#i was so invested in the story nearing the end that i forgot to eat dinner | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

dragondemoness · 3 years ago

Note

No way you did my request for v3cast thank you so much I’m love it can you do a second part pretty please

Sure can! This was later than it should have been, but it was a lot of fun to write

Friends Till The End - DV3 Cast x Ultimate Cuteness Reader

Such a small mistake.

Your significant other had asked you out to a date inside the school, as most of the others were in their rooms and you would be completely alone.

In your excitement to leave, you forgot your bunny plush.

The Bunny was already angry at your significant other, but now you were so invested in them that you completely forgot about your own best friend?

It was at that moment that it knew you significant other had to go.

While you and your significant other were walking down the hallways, you finally noticed that you didn't have your bunny.

You couldn't believe you forgot your own best friend.

With this being the first time you didnt bring your plush with you, you naturally began to panic.

Shuichi Saihara

"Hey, hey, it's okay. If you want, I can go back and get it for you."

As much as you want to accept, you refuse

You were already near the end of the hallway, there wasn't really a point

Besides, you needed to learn to be without it, anyway

So you say no, and he smiles, telling you how proud he is of you

So you guys continue with your date, and you guys head to the cafeteria to find something to eat, then taking it to his lab

You guys eat in his lab while he tells stories about some of the cases he covered

Y'all exchange stories, cuddle and hang out for a few hours, and your feelings of anxiety completely vanished

After your date, you left and headed back to your room

You had to use the bathroom, so Shuichi waited outside for you

But he had an overwhelming feeling something was wrong and entered your room

Everything was dark, and the first thing he noticed was that your rabbit was missing from its place on the bed

He walked forward to see if it had fallen off the other side of the bed, and that's where everything went to hell

The Bunny, transformed into a monster, stalked up behind him

The second Shuichi turned around, he quickly found himself on the bed, with the Bunny's claws wrapped around his throat

Shuichi's face was completely pale from fear, and he couldn't even form words

The Bunny's hands tightened and tightened around his throat, trying to break it

That was when you came back from the bathroom, and saw it

"What's going on?!"

Startled, the Bunny released Shuichi's throat and turned around, its bright red eyes wide

It moved out of the way as you approached Shuichi, gasping heavily

You helped him sit up before turning to the Bunny, dragging it away from the bed and angrily reprimanding it for its actions

The Bunny hung its head in shame, it's long ears flopping down

It apologized and told you why it did it

You explained that Shuichi would never harm you, and that it had no need to worry

It hesitated before nodding in understanding, and then it hugged you

Then it changed back into plush form and you picked it up

You explained the whole thing to Shuichi, who understood, and had an idea that the Bunny was sentient anyway

So the three of you left, and went to meet up with the others

And the Bunny did some bonding with your boyfriend

Rantaro Amami

"Hey, it's okay, (Name). Do you want me to go back and grab the Bunny for you?"

This time, you actually did ask him to go back for it, and he happily agreed

So he headed to your dorm, and the second he stepped inside, the Bunny lunged at him and pinned him to the ground

Rantaro couldn't even be afraid, he was just shocked

He could only stare into the Bunny's rage-filled eyes as it's clawed hands pressed onto his chest

You heard all the noise, being only halfway down the hallway, and rushed back to your room

You kicked the Bunny's shoulder and knocked it off, changing it back to a plush

You helped Rantaro off the ground before confronting the Bunny

It explained in its lifelike squeaks that it only wanted to protect you, and you defended Rantaro while assuring it that he would never harm you

The Bunny decided to take your word for it and swore to never harm him again

You told Rantaro about the whole thing, and he wasn't mad about it

He shook hands with the Bunny and you continued with your date, with the Bunny this time

Kokichi Oma

"Pfft, c'mon, (Name)! The Bunny will be fine spending a couple hours by itself. Now let's go prank some losers!"

After running around the academy causing trouble for the others, you forgot all about it

Kokichi always knew how to distract you

After a couple hours, you headed off to your respective rooms to take showers

Kokichi might have made a flirty comment about showering with you

Your Bunny plush was in the same spot as it was earlier and made you smile before getting ready to take a shower

Kokichi noticed his room door was cracked open and got suspicious

When he entered the room, the Bunny was right behind him, and grabbed him by the neck before tossing him at the bathroom wall

Which wasn't hard, cuz he's a small boi

You heard the noise and got distracted

The Bunny wasn't on your bed anymore

But you were still in the room, and you never heard the door open

WhOa teleportation

You didn't have time to ponder it though, as you rushed out the door to find Kokichi

And there he was, in a daze, slumped against the bathroom wall with the Bunny standing in the doorway

You tried to enter the bathroom, but the Bunny blocked you

"It's not safe."

The Bunny didn't trust someone who was the "Ultimate Supreme Leader"

Which engaged a conversation where the Bunny calmly expressed its worries and you angrily demanded it to move

After calming down, you assured it that Kokichi would never do anything to hurt you, and that he wouldn't lie about anything serious

Reluctantly, the Bunny nodded and moved aside

You helped up Kokichi, who was still recovering from bumping his head

He thought the whole thing was crazy at first, before quickly switching gears

"(Name), that's awesome! A plush that can change into a monster rabbit? That's sick! I bet the Bunny can take Gonta out!"

Kokichi wasn't too angry about it, but the Bunny was still skeptical about him

But then you guys finally took your showers and left

Your Bunny would eventually bond with Kokichi about weapons n stuff

Kaito Momota

"Hey, don't worry, (Name)! Your bunny is safe and sound in your room, and I'll be right here to protect you!"

The thought did help you, so you just continued with your date

In his lab, he showed you a cool virtual-reality of space

Put on the headset, it's like you're in space

It was one of the coolest things you've ever seen

Y'all also got some food and ate it in his lab

And then you spent some time cuddling

After that, Kaito went to your dorm to get the Bunny while you headed to the cafeteria

Upon opening the door, he received a good knocking to the face and falling to the floor

After recovering from the shock, he blindly threw a punch at the Bunny and stood up

The punch caught the Bunny off guard, making it turn back into a plush

Kaito grabbed the plush and left

He planned to just give the Bunny back to you without telling you what happened

But the bruise on his face wasn't fooling anyone

So he had to tell you what happened

You fretted over him, asking if he was ok and offering to patch him up

He insisted he was fine, but you didn't buy it

The first order of business, however, was handling the Bunny

It confessed that it didn't like Kaito and saw him as a bad influence

You told it that Kaito was dumb, but he was a sweet guy, and wouldn't dare hurt a fly

Unless it was Kokichi

The Bunny stood down and you took Kaito to take a closer look at his bruise

Gonta Gokuhara

"Don't be afraid, (Name)! Gonta will go back and get Bunny for (Name)!"

As much as you appreciate the offer, you refuse, trusting him

He gets blushy, but he's flattered

Then you guys get dressed and go on a nice date Gonta set up

It was fancy and gentlemanly, in true Gonta fashion

You went back to your rooms to change clothes, and after, you noticed your rabbit wasn't on the bed

Gonta was worried, and you were worried for a different reason

The first place you checked was Gonta's lab, where you came across something terrifying

There was the monster rabbit, gripping one of Gonta's tarantulas in its hand, while the butterflies were fluttering around anxiously

Right before your eyes, the rabbit tightened its grip and squished the arachnid in its hand

The Bunny opened its fingers and let the spider's squished, dripping corpse fall from its hand, smiling evilly

Then it noticed the two of you standing in the doorway, horrified

Gonta asked the butterflies what happened, while you had a few words with your rabbit

Apparently, the Bunny was trying to destroy all the gross and creepy bugs, knowing you hated them

Starting with the spiders, considering you hated them the most

But it didn't touch the butterflies, cuz they're your friends

You and Gonta exchanged explanations and came to an understanding

You asked the Bunny to leave the spiders alone, and Gonta asked the butterflies to not be angry with the rabbit

The Bunny apologized to the butterflies, to you, and to Gonta, and everything was fine

You guys spent the rest of your time chilling with the butterflies while Gonta buried the dead spider

Korekiyo Shinguji

Y'all didn't even go on the date yet

The Bunny was hellbent on getting revenge for Korekiyo trying to kill you

He was just trying to get ready for your date

After coming out of the shower, there it was

It lunged at him with its claws outstretched, aiming for his throat

It picked him up and pinned him against the wall, with a furious snarl

Its glowing red eyes pierced into his, and he was terrified

Korekiyo could immediately tell why the Bunny was doing this

He had completely forgotten about trying to kill you so many months earlier

And the Bunny had witnessed the whole thing

You guys were just going on a date in less than an hour

There was no way Korekiyo could tell you the truth

He was terrified of losing you, even though he wasn't like that anymore

So he kicked the Bunny in the stomach and forced it back, changing it back to a plush

After getting dressed, Korekiyo stiffly picked it up and knocked on your door

There you were, dressed up for your date

"Ahem. Hello, (Name). It appears your companion went on a bit of a journey."

"Where was it?"

"Er... In the hallway."

"Huh, I must've dropped it. Thank you, Korekiyo!"

"N-Not at all."

Korekiyo took you on a date to a museum

All the while, he was stressing out about what happened, and what would happen if you found out the truth

Ryoma Hoshi

"It'll be alright, my cat is keeping it company."

He challenged you to a game of tennis

You, having no athletic ability and no experience in tennis, lost every time

He didn't brag too much, knowing that he was pretty much destined to win

"Heh. Don't worry, you'll get 'em next time."

After the game, you guys headed back to the dorms, where you heard hissing and angry snarling from your room

There were your plushies, mutated into monsters, battling each other

You and Ryoma had no idea what to do

They were starting to bite too hard and rip their plush skin, so you had to break them up

You two sat opposite your plushies, repairing any tears they got from the fight

Then they had to explain themselves

Turns out, they didn't care for each other very much

Your Bunny was way overprotective of you and never had anything nice to say about Ryoma, which didn't sit well with the Cat

And today, they started arguing, which led to a fight

You and Ryoma exchanged a look

After that, you made the two apologize to each other and shake on it

They would eventually bond over being your personal bodyguards

But for now, you guys settled down and watched a movie with your plushies in your room

K1-B0/Kiibo

"Oh, is this what you call 'anxiety'? Is it because of your rabbit? Would you like me to go back and fetch it?"

He was trying, so you agree

So he strolls back to your dorm to retrieve the plush, which did not go well

The monster rabbit held a screwdriver and literally started to stab at the robot's body with it

Before pinning him down and preparing to dismantle him with its bare claws

Of course, being much stronger, Kiibo threw the rabbit off him, which turned it back into a plush

But not without escaping with a few, well, battle scars

He picked up the plush and headed back to you

You immediately noticed the holes in his body and a couple of loose nuts and bolts

You brought him to Miu, who, of course, demanded to know what the hell happened

You two looked at each other and just said that he had a fall

After repairing him, you guys decided to just stay in the rest of the night

You had a feeling that your rabbit was behind it, so Kiibo didn't need to explain much

Not that he could, because he needed to rest

Kaede Akamatsu

"Don't worry, (Name)! We can have fun without it!"

She took you to her lab and played her favorite songs on the piano to you while you rested on her shoulder

And she took requests from you and played whatever you wanted to hear

After the date, you two left to go grab some food

Kaede went back to get the Bunny, and suddenly found herself against the wall

The Bunny's hand was wrapped tightly around her throat, while the other one was placed on her chest, preparing to rip it open

After noticing her disappearance, you came back to see what the deal was

Startled, the Bunny dropped Kaede, who hit the floor hard on her butt

You scolded the Bunny for what it did, and it explained why it did it

It understood that what it did was wrong and reluctantly promised to not do it again

Kaede was a little freaked out, but agreed to just go with it

So the three of you went to go grab some lunch, and went back to chilling in the piano lab together

Maki Harukawa

"Ugh, it's just a stuffed animal. You'll be fine without it."

You guys just go to the cafeteria to get some food

At one point, she excused herself to check on her lab, which had been broken into

And there was the monster bunny, standing there, holding one of her weapons

The Bunny didn't like how she was keeping secrets from you

So it decided to find out for itself

And what it saw made it even more angry

Maki was horrified

There was no way she could tell you the truth about her talent

She rushed forward and tried to wrestle the weapon out of its hand, but to no avail

You noticed she was taking too long and went to investigate

And you saw all you needed to

Weapons, posters, just an overall negative environment

The Bunny rushed over to you and whispered to you what her talent was

You gave Maki a hurt look

She tried to approach you

"(Name)... I can explain."

You stepped away from her

"Explain what? That you lied to me? I told you the truth about my past, didn't I? Why couldn't you tell me the truth about you?"

She wanted to respond, but could only hang her head in shame

You just shook your head before running away

"(Name), wait!"

But you were already gone

The Bunny just turned and glared at her before following you

Maki fell to her knees in utter despair

She was afraid that if she told you, she would lose you

But she lost you because she didn't tell you

Ironic, isn't it?

She buried her face into her knees, letting her tears fall

Miu Iruma

"It's just a fuckin' stuffed animal, you'll be fine! Let's just go!"

She took you to her lab and showed you all her robot equipment and handed you the robo rabbit she made for earlier to make you feel better

Which helped a little bit

At one point, you needed to pee, so you left

While you were out, Miu made some adjustments to the robo rabbit to make it more fun to play with

Until out of nowhere, a hand picked up the robot and hurled it at the wall, smashing it into pieces

"What the fuck?!"

Shocked, Miu looked over to the wall, only to turn back when a hand slammed onto the table

There stood the monster bunny, glaring down at her while digging its claws into the table

Then it grabbed her by the throat and threw her at the wall behind her

The Bunny took one of the chainsaws from the ceiling and turned to Miu

Before it could turn it on, you came back

Startled, the Bunny spun around and accidentally chucked the chaisaw to the nearest wall

The Bunny really likes throwing things, huh-

You tried to approach Miu, but the Bunny held your shoulders and prevented you from passing it

It explained that it hated Miu and that she wasn't good for you

You defended her and asked it to give her a second chance

It agreed and let you pass by it to help Miu up

"What the fuck was that?!"

You explained everything, and though Miu was in doubt and thought the whole thing to be batshit crazy, she decided to just follow along with it

You sat down in one of the chairs and played with your bunny while Miu fixed up the robo rabbit and the chainsaw

Himiko Yumeno

"Oh, that's unfortunate. But don't worry, it'll only be an hour or two. Let's just go on our date, okay?"

You two went to her lab where she performed magic tricks for you

Even though she messed up a few times, you smiled and clapped for her anyway

After a little bit, you left to go grab some snacks

While she was putting away her supplies, her magic hat started to shake

And the Bunny's head poked out

Himiko was confused

"What are you doing there?"

The Bunny didn't answer

Its head started to change, and its face changed into a twisted expression

It slowly grew bigger and bigger, and it lifted its large feet to step out of the hat, now completely changed

Himiko could only look up in shock as the rabbit towered over her

It lifted its hand to attack, before it heard you coming and halted

When you came back in, Himiko was sitting on her knees, holding the plush in her hands

"Where'd the Bunny come from?"

Himiko debated on whether or not to tell you, before ultimately deciding not to

"Erm... I pulled it out of my hat. Thought it'd make you happy."

You smiled and took it from her hands, before kneeling down next to her and hugging her while thanking her

She smiled weakly and patted your arm

She had no idea how the rabbit changed forms like that, but she hoped it wouldn't happen again

Angie Yonaga

"Don't worry, (Name)! Atua will watch over your bunny, and over us as we go on our date! All will be well!"

She brought you to her lab and painted you

Not that she didn't have a thousand paintings of you anyway

But she was practicing a new style and wanted to know what you thought

And you loved it

She had a surprise for you, a sculpture she made of you

She asked you to step out for a moment while she went and got it

But then, she heard strange noises from the back room

When she opened the door to check, she saw some... interesting paintings

Some bloody claw-prints, some of you holding your bunny, there were even some of her with her head chopped off

They looked as if they were made by a first grader

But it wasn't; it was made by someone who didn't have fingers

Someone who only had soft nubs for hands

Angie felt a presence behind her, and turned to find the Bunny standing in the doorway

It stared at her for a long second, enough time for Angie to sketch what she was seeing on a nearby piece of paper

The Bunny was holding a paintbrush in its hand, the brush dipped in red paint, and pointed it at her

You were starting to wonder what was keeping her, so you went inside

The Bunny heard you and changed back before you could see it

But Angie showed you the sketch, and you had a talk with your bunny

It agreed to leave her alone, as long as she didn't act up

She finally showed you the sculpture, which you also loved

Then she turned the sketch of the Bunny's monster form into an actual painting

Even the Bunny had to admit, it was pretty good

You spent the rest of the time chilling and doing art

Kirumi Tojo

"Oh, I'm sorry. Would you like me to go back and get it?"

You thank her, but refuse

You go to the cafeteria and she makes some tea for the both of you

A very chill and relaxing date

She was washing the teacups while you went to the bathroom

After putting the cups away to dry, she heard footsteps approaching

Thinking it was you, she turned and gave you a warm smile, only to be met face to face with the Bunny, holding a butcher knife

For a moment, she was frozen with fear, just watching as the Bunny lifted the knife to her throat

Feeling desperate, she grabbed a nearby kitchen knife and plunged it into the rabbit's stomach, right in the crack splitting the heart

It fell back and changed back into a small plush

You came back to find Kirumi holding the plush, looking pale with fear

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

After calming her down, she explained everything to you, apologizing profusely for harming your rabbit

You told her it was fine, because it didn't actually harm the rabbit

She stitched it up for you to make it up to you

You made the Bunny apologize, though it was still bitter about being stabbed

You two just sat back down and she made more tea

Tenko Chabashira

"Hey, don't worry, (Name)! I'll be here to protect you from any degenerate males!"

Or if you're male:

"Hey, it'll be fine! I'll protect you from anyone who tries to touch you!"

You trusted her, so you didn't mind

She brought you to her lab, where showed off her aikido skills

Also had you practice on a few dummies, but you weren't very good-

She didn't make you feel bad about it though

"Hey, it's alright! I'll still be here to protect you! Maybe it's for the best anyway..."

After that, you two left to take showers and grab some food

Tenko's room door was open, which had her on high alert

When she entered the room, she heard the door close behind her

The moment she turned around, a punch was thrown at her

Tenko, with her fast reflexes, caught it

"Hey, what the he- Huh?!"

She was surprised to find the Bunny standing there, mutated into a monster

The Bunny yanked its hand out of her grip and threw another punch

This engaged a fight, where Tenko was mainly winning

But eventually, the Bunny managed to take her off guard, and had her below itself

You heard all the noise and came to investigate

The Bunny snapped its head towards you and quickly stepped away

You helped Tenko off the ground before having several words with your Bunny

You two came to understand each other, and the Bunny agreed to never hurt her again

Tenko agreed to hold back on her bias towards men, and everything was fine

Tenko had to admit, the Bunny was pretty good at fighting

So you and the Bunny watched as she practiced her aikido on the practice dummies

Then you finally take your showers and get some food

Tsumugi Shirogane

"Oh no! Want me to go get it for you?"

You thank her, but refuse

She was enough company for you

So you two went to her lab, where she showed you her cosplays and different characters

Which turned into her explaining the plots of several animes to you

After the date, you headed back to your room to get the Bunny

Who wasn't in its original spot

You left to go look around the school while she checked in her room

She heard the door close behind her, and was met with two glowing red eyes

As we know, she has a bit of an obsession with you

Or she's just really attached, depending on the setting

But the Bunny didn't like it

Tsumugi was supposed to meet up with you to look together, but she never came, so you went to the dorms to see what was up

The Bunny had her pinned to the floor with its hands wrapped around her throat

Though it let her go upon seeing you

Despite being freaked out, Tsumugi gave you a sheepish smile

"Heh heh... I found the Bunny!"

You gave the Bunny a scolding and it explained that it was only worried about you

In a normal setting, you just defend Tsumugi and assure the Bunny that you would be fine, and the Bunny agrees to stand down

In the killing game setting, you realize that the Bunny might have been right

You whisper to it to stand down for now, but if Tsumugi did do something, it was allowed to step back in

The Bunny really didn't want to just leave it alone, but it agreed anyway

After that, the three of you left to find something to eat, and that was the end of it

For now at least

134 notes · View notes

the-volume-is-astronomical · 3 years ago

Text

The Crown, The Sword, and The Gay

Meant To Be Good News

A/N: ... heyyyyy- its been a bit. I got rapped up in exams and i felt like being productive today so u get a chapterrrr and i wrote another one so u have about two chapters guaranteed ill try to be more consistent lol (also long chapter as compensation)

(also let me know if you wanna be added to the taglist!)

First | Previous| Next

words: 2286

summary: Virgil doesn't want to deal with this mess but he was sent to deliver a message so, theres not much he can do

pairings: eventual prinxiety, eventual intrulogical, eventual moceit, Remile

warnings: some potty language (not much), stress, anxiety, negative self talk, food mention, worried for a characters safety

(let me know if there's any other)

They went up the steps in silence.

As they entered through the door, Roman grabbed the basket that was abandoned during the argument. He left it on a table near the entrance, he headed towards the corner with shelves, grabbed a brown book, nothing interesting in the cover, just a plain brown book and headed towards the window seat to read.

Virgil was struggling to decide if he should try to speak or not, he absolutely despised small talk but if he didn't talk he didn't want it to get awkward. He looked over to Roman because if he did decide to talk to the prince, what in the hell would he even talk about?! Virgil saw the royal glance up from his book to look at the small table near all the shelves that had a single red book, it was simple like the one he was holding, it just had a title, yet it caused more intrigue than the other.

When Virgil took a good look at Roman he looked somehow defeated, like he had lost- no, given up on a 100 year long fight. The monarch glanced once more at the table with the red book, this time however, he caught a glimpse of the stormy knight, “ You should sit down, the trip back alone takes a few hours, it's gonna be some time before you get to go back.” Virgil looked up at the prince who had resumed his reading, “Uh… yeah” he took a seat near the desk Roman kept glancing at.

Virgil decided to take a glance at the book. It seemed to be a fictional adventure book...seems interesting. Roman looked at the table again and spotted the tall knight carefully opening the book. “It’s an adventure book. Just a fairytale.” Roman’s voice seemed to startle Virgil as he immediately slammed the book shut.

“Y-yeah sorry, I didn't mean to open it without permission, that was so rude of me and-” Roman stopped him mid rant “It's alright, you can read it. One of my personal favorite books.” The prince smiled at him to show he didn't mind “I’m not much of a reader. I just uh… got curious, I guess?” Virgil didn't seem sure of his answer. “Well, I can give you a small summary! If you’d like me to, of course.” Roman backtracked pretty quickly, snide comments about how excited he got over meaningless things forcing themselves into his head. But Virgil’s “Sure, Why not?” Made him a little less apprehensive.

“Ok! So, the story is focused on this boy named Aaron. He is a poor farm boy living with his family in a village that was overthrown by the guards, they became corrupted and betrayed the royal family and took control for themselves.” Virgil just nodded along.

”They treated the least wealthy of the kingdom the worst, they didn't have money to bribe them with so to them they were useless, it got to the point where they were becoming the robbers, they would never steal from people with money because they were cruel people. Aaron and his father wanted to make a change but his mother didn't want them to, she wanted to play it safe and just gather enough money to leave for a better place.”

Roman rambling about the story not realizing how little of a summary it actually was since he definitely wasn't being concise, “I agree with the mom. Her plan sounds safe and effective.” Virgil didn't really mind, at least he wasn't going to be bored while he waited, “Maybe so! But where's the fun in that, dear knight?” Roman didn't really get the knights perspective “May not be fun but at least they'll get outta there without a problem” Virgil thought he was in the right and that the main character would make stupid reckless decisions for the drama and suspense.

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

“Aha! They went back to the mom’s plan anyway! There was literally no need to try and do all that heroic shit.” Virgil was now fully invested in the story, he probably wouldn't have been if Roman wasn’t such a good storyteller.

“Well yeah... But it was worth it! If they didn't try they would have never known the outcome of that situation.” Roman was happy the knight seemed invested, he was mostly happy because he finally got to discuss the book with someone, and that someone had very different opinions than himself.

There was a knock on the door.

They both looked at each other, It didn't feel like they had been talking for that long. So, who in the hell was at the door?

Virgil stood up, hand fidgeting with the hilt of his sword. Roman stood as well, they both walked towards the door. Virgil opened the door, only to find Ruth on the other end of the door. “Oh, it's the lady from earlier.” Virgil turned to Roman as he let her in.

“Nurse, how did you get back so quickly?” Roman spoke up. “I wouldn't say it was that quick, it's been a few hours. But we found someone along the way so that did speed up the process.” Ruth talked as she noticed the untouched basket and started nearing it.

Roman and Virgil on the other hand looked at each other with confusion. It didn't feel like they had been talking for more than half an hour. “I'm sorry, I must have been talking your ear off.” The royal felt a need to apologize, “Hey, at least you made the wait entertaining.” the knight did not deem it necessary.

Ruth turned and glared at Roman. “So, you haven't eaten?” Roman glanced at the untouched basket and cursed under his breath, he completely forgot. “ Well…” Ruth was not having it “You brat.” She walked behind him and started pushing him towards the table.

“I had an excuse!” Ruth stopped pushing him “And what is it?” Roman turned to meet her eye and said, “I get nauseous when I eat too early.” Ruth looked unimpressed “I'm fully aware Roman. But it's almost noon.” Roman’s brain scrambled for another excuse “I was reading and I lost track of time.” She was still very much unimpressed. “As long as it wasn't the book you always read, fine by me”

As Roman’s nurse made sure Roman ate she noticed Virgil standing a few feet behind them. “I wasn't able to introduce myself earlier. I am Ruth, the brat’s nurse.” She extended her hand with a smile. Virgil shook her hand while he chuckled, which was interrupted by Roman’s overdramatic offended noises. “Nurse! You’re making him think I'll be a nightmare to care for!”

Ruth turned to him “Was I supposed to lie to him and tell him you’re a delight? My apologies, sire” Roman put a hand on his chest and gasped. “Now I understand why Trent called you a witch!” Ruth laughed, “You’re just basically proving my point.” Roman could only grumble and go back to eating.

Ruth took a look around the tower and spotted the red book on a table. “I see you've decided to become a liar huh?” Roman turned to her “Whatever do you mean?” She walked towards the table and picked up the book “Seems like someone was reading the same book they always read, I don't understand why they read it if they've memorized the whole book!” Roman knew Ruth was only joking but he didn't appreciate being called a liar “I wasn't reading it this time it was just out in the open! You can ask him!”

