself. Really, he just wants you back. All of you, ideally, but being realistic, any part of yourself you will let back into his life. The suggestion of a reset he made on Christmas Day being his cowardly way out.

—

You are fake laughing at the banker’s story as you lean around the pillar you are backing yourself against in an attempt to secure more personal space. Glad of the heated lamps and the glass overhang to shelter from the drizzle.

“I'm going home,” you growl.

“You’ll never find an Uber,” Kate points out deadpan as you turn back around and keep faking amusement.

__

Just as his thoughts spiral, Benedict hears a chuckle on the other side of the road. There, a couple are laughing together, wrapped in each other's arms, kissing, looking like no one else in the world matters… and it’s like a lightning rod hits him square in the chest.

Suddenly, all he can see are images of you, fluttering like motioned-filled playing cards from above, swirling into his eyeline, then floating onto the glistening pavement around him. Vignettes of his life and where you intersect at so many pivotal moments. The day he left uni - the car ride where you bickered like an old married couple, the day he moved to Paris - your dilated pupils and hitched breath on the Eurostar when he whispered in your ear, the unerring sympathy when you heard about his divorce, the way you held his hand when you wandered after dinner somewhere (he doesn't even recall where… only that it was with you), watching movies together on FaceTime, your incredulity when he confessed to his uneventful recurring sex dream, your surprise and, yes, arousal as he led you in the salsa dance, the way you tucked so neatly into his arms haunting him. And finally, how it felt to be buried inside your gorgeous body as you clung to him, calling his name like a siren song, intimacy like he has never known, the profundity of the connection petrifying the very life out of him. 

But as he stares down at his tatty old Converse, the same ones he wore the day you met, in fact, all he sees in the puddle beneath him is the simple truth he has been in denial about, possibly for a decade or more. Rippling refractions of your face - your knowing smile, bright eyes, your wonderful, happy expression…

And before his brain acknowledges it, his feet are moving….

Walking fast…

Then it’s a jog…

Then it’s a run….

.. his feet carrying him to the one place he knows with every fibre of his being he wants to be.

—

You wander as if in a daze, seemingly surrounded by nothing but couples, kissing, dancing, whispering, and it's the final straw. You spy Kate and Anthony sipping champagne together and slope over.

“I'm going,” you sigh.

“But it's almost midnight,” Anthony protests.

“Being surrounded by people kissing is just…” you shrug, melancholy creeping in like a clingy fog around your heart.

“I’ll kiss you,” Kate placates, and Anthony perks up to no end at that suggestion, nodding enthusiastically as you both roll your eyes, bemused. “Stay? Please?” she pleads, pouting and grabbing your hands.

“Thanks, Kate. But no. I have to go. Have a wonderful night,” you bid them, kissing her gently on the cheek. “Happy New Year,” you whisper as she returns the greeting.

__

Benedict's lungs are burning as he races down Old St towards Shoreditch, not far from where you celebrated last year. He ignores the ache in his muscles and keeps going, checking his watch to see 11:56pm and racing harder.

I need to be there at midnight!

__

As you walk to pick up your coat, a sight makes your heart leap into your mouth and stops you dead in your tracks.

There, rounding the top stair, casual in old faded jeans, those ancient Converse and a chunky knit jumper… is Benedict. Hair fluffy and dishevelled from the rain, out of breath and scanning the crowd desperately. As if he is seeking someone.

Then his eyes finally land on you, and your world tilts. 

Oh god, is he here… for… me?!?

Then he is striding purposefully towards you, and it seems like the crowds part. His eyes blisteringly intense, like they were on that fateful night. You try to school your face, aiming for casual indignance; you probably fail spectacularly— your heart thumping wildly.

“I've been doing a lot of thinking…” he begins as he pulls up before you. “And the thing is… I love you..”

Everything grinds to a halt, and your head feels dizzy.

This must be a prank, surely?

“What?” you stutter, disbelief rocking your core.

“I love you,” he says with a simple shrug as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

“Ben.. I… what do you expect me to say?” you blurt out, floored.

“How about you love me too,” he smiles a tiny fraction, and you hate it.

You hate how RIGHT he is. Your body is a total jumble of live wires, but your mind is suddenly calm. It's like the clouds of your thoughts part, and it all seems crystal clear. And yet, something in your stubborn heart won't let you admit it. Terrified what it could mean to voice it.

“Look, Ben, I know it's New Year, and I know you may be lonely tonight. But please don't do this,” you implore haltingly, tears prickling hot in the corners of your eyes, “...not like this,” you whisper, defeated.

“Okay, how about like this….” he throws his hands up. “I love that you won't admit you love me. I love that you are looking at me like you want to kill me right now. I love that my body is screaming at me cos I ran here as fast as I could.” he gestures down at his slightly shaky legs.

“Ten seconds to New Year's!!” a loud voice blares out over the speakers.

“TEN!!” the crowd chants.

“I love that we are idiots who would never admit to how in love we are.”

“NINE!”

“I love that you are my blue lobster, rare and beautiful as a diamond but a delicious soft treat under that hard as nails shell….” 

“EIGHT!”

He tilts your chin to look up at him, a thumb swiping a tear you didn't even know had escaped. 

“SEVEN!”

“Don't leave me out here in the wind, y/n…,” he murmurs softly.

“SIX!”

“I… I love that you never give up,” you whisper so quietly even you can barely hear it. 

The smile that lights up Benedict’s face makes your whole being feel like the stars live inside your chest.

“FIVE!”

“I love that you take homemade salads on a road trip,” he smirks playfully, referring to the first day you spent together all those years ago.

“FOUR!” 

“I love that you kept your amazing dance prowess under wraps,” you laugh over a stilted snuffle, everything in you fizzling.

“THREE!”

“I love that I can still smell you on my clothes after we spend the day together,” he sighs, moving in closer, your eyes hypnotised by the movement of his cupid’s bow.

“TWO!”

“I love that you came here tonight,” you admit, your hands circling his forearms as you sway slightly in unison.

“ONE!”

“I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night,” he confesses, his lips ghosting over yours now, smiling crookedly even as he speaks.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!” the crowd chants.

All around you, party poppers go off, colourful ribbons of streamers, and the sound of glasses clinking fills the air. But it’s background noise, your whole focus on each other.

Finally, your lips meet, the fireworks under your ribs matching those in the skies above, the same as it was that first time weeks ago. You melt into each other's embrace, your kiss a seal of a pact and the promise of something new and infinite.

“For the record,” he rumbles, his minty breath hot on your lips, the strains of Auld Lang Syne ringing around the rooftop. “I'm not saying this because I’m lonely and not because it’s the New Year. I came here tonight because when you finally realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start…”

“...as soon as possible,” you exhale, completing his sentence with him as he nods, grinning from ear to ear. 

The drunken chorus around you gets louder; he chuckles and shakes his head. “I’ve never understood this stupid song.”

“I think it’s about remembering not to forget. Or not forgetting to remember. Or something,” you peal a laugh, knowing you are talking gibberish and not giving a damn. “Anyway, it’s about old friends,” you add pointedly, moving in for another spine-tingling, heart-melting kiss.

As you part, he cradles your jaw in his hands. “It was only ever you, y/n,” he sighs, hazy eyes burning into yours, his whisper fervent but contented into your skin. “It had to be you.”

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @cayt0123 @hottytoddyhistory @truly-dionysus @fictionalmenloversblog @zinzysstuff @malpalgalz @panhoeofmanyfandoms @kinokomoonshine @causeimissu @delehosies @m-rae23 @last-sheep @kmc1989 @desert-fern @starkeylover @corpseoftrees-queen @magical-spit @bunnyweasley23 @how-many-stars-in-the-sky @amygdtjhddzvb @sya-skies

[cha-melodius]

2024 Fic Year in Review

My fifth fic year in review! It's always wild to go back and look at how far I've come. As always, feel free to grab this if you want to do your own; I've stitched it together over the years. And thank you to everyone who read my fics this year, whether it was one or all of them.

2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023

AO3 Username: chamel My Page: Link Active Fandoms: Red, White & Royal Blue: 14 works Loki: 3 works The Man from UNCLE (2015): 1 work New Fandoms: The Pairing (CMQ novel; 1 work) Total Number Of Completed Works/Word Count This Year: 23 works, 303k words All Time: 135 works, 1.57 million words

Most Popular One Shot (by kudos): This Year: Trying My Patience (Try Pink Carnations) (RWRB, Alex/Henry, E, 9.4k) All Time: Class(room) Warfare (RWRB, Alex/Henry, T, 7.8k words)

Most Popular Completed Multi-Chapter (by kudos):  This Year: False Dichotomy (RWRB, Alex/Henry, E, 62k) All Time: Please Don't Let Me Be So Understood  (RWRB, Alex/Henry, E, 20k words)

Events/Challenges: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Gift Exchange 2024, A Royally Big Bang, Lokius Reverse Bang, idk do what you want exchange

More reflections, stats, and planned fics below the cut!

Additional Random AO3 Stats

By number of fics: 79% one shots, 21% multi-chaps

By word count: 69% multi-chaps (nice), 31% one shots

Ratings by number of fics: 48% E-rated, 26% M-rated, 26% T-rated

Musical artists contributing highest number of titles: spread out this year, but Wilco, Metric & Sufjan Stevens came in with 2 each

Looking back, did you write more fic than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you’d expected?  I was wrong in my 2024 roundup post—I wrote 25k more words this year despite having 10 fewer fics. Which I did NOT expect. I figured I was trucking along to make my usual ~270k, but I forgot about The Secret Fics lol.

What’s your own favorite story of the year?  I think I have to go with Body and Soul(mate), which I'm just so so proud of. I love how it came out and I think it's really original.

Did you complete your writing goals from last year?  The Goal: My goal is to have a similar mix of fics as least year, and also to write my first collaboration with @cricketnationrise, which will be a long multichap. First part, pretty close. I wrote more multichaps (21% vs 15%) this year, which meant fewer fics in total. Second part, oops. Cricket and I have both been busy, but the hockey fic lives!! We'll get to it eventually!

Do you have any writing goals for the New Year? I can't believe I'm gonna say this but... write more original fiction. See below for more on that. Fanfic wise... finally finish some of the planned stories I've had kicking around for a while.

Did you take any writing risks this year? I submitted a pitch for an anthology, was accepted, and wrote my first original story! I had a lot of fun with it and I think I'll purse more next year. Idk if I'm ready for a whole novel and trying to get (more) published, but we'll see.

Story of mine most under-appreciated by the universe, in my opinion: Even though it's numbers have come up since publishing, I'm still gonna go with The Impossible Soul, aka my Westworld-esque android/human AU.

Most fun story to write: Probably Body and Soul(mate). Figuring out all the body swaps and soulmate lore was a lot of fun and the whole thing just flowed so well.

Biggest disappointment: Why do I keep this question? I hate complaining publicly. 😂 My biggest disappointment is that I sometimes let fandom drama/trends/popularity make me feel bad. Being mad because a fandom loves X type of fic doesn't help anyone.

Biggest surprise: I'm not sure I really had any big surprises this year. Biggest surprise in my stats was that my percent of explicit works is way up—T used to be my most-used rating. Part of that is publishing fewer one-shots, since those tend to be T for me, whereas a long fic is more likely to be E.

Coming soon/planned for 2024: It's a little depressing how so many of these are the same as last year. Hence the resolution above, I guess.

Kissed Out (RWRB pro-pool players AU)

RWRB 1940s noir AU

RWRB conductor/piano soloist AU

RWRB Jurassic Park AU

RWRB rodeo rider/polo player AU

RWRB hockey AU (with cricket)

A shitload of prompts from my fandom fest

Extremely delinquent MTH fics

TMFU art thief/gallery owner AU

Thanks to folks who tagged me in their year in review posts, including @loki-is-my-kink-awakening, @kiwiana-writes, and @porcelainmortal

[snek-eyes]

Good Omens fic recs

Hello all! Wanted to share a few of my longtime faves. These are all pre-s2, might do another with my post-s2 recs? Narrowed it down to 10, since that's the max links tumbl lets you have in a post.

Any Way You Want It

Author: Justkeeptrekkin Words: 27,500 Chapters: 5/5 Rating: Mature Mood: Vacation, soft but introspective After finally getting heaven and hell off their backs (at a cost) Crowley and Aziraphale go on holiday to a cottage in Scotland. Fluffy with fun snappy dialogue, the two really feel like best friends here! Aziraphale struggles with his tendency to go slower than even he wants.

Instructions Not Included

Author: Atalan Words: 68,000 Chapters: 13/13 Rating: Teen Mood: Detective / Gen (There are feelings but it earns that slowburn tag) My "if season 2 isn't good, this is my season 2" fic. Now, I liked season 2, but this is still SO good. After the notpocalypse, Aziraphale and Crowley start a detective agency investigating supernatural happenings together. New characters include Raphael (who totally missed the apocalypse haha whoops), and a big spooky dog (whomst I adore). Note that while this fic stands just fine on its own, there is an unfinished sequel that imo doesn't leave off anywhere stressful.

When in Rome

Author: Kedreeva Words: 4,000 Rating: General Mood: The liminal space of nighttime conversations What happens after Aziraphale invites Crowley to oysters: Wings and reading. Tentative and innocent in those early days.

the deft, sweet gesture of your hand

Author: deadgreeks Words: 12,000 Rating: Explicit Mood: Hurt/Comfort, introspection A few years after the failed apocalypse Crowley shows up badly injured at the bookshop. Aziraphale has to help heal Crowley and save them both, and still finds the time to knit his feelings.