Roman pointed at Virgil, Ruth just looked at Virgil expecting an answer, “He wasn't reading that book, he was reading the one by the window” it wasn't a lie. “You better not be covering for that devil.” Virgil noticed there wasn't any malice behind her voice, her words portrayed something different. “Are you accusing me of being a liar? I thought that was reserved for the prince.” Ruth started laughing “Hey! You’re supposed to be on my side!” Virgil just chuckled.

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

Roman’s nurse sat next to the window, looking out worriedly. Roman knew his nurse fairly well, “Has Remy not gotten back yet?” Ruth sighed and turned “My son and his tardiness again”.

Roman went over to his nurse, giving her a hug “I’m sure he’s just a little late..” Ruth tried to smile at Roman “I know Roman. I'm just a worried old hag.” Roman rolled his eyes and sat by the window

Ruth looked out the window one last time and took a deep breath. “Well I have to get going so we get there some time before sunrise” Roman stood up to say a proper goodbye to his nurse. “See you in a few days…” Roman really didn’t want to let go but he didn't have much of a choice.

Ruth started packing what she had brought in silence, once she neared the door she spoke “Roman, his and her majesty will have to be informed about this incident..” Roman was obviously not content because this would surely somehow be put partially on him. “Yes, I understand.” Ruth smiled sympathetically and turned to the storm eyed knight only a few feet away.

“Virgil, you’ll have to stay with Roman for a while longer. Commander Arlott sure didn't expect the need to find a replacement for Trent and truly not a day after being stationed here.” Virgil just nodded, he understood the circumstances and was glad to be able to witness such a sight. “The Commander insisted it would take quite some time to take someone off their post, he insisted he wasn't worried.” Ruth opened the door ready to leave, while Virgil was just trying for the pressure to not get to him.

Ruth said her final goodbyes and exited the tower.

Virgil then turned to the Royal, who went back to the same spot he had been before Ruth arrived, and just stared out the window as his nurse left.

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

As Roman sat near the big window just looking out he started wondering why Virgil had even come here in the first place. He vaguely remembered Trent mentioning him being a messenger but that could just be some Knightly insult he was unaware of. So… he asked “Virgil, if you don't mind me asking...why exactly did you come here?” Virgil looked alarmed for a second as he had just zoned out for about 20 minutes “Commander Arlott, wanted me to deliver a message to Trent” Roman just responded with a simple “Oh” and resumed his staring out the window.

“So… how did the book end?” Virgil felt a little embarrassed to interrupt the silence to ask but he got extremely invested, to the point that if the Prince refused to share the information he might just read it himself. Roman just laughed, he knew how intriguing the book was “Well… In the middle of the mother’s plan being in motion they actually got word of a rebel group that had been inspired by their attempts to take the crown back.” Virgil sat down right across from the Royal nodding for him to go on.

Roman continued speaking but he kept getting distracted by a tapping sound. At first it was nothing, but then it got so prominent he couldn't ignore it anymore. Mid-rant he stopped himself and started looking around to see where the sound could possibly be coming from.

Virgil was confused as to why the heir had stopped speaking but then he started to hear taps. They didn’t sound like just a regular forest sound and they would surely not hear minuscule noises from such a height.

“Dear knight, are you hearing that?” Virgil nodded and stood up to see what could possibly be causing the ticks, Roman stood right along with him and then suddenly pointed towards the balcony doors. “Virgil, it's coming from the balcony.”

Virgil stopped to listen carefully “Yeah, but what's causing it?” They then saw a little pebble hit the glass doors of the balcony and make the tapping they had been hearing.

Roman went to the balcony with no hesitation and opened the doors.

Virgil started having his thoughts race a mile a minute, what if this was to lure the prince out to assassinate him? If the prince died on his watch he would be hung no doubt.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, he moved forward to follow the prince. He then quickly realized the prince was leaning over the balcony having a casual conversation with his possible murderer.

“Remy, what are you doing here? Ruth is going to kill you if you don't get there by sunrise!” Roman screamed down to the man in a black cape with dark tinted glasses covering his eyes. “Well yeah! But I had to make a stop here! I have something for you!” That made Roman start jumping with anticipation as to what Remy could have brought him from his trip

“What is it Rem? Is it something fancy? Is it food? Is it a book?” Though his eyes couldn't be spotted, not only because of his glasses but due to the height, it was very apparent he rolled his eyes. “No! It's a letter.” That got Roman even more excited. Could it actually be him? Roman haven't received anything but it could actually be! Finally some good news!

“Who’s it from?!” Remy looked down at the letter as if inspecting it “I don't know.” That caused Roman’s excitement to dull immensely. He would have surely marked it. There’s still a chance it could be him, right? Roman’s anticipation quickly turned into more of an anxious feeling.

taglist:

@meowthefluffy

@shade-romeo

@pattonsmile

@sevencreepycatsinacoat

@mychemically-imbalanced-romance

@innerpostturtle

@queenof-hell

@joyrose-fandomer

@vpow

#prinxiety #remile #ts roman #roman sanders #ts virgil #virgil sanders #roman angst #prinxiety fic #platonic remy n roman

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azurevi · 4 years ago

Text

on land where we can touch the moon (2/?)

PART 1 PART 3

A quick note- this is pretty messy. I'm planning as I write, so there'll be information scattered across the words, and it may be overwhelming...kinda. I have added a little note about what happened in this chapter in the end. This series is also up on ao3.

There is, naturally, a reason Azul was stuck with the name 'The Sea Merchant'.

It wasn't a bad name, and there was no hint of degradation in it. It just wasn't particularly suiting. Azul wasn't a merchant. He wasn't even a shopkeeper. He was just invested in a little magic, and this hobby of his got leaked out somehow.

His magic was certainly something. It's A Deal allowed him to confiscate another person's valued quality in exchange for their wish. Anything could come to life as long as the deal was equal.

Only the drunk and people in desperate need of help ever went to him for help. After Azul had started mastering his magic, he reckoned that it hadn't been used to its full potential. If the person on the other side of the deal failed to meet the requirement, Azul could take even more from them without suffering any loss.

And so he sugarcoated and exaggerated his words, put up the most professional smile he could manage. For a few weeks all was well. He'd gained himself a melodious voice, splendid flexibility and a ton of unique magics, but nothing great ever lasted. He was soon exposed as a scammer and his notoriety was whispered among the streets, passed on and on until every family warned their kids not to ever run into him. And Azul, with his fame and prosperity wilting under the gossip and points of fingers, was forced into giving up his success.

He had been in hiding ever since.

He could never understand how something as atrocious could happen to him. If it hadn't been for the sneers and isolation in the entirety of his childhood, he wouldn't have grown up hating everything and everyone around him that called him ugly, unwanted, repulsive. It should've justified his desire for revenge.

Instead, God decided that his suffering was not anywhere close to enough and kicked him down the cliff where he was crying for help.

That being said, Azul was grateful to have Jade and Leech sticking around after everything. The two of them were also unpopular among others, so they eventually got close as a tight-knitted trio.

"No you didn't," Jade said firmly.

"I did, Jade. I did," Azul sighed, "They were dying, Jade, I couldn't just let them die,"

"Well, you should've."

"Don't be so uptight. Azul was doing the right thing, wasn't he?" Floyd winked. "So. Were they good-looking?"

"What?"

"The human. You must've saved them for a reason,"

Azul hated how Floyd's words implied that he would never do good unless there was something in it for him, but one could never lie in the face of truth.

"I just didn't want to let them die. It was their birthday,"

"What does that have to do with everything?" Jade asked. "You went above the water. You saved a human. You were almost caught. You could've died up there, you know. How did you even manage to breathe?"

"I just… did." Azul said, twirling his tentacles in nervousness. Jade was entirely disapproving of his actions, while Floyd on the contrary seemed to be mildly intrigued.

Everything still felt like a fever dream. All the fireworks and cheering and explosion were still vividly scorched into his mind as if they'd been put on repeat. The splendid colors, light giggles and-

And those beautiful eyes of yours. The way your hair flowed in the night sky with ease, how you laughed like tomorrow was promised and your life had been planned out before you, a clear and untainted path to success. Azul couldn't decide on whether he was jealous or amazed.

"Well, you better hope they didn't really see you, or that they forgot about it. If the humans come down here to hunt us down-" Jade couldn't even bear to finish the imagination. He simply shook his head in dismay.

"I swear I saw someone! I couldn't have just been washed ashore!"

"Apparently, you were," Jack said, stroding with large steps that had you panting to keep up. "Near-death experiences do things to our mind, your majesty,"

"That may be the case for others, but I'm sure I was conscious," you retorted. "I woke up to a pair of pale, azure eyes, then in a blink they were behind the rock. If it hadn't been for you-"

"I apologize for worrying about you, your majesty."

You bit your tongue. Fighting with Jack always ended with him being passive-aggressive and you stepping back reluctantly. Plus he was as stern as a rock. Almost nothing could move his belief.

Shouting and grunting could be heard from inside the medical room where Ace, Deuce and Grim were being tended to.

Jack flung open the door, and the three stumbled to get into the blankets and put on a excruciated expression.

"I see you're all healed up," Jack said. Ace hummed lowly and slapped his forehead with the back of his hand.

"I'm at death's door, commander. It pains me to say this, but I might need to take more days off,"

Jack was quiet for a while, and you could almost see a drop of sweat sliding down Ace's forehead.

"And you, Deuce?" Jack challenged.

"I'm traumatized,"

"And Grim?"

You arched your brow, at which he shivered in fear. "I- I'm feeling fine already,"

"So it's just Ace and Deuce, right?" Jack said. Ace and Deuce nodded their heads so hard they could fall off.

"Alright. Your health is of utmost importance to us, so I'll contact the Raven Healer…"

"The what?!" Deuce's voice croaked.

"The Raven Healer. Surely you've heard of him. He's best known for being able to treat any diseases, both mentally and physically,"

You were sure there were sweats rolling down Ace's cheeks now. "But- but doesn't he heal by using bizzare mediciness…?"

"Oh yes. His magic is what makes him such an infallible doctor. You two seem to be in a lot of pain. I'm sure he'll free you of your suffering."

You turned sharply towards the door and stifled a laughter.

"That's… not very necessary…" Deuce's voice faltered word by word. He was fully aware that he'd already lost. "You know what, commander? I think I can dive back into work right this instant!"

Jack smirked smugly. "Splendid. And you, Ace?"

The two of them stared at each other so intensely there seemed to be sparkles between them. Finally, Ace gave in. "I'll start work tomorrow,"

They didn't even wait for Jack to walk completely out of the door to whine. They looked fully healthy, even more energized than you.

"Anyways, did you find your saviour?"

You sighed. Ace and Deuce were still skeptical about your 'story', which you'd corrected to 'experience', but at least they were open-minded.

"No clues. I've had guards patrolling about every two hours. Nothing has yet to happen,"

They eyed each other uneasily, then back at you with a worried face. Before they could make assumptions, you defended yourself. "No, I'm not sick. My head's not concussed,"

"Well," Grim scurried to your lap. "Perhaps your saviour doesn't wish to be found?"

That'd be unwanted. You would wish for anything but to create troubles for your lifesaver. Nonetheless, you knew you wouldn't be able to sleep without sending your gratitude.

Alright, there might be a selfish motif. You were admittedly curious about those light, pensive eyes and silvery, gleaming hair under sunlight. All these unknown were like a gravity pool, pulling you deeper and deeper into the mystery.

"Well, you ought not to lose hope," Ace patted your shoulder casually, like you weren't the princette of the kingdom he was serving for. "Maybe you'll actually run into him. Fate has a weird habit for setting unexpected traps."

It wasn't so much love as a tender curiosity, but the line segregating them was so flimsy that one's got to mix them up at some point.

Azul found himself in such a dilemma. He couldn't decide whether it was attraction or nosiness that he was feeling. Either way, it's got him hooked like a drug. Something beautiful had finally entered his life like light piercing through a thick fog of ink, and it was possessive. Azul had a feeling that it wouldn't go away until it had drained him of his mind.

The door to his room was thrown open and Azul had to hide the peeled petals and green stem in a jumble. He had been chanting 'they love me, they love me not' for the past hour. To his luck, Jade and Leech didn't seem to have noticed his haste expression. They were both panting when they swam inside.

"What's wrong?" Azul's first instinct was that something had gone south.

"There-" Floyd wheezed. "There's a sta-"

"There's a fallen statue in the Coral Maze," Jade finished the sentence. "People are fussing over it,"

"Okay," Azul eased back into his bed. He'd already lost interest at 'Coral Maze'. It was at the centre of where the majority of sea creatures inhabited. Nothing could make him go anywhere near civilization and its hubristic aesthetic again.

Or so he thought.

"No- you don't get it. It's a statue of a human that sank along with wreckages of a big ship, and it's made of gold,"

A statue made of gold.

He recalled it now. It was supposed to be your birthday present. The consternation of what followed the present revelation had been so intense that it'd washed the memory of the statue out.

"We just thought that it could be the statue you mentioned in your story, you know? It looked really grand…" Floyd sighed.

Azul wanted to get up and swim over right there, right then, but he knew he couldn't. What would others say to him the moment they saw the shadows of their tentacles crawling on their pure and oh-so royal ground? What accusations would they throw his way? How many children will be led away from him like he was some man-eating, brutal abomination?

Not to mention the unforgiving rage he'd evoked in trying to scam them in the past. Dishonesty was highly criticised in their high-class society. It was as if they were saints that had never done one thing wrong. Bet they'd never even stayed up past midnight.

"You ought to come take a look!" Floyd suggested. A casual, friendly proposal.

"No," Azul snapped. "No, no. I'm not going there,"

"They're planning to use the gold," Jade said. "You know how they are. They see one thing from the ground and start screeching in pain,"

They were going to use your statue. The statue that was perhaps the only thing that was related to you, the one way to never have to forget about you again in case that you never met again.

And to imagine the effect it'd add to his collections! A big gold statue in the centre of his grotto, accentuated by the sparkling of other jewelries. It'd be complete.

"I'll sit on it," Azul decided. He was not to act rashly, lest he walked one step wrong and brought upon himself misery and misfortune. If he really was to pay a visit, he would act in secret. Perhaps in the veil of the night.

"Just don't act alone, okay?" Jade said. Azul nodded despite not paying any mind to him.

In the dead of the night Azul decided to sneak out. Alone. It was a mistake, really. Azul couldn't stop thinking about your statue, and by the time he realized how absurd it was, he'd already gone to the Coral Maze.

There was nary a shadow except his own. Still, it was much lighter than where he lived even at night. The distorted image of the moon waved from above as Azul made his way through the many identical corals. Then he finally found your majestic statue standing solemnly in the centre. The only beauty in the water.

It was a sight for sore eyes. White, pure light reflected off the gold and created streams of gleams onto the ground. That someone would ever find it to be disgraceful was incomprehensible to Azul. Something like this deserved to be put on display in the museum for all to see.

There was no radiance on your face and no splendid colors in your eyes. It was merely a fraction of what you were. Nonetheless, it was enough for Azul.

"Who's roaming there?" an alerted voice asked. When Azul turned, he saw a silhouette looming from outside the Coral Maze, holding two anglerfishes in hands and waving them in the water.

Panic was the only thing Azul felt as he hid behind the statue, struggling to keep his tentacles out of sight. The light stayed right in front of him for a while before skimming away.

Azul grabbed the statue and swam, pushing his tentacles through the water as hard as he could.

"Wait there- oh goodness!"

There were several voices now, mumbling and inquiring. Then light was casted upon his flitting figure and there were bemused gasps before someone yelled, "Seize him!"

Azul was out of breath. He wished he excelled in fitness but instead he was stuck with incongruous tentacles that would never cooperate at the most needed times.

A hand grasped the end of his tentacle but slipped off. He kept the statue tight in his arms, as if his life depended on it. He could tell that they were near now, and was trying very hard not to imagine the gruesome outcomes.

Someone grabbed his tentacles. He faltered and was pulled back despite protests.

"Keep him in place!" another person yelled as the crowd moved to keep Azul fenced in.

Azul couldn't see anything. Everything was a poor mixture of shadow and distaste and sneers. He was probably going to die right there.

"I can't believe you have the guts to come back, Ashengrotto. After all the things you've done!" someone spoke up.

"Yeah! How shameless of you!”

"And he's stealing our properties now! Imagine how desperate he is,"

"You guys don't even want it!" Azul said.

Some guy lurched forward. Azul cowered backwards.

"It's disgusting, yes, but it's still gold." he said as if it was a completely just thing to do. "It landed on our ground, so it belongs to us. On the contrary, you don't have the rights to lay your filthy hands on it. What more do you want to steal from us?"

"I'm taking this because none of you understand the beauty of it!"

This evoked a negative reaction from the crowd, but words could never be taken back. Azul could feel his heart pounding like a prisoner hellbent on escaping. He had to escape. No more of this degrading gazes. No more of the points of fingers.

"Beauty?" the guy scoffed, and for a moment his face scrunched up and he was ready to spit out rage, but then it softened into a smug smirk. "I guess only ugly understands ugly, huh?"

Azul's head throbbed.

"It doesn't justify your actions, ink-blasting thief. Hand that piece of trash over right- uff!"

He was flung deep into the water until he disappeared into nothing but a black dot. People around Azul immediately made way as they fled in screams and wails. His tentacle was still tingling with the impact, but he couldn't quite feel it. Even if he did, he couldn't care less as he skyrocketed to the surface of the water. He blinked and blinked, but his eyes were still blurred by what would be mixed into the seawater eventually.

He'd had enough. Heard enough, seen enough. If he'd spent one more second down there he would have suffocated to death.

The familiar freshness of air welcomed him the moment he broke through the water's persistence. The land wasn't far ahead. He swam towards it as if it was his sanctuary.

There was a man sitting on the rock, face hidden under the hood. Azul considered retreating. He had no idea what would happen to him if he was spotted, but nothing better would happen if he were to go back. So he continued swimming and crawled onto the cool soft sand, only letting his head be seen by the man as he hid behind yet another rock where he placed the much valued statue.

He seemed to be asleep, chest heaving up and down at a steady pace. Just as Azul started sliding out, the man raised his head and looked straight at Azul.

They were a pair of humming, white circles, seemingly void of any sentiments. The man had a mask on that shielded his face except for his tightly shut lips. Two crows were staring right at him with the same uncanny manner.

"You've finally arrived," the man said.

Probably the humans had been searching for him. Azul decided to keep his mouth shut.

"I've been hearing your calls…" he tilted his head. "You can come out. I know what you are,"

Azul still hesitated. But he was much closer to the ocean than to the guy, so he slowly let his tentacles into light.

The man remained calm, not a bit taken back by the revelation.

"Well, I've been hearing your calls…" he resumed.

"I never called out to any humans,"

"Not literally. But you have been calling out a lot," he smiled amiably. "You have to know that it's especially hard for me to hear from creatures undersea, so if your wishes managed to reach me, it means you're pretty desperate,"

"I think you have the wrong person," Azul said and started retreating.

The guy sprang up and his crows curled up together beside him. "Wait- I should introduce myself first. I'm the Raven Healer,"

Azul pondered for a while. "That doesn't explain anything except for the crows,"

"You lots haven't heard of me?" he frowned so deep that his brows and eyes were a cluster. "You guys are really secluded,"

That was when Azul finally realized that he knew about them. About all the lives and creatures that inhabited the deep sea.

"And I mean no harm to your realm. My only target is you," he smiled again, this time at an ominous angle.

"Well, I'm quite famous in this realm. I heal people for a living, whether it be physical or emotional needs. Anything you need, I can grant you,"

That's not very different from Azul's magic.

"Sometimes, when someone is really desperate for a change, their thoughts can be heard by my crows. And you, Azul Ashengrotto…" his smile dropped a bit and his eyes drooped. "is particularly distressed,"

"Alright. It was nice meeting you," Azul nodded respectfully. The man didn't seem to be harmful. If he fled right now, he could probably throw him off.

The Raven Healer stilled, then burst into piles of blatant laughter. "No, no. I've been looking for you, don't you get it? I'm here to grant your wish!"

I'm here to grant your wish. Like how Azul'd promoted his business as the Sea Merchant.

"I understand that you've been suffering quite a lot, and that you want a change. But nothing ever comes without a cost… I'm sure you can understand,"

The healer stood up, the material of his greatcoat fluttering in the wind. He made his way freely to Azul, who could only freeze up as he inspected the statue with great interest.

"The heir to the throne! I see why you're desperate now. They're a real catch," the healer then looked down at the outstretched tentacles without a word. Azul prayed in his mind that he would turn away from them.

"Well, here are my terms. I will grant you a pair of legs in exchange for your magic,"

Wait, what?

Azul was pretty sure the Raven Healer was just imitating him now. A great figure appearing out of the blue to answer your hopes. The catch was that the figure would always take away your most important thing. It was never a fair deal, Azul was aware.

"I don't think you need my magic," Azul breathed.

"Why, I do!" he exclaimed. "Collecting magic is a splendid hobby of mine! It is because of all these magic that I am such a renowned magician,"

He was obviously lying. His smile couldn't reach his eyes, and the orbs where his eyes were supposed to be were humming like a hazard label.

"I think I'll be just fine," Azul hurriedly brought the statue to his chest and started sliding away.

"...How are you going to survive?"

"What?" Azul swiveled, exhausted.

"Up here. With your…" the healer wiggled his fingers.

"I'll find a way,"

"No you won't," the healer protested. Azul looked up to the sky, took a deep breath and decided to entertain him.

"Why so?"

"You're gonna cause ruckus. Chaos. People are not especially used to seeing half-man half-octopuses roaming their land," he said honestly.

Despite knowing all this, Azul still considered his word rude. There was a thin line between blunt and disrespectful, and he'd just crossed it.

"There won't be anyone dealing with you, will there?"

"...I suppose not-"

"Exactly! I am your only hope!" he exclaimed once again, throwing his hands up in the air like a dramatist. "Unless you want to go back?"

Azul glanced at the serene water. He knew that down there, the mermaids and mermen must be panicking over what'd just happened.

"You can't hold onto that statue forever. If you really wish to stay here-"

"I just came, Mr. Healer. I'm not going to stay,"

"Yet. Come on now," he groaned, as if he was the one exasperated. "I know you want it. You need it. So what are you waiting for? You're never going to see all the beauties in this world in this state!"

He was right. Agonizingly right. He couldn't just walk around as an octopus. It would be like a stain on a quaint painting. Moreover, now that he was here, he couldn't just give up the chance to find you again. It's not like the ocean would welcome him anyways.

As if hearing his thoughts, the Raven Healer reached his hand out, "Deal? Your magic for a pair of legs. It's a fantastic trade if you think about it,"

One second. Two second. Azul didn't wait until the third to act on it. The moment their skin touched, Azul felt a stream of warmth coursing through him, rushing to his throat, where he choked up a luminous blue orb. It was within the healer's fingers within seconds.

"And your legs," he rummaged inside his pocket. There seemed to be numerous tiny objects inside as he dug around. Finally, he pulled up a thumb-size bottle and handed it to Azul.

He downed the slimy liquid inside under the healer's encouraging nods, and almost gagged at the sensation. "Guh! What the hell is-"

His tentacles started glowing a bright yellow, bright enough to attract people in this dead of the night. They started to shrink until they completely disappeared, and a pair of human legs replaced them.

He couldn't believe his eyes as he stretched around and surveyed the changes on his body. It took him quite some time to adjust to it, but he was surprisingly good at it. The fabric of the pants that came with the gift fluttered against his 'flesh' like a mother's caress. He felt normal, for once. Not some ugly monster that preyed on innocent kids. Not a marginalized criminal. Not even a wicked fraud. He was just a human wanting to explore the world.

"Three days," the Raven Healer said.

"What?" Azul was too joyous to pay real mind.

"If you can't find the most beautiful thing after three days, you will dissolve into sea bubbles,"

Azul stilled as he comprehended his words, then he started to chant no in his mind. He'd fallen for his trap.

"You didn't mention it at all!" Azul yelled. "Refund! You're scamming me!"

"The pot's calling the kettle black now. How comical," the healer giggled. Azul's heart dropped to the bottom.

"Consider this your own medicine. It's not like you're completely at loss over here!"

"Wait!" Azul reached out to grasp his fainting figure, which had become an opaque vision.

"We shall reunite in three days. Until then, enjoy."

All that was left was the crashing of the waves and songs of the crickets. Bathed in the glow of the moon, Azul finally came to the conclusion that he'd fucked up.

Life never stopped to give him a break. There were haste footsteps nearing from behind. Azul instinctively retracted his tentacles, but forgot about their absence and tripped instead.

"Yikes! That was a nasty fall. Are you okay?"

Looking up, two formally looking men were standing above him, one with crimson hair and another navy. There was a sword attached to each of their sides.

"Yeah. I-I'm fine," Azul cleared his throat and stood up.

"Are you homeless?" The redhead asked and was immediately hit by his companion.

"You can't go around asking people whether they are homeless!" he scolded, then turned to Azul brightly. "You must be in search of shelter! Please follow us!"

"That isn't any better,"

"Shut up," the blue-haired snapped with the same polite smile. "Come on, Mr…?"

"A-Azul. Azul Ashengrotto,"

"Yes, Mr. Ashengrotto. We can't have you catching a cold out here,"

Despite his friendly facade, Azul could see underlying motives lurking beneath. But clueless that he was, he didn't have a choice but to follow suit towards the castle-like building in the far distance.

"Your majesty will be pleased to see you," the redhead murmured, but Azul couldn't quite catch that.

"What was that?" he asked.

"It's nothing," was all that he received. "Just that you'll surely love the place."

Conclusion : Azul had once gone around scamming others with his unique magic but was busted and had been further criticised since. The Raven Healer is obviously Crowley, and his magic will be further explained in next chapter.

#twst x reader #azul ashengrotto x reader #twst headcanons #octavinelle #azul ashengrotto #sie writes

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lombredanslaeu · 5 years ago

Text

someone that loves you | lee taeyong

▸ taeyong x antagonist! reader

▸ summary: everyone always gushes about the protagonist - the goody two shoes, i-deserve-all-the-happiness girl. you never had a problem with people getting their happy endings, anyway. but lee taeyong won’t be the rescuing you in a shiny, white horse; you are also not his damsel-in-distress. you are the protagonist in their love story.; word count 4,352

▸ angst, fluff.

this isn’t proofread so i apologize for any mistakes! enjoy <3

You’ve known Lee Taeyong all your life; from being lunchbox friends in elementary school to being party buddies in college. You weren’t the best of friends but you did share the same closest circle of friends in college. You both watched each other grow up, but you weren’t the type of friends to gush about their love life with. In fact, the two of you could only hold a proper conversation if it’s in one of Jaehyun’s parties. Nevertheless, you always found him attractive. He was the hot, cool junior who is currently majoring in music. He has girls trailing behind him; one of those heartthrob male protagonist in a movie or a book. You had the advantage of being in his inner circle - which means you are one step further than the girls chasing after him. You aren’t so bad yourself - you’re quite popular, your hair was always in check, you liked girly clothing. Everyone in your department kisses your ass, if you’re being honest, and you could have anyone wrapped around your finger. Everyone except Taeyong.

“What lipstick should I wear for today?” Your friend, Yeri, asked you while holding two lipstick tubes near her lips.

“This one looks great with the university atmosphere,” you replied, poiting to the one on her left. “The other one would look great on parties and dates.”

“Ugh, you are so great at choosing lip colors.” She complimented. “Speaking of parties, you’re still up for Friday night at Jaehyun’s?”

“Of course!” You exclaimed. “He always hosts the greatest parties.”

“Right?” Joy spoke in agreement. “Besides, that might be the night you finally get it with Taeyong.”

“Oh please,” Yeri interjected. “You know Y/N doesn’t hook up on the first night.”

“I’m the complete opposite of what those bitches at the online forum say about me!” You added.

“You don’t have to listen to those forums, Y/N,” Joy said. You sighed and got back to eating your lunch. Joy and Yeri are two of your closest friends. You met during the first day of your freshman year. You only knew Taeyong as you both came from the same high school, but he looked like he already had friends; that led you to no choice but to talk with the girl beside you during chemistry. It wasn’t long until you started to hang out with Taeyong’s circle of friends. The night of Jaehyun’s party came. It was the same, old thing with Lucas being extra loud than his normal self, and it was either Johnny or Xiaojun in charge of the music. Except today, two unfamiliar faces came through the door.

“Who are they?” You asked Mark beside you.

“That’s Daeun and Euna.” Mark responded. “Apparently, Taeyong and Kun invited them since they’re new in campus.”

You felt a surge of jealousy rage over you. You know you don’t have any reason to feel that at all. It’s not like Taeyong would suddenly want to date you after all the gifts and letters you gave him on his birthday for the past years.

“Do I sense some kind of tension here?” Mark commented. He must have felt the shift in your body at the mention of Taeyong’s name.

“No?” You defended. “Why would I feel some tension?”

You got back to sipping your drink and watch as one of the girls converse with Taeyong and Yuta. She looks nice. She looks innocent and cute. You weren’t one to judge other girls at all. Even if you hated all your competitors, you never resorted to sending bashful comments to them. You walked away from the scene to find Doyoung and get him to get you drunk.

Your professor called in sick for the day, leaving you with no more lectures for the rest of the week. You silently thanked your department for having its finals week earlier than the other departments. You were scrolling through your social media apps to kill time and decided to watch a view stories on instagram. The first story was from Taeyong; it showed a picture of Daeun seated across from him in the library. You were used to seeing Taeyong hang out with other girls before. You would have let it slide like the other girls, except that you notice Taeyong has been hanging out with Daeun more ever since Jaehyun’s party. You skipped over to the next story to distract yourself. As you got invested on your phone, you felt a tap on your shoulder. You looked up to see distressed Taeyong.

“Hey Y/N, are you busy?” He asked.

“Not at all.” You responded, setting down your phone on the table.

“Listen, I am terribly failing Professor Kang’s class,” He started. “He told me you’re his greatest student. So, can you coach me? We have a class debate and I need to win.”

“Okay, remember,” You said to Taeyong. You were explaining to him strategies on how to win a debate. “Analyze every argument your opponent has to say. Don’t miss out on anything.”

Taeyong wrote down on his notebook all the tips you’re giving him. Today was the fourth day you’re coaching him. You got to spend time with Taeyong even if all you did was stay in the library for two hours. During your breaks, you talked about your favorites - movies, songs, food, etc.

“If you win this debate,” You said to him. “I’ll treat you to a HONNE show on the 16th.”

“Woah, Y/N, that’s a deal,” He replied with amusement evident on his face. “I’m gonna destroy that Mingyu.”

You rushed through the hall to catch Taeyong’s debate on time. It was open for anyone to watch. You ditched the remaining hour of your psychology lecture to greet him with a huge bouquet of flowers and your promised ticket to HONNE if he wins. You saw the swarm of people exit the function hall, which means the debate was done. You wiggled yourself through the crowd in search for the boy. You spotted him near the exit with Jungwoo, Yuta, and Daeun.

“Taeyong!” You exclaimed, catching his attention. He walked towards you, smiling at the things on your hands. You noticed that your bouquet of flowers outshine the ones that Daeun gave to him. You mentally smiled at yourself for that.

“I won, Y/N! I won!” He exclaimed before slinging an arm over your shoulders for a brief hug. It may seem like a short, friendly hug to anyone but for you, it was like your skin suddenly felt what it was like to be appreciated.

“You have me as your coach, of course you would win,” You replied. “I’m sure you did amazing. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to catch it. As promised, see you at HONNE.”

He received the bouquet and ticket from your hands and gave you a smile that could light up the darkest parts of you.

“Oh Y/N, I forgot that Daeun and I had plans to catch this movie on the 16th.” Taeyong said. You felt your blood boil slightly. “It’s shows for the last time on the 16th. You can give the ticket to Johnny. He also likes HONNE.”

Taeyong’s rain check bothered you for the entire week. You really wanted to see HONNE with him; you even rejected Joy so that Taeyong could have the extra ticket.

“I thought it was Taeyong you’re supposed to go with?” Johnny said. You asked him to go with you for the concert.

“Yeah but, he has plans with that Daeun girl.” You said, rolling your eyes. Johnny chuckled at your response.

“Wow! The campus’ crush got rejected by Lee Taeyong?” He said with great amusement. “This is breaking news!”

You couldn’t believe it either. Any other guy would be begging to be the one you have a concert date with; the fact that Taeyong rain checked on you bothered you to the core.

“Hey, cheer up, Y/N.” Johnny said, his tone becoming concerned.

You sighed and force a small smile. “It’s fine, John.”

“Hey,” He spoke, facing you. “Do you really want Taeyong to be free on the 16th?”

His menacing eyes made you skeptical about whatever plan he has in mind. Johnny was always the deceitful one. He gets away with everything and anyone. For the past year of being friends with him, you’re guaranteed that Johnny’s plans never fail. The next thing you know, you’re sneaking into the university’s clinic. Your university clinic arranges a mandatory annual check up that each student must attend to. You only get one appointment every year and if you fail to do so, you’re not allowed to enter any contests/competitions for the rest of the year. Daeun was part of the archery team and they have a competition coming next month. As part of the debate varsity, you know that every team member takes the check up seriously; so does Daeun.

“Y/N, hurry up, the nurses’ lunch ends in 15.” Haechan whispered. He volunteered to be your look out. He was Johnny’s partner in crime so, you know that he’ll help you execute this perfectly. You found the schedules for the check ups for this and wrote Daeun’s name on the 16th.

You were walking back from a long meeting with your college organization. It was nearing midnight since you and your team needed to stay back and fix some stuff. The walk from your school to your dorm wasn’t very far and although it was really late, the street was illuminated with street lights. As you approached a bus stop near the exit of your school, you noticed a familiar figure.

“Taeyong?” You asked the person, who seems to be clutching his side because of pain. He lifted his face to you, causing you to see the few scratches and cuts lined with blood. “What the fuck happened to you?”

“It’s nothing, just came across some bad blood.” He replied, wincing as the cut on the corner of lips hindered him from speaking comfortably.

“This isn’t nothing, Taeyong.” You said with utmost concern. “Come with me to my dorm. I’ll help you clean that up before you catch a bus.”

You walked with him to your dorm. You couldn’t let Taeyong go inside a filthy bus with his exposed wounds. He sat down on your couch as you get the first-aid kit that the landlord placed in every unit.

“Care to tell me what really happened?” You inquired. You dabbed a piece of cotton on the cuts near his lips. Taeyong was always beautiful but he was too ethereal to be scarred with such wounds.

“I got into a fight with Daeun’s ex.” He sighed. “I overheard them arguing during lunch earlier. He threatened to hurt her if she doesn’t get back together with him so, I wait for him to finish his community service and went for it.”

Your heart winced at the fact that Taeyong got hurt for Daeun. It wasn’t the right time to compare but whenever people would comment hurtful prejudice to you, it was always the others guys who would come to your defense. Taeyong only knew Daeun for a short amount of time but he’s starting to act like her knight in shining armor. You couldn’t deny that Daeun was a sweet girl; she helped you with a physics problem once and told you that you could always ask for help. Your pride got the most of you and ignore her. Taeyong probably likes the sweet ones and you were too bitter for your own good.

“Thank you for your help, Y/N.” Taeyong said as you announced that you were done cleaning up his wounds.

“No problem.” You replied. “Just promise me you’ll get your ribs checked tomorrow.”

He smiled at you; and for the first time in quite some time, you felt like the good girl in this story.

Today was the day of the HONNE concert. You didn’t expect Taeyong to approach you since he knew Johnny will be the one you’re going with, but here he is - standing in front of you.

“Listen, I just found out that Johnny had a stomach flu and wouldn’t be able to go to the concert.” He said. You didn’t know Johnny had the stomach flu so this surprised you. “I didn’t want you to come alone so, I was hoping that his spot hasn’t been taking yet.”

You tilted your head to the side. “Don’t you have a movie to catch with Daeun?”

“Yeah but she was scheduled to have the annual check up today.” He replied.

“Great, see you at the concert.” You said, smiling at him before walking away.

“That was so fun!” Taeyong exclaimed as you both exit the concert venue. You decided to grab a drink in a bar nearby.

“Right?” You agreed, reciprocating the wide smile he has on his face. “’Location Unknown’ definitely moved me to the core.”

You settled in a booth in the bar. This bar was a great spot for concert-goers so you weren’t expecting to stay for a long time.

“Can I tell you something?” He said, playing with the bottle in his hands. You lifted your eyebrow to signal that you were willing to listen. “Daeun just said she loves me.”

You swallowed the lump forming in your throat. “And what did you say?”

“Well, she didn’t say it to my face. Taeil overheard her and Euna talking.” He replied.

“Do you love her back?” You asked. You hoped to the stars that he’ll say no.

“I don’t know.” You relaxed at his response. “But, I do like her.”

You felt like you lost your chance. Is Daeun prettier? Is she really kinder than you? Are you unlovable?

“Wait,” You held your palms up. “Why are you telling me this? We’re not that close.”

He shrugged at you. “I don’t know. After our debate tutoring, I realized that you’re actually cool to hang with. Besides, you’re not friends with Daeun or Euna, so I bet you won’t tell them what I have to say.”

“Are all of your friends close with them?” You asked.

“Yeah, almost everyone.” He replied.

Oh, so everyone likes them? You couldn’t deny that you may seem bitchy to other people. Yuta and Jaemin seems like they never liked you since the beginning, despite not doing anything to them. The fact that they like Daeun and Euna doesn’t sit right with you.

As the weeks go by, you witness first-hand how Taeyong and Daeun got closer. She was always present on Jaehyun’s parties and it seems like Daeun’s instagram stories are just becoming endless candid photos of Taeyong. You scrolled past her instgaram stories. Christmas time is coming up. You usually never give presents to everyone but this time, you were determined to be selfless. You carefully wrapped everyone’s presents. Butterflies flew in your stomach as you wrapped Yuta’s present. You knew he was never fond of your presence. He once called you “Regina George” because according to him, you fit that category. You never understood why he would label you as such. All you did was beat him during debate and spoke nothing but the truth about his shortcomings as a speaker. Jaemin, on the other hand, used to be your vice president in the debate varsity. You two got along together before; that was until someone showed you a screenshot of a tweet on his private twitter account saying that you were a bad president.

“I can’t believe you are this low.” You said to Jaemin.

“Well, you should believe that you are a bad president because you never listen to anyone but yourself!” His tone was more hostile. You were trying your best to stay calm but the comment he just gave blew whatever cool you had in you.

“Okay, you can keep talking but just now,” Your voice lowered as you say the last phrase. “I’m never gonna listen to whatever bullshit you have to stay.”

You remembered having half of the debate varsity turn their backs against you. But, it was the same old thing. You were always the villain in everything. You wanted to make amends with Yuta and Jaemin and gave them their presents.

Yuta scoffed at the gesture. “Oh please, trying to play nice since the comments about you on the online forum are starting to get into your head?”

“I’m just trying to be nice.” You said. “I know things aren’t cool between us, so I’m here to make amends.”

“Stop trying to be nice.” Jaemin spoke. “Stop proving that you’re not the bad guy when you know to yourself that you are.”

He got up and threw the present in the nearest garbage bin. You held back the tears that were threatening to form in your eyes. You’re Y/N. You never cry in front of people. You sighed in defeat and left the lecture hall.

“That wasn’t very nice, you guys.” Taeyong scolded the younger boys. He was the only one inside the hall aside from you, Yuta, and Jaemin. He excused himself from the two as he followed you into the hallway. He saw your sniffling figure near a storage room. He placed a hand on your shoulder which caused you to frantically wipe your tears.

“It’s okay, Yong.” You said.

“I’m sorry for what they said.” He started.

“You don’t have to apologize for their actions.” You replied, sighing. “Besides, apologizing for them won’t fix anything between us.”

“You’re a good person, Y/N.” He said, staring into your eyes. “I’m sorry it took me a while to realize that.”

Your heart was booming against your chest. He leaned forward and you felt his lips brush against yours. The next thing you know, your lips are moving in sync with his. You felt the universe sparkle with magic at the feeling. The boy of your dreams is kissing you. For the first time in your life, something felt ethereal. Your internal rejoice was cut short as you see the figure of Daeun from Taeyong’s shoulders. You were about to pull away but she already ran.

“You shouldn’t have done that, Taeyong.” You said, breathing heavily at the guilt.

“Why? Johnny told me you liked me?” He said. Your eyes widened at the statement.

“Yeah, Taeyong.” You replied. “I’m in love with you. For all the years we’ve spent together, I thought one day, you would like me too. But Daeun loves you, and I know you like her. You shouldn’t have kissed me just because you knew I’m in love with you. That’s not fair.”

Taeyong furrowed his eyebrows. “Did she see us?” His voice was low but you could hear it.

“Yes.” You replied. “I’m sorry. I want you for myself that’s why I didn’t pull away immediately.”

“What if I said I want you too?”

“I am the bad guy.” You spoke as you stared in the nothing. Yeri and Joy decided to take you out after what happened. “I knew Daeun loves Taeyong and yet, I let him kiss me.” ”It’s not your fault Taeyong found you kissable that time, Y/N.” Yeri replied.

You rolled your eyes at her response and before you could say anything, Joy interjected. “It’s true, Y/N. You know in yourself that you wouldn’t kiss Taeyong since he said he likes Daeun.”

You groaned as you put your head in your hands. Your phone lights up and you saw that you got a new text.

Lee Taeyong [10:57 pm]: can we talk tomorrow? pls…

You [10:59 pm]: ok.

You waited for Taeyong on the bleachers near the soccer field. There weren’t a lot of people since students started going home to their hometowns but Taeyong’s friends were there.

“Oh, you’re here to steal Taeyong again, Y/N?” Jaemin asked mockingly.

You rolled your eyes as Mark said, “He’ll be here any moment, Y/N.” and gave you a smile.

You stared at the sunset and wondered what the rest of the day has in store for you. You spotted Taeyong chasing after Daeun during third period earlier. The guilt consumed you. You were typically the type to be selfish about things. You thought you were doing something great by giving out presents but based on Yuta and Jaemin’s reactions, you felt like you can never be kind to anyone. You spotted Taeyong walking towards you. You swallowed the butterflies that tried to escape your throat.

“Hey.” He said quitely. He sat down beside you. “About what I said the other day-”

His sentence was cut short by Euna running towards you.

“Taeyong!” She exclaimed as she was approaching. “Taeyong-”

“Euna, calm down,” He tried to help her catch your breathe.

“Daeun-” Euna began. There was a small pinch of worry inside you. You were worried that something might have happened to her because of what she saw. “I don’t know what you two are talking but- Daeun is on her way to transfer to another college. If you really like her, Taeyong, please stop her.”

Taeyong looked down, conflict evident in his demeanor. He stayed silent for a while as Euna went away. Your hands turned cold. He hasn’t said anything but you knew what his decision was.

“I’m sorry, Y/N.” He whispered before bolting off towards Euna’s direction.

You didn’t realize that you were crying until you felt a tear drop on your legs. You thought you had him. The moment he said that he wants you too, made you feel like you’re up on cloud nine. But clouds disappear and the moment they do, you’ll be falling from the sky and down to the ground. You stood up and saw the look on everyone’s eyes. For the first time in forever, you saw pity on Yuta’s eyes.

News spread fast as they often do. The announcement of Daeun and Taeyong’s relationship went through your ear for the nth time today. With the guidance of chocolates and countless bottles of alcohol, you tried yourself to forget about Taeyong. As you were drunkenly singing “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo, you remembered who you are. You are Y/N. And you don’t cry for anyone.

“You’re prettier, Y/N.” Joy attempts at cheering you up. Yeri smiled at you and held your hand as a sign of comfort. You three chatted for a while until it was time for them to catch their flights home. It was the end of the semester but you were too bummed to go back to your hometown. The quietness of your town wouldn’t be a good combination with your thoughts. You figured that the city would be the best place for now. You mentally thanked Taeyong for making you believe that you could be a good person. You thanked him for the butterflies and the greatest kiss that you’ve had so far.

As you stood up, you saw Yuta standing in your direction.

“You’re a good person, Y/N.” He said all of a sudden. You tilted your head in confusion. He just smiled and walked away.

Before his figure became blurry, you noticed that he was swearing the shirt you got him for Christmas.

a/n: ya know in retrospect, this seems like ur typical cheesy teenage movie. might delete this soon hehehe anyway, feedback are always welcome!!

#lee taeyong #lee taeyong imagines #lee taeyong x reader #taeyong imagines #taeyong x you #taeyong x reader #taeyong fluff #taeyong angst #taeyong smut #nct 127 #nct angst #nct imagines #nct drabbles

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clusterfullofblueberries · 3 years ago

Note

come on! scream into the void and talk about your AUs! the void might talk back

I don’t think it will… but do I have a choice now that I’m stuck here?

*deep inhale*

Okay, so, I already wrote the two AUs down on my notes.

I’ve introduced the Newfound Family AU, but will repeat it once more here. Before I do, let me present the other AU

.See No Evil.

The main story is overall the same, with Frisk venturing into the underground to find their way back home. Along with making the choice to help monsters. But after they leave the Ruins, something follows them and intends on feasting on their human flesh (and soul ofc). Sadly for Frisk, they have no time to react and get attacked by this strange ink-like creature. (I just call them ink beasts going forward since there’s more than one here)

Something that Sans made a promise to the woman beyond the wall he's already failed miserably in. Which was to protect the human child. He does blame himself for it as what harmed them was beyond his magic control. He wasn't quick enough to stop the ink beast from taking the human's sight. But he did save the human from further danger by killing it. And going forward has taken good care of Frisk. Along with his brother Papyrus, who protects the little human child with his life.

Seems like they're not the only ones doing so as a strange, but comforting spirit by the name of "Chara" follows Frisk around. Acting as their eyes and speaking with Frisk often. It's kind of like having a true friend around. One that really cares about them genuinely and refuses to leave them alone. (Note: Chara is NOT evil. Never has and never will be. They are just a child like Frisk. Spirit child now, but you get the concept)

This is the story so far. Considering that it's a slow pace, but the whole deal about this AU is that some characters appear too early like Undyne going to Snowdin to check on the people once her and Papyrus saw an ink beast in the Waterfalls that nearly killed them both. Taking notice that similar creatures are starting to appear at random in the underground everyone has to be on the lookout.

Additional info on SeeNoEvil:

Sans and Papyrus eyes have been glowing long before the human came out of the Ruins. It's something that even they don't understand nor have the ability to control. This is often why you'll see them with an eye patch in public. They can see fine, yet they have their reasons for covering them up such as their eyes being sensitive and feeling overall embarrassed. Though that last part only applies for Papyrus. On the plus side, Undyne has told him that they both do look cool with glowing eyes. Which does lift their spirits up a bit. Still they both have them on. Especially Sans who has his on 90% of the time.

Beyond this point of the AU, Frisk is blind. If they were to open up their eyes it would hurt so much that they have to cover their eyes with a band. But to the surprise of them, when Chara asks for permission to use their eyes one day, the spirit gives Frisk the ability to see once again. It's only temporary, but they do make good use of their time and mentally record what they see. Even when they lose their sight, the human has good hearing to aid them. It's an improved skill that they have on their belt and is very much grateful for the sharp hearing.

Frisk doesn't fight monsters, but they do have to stay on guard with those ink beasts slithering around. If they're coming after them, they have to figure out a way to get as far away from these creatures. Killing them is genuinely a thing Frisk/Chara should do, but refuse to go near them in fear that they might eat their body and soul.

These ink beasts are NOT from this world. Where they came from is unknown to everyone. But it would be best for monsters to kill them as quickly as possible. Fire magic would be preferable, but at a safe distance so to not get your soul taken away. There are likely more methods, however this is by far the most affective one as demonstrated by a fire monster in Snowdin.

With that now set up, let me repeat what was about the first AU I had.

.Newfound Family.

This is an Alternate universe where Frisk has both Papyrus and Sans as their big brothers. Although the two brothers were once considered beloved friends to Frisk. After being on the surface with them for some time, Frisk began to see the skeleton brothers as their own siblings. They weren’t exactly sure if they saw Frisk that way, yet to the human’s surprise they were very much thrilled about being the big brothers to Frisk once they mentioned about being a family. Especially Papyrus.

Life going forward for the three was peaceful. And despite it being painful to see their little human sibling growing up so fast, it was nice at the same time. Their heart was set in the right place and only seemed to be getting stronger with time.

Additionally, they do have Toriel around to keep Frisk company when they’re out and everything in this life is looking bright.

There is one thing wrong however. Among the three siblings, both Sans and Papyrus have been hearing strange voices in their dreams. The voice is in some kind of language they aren’t aware of, but somehow with each dream repeating themselves they’re starting to translate. How? Neither have the slightest idea. Well, maybe they did know all along and only recently had the realization. On one particular occasion Papyrus has tried to speak out to the voice but when they did everything fell silent. Dead silent. Not easing the skeleton’s already rattled soul.

On the opposite end, Sans has been seeing this odd face. They don’t know it exactly, but it does feel familiar. Almost as if they’re someone they once knew but somehow forgot. As the two skeletons have this going on much of it is the same for Frisk with the exclusion of translating. What they do have is the full picture. They see the expression of what seems like another skeleton. A very tall one that almost looks like they even tower Papyrus. Scary as it was in the beginning, as their body seemed to melt, Frisk began to take notice that the skeleton kept appearing with the look of distress on them. Mouthing the word help as they held onto themselves.

The bizarre factor that I failed to mention before is that this skeleton changes shape too frequently. In one instance for Frisk, they’ll look like Papyrus with the exception of their grin resembling Sans, but other times they’ll become this morphed version of a skeleton that can’t stop melting away. It’s disturbing and it gets too much for all three to handle that they have to have friends come over and check on them. Toriel being the main one staying at their home. Bless her heart because she’s the mother they need.

I want to explain more, but my brain is going all over the place!! 😳 I just really like these two concepts I’ve made. I haven’t drawn or talked about Undertale since I was 15. I’m 20 now and am very much invested in rambling on about any of these AUs.

#;;rambling junk #answered asks #anonymous #undertale #undertale alternate universe #undertale au #sans #papyrus #frisk #chara #gaster #toriel #undyne #the family AU does have a good ending tho I will say that so no one gets worried

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w-ngs · 4 years ago

Text

jan21

hello 2021! you did not get off on a good start. let’s try and be a little better, okay?

i didn’t read much this month (and probably won’t be for a long while because of school), but it was a wild month. well, you’ll see.

***

crooked kingdom, leigh bardugo — oh my god???? i completely forgot that i read this before i left for school and almost didn’t include it in my monthly wrap-up????? how dare i forget this masterpiece.

it was great. i loved it. i think overall, i preferred 6oc because heist stories are my guilty pleasure. but romance-wise... let’s just say kaz and inej have made it to my top 10 ships. but also i read through this so fast because i had to finish it before i left that half the story is kinda just not in my brain lololol

the most intriguing part of the entire story was the anti-wraith. her character kind of came out of nowhere, and i’m not really sure she had much of a purpose than being someone who could physically match inej. i guess she was also anti in the sense that she had no respect, just ruthlessness, which is the opposite of inej and what she stands for. but i don’t know if the anti-wraith was significant enough of a character to really be considered a foil.

i don’t really give spoiler warnings because hardly anyone reads these other than myself lolol but big spoiler ahead. skip the next paragraph if you don’t want to know. cuz i accidentally spoiled it for myself before reading and i kinda ruined it for myself lmfao.

poor matthias. he was there, and then he was gone. i feel terrible for nina. they were finally on the same page, and then he had to act all saint-like and trigger some idiot into killing him. and matthias finally came to terms with what he’d been taught and what he was trying to teach himself (#charactergrowth), so he wrapped things up neatly for himself before the bye-bye. but nina, she finally got her guy on her side and they were supposed to change the world together. sigh.

and of course, we got kaz. he’s my favorite. how could he not be, with his trauma and desire to overcome it but not letting it define him and still maintaining that evil genius act he’s so good at. it definitely hit harder in this story, the extent of his trauma. it made him more real, too. both sides of him coexist, and one could not exist without the other. he’s crazy, in nearly all senses of the word. also crazy in love, the mfing idiot. ugh, i love vulnerable kaz. i love what inej brings out in him, how she knows just how hard to push without driving him over the edge. also i saw a tiktok (this app is gonna come up a lot more in the next few reviews fsjdsdfkjdf) with a photo of them kissing with a towel between their mouths because he can’t touch her but he desperately wants to and what a perfect solution is that their... bathroom scene had me holding my breath. or at least taking very shallow breaths. it was intense. so intimate, i felt like i shouldn’t even have been there. ugh, the cute little babies. uwuwuwuwuwu

one last note. leigh bardugo is a very good writer, plot and characters and all. everything flowed much more smoothly in this book, and once again i was impressed by the detail provided. you go girl. i can’t wait to see the tv series development.

a 10/10.