Chemistry

Author: Twilightcitysky Words: 122,000 Chapters: 19/19 Rating: Explicit Mood: Y'ever want a side of learning something with your romcom? After realizing they might need their own corporations to heal themselves now that they're not working for heaven and hell, Aziraphale and Crowley turn on all their bodily functions. All of them. What could be a silly premise is played out very satisfyingly, the actual biology of hormones at play here is fascinating. (this is not really at all related but: has anyone else read Peeps by Scott Westerfeld? Because the format reminded me of this in that it did a similar thing of playing straight the concept of "what could cause vampires to be real" that drew on inspiration from real life parasites interspersed between the chapters. I dig it. Anyway!)

Reservations

Author: AnnetheCatDetective Words: 10,000 Chapters: 3/? (Technically unfinished, but leaves off in a satisfying spot) Rating: Not Rated Mood: Meta (Character study as story) “There's some competition for Aziraphale and Crowley's usual table at the Ritz…” A couple of miracles bend reality and, well… you ever been like, “The boys need therapy, but who could possibly give it to them?” I love crossovers where the TV boys meet other versions of themselves, this one is my favorite.

i can't say the words, so i wrote you into my verse

Author: mygalfriday (BrinneyFriday) Words: 5,000 Rating: Teen Mood: Snapshots through history "Crowley has tattoos and every few centuries, Aziraphale discovers a new one." Simple and paints a lovely picture.

By Definition

Author: idiopathicsmile Words: 3,000 Rating: Explicit Mood: Smutty but fond A night together after the Ritz fic where Aziraphale is asexual and Crowley isn’t and how that works for them. The dialogue here is positively delightful.

Bark Dust

Author: rfsmiley Words: 8,000 Rating: Mature (mostly for injuries) Mood: Whump, Hurt/Comfort, Historical Crowley is very badly injured in a battle, and Aziraphale has to figure out how to save his life.

Tell Me A Story

Author: brilliant_or_insane Words: 5,000 Rating: Teen Mood: Soft and warm Aziraphale likes telling stories and Crowley likes to listen. But when the demon is dissatisfied by sad endings and can't relate to the happy ones, Aziraphale decides to move them forward by telling a new story. (Of course, Crowley isn't entirely satisfied with the angel's perspective on that one either.)

[peachiejeongin]

The Phantoms Part 5: I Got the Music | Bang Chan

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 (You Are Here) | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10

Synopsis: Y/n's back into music, and she can feel it in her soul! She and the Phantoms are booked to play the school dance that night; however, when a secret about an old friend comes to light, what happens when the Phantoms go ghost in favor of revenge?

Pairing: phantom!Bang Chan x fem!reader [Occurs in this chapter] (Minsung as well if you squint)

Genre: Julie and the Phantoms/3RACHA AU, Crack, Angst, Fluffy Moments

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, mentions of death

Notice: Hello, my darlings! Part 5 is here! This is just a reminder that I do not actually believe Han is gay in real life, due to there being allusions to such in the story, and I own no copyright titles to 'Julie and the Phantoms,' nor its characters! Enjoy the story!

You stood at your locker, humming the beat to your favorite song and dancing slightly without a care in the world. The past few days have been exhilerating, from meeting the phantoms, to performing in front of the school, and revealing the secret to your best friend. Every thing was keeping your energy in good spirits; thus, life was back to normal.

Sort of.

In the midst of your dancing fit, Flynn approached you, tapping you on the shoulder whilst giggling. You jumped out of fright, instantly breathing in once you saw it was her.

"Hey," you exasperatedly greeted, removing your earbuds.

"This is nice," she smiled. "You know, seeing you back to being a total weirdo."

"Thank you?" you furrowed your eyebrows with a playful smirk plastered onto your face.

"So, how's the ghosts?" Flynn intriguedly questioned. "Still cute? Still talented?"

"They're amazing," you nodded. "Chan and I spent all weekend writing songs together." Your heart warmed as you mentioned his name, a soft ache forming in your chest. Lately, the two of you had been spending more time together than usual, and with each passing moment, you found yourself growing more and more fond of him.

"Chan, huh?" Flynn nudged at your arm playfully. "You two have got some dynamic."

"Oh, shut up," you joked. "It's not like that, okay?"

"Sure," Flynn replied, giving an exaggerated wink and causing you to giggle.

"Anyways," you dismissively stated, "do you want to hear some of the songs?"

"Is that even a question?" Flynn rhetorically asked, holding out her hand and expecting to receive a notebook; instead, you linked your arm with hers and led her to the music room, explaining how writing songs with Chan was just like writing with your mom. You additionally rolled your eyes at the 'okay girl, I see you!' comment she made.

"This is the first song we wrote," you explained, beginning to play the piano skillfully as you sang the chorus to the song, 'Edge of Great,' you and Chan had devised.

"Cause we're standing on the edge of great great great"

Flynn bobbed her head back and forth, snapping her fingers to the beat.

"Love!" she exclaimed. "It's giving Lady Gaga!"

"Thanks!" you beamed genuinely at your best friend. "Now, this next one, I think we have an anthem with. My mom and I were working on it, and Chan and I finished it." Flynn gave you a knowing look, smirking smugly. "Don't," you warned with a pointer finger before diverting your attention back to the piano to sing the second melody.

"And it's one, two, three, four times That I'll try for one more night Light a fire in my eyes I'm going out of my mind"

Flynn's demeanor was different with this song; instead of appearing upbeat, she was more relaxed, more solemn.

"That's beautiful, y/n," she complimented; you nodded your head in agreement before Flynn spoke once more: "My girl's got a crush and his name is Chan."

"What?!" you interrobanged, throwing your hands up in retaliation. "Chan is a ghost! Even if I did have a crush on him, it would be...weird to figure that kind of thing out."

"He may be a ghost, but he's a cute ghost, and even if you can't touch him, you can still admire him," Flynn countered, causing you to blush.

"Okay, yeah," you finally agreed, rolling your eyes. "He is a cute ghost. A cute ghost with a perfect smile." Flynn instantly clasped her hands together, bouncing up and down in joy.

You had finally admitted it to both Flynn and yourself: you did have a crush on Chan, and in truth, you probably always had since the moment you met him. He was cute, talented, sweet, everything you admired, and, most of all, your motivation. There was nothing about him that you could dislike. With all the time the two of you had spent together recently, your feelings had become impossible to ignore. Maybe, you thought, a ghostly crush wouldn’t be so bad after all.

"I knew it!" Flynn practically screamed. "I saw it in the way you looked at him! Just remember though: he's made out of air."

"Cute air," you retaliated, making Flynn smirk slightly.

"Just don't get yourself hurt," she warned. "You guys obviously have chemistry; I mean, everyone wants to know when you guys are playing again."

"Play again?" you repeated, quirking an eyebrow. "We have absolutely nothing planned. Chan and I have just been focused on writing songs."

"Lucky for you, your advertising team already has something figured out," she nodded excitedly, going to pull a paper out of her backpack.

"I don't have an advertising-," you were cut off as Flynn displayed the paper to you; it was a photograph of a guitar, bold white letters reading as follows:

"Y/n and Her Hologram Band! Tonight At the Dance!"

"Surprise!" Flynn exclaimed, handing you the flier. "I'm DJ-ing tonight as well, so I thought it would be perfect! I posted it all over Insta. By the way, you have an excellent advertising team."

You stared at the flier, concern prominent in your gaze; sure, you had performed in front of the school before, but it was mainly just the athletes and music students. At the dance, the entire student body would be there; you had an ounce of stage fright creep up on you as you pushed the flier away.

"Absolutely not," you shook your head, your voice trembling slightly. "Flynn, I cannot perform in front of the entire school!" Just then, Flynn's phone buzzed, and she tsked as she checked the notification.

"Sorry, girl," she apologized with faux sympathy. "Your post already has 100 likes." She walked away before you could argue back; you groaned in response, grabbing your stuff in attempts to catch up with her.

---

"We're playing a school dance? Sweet!" Changbin punched the air victoriously as he analyzed the flier.

"It's not exactly the Orpheum," Chan tsked as he made eye contact with you, a shy smile forming on your face as you shook your head.

"And you, my friend, are not exactly alive, so you should be happy we have a gig after 29 years!" Changbin countered, earning a playful nudge from Chan.

"Don't worry, Chan," you began. "I wasn't a huge fan of the idea at first either, but, it could be a great way for us to gain a following."

"No, you're right," Chan instantly agreed with you, causing Changbin to look at him with confusion. "Let's rock those kids' faces off, then play at clubs."

"Then, we record a single that gets us a million streams?" you questioned, looking at the boy hopefully.

"I have no idea what streams are, but hopefully they get us a manager, a record deal, and a world tour," he winked playfully as he clicked his tongue, shooting a pointer finger in your direction.

"Then, we release a bunch of hit albums!" you continued.

"Put out a country album that does surprisingly well!" Changbin added on, causing you to furrow your eyebrows. "I can shred on a banjo."

"Then, I will learn how to fiddle," you agreed, giving Changbin a no-contact fist bump.

"And before you know it, we're winning our first Grammy!" Chan banged his hands against the piano as he stood up from his leaning position.

"But one of us isn't there!" Changbin said. "Because we had a blowout in 2036. My money's on Han; he's just so emotional."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's rehearse!" Chan yelled out.

"Wait, where's Han?"

---

"You know, I don't think this is about art," Han told Minho as the two stood outside of an abandoned museum. "I think you're just a rule-breaker."

"Perhaps," Minho smirked, poking his tongue at the side of his cheek. "You should try it; y'know, loosen up a little."

Han's gaze fixated on the doors to the museum before he nodded slowly and pointed to the building.

"We're going in there, aren't we?" Minho did not answer, instead taking Han's hand in his and dragging him straight through the museum doors.

"Well, would you lookie there?" Minho asked, looking around at the structures. "We have the whole place to ourselves." The boy put his helmet on and began to skate around the building, kick flipping over statues and ollying on benches within the museum.

"Hey, dude, move that bench. I want to do a trick on that pillar," Minho commanded Han, leading the younger to shrug.

"I can't move things," he admitted shyly. "I can barely move photos and stuff."

"Just put all of your energy into your hands," Minho advised. "Then, you can move anything." Han nodded, taking in a deep breath and attempting Minho's method; however, his hands passed right through the bench, leading him to sigh deeply.

"I guess I need to do some ghost push-ups," Han jokingly stated.

"No, you just need to focus," Minho countered.

"Yeah, well I've never been good at focusing," Han confessed, smiling meekly. "I've always been an anxious person, and then I died, which did not make things any better."

Minho nodded in understanding, holding up his hand and motioning for Han to put his in front of his own. He held the two limbs together, smiling at the latter.

"We got this, okay?" Minho reassured Han, causing the younger to nod his head, feeling a bit more relaxed. The two leaned down to the bench, Minho having a firm hand planted on Han's back. With a bunch of concentration, the two lifted one end of the bench together, causing them both to grin.

"Okay, you have like ten seconds before this bench comes down!" Han laughed as he spoke, and Minho dashed to the other side; the two shuffled their feet as they moved the bench out of the way, giggling through the whole ordeal. Minho followed the action up with the trick he was wanting to do off of the bench, sitting down afterwards and breathing a bit heavily.

After a while, he glanced up at Han, removing his helmet as he beamed.

"You're wired a little tight," he commented, motioning for Han to sit beside of him on the bench.

Han chuckled, doing what the older requested and analyzing his surroundings.

"Is that why you started playing drums?" Minho questioned. "To help with your anxiety?"

"Pretty much," Han explained. "There's no better way to work through fear than to wail on a drumset, right?"

Minho agreed solumnly before instantly standing up.

"You know what makes me feel better?" he asked. "Yelling in museums." He followed his response up with a loud scream, gesturing for Han to do the same. Han did do so, but incredibly weakly, making Minho roll his eyes.

"No, man! You have to put your heart into it!" With that, he let out another yell; Han followed once more, much more loudly this time.

Thus, the two guys spent a good twenty minutes screaming in the middle of an abandoned museum, holding onto one another as they did so, and following each scream with fits of laughter.

---

"One more time," Chan declared; you, him, and Changbin were practicing the song for the dance tonight. It was another one you and Chan had wrote together, titled, 'Finally Free." Chan riffed on his guitar with Changbin playing his bass to compliment and you adding beats on your keyboard. In the middle of rehearsal, Han appeared, smiling the day away.

"And where have you been, good sir?" Chan raised a curious eyebrow. "We need to practice!"

"For what?" Han crossed his arms as he inquired; at that time, Flynn burst through the garage doors.

"I got news!" she struck an exaggerated pose as she walked in. "I don't have a date, but it doesn't matter because I am just excited to see you guys perform!"

"Yo, we're playing a dance?" Han asked the guys, bewilderment etched on his face.

"I mean, why not man? It's how we get a following," Chan nodded towards you, repeating your priorly mentioned words.

"Yeah, get with the times, Han," you smirked at the boy, earning a cheeky grin from Chan.

"The guys are here?!" Flynn exclaimedly asked. "Hey guys!" She waved at thin air.

"Other way, babes," you raised your eyebrows as you pointed to where the phantoms were standing. She turned in the motioned direction, waving at the actual ghosts, to which they invisibly reciprocated.

"Anyways, we were about to start rehearsing. Wanna stick around?" you asked Flynn.

"Let's see, I have to blow up about 500 ballons for the dance, set up my DJ equipment, and reply to comments under your promotional post. I'd love to stay! Let me go grab my bag real quick!"

"Wait, y/n, before I forget," Chan called out once Flynn had left, placing his guitar on the stand. "There's some 3RACHA songs I want to show you." He made his way over the the amp in the garage, picking up the notebook laying on top of it in order to show you the melodies; however, he paused for a second, his eyes scanning over a song that had been taped to the front of his book.

"'Home is Where My Horse Is,'" Chan read out loud, slamming the notebook against the amp before removing the page. "Changbin, stop putting your country songs in my journal!"