***

the shadows between us, tricia levenseller — literally what did i read lmaooo. this is my first tiktok book recommendation. and it. was. boring. boring characters that didn’t make much sense. boring plot. i skimmed it after the first 50 pages cause it was so boring. that’s it bye.

a 3/10.

***

manacled, senlinyu — um. wow. i literally......... even hours after finishing it my brain is still ridiculously scrambled. edit: it’s about a month later and sometimes random scenes and images still pop in my head for no reason and then i feel all twisted inside again. i love it.

so, this is not a published book but a dramione fanfiction on ao3. i don’t read fanfics that often anymore, mainly because i’d rather read other things, not because i don’t like them. but i found this one because a tiktok that showed the illustrations in the story and i was so blown away by the fact someone would illustrate an entire fanfic that i just had to read it. and i have no regrets. it’s kinda long and a biiit wordy for me at times but holy shit that hit like a mother trucker. and i haven’t read dramione in ages, not since... years. so this really hit different.

the illustrations are beautiful. they’re what dragged me into the story in the first place, so, of course they are. but i’d literally spend minutes looking at every detail in amazement at how perfectly the emotions were captured and the lighting casting the perfect shadows and just… everything. i know nothing about drawing but my eyes were truly blessed.

i think integrating the handmaid’s tale with the hp world was ingenious. i would never have expected that. and wow. the relationship between the two, it’s…….. i can barely put it in words in my mind, and it’s even harder to articulate on paper. complex, but at the same time not, simply the desire for the other to stay alive. timeless. destructive. their only defense from the harsh reality of their situation. desperation at its most desperate, their one and only survival method. depressing. it’s so depressing. i was so sad, the angst almost too much at times.

the flashbacks were insanely intense. and i thought the handmaid section was bad. it was awful to read. i could hardly bear it, it was so dark at times i didn’t know how either of them got through it all. i mean, they barely did. the near-death scares, the constant need to create a blank slate within yourself in order to not overwhelm yourself with crushing emotions… wartime sometimes has a tendency to sound romantic, but theirs wasn’t anything near romantic, and i appreciate that the author chose to be very real about it.

at the beginning, and in the middle when we went through the flashbacks, i was afraid the love would be toxic. and, well, it kind of was at some points. but in a time like that and a situation like theirs, it would be hard to not have a toxic relationship. i was glad that in the end theirs was a good love, the kind that sustained and kept them alive and got them through until the very end, because it was what they needed from each other. and, of course, my favorite part of it all was draco’s ceaseless possessiveness that only seemed to grow, never fade. i love simpy men.

they deserve each other. i was afraid at the end they wouldn’t, that one of them would die—that draco would die because hermione basically did once already for him, so he would have to “return the favor”—also she was pregnant so there was no way she’d be the one to die—idk many theories. but at the end i’m so glad they both ended up alive. after everything, they deserved it.

i did nothing for two days straight but read this book. except eat. and barely sleep. and i have no regrets.

a 9/10.

***

bloodlines, richelle mead — dang. i used to be obsessed with vampire academy when i was in middle school. i even watched the terrible movie that released because of it. and now i can’t believe i really thought that was peak literature lmfaooooo

i remember adrian being such a funny and interesting character that i picked up bloodlines to see if it was gonna be as good as i remembered it was. i was disappointed. it was just... well let’s just say there wasn’t enough to get me invested in the characters as i used to be. i think what it was is that adrian’s characterization was so weak. he wasn’t as ~quirky~ as i remembered him to be haha. the plot was also way too slow-paced, and a little too easy to guess. maybe if i was 12 again i’d be going crazy over it like i used to. but i’m not a pre-teen anymore and my brain craves stuff along the lines of manacled—destruction, death, angst that wants me to pull my own heart out to stop it from hurting.

a 5/10.

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agustdef · 4 years ago

Text

Choose

Pairing: MJ x Reader

Genre: Established Relationship; Fluff

Word Count: 2.2K

Warning: Brief and vague mention of sex and cheating. It’s mentioned, it doesn’t happen. Nor is it suggestive.

Rating: PG-13

Author’s Note: This fic was written for the ever so sweet and lovely @jinterlude‘s birthday. I wish I could do something longer, but I’m also very happy to be able to give you this specific concept for a story. You are one of the greatest humans I’ll ever know and I hope you have the best day that you can.

MJ had always been a quirky dork. The man was all over the place and would do the weirdest things at the weirdest times. It was chaotic, but also adorable and YN wouldn’t change his way of being even if she could. And it’s why she tried not to question it much when he started to ask her random questions and then change the subject or disappear altogether.

That didn’t stop her from being curious each time it happened though.

The first incident was when they were sat down in their shared apartment eating dinner. One second MJ was shoveling food into his mouth at an alarming rate - one that made her worried he would choke on it - and the next he was staring at her so intensely she was a tad uncomfortable. Of course, YN ignored it for a while hoping he’d stop or say something but when two minutes passed she grew mildly annoyed.

“What?” she asked, looking up from her plate.

Instead of the usual smirk that played on his lips once he successfully annoyed her there were pursed lips and a furrowed brow. He continued not speaking for a moment or two and then when he did it wasn’t what she expected.

“A or B?” he asked.

YN sat there confused, but when there was no follow up and his serious expression didn’t waver she responded.

“Uh… B.”

At that MJ nodded and went back to eating his dinner. YN perplexed opened her mouth to question it, but he looked so into inhaling the rest of his dinner that she left it alone. Well, that and she knew that he would break sooner rather than later on what that was about.

Or that was what she assumed would happen.

For the rest of the night MJ said nothing and acted like it was a normal evening. They cleaned the dishes together, got ready for sleep, and spent the evening cuddled in bed watching some random show that happened to be on when they got into bed most nights. Neither were that invested, but also invested enough to be sad when they missed an episode because they’d gotten into bed too late or fell asleep too early.

The usual routine is what made her forget about the question until another incident happened.

About a week later MJ called her while she was at work and usually that was a highlight of her day, especially when they day had been tiring. But there was no small talk, nor did he try his usual mood maker tactics on her.

He said four words.

“1, 2, or 3?”

Midway through a greeting YN paused and her brows furrowed in confusion. Why in the world had he asked her that and why was it the second time? What could he possibly be having her choose?

However, none of those questions could be asked aloud before he was speaking again.

“Kinda urgent, my sun. Which one?”

The pet name got her out of her head and helped brighten her day for a moment, which meant she could answer him.

“Hm… I wanted to say 1, but how about 3?”

There was a soft laugh from the other side of the phone and it was music to her ears. MJ’s laughs were infectious, especially when they were the loud ones, but something about his gentler ones just sparked joy inside of her. They were just so cute.

“Thank you, my sun. I love you. And don’t forget we’re doing movie night tonight,” he said.

“I love you too. Also, I didn’t and don’t think I don’t remember you saying that I could take your turn on choosing this time.”

There was a horrible attempt at the phone cutting out from his end that she rolled her eyes at.

“I’m sor- I ca- hear you. I’ll ta- to y-y-you later. Bye!”

That left YN with something to laugh about for the rest of the day, especially when things felt like they were a bit too much for her. But questions lingered in the back of her head for longer than they had the last time.

Naturally, she forgot over time or for the most part she did. But that was only because MJ was being extra weird outside of the questions. He still asked them at random times, even having their friend Jinwoo ask her once and going so far as to add the question onto the card for the flowers he’d sent her one day at work.

But her true focus was the secretiveness that went along with it. Outside of the questions he was obviously hiding something from her. She trusted him so she knew it wasn’t cheating - plus he was never gone enough for that to be a thing. And that man was not a fan of quickies so there was no way he had them at work or between work hours. There was also the fact that one of his friends always was near when he was heading out and she definitely knew that wasn’t happening since they preferred to love MJ from a distance. Plus a few were her friends first and they’d never betray her like that.

And with that off the table that meant she was left scrambling for something or anything to explain what was going on. All she could think of is it being some sort of surprise for her, but her mind kept glossing over the one possibility. Not once did she think of it, not even to dismiss it as an option.

It worked in MJ’s favor though because on the day he asked her out to dinner for the following evening she was still none the wiser. All her focus seemed to be on the joy of going to a restaurant they hadn’t in a while and not needing to dress extra fancy to do so. His job held a lot of work dinners and she came as his date most of the time, which meant so much dressing up when she just wanted to relax at home or with friends.

When venturing to the best kimchi stew place with the best view she didn’t mind it. That meant she slipped on a pair of jeans, wore a cute top, and could wear any non-heels in her possession. Once ready to go she met MJ out in the car where she got to see his outfit for the first time all day. It was casual, but something about it was a bit more put together and intentionally stylish. She didn’t think to say anything though because it wasn’t rare that he did it; plus, she was against adding something as little as that to her pile of suspicion.

Besides, she planned to ask him about it during their date.

They bided the time in the car talking about their week and the ridiculous thing Sanha had done the day before and how Eunwoo had seemed ready to kill him. Which meant the week went about how it normally did, because Eunwoo often looked ready to just unload on his chaotic friend group. The poor bean was perpetually stressed out and done with all of them.

Something that YN and everyone found hilarious. Though sometimes she took mercy on him and got them in line, especially when they grated on her nerves as well.

Upon arrival they pulled into a spot and walked into the building, being directed to their favorite seats immediately. Both were such frequent customers that they knew the staff by name and vice versa. Everyone knew what they liked and did their best to accommodate them because they all got along so well. It was a nice space to be.

Once in their seats YN’s eyes drifted to the window next to them. Through it you could see the cityscape. The buildings high, the lights bright, and the people and cars moving about. It was peaceful despite the inherent busyness and chaos that came with living in a city. At some point in life she may have enjoyed the quiet of a smaller town or a suburb, but she would never change out of the city for that. At least not with the way she lived her life in that moment. Maybe when she and MJ were married with kids to raise would she wish for a change of pace.

“You going to stare out the window all night? I’m sure my face is just as beautiful,” MJ teased.

YN made a fake gagging noise and then laughed.

“That was so cheesy,” she said.

“I know. Speaking of, are we getting the usual?”

“Of course.”

And just like magic their waiter, Hyuk, strolled over to take their order. There was some light small talk before he was off putting the order in, though YN was sure they started it the moment they walked through the door. They never changed it unless they added another item on as some sort of side, so there was no need to guess or wait for them to come to a decision.

As they waited they talked about anything and everything, well anything that was light. They’d swerved into the topic of a case the YN worked that was particularly hard and when MJ saw how much it took out of her to speak about it he changed the subject. However, he kept the focus on her and a story she had to tell. Something he’d explained to her once as a way to get off a not great conversation, but still letting her know that he was there to listen to whatever she wanted to tell him.

“I think you should do pink,” he said.

“Pink? You think I should dye my hair pink?” she asked incredulously.

MJ nodded, pausing as Hyuk sat their stew, side dishes, and drinks down before leaving.

“Yeah, pink would suit you well. We can even dye it together if you want. Hot pink.”

No response felt right for YN so she just left him sitting there with his ridiculous idea and grabbed her spoon to gather a bit of the broth to drink. Even when he did that dork eyebrow wiggle she ignored him, motioning for him to eat his food. After a few seconds he did, though there was a look in his eyes that she couldn’t place. It wasn’t the earlier mischief, but it did indicate he was up to something.

She would’ve said something right then and there, but the taste of the stew had her releasing an involuntary moan as she did. The taste was just so perfect and she was much hungrier than she assumed, so the thought of talking was over before it truly started.

And they remained like that. Eating wasn’t a talkative affair, so the silence was fine. Well, silence with the occasional whisper of how they loved the food so much and would do anything for it.

They were both weird.

Dinner finished quickly enough and the moment the dishes were collected they were replaced with their usual bingsu. It was chocolate oreo and way too sweet, but also way too good. They didn’t have it every time or at least that was the lie YN liked to tell herself so she could validate getting it the next time they came.

The lie had no one fooled.

While YN dug in almost immediately MJ did not and when she didn’t notice his spoon fighting to steal her scoop she looked up. Surprisingly, MJ wasn’t there and that confused her, until she turned her head and saw him down on one knee with an open ring box in his hand. He wore a bright smile and the joy in his eyes matched it.

“I’ve been asking you a million random this or that questions for weeks now trying to figure out how to do this. You’ve helped me with so many decisions, but in the end of it all they didn’t feel right. So, with the last thing I asked you helped me realize that this was best. That I wanted to ask you to marry me, to be my wife in a place we both love with a view that very few places could beat. YN, my sun, I love you with my entire being. And I know my personality can be a lot sometimes, but you love all sides of me regardless of how you sometimes lock me out of the bedroom for peace. Or make me go to JinJin’s. And I love you the same way. So, if you don’t mind I’d like to ask one more question. Yes or no?”

YN felt her stomach churn and her heart beat erratically. There was just so much joy inside of her that her body didn’t know how to handle it and she felt a little overwhelmed, but in the best possible way. The man she loved and who she’d spoken to about their future life proposed to her in one of her favorite places and included her in the entire process. Even if she didn’t know about it.

“Yes,” she said, her voice shaky.

And without another word MJ slipped the ring onto her finger and stood up, pulling her into a tight embrace. They laughed and they cried throughout the night. Both of them on cloud nine.

#kwritersworldnet #mj x reader #myungjun x reader #myungjun fluff #mj fluff #mj au #myungjun au #mj fanfic #mj fanfiction #astro fanfic #astro fanfiction #mj astro #kim myungjun #kpop fanfic #kpop fanfiction #fanfic #fan fiction

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psycheswritings · 5 years ago

Text

Nothing’s Fair in Love and War - Two

Title: Nothing’s Fair in Love and War

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Thomas Shelby x Original Female Character (Daphne Scott)

Warnings: Swearing and mentions of violence (not too much, tough)

Word Count: 4245

Author's Note: Happy New Year, everyone. Here's another part of Daphne and Thomas story. Hope you all like it. I want to thank everyone who liked/commented on the previous part, it makes me very happy to know that you are enjoying it. I will try to uptade it every tuesday/wednesday.

A special thanks to @livvtheangel for the lovely feedback, it made me really happy.

As always, this haven’t been proofread, so feel free to report any mistakes back to me; warnings are expecific for each chapter. Also, your feedback is also highly appreciated.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No copyright infringement is intended.

Masterlist

Chapter Summary: Tommy tries to discover more about Daphne while making the necessary arrangements for his deal with Solomons. In the meanwhile, Daphne meets some old friends that try to ease her worries about Alfie hiding things from her and starts to question her feelings towards the Brummie ganster.

Two

“What did you discovered?” Tommy asked to John when he entered the private room of the Garrison.

“Not much.” Arthur was right behind him, closing the door. They both took his sits before John started talking. “Her name is Daphne Jane Scott, she was born in London, same year as me, appeared in Camden Town with Solomons after the war. She lives with him since them, always worked at the bakery, they are usually together in social events but despite the rumors about them people in Camden Town seem to believe that they have a brother-sister relationship.” Tommy exhaled a puff of air and smoke seemed uninterested, even when he was the one who requested his brothers to do some research in Daphne’s past.

“Some people believe that she serve in France.” Arthur said catching Thomas attention.

“Can we try to locate her file?” John and Arthur shared a look, before the first spoke.

“We can try, but if Solomons is really that invested in her I believe that it won’t be easy.”

“Do it, anyways. It doesn’t matter if it takes some time.”

“Tommy, why are you so interested in this girl?” Arthur asked, toking a sip of his whisky. “I mean, she is beautiful and all but you could have any other woman.” Thomas didn’t answer right away because even he was not sure why he was interested in the woman. After the whole ordeal with Grace, he should want to avoid mysterious woman but Daphne had something that he couldn’t explain.

“There’s something about her...” He got up, putting his jacket before speaking. “Find the file and bring it to me.” After he left, Arthur and John looked at each other, intrigued by his behavior.

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“You are worried.” His voice startled Daphne out of her thoughts and she raised her eyes to look at the man in question. From her spot at the door, she could observe him working – William was still with his scrub, organizing a few things in his office on a secluded area of the hospital, it was more modest than what you would expect of the eldest son of one of the most influential families in London.

He was a beautiful man – tall, lean but strong, a beard well-kept adorning his face, brown curly hair a little unruly and a pair of deep blue eyes that made all the women gasp at the sight of him – but what really got Daphne every time was his kindness. For a man born in one of the richest families in London, William was more down to earth than anybody could expect. Despite their bickering when they first met each other, the pair developed a strong friendship along the years. He was one of the few people that really knew her and her history.

“It’s nothing.” William laughed at that while closing the cabinet of medications right behind his desk.

“Nothing? That’s why you didn’t paid attention to anything I’ve said since you arrived here? I just said to you that Jane is going to marry and you said that it was a shame!” He looked at her with a half-smile and she couldn’t hold her own smile back, shaking her head in the process.

“I’m sorry. It’s just business, it will be over soon.” At least that was what she hoped, even when deep down Daphne had a feeling that things wouldn’t be so simple anymore. “Jane finally decided to end Charles misery, huh?” William sighed at that, stopping to take off his scrubs and replace it with his coat.

“In my opinion they are rushing into things but Charles received a proposal to go to America. I think that forced her to make her decision. Couldn’t think about all the American women swooning all over her fiancé.” Daphne smiled at her friend’s attitude because she knew that his constant bickering about the engagement of his sister and his best friend was just his way of showing older brother protectiveness. It always made her feel bittersweet, even more when she got to see the both Weston siblings together.

“Rush into things? They have been together for what, four years?”

“Yeah, more or less.”

“You’re just worried that you’ll lose you little sister.” He held one hand to his heart faking a gasp.

“Now you wound me, Daphne Scott.” The young doctor walked to her, stopping right in front of the woman. “And you’re trying to redirect. Don’t go thinking that I forgot your stupid little excuse for why you’re so worried.” Daphne sighed. She should know better than to try hiding things from him.

“Come on. Let’s eat something and I will tell you what I can.” He smiled, seeming satisfied with her answer, closing the door behind them and offering his arm to her and the pair left the hospital towards one of the cafes near the area. They talked a little on the way there, little things about Jane and his family, and Daphne had some hope that he would forget about his inquiry at the office. She should have known better.

“Ok, now you tell me what’s bothering you so much. Alfie didn’t listened to you again, huh?” He looked at her from behind his cup of tea while taking a sip.

“When does he?” She answered, rolling her eyes much to William’s delight.

“Well, knowing him I’m pretty sure that he listens to you a lot more than any other person.” Daphne took a deep breath, looking at the people talking and laughing around them. She knew that it was true, Alfie did listened to her most part of the time, but sometimes he frustrated her to no ends with his stubbornness.

“He’s playing something that I’m not sure if he will be able to handle.”

“That bad?” There was a hint of concern in his question. William and Alfie had created some strange type of friendship over the years, most part for her sake, but the both of them always asked about one another.

“That’s the problem: I don’t know. He’s been keeping things from me, he thinks I didn’t notice but I did.” They stayed in silence while the waiter came to the table with their food.

“It will do you no good overthink about it. You will have to wait and see what happens.” She knew that he was right, but her mind never seemed to listen to her.

“I just hope that this doesn’t blow out on our faces.”

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“Next lad.” A man enters the office and stops right in front of Alfie’s desk. “Name?”

“Abbey Heath.”

“Abbey Heath. Profession?”

“Baker.”

“Good lad. Fill it out and fuck off.” The Jew gives the man a folded paper while Ollie throws an apron at him before he leaves. The scene repeats itself without many changes until one of them caught Alfie’s attention.

“Next lad. Name?”

“Billy Kitchen.”

“Billy Kitchen. Occupation?”

“Head baker.” The way he says it makes Alfie take his eyes off of the papers to look at him. The man has an air of defiance, holding his head high.

“Fill it out.” The gangster said with a forced half smile, throwing the paper on the desk for the man to take, Ollie gave him the apron on his way out. They observed the man leave and Ollie took a step towards his boss while Alfie talked to him and moved his glasses. “Ah, Tommy Shelby, mate. Never give power to the big man, what did I tell you? Hmm? Never give power to the big man. Did Daphne came back already?”

“No, she’s not back yet.” Alfie scratched his beard in thinking; maybe it was better if she did not came back in time.

“Hmm. Next lad.”

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“Tommy. Good to see you, mate.” The two man shook hands and Tommy noticed right away the lack of the feminine presence in the distillery.

“Alfie. What do you think?” They observed the men being organized in the bigger room by Billy Kitchen.

“Don’t know yet, man. Let’s give them the instructions, yeah.” They both entered the precinct, Alfie stood closer to the wall, arms crossed in front of him. It was a good place to observe how Tommy worked and it gave him a menacing vibe that could come handy. Tommy started pacing in front of the men while he lit a cigarette and started explaining how things would work.

“All right boys, you've now all been enrolled as bakers in the Aerated Bread Company of Camden Town. If anyone asks, that's what you do. You're bakers. The coppers in Camden Town are on our side but north or south, you show them that piece of paper. Tell them you've come down from north to find work. To break strikes. Tell them you're fascists if you have to. We're finding lodgings for you but for now, you'll sleep here in the bakery. Don't touch any of the bread, it'll most likely explode. Any questions?” One of the man raised his hand. “Yes?”

“I haven't even seen any bread.” He says looking around and laughing with the other men. Tommy looks at Alfie, clearing his throat and continuing to smoke his cigarette. Seconds pass before Alfie approaches the man that made the joke, Buddy. He just stares at him for a couple of seconds before striking the man standing beside with his cane before looking at Buddy again, cane still in hand. Silence filled the room.

“He'll wake up. Well, he won't have any teeth left but he will be a wiser man for it.” Tommy and Ollie were behind him, none of them seemed surprised by the attitude. “And the last thing he will remember is your funny little joke, won't he?” Alfie paused before shouting in the man’s face and start walking. “RIGHT! There are fucking rules here, yeah? Yeah. There are fucking rules, for a fucking reason. Quite simply, they have to be obeyed. All right? Rule number one: the distinction between bread and rum... IT'S NOT DISCUSSED. Rule number two: anything, right, that your superior officer says to you or any of your other fucking superior officers say to you, yeah? NOT DISCUSSED! Rule number three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine... I don't care. For the rest of your fucking miserable, measly lives, yeah? Because I, like you, I am also a complete fucking sodomite.” In that moment, Daphne appeared at the entrance of the room, the men started to look at each other, not having the courage to talk but all intrigued by the woman. Alfie turned to look at her. Damn, the woman always seemed to arrive exactly on the time he needed her to. He recognized the question in her eyes but just ignored it because he knew she would play along. “Jewish women.” He said in a lower tone. “You do not go anywhere near them because Jewish women for you are off the fucking menu. I think that's fair.” He stopped talking and looked at Billy who was right in front of him for a minute. The self-titled ‘head-backer’ held his gaze for a moment before looking away. Alfie then turned to look at the man on the ground before looking at Tommy. “Hm... Oh, that's it then. Forgive me, I interrupted you.” The Jew walked away and stopped right beside Daphne. None of the men, besides Billy Kitchen, dared to look at them.

“Pick him up.” Tommy said motioning the man still unconscious on the ground, walking towards Billy Kitchen, talking to him in a whisper. “Get them out of here and make this fucking work.” They observed the man leave and Tommy took the opportunity to look at Daphne. She was dressed similarly as the day she appeared at the Garrison – a simple blue dress that ended a little bellow her knees, fitted at her waist but loose on the skirt, the neckline was a little open, showing the locket that she always seemed to be with – she caught his eye and smiled at him before Alfie directed them to his office, dismissing Ollie.

“How’s William?” That was the first thing Alfie asked when they entered his office. She raised her brows in question while Thomas closed the door.

“He’s fine. Send you his regards and asked to schedule dinner, said it has been a while.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s been a while.” He looked at Tommy, who stood beside Daphne, seemingly uninterested in the conversation, looking at the ground, and smiled. “Right, let’s talk business.”

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Ada was sitting in the living room when she heard the noise of the front door closing. Immediately she got up and took the gun from her purse, pointing it at the door right in the moment it opened. She was more than surprised to see Tommy entering with his peaky hat in hand. He laughed when he saw the gun in her hands, before closing the door behind him.

“You've got a key!”

“I kept a spare.” He shrugged.

“Give it to me.” Tommy smiled, throwing the key in the air and catching it while he walked towards his sister. Ada took the key from him and put it away at the same time that Tommy looked around before sitting in the spare seat.

“Could do with some paint, eh?”

“Yeah, when I decide.” She observes her brother picking a book from the pile on the ground, taking a look at it and putting it back down, before sitting back in her own chair, arms crossed in front of her, sighing. “What is it that you want, Tommy?”

“Just came by to say hello.”

“Huh. Tommy Shelby never goes anywhere for no reason.” He sighs, putting his hands in his pockets.

“Right. Daphne. Where did you met her?” Ada laughs, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.

“What does it concern you?”

“I need to know more about her.” He simply said. It was true. Maybe not the whole truth, but true, anyways.

“To what? Fuck her and then leave her? She deserves better than that.” She knew she was pressing him but Ada needed to know his intentions towards the woman.

“She works for Solomons.” Tommy noticed that his sisters didn’t seemed surprised. He hoped to use Daphne’s connection to Alfie as an ace to make Ada talk but by her expression, she already knew that.

“I know.”

“Then tell me what you know about her.” The siblings stared at each other for a minute before Tommy pressed again. “I swear it’s for business.”

“I don’t know much, she is pretty reserved. We met in a café downtown. She comes from a wealthy family from the countryside, has medical training as a nurse, is well educated and works with Solomons as his treasurer.”

“Medical training?” The gangster looked at his sister, frowning.

“Yeah. Don’t know much more. She is almost worse than you when it comes to personal information. But she is a good woman.” Tommy wasn’t sure if Ada said that as a way to make him more interested in Daphne or as a warning that she didn’t deserved to be ruined by him. Probably both. “But there’s something more. You didn’t came all the way here just to ask about Daph, you could have learned a lot more about her in other ways. What is it?” It didn’t go unnoticed by him the use of a nickname, that could only mean that Daphne and his sister where more close than he predicted.

“I've got eight hundred pounds left in the Shelby Property fund. And I need somebody down here to look for suitable properties.”

“To rent?”

“Yes.”

“To poor people.” Tommy looks at her. “Ten to a room. No repairs, no water. And if they complain you just send Arthur and the boys around.” He looks around taking a deep breath. “You know, I give advice down at the library. Families, thrown on the street. It's men like you we're fighting.”

“Well, anyway, I was just passing.” He gets up and starts walking to the door. “Thanks for the tea.” Ada calls him before she can contain herself.

“Tommy?” He stops and turns to look at her. “There are always men outside, watching the house.”

“Yeah. Gangsters of the worst kind.” He mocks. “They're there to keep you safe.”

“No, there are others. They looks like coppers.”

“Well, they're on your side as well.”

“I don't have a fucking side.” Ada says annoyed.

“Ada, yes, you do. Anyway, if I thought there was no one watching the house, I couldn't sleep.” She looks at him taken by surprise but he cuts the moment short by leaving. “Cheerio then.” When the door closes behind him, Ada keeps staring at it for a long time. Of course that she knew that Tommy cared for her – for the whole family – but for him to admit it out loud was a rare occurrence nowadays. She couldn’t stop herself of thinking that maybe this had something to do with his sudden interest in Daphne.

#* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #

“You’ve been awfully quiet these days.” Daphne was leaning into the window-sill, looking out when he approached her, stopping right at her side.

“You know that I don’t like this time of the year.” Her eyes met his and Alfie recognizes the pain behind them.

“Aye, I know, your birthday. But this isn’t all.” He looked at her again before asking. “You still worried about Tommy?”

“Tommy, huh?” Alfie waved her off and she laughed at his antics. “Yeah, I’m still worried about it.”

“You shouldn’t. Everything’s going accord to the plan.” He looked at the almost empty streets of London trying to hide something from her that Daphne couldn’t put her finger on.

“And what’s the plan, Alfie?” Alfie didn’t answer right away. In fact, he did nothing to acknowledge her question but she waited nevertheless, observing as he changed his weight from one foot to another, the way he twitched his fingers… After some time he turned to look at her.

“Do you trust me?”

“I do. Why are you asking me that?” Her straight answer didn’t surprised him, considering all that they had come through together. Yet, it still felt like some king of punishment for lying to her.

“Because sometimes I wish you didn’t.” At that she turned to him completely.

“Where did that came from?” She knew that he was hiding something but confronting him directly never reached its intended purpose.

“Don’t worry about it, aye. Don’t listen to me, I’m just getting old and cranky.” That made Daphne smile, Alfie took a step closer to her, placing his large hands in both of her arms while looking at her. “I’m just worried about you.” Because of Tommy and his men – he didn’t needed to say it, she knew.

“I know how to fend for myself.”

“I know.” It’s been a while since they hugged each other but it always felt welcoming. Alfie draped his arms around Daphne’s smaller frame, resting his head on top of hers whilst she entwined her arms around his waist, leaning her head on his chest. “There are some days that I wish he was still alive. Keep thinking about what he would thought about it all.” The woman took a deep breath, closing her eyes, a flood of memories passing behind her eyelids.

“Me too, Alfie. Me too.”

#* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #

“There'll be another four boat loads tomorrow. What's up, Charlie? Business is good.” Tommy was leaning into a pile of boxes observing the men working with his uncle.

“This isn't business, this is bloody work. Cigarettes and booze is all right but this... this manufactured stuff, it's heavy. I'm not even sure it's stolen.” Charlie looked at his nephew a little unsure and Tommy just shook his head.

“Some of it is legally purchased. One day, all of it will be.”

“It's like having a fucking job.” The older man complained before yeling at one of the boys. “Easy with them fan belts.” Tommy smiled, taking another drag form his cigarette. “Wipe that smile off of your face. I want another pound a boat.”

“Done.” Charles laughed.

“You don't even fight me anymore. It has something to do with that woman from London!” Tommy arched his eyebrows at that. “Yeah, it’s all the men talk about: the beautiful woman from Camden Town that came all the way from London to talk to you.”

“She’s with Solomons.” For some reason his talk with Ada came up in his mind and Tommy felt the need to prevent Daphne’s name being attached to his. He knew that people already talked about her and Alfie being together but most part of the rumors were spread by people that didn’t knew them. If they thought that her relationship with him was anything but profession she could be, indeed, ruined.

“That’s not what I heard.” They just stared at each other for some moments before Charlie changed the subject. “And there's no sport getting through the Black Country with this truce. They just fucking wave at you from the bank.”

“You just wave back, all right?” Tommy patted his uncle’s arm before leaving.

“And all these fucking cars? When did you last ride a horse, Tom?”

#* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #* #

Daphne just smiled to herself when she saw Harriet coming down the stairs with a disheveled Alfie right behind her.

“Daph! It’s so good to see you!” The woman came straight to her, taking her in what could be called a bear hug. “It’s been a while, Alfie has been hogging you.” She gave him a pointed look and he just scratched the back of his head, sighing.

“It’s a little bit of my fault two. The last few weeks haven’t been the best.” Harriet’s deep brown eyes studied the other woman’s reaction and her expression softened.

“I know, I know, darling. Maybe I can stole you for tea?” Daphne had a feeling that Alfie was going to say something, but Harriet had already hooked her arms with Daphne’s directing them towards the door. “See you, Alfred!” The courtesan shouted before the two of them left the house and all that Daphne could recognize was Alfie’s voice saying ‘Damn, woman’.”

When the two of them were sat comfortably in Harriet’s office, the one in her apartment just down the street, each one of them with a cup of tea in their hands, Harriet took a moment to analyze her friend better. For anyone that didn’t knew her, Daphne could have looked normal, but her friend knew her well enough to notice the signs of tiredness and worry in the other woman’s behavior.

“You’re not sleeping well.” Daphne met the statement with a sigh.

“I never do at this time of the year.” Harriet knew that to. They had shared rooms for a long time, sometimes even sleeping on the same bed, it was difficult not to notice the tossing and turning of Daphne’s nightmares.

“You’re planning something for this year?”

“No. But I’m sure that Alfie is.” The courtesan laughed, taking another sip of her tea.

“He wants to show his little sister off.” Daphne rolled her eyes.

“I’m pretty sure that’s not his only intention.” Harriet knew that too – Alfie never took his promise of protecting Daphne lightly and her birthday was the perfect occasion for him to show to everyone that anybody that messed with her would be messing with him.

“I heard that you met with the leader of the Blinders. How is he?” Daphne raised her brows at that.

“Alfie told you that?”

“I coarsed it out of him.” Harriet smiled and the other woman only laughed.

“I’m pretty sure that you did.”

“Don’t redirect, honey. Tell, me.”

“Why are you so interested in this?” More often than not, Daphne ignored the fact that she knew Harriet gave Alfie information about what the two talked. Most part of the time both her friend’s intentions were good and deep down she knew that the woman would never betray her, so she just brushed it off and used it at her advantage too.

“Can a friend be curious about her friend’s life?”

“Alfie told you something. Come on, what is it?” Harriet rolled her eyes, annoyed.

“I swear to God, sometimes I forget you two aren’t related. It’s unbelievable.” She looked at Daphne and saw a little smile forming on her lips. “He said something about being worried for you. Said that he doesn’t like the way the Shelby looks at you.”

“It’s not like that.” The dismissive tone she used caught Harriet’s attention.

“Daph, we both know that men often recognize when other men looks at a woman a certain way.” Daphne took a sip of her tea to prevent answering the unspoken question. “Is this guy interested in you in some way?”

“He’s just curious because he doesn’t know what exactly my relationship with Alfie is, exactly. Thomas has a fame of wanting to have control over everything, this is something out of his reach. That’s it.”

“Ok I think I asked you the wrong question.” There was a pregnant pause before Harriet spoke again. “Are you interested in him?” The question took Daphne by surprise. She haven’t thought about it that way but one thing that you could trust Harriet to do was read her like an open book. Thomas Shelby intrigued her, that was for sure. Her answer was the most sincere thing that Daphne could master.

“I don’t know.”

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miafic · 5 years ago

Note

What would life be like if mr w had ended up with awsten in his care when he was a small child instead of a teenager?

Awsten has just turned 4.

—

“Daddy!” Awsten cried, running across the playground toward Geoff. “I made you a picture at school!”

“You did?” Geoff asked. “Well, thank you very much, Awsten. I cannot wait to see it.”

Awsten crashed into his legs and hugged them tightly. “It’s a seahorse with swim goggles and a big hat!”

Geoff chuckled. “That sounds lovely. Perhaps it can join the rest of the zoo on the refrigerator.”

Awsten nodded happily, and they started side by side toward Mrs. Wood, who had Awsten’s backpack and lunchbox.

“Hi, sweetie,” Mrs. Wood greeted Geoff. She pulled him into a hug - hers much gentler than Awsten’s.

“Hello. Thank you very much for watching him again.”

“Of course! Anytime, honey; you know that.”

Awsten smiled up at her as she spoke.

“Say goodbye to Mrs. Wood,” Geoff prompted.

“Bye, Mommy!” Awsten cried, hugging her.

“Oh, bye, my sweetie. I loved playing with you today.”

Awsten smiled at her and then turned away. “Bye-bye, Otto!” he yelled, waving wildly.

“WAIT!” came the reply, and both Geoff and Awsten stopped as Otto charged toward them. Otto slowed down just in time, and he threw his arms around Awsten and sloppily kissed his cheek. Then he turned to Geoff. “Hi!”

“Hello, Otto.”

“I got new shoes!” Otto cried, sticking his left leg toward Geoff to prove it.

“Well, you most certainly did.”

“They got the Mighty Monster Trucks on them!” Awsten told Geoff.

“They have,” Geoff corrected kindly.

“They have,” Awsten repeated, a serious look crossing his face as he nodded.

Geoff smiled.

“See ya tomorrow, Otto!” Awsten said.

“Bye!”

“Bye!” Awsten reached up for Geoff’s big hand and closed his hand around a few of Geoff’s fingers. “Are we goin’ home?”

“Yes.”

“To see Tuna!”

“Yes.”

“Tuna, Tuna, Tunaaaa!” Awsten sang. Then, “Did you bring me a snack?”

“No; it is nearly dinnertime.”

“But I’m huuuungry.”

Geoff sighed. “You are always hungry.”

Awsten ran ahead down the sidewalk. “I almost forgot - I gotta show you my picture! No peeking!”

Geoff held a hand over his eyes as he walked. After a handful of seconds, Geoff removed it to make sure he wasn’t going to fall down and also to make sure that Awsten hadn’t traveled too far. A quick scan of the area ahead showed that the four year old had darted behind a small tree to unzip his backpack. As Geoff neared, he replaced his hand.

“No peeking!” Awsten repeated loudly.

“I am not.”

“Okay!”

Geoff could hear him rummaging around, and then there was the sound of footsteps hurrying closer, and small fingers tugged on his pants. “Here!”

“May I look now?”

“Yes, look! Look at my seahorse!”

Geoff took his hand down and looked at the picture. It was nothing like he’d been imagining, but it was certainly Awsten’s artwork.

“That is a lovely seahorse,” Geoff complimented.

Awsten beamed and threw his arms around Geoff’s legs again.

“We shall definitely add it to the collection.”

“Yay!” Awsten cheered, although Geoff wasn’t quite sure why; nearly every picture he drew made it onto the display for some time.

“Go fetch your bag, please, so we can get home.”

Awsten obeyed, and then, for the first time in a while, he shyly asked, “Will you carry me?”

Geoff exhaled quietly, but the question did make him smile a bit. “Yes. Come.” He held his hands out, Awsten lifted his arms up, and Geoff lifted him onto his hip, backpack and all. “You are getting too heavy,” Geoff lied.

“I know,” Awsten murmured. He buried his face in Geoff’s neck.

Geoff could hear Awsten quietly sniffing at his collar, and it made Geoff pause. He sometimes forgot what a big deal this had been for Awsten. It had only been about three months, but this entire arrangement was life-changing for him. World-changing. Compelled by a surge of emotion, Geoff turned inward and kissed Awsten’s head.

Awsten’s arms wrapped around him and squeezed. “I love you, Daddy,” Awsten murmured.

“And I you,” Geoff said softly. He resumed walking home. “Did you have a nice day at school?”

“Yeah.”

“What did you learn?”

“Um… I don’t know.”

Geoff chuckled.

—

Another exhausting day. It is so baffling to me how spending even a little bit of time with a child can be so tiring.

The television was on for nearly two hours, but I had grading to get done, and his shows keep him quiet and calm. He did play with his Paw Patrol toys for a while as well. I was correct; those have been a good investment. He has quite the imagination, and he likes to make up stories with the dogs.

Most days, Zuma (the water rescue dog) is being bullied by Skye and Marshall, who sometimes bear Awsten’s parents’ names. Another popular version consists of Skye as Mrs. Wood, Chase as Otto, and Rubble as Mr. Wood. They have a fun time playing with Zuma. I appear in Awsten’s games as well, and I - as I am happy to report - usually take the form of Ryder. Ryder and Zuma go on errands together, typically to Carson’s or the library from what I’ve overheard, and they also do an awful lot of junk food-eating. Ha.

During Awsten’s bath tonight, I was treated to yet another round of songs. I stand by my original statement; he is quite talented, even at this age, but he has a very small repertoire. I have looked into the Harris county community theater for him, and they do have a children’s production of Willy Wonka coming up. I have been wanting to read that to him for quite some time, so perhaps we will begin it this weekend should he so desire. I know that he is young, but I truly believe he would both enjoy and excel at theater.

On the whole, bedtime has become markedly smoother, as have his baths. He has learned our routine like the counselors assured me that he would. He does not get out of bed overnight anymore, and he does not talk back to me the way he did before. He seems… well, frankly, he seems happy.

Oh, dear. I have tears in my eyes.

Children have never been appealing to me. But there is something about this child that… well, perhaps I have gone soft, but something makes me believe that he and I were meant to find each other. I believe that he was always meant to be my son. I miss my walks and my tea time and my freedom, but those things will return in time, and I do love him so. He brings true joy to my life.

Until next time, future historians. Goodnight.

#hcs #fluff #heres my SEND ME A PROMPT reminder since i dont wanna put it in the middle haha #awsten #geoff #foster au #anon #ask Aly

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max-is-tired · 6 years ago

Text

With This Dream, I Inflate (Painted Skies In My Brain)

Pairing: Logince, Sleepxiety

Characters: Logan Sanders, Virgil Sanders, Roman Sanders, Patton Sanders, Remy Sleep Sanders, Dr. Emile Picani (mentioned)

Words: 2.631

Warnings: Some homesickness at the beginning (not major, but it’s there), swearing, nothing else I can think of

Notes: I am incredibly late, but finally @adultmorelikeadolt ‘s birthday fic is done!!! Happy very belated birthday Rem!!!

I started this fic three weeks ago, fully convinced this was gonna be a short thing... I never learn, do I? Nonetheless, I’m proud of how it turned out, and I’m 99% sure this is getting a second part because I just fell in love with this AU

Thanks to my amazing beta @tigertigertigger who makes sure the English language doesn’t kick my ass to the moon and back, you’re the absolute best

Hit me up if you want to be added to the taglist and let me know if you liked this, reblogs, comments and asks are always very welcome and much appreciated!

(P.s. Since Roman is Italian in this fic, translation for those few Italian expressions he uses can be found at the end of the fic!!)

Read on AO3!! Buy me a Coffee!!

When his best friend wins a scholarship for a one-year exchange in Europe, Virgil doesn’t think much of it.

Logan is incredibly smart, without a doubt the most gifted student their college has to offer -and he’s double majoring in Astrophysics and Chemical Engineering, so that’s no small feat.

So yeah, he’s not surprised when Logan -who’s also his roommate, since they’re both broke, caffeine-addicted college students- gets home one evening, a strange envelope in his hands, and announces he has been given the so agonized scholarship. Virgil simply raises an eyebrow at the barely-concealed look of relief in the other’s eyes, mumbling a smug “I told you so” accompanied by the best shit-eating grin he can muster and finger guns.

Their third roommate, on the other hand, is a totally different story.

Patton basically throws himself at Logan, squealing in delight while rambling about how proud he is. He then insists on celebrating, and they end up having an impromptu movie night, complete with pizza and a batch of Patton’s infamous cookies -which end up in Logan’s stomach after not even an hour, for the hidden amusement of his two roommates.

After that, it’s a blur of finals to take, forms to fill and planning to get done -because it’s Logan we’re talking about, and Virgil’s pretty sure he’s already got at least half of his year abroad panned out.

Before they know it, the semester has come and gone and they’re standing in the middle of the airport, Patton bawling his eyes out on Logan’s shoulder while basically smothering him in a hug. Virgil limits himself to an amused smile, to which Logan answers with an exaggerated eye-roll -even him, always the logical, can’t really hide the fondness in his eyes as he tries to calm Patton enough to at least be able to breathe properly.

Logan’s parents watch from afar, letting the boys have their moment. Then, the intercom calls Logan’s flight, and it’s time for the very last goodbyes.

+++

It takes them a while to adjust.

Patton and Virgil, now being each other’s only roommates, work to find a new routine that doesn’t have a Logan-shaped hole in it -easier said than done, that’s for sure.

As for Logan, well, his first weeks are a jumble of moving in, unpacking boxes, visiting the campus to get accustomed with his new surroundings and figuring out his new schedule -not considering the quite influent change of time zone, which takes him a while to get used to.

But the three of them are nothing but determined, and it doesn’t take them long to figure out a somewhat solid schedule for video calls that doesn’t force any of them to wake up at the ass-crack of dawn or staying awake until some ungodly hour of the night.

With this system put in place, it’s certainly easier to deal with the distance. They’ve never been separated for so long, their trio having been an integral part of their life since middle school. It’s hard for all of them, even if Virgil often tries to brush it off and Logan downright does everything he can to ignore it.

It helps more than they like to admit, having somebody like Patton in their group. He barely conceals his feelings, openly expressing them and giving both Virgil and Logan a chance to talk about their own emotional conundrums without directly addressing them.

And so another year comes and goes, they’re juniors in college, Virgil has somehow gained a boyfriend who’s more caffeine-addicted than him, and Logan is finally, finally home.

Everything’s fine, right?

Not quite.

+++

“Look!” Virgil whispers, shaking the person sitting next to him, “he’s doing it again!”

Remy grumbles, raising his head from its place on the desk to glare at his boyfriend, “what is it now?”

“It’s Logan!” Virgil explains, gesturing to the boy sitting a few rows in front of them. Remy doesn’t get what all the fuss is, really. Logan looks pretty normal to him, sitting straight -the only straight thing about the guy, probably- as he seems to be diligently following the ongoing lecture. How does he even do it anyway? It’s just so boring, the teacher has been talking incessantly for more than an hour now and the only thing Remy wants to do is take a fucking nap-

“He’s using his phone-” Virgil keeps going, completely oblivious to his boyfriend’s wandering thoughts- “and he’s texting someone!”

Well, now that Virgil has pointed it out, Remy can see the corner of Logan’s phone peeking out from between his notes. Huh, that’s strange.

“Wait just a sec, how do you know he’s texting? I can barely see the phone as it is, let alone guess if he’s actually using it or not.”

“That’s because you’re exactly behind him, idiot,” Virgil grumbles, eyes still fixed on his best friend’s back, “he’s got an app open, I can’t tell which one exactly but it’s definitely for texting. I’ve known Logan since middle school and he’s never used his phone in class, not once. What the hell?”

“Chill, Vee,” Remy yawns, settling his head back on the desk, “ maybe he’s finally loosening up a little. It sure as hell looks like that year abroad was good for him, uh?”

Virgil mutters something unintelligible under his breath, clearly still displeased, but he knows he really can’t, in good conscience, dispute Remy’s claim.

Because it’s obvious that, while it can't be denied that the previous year has been a stressful time for all parts involved, the Logan who has come back is different from the Logan they said goodbye to, that day at the airport.

It’s not a bad change, per se.

He’s just- softer, around the edges. He looks calmer, more perceptive of the world around him. His temper seems to have subsided -for the joy of literally everyone, doesn’t matter what Patton says- and he’s obviously much more patient.

He looks… content, Virgil thinks that’s the word he’s looking for. And that’s a good thing, don’t get him wrong! But no one can deny that Logan has changed, and change isn’t exactly something Virgil works well with.

It scares him because Logan has been a constant in Virgil’s life for almost as long as he can remember and now he’s different, somehow.

But he also looks happy, so Virgil just deals with his anxious discomfort, because he sure as hell won’t be the one taking that away from Logan.

He just wishes his best friend would tell him what the hell is going on.

+++

When they’re finally let out of the lecture -for the immense joy of Remy, who had immediately dashed out of his seat and yelled “Starbucks time, bitches!!” before bolting out of the door- Logan is obviously still in whatever conversation he has been keeping up for most of the class, checking his phone every few minutes.

The two of them are standing near some benches across from the science building, waiting for Patton to get out of his last class. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask Logan who exactly he’s talking to, but alas, anxiety is a bitch and it very much likes to make Virgil’s life a living hell.

So Virgil resigns himself to standing in silence beside his friend, wallowing in his curiosity as he begrudgingly watches Logan text the mysterious person with a strange smile on his face -which only makes Virgil more curious because he’s never seen Logan smile like that before, damn it, and he just wants to understand what the fuck is going on.

“V, Lolo!” Patton’s voice startles them both out of their thoughts, giving Virgil half of a heart attack and making Logan almost drop his phone.

“Hey, Popstar.” “Salutations, Patton.”

“Sorry, I’m late,” Patton giggles, quickly approaching the two, “Dr. Picani got us so invested in today’s lecture, we all forgot to check the time!”

“Lucky you,” Remy grins, coming up behind Virgil and draping an arm over his shoulders, “our lecture was so boring I slept through most of it.”

Virgil -who really doesn’t like getting startled every five minutes, thank you very much- turns around and punches his boyfriend’s arm, glaring.

“Ouch!” Remy yelps, fumbling with his coffee, “What was that for?!”

“Maybe next time you’ll think twice before sneaking up on me like that, asshole,” he grumbles, “also, you always sleep through our lectures.”

Cue the Offended Gay Noises™, completed by Remy dramatically draping himself over his boyfriend. “The slander! The Betrayal!”

“Stop being a drama queen, you know I’m right. And get off of me!”

Patton watches the two bicker with a smile on his face, far too used to their antics to be worried.

“Ah, young love,” he sighs dreamily, “they’re just too cute, right Lo?”

Logan, however, seems to be completely unaware of what is happening. He’s frowning at his phone as if it has somehow offended him, typing message after message at an alarming speed.

“Logan?” Patton calls, trying to catch the other’s attention, “you okay?”

“What?” Logan startles, his head shooting up in confusion, “oh, my apologies Patton, I was not paying attention.”

“Yeah, I noticed,” Patton chuckles, “is everything alright? I’ve never seen you use your phone so much, and you looked quite troubled back there.”

“Ah, no-” another chime from his phone makes Logan pause, groaning in clear frustration as he quickly answers yet another message.

“Apologies for worrying you, Patton-” he finally says pocketing his phone and pointedly ignoring its continuous chiming- “but I assure you, there is nothing to worry about. I’m just dealing with a rather obnoxious person who apparently enjoys making me lose what little patience I have.”

Patton cocks his head on one side, looking deep in thought before an all-too-familiar smirk slowly starts spreading on his face.

“Don’t you mean-” he says, barely keeping his laugh at bay- “that your patience is-”

“Patton Morgan Hart don’t you dare finish that sentence or so help me-”

“-infinitesimal?”

Logan lets out a loud groan of despair, Patton becoming a giggling mess beside him.

“You will never let this go, will you?” he asks, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Nope!” Patton grins.

“Are we making fun of Logan?” Virgil pipes up, “because I want in on that.”

“Can we change the subject? Please?”

“Don’t worry gurl, I gotchu,” Remy grins, eyes glinting behind his dark shades, “because I just remembered what I came back for, and this is a juicy one guys.”

“What do you mean?”

“Apparently we got a new entry from the exchange program and let me tell you, the guy is hot. He’s very good looking, smooth as fuck and I’m like, 90% sure he’s ripped or something. Like, totally illegal, I swear.”

Beside him, Virgil visibly stiffens, arm tightening around the others side, “and you know that because��?”

Remy huffs out a laugh at that, visibly amused by his boyfriend’s sudden jealousy.

“Relax babe-” he basically purrs, kissing his cheek- “you’re the only one I want. I just saw him in front of the main building earlier, he was very difficult to miss. Almost the whole campus was ogling him some way or another. I think he was actually searching for someone, I didn’t pay much attention.”

Logan looks at Remy with a thoughtful expression, clearly pondering something in his head.

“Out of curiosity,” he finally asks, choosing his words carefully, “could you describe this new exchange student?”

“Why, you interested?” Remy grins, wiggling his eyebrows, “careful Logan, your gay is showing.”

“Remy,” Logan growls -actually growls, what the fuck gurl- in annoyance, glaring daggers at him.

“Okay, okay!” Remy relents, raising his hands in surrender, “sheesh gurl, no need to get so worked up!”

He then taps his chin, thinking about his earlier encounter, “he’s on the tall side, wide shoulders, pretty sure he’s a theatre kid because he really looks like one. Brown hair, green eyes, I think he may be either Spanish or Italian? I don’t know, he had somewhat of an accent but I was too far away to be sure.”

“Thank god you didn’t pay much attention, uh?” Virgil mutters, rolling his eyes. Remy snorts, shoving him lightly.

Too busy with their playful teasing, the couple doesn’t notice the way Logan has suddenly stiffened, eyes wide as his mind seems to have suddenly screeched to a halt. It, however, doesn’t go unnoticed by Patton, who gives him a concerned look.

“Lo, are you alri-”

“Aha! Ti ho trovato finalmente!”

Four heads snap up in unison, turning towards the new voice. Standing a few feet away, the infamous new exchange student shoots them a grin, hands on his hips and green eyes trained on their group.

“Niente ‘ciao’? Did I finally manage to leave you speechless, nerd?”

Logan lets out something akin to a squeak -which he’ll forever deny having made- cheeks blazing red as he scrambles to regain his composure.