"That was a gift!" Changbin countered as Chan handed you the notebook, shoving the song into Changbin's hands, slightly crumpling the paper as he did so.

"I starred the ones I know you would kill," he smiled genuinely, and a sudden warmth spread through you, making your stomach tighten with excitement. You flipped through the pages, reading the song titles until you came across one called, "Unsaid Emily."

"Who's Emily?" you asked Chan, intrigued at the name; you assumed it was a past partner, causing a bit of jealousy to coarse through you, yet the curiosity overwhelmed the negativity.

"That one isn't starred," Chan snapped, attempting to snatch the journal from you; you jerked it back from his reach, his rough actions surprisingly you slightly since they went against the gentle manner you had grown to admire.

"If you could only know, I'd never let you go," you read the lyrics out loud, revelling in Chan's penmanship. "Wow, Channie. I didn't know you were so romantic!"

"Well, y/n, the song's actually about-"

"No one," Chan cut Han off before he could clarify. "I just tried writing a love song one day, and uh," he halted in his words, trying to grab the journal again but failing. "If you go to the next page though, there's a starred song that's got a tune perfect for your range. I'll show you the tune for it."

Chan picked his guitar back up, plucking at the strings as he riffed a familiar melody. You furrowed your eyebrows at the tune.

"When did you guys sample that song?" you questioned, causing the boys to look at each other in uncertainty.

"What?"

"Sample. As in use another artist's work for inspiration," you explained. "Me and my mom used to sing that song together all of the time back when I was little. It's a classic Sam Hwang song."

"Nope," Chan corrected. "It's a classic our song." He set the sheet music in front of you, his gaze boring into yours.

"Yep, one-hundred percent 3RACHA!" Changbin put in. "Don't even know who Sam Hwang is!"

"Yeah, you're probably just mixing it up with another song," Han inputted.

"I'm not one to mix up songs," you retaliated. "Me and his daughter were best friends once, and I used to crash at their place daily. I know that song. Here, I'll show you." You pulled out your laptop, pulling up a biopic of Sam Hwang and turning your computer around to show the ghosts.

"His first album had tons of hits, but his latest stuff isn't all too great." Han smacked his hand against Chan's chest, he and Changbin's eyes widening in pure shock. You did not understand their reactions until Chan spoke.

The man pictured was definitely older than the boys remembered; however, he still had the same scraggly black hair from the 90s, adorned by his almond-shaped, dark brown eyes and slight smile the guys remembered all too well.

"That's Hyunjin."

"Seriously?" you sighed. "I just told you his name is Sam."

"Okay, whatever. He must have changed it," Han held his hand up dismissively, his eyes never leaving the laptop's screen. "That is most definitely Hyunjin. He was our rhythm guitarist!"

"Sam Hwang was in your band?" you questioned, disbelief prominent in your tone.

"Y/n," Chan called as he dismissed your question, his voice low and a touch saddened. "What were his other hits?" You began listing songs off such as, "Get Lost," "Long Weekend," and "Crooked Teeth," all of which the ghosts confirmed to have been written by Chan, the last of the three being argued upon whether it was written about Changbin or Han. Chan made his way to the back of the room, picking up a handful of playing darts and chucking them angrily at the game board.

"This is freaky," you breathed out, your expression morphing into slight dismay. "Sam's songs are kind of big to me. He's the one who got me into rock!"

"Well, congratulations," Han cheered sarcastically. "Chan got you into rock."

"So, this whole time, I thought you were connected to my mom," you started, shaking your head in indecision. "But you've been connected to Carrie's dad instead?"

"Yeah, well add that to our list of questions," Han shrugged.

"I just don't get it," you sighed. "When Carrie and I were still friends, the three of us talked about music constantly. He never once mentioned you guys."

"Which is absurd!" Chan screamed as he flung the last dart at the target. "He took all of the credit for my work, our work, and never had the decency to mention us? He stole our legacy." All three of the boys' faces dropped, their hearts sinking as they took Chan's words into account.

Hyunjin had stolen all that they had worked for; all that was rightfully theirs.

"Where does he live?" Chan inquired, his tone lowering alarmingly deep.

"Above the beach in Malibu," you told Chan, causing him to pick up his jacket.

"Alright boys," Chan gave an angry smile. "Let's go teach our old friend a lesson."

"Wait, what?" you stood up, astounded at Chan's statement. "Guys, we have to rehearse for the dance! It's our first gig!"

Before you could continue, the guys teleported away, revenge the only think present on their minds.

---

"Hyunjin's house is ridiculous!" Han yelled.

The three ghosts roamed around the lustrious mansion, ogling and angering at every luxurious sight; this mansion was supposed to be theirs.

"Have you seen these platinum records?" Han continued, causing Changbin to whip around.

"I'm sorry, platinum?!"

"He recorded 'My Name is Chris," Chan bewilderedly stated, glaring at one of the records. "My name is Chris!" he screamed out, pointing to himself.

At that moment, Hyunjin walked through the door, taking off his shoes as he stepped in.

"It's him!" Changbin alerted the other two boys as soon as he took notice.

"Hey, Carrie! I'm going to meditate!" he called to his daughter, who responded by saying she was in the den of the house.

"He wears sunglasses indoors," Changbin motioned to the man as he walked up the stairs. "I can't stand him!"

"Time for his past to haunt him," Chan whispered enraged, as all three boys raced upstairs after him.

The boys found Hyunjin sitting criss crossed on the floor, adorned in casual clothes as he breathed deeply in and out. Candles and esences were lit around the whole room, created a peaceful aroma. As Hyunjin continued his meditation, he suddenly felt a wet sensation in his ear-lobe, as if someone had given him a wet-willy; Chan was the culprit behind this trick, an old favorite he used to subject the boy to in the 90s.

Hyunjin rubbed the spot briefly before attempting to go back to his quietness. Yet, it happened again, only this time, Han blew the candles out for an added effect; furthermore, Changbin placed a 3RACHA CD into Hyunjin's music player, causing the rock beat to echo throughout his bedroom; he quickly got up from his position and switched the player off, but it turned back on once more, which made Hyunjin unplug the machine entirely.

He had hoped the string of weirdness had ceased; however, his hopes diminished as he heard the sound of running water coming from the upstairs bathroom.

"Carrie?" he called out, hoping his daughter was just washing her hands or showering; however, as he peered into the bathroom, he found sight of no one, yet the shower had been switched on. His hands trembled as he turned the shower handle off, his attention quickly diverting to squeaking coming from the mirror. In the steam elicitng from the hot shower water, Chan wrote a message for his friend:

"Hello, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin gasped deeply at the message; he had not been called that name in years. He darted out of the bathroom, attempting running downstairs, but his face quickly came into contact with a closed door. He pushed and shoved and pulled, but he could not open his bedroom door; this was Han's fun, as he held the door closed while the other boys snickered. Hyunjin was growing more and more fearful by the minute, convinced his past was back to haunt him.

Which, to be fair, it was indeed.

"Let! Me! Out!" he screamed at the top of his lungs; at that point, han released the door handle, causing Hyunjin to nearly fall as he ran out of the room. The phantoms laughed, high fiving one another as he ran downstairs, mentioning something to Carrie about how he was going to see his therapist.

The ghosts teleported outside just as Hyunjin was taking off from his helicopter, their hair blowing as the blades whirred.

"Guys, let's moon him before he gets too far away!" Changbin suggested.

"He can't see us," Han reminded the older.

"It's not for him, bro," Chan retaliated. "It's for us." With that, all three guys pulled their pants down, showing off their "moons" as Hyunjin flew away, shouting, "Take that Bobby!"

"You guys having fun?" You had appeared seemingly out of thin air, causing the boys to jump and jerk their pants back up. You had snuck into the house with Flynn, who was currently keeping Carrie distracted about a, "raccoon in her backyard."

"You would do the same if he stole all of your songs, y/n," Chan held out a hand, gesturing towards you.

"Sure, but the only way to get back at him is for this band to be great," you retaliated. "Which means playing at dances, then at clubs-"

"Then on tours," Chan finished your sentence as he approached you. "I know. We just wanted to get back at him if only for a little bit."

"I get that." You placed your hand on Chan’s arm, the warmth there fading as your fingers brushed through him, unable to grasp anything solid. You let out a quiet sigh, still yearning for the physical connection you could not quite have with your ghostly crush. "I'll see you guys at the school. We play at 9:00. Don't be late," you warned, as all of the guys reassured you that they would be there. Once you walked away, Changbin dropped his smile.

"I'm glad we scared Hyunjin," he stated in contrast to his previous apologies and comforts. "We honestly should have done more, like written 'thief' on his forehead or something."

"And Han, how were you able to keep the door shut?" Chan questioned. "You were barely able to open the garage door a couple of days ago."

"Learned that from your new friend Minho, didn't ya?" Changbin nudged the younger teasingly.

"Yeah, he taught me a couple of neat tricks," Han admitted. "Plus, we screamed in a museum. Long story," he added on, noting Chan and Changbin's taken aback gazes.

"You think he can teach us some tricks?" Chan asked.

"Let's find out."

---

"You brought friends!" Minho exclaimed as he brought Han in for a hug. The three bandmates had teleported to the park, where Han had assured Minho would be at skating.

"Yep! These are my bandmates," Han introduced the two boys as they gave small waves.

"Cool, I'm Minho," he reciprocated the greeting, giving fist bumps to both ghosts. "So, you wanna learn some tricks?" To add emphasis to the question, Minho flicked his finger towards a nearby police scooter, causing the sirens and lights to go off, allowing two teenagers that had been questioned by the officers.

"Well, we were thinking a little bigger," Chan explained. "Y'see, we've got an old mate who stole our songs, and we want to confront him face to face."

"Is the old friend a lifer?" Minho asked first, Han explaining how that was "fancy ghost lingo" for living people.

"Then yeah," Changbin agreed. "He's a lifer! Too much of a fancy pants to eat some Street Dogs." Changbin scoffed as he crossed his arms.

Minho sighed.

"I'm sorry. Speaking to lifers is out of my realm." The phantoms' faces sunk in, their expressions going dim. "There is someone I know who may be able to help you guys." Minho immediately thought of a friend, his words causing the boys to lighten back up. "He is kind of a big deal, though."

"Anything will help us, big or small," Chan assured.

"Sweet. Well, let me go take care of a couple of things, and then I want you guys to meet me where Han and I met at 8:00. Sound good?" The boys eagerly nodded at Minho's demands, the young boy smiling as he skated away following their agreement.

---

"Do we have any Bobcats in the house?!" Flynn asked the crowd of dancers, causing the gym floor to erupt in cheer.

The dance was lively, full of energy as blue and purple lights flashed amongst the crowd. You had to push yourself through the hyperactive students to get on stage, motioning to Flynn to head to the edge of the stage with a holographic projector in your hand.

"How you feeling?" Flynn yelled over the loud music and chatter.

"Nervous," you responded in the same octave of voice.

"You'll be fine! Let's set up your gear!" she gestured for you to come backstage, excitement present in her demeanor. You rushed onstage, hugging Flynn tightly as she complimented your outfit.

You were wearing a rainbow mesh crop top over a black tank-top, adorned with baggy grey cargo jeans and your hair styled in messy space buns.

"It's my mom's," you explained. "I finally went through her things."

"She would have loved you wearing that," Flynn smiled, genuine words coming from her lips. "Where are the guys?"

"On their way," you responded, confident in your words. "They know how important is to me, so I'm sure they'll be here."

---

"Oh hey, Seungmin? I brought those ghosts I met. It's still cool that they're here, right?"

"Of course, Minho. I even reserved a special table for them."

"Alright, awesome! Thank you!"

"No, no. Thank you."

[oxymorayuri]

𝐶𝘩𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝟷𝟻

𝐺𝑖𝑟𝑙'𝑠 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘 »

𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑔𝑎𝑟 𝐷. 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

𝐿𝑎𝑤 ✘ ♀ 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟

𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓: マキトシ

Story: The princess of Tanata

[Long Fic]

➽ Click on this link to see all chapters.

Spoiler: nope

Warnings: nope

slowburn with plot

Wordcount: 3057

Text in italics emphasizes the reader’s thoughts

Bold and italic text emphasizes Law's thoughts *~*

Tagging: @slytherinambitious - @sassyyassi - @norasincubi - @cottoncandyloverrrr - @one-piece-frvr7

"Sorry y/n to interrupt your special time with Law…" She approaches you with a mischievous grin on her face and laughs in your ear. You frown at her as you walk side by side down the long hallway. What's up with that remark?

"Special time? Huh? What's up with you?" You roll your eyes and lightly push her away with your shoulder. Nami pouts a little, her eyes glinting at you knowingly.

"Oh come on, I've got you all figured out. Whenever you had your little lessons, you always ran around the palace with a huge grin on your face…." She stands in front of you and forces you to stop. With her hands clasped behind her back, she wiggles her eyebrows up and down like 'come on, tell me something'. You didn't realize how obviously you were behaving, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

"Oh, I was just happy because I was learning new things. Everything is a bit exciting at the moment… Besides, I wasn't alone with him… Chopper was also there and together with Law they taught me about your medicine." You talk your way out of it, but you're still unsure whether Nami will buy it. She looks after you with obvious suspicion as you walk past her.

"Nope, I don't believe you! After all, I just saw how close you were sitting to each other!" You suddenly stop in your tracks. A triumphant smile appears on Nami's face.

"I also saw how much you had blushed."

She comes closer to you and grabs you by the shoulders.

"Oh come on, he just looks different from the men who live here, of course I'm interested." You reluctantly admit. When you can't brush Nami off, you try to play it cool.