“R- Roman? What- what are you doing here?!”

Roman lets out a laugh, approaching the group until he’s standing right in front of Logan -the others seem to be too dumbfounded to react, one, because wasn’t kidding when he said the guy was hot, damn, and two, because they’ve never seen Logan so flustered before and honestly they’re more than a little confused right now.

“I may or may not have made a request for a semester abroad like, a week before you had to fly back? I got everything confirmed and ready to go just a month or so ago, so I decided to surprise you,” he shrugs, looking somewhat unsure, “so, uh, sorpresa?”

Logan blinks owlishly at him, clearly still trying to make sense to the situation. Then, he lets out a groan, hiding his bright red face behind his hands.

“You’re a pain in the ass and I hate you, stronzo.”

Roman laughs, shoulders slumping in relief, “God, how much I missed you.”

Then, under the three’s identical stunned gazes, he grabs Logan -who lets out a startled yelp- and dips him with a flourish, before winking and kissing him square on the lips.

Logan, who until that very moment had been as stiff as a wooden board, immediately melts in Roman’s arms, hands moving to gently cup the other’s face as he starts eagerly kissing back.

Snapping out of his stupor, Remy lets out a loud whoop, joined by Virgil’s sputtering and a very flustered Patton.

“Hello there, luce dei miei occhi,” Roman murmurs when the finally separate, smiling widely as Logan looks at him through half-lidded eyes.

Huffing in mock annoyance, Logan rolls his eyes and wiggles out of his arms, pointedly ignoring his still burning cheeks.

“Stop being so mushy,” he grumbles, fixing his tie.

Roman grins at that, looping an arm around Logan’s side, “Please sweetheart, we both know you love it when I'm mushy.”

“Okay okay okay, what the everloving fuck is going on here?!” Virgil suddenly screeches, breaking the little bubble that had formed around the two in a million pieces.

Finally recalling that his friends are, in fact, present and have probably seen the whole scene, Logan suddenly looks like a deer caught in the headlights, blush coming back full force as he takes in Remy’s shit-eating grin, Virgil scandalized expression and Patton flustered face.

Seemingly unfazed by the whole scenario, Roman presses their bodies together and gives the three a dazzling grin, green eyes twinkling in barely hidden amusement.

“Ciao a tutti! My name’s Roman, I’m a theatre major and I’m also Logan’s very handsome Italian boyfriend!”

“You have a boyfriend and you didn’t tell us?!”

Logan groans, hiding his face in Roman’s chest as his asshole of a boyfriend lets out a boisterous laugh.

Ooh boy, this is going to take a while.

+++

Translations:

“Ti ho trovato finalmente!” => “I found you at last!”

“Niente ‘ciao’?” => “No ‘hello’?”

“Sorpresa?” => “Surprise?”

“Stronzo” => Italian insult, I honestly can’t think of an accurate translation :’)

“Luce dei miei occhi” => “Light of my eyes”

“Ciao a tutti!” => “Hello everyone!”

367 notes · View notes

vitanes · 6 years ago

Text

this one is for @miss-pulet i’m sorry for such a delay but i got a little bit carried away n ended up with over 7k words ifjisjf i hope u will like it!

a little bit of you and me

Lucas hates everything soulmates stand for, especially the lack of choice and how fake it seems to be. Don’t even get him started on how weird his mark is. He definitely never wants to meet his soulmate.

But the universe? It always finds a way to fuck him over.

(Or, the one with a zoo, Eliott and some difficult dilemmas.)

At the age of six, Lucas had only a vague sense of understanding what exactly soulmates were. Being more invested in cartoons and his toys, he didn’t pay much attention to the mark over his heart. Unlike some kids around him, he didn’t observe the way it’d started changing its shape to something more than a dark blob that could have been easily mistaken for a mole.

Perhaps, that’s why when one day he was taking a shower and he noticed half of his chest was covered by dark shapes, he freaked out.

It took his parents over half an hour to calm him down and then another thirty minutes to convince him that his mark wasn’t ugly or weird.

Being twenty-one, Lucas still thinks his mark is bizarre. Of course, It’s gotten smoother over the years, more realistic. It doesn’t look like a pre-schooler doodled it.

But–

Some people have flowers, flames. Normally paired up animals. He, on the contrary, has got a hedgehog and a raccoon intertwined together. With no way of knowing the meaning behind it. Especially since he’s not very keen on meeting his soulmate.

Don’t get him wrong, good for all the people that have found their destined ones, but he’d rather stay out of this business. He can go on his whole life without meeting the person that made the strange duo form on his chest.

Soulmates are overrated.

***

The first day of Lucas’ summer internship at the local zoo would have been going pretty well if not for one tiny detail. Or well, not that tiny since Lucas is shorter, but. But, another intern keeps being very distracting through the whole day. From the second the guy anxiously introduced himself as Eliott, Lucas couldn’t have been able to stay calm. It doesn’t matter how hard he tries not to pay attention to him, he gives in to throwing glances now and then anyway.

The worst thing is that Eliott isn’t even doing anything special. He works with the animals, the same way Lucas or Imane and Manon do. Yet, all Lucas can do, is agonise in silence over how gentle and cute Eliott is with those they are supposed to take care of. It’s only day one, how Lucas is going to handle the next weeks is beyond him.

Having issues with being gay, but also being gay is a little bit problematic for Lucas. That’s why he hopes Eliott won’t get near him. That way Lucas will get his staring without any consequences. Besides, what business would Eliott have in talking to him?

Well, in Lucas’ opinion none.

***

Lucas is feeding the dolphins. Not having any prior experience with those animals, he was slightly hesitant the few first times, but eventually, he found out it’s not scarier than dealing with a chimpanzee.

The fish in the bucket are moist and Lucas’ face scrunches up each time he reaches out for one. In order not to have one sliding out of his grasp, he needs to properly hold it and it gets harder with each one. His palms are already fully covered in mucus.

The smell is going to cling to him for days to come. But he’s there for all of the animals, isn’t he? He’s going to face even worse things, the last thing he should be unhappy about is throwing some fish into the water. Some would say it’s even relaxing. He doesn’t need to use much of his brain for this task.

With that in mind, he lets his arms do the work while he tunes out. Next thing he’ll have to do is help with cleaning up some cages. That surely is going to be plenty of fun.

Well, he must have been naïve if he had thought he’d be spending all his time there playing with animals. The kid in him jumped out and the adult forgot about all of the awaiting responsibilities.

“How’s the first day going?”

Lucas jumps, snapped out of his daze. He nearly drops the bucket with the fish, but someone grabs it in the last moment and moves it back towards his hands.

His fingers clasp around the handle. Ignoring his wildly beating heart, he looks up at the intruder.

And oh boy, if it’s not the God himself. The smile that Lucas is on the receiving end of physically pains him. It’s wide and makes Eliott’s eyes crinkle up.

Lucas is sure he probably resembles the fish very well now. With the gaping and all.

They keep staring at each other, Lucas clutching the bucket against his stomach and Eliott standing there, his hair messy and cheekbones so sharp they could cut a bitch. His gaze seems piercing through Lucas who has yet to take a breath if he doesn’t want to suffocate and fall into the water to become dolphins’ dinner.

Pretty sure dolphins don’t eat humans, but that’s beyond the point.

Eliott’s lips move, but Lucas is too out of it. He doesn’t really register anything besides how nice the timbre of Eliott’s voice is. How pleasant.

He shakes his head.

“What?”

“I was repeating my question,” Eliott says, amused and Lucas nods slowly.

Oh, yeah. A question. He can’t make Eliott utter it for the third time. He needs to remind himself what exactly scared him.

Lucas hums, dumbly, searching his mind for clues, all the while Eliott’s eyes don’t leave his face. To say it’s unnerving wouldn’t be enough. He can’t focus. Until.

“Not bad,” Lucas stutters, casually throwing yet another fish into the water. “What about you?” he adds. If he shows how chill he is with the situation, maybe Eliott will forget whatever has just happened.

“I’m having fun. I love these little guys,” Eliott says, slightly tilting forward.

Lucas’ first instinct is to stop him from potentially falling into the water and ruining his perfectly styled hair, but he refrains. They are strangers, he’s not about to cross some boundaries and potentially touch him.

“Yeah? That means you haven’t dealt with enormous dump yet.” Oh, back with the complaining.

Eliott snorts and takes one of the fish out of Lucas’ basket. He doesn’t throw it to the animals but shoves it in front of Lucas’ face. Lucas steps back from it, puzzled but doesn’t say anything. He needs to play along even if he could end up with a mouthful of raw fish. He has no idea what Eliott is capable of after all.

“A little poop has never killed anyone,” Eliott says in a deep voice, while his fingers move the fish’s mouth as to imitate talking. That’s something Lucas did not expect. But maybe he should have. Given the context, there aren’t many things Eliott could have done with the fish.

Seeing that Eliott is not some mysterious enigma makes Lucas somehow less intimidated and he rolls his eyes, sighing. He wrings the fish out of Eliott’s hands before he tosses it into the water, careful not to touch Eliott’s skin. Boundaries, right.

“You’re weird. Don’t play with food,” Lucas retorts, but a little smile appears on his face anyway. He just can’t help himself. Sue him.

“You think I’m weird?” Eliott teases, nudging Lucas in the ribs. Well, as it seems, not everyone cares about boundaries. “Well, get ready because it’s going to get only weirder from now on.” There’s a promise in Eliott’s voice, accompanied by a wicked grin and eyes full of sparks.

Lucas’ heart skips a beat.

***

Lucas wasn’t all that keen on being friendly with Eliott, since Eliott is a very very cute boy. But what can one do when someone keeps on reaching out? And chatting them up? He can’t force Eliott to fuck off, he isn’t an asshole. Also, it’s not like he’s oh, so very bothered by it. Or, if he is, it’s not in the sense he ought to be.

It’s been, what, two weeks? Since Lucas has started working there. And so far Eliott has managed to work alongside him more often than not, entertaining Lucas with how he impersonates some animals or making the most mundane things sound interesting. They exchanged social media, followed each other on Instagram. Eliott has a tendency to send voice notes whenever anything out of ordinary happens. They’ve fallen into a habit of sending each other memes.

Just bro things.

Long story short, Eliott must have decided they should not only be co-workers but friends as well.

And if Lucas’ blush is from a prolonged eye-contact and not caused by physically dragging an animal from one place to another, well then, sucks to be him.

***

“So, what do you think about soulmates?” Eliott asks one day when they are eating lunch. They are both sitting at a small, tiny table with very little room between them.

Lucas swallows down his cheese and ham sandwich and shrugs.

“They exist,” he says, unbothered. He hears Eliott huff.

“Elaborate, maybe? Have you met yours? Are you excited to meet them?”

“Not really. I haven’t met them, but even if I had, I wouldn’t care.” Lucas turns to Eliott just to be met with a confused gaze. He smiles meekly. “I think it’s forced. You are expected to jump on some stranger just because your marks match? That’s bullshit. You don’t know them. Very shallow. And it’s like, what, if you fall for someone who isn’t your soulmate, it’s less valid? You have to leave them if you eventually meet that soulmate? Thank you very much. I don’t believe in its profoundness,” Lucas explains, his fingers idly playing with the sandwich.

Anyone who’s ever met him knows his opinion on the topic. He’s got many reactions whenever he spoke his mind; pity, skepticism or even understanding. But no one has ever been as baffled as Eliott is in this moment. Like he can’t quite grasp the meaning of Lucas’ words, as if this whole way of approaching the subject was unbelievable for him.

“And you?” Lucas eventually mutters, putting his sandwich down on the table. After playing with it for too long, it doesn’t look edible. And Lucas’ fingers are sticky from butter.

The tips of Eliott’s ears are pink when he admits, “Thinking about my soulmate kind of helps me get through.”

Oh.

Eliott looks down and then to the side, his teeth biting down on his bottom lip. “It’s kind of reassuring, knowing there’s someone that will get me. Accept all of me. I feel less alone. I see your point, though. I just think that you’re bound to eventually get to know them. Being soulmates makes the connection stronger, I guess.” He looks back at Lucas, something inexplicably sad hiding in his eyes. Despite that, he still smiles softly.

“Why do you think someone who’s not your soulmate wouldn’t accept you wholly?” Lucas asks, curious. He can’t imagine a universe in which someone could dismiss Eliott.

“Let’s just say I can be hard to love,” Eliott whispers, fingers tapping an uneven rhythm on the surface of the table.

Lucas wants to disagree, but he fears he could sound foolish. After all, he barely knows Eliott.

(Deeply, Lucas disagrees anyway. Eliott must have been told that he’s hard to love by all the wrong people. The people like Lucas’ dad who made his mother believe the same.)

***

Taking a walk back home with Eliott isn’t something unusual, but it sure makes Lucas aware of many things each time their shoulders brush.

They’ve been leaving the zoo together ever since they found out they don’t live far away from each other. Things feel completely different in the late evening and instead of being nervous around Eliott, Lucas finds himself getting relaxed. They don’t need to use words, especially when they pretty much use them up during the day. Sometimes they keep completely quiet right up until they part in front of Lucas’ building.

There’s a lake they pass by on their way there and that’s where they currently are at. The air around them is warm, with only a slight breeze blowing through their hair. There are still traces of the setting sun all over the sky, with its edges painted warm red. An occasional chatter coming from random passers-by’s. It’s that time of the day when the bugs start their concert. The atmosphere is peaceful, romantic even.

Lucas throws a glance towards Eliott and sees him closing his eyes, exhaling. The day was tiring and it shows on Eliott’s face just how worn out he is. But still, there’s something beautiful about him that Lucas can’t find a name for.

Eliott opens his eyes lazily as if he’s sensed he’s been watched and they look at each other for a few seconds too long. Eliott smiles at him and the back of his palm knocks against Lucas’ fingers.

Lucas feels like he could stay in this moment forever.

***

Lucas should have known that a bored Eliott holding a hose would be a dangerous combination.

It hits him just how dangerous when he’s minding his business, cleaning up the cage with his own hose just to suddenly have the back of his shirt drenched in a matter of seconds. He doesn’t even have time to escape the attack.

He can hear loud cackles and after turning around, ready to throw hands, he’s faced with Eliott who’s doubling over from how hard he’s laughing.

“That’s funny to you?” Lucas asks, exasperation audible in his voice.

Eliott fans himself with his hands, visibly trying to contain his laughter, but fails horribly. What’s worse, his laughter turns into loud snorts. Lucas’ chest is filled with fondness and he can’t have that.

That’s why he raises his hose up and points it directly at Eliott’s scrunched up face. The laughter dies down immediately and Lucas can’t help, but feel smug. After seeing how ridiculously adorable Eliott looks like, it’s Lucas’ turn to crack-up. He thinks he got his point across, his revenge if you will. That’s why he’s completely caught off guard when Eliott mercilessly covers the rest of Lucas’ body in water.

It’s needless to say things can only escalate from this point on and soon enough they are having a full on fight. The only sounds audible over the stream of water are their chuckles. They get so into it that Lucas ends up in Eliott’s headlock, having the water poured down his head. His face is squished against Eliott’s chest and if they weren’t in the middle of a war, Lucas would have panicked.

But as it is, he’s way too competitive and too into it as of now. He tries to wring out of Eliott’s hold. To no avail, sadly. He only manages to pull away slightly, far enough to open his eyes.

Far enough to have his heart stutter in his chest when he sees Eliott’s skin under his soaked shirt. It’s so wet it’s become see-through and to Lucas’ horror, he’s mere centimeters from a mark he knows all too well. That isn’t on his skin.

He stops fighting against Eliott and just stares at the weird combination of animals displayed over Eliott’s heart. It’s exactly the same as Lucas’ and he looks down on himself to check whether his own mark stands out as proudly as Eliott’s.

He lets out a sigh of relief upon noticing it’s still covered.

“Please, don’t tell me I damaged you with that water,” Eliott says next to Lucas’ ear and Lucas looks up into his eyes, panicked. He must have spaced out, if the worried look on Eliott’s face is anything to go by. Their hoses have been turned off and there are tentative arms supporting Lucas’ weight against Eliott’s body.

It’s then that he realises how weak in the knees he is.

He straightens up and puts some distance between their bodies, a reassuring smile stretching his lips.

“I’m fine,” he says, his voice sounding foreign even to his ears. Eliott must catch onto something as well because he doesn’t look convinced. “Really, I’m all good,” Lucas insists and gives Eliotts a thumbs up to emphasise.

He’s far from feeling good, but he needs to leave freaking out for later. He can’t let Eliott know what he’s just found out.

Lucas nudges Eliott in the shoulder and looks around.

“We made more mess than there was, to begin with,” he says, pleased with how calm he appears. “Come on, let’s get changed and try to fix it up,” he adds.

Eliott nods, his lips pursed, and follows Lucas to the lockers. Completely unaware of all the emotional turmoil going through Lucas’ mind.

***

No, no, no. Nononononono.

No.

Eliott can’t be Lucas’ soulmate. He just can’t. It’s not allowed. Maybe his eyes played some tricks on him.

Lucas is standing in the bathroom, getting ready for another day of work. He hasn’t moved for the past few minutes, though, his eyes glued to his reflection in the mirror. More precisely, to the mark on his chest. He’s never spent as much time studying the image as now. He’s trying to find any detail that would tell him his mark and Eliott’s are not the same.

Because they can’t be, shit.

Lucas has been feeling so fucking good around Eliott. Might have even started to like him. Like, the instant connection between them made him feel exhilarated. Big ‘fuck you’ to everyone claiming you can’t have an honest bond with someone that isn’t your soulmate. And sure they haven’t known each other long enough to have that depth, yet. But Lucas swears there was a potential of something grand.

Now it turns out all of that was a scam. They don’t like each other for who they are, but because the universe is telling them.

That’s the last thing Lucas wished for. This choice to make, that he was robbed off. Yet another one. If he was forced to be in a dysfunctional family, with sexuality that people were killed for, he could at least be free to choose who he wanted to love.

And it’s a shame, because Eliott is someone Lucas could see himself easily falling for.

He sighs deeply with resignation and pulls a shirt over his head. Even covering the mark doesn’t make him feel any better.

***

Lucas is inclined to putting some distance between himself and Eliott, but he wants to be subtle about it. Eliott is a smart guy and if Lucas stopped whatever they have going on out of the blue, he’d get suspicious. And Lucas is pretty determined in avoiding the outcome where Eliott finds out the truth.

It’s not easy, the distance thing. For more reasons than one. They work together, Eliott is a pretty affectionate guy and a part of Lucas doesn’t want to be away from him. But what has to be done, has to be done. So Lucas throws himself into the work. It’s reasonable for him to focus on it than on messing around with his co-worker.

Eliott seems to buy it.

It gets less subtle as time passes. They still work side by side, but most of the time Lucas is left alone. He tries not to appear cold or bothered when Eliott chats him up during lunch breaks, but he also doesn’t put as much effort as before. Using his phone while Eliott talks to him may be rude, but at the very least it makes Eliott take the memo and after a couple of days, his attempts to make a conversation are very few. Eliott stops walking Lucas home and eventually, their relationship turns into one between two people that work at the same place and may not even be very fond of each other.

No lingering stares, no accidental touches and no relaxing silences.

Well, it may be cruel, but Lucas would rather have Eliott not liking him than knowing they are soulmates.

The internship will end at some point and they won’t have to see each other ever again anyway. That’s what Lucas tells himself every time he wants to reach out to Eliott.

Everything goes on like that for quite some time and Lucas makes peace with it. He convinces himself that he stopped the storm before it properly started. Everything is good up until Manon suggests they all should grab dinner together, hang out a little bit since they’ve gotten familiar enough with the whole staff working at the zoo. No one seems to be against the idea.

For a moment Lucas tries to come up with an excuse not to come, but he quickly talks himself out of it. With nearly everyone participating, there will be a pretty big crowd. Just because he’s avoiding Eliott, it doesn’t mean he has to shut himself off completely. The chances are, they won’t even run into each other. Right?

***

It’s only Lucas’ luck that he ends up sandwiched between Imane and Manon all the while Eliott is sitting right across him. And he’d have to be stupid not to notice the expectant looks Eliott keeps throwing his way.

He pretends he’s stupid, though, and with his head hanging low, he tries to seem as engrossed in his food as he can.

The fact everyone’s talking amongst each other and they don’t pay much attention to him besides asking him to pass them something is good. The fact he’s hyper aware of Eliott at any second not so much, though.

The girls are having a discussion over his head that more people start joining in and Lucas wishes he could participate, act normally, but he hasn’t slept much lately and his mind is too full. All he craves is some quiet.

Someone kicks him under the table. Not hard, giving him a way to brush it off as an accident. And that’s how he knows it’s Eliott.

Lucas is tired. Tired of the avoiding, of how he screwed up the friendship that has started blossoming between them. All because he’s a stuck-up bitch who denies himself good things in life because of reasons. Even if they are soulmates it doesn’t have to mean everything between them will be completely fake.

He doesn’t want to deny Eliott any longer.

That’s why he looks up.

He’s met with an anxious smile tugging at Eliott’s lips, but determination lighting up his eyes.

“Want to leave?” he mouths, tilting his head towards the exit.

Lucas doesn’t hesitate before nodding.

The first minutes after they’ve left, they are just walking aimlessly around, not uttering a single world. And it’s not the same comfortable silence they shared before. Lucas knows it’s his fault for creating that gap between them.

They were fast to go from strangers to friends to strangers again.

“The weather is nice tonight,” Eliott breaks the quiet and Lucas needs a moment to process. It’s weird to hear Eliott speaking to him so casually all of sudden.

“The weather? Really?” Lucas retorts, hoping he doesn’t sound hostile.

“Why not? It’s better than nothing.” Lucas sees Eliott shrugging out of the corner of his eye.

Lucas sighs and moves a hand over his face. “I’m sorry for acting so weird lately,” he says, glancing at Eliott.

“It’s okay, we’re all a little weird from time to time,” Eliott’s voice is calm when he speaks, but there’s something hidden underneath it. “You know, sometimes I feel like leaving everything behind and starting over. Sometimes I do things that normally I wouldn’t. We all have our demons.”

Lucas bites down on his lip. Eliott is sharing something personal with him to make Lucas feel more comfortable. To justify the way he’s behaved. Lucas isn’t sure how to feel about it.

“I shouldn’t have acted like a dick, though,” he says, frowning and Eliott’s gaze lays on him.

“You shouldn’t have,” he agrees, his voice full of emotion. Lucas feels like there’s more Eliott wants to add, but he only settles on a soft, “Are you better now?”

Lucas stops walking and Eliott does the same. He turns towards Lucas so they are facing each other and Lucas can’t stop his heart from beating faster when he meets Eliott’s eyes. When he realises how close they are after weeks of distance.

They stare at each other, both searching and expectant. The evening air around them is thick with anticipation.

Lucas tilts his chin up. “Yeah, I am,” he whispers and gets the brightest smile in return.

***

There’s more between them now than there was before. The looks are growing bolder and gestures are going way beyond friendly. Their feet are pressed together during their breaks and there are smiles reserved solely for each other. There’s an unspoken what are we every time they get too close. Eliott pulls Lucas in and Lucas doesn’t resist. He doesn’t want to resist even if it’s against everything he believes in. Everything is the same, but at the same things have changed dramatically.

For example, now, Eliott invited Lucas to come over. He’s never done that. Besides the dinner and their walks after work, they’ve never hung out outside the zoo.

They’ve ordered pizza and have been drinking beer, the atmosphere relaxing and soothing. They are sitting next to each other on the couch, their knees brushing against each other. They’ve eaten almost everything and Lucas feels heavy. Tired. Like he could fall asleep in seconds. The fact he’s surrounded by warmth makes him even lazier.

He turns his head and he looks at Eliott. He doesn’t even flinch when Eliott notices and stares at him back. Lucas lets himself watch. He marvels at how the light reflects in Eliott’s eyes, how soft his hair seems to be and how inviting his parted lips are. There mere centimeters keeping them apart feel like they are kilometer long, but at the same time like there’s no space left for air between them.

It’d be so easy to kiss Eliott in this moment. And maybe Eliott would kiss him back.

Lucas stands up before he inches closer and changes things even more.

He can feel Eliott’s eyes on his back when he takes his steps further away from the couch. He takes a look at Eliott’s face and he seems to be asking why do you keep running away? to which Lucas’ only answer would be I’m scared.

The territory they are currently crossing is as tempting as it is dangerous. Considering everything Lucas’ knows about their supposed bond, he doesn’t dare to take the leap towards his destiny.

What if all he feels towards Eliott is only caused by the soulmate thing? It’s killing him, the lack of knowledge about his own matters of the heart. What part of all of this is genuine and how much of it is just a cunning ploy designed by the universe? What if none of it is truly real?

His eyes land on a drawing of a raccoon. The blood drains from his face and his breath hitches in his throat.

“What is this?” He points at the image, feigning nonchalance.

Eliott moves from the couch and comes to a stop directly behind Lucas. His front is almost touching Lucas’ back and he rests his chin on Lucas’ shoulder. His exhale tickles the side of Lucas’ neck, raising goosebumps over his skin.

“It’s me,” he says.

Lucas scoffs and turns his head slightly to the side to get a proper look at Eliott’s face. “Huh?”

“Like a spirit animal?” Eliott offers sheepishly.

Lucas stares at him, partly amused and partly baffled.

“So, like your fursona?” he asks, his tone teasing and Eliott’s eyes widen.

“I don’t think that’s what a spirit animal is,” he mutters, his cheeks growing redder with each passing second.

“Spirit animals are like in Native American’s culture, though. I believe you are just a regular furry, buddy,” Lucas retorts and reaches behind to pat Eliott sympathetically on the shoulder.

“This is embarrassing,” Eliott mumbles and hides his face in Lucas’ neck. Only then does Lucas realise how close they are. Despite the fact that he moved away earlier just to avoid something exactly like that happening.

“It’s okay,” he says meekly and clears his throat. “I accept you,” Lucas adds, letting out a chuckle right after.

Eliott buries his face deeper in the place where Lucas’ neck and shoulder connect. Eliott is clearly ashamed. “I’m not a furry,” he insists, his lips moving against Lucas’ skin and sending a shiver down his spine. They stay like that for what feels like forever and then, “You’d be a hedgehog.”

***

“How’s the internship going?” Yann asks while Lucas is taking a sip from his bottle.

Seeing how they all have been busy both with preparations for the uni to start and their jobs, it’s amazing that Lucas, Yann, and Arthur managed to find one evening when they were free and could chill together. Lucas has to admit he’s missed his friends and how he doesn’t have to worry about anything around them. Besides, it’s nice to escape the conflicting Eliott-feelings for at least a few hours. They’ve been so close ever since they reconciled that at times it gets overwhelming. Lucas wonders if it’s this intense because they are soulmates.

He wipes his mouth with the back of his palm and puts his beer down.

“It’s okay. Tiring,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You reek of animals,” Arthur chimes in and Lucas huffs.

“I do not,” he retorts. Lucas can admit, the smell was hard at the very beginning, but he’s been taking two showers a day and he’s bought shower gels that are supposed to be efficient. So he does not reek.

Unless he’s just got very used to that animal fragrance.

“You kinda do, dude,” Yann adds, kicking Lucas’ ankle. Arthur snorts and the two of them high five each other.

He needs new friends.

“Anyways, guys! I have news. I met my soulmate,” Arthur announces proudly, his grin blinding.

Lucas rolls his eyes. Amazing news. Really. Ten out of ten.

Yann congratulates Arthur, of course, and that’s when it hits Lucas and he sits up straighter.

“Didn’t you have a boyfriend?” he asks and is surprised at how harsh he sounds.

Arthur tilts his head to the side, his eyes narrowed. “Yeah? So?”

“So you just broke up with him?”

That’s fucking why Lucas hates soulmates. They ruin everything. Whichever higher power decided this concept was okay, must have been really fucked up–

“I didn’t?” Arthur looks between Yann and Lucas, baffled. “Why would I?”

“Because you met your soulmate?”

“So? We hit it off, sure, but there aren’t any other feelings between us? I like her as a friend, but I love my boyfriend. And she’s a lesbian. So any feelings beyond platonic are impossible,” Arthur explains, his tone edging on being defensive, but at the same staying composed.

“I don’t understand. Isn’t a soulmate supposed to be the love of your life? Written in the stars and all that shit?” Lucas asks, feeling more and more stupid after receiving puzzled looks from Arthur and Yann.

“Sure it happens, but mostly when the people like, fall for each other, you know? The stars aren’t in control of your feelings, though. Your soulmate is just a person you vibe with. Can be romantic, can be platonic. Hell, some people hate each other’s guts but are soulmates. Being soulmates with someone just means you two get each other on some deeper level. The connection is stronger. But developing romantic feelings for them? Or any at all? That’s all just chemicals in your brain,” Arthur explains, his index finger pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

“Yeah, and some people are convinced that soulmates are solely romantic and get together with them the second they meet. Later on, they realise they have no romantic feelings for the person and puff,” Yann adds and Arthur nods at his words.

Lucas feels as if his whole world has shifted off its axis.

Wow. His mind? Blown.

This honestly changes the perspective.

“You okay, Lucas?” Yann asks, watching him like he’s grown a second head.

“Yeah, I’m just processing,” he mumbles, staring down at his lap.

So, his whole life has been a lie. How does one just recover from that? Why has no one ever told him all of that? Now what? He can let himself… feel? Without second thoughts and always stepping back?

As if on cue, his phone vibrates in his pocket. He pulls it out and there’s a notification staring back at him. A message from Eliott. He hesitates for a moment before he clicks on it.

see you tomorrow at the zoo gate at 9pm

Lucas clutches the phone to his chest and looks up at the ceiling, disbelieving.

***

He didn’t get more information from Eliott, but supposing Eliott didn’t cancel, they’re still on. Lucas has no idea what Eliott could have planned, especially there out of all places. After everything Lucas has found out the day before, he doesn’t care that much. He’s just excited to meet up with Eliott and finally stop holding back.

Funny how he needed to be told that his feelings for Eliott aren’t caused solely on the fact they are soulmates. Although, considering his aversion towards the whole concept and his past experiences, it’s not surprising that he couldn’t believe it earlier.

Now, he can finally breathe freely. He’s glad he didn’t fuck up their relationship to the point of no return. He’s glad they haven’t parted their ways yet before anything could happen. Maybe it’s high time Lucas forgave the universe. At least partly.

It’s dark outside and he’s thankful for the fact the zoo management spends so much money on keeping the area around lit up. Otherwise, he’d have been spooked.

Waiting at the gate, Lucas wonders when Eliott is going to arrive. There are still a couple of minutes left and Lucas is sure Eliott wouldn’t be late – he tends to be anxiously early when it comes to the job. So there’s no need to worry about having to wait too long. Unless Eliott stands him up. But he wouldn’t, would he? God, Lucas should have texted him something more besides an okay.

“Hey, hey,” someone is whisper-shouting and Lucas turns around to face the gate that has now been slightly opened. He sees Eliott waving at him to come in and without a single thought, Lucas complies.

After that, Eliott shuts the gate closed again and smiles widely at Lucas.

“What are we doing?” Lucas asks in a hushed voice.

“We are having a date,” Eliott answers, his tone solemn. Lucas can feel the heat creeping up his neck after hearing those words.

A date. They are having a date a day after Lucas realised that whatever they have is real. The fate isn’t fucking around, huh.

But there’s something gnawing at his conscience.

“What about the guards? The cameras? We could be fired for it,” Lucas states, getting antsy at the mere thought.

“A little birdie told me which place is almost never checked and well, let’s say the security will be looking away from certain monitors tonight, if you know what I mean.” Eliott winks at him.

The realisation dawns on Lucas and he opens his mouth. “You didn’t. You know bribing is illegal?”

“Worth it,” Eliott says and shrugs, still beaming at Lucas. “Also, the internships are almost over so not much to lose. Come on.” He tugs on Lucas’ sleeve and drags him in an unknown direction. Lucas lets Eliott guide him without any objections.

They end up by the hippo exhibit and Lucas stops in his tracks. It’s not the place that shocks him, but the blanket laying on the ground with food waiting on it and all the candles carefully placed all over the area. It’s probably unsafe, but everything be damned no one has ever prepared something like that for him.

Eliott has sat down and is fidgeting in place, looking everywhere, but at Lucas. It’s endearing, really.

“I hope I didn’t overdo it,” he admits quietly, his fingers playing with the sleeves of his hoodie.

Lucas comes closer, wary not to knock any of the candles over. He crouches in front of Eliott and grabs both of his hands.

“It’s perfect. Really,” he murmurs, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips and Eliott visibly relaxes.

After that Lucas sits down, reluctantly letting go of Eliott’s palms, and they start eating. An easy banter flows between the two of them and Lucas feels truly content. If someone had told him he’d be on a date with Eliott a few weeks ago, he’d have wholeheartedly disagreed with them. Now, it’s like everything is finding its place.

Funny how fast things change. How they don’t need many words to navigate that fragile thing between them. Lucas just feels like he belongs right there, with Eliott. And he hopes Eliott feels the same.

There’s some fear in Lucas, though. Fear of how Eliott could start acting if only he found out about who they were to each other. Because well, Lucas knows what he feels right now. With or without the soulmate aspect, he’d have fallen for Eliott. And Eliott seems to like him as well, but Lucas knows how Eliott is about soulmates. How important it’s for him. What if he goes overboard once he learns the truth?

“Are we dating now?”

Lucas looks up from his nearly empty plate at Eliott, snapped out of his thoughts. Eliott seems shy and uncertain.

“Do you want us to?” Lucas asks, his heart beating fast and loud.

Eliott shifts closer to Lucas, kneeling in front of him and Lucas straightens up.

Eliott’s voice is shaky when he speaks. “Can I confess something?”

Lucas only nods in response.

Eliott reaches out for Lucas’ hand and before saying whatever he wants to say, he puts Lucas’ palm over his heart. Presses it against his chest. If Lucas focuses hard enough, he can feel the quick thump thump thump under his fingertips. The gesture is even grander for him since he knows just what exactly rests on the skin he’s touching through the material.

Eliott doesn’t let go. He closes his eyes and exhales harshly through the nose, bracing himself. Then, he looks deeply into Lucas’ eyes. “I’m bipolar, Lucas. I think you should know that,” he pauses to take a deep breath before continuing, “and a lot of people tried to convince me that anything I feel is a delusion caused by my illness. But I know that what I’m feeling right now, with you, is true,” he admits, his gaze unwavering.

“And what are you feeling?” Lucas asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

“That you are the only one I want,” Eliott answers like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Yeah?” Lucas inches closer, up until he’s on Eliott’s eye level. His fingers curl up over Eliott’s heart.

“Yeah,” Eliott breathes out against Lucas’ mouth.

They stare at each other for a few more seconds before Lucas captures Eliott’s lips in a kiss. It’s desperate and messy at first, but they quickly find their rhythm. And despite them having never kissed before, it feels they’ve already done it over a thousand times. It’s familiar.

Like coming home.

***

He’s going to tell Eliott. Lucas needs to do so or else it’ll kill him.

It’s been almost two weeks since their zoo date(no one was captured and candles didn’t burn anything down, much to Lucas’ surprise) and they’ve been together ever since. It’s been amazing. Lucas has never felt happier if he’s being completely honest. One can take whatever they want from it. The point is, that despite things going well, there hasn’t been a day when Lucas didn’t think about the soulmate secret.

Eliott deserves to know. And not when they end up being shirtless together. No, Lucas needs to be honest with him. Eliott told him things about himself despite his fears. So Lucas owes him. And there’s no better occasion to spill his guts than during their next date.

They are at an amusement park. The summer is about to end and Eliott was adamant on going there. Said there’s no better way to celebrate going back to adult life than getting in touch with their inner younger selves. Lucas couldn’t argue with that, especially when Eliott looked at him with those eyes.

Now they are walking hand in hand, munching on some candy floss and thinking of where to go next. Lucas can’t find the right moment to reveal the truth to Eliott and it’s awful.

“Can I ask you something personal?” Eliott asks, grabbing one of Lucas’s hands and swaying it back and forth.

Lucas hums.

“I know we’ve talked about soulmates before.” Oh, fuck, oh, shit he’s seen right through Lucas and is about to call him out, isn’t he? “You told me why you hate the phenomenon. But I was wondering if something happened for you to be so against it?” So Eliott is only curious about it? That’s great.

No need to stress it.

“My parents were married for years, but then my dad met his soulmate and left in an instant,” Lucas says and feels Eliott squeezing his palm. Something warm spreads through his chest. “I wish my tragic backstory was more interesting. But you know what?”

“Hmm?”

“I’ve been kind of warming up to this whole thing. I talked to some people. And yeah,” he finishes lamely and glances briefly at Eliott. Who for some reason, is grinning.

“Maybe let’s go there,” Lucas suggests, pointing towards a giant roller coaster.

He hears Eliott huff and then saying in a gentle tone, “Sure.”

Soon enough they are buckled up and holding each other’s hands like their life depended on it. The moment they are moving, Lucas regrets ever thinking it was a good idea.

He closes his eyes against the wind and he’s sure his fingernails are going to leave half-moon shaped marks all over the back of Eliott’s palm.

At some point, they come to a stop and Lucas opens his eyes, relieved it’s the end just to find out they are very fucking high. About to drop. God fucking save him.

“Hey, Lucas!” Eliott shouts and Lucas turns towards him. Seeing him relaxed and smiling grounds Lucas, no matter how cheesy it sounds.

“What?”

Eliott sobers up in a matter of seconds. “Remember that time we had this water fight? And we went to change?” Lucas nods. Of course, he remembers. Everything has been turned upside down since then. “I saw you changing your shirt,” he says, a meaningful look over his face.

Lucas squints at him, his brain not quite catching up with what he’s just heard. Eliott squeezes his hand again today and Lucas gapes when he realises what kind of bomb Eliott has dropped on him. He wants to say something, but before he has a chance to, they are falling down.

And despite that, the only thing he sees is Eliott.

#elu #elu fic #skam france #skam france fic #lucas x eliott #lucas lallemant #eliott demaury

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sibillascribbles08 · 6 years ago

Text

More biker AU nonsense that was started by @shimospookyapple feat. more cole and zane

I’ll be compiling all these on AO3 at some point

Cole kept fiddling with his room key in his pocket as he nervously waited near the school gate. It wasn’t wise to wait outside of them. No doubt someone from campus security would wander by and ask him what he was doing.

He should be good for the night. He set up his room in case of a check-in. He’d slipped out of the building without any of the other students catching him. It wasn’t like the gate was locked, just closed. If he was quiet enough he could slip out.

But then again, the sneaking out wasn’t what he was so nervous about.

He hadn’t seen Zane–Snake Jaguar–since their first encounter. He’d texted the biker more than once, having a back and forth conversation a number of times. It was surprising how fast he could reply. The guy didn’t seem to have an off switch to his flirting, although now and then he’d talk in a… less than smooth fashion.

It didn’t bother Cole, just surprised him, but then again he barely knew anything about Zane.

I mean, did he do anything besides bike around?

The rumble of an engine got his attention. He peeked around the wall and through the fence, seeing the familiar white and blue bike pulling up next to the gate. He had the same jacket on and everything.

He didn’t hesitate to step out, undoing the latch on the gate. He pushed it open only a bit before slipping out and closing it again. Minimal noise, good.

“Well, hello.” Zane raised the visor on his helmet. Those bright blue eyes seemed to glow. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“Hilarious.” Cole snorted, already feeling the heat in his cheeks. “You’re here to pick me up for a date.”

Zane laughed, lowering the visor again. “Not in the mood for jokes today, hm?”

“Just wanna get out of here before the school catches me.” Cole climbed on the bike, already hugging Zane’s middle. “Being out all night and getting caught is a huge risk.”

“And yet you take it.” Zane revved up the bike.

Cole didn’t answer that. No doubt the bike engine was far too loud to be heard over anyway unless he spoke directly in Zane’s ear. He wasn’t bold enough for that.

For now he let himself zone out, pressing his ear to Zane’s shoulder. He tried to focus on the sites, but it was all turning to a blur.

At least it was soothing, somehow. The wind rushing through his hair. The sky slowly turning to shades of orange. Holding someone this close.

Ugh, he was only on the first date. He needed to slow his thoughts down.

Zane drove them fair into the city, eventually parking his bike on a side road. Cole climbed off first, letting Zane follow. The biker kept his helmet on for the time being.

“Come on, just this way.” Zane put a hand on Cole’s shoulder as he lead him down the street. Cole debated if he should protest, but it didn’t entirely make him uncomfortable. It was just unusual. Christ his fingers were cold.

They weaved through a few people on the street before coming up to a wooden door. Zane pushed it open and in a flash Cole’s eyes were assaulted with neon while he smelled the residue of cigarette smoke. Music blasted through the dimly lit bar. Already his anxiety shot through the roof.

A bar? Zane brought him to a bar? Cole only recently turned eighteen was he even allowed in here?

Oh no, not just any bar he realized as they stepped further inside. His gaze fixed on the stage where a couple guys stood, singing along to the music that was playing.

A karaoke bar.

When Zane offered to get him some food this isn’t what Cole had in mind.

There didn’t seem to be any kind of hostess. Zane lead him over to a small round table, oddly being polite and pulling out Cole’s chair for him. He took it and sat down. The biker soon followed, putting his helmet on the table and leaning back in the wooden chair in a way Cole swore it was going to fall over.

“So? What do you think?” Zane’s eyes seemed to glitter in the neon light. “Pretty lively.”

“That’s one way of describing it.” Cole narrowed his eyes and then glanced down at the stand on the table, advertising some new kind of cocktail.

Alcohol, live performances, he was already screaming internally. But he didn’t want to be outright rude and ruin his chances on date one.

“So, anything new happening at school?” Zane’s expression had slipped from excited to that half-lidded gaze as he leaned on the table.

“Nothing worth talking about.” Cole tried to focus on the small talk, although the volume of the singers made it difficult. “Had a bit of a laugh go through the school since one of the ballet students flung his partner off stage. She’s alright at least.”

“I did not realize it was a hazardous hobby.”

Cole laughed out loud at that. “Oh man, you should see some of the stuff dancers deal with. I know at least five kids that have already broken limbs over this. One had to leave school because of her recovery time. It bites.”

“Well, it’s not fun if there’s not some risk involved, yes?” Zane was still staring at him.

“Guess that’s one way of looking at it.” Cole managed to smile back but heat was crawling up his neck by this point. He was so grateful when the waiter came by, dropping down some menus with a greeting. Cole was quick to use his to hide his face, pretending he was invested in the rather average food they had here. Well no, that wasn’t true, that plate of loaded cheese fries looked amazing.

“What are you getting?” Cole asked.

“Oh, I don’t need much.” Zane shrugged. “Don’t worry about it.”

Cole was about to ask why when the screeching of wood on wood caught his attention. A petite woman dragged a chair over to their table, setting it up before plopping down. The shoulders of her leather jacket were pointed. Her hair was styled into a swirl on her head. Cole couldn’t tear his gaze away from her eyes though. The pale blue was such a contrast to her dark skin. Not much unlike Zane’s. Were they related.

“Well, if it’s not Snake Jaguar.” She said. “Odd for you to be out and about by yourself.”

Zane only smiled, although it looked smug as he crossed his arms. “Good evening, Nate.”

“It’s Nat right now.” She drummed her nails on the table. “You know the big boy would be mad to find you skulking around in here.”

The biker held up his hands. “It’s only me. I’m here with a friend.” He gestured to Cole. “I see no need to turn this into a fuss.”

“You’re lucky he’s not here to cause a fuss.” Nat stuck out her tongue before her gaze moved to Cole. She glanced him up and down. “And you look familiar.”

“Huh?” Cole lowered the menu a bit more. “Not sure why. I don’t know you.”

“Could be my imagination.” She said as she stood up. “Sorry for interrupting then, but I am keeping an eye on you.”

“Now now,” Zane’s smirk was back. “He’s my eye candy.”

“Oh, is that how it is.” Nat gave them a wink before turning away and heading back to her own table. Cole watched her approach a table with two other guys. One had short red hair and wide shoulders. The other was on the lanky side, his dark curls pulled back into a ponytail. Both of them stared at them for a moment until Nat started talking to them.

“Uh, not a friend of yours?” Cole looked back at Zane.

“There’s a handful of gangs in the city.” The biker shrugged. “Sometimes territory is an issue. Dareth’s gang doesn’t like us hanging out in this bar as a group. We should be fine if it’s just us.”

Cole tried to hang onto that thought. Things seemed to settle down for a bit as the waiter brought them drinks and took Cole’s order. Zane insisted on not ordering anything, in fact he was only drinking water. There had to be a story there.

Their conversations were on and off, Cole trying too hard to think of things to say whenever Zane ended up staring for too long. At least the food offered him an excuse to be quiet, although it just gave Zane more reasons to stare it seemed.

He went to wash down his fries with his soda when Zane suddenly spoke up.

“Are you going to sing?”

He choked. The soda almost went up his nose before he forced it back down. The fizz was now burning his nostrils as he tried to regain control of his lungs.

“My apologies, was that too sudden.” The biker laughed as he handed Cole his water. Cole took the glass without thinking, chugging some of it down.

“Rather not.” He replied. “Performing like that is uh… no I can’t do that.”

Zane frowned. “Don’t you go to a school for performing?”

“Learning with a bunch of other newbies is different than singing in front of a bunch of strangers.” He cringed. “I mean… are you comfortable in crowds like this.”

Zane smiled as he glanced to the side. “Easier to go unnoticed in crowded spaces, I’ve found. I mean, I doubt anyone in here would give it a second thought if I did this.”

In a blink the biker leaned over, kissing Cole on the cheek. He would have choked again if he hadn’t been wise enough to keep his throat clear.

“F-fine.” He stuttered. “But that doesn’t apply if you’re on a stage singing over the speaker.”

“Alright, when you’re ready then we’ll go somewhere else.”

Cole blinked. “Huh?”

“When you’re ready we’ll go somewhere else.” Zane kept smiling, eyes shut.

He wasn’t sure what to say to that, so he just kept eating fries.

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

Cole was glad to be out of the noisy bar, and not only because it gave him a second chance to ride on Zane’s bike. The cool night air was soothing, to a point he almost forgot to stress about the fact someone might notice he wasn’t at school.

Whatever, the night was still young. He had plenty of time to sneak back in.

Zane drove for a while. Cole watched the blur of buildings and window lights turn into nothing but power lines. They were heading out of the city, onto a small road. Cole didn’t bother to ask where they were going, though doubt gnawed at his mind for a moment. What if this was all some kind of trick? What if the gang Zane was part of was part of something much darker.

He shoved his fear aside.

Zane drove through a forest road, eventually turning off onto a dirt path. That only made Cole worry more. He pictured the headlines of someone finding his body in the river before shoving that aside too. Zane wouldn’t hurt him, right?

He barely knew Zane.

Eventually they came to a stop. Cole opened his eyes from squeezing them shut in terror. They were at the top of a hill, a few trees that likely would have provided shade from the sun if it was out. It didn’t provide a huge view, but it made seeing the starry sky that much easier. Cole stared at it for a few moments before Zane pushed him back, signaling that he needed to get off.

Cole admired the view for a bit longer, stepping up the hill near one of the trees. The wind rustled the branches, but it wasn’t harsh.

“Is this better?” Okay, Zane’s eyes had to be glowing. They couldn’t possibly be that bright. “More… remote?”

“Too remote.” Cole snorted. “You didn’t have to drive like, five miles out of the city.”

Zane laughed. He left his helmet on the bike before stepping over, already crowding Cole’s space. He couldn’t find it in him to protest as his back pressed against the tree.

“Well, this way you don’t have to worry if strangers hear you sing, yes?”

“Hah, what kind of singing are you talking about?” He cracked the joke before he could catch himself. Suddenly the cool night air was no match for the heat under his collar.

Zane blinked before he laughed again. It slipped down to a chuckle as he leaned closer. “Well, I suppose I can leave that up to you.”

Once again he couldn’t find it in him to protest. In fact, he gripped Zane’s leather vest, pulling him the rest of the way into the kiss. The last one was such a blur he never got to appreciate how soft Zane’s lips were, how cool.

He let Zane push him against the tree. The bark dug into his shoulders and snagged his hair, but he didn’t pay it any mind. Especially not when Zane lightly bit at his lower lip.

But when the biker moved his kisses from Cole’s jaw down to his neck, he froze. His hands pressed against Zane’s shoulders to push him back, not harshly, but enough to create some space.

“Too much.” Cole mumbled. He swore his head was spinning.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” The biker looked genuinely worried. He completely let go of Cole, taking a few more steps back. “I was misreading signals.”

Cole blinked at the sudden shift in behavior. “Huh?”

Zane waved his hands back and forth. “Well, it seemed to be what you wanted. Did I misunderstand. I’m still somewhat new at this.”

He snorted, then laughed. “What? Zane what the hell? Where did Snake Jaguar go?”

It was the biker’s turn to blink. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’re always acting so suave and smooth. Suddenly you’re almost tripping over your own words.”

Zane cleared his throat and crossed his arms. “Yes, well, reputations are important, and all that.”

“That so?” Cole stepped over. “But I think I’d rather get to know you. The real you.”

“It is the real me.” Zane said. “It’s just… a different part of me. Sometimes it feels right to act that way, other times it doesn’t. Does that make sense?”

Cole thought for a moment. “Yeah, I think so. I know I certainly act different around my dad. It doesn’t bother me, for the record.” He pointed. “But you know, as cool as Snake Jaguar is, Zane is pretty cute.”

Something about his eyes seemed to flash as he straightened up. When he laughed this time his smile was nervous, tucking his hands behind his back. “Ah, is that so?”

God, he was like a different person. “Sure is.”

There was a pause, but not really an awkward one. Cole was content to stare at Zane’s smile. It was as if his entire face was glowing by this point.

“Did you want to try singing?” Zane asked. “The musical kind, by the way.”

“Hah, thanks for clarifying.”

“We can try the other kind another day.”

He didn’t reply to that, already seeing Zane’s smirk coming back. “Well, did you bring any music? Singing along to nothing is a bit tricky.”

“You must have some songs memorized.”

Cole stuck out his tongue. “Oh yeah? How about… Glow little glow worm. Glimmer, glimmer.”

“Oh no,” Zane grinned as he tried to cover Cole’s mouth. “Nothing like that.”

“Glow little glow worm.” He sung louder as he pried himself away from Zane’s grip.

“Stop.” The biker laughed.

“Never.” Cole shouted. “I will not be silenced.” He ducked away before breaking into a light run around the trees. Zane’s chase was half hearted as Cole kept singing. He didn’t even know all the lyrics, just enough to be annoying.

Not like it mattered. Most of the song was broken up by the sound of his laughter.

He decided he enjoyed singing like this much more.

#scribbly fics #ninjago #biker au #snakeglacier shipping #this one is mostly snof tho #Nat is an oc of mine #elvis squad is a biker gang now

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boueibu-valentines · 6 years ago

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Creator: @my-yuujin Recipient: @chuuugs Characters/Pairings: Atsushi/En Comment: I do not usually write fanfic even in my native language, so this may be an embarrassing gift to give🙈 Please forgive any grammar/spellings mistakes and weird sentences you may found in this very short story.

———-

“Wow! It looks delicious, Atsushi-senpai!!” exclaimed Yumoto, sparkling eyes staring blithely at the inside of the lunch box Atsushi showed them. The youngest boy of the bunch cocked his head, deeply breathing in the delicious smell.

“Hey, now! You will drop your drool all over the brownies!” Atsushi drifted away the box from Yumoto’s hungry nose. “Aren’t we going to eat this with everyone in the club?”

“I guess it’s for Valentine’s Day, is it, Senpai?” Io asked politely. The pale green haired boy unusually tucked away his smartphone, which screen was always full of complicated graphics regarding his activity of trading stocks. “I heard that heart-shaped pink brownies are being popular these days.”

“Yeah…, my sister told me that too,” Atsushi admitted as he arranged the brownies onto the plate. “I’m not really used to baking. She pretty much helped me with this, so I can say I’m quite confident on its taste.”

“Hm! You’re right!” Taking a bite of a piece, Ryuu agreed. “It tastes as good as the ones I received from my girls!”

“I love how it has both strawberry and chocolate flavors at the same time!” Yumoto pointed out. He gobbled up the brownie piece in one bite, and soon craved for another one. “Even though I’m still wondering if someday I can have An-chan’s riceball-flavored chocolate for Valentine.”

“That’s some absurd chocolate you’re fancying, Yumoto,” commented Ryuu with a sweatdrop.