"Yeah, sure, and what about Zoro?" - "Eww Zoro? He's just like Ambrosios, all muscles and pride." You look arrogantly at your fingernails and ignore Nami's gaze. You don't let yourself get down, even if Nami is pacing around you like a wild cat.

"What about Sanji?" You put your hands on your hips a little appalled.

"Listen, the womanizer might be able to cook, but before anything happens between him and me, he'll already have died of a nosebleed… Besides, Thalia likes him!" - "Okay, okay, I get it. But tell me… how come, there's nothing going on between you and Ambrosios? This guy is hot as hell."

Ahhhh, I guess I figured out Nami's type. You save that info.

"Me and Ambrosios?! No way! I grew up with him, he's like my brother and he's totally annoying." You laugh a little. "He's just like a big brother who likes to get on his sister's nerves." - "Uh huh." She looks at you again with a look that confuses you. Like she knows things you don't.

"All right… On your nerves… You're so blind! That guy has a huuuge crush on you!" Your reaction is almost disgusted and you twitch an eye uncontrollably. Maybe Nami is just crazy, but somehow you really love that about her. Your disturbed face relaxes again and you burst out laughing.

"So what? It doesn't change anything anyway." Your laughter dies down and you shake your head slightly as you start walking again.

"Uh? What does that mean?" She catches up and now you're walking side by side again.

"Well, I'm the priestess and that means I can't get married or have a romantic relationship." Nami's face goes a little pale.

"And what about your womanly needs?"

You weren't expecting such a direct and intimate question and you blush in an instant.

"Heeey! what's this all about? Do you want me to pepper you with questions like that? With how many members have you hooked up with? hmm?" You stick your tongue out at her.

"Yeah, well, I'll leave the subject at that… But I'll stick to my opinion that you really like 'Mr. Surgeon of Death'." - "Oh, think what you want." You know you can't convince Nami anyway, so you just leave it alone.

When you arrive in her and Robin's room, Robin sits on her bed. She looks up from her book and smiles gently at you without saying anything.

You're not sure what Nami has planned, you more or less just followed her without asking. Nami puts down the picnic basket and turns to face you, hands on her hips.

"Okay! You can decide y/n, do you want to talk and eat the pastries or would you rather go shopping to distract yourself?" Her dynamic nature makes you laugh.

"Can I have both?" A little shyly, you make circular movements with your index fingers. Surprised, Nami thinks for a moment.

"Yes, of course!" She opens the picnic basket and takes things out, including a bottle of wine. Meanwhile, Robin had fetched three wine glasses and poured everyone some wine. Together you sat on Nami's huge bed, which had room for at least two more people.

"Do you want to talk about why you… you know… cried?" She starts the conversation a little cautiously. Her voice took on a soft tone and there was no sign of her quirky manner. She was genuinely worried about you.

You take a deep breath and briefly consider how to start the conversation.

"What would you do if you were forced to give up your dreams?" Nami and Robin look at each other knowingly, they both know exactly what it's like to live a life where dreams have no room.

"I wouldn't give a shit what the others say!" Nami laughs as she looks at you again. The answer is perhaps charming but unfortunately not helpful. You groan a little in despair and Nami realizes that she can't comfort you with that.

"You know, I can speak from experience that life doesn't always go the way you want it to. Sometimes you just need a little push in the right direction!" She makes a hand gesture as if she's pushing someone away from her.

"A push huh?" - "Yes, exactly. I was caught in a pretty stupid situation back then, but Luffy got me out of it!" You perk up and a mischievous grin appears on your face.

"Ahh, so you're into Luffy?" You want to get back at her a little, for cornering you like that before. She grabs a pillow and swings at you. You narrowly avoid her attack and you and Robin laugh at the redhead.

"Noooo! Oh my god…! Luffy has inspired me to make my dreams come true… He inspired each and every one of us…" She says proudly as she looks over at Robin, who nods in confirmation.

"Oh that's nice… I've hardly talked to anyone about it, but those who know my wish have tried to talk me out of it…" You look sadly at your wine.

"Well… what is your wish?" She tilts her head slightly to one side and raises an eyebrow.

"I wish to leave the kingdom and relinquish my title as a holy princess…" You don't dare to look into her eyes. You don't want to see her reaction. You wouldn't be able to handle it, if one more person had something against your dreams today.

"Ah okay, and what's wrong with that?" Your face goes up again abruptly and you look at her with widened eyes. She seems so unfazed by your statement, as if you just want to try out a new hobby like drawing.

"Well, I would have to leave everyone behind and I have duties, not only as a priestess but also as a princess. I can't be replaced, but even if I could find a solution, my grandfather wouldn't let me go." The two women nod attentively at you.

"You know, your grandfather is probably just worried. It's a crazy world out there…" You roll your eyes.

"Yes, I'm aware of that, but it's not like I'm weak!" - "That's right, y/n can fight back, she's proven that to us." Robin swings the wine around in her glass as she recalls her memory.

"Yeah that's right…" Nami taps her finger thoughtfully on her lip. "That's just how family is… They always worry, and sometimes too much." She shrugs her shoulders and you begin to understand no matter how strong or what solution you come up with, your grandfather won't be able to let you go with a calm heart.

"Who else advised you against your ideas?" Robin asks you.

"Law." - "Law?" says Nami in surprise.

"Yes, Law. He said it wouldn't be a good idea to sail into the world with pirates." - "Ohh what a gentleman..." She rolls her eyes and lets herself fall a little backwards. She sighs with satisfaction as her back touches the soft pillows.

"Maybe he just wanted to warn you how hard the pirate life is compared to your princess life? No more soft silk cushions, no servants to bring you anything you want with a smile, no expensive wine, no privacy, no carefree life…" Before she can add any more points, you stop her by pressing your hand over her mouth and she looks at you in surprise.

"Yes, yes, I know all that, but it's not something I would miss, for sure." You lean back and let go of her mouth. You groan with frustration as you empty your glass in one go.

"I don't want to be adored or wrapped in cotton. Besides, I want to learn more about my powers and that's something even my grandfather forbids me to do." Nami and Robin look at you questioningly. You tell them as much as you can remember about the big disaster back then. How you unleashed forces that almost caused more destruction than the pirates who attacked you.

They hang eagerly on your lips, their emotions wavering between amazement and sadness as you tell them about it. You talk about how your grandfather sank into a deep hole and a dark year in the history of his reign followed. Until the day you woke up from your coma.

"When I woke up again, I couldn't remember anything. A few memories came back little by little, but most of them are gone. My grandfather then made the decision, to burn all unimportant or dangerous scripts and hid artifacts about the Taimu Taimu fruit, so that I would never be able to unleash my true potential." - "But that only means you can't fully control your power..." Robin interrupts you. You nod at her with a smile.

"Maybe so, but explain that to the king." You shrug your shoulders "And your uncle? Can't he help you?" - "Zelos? He would never go against the king's word. He already gets himself into enough trouble to help me, but he can't do anything about it himself."

Talking to the girls was like balm for your soul. In the palace, you have no one you could talk to so freely about such things. Even though Thalia is always there for you, you can't even tell her certain things. You feel a bit bad because you don't even believe that Thalia would shun you. If anything, she's the 'don't just live your life, love it as well' type of girl.

"Hey, you look so sad again. You should try this!" Nami appears in your field of vision and holds up a pastry to your face. Chuckling, you take the treat and bite into it. It's so fluffy and sweet.

"Hey y/n what do you say? How do I look?" Nami grabs her attire by the sides and turns slightly in front of you so that you can see her from all sides.

The tight fitting of the satin gown emphasizes her figure and the folds of the fabric drape elegantly over her various curves. Colorful accents in soft shades of pink and gold are set into the fabric. The color is definitely hers.

"It looks so good on you! But there's still something missing!" You walk through the store while a few attendants trot after you, with dresses in their arms. You go to a stand where bracelets with silk shawls are hanging, searching for a certain color. Your eyes widen in delight as you find the perfect one.

You walk back happily with the bracelets in your hand.

"Here, you have to attach these to your upper arms. The fabric will blow behind you like a veil." You help her put the hoops on and smile at her as you take a step back to have a look at Nami.

"Aww those are so pretty! That rose gold goes really well with the gown and the veils even glitter slightly in the light!" Enchanted, she looks at herself in the mirror.

" I have to say, Princess, your country has such a romantic taste in fashion." - "If you say so." You laugh into your hand.

"What about you?" - "Me?! No no, I certainly have enough dresses in the palace." You cross your arms in front of you.

"But there's another store I'd like to go to." - "Oh yeah? Where do you want to go?" she calls out as she changes in the fitting room.

"There's a little bookshop here and the owner is an author himself. My favorite author, to be exact, and he's published a new book that I have to buy!" By the end of your sentence, your excitement was hard to ignore, you've been waiting for him to finish it for ages now. It's a sequel to a romance and the first part pretty much ended in a cliffhanger.

Nami steps out of the cabin in her own clothes. One of your servants stepped right up to her and held out his arm.

"Lady Nami, let me carry this for you." He spoke politely.

"I could reaaaally get used to this!" Laughing like a little princess with her nose up, she put her clothes on his arm. This would look arrogant on someone else, but Nami just has such charisma that you can't really be mad at her.

You hook yourself into her arm and walk towards the exit together. The shopkeeper thanks you for your visit and gives you a respectful bow.

"Hey wait!" Nami stops in her tracks and you fall back, a little in surprise.

"I forgot to pay for this!" As she turns back around, you hold her tightly and shake your head.

"Don't worry about it, the owner will just send us the bill and Grandpa will pay it." You gasp a little as Nami jumps into your arms with hearts in her eyes.

"This is a DREAM!" She cries wildly and the servants all rush to help her with tissues.

On the streets, people greet you with happy faces. They love you. They cherish you. They worship you… Of course you like attention but it always feels like they only love what you do and not who you are. With your distinguished manner, you return every wave, smile and chat with anyone who comes your way.

That's part of your job as a princess. You must be kind and generous to your people, because the harmony in Tanata depends on the royal house and the stronger the bond between the people and the royal house, the better.

"Hoowww you haven't finished it yet?!" You rest your arms on the counter in despair and hang your head.

"I'm sorry princess but somehow I'm lacking a bit of inspiration…" The bookshop owner is just as depressed as you are and you both compete in sulking.

"Inspiration?" Nami wonders.

"Yes, somehow everything I have in my head is so dull and nothing new…" The owner grips the back of his neck a little ashamed.

"Oh come on, this book is my only chance of romance." You cry like a waterfall. You've read the first part so many times that you have it all memorized by now. When you heard that he was writing a second part, you immediately rushed to his bookshop to confirm the rumor.

"Sorry princess… I was hoping I could get some inspiration from your guests, after all, today is the party for little Princess Megara!" Hope sparkles in his eyes.

"Shit!" slips out of your mouth and you quickly put your hand over your lips. Your servants and the bookshop owner react in shock.

"Your Highness, please watch your language!" you hold back the eye roll and smile apologetically at them.

"I completely forgot that today is the big banquet for the birth of Megara… we should get back to the palace Nami!" You grab the redhead by the hand and stormed out of the store.

"Hey, why are you in such a hurry!" you look over your shoulder at her "I still have to prepare the present for Megara!"

Back in the palace, you hurry into the dressing room and search through all the drawers until you come across a small chest. You pause for a moment as you hold the small blue chest in your hands. Your fingers run over the engraving and a small stab goes through your heart.

"Did this belong to your mother?" Nami asks when she sees the name on the chest.

"Yes." You say in a low voice. You hesitate slightly before you finally bring yourself to open it.

On a small cushion lies a beautiful laurel crown with unique details. The crown is adorned with fine moonstone dahlias and carefully you hold your mother's crown in your hands.

"It's beautiful." Nami swears.

You carefully place it in a flat gift box and tie a bow around it.

"I think it will look very good on Megara." You both smile at each other and leave the room together.

"Well then, let's get dressed up for the banquet!"

After you and Nami went your separate ways, you went to change your clothes and Nami went back to Hera's palace. You agreed with her that you would pick up the whole gang, when it was time for the banquet, so that you could all go into town together. When the time came, you started to get a little nervous. You're really looking forward to the party.

Arriving at the huge door of the Heras palace, you take a deep breath before stepping inside. As you open it, you are immediately struck by the sight of Law in the hall, talking to Zoro and Ambrosios.

He looks simply incredible in the traditional attire... You try to control your face as the guys notice you.

"Hey hey heeey, Ambrosios… What are you doing here?" You try to make your expression look like you're surprised by his presence. The warrior rubs his eyes as his gaze fell on your cleavage.

"Princess?!" He eyes you up and down. "Is that you? Yes, it's you! I thought I saw an angel…" He runs his fingers through your hair and smiles charmingly at you. You stick a finger down your throat in a symbolic gesture and imitate a gagging sound. You think of Nami's words, but no matter how hot he is, he doesn't trigger anything in you. In your eyes, he's just a typical heartbreaker.

"Distance big man." You turn away from him. Your eyes go around. The hall is large and the nearby fireplace room is always open. A few pirates have gathered there, the only ones you haven't seen yet are the girls Ikkaku, Nami and Robin.

"The girls aren't ready yet?" - "Nope, it'll probably take a little longer. Women…" Zoro answers you somewhat sneeringly. You have to laugh at his comment and playfully nudge him in the side so that his robe, which he must have struggled to put on, gets loose.

"Don't say that so loudly you greenhead, you know how hard it is to get into those clothes. The women's clothing is actually much more complicated than the men's." Ambrosios comes close to you and strokes your shoulders.

"And much nicer." He winks at you. You shake his hands off before he starts to laugh. He whispers 'Don't be like that' but you don't respond. He just wants to play with you.

"Law, did Bepo get my present?" you clap your hands together and get a little closer to him. You asked Law to give Bepo a cloak that you got specially tailored for the mink.

He no longer keeps his distance when you approach him, he's gotten used to it over time. This is good for you, as you no longer have to be ashamed because he always reacted a little awkwardly.

"Yes, he even wears the cloak." He mentions coolly while pointing at the polar bear. Your eyes follow his elegant fingers. For a moment, your gaze lingers on his tattoos. The black color on his knuckles flatters his skin color.

When you catch the sight of the bear, it leaves you flushed and you run into the mink's arms.

"Awww Bepo! That looks so good on you!" You literally jump into his face as you wrap your arms around him. The polar bear returns your hug and rubs his cheek against yours.

"Hehe… you're the one who looks gorgeous!" - "Awww you're so cute!" Gently, the Mink lets you down onto the floor, being very careful not to step on your gown.

You're always fabulously dressed either way, but today's outfit was a little more revealing than usual. After all, it's a party and you wanted to be a little more daring. Not only are you showing a little more skin, but your robe is tinted to match your eyes and it's obvious from a distance that you're wrapped in only the most expensive fabrics. Jewelry on both arms and a long veil is attached to your shoulders which blows slightly in the wind when you walk.

When the girls came into the hall and you were sure that everyone was there, you set off together into the city, to celebrate the birth of the new Princess Megara.

Excited already? I definitely am XD The banquet will surely be a pretty long chapter so I have to finish chapter 15 like this. If I had continued, I would have had a hard time finding a cut. I'm looking forward to writing the banquet chapter for WEEKS, so you can be sure I'll post it this week :D

See you next time, kiss kiss ♡

➽ Next chapter

[bloodlust-1]

The Consort ₊⁺જ⁀➴

NSWF | Explicit 18+ | Angst | Blood | Ascended Astarion | Spawn Tav | Dark | Smut | Trauma | Stockholm Syndrome | Violence

Ascended Astarion x fem Tav

Chapter: 3 | Pins & Needles

Summary: In a tumultuous tale of love, power, and betrayal, Tav finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with Astarion, a heartless vampire lord who will stop at nothing to maintain control over his newfound spawn. As Tav witnesses Astarion’s transformation and descent into darkness, their love is put to the ultimate test amidst love triangles, drama, and the pursuit of world domination. Redemption seems like an elusive goal while Tav grapples with the realization of who her lover has truly become.

UPDATED EVERY MONDAY.

Notes: Anyone in the mood for some ascended Astarion smut? Cool cause this is that. Posting this a day early cause I want to…yw <3

AO3 LINK | MASTER LIST

Lovely photo by @aristenfromwarsaw

Tav stood still as Astarion draped the silk cloth over her body, his hands skillfully taking measurements with precision. The tape hanging from his neck swayed gently as he worked, his focus never broke his hands as he sewed the dress together.

"Aagh -" A sudden prick from the needle stabbed her skin, causing a sharp breath to escape her lips.

“Stay still,” Astarion demanded with a slight tug. “The party is tomorrow night, and I need to finish this dress for you.”

Tav obliged, standing motionless before the large mirror.

Well maybe if he'd be more careful I wouldn't have to move.

Tav watched in silence as Astarion created a dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, creating a sexy silhouette around her figure. Tav stared into the mirror, even though she couldn’t see her reflection. Instead, she could only see the shape of the dress as it took form on her body.

I wonder how this color compliments my skin, hair, and eyes. I can't tell. Only Astarion is my mirror. He always tells me how beautiful I am.

While Astarion continued to sew, Tav’s thoughts drifted to a place of her life before a spawn, and remembering her time if her childhood in the woods; trying to teach herself how to hunt under the sun. Tav's emotions hid coldly beneath a mask of stoicism.

Astarion was on a knee, threading the last bit of the dress's slit. He suddenly leaned in closer to Tav’s exposed thigh.

His lips pressed against her soft flesh, sending a tingle up Tav’s spine. The sensation was both electrifying and unsettling as Astarion’s kisses grew rougher, his fingers gripping her thigh tightly.

Astarion’s actions became more aggressive. His cold, seductive eyes bore into hers as he sank his teeth into her thigh, drawing blood that trickled down her skin. The mixture of pain and pleasure overwhelmed Tav, causing her legs to tremble beneath her.

After savoring the taste of her blood, Astarion stood up and admired the dress he had just finished, "Ah, a masterpiece. It looks even better on you than I imagined.”

His demeanor shifted and his eyes trailed over the silk hugging her hips. He took a step closer and hovered over her with lustful eyes, "Take it off."

Tav’s smile faded as she brushed down the fabric on her hips, "What?"

Commandingly, "Take. It. Off."

Despite feeling a mix of emotions - fear, arousal, and confusion - Tav hesitated for a moment before complying.

Tav slowly undressed, letting the dress fall to the floor around her ankles, and taking a step out of the dress. She felt exposed and vulnerable under his gaze.

“You are truly exquisite, my consort,” Astarion murmured, his voice low and husky. Tav’s cheeks flushed at his words, her breath catching in her throat as she felt his gaze linger on her breasts.

Her legs trembled and she could feel her core growing excited. The heat pooling between them was almost unbearable. Astarion sensed this, took a step closer, and grasped Tav's face firmly in his palm. He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his crimson eyes.

“Kneel,” Astarion commanded, his tone leaving no room for disobedience.

Tav’s heart pounded in her chest as she sank to her knees before him, her eyes wide and pleading. She looked up at him with confusion and longing, her lips slightly parted in anticipation.

“I want to see how well that mouth works when it isn't testing me,” Astarion whispered, this was about her teasing him earlier.

He marveled at this. Tav, on her knees naked. Just for his pleasure.

In her eyes, Astarion grew into this dominate person. Sure it was exciting but it also shook something inside her, like she was almost scared of his consequences.

Tav was at his mercy.

"Look up, and don't dare take your eyes off me." Astarion reached out for her face again and squeezed her cheeks, "Do you understand?"

Tav nodded her head with a soft, "Yes."

Again, his hand clutches her face in a tight squeeze,“Yes what?”

Tav spoke through the force of his hands pressing her cheeks together, “Yes master.”

Astarion clicked his tongue in admiration, and let go of her with a slight push. He slowly started to unravel his buckle, letting his trousers melt to the floor with his undergarments.

Tav could see his fingers unraveling himself from her peripheral, not daring to break her eye contact with him. And neither did he.

Astarion's erection popped up with the drop of his pants and he positioned himself close enough to push his head against Tav's lips, "Be a good pup." he purred.

She gapped her mouth enough to fit his tip on the base of her tongue. Tav wetted his slit before his hips greedily forced its way into her mouth. Astarion pump in and out a couple of times to prep her throat.

"That's it." His hips jerked against Tav's filled mouth, "Get it wet."

Tav looked up at Astarion, pleadingly as the heat between her legs tickled her inner thighs. Her tongue and lips wetted any skin she could wrap itself around.

Astarion then kneaded his fingers threw her thick locs, tightly grasping them before slamming his hips against her face. Tav toppled back slightly from the sudden force, but he quickly tugged her by the hair back into position. On her knees like a good girl.

The tip of his cock battered the back on her throat and her eyes quickly glossed over with tears as she struggled to keep eye contact with him.

"Don't -" Astarion groaned against the tightness of her throat, "Fuck - Don't you dare look away." He threatened Tav hoarsely between moans.

Tav grabbed onto his legs for support while continuously bobbing her head against his length. Her throat squeezed and gagged on his cock with each rough thrust.

It was unbearable. Tav could barely breathe and she struggled to moan with her mouth full of Astarion's length. The vibrations from her struggling hums only made him throw his back with ecstasy.

Tav tried to pull away, and for a moment she tugged back with a gasp escaping her lips.

"Oh, no you don't," Astarion put some distance between his legs, squatting slightly before both hands held onto Tav's head, "I'm going to fuck this mouth until I cum."

Tav's moans muffled as she nodded to his testament. The tears in her eyes began to stream down her face from his force. The preassure in her throat started to tighten around his cock, rewarding her with Astarion's sweet moans.

"That's it, fuck, that's a good girl."

His moans were something that stayed the same, even after ascending. And it was one of Tav's favorite things about him.

A whimper left Astarions lips, never breaking his half-lidded intense gaze from Tav. Every thought and action centered around fucking and possessing his dearest treasure.

Astarion felt himself getting closer to his climax, tightening his grip on Tav’s hair, pulling her closer and deeper into him. And with one last final thrust, he let out a low moan, filling Tav's mouth and throat with his white slick.

He could feel Tav hum against his skin, and when he pulled his cock out of her mouth, she stumbled down on her palms; coughing and gasping. Her head sunk low between her shoulders, desperately trying to catch her breath.

"Look at me." Astarion asserted between heavy breaths.

With watery eyes and reddened cheeks, Tav lifted her head as her chest heavily rose and fell. Her arms quivered and trembled from the intense moment.

Astarion was awed at the mess she made. He loved seeing the way her black makeup stained her cheeks, "Good pup. Now open your mouth - I want to see it."

Tav parted her lips, and the cum trickled down her bottom lip, down her jaw, and then to her neck. She stuck out her tongue to further push out his seed.

Astarion looked down at Tav with a mixture of gratitude and possession. She belonged to him.

He hummed in approval and swiped his thumb against her cummed bottom lip softly, "What a fucking mess you made..." He leaned over and hovered over her lips with a teasing whisper, "You're so beautiful when you choke on my cum."

Tav hung her head back down and tried to catch her breath. She felt defeated, horny, and unashamed as she replayed the look of pleasure of Astarions face in her head.

But it seemed she wasn't going to get anything in return, only the sweet memories of his climax. And this was Astarion's punishment to Tav, no attention to the begging heat between her legs.

Tav needed a moment to gather herself, there was no way she’d be able to stand right now with her shaky legs.

Astarion pulled his pants up and buckled himself back to normal. He stared down at the ruin he caused with a smug look on his face.

“You are just perfect.”

Next part here

See you next week for some party drama. Let me know if you’d like to be on a tag list, I’ll try my best to keep up :]

What’d you think about this chapter?

[mcrdvcks]

Sweet Dreams - Chapter 9

Chapter Summary: Alexandria is cleared to go back to classes after her near-death encounter, and a new student joins the school.

Word Count: 7.6k+

Pairing: Logan (X-Men) x Original Female Character (platonic relationship)

Notes: i can't wait for y'all to read this chapter, especially because this is where a lot of the future plots will stem from

Series Masterlist - Chapter 8 → Chapter 10

AO3 Link For Chapter

Two months after the HYDRA kidnapping, Alexandria was finally cleared to go back to classes. She suspected that Logan had convinced Kitty, Jean, and Scott to all keep an eye on her while he couldn’t.

As Kitty said, it was like she had a guardian angel and bodyguard wrapped in one.

On the third day of her being back during classes, Professor Xavier announced they had a new student, Matthew Roman.

She didn’t pay much attention to the announcement, until she had settled into her seat in algebra, Ms. Frost still getting together papers before class started in a few minutes, when a voice spoke up from her right.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

Alexandria looked through the notes Scott handed her, who was sitting on her left before the words soaked in and she turned her head to the right.

Matthew sat in the seat; his head propped up on his fist with a grin on his face. Alexandria turned to face Scott who paid no mind to her or the new kid.

“Who are you talking to?” she asked.

Matthew leaned back in his chair, twirling a pencil between his fingers, a grin still plastered on his face. “Who do you think?”

Alexandria arched an eyebrow at him, clearly unamused. “Are you talking to me?”

Matthew’s grin widened. “Of course. Who else would I be talking to?”

She narrowed her eyes at him and looked back at Scott’s notebook. “Scott could you explain- ” Alexandria looked over at Scott to find him gone, probably off to get some more water since he was complaining about spilling it at the end of breakfast.

“I could always explain it.” Matthew spoke again.

She looked back over at him, a glare on her face, but his grin was still there. She hoped he’d get the hint as she stood up from her desk and over to Ms. Frost’s desk.

Sure, she was a harsh teacher, but Alexandria’s pretty sure she’s softened up to her slightly. Especially after the whole almost dying thing she went through.

“Could you explain how you got this answer?” she asked, turning Scott’s notebook around and pointing to the problem.

Emma looked at the problem in the notebook. “Okay, Alexandria, this is a basic quadratic equation. The solution involves factoring or using the quadratic formula. The steps are as follows…”

Matthew's voice cut in, his tone nonchalant. “Hey, if you’re interested, I could explain it to you in a way that’s way more fun.”

Alexandria, still standing by Ms. Frost’s desk, glanced over her shoulder at Matthew. “And why would I want that?”

Matthew’s grin didn’t waver. “Because I’m way cooler than Ms. Frost. And besides, who doesn’t want a bit of flair with their algebra?”

Alexandria arched an eyebrow. “Flair?”

“Yeah,” Matthew said, leaning back in his chair. “Let’s just say my way is less boring.”

Emma glanced up from the notebook, her eyes narrowing slightly at Matthew’s interruption. “Matthew, this isn’t the time for theatrics. Alexandria is trying to catch up on her work.”

Matthew waved off Emma’s comment with a casual flick of his hand. “I’m just offering some alternative methods. No harm in that, right?”

Alexandria sighed and turned back to Ms. Frost. “Forget it. I’ll figure it out myself.”

Emma shook her head slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Alright, Alexandria. If you need any more help, let me know.”

As Alexandria walked back to her desk, she shot a glance at Matthew, who had taken out a notebook and was scribbling something down. She tried to ignore him but couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed by his persistent presence.

Matthew watched her with a mischievous glint in his eye. “So, what’s your deal? You usually this grumpy?”

Alexandria’s glare was icy. “I’m not grumpy. I just don’t like people who think they’re funny.”

Matthew’s smile widened. “Fair enough. But you know, I think we could get along just fine if you’d give me a chance.”

She scoffed and shook her head, focusing on her work. “I doubt it.”

Matthew didn’t seem fazed. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and continued to watch her with an amused expression. The rest of the class proceeded in a somewhat awkward silence, punctuated only by the occasional remark from Matthew, who seemed intent on breaking through Alexandria’s reserve.

When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the class, Alexandria quickly packed up her things and made a beeline for the door. She wanted to avoid any more unnecessary interaction with the new student. However, Matthew was right behind her, his footsteps echoing as he walked alongside her.

“So, where you headed?” Matthew asked, trying to sound casual.

Alexandria kept her eyes ahead, not bothering to look at him. “None of your business.”

Matthew chuckled. “Alright, alright. I get it. You’re not a fan of small talk.” Alexandria stayed quiet.

As they reached the hallway, Matthew made a show of dramatically looking around. “Well, since you’re not interested in chatting, I guess I’ll just have to explore this place on my own.”

“Fine by me,” Alexandria replied, quickening her pace. She could hear Matthew’s laughter fading behind her, but she didn’t turn around.

She entered Ororo’s classroom for English, Jean and Scott already in their seats at the table next to her. Alexandria sat down as did another person next to her.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” She grumbled, seeing Matthew sitting next to her. Curse this classroom for having a table that seats two.

Jean and Scott shared a glance at Alexandria who glared at Matthew. “I wasn’t lying, you know. You are quite pretty.” he said.

She raised an eyebrow, “why would I care about that? And why do you keep following me?”

Matthew raised two hands, “hey, we share the same class. It’s not my fault.”

Alexandria rolled her eyes and took out her notebook, determined to focus on the lesson and ignore the persistent new student beside her. Matthew seemed unfazed by her cold demeanor, his grin widening as he settled into his seat.

“Hey,” he said casually, leaning slightly towards her. “What’s your name? You seem to know everybody around here, except for me.”

“Alexandria,” she replied curtly, not bothering to offer any additional information.

Matthew’s eyes lit up with a playful glint. “Nice to meet you, Alexandria. So, what’s the deal with this place? I hear it’s full of interesting people.”

Alexandria didn’t respond. She kept her attention fixed on the front of the classroom where Ororo was setting up for the English lesson. Despite her best efforts to ignore him, she could feel Matthew’s gaze occasionally drifting towards her.

Jean, who was seated next to Scott across the table, observed the interaction with mild amusement. She leaned towards Scott and whispered, “Looks like Matthew’s trying to make a new friend.”

Scott nodded, watching as Matthew continued his attempts to engage Alexandria. “He’s persistent, I’ll give him that.”

Ororo finally began the lesson, drawing Alexandria’s attention away from the distraction beside her. As she listened to the discussion, she could feel Matthew’s occasional glances, though she chose to ignore them.

When the class ended, Alexandria packed up her things with quick, efficient movements. She was determined not to give Matthew the satisfaction of seeing her ruffled. Just as she was about to leave, she felt a hand on her arm.

“Wait up,” Matthew said, his tone light and friendly. “I was thinking of grabbing a snack. Want to join?”

“No, thank you,” Alexandria said firmly, shaking off his hand. “I’ve got other plans.” She saw Kitty waving a hand at the lunch line, Jean and Scott behind her.

“Oof. Rough for me then. Catch you later.”

Alexandria rolled her eyes, though she was glad he had finally left her side.

During lunch, as she joined Kitty, Jean, and Scott at their usual table, the conversation inevitably shifted to the new student.

“Did you see how persistent he was?” Kitty asked, her voice laced with amusement. “Matthew’s not giving up anytime soon.”

Jean laughed softly. “He’s definitely got a lot of energy. But I guess that’s his way of making friends.”

Scott nodded, his expression thoughtful. “He’s a bit much, but maybe he’s just trying to find his place here.”

Alexandria took a bite of her sandwich, trying to ignore the conversation. “As long as he doesn’t keep bothering me, he can do whatever he wants.”

Kitty glanced at Alexandria with a sympathetic smile. “Give him a chance. It’s not easy being the new kid.”

“I’m not here to make any more friends,” Alexandria replied bluntly.

Scott held his hand to his chest, “you hear that? We’re her friends.”

Jean laughed softly, nudging Kitty. “Looks like Scott’s taken it personally.”

Kitty grinned. “I’m sure he’s just glad Alexandria’s starting to open up. It’s been a tough road for her.”

Alexandria rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. “I’m just trying to get through my day without more complications.”

Scott leaned in, pretending to be offended. “Complications? We’re just here to help. No ulterior motives.”

Jean shook her head, smiling at Alexandria. “Scott’s right. We’re your friends. And we’ll be here whether you like it or not.”

As lunch continued, the conversation drifted to other topics. Alexandria was grateful for the change, focusing on her food and the comfortable company of her friends.

Meanwhile, Matthew had taken a seat at a different table, but he kept glancing over at Alexandria. He was still intrigued by her cold demeanor and was determined to break through her defenses.

After lunch, her and Scott made their way to US history. They sat in their usual seats towards the front half of the class when she noticed Matthew sitting down in the seat next to her.

“That’s Jubilee’s seat.” She said, looking through the textbook. Logan had ended up teaching her what she missed through his own life experiences. Which ended up with her calling him ‘old’ repeatedly.

Jubilee sat down in front of Alexandria, turning around to face her, “it’s a-okay with me.” She winked at Alexandria before facing forwards.

She turned to face Scott, who was once again on her left and he just smiled. “Do you need help catching up?”

Alexandria shook her head, “no, Logan caught me up.”

Scott raised an eyebrow, “surprising.”

She shrugged in response as Matthew leaned closer to her, “well, then. Maybe I could use some catching up.”

Alexandria turned to face Matthew, “you’ll find out in a minute.”

Matthew let out a dramatic sigh, leaning back in his chair with an exaggerated air of defeat. “Fine. Leave me to perish by landmines.”

Alexandria, trying to suppress a smile, returned her attention to the history textbook in front of her. “I’m sure you’ll manage,” she said, her tone as deadpan as ever.

Matthew chuckled softly, seemingly undeterred. “You know, with an attitude like that, you’re really making me question whether I’ve chosen the right seat.”

Jubilee, sitting in front of Alexandria, turned around with a grin. “Don’t worry, Matt. Alexandria’s just a bit grumpy when it comes to new people.”

Matthew raised an eyebrow, looking at Alexandria. “Grumpy, huh? You know, I’m pretty good at dealing with grumpy people. Got a lot of practice back home.”

Alexandria shot him a sideways glance. “Good for you. But I’m not interested in having a chat.”

Matthew’s grin only widened. “You say that now. But give it time. I’ve got a feeling we’ll be getting along just fine.”

She wasn’t sure how this new classmate of hers could keep a grin on his face at all times and not be deterred by her clear disinterest in him.

It was almost impressive, but mostly annoying.

Logan glanced at Alexandria and then at Matthew, noting the persistent grin on the latter’s face. With a curt nod, he began discussing the complexities of early American history, his tone clearly signaling that he expected the students to pay attention. Alexandria hoped that Matthew might finally take the hint and focus on the lesson.

Yet, Matthew leaned closer, his voice barely audible over the lesson. “So, how did you end up here? I mean, besides the whole mutant thing.”

Alexandria didn’t look up from her textbook, keeping her tone clipped. “Why does it matter?”

Matthew shrugged, still grinning. “Just curious. You seem to have a lot of history. Thought I’d ask.”

Jubilee, sitting in front of Alexandria, glanced over her shoulder with a smirk. “Matt, you’re really laying it on thick, aren’t you?”

Matthew’s grin didn’t falter. “Guilty as charged. But hey, I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”

Logan’s gaze flicked to Matthew, a hint of irritation in his eyes. “Matthew, you’re here to learn, not to disrupt the class.”

Matthew straightened up, his playful expression fading slightly. “Right, sorry. Just trying to make the class a bit more interesting.”

Logan gave him a hard look before returning to the lesson. “Stick to the material, or you’ll find yourself on the wrong side of my desk.”

As the class continued, Alexandria found herself trying to focus on Logan’s lecture. Despite her best efforts, she could feel Matthew’s occasional glances. His presence was a persistent distraction, but she refused to let him get under her skin.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of the period, Alexandria was quick to pack up her things. She shot a quick look at Matthew, who was still absorbed in his notes. With a hasty goodbye to Scott and Jubilee, she headed out the door, hoping to escape Matthew’s relentless pursuit.

Matthew caught up with her in the hallway. “Hey, don’t run off so fast. I was thinking of checking out the Danger Room later. Interested?”

Alexandria turned to face him, her expression a mixture of frustration and curiosity. “I’ve got other plans.”

Matthew’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Oh, come on. It’s not every day you get to see the Danger Room. And besides, it might be fun to have some company.”

Alexandria sighed, her patience wearing thin. “I don’t do ‘fun’ with strangers.”

Matthew raised his hands in mock surrender. “Fair enough. I’ll stop bugging you. For now.”

She nodded curtly and turned towards the common room. As she walked, she could hear Matthew’s footsteps behind her, but she chose to ignore them.

As she walked past the kitchen, she noticed Logan walking into the room. She followed as he glanced over at her, pulling out a bottle of beer and a juice box.

She wanted to tell him she’s not a child, and therefore doesn’t want a juice box, but it was apple juice, so she took it.

“You sure you didn’t want to go to the Danger Room? You could’ve kicked his ass.” Logan said, opening the bottle.

Alexandria shrugged and took a sip of her juice, “thought you didn’t want me doing anything strenuous.”

Logan snorted. “I’m surprised you listened to me.”

“I can listen sometimes.” She responded. “I’ve been going to bed at 11 like you asked.”

Logan took a swig from his beer and then gave Alexandria a sideways glance. “For 2 days. I doubt it’ll last a week.”

Alexandria rolled her eyes, leaning against the counter. “Wanna bet?”

Logan took another swig of his beer, smirking as he set it down on the counter. “You’re on. I’ll give you a week before you slip back into your old habits. No way you’ll keep up the bedtime routine for long.”

Alexandria raised an eyebrow. “And what’s the wager?”

Logan thought for a moment, then grinned. “If you can keep it up for a full week, I’ll teach you how to ride.”

Her eyes lit up. They had been for a few more motorcycle rides in the past month, but when she asked if he could teach her, he said ‘in your dreams.’ Logan’s offer now was a rare chance she wasn’t about to pass up.

“You really mean it?” Alexandria asked, her voice betraying her excitement despite her effort to sound nonchalant.

Logan’s smirk widened. “You think I’m gonna back down now? You want to learn, you gotta follow the rules.”

Alexandria took another sip of her apple juice, trying to keep her expression neutral. “I’ll keep the bedtime routine for a week. You can count on it.”

Logan chuckled, clearly amused. “Alright, but don’t think it’ll be easy. And don’t forget what happens if you don’t keep it up for a week.”

She raised an eyebrow, “okay. Then what’s my punishment?”

Logan took another swig from his beer, setting it down on the counter with a clunk. He crossed his arms and gave Alexandria a thoughtful look. “If you don’t keep up the bedtime routine for a week, you’ll have to help me grade papers for a week.”

She groaned, when she was on bedrest and out of the medbay she was bored out of her mind and went to Logan’s office for company. He ended up tasking her with grading papers. She did help, for an hour, then said it was torture and went back to her room.

“Yeah, I remember how much you enjoyed grading those papers,” Logan said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He leaned back against the counter, smirking at her. “But hey, if you want to learn to ride, you’ll have to earn it.”

Alexandria crossed her arms, giving him a challenging look with a hint of a smile. “Fine. I’ll keep the bedtime routine. But don’t think I’m gonna make it easy for you.”

Logan chuckled, shaking his head. “Wouldn’t expect anything less. And remember, if you slip up, you’re stuck with me and a mountain of papers.”

“I’ll manage,” Alexandria said, taking a final sip of her juice before heading out of the kitchen. “See you later.”

As Alexandria walked down the hallway, she could hear Matthew’s footsteps echoing behind her. She sighed, bracing herself for another round of unwanted conversation.

He stepped beside her, following her to the common area. She kept quiet, and so did he, which was surprising. Once she spotted Kitty, Jean, and Jubilee she turned to face Matthew and looked almost slightly horrified.

“What is wrong with your face?” she asked.

“You mean my smile?”

Alexandria narrowed her eyes, “yes.”

Matthew's smile didn't waver as he tilted his head slightly. "Oh, you mean this?" He gestured to his beaming grin. "Just my usual face. It’s a lot of work keeping it this way, you know?"

Alexandria studied him for a moment, a mix of curiosity and irritation in her eyes. “It’s… unnerving. Stop it.”

“Why would I? Seems to work for you, gorgeous.”

“What does that mean?” She gritted out.

Matthew's grin widened, seemingly unfazed by Alexandria's glare. "It means I'm just being me," he said, his voice casual and light.

Alexandria’s eyes narrowed further, her patience wearing thin. “Well then, maybe you should try being less… whatever you are.”

Matthew's grin didn't falter at Alexandria’s comment. He tilted his head, clearly amused by her irritation. “You know, you’re not the first person to find my smile unnerving. I’m just trying to be friendly.”

“Friendly isn’t the issue. It’s the way you’re constantly… smiling,” Alexandria replied, trying to keep her tone steady despite her frustration.

Matthew chuckled. “I guess you could say it’s my default setting. Besides, if you think I’m unnerving now, you should’ve seen me before I perfected this smile.”

“I’m sure you had other… charms,” Alexandria said, her sarcasm thinly veiled.

“Yeah, but this smile? It’s hard to beat,” Matthew said, still smiling. “Plus, I’ve always had a thing for Ukrainians.”

“I’m Russian, idiot.” Alexandria fired back.

His smile somehow grew wider, unnerving her even further. “Oh, even better.”

Alexandria's irritation was palpable as she glared at Matthew. “I’m glad you think so,” she said tersely, trying to keep her voice steady. “Maybe you should take a break from that grin.”

Matthew chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. “I’d love to, but it’s kind of my thing. Plus, it’s not every day I get to talk to someone who’s so… passionate about their dislike for smiles.”

“I’m not ‘passionate’ about anything,” Alexandria snapped. “I just find it… disconcerting.”

“Disconcerting,” Matthew repeated, nodding as if considering the term. “That’s a new one. But hey, if that’s how you feel, then I guess I’m doing something right.”

They had reached the common area, and Alexandria’s friends were scattered around, chatting and lounging. Kitty, Jean, and Jubilee looked up as Alexandria approached, their expressions ranging from curiosity to amusement. Alexandria barely registered them, her focus solely on Matthew and his persistent grin.

Jubilee leaned over to Kitty, whispering something that made both of them stifle laughs. Jean caught Alexandria’s eye and gave a sympathetic smile, clearly understanding her struggle with Matthew’s unending cheerfulness.

“Do you ever stop smiling?” Alexandria demanded, crossing her arms.

Matthew shook his head. “Not really. It’s like a reflex. But enough about me. How’s your day been so far?”

She glared at him, clearly fed up. “It’s been fine, thanks for asking. And since you’re so interested, how about you go find someone else to bother?”

Matthew’s grin softened into a more genuine, if still amused, smile. “Alright, alright. I’ll give you some space. But just so you know, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be around.”

As he walked away, Alexandria felt a mix of relief and frustration. She turned to her friends, who were now watching her with varying degrees of curiosity and sympathy.

“Is it just me, or does he never stop?” Kitty asked, tilting her head.

“It’s not just you,” Alexandria replied, rubbing her temples. “He’s relentless.”

Jean nodded. “Matthew can be like that. But don’t let him get to you too much. He’s actually a good guy once you get to know him.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Alexandria said, though her tone suggested she had doubts. “For now, I’m just glad he’s giving me a break.”

Jubilee grinned. “You know, it’s kind of impressive how you manage to keep him at arm’s length. I don’t think many people can handle his… enthusiasm.”

Alexandria sighed. “I’m not sure I’m handling it. I’m just trying to get through the day without losing my patience.”

Kitty put a reassuring hand on Alexandria’s shoulder. “You’re doing fine. Just remember, he’s not trying to make things harder for you. He genuinely likes being friendly.”

“Great,” Alexandria said dryly. “I’ll try to remember that when I see him next.”

---

It was Friday now, which meant she only had to last 5 more days to learn how to ride a motorcycle. She was determined to win the bet, mostly because she did not want to help Logan grade papers. Kogda rak na gore svistnet. When pigs fly.

She had tried to listen to her friend’s advice, to be nicer to Matthew, but his constant smiles and niceness were almost too sweet. She wondered if cotton candy would even melt in his mouth.

She spotted Kitty, Jean, and Scott gathered on the couch, chatting and laughing. Alexandria made her way over to them, her mood slightly improved by their familiar faces.

“Hey, Alexandria,” Jean greeted with a smile. “How’s it going?”

“Fine,” Alexandria replied, plopping down on the couch beside Scott. “Just trying to keep my promise to Logan.”

Scott raised an eyebrow. “Still keeping up with that bedtime routine?”

“For now,” Alexandria said, leaning back and letting out a small sigh. “I’m determined not to help him grade papers.”

Kitty grinned. “I think Logan’s going to be surprised if you actually make it through the week.”

“Me too,” Alexandria admitted. “But I’m not backing down.”

Jean’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “You know, you don’t have to be so hard on yourself. It’s okay to have a little fun.”

“I will have fun when Logan teaches me how to ride his motorcycle.” She responded.

"Which we can all agree is completely out of the ordinary for Logan. He hates anyone touching it. He once got mad at me for looking at it," Scott said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Alexandria smirked slightly. "Maybe he's getting soft in his old age."

"Or maybe he just likes you more than he likes the rest of us," Kitty suggested with a playful nudge.

"Hard to believe," Alexandria muttered, but the small smile on her lips hinted that she didn’t entirely disagree. The idea of Logan having a soft spot for her was something she still wasn’t used to, but it was becoming more apparent with each passing day.

"You’ve definitely got a way with him," Jean added. "It’s nice to see."

Alexandria glanced at Jean, trying to read the sincerity in her voice. She wasn’t sure if Jean was just being polite or if she genuinely believed that Logan was warming up to her. Either way, it was a strange concept—someone like Logan caring about someone like her.

"Don’t make it weird," Alexandria said, leaning back into the couch, though she couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit of warmth at their words.

"We’re not making it weird, you are," Kitty teased, earning a light jab from Alexandria.

"Touché," Alexandria replied, her tone lightening. It was moments like these, surrounded by friends who didn’t judge her, that made her slowly start to see the X-Mansion as more of a home. Even if she would never admit it out loud.

"So, what’s the plan for tonight?" Scott asked, shifting the conversation away from Logan and onto safer topics.

"Just trying to survive another day without losing my mind," Alexandria said, half-joking. "And maybe, just maybe, get some peace and quiet."

"Good luck with that," Kitty said with a grin. "This place is never quiet."

"No kidding," Alexandria agreed, her thoughts briefly drifting to Matthew and his incessant smiling. Peace and quiet seemed like a luxury she could only dream of lately.

"Well, if you ever need an escape, you know where to find us," Jean offered.

"Thanks," Alexandria said, and she meant it. Despite her usual reluctance to rely on others, it was nice knowing that her friends were there for her, no matter what.

---

Matthew wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. Sure, his older sister told him that he shouldn’t see anybody as a ‘challenge’ but it was more than that.

Dad said it was love at first sight when he met mom, and mom said that she disliked him at the beginning.

He just knew when he saw her. There wasn’t any explanation, yes, she was pretty, but it was the way she held herself, the way she interacted with others.

His first two days at the school were orientation and a tour, so he would see students milling about their days, going to classes, reading, doing homework, and talking to friends.

Matthew had seen Scott get upset when there weren’t any cookies left at the lunch line, and without talking Alexandria had placed the one she had on his tray. She, without speaking, handed Jean a rubber band for her hair when she was writing.

Talking to her was different, difficult. Jubilee, who had been the one to give him a tour, said that Alexandria was rescued from HYDRA 8 months ago, and around 2 months ago had been recaptured and rescued, but almost died from a slit throat.

So, he understands she’s probably not open to strangers.

But fuck, she was driving him crazy. The small smiles she’d give to everyone but him, the chuckles and laughs she’d quietly do around others, the sweet smell of strawberries every time she walked by him.

Friday night, he called his sister, who was only 3 years older than him and in her first year of college.

“Hey, Matt!” Jenna’s voice came through the phone, cheerful and full of energy as always. “What’s up? How’s the new school?”

Matthew let out a sigh, flopping onto his bed. “It’s… complicated.”

Jenna chuckled on the other end. “Complicated? That doesn’t sound like you. What’s going on?”

He hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. “There’s this girl…”

“Ooh, a girl!” Jenna teased. “Tell me everything.”

“It’s not like that,” Matthew protested, though he knew his sister wouldn’t believe him. “She’s just… different. I’ve never met anyone like her.”

Jenna’s tone softened. “Different how?”

“She’s been through a lot,” Matthew explained, his voice serious. “She’s not like the other girls here. She’s distant, guarded, and it’s like she has this wall around her that no one can get through.”

“Sounds like she’s been hurt before,” Jenna said thoughtfully. “You said she’s been through a lot. What happened?”

Matthew hesitated again, unsure of how much he should reveal. “She was rescued from HYDRA about eight months ago. She was kidnapped again two months ago and nearly died. I guess that kind of trauma doesn’t just go away.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line before Jenna spoke again. “Wow, Matt. That’s… intense. No wonder she’s distant.”

“Yeah,” Matthew agreed. “But the thing is, I really like her. There’s something about her that I can’t get out of my head. I know she’s not interested in me, and she probably finds me annoying, but I can’t help it. I want to get to know her, to help her somehow.”

Jenna was silent for a moment, then she sighed. “Matt, it sounds like you’ve got it bad. But you have to be careful. She’s been through a lot, and she might not be ready for someone to get close to her. You can’t push her.”

“I know,” Matthew said, frustration evident in his voice. “But it’s hard. I’ve tried being friendly, but it just seems to make things worse. She doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

“Then maybe you need to back off a bit,” Jenna suggested gently. “Give her some space. If she wants to get to know you, she’ll come around. But you can’t force it.”

Matthew sighed, knowing she was right. “I just… I don’t want to give up on her.”

“Then don’t,” Jenna said firmly. “But be patient. She needs to know that you’re there for her, but she also needs to feel safe. If you really like her, you’ll find a way to show her that without overwhelming her.”

“Yeah,” Matthew said softly. “Thanks, Jenna. You always know what to say.”

“That’s what sisters are for,” Jenna replied with a smile in her voice. “And hey, if it works out, you’ll have one heck of a love story to tell.”

Matthew couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I’ll keep you posted.”

“Please do,” Jenna said. “And remember, take it one step at a time. She’ll come around when she’s ready.”

After hanging up, Matthew felt a little better, though the frustration of his situation still lingered. He knew Jenna was right—he needed to be patient, to give Alexandria the space she needed. But that didn’t make it any easier.

The next morning, Matthew decided to follow his sister’s advice. He would still be around, still make his presence known, but he would try to tone down the enthusiasm that seemed to annoy Alexandria so much. Maybe, just maybe, she would start to see him in a different light.

---

The weekend passed without much incident. Alexandria stuck to her bedtime routine, much to Logan’s surprise, and the two of them continued their banter about the bet. She was determined to make it through the week, and the thought of finally learning to ride a motorcycle kept her motivated.

Matthew, on the other hand, kept his distance. He still smiled when he saw Alexandria, but he didn’t push for conversation. He gave her space, just as Jenna had advised, and hoped that she would notice the change.

Tuesday rolled around, and the school was abuzz with the usual activity. Alexandria found herself in the common area again, surrounded by her friends. They were chatting about classes, upcoming events, and the usual gossip, but her mind kept drifting back to Matthew. She hadn’t seen much of him over the weekend, and his absence was oddly noticeable.

“Earth to Alexandria,” Kitty’s voice broke through her thoughts, and she blinked, realizing that everyone was looking at her.

“What?” Alexandria asked, slightly defensive.

“You okay?” Jean asked, her tone concerned. “You seem a little distracted.”

Alexandria shrugged, trying to play it off. “Just thinking.”

“About Matthew?” Jubilee asked, a knowing grin on her face.

Alexandria rolled her eyes. “No.”

“Uh-huh, sure,” Kitty said, her grin matching Jubilee’s. “You’re totally not thinking about him.”

“I’m not,” Alexandria insisted, though her friends’ teasing smiles made her wonder if they saw through her denial.

“Whatever you say,” Scott chimed in, giving her a playful nudge. “But just so you know, he’s been asking about you.”

That caught Alexandria’s attention. “He has?”

Scott nodded. “Yeah, he mentioned something about wanting to make sure he wasn’t bothering you. Seemed like he was trying to give you some space.”

Alexandria frowned, a mix of confusion and curiosity in her expression. “Why?”

“Maybe because he likes you?” Kitty suggested, her tone light but with a hint of seriousness.

Alexandria scoffed, though the idea made her heart beat a little faster. “He doesn’t even know me.”

“Maybe not,” Jean said, her voice thoughtful. “But he’s trying to. And from what I’ve seen, he’s not a bad guy.”

“I didn’t say he was,” Alexandria replied, her tone defensive. “I just don’t get why he’s so… persistent.”

“Because he likes you,” Jubilee repeated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “And let’s be real, who wouldn’t?”

Alexandria rolled her eyes again, but this time there was a slight smile tugging at her lips. “You’re all ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” Kitty said with a shrug. “But we’re not wrong.”

After the group separated, Alexandria headed to Hank’s classroom. She knew that Matthew had chemistry at a later time than she did, so she waited outside the room until class was over.

Five minutes later, students trickled out, Matthew being the last one out. His eyes widened as he saw Alexandria standing against the wall.

“You’re avoiding me,” she stated.

He snorted, “no.”

“Yeah.”

Matthew started to walk off, Alexandria following. It did strike her that the roles were reversed now but she paid no mind to that. “You said I was annoying, so I backed off.”

“But… that doesn’t mean I want you to stop.”

Matthew paused mid-step, turning slightly to look at Alexandria, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait, what?"

Alexandria huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I said, that doesn’t mean I want you to stop."

Matthew glanced sideways at Alexandria, a mix of surprise and curiosity on his face. "So, you actually want me to keep bothering you?"

Alexandria gave him a pointed look. "Not exactly. I just... don’t want you to think I don’t want to talk to you. You’ve been giving me space, and I guess I miss the, I don’t know, annoyance?"

Matthew chuckled softly, clearly pleased by her confession. "Annoyance, huh? Well, I can do that."

"Good," Alexandria said with a slight smirk, trying to ignore the way her heart was racing.

Matthew’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “You’re really something, you know that?”

“Yeah, well, you’re not exactly the easiest person to ignore either,” Alexandria replied, her tone light but with a hint of seriousness.

Matthew smirked, clearly pleased by her response. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Alexandria rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “You shouldn’t. Just don’t get used to it.”

“Fair enough,” Matthew said, catching up to her as they walked down the hallway together. “So, if I’m not supposed to stop bothering you, what exactly am I supposed to do?”

“I don’t know,” Alexandria admitted, her shoulders lifting in a shrug. “Maybe just be… less annoying while still being persistent.”

Matthew laughed, a genuine, amused sound that made Alexandria’s heart skip a beat. “I think I can manage that. I mean, if you’re saying you miss me, I guess I’m doing something right.”

“Don’t get a big head,” Alexandria warned, though her tone was more teasing than serious.

They reached the entrance to the common area, and Matthew hesitated for a moment, looking at Alexandria with a thoughtful expression. “You know, if you ever want to talk or hang out or whatever, just let me know. I’m around.”

Alexandria met his gaze, her expression softening slightly. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Matthew nodded, then waved as he headed off toward the stairs. “See you around, Alexandria.”

She watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions she wasn’t entirely sure how to process. Part of her wanted to keep up her usual defensive wall, but another part of her was intrigued by the genuine effort Matthew was putting into breaking through it. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Alexandria headed to her room.

She needed to finish some homework, take a shower, and go to bed. Today was the last day of the bet, and she wasn’t about to lose now.

---

Wednesday arrived, and by the time history class came up Alexandria stood in front of Logan’s desk, with a smile on her face.

“Looks like you owe me a lesson.” She said, holding her textbook against her chest.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” He grumbled, though he was impressed that she stuck to it. Every night he’d pass by her door at 11 and she would be asleep. “Now, stop carrying around that textbook, sweetheart. Your ribs aren’t fully healed yet.”

Alexandria rolled her eyes, “fine. But only until you tell me when your gonna hold up your end.”

Logan leaned back in his chair, “Saturday, 9 in the morning.”

She pouted, “Saturday? That’s three days!”

Logan raised an eyebrow at Alexandria’s pout. “You think three days is a lot? Wait ‘til you see how long it takes to get you on a bike. It’s not just about showing you how to ride; it’s about making sure you’re ready.”

Alexandria crossed her arms tighter around her textbook, her pout deepening. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not exactly the easiest student,” Logan shot back, his lips twitching into a smirk. “You’ve got a lot to learn, and I want to make sure you’re up to it.”

“Fine, fine,” Alexandria said, rolling her eyes but her annoyance fading into a smile. “I’ll wait.”

Logan gave her a reassuring nod, then waved her off as the bell rang, signaling the start of class. "Now, get to your seat before you make me look bad in front of the students."

She shot him a playful glare before heading to her desk. And of course, Matthew was sitting at the desk to her right.

“Look at you, gorgeous. You’re smiling.” He said, wearing a smile of her own.

Alexandria sat down, “no, I’m not.”

Matthew tsked, “well, now it’s gone. Probably shouldn’t have said anything to see it longer.”

Alexandria shot him a sideways glance, trying to suppress the smile that had nearly escaped. “Don’t flatter yourself, Roman. I was just—”

“Just what?” Matthew leaned in a bit closer, his grin widening. “It looked like you were about to have a good day.”

Alexandria rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Yeah, well, you’re not exactly helping.”

Matthew raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave. For now.”

“Good,” Alexandria said, trying to sound more serious than she felt. “Keep it up, and I might start thinking you’re actually tolerable.”

Matthew’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “High praise coming from you. I’ll take it.”

The class began, and the two of them fell into the rhythm of the lesson. Alexandria found herself more aware of Matthew’s presence than usual, though she tried to focus on Logan’s lecture. She could feel his eyes on her occasionally, and it made her both irritated and intrigued.

---

Saturday came along and Alexandria made it outside to the front where Logan stood smoking a cigar and leaning against the motorcycle. She was 5 minutes early as she walked down the steps and stood in front of him, a small grin on her face.

Logan took a long drag from his cigar, watching as Alexandria approached with a slight grin on her face. She was early, which didn’t surprise him. When she wanted something, she was all in—stubborn, determined, just like him.

“Look who’s eager,” Logan remarked, exhaling smoke as he flicked the ash off the cigar. “Could’ve sworn you’d show up late just to mess with me.”

Alexandria stopped in front of him, crossing her arms as she looked over the motorcycle with a mix of excitement and nerves. “You’re the one who said nine. I’m just making sure you don’t back out.”

Logan grunted, pushing off the bike and straightening up. “Ain’t in the habit of backing outta deals, kid. You know that.”

She rolled her eyes at the ‘kid’ remark but didn’t argue. Logan had a way of making things sound final, and she wasn’t about to challenge him on something she wanted so badly.

“So, where do we start?” Alexandria asked, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

Logan studied her for a moment, then nodded toward the bike. “First, you’re gonna learn the basics. Get on and feel it out. It ain’t like ridin’ with me—you gotta control this thing yourself.”

Alexandria took a deep breath and stepped closer to the bike. She’d been on it before, but always behind Logan, never in control. There was a thrill to that, sure, but this... this was different. This was hers.

Logan watched as she swung her leg over the bike, settling onto the seat. He could see the tension in her shoulders, the way she gripped the handlebars a little too tightly. “Relax,” he said, his tone softer than usual. “You’re not gonna go anywhere yet.”

“Easy for you to say,” Alexandria muttered, though she loosened her grip slightly, trying to heed his advice.

Logan stepped up beside her, his hand resting on the handlebar next to hers. “You gotta trust the bike. Feel it. It’s an extension of you—if you’re too tense, you’re gonna fight it instead of workin’ with it.”

Alexandria glanced at him, then nodded, taking another deep breath. She tried to focus on the weight of the bike, the feel of the engine beneath her. Logan was right; she needed to relax.

“Good,” Logan said, noticing the change in her posture. “Now, lemme show you the basics.”

He walked her through the controls, explaining the clutch, throttle, brakes, and gears. Alexandria listened intently, absorbing every word. Logan wasn’t the type to give long-winded explanations, and she appreciated that. He kept things straightforward, simple—just what she needed.

“Alright,” Logan said after a while, stepping back to give her some space. “Now, give it a shot. Start her up.”

Alexandria’s heart pounded in her chest as she reached for the ignition. She’d seen Logan do it a dozen times, but now, it was her turn. She twisted the key, and the engine roared to life beneath her. The vibration of the bike sent a thrill through her, and for a moment, she couldn’t help but smile.

“Not bad,” Logan said, his eyes narrowing in approval. “Now, let’s see if you can keep it steady.”

He guided her through the process of easing the clutch and giving it a little gas, and before she knew it, the bike was moving—slowly, but moving. Alexandria’s grin widened as she felt the wind against her face, the freedom of it all.

Logan jogged alongside her, his hand hovering near the handlebar in case she needed help. “Easy now. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“I got it,” Alexandria called back, her voice full of excitement.

“Yeah, you do,” Logan replied, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

They spent the next hour going over the basics, with Logan giving pointers and corrections as needed. Alexandria was a quick learner, though Logan expected nothing less. She had the focus and determination to master this, just like she did with everything else.

After a while, Logan had her stop and get off the bike. He could see the pride in her eyes, the satisfaction of having conquered something new.

“You did good,” Logan said, nodding at the bike. “But this ain’t over yet. We’ll keep practicing until you’re ready to hit the road.”

Alexandria looked at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thanks, Logan. I mean it.”

He grunted, looking away as he took another drag from his cigar. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t go gettin’ all mushy on me now. We got more work to do.”

She laughed, a sound that was still rare but becoming more common these days. It was a laugh that meant she was starting to find her place, to feel like she belonged.

“Alright,” Alexandria said, standing next to the bike. “So, when’s the next lesson?”

Logan gave her a sideways glance, a smirk playing on his lips. “How’s tomorrow sound?”

“Perfect,” she replied without hesitation.

“Good,” Logan said, putting out his cigar. “Now go on, get outta here. You’ve earned a break.”

Alexandria nodded, giving the bike one last look before heading back toward the mansion. As she walked away, Logan watched her, a mix of pride and something else he couldn’t quite place. She was a tough kid, no doubt about it, but there was more to her than that. There was a fire in her, a determination that reminded him a little too much of himself.

you can probably guess where this is going... i can't help it i'm a sucker for a good love story

[ladyoftheblade8]

Hello everyone! I’m so excited (and a little nervous) to finally share my writing again after quite a long break. Writing has always been a huge part of me, but life got in the way for a while. This is the first story I’ve posted in years, and it feels like coming home.

While I’ve definitely grown as a writer since my teen fanfic days, there’s still a part of me that wonders how my voice holds up in today’s chaotic world. But I’ve poured my heart and soul into this, and I’m proud of how it’s turned out. Writing has always been a passion for me, and now I’m beyond happy to be back doing what I love.

I’m just starting out here, so if you’re reading this, thank you so much. Sharing this story with you, even if it’s just a few of you, means more than I can express. I hope my words find a place with you, and I can’t wait to share more.

I've just dropped Chapter 1 of my Rumplestiltskin fic on AO3, with the same pseudonym, LadyoftheBlade8

Title: "A Deal With Destiny"

Here is a brief summary of the story and what's to come:

Aislinn's journey to change her past leads her into a world where magic is both a gift and a danger. Along the way, she crosses paths with The Dark One—Rumplestiltskin—a man of mystery, power, and secrets. When she strikes a deal with him, he becomes both her unlikely ally and a figure who draws her deeper into a world she barely understands.

Rumplestiltskin, ever the enigma, is not what he seems. Beneath his cunning exterior lies a complexity that Aislinn can't ignore, and soon, what started as a simple bargain turns into something far more personal. As they travel together through realms and face unexpected dangers, Aislinn begins to wonder if there’s more to him than the dark rumors that surround him.

For Aislinn, every step closer to the truth feels like a step toward a future she can't yet grasp. But the more time she spends with Rumplestiltskin, the more she finds herself drawn to him, despite her reservations. His presence stirs something inside her—an unfamiliar pull she can’t explain.

Rumplestiltskin, too, finds himself intrigued by Aislinn—a woman full of light and determination who challenges everything he thought he knew. Their growing connection is undeniable, but as they both face the unknown, they must decide how much they’re willing to risk for each other—and for the future they both seek.

AO3 link:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62006650

Enjoy!

[scribz-ag24]

your grovyle and dusknoir pieces matter so much to me because you capture the very essence of how much the green gecko bastard and his 7.11ft tall ass ghost-guy-that-was-sent-to-kill-him-but-whoops-something-happened matter to each other and just how they change the other while still being all awkward at certain times because they are in a situation that involves feelings in which they are both not used to (grovyles emotional tendencies where he pushed down things and thoughts that would otherwise doom the mission he was on and dusknoir just being completely foreign to them because he strives from a world where kindness and love is seen as a vulnerability so he just strayed far from things that will inevitably stab him in the back) and how they try to navigate it while having to bear the annoyances of the other but still viewing them in high regard nonetheless. i dont go here too much but i figured i may as well say it because i think you're cool and because you draw those two annoying little studs so well. have a good day scribz

Waaaa thank you!! I appreciate you stop by here to be so lovely! This made my entire week 🥹🥹 I always love to see you when you tag, youre so thorough in everh post you reblog, it's a delight to see ^^

They are sooo important to each other, I don't think we appreciate enough how pivotal they are to each other's development, especially grovyle to dusknoir's. Still cant believe the ghost's parting word and thought was a a most thankful message to his old enemy, thanking him for giving his life meaning, for helping him not regret having truly *lived*, not just survived. I wish Dusknoir got some more dialogue after coming back to life, but those being his last words, in addition to him constantly referencing grovyle's speech, just goes to show how far he's internalized grovyle's words.

And the way Grovyle genuinely sees and reaches towards Dusknoir's inner goodness, *while* he's actively being betrayed, is beyond words. Grovyle loves his friends deeply and by this point he's clearly gone far enough to consider Dusknoir close to that status. Maybe Dusknoir protecting him from a blow hit too close to home and changed the dynamic in his eyes from "temporal ally" to just "ally". It can't be a coincidence that Grovyle opens up and explains his motives and ideas after Dusknoir takes the attack for him.

You just can't get one without the other in my mind, it's how they contrast and mirror each other, it's how the game switches the tables and flips their alignment so seamlessly. The thief-captor dynamic turning on its head once you see their true colors. How dusknoir appears more mature and put together thanks to his charm and social skills, only for him to end up learning and looking up to Grovyle, whose more developed life philosophy and selfless objective end up convincing Dusknoie to fight for something beyond himself.

Special Episode 5 is one of rhe best pmd chapters/story out there, and it's the most basic premise of Grovyle and Dusknoir working together. The writers developed them so well in conjuction that they can't be separated in my head.

But even then their contrasting personalities makes them so fun to put them into situations, despite the ares wjere they might overlap. they're both great but they belong together. And celebi just adds even more flavour to the mix by adding someone so radically different from them in her view and approach to things (seeing as shes one of the onlu characters explicitly in love, maybe even in priorities outside world-ending cataclysms xD). Future trio in post-canon is simply too rich, even the crumbs from PSMD links them together and that's enough for me.

(And also just in general the vibes are so good, we make fun of dusknoie for the "looking nervous having your back exposed to me" but grovyle's "you cling to me beyond expectation" and "i surrender, do with me as you will". BESIDES ALREADY THINKING ABOUR DUSKNOIR WAY MOEE THAN ANYONE ELSE.

he goes up to partner during the sunrise and goes "thinking about dusknoir?" whilw it turns out partner is thinking of how much they love the beach and their friend 😭😭 and then grovyle says in his letter "hey watch out for dusknoir bc he WILL BE BACK I KNOW HIM" and hero and partner jusr go "oh yeah that guy. remember that guy??" like THEY DONT REMEMBER WHO TRIED TO KILL THEM A DAY AGO?? 😭😭 why they dgaf lmao)

So yeah. I care about them a normal amount xD.