“But still…,” Io talked after he’s done eating one piece. “It’s really a shame that Yufuin-senpai can’t try your chocolate, Kinugawa-senpai.”

“Now that you mention it, Yufuin-senpai is absent today because of cold, isn’t he?” supported Ryuu. “Though it’s sort of rare for him to suddenly get sick like that.”

Atsushi didn’t deny that.

“For someone who’s neither energetic, nor taking care of himself properly, En-chan had always been pretty healthy. That makes him being in bad condition kind of worrying….”

“So you’re planning to give him a visit after school?” reckoned Io.

Atsushi nodded. “I have to give him today’s lesson notes, too. Though…I doubt he’ll read them at all….”

“Rather than the notes, I bet Yufuin-senpai will be happier if you bring him your chocolate!” convinced Ryuu.

“You’re right,” Io complied. “It tastes this good, after all.”

“What is it? Visiting En-chan-senpai?” Yumoto suddenly butted in. “Count me in!”

Ryuu and Io jolted at Yumoto’s idea.

“No…, Yumoto! You don’t understand…! The point is…,” Ryuu struggled to explain, that he and Io wanted both of their senpai to be alone.

“That reminds me, Yumoto. Don’t you have to help Goura-san cleaning your family’s bath house today?” Io cut in

“Ugh…that’s right…. I completely forgot…!” Yumoto sighed in disappointment.

Atsushi smiled and patted the youngest boy’s head.

“Don’t worry, Yumoto. I’ll give En-chan your regards,” Atsushi turned to Io and Ryuu. “How about you two? Do you want to go visiting En-chan too?”

“Uh…we are…,” Ryuu was glancing around, looking for good excuse to refuse.

Io put up his right hand. “I’m sorry, Kinugawa-senpai. I have to spend my evening to arrange my investment strategy and some other stuffs.”

“M-me too!” followed Ryuu. “I have promised my new girlfriend to try some new cafe after school. So….”

“Well, that can’t be helped, then,” Atsushi smiled understandingly. “I guess I’ll go alone.”

“It’s fine, Senpai. Yufuin-senpai must need a good rest,” Io gave another good point. “The less people go, the better.”

Catching cold was always annoying. Especially when you didn’t usually catch one. Headache, sore throat, stuffy nose…. And worst of them, everything would taste terrible.

En buried his face in his pillow, rolling from side to another side of his bed, trying to find comfortable position to sleep. Exhausted, he finally settled by curling his body under blanket, sleeping without any pillow comforting his dizzy head.

En found himself waking up when the sun was almost setting. That meant he had almost slept for almost three hours. His pajamas drenched in sweat, and he felt terribly thristy. Reaching for a nightstand, he clucked tounge as he found the bottles on it were all empty.

In the end I’ll have to walk to get some water… En rose to sit, sighing lazily. How troublesome….

“Hm?”

En’s eyes rounded for realizing something wet fell from his forehead to his lap.

A towel?

He didn’t remember having that being put on his forehead before he fell asleep.

“Ah, En-chan! You’re already up?”

A familiar voice came from the door’s direction. Someone still wearing school uniform, was bringing in a tray with two steamy bowls on it.

“Atsushi?”

“Yeah…, I was asked by teacher to give you today’s note,” Atsushi put the tray on a round low table near En’s bed. “How are you feeling?”

“Not so good,” Eh shrugged. “And I’m hungry.”

“I know,” Atsushi helplessly chuckled. “Just by looking your miserable figure sleeping on the bed, I knew you hadn’t eaten anything today.”

“Too troublesome to cook and eat,” answered En, which didn’t surprise Atsushi at all. Even when he’s fit, he wouldn’t move too much. Let alone when he’s sick.

“Well, I made you some chicken soup,” Atsushi turned to the tray he had brought in. “Eat up and don’t forget to have your medicine.”

En stared at the dish. Warm rice and simple soup consisting shredded chicken, sliced carrots, green onions, and bok choy. The broth smelled delicious. It was a shame that it wasn’t apparent to En because of his stuffy nose. But since it was Atsushi, En still could bet that it must taste good.

While En was eating, Atsushi remembered that he also brought En some melon.

“I’ll cut it for you,” said Atsushi. “Or do you prefer it to be juiced?”

En sticked up his thumb with his free hand. “I’d have the melon juice.”

So Atsushi walked out and left En alone in his room. En could hear Atsushi‘s busyness in the kitchen as he cut and blended the melon. It sounded to take some time.

While inhaling the soup, En realized that Atsushi left his bag open in En’s room. At first, En didn’t really mind it, until he noticed a suspicious transparent little package containing some pieces of pink and brown.

En left his food to check on the package, and found out that the pink and brown things were actually some chocolate candies.

Right…, today is valentine, isn’t it? En pondered. Then, this must be for me, I guess….

En had enough reasons to believe that. The candies’ package was too plain to be a special gift from a girl. Even if it was just for obligatory chocolate. Besides, that wouldn’t likely to be one, since their school was all-boys.

En heard Atsushi ‘s sandals rubbed against the floor, heading towards his room. The blond quickly returned the chocolate to its place and fixed his position back to holding his chopsticks and rice bowl.

Well, it’s no good to take someone’s belonging from their bag, even if it’s actually a gift for you. I’ll pretend not to know and let Atsushi himself to give that to me.

Atsushi came with a glass on his hand.

“Here, the melon juice you wanted, En-chan,” he said, setting it on the table.

“Thanks.”

Atsushi approached his bag and put it on his shoulder. Good thing that he didn’t realize that En had zipped closed the bag he’d left open after getting En’s notes out.

“You wanna go already?” En held back his surprised tone.

Atsushi nodded. “I have to change my clothes and take bath after all. Don’t worry. I will be back here soon…, if you think you’ll still need me. But I guess your parents will be home tonight, won’t they?”

En didn’t answered. Instead, he quietly asked, “Say, Atsushi…did you get or give something for Valentine today?”

Atsushi blinked. That’s sure not something that En would usually ask.

“No, I didn’t receive anything,” Atsushi replied honestly. “What’s the matter with that?”

En put his still half-filled bowl down, followed by his chopsticks. The next moment, the blond crawled back to his bed.

“Hey, what’s wrong, En-chan? Why didn’t you finish your meal?”

“I’ll soon finish it when I get my appetite back,” En’s voice was heard from under the blanket he’s engulfing himself with.

“And you’re still not taking your medicine either…!”

“I’ll take it after dinner.”

“En-chan…!”

“My parent will be home early,” En said flatly. “You don’t have to accompany me tonight. I’ll be fine by myself.”

Atsushi, of course, with En being like that, didn’t just buy what his best friend told him.

“Are you alright, En-chan? Did the soup taste bad? I can make the new one for you, while it’s still not too late to buy groceries…”

“No, the soup was fine,” En replied quickly. “I just wanted to be alone.”

“You’re acting weird, En-chan! Is it because of some monster again…” Atsushi walked closer and yanked the blanket off En’s head. The eyes behind those glasses widened as they found tears on the corner of En’s cerulean eyes.

“En…cha—“

“Geez, just leave me alone, would you?!” En snatched his blanket from Atsushi, and covered his whole body with it.

Atsushi stared silently at the bulge under the blanket.

“Are you mad about something, En-chan?”

No answer.

“I won’t leave until you tell me what is wrong,” Atsushi stated as he took a seat on the bed’s edge.

Still no answer.

“Did I do something that makes you angry?”

The bulge of the blanket didn’t even move—

“Actually…, about chocolate, I did make some brownies for Valentine’s Day.”

—until Atsushi said that.

“I brought some to school, but Yumoto and the others ended up eating them all….”

The lock on En’s lips got loose.

“But I found a package of chocolate in your bag.”

“Eh, really?”

Atsushi immediately checked inside his bag. He jolted in surprise when he found exactly like En had said.

“This is…?”

“Is it for Kusat—“

“It’s the chocolate candies my sister made herself yesterday!” Atsushi exclaimed. “She made these using the leftover chocolate we got after making the brownies. She told me it’s obligatory chocolate for her friends. So why was it inside my bag?”

En quietly peeked, “Your sister?”

“Was my sister trying to prank me?” Atsushi mused in suspicion. Even though his sister did give him obligatory chocolate every year, she always gave the chocolate directly without warping it.

This year, Kinugawa siblings had made their chocolate together. Naturally, Atsushi himself had eaten some of the chocolate, and regarded it as his yearly obligatory gift. He’d never expected to get another one from his sister.

“Atsushi,“ En came out from his hiding, cracking Atsushi’s musing. “Stay here.”

Atsushi blinked at the sudden change in En’s behavior. “Didn’t you tell me to leave some minutes ago?”

“I was wrong. Sorry,” En’s reply was quick. He’s now sitting on his bed, lowering his head toward Atsushi in apology.

Atsushi rounded his mouth, before trying to guess, “Don’t tell me…, you was restless because of the chocolate candies you found in my bag?”

En pouted a little, and shifted his gaze. “No, i just thought that you were lying to me about not getting any chocolate. That’s all.”

Atsushi smiled to hide his chuckles. “Well, I’d be glad to stay. But you do understand that I need to change clothes and take a bath, right? I’ll be back here after I’m done with―”

“Take your bath here.”

“Eh?”

“What? You have once had bath in my house when we were in middle school, right? Our bathroom doesn’t change that much, to the point you can’t use it anymore.”

Atsushi waved his hand in denial, “No, no, that not the problem. I still need to change clothes and―”

“You can wear mine.”

“But, En-chan…! Your parents will be home soo―”

“Ah. I was lying about that. They won’t be home until tomorrow. Sorry.”

“What?” Atsushi raised his voice a bit. “You’re worried about me lying to you, but you too were lying to me?”

“Like I said, I’m sorry….”

Atsushi sighed, “You’re so helpless En-chan…. If anything, isn’t that you who need to take a bath and change clothes right now? Your pajama’s drenched with sweat.”

“Then we can take bath together,” En rose from his bed and shrugged off his pajamas. The next moment, the blond lifted Atsushi from the bed’s edge onto his shoulder.

“Wait! En-chan! I thought you’re sick?!” Atsushi struggled. Where did he get so much strength to lift me around?

“It’s because you’re too light!” shot En, as if he could read Atsushi’s mind.

“Wait, if we take bath together, you’ll end up passing your cold to me!” Atsushi still tried to convince En.

“Then we will have cold together.”

“En-chaaan!!!”

“You’re the worst, En-chan. If I really end up getting cold because of this―”

“Are you gonna sue me?” En replied as he rubbed his nose against Atsushi’s naked nape. “I can sue you for not providing me some Valentine’s chocolate too, you know.”

The shorter boy who wasn’t wearing his glasses now, sighed, as he was tracing his hands against En’s wet arms enveloping him from behind.

“That’s not my fault. I actually planned to go home, to fetch the leftover brownies I have in my fridge and give them to you. But since you forced me to stay here….“

“Well…,” En moved his chin onto Atsushi right shoulder. “To be honest, it’ll be pointless if my chocolate is just the same as the ones for Yumoto and the others.”

Atsushi chuckled as he felt En’s lips marking a kiss on him. “So… En-chan want to get a serious chocolate from me, huh?”

The kiss changed into a light lick, as En whispered deeply.

“You are my serious chocolate, Atsushi.”

#boueibu valentine #boueibu #enatsu #yufuin en #kinugawa atsushi #my-yuujin #chuuugs #fanfic #submission

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cosmosogler · 6 years ago

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hello everyone!

today was the last day of group therapy.

i got up a little early since i went to bed so early last night. i was feeling a lot better this morning so i uploaded my new comic and went to class. i even got there on time, for once...

the day was mostly a lot of work. and i got it done! except for one thing, but, i am very tired, and i have a final to study for, and emailing jobs will have to wait until probably wednesday afternoon, just because i will be cramming in as much work as i can tomorrow in particular. i finished all my grades today, but, i still have an entire quantum assignment to finish that’s due on the same day as my em final... definitely need it done tomorrow. arthur’s checkup is also in the morning, and then i have therapy and the em review session, and ugh, it’s a lot of running around, and i still feel fairly ill. ill enough to be painfully lethargic, especially since i got home at around 6...

anyway, group therapy. i always get kind of weirded out when people like me or say i said a lot of intelligent things that made them think, or inspired them. my last group coordinator called me a leader... i feel like the coordinators in this group didn’t let me do that. although i know i talked too much anyway. after spring break, when i was told i couldn’t talk that day, i just didn’t bring up any more of my problems to the group specifically. i feel like i missed out because of that, but, i had something really important to share the day i was told i couldn’t share, so, i kept it to myself.

i really liked the group members that stuck around. they felt like friends, toward the end, even though right away those first few weeks i felt “on the same page” in a way. it’s disorienting when people remember my jokes and think they’re still funny later... like, i guess, i’m not used to having an effect on people. i’m not used to being able to meaningfully affect my surroundings, even after living on my own for years and years now. at least it’s easy to trust when animals love me... they don’t have a reason to lie or leave. i’m not used to people wanting specifically my presence.

my mother’s told me that my siblings think of me the same way but man it’s so hard to gauge what they actually think. i feel disconnected from them most of all, in a way. maybe because i moved away when i was 14 and did so much of my growing up away from them (and them from me). i know i’m far closer with each of them than they are with each other... and our conversations have an easygoing “language of our own” kind of situation. but when i try to describe them i’m kind of at a loss. i guess i’m too used to the way my mother describes them, which is, not as charitable or at least neutral as i want to be.

will i be like this forever? am i so easygoing around my friends because i’ve got years of experience with this kind of thing, or is it because my brain says i only matter to them when i am physically in the room with them? maybe it’s both... i’ve had too many close friends leave so abruptly and quietly. it’s so hard to make new connections. and then it’s so hard to invest in those connections and trust them. it’s like i beg people for companionship and then when they hang out with me i just push them away or don’t say anything at all. so it’s like they see me in the distance waving and yelling and then when they get over to me i just stand there and stare at them silently. maybe it’s unnerving.

like... i so desperately want close friends but at the same time i want anything but friends. ha.

last week one of the coordinators mentioned i looked sad or tormented or something, and i asked “do i look *that* depressed?” and she said “yes!” so this week i asked, like, what specifically makes me look depressed? what does that look like? and she couldn’t answer. she’s given vague answers and metaphors all semester though it barely ever feels like she says anything specific and it ties my brain up in knots trying to figure out what the hell she’s talkin about. she’s new... today she said it was my way of talking, my cynicism. nothing about my appearance that i could change or see. it made me feel confused again. more abstract traits that i have no way to track or recognize... i guess i could talk to my therapist about it tomorrow.

i dunno. not really getting as much activity on the comic as i was hoping for, these last couple scenes... it always gets like that with major story developments or chapter milestones. the final scene in the last chapter got like 1 note... maybe it’s the time of semester. it feels like the ebbs and flows of attention happen so fast. i was getting near 10 notes a post, a few months ago, but now i’m back down to less than 5 it feels like. it’s hard to keep track... i have a few regulars that catch up every few weeks so the numbers hop up 1 per post after i’ve already gotten used to the lack of attention. well... i just have three more things to draw for this arc. i can get started on the last tiny comic tomorrow when i need a break.

today i felt so exhausted when i got home i forgot i left water on the stove to boil for too long and had to re-start my whole dinner process. it came out alright but then i near forgot to eat it. after i gave arthur his meds (kinda late) i huddled under a blanket and played pokemon for an hour or two. next up is the elite four... i’m gettin’ there... it will be nice to see the end of the game at long last. i have amassed enough resources that once i get to the postgame i can just buy everything i want at the battle tree and then have all my pokemon be completely battle-ready... if anyone wants to play... you know, a couple months before the new one comes out, haha.

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natashasbanner · 6 years ago

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Spies In Training

@esteicy-blog asked: For the prompt: After all the drama Infinity War was can I request something prettier? Like an AUHS, just Bruce and Nat being two dorks, fluff please I need it xD

Also on AO3

It was early, far too early for Peter to be walking toward the entrance of school. But he and Ned had a project due that afternoon and got special permission to come in early to work on it. He cut through the football field and instantly regretted it when he realized how wet the turf still was.

“Come on,” he muttered, stopping on the other side to brush the pieces of fake grass from his shoes and pant leg.

He shook his head and bypassed the front entrance that would be locked until school officially started, but the back door was open for faculty and students arriving early like him. Peter skidded to a stop when he rounded the building, noticing the car that just pulled into the staff parking lot. The parking lot was already half full, but that was normal. What wasn’t normal was the two teachers getting out of the silver Prius.

Dr. Banner, the school’s best science teacher, stepped out of the driver’s seat. That wasn’t unusual, Peter knew it was it was his car, had seen him a few times early in the morning before. But he’d never seen Dr. Banner run around his car to open the passenger door and Miss Romanoff, the Latin teacher, step out.

Peter brought his hand up to cover his mouth, afraid to draw attention to himself, but on the inside he was freaking out. This was huge. Dr. Banner and Ms. Romanoff walked the short distance from his car all smiles and quiet laughs. Dr. Banner held the door for her and they disappeared into the school.

Peter took a few deep breaths to calm himself down before hurrying up the same stairs the two teachers used and into the building. He couldn’t wait to tell Ned what he saw.

“So.”

That’s all Ned had to say and a tired shrug to go with it.

“That’s it?” Peter asked, pacing in front of the desk where Ned sat. “That’s all you have to say?”

Ned sighed and looked up at him. “What else do you want me to say?”

“I don’t know, but this is huge,” Peter said earnestly, stopping in front of Ned’s desk. “Don’t you remember when everyone found out about Ms. Miller and Miss Nolan, that’s all anybody talked about for weeks.”

Ned looked up with narrowed eyes. “Dude, they’re married. It wasn’t a secret.”

“Okay, but there’s something going on there. I know it. Wouldn’t it be cool to find out before everyone else this time around?”

Ned shook his head and went back to scribbling notes in his notebook. Peter held his breath and waited, knowing his friend well enough to know this wasn’t over. And as if on cue, Ned’s pencil stopped and he looked back up at Peter.

“It would be cool to know before the rest of the school.” Ned said, his expression softening into a goofy grin.

Peter clapped his hands together and took his seat across from Ned again. He felt a giddy excitement bubble up in his chest and he couldn’t help the laugh that escaped his lips.

“This is gonna be awesome.”

“Only if there is something going on,” Ned reminded him. “And just because you saw them this morning doesn’t mean anything. Teachers carpool all the time.”

Peter sighed, but nodded his head in agreement. “You’re right, we need more. Have you seen anything else that might help support our case?”

Ned brought his hand up to rub his thumb, over his chin in thought for a moment before shaking his head.

“I haven’t paid that much attention,” he answered honestly. “They’re teachers.”

Peter sighed and rolled his eyes. “Fair enough, let’s just agree to be more observant going forward.”

“Whatever you say,” Ned said, sounding unenthused. “Can we please get back to our actual homework now?”

“Yeah, sure,” Peter agreed, but on the inside he was already planning the rest of their day.

When the morning bell rang Peter and Ned went their separate ways. Ned had English first period, while Peter had Dr. Banner.

Like every morning, Dr. Banner stood at his door greeting each student as they entered the class room. He had the attendance roster on a clipboard in his hand, his glasses perched on the end of his nose.

“Morning, Mr. Parker,” he said when Peter walked past.

“Good morning,” Peter muttered, automatically heading for his desk. Suddenly an idea struck him to help jump start he and Ned’s little investigation.

“Hey, Dr. B?” he questioned as Dr. Banner closed the classroom behind the last student.

“Yes?”

“Me and Ned have this huge test last period that we forgot to study for, so we could come here during lunch?”

Dr. Banner eyed him for a moment and Peter wondered if he saw right through his lame excuse. Maybe he was taking this a little too serious, but his curiosity had gotten the best of him and there was no turning back now. It’d be a shame if Dr. Banner was on to him already.

“Remind me to write you a pass before you leave,” Dr. B finally answered.

“Thank you, Dr. B.”

Peter rocked back on his heels and hurried to his seat. While Dr. Banner got settled and dealt a couple stragglers, Peter pulled his phone out to text Ned about their new lunch plans. The response he got was less than thrilled, but he was sure Ned would be on board once he saw the evidence with his own eyes.

The day dragged on until it was finally lunch time. Peter met up with Ned in the hall and they hurried through the crowds of other students finding their friends and tables to be the first ones in line for food. They got through pretty quickly and headed out of the cafeteria toward Dr. Banner’s classroom.

“This better be worth it,” Ned said once they were far enough away from the cafeteria to hear themselves think. “I don’t want to spend forty minutes pretending to study Spanish. The test isn’t even until next week.”

“Just trust me,” Peter said turning the walk backwards so he was facing Ned.

“We were supposed to start my Lego Death Star today.”

“We’ll do it tomorrow, I swear,” Peter promised, putting his hand over his heart.

“Okay,” Ned conceded and Peter couldn’t help his pleased little smile.

But it didn’t last long. A door opening into the hall and before Peter could react he crashed into whoever stepped into the hallway. He heard books hit the floor behind him was more focused on not spilling his lunch all over the floor.

“I’m so sorry,” he said once his tray was balanced in his hands again.

He turned around to see Michelle staking up her books. Of course it had to be her, Peter thought feeling his face warm involuntarily and his heart beat a little faster. He was pretty sure Michelle hated him, so it only made sense that he made an absolute fool of himself whenever she was around.

“Where are you guys going?” she asked with a raised eyebrow, standing back up.

She was taller than both him and Ned and it only added to her whole intimidating demeanor.

Ned, who wasn’t nearly as affected by Michelle as Peter, answered.

“We’re going to eat lunch in Dr. B’s room and pretend to study so Peter can spy on him and Miss Romanoff.”

“Dude,” Peter sighed and looked down at the slice of pizza on his tray to avoid the judgemental look he could feel coming from Michelle.

“It’s not as bad as it sounds,” he said.

“You guys are weird,” was all Michelle had to say.

Peter looked up to see her turn around and start down the hallway, away from the cafeteria.

“Why aren’t you going to lunch?” he asked suddenly realizing that they weren’t the only ones wandering the halls.

“The library’s quieter,” Michelle answered without turning around.

Peter and Ned exchanged a look, confused as always by Michelle and followed her to the end of the hall. Before they reached the end where it split into to side hallways, Michelle stopped and looked at them over her shoulder.

“Banner and Miss Romanoff are married,” she said matter of factly before hurrying out of sight.

Peter furrowed his brow and looked at Ned. Ned raised his eyebrows but Peter shook his head.

“She’s lying,” he decided. “Just to screw with us.”

“Totally.”

Dr. Banner’s door was open when they finally reached his classroom and Ned knocked on the doorframe before they walked in. Dr. B was sitting at his desk in the back of the room, focused on his computer screen.

“I was starting to think you two weren’t coming,” he said as they set their stuff down on a table near the front of the room.

“The lunch line was long,” Ned told him and Dr. B nodded dully.

“Well you know the rules,” he started. “Treat this as a study hall and clean up after yourselves.”

“Of course,” Peter said, pulling out his Spanish textbook while Ned did the same.

They quickly settled into their usual routine by practicing the flashcards Peter made at the beginning of the chapter, though only half heartedly. Between bites of pizza, Peter couldn’t help but glance over at Dr. Banner. He wasn’t doing much outside entering grades into his computer, but every couple minutes his phone would vibrate against his desk. A few times Peter caught him smiling at his screen and knew it had to be Miss Romanoff.

He pointed it out to Ned, but he wasn’t as easily convinced.

“That doesn’t prove anything,” Ned whispered, glancing over to Dr. B whose thumbs were flying over his phone keyboard.

The bell rang and Peter quickly looked back down at his textbook when Dr. Banner looked over at them. Technically their lunch was over, but lunch periods were half periods so they still had twenty five minutes to get the solid proof they needed.

“I assume you’ll be staying through study hall?” he asked.

“If you don’t mind?” Peter asked.

“Stay as long as you need.”

They went back to their “studying”, but Peter was starting to get bored. Maybe Ned was right, maybe he was reading too much into this for the sake of good gossip. He usually didn’t care, but Dr. B was one of his favorite teachers and Miss Romanoff was pretty awesome too. There had to be an interesting story behind those two getting together and he was invested in seeing this through.

His patience was rewarded, however, not long after the warning bell sounded. None other than Miss Romanoff waltzed into Dr. B’s open door with a take out bag and cup carrier in hand.

“The line was ridiculous, but they gave me an extra order of fries,” she calls out as she enters the room, eye cast downward into the bag.

Peter held his breath, eyes wide as she walked right past him and Ned. He watched her set the bag down in front of Dr. Banner and start to lean down to him, but Dr. B cleared his throat nodded toward them.

Peter and Ned both turned quickly, with no subtlety at all and started flipping through flashcards at random.

“Does that mean you won’t eat all of mine?” He heard Dr. B tease quietly and glanced over to watch them.

There was an easy familiarity between them that Peter hadn’t been expecting and he was starting to think Michelle hadn’t been lying completely. He felt like they were intruding on their personal time together, but it was too late to turn back now. They were stuck until the bell rang again.

Peter watched them out of the corner of his eye. Miss Romanoff rolled her eyes at Dr. Banner and grabbed a chair from one of the tables and sat by the end of his desk. Her back was to Peter, but he saw her look over her shoulder at him and Ned before muttering something to Dr. B in another language. It wasn’t Latin, because that would be too easy. If he had to guess, Peter thought it sounded like Russian and Dr. B joined in with her. They both laughed and acted like Peter and Ned weren’t there.

“This feels weird,” Ned whispered after a few minutes.

“I know,” Peter whispered back, looking over at the teachers who were too wrapped up in their own conversation to pay them any mind. “But do you believe me now?”

“I guess,” Ned conceded, eyeing them himself. “What do we do now?

They were laughing again, Miss Romanoff’s hand over Dr. B’s on the desk.

Peter shrugged. “I didn’t think that far ahead.”

Ned just laughs a little under his breath and Peter can’t help but laugh with him. This whole thing was starting to feel silly, but it was fun to pretend to be spies.

They finished up their “studying” and cleaned up their trays. Five minutes before the bell was set to ring, they headed for the door.

“Thanks Dr. B,” Ned said on their way out.

“Any time boys,” he said standing from his desk to clear his and Miss Romanoff’s mess. “Good luck on your test.”

Peter bit the inside of his lip to keep from laughing.

“Thanks,” he muttered and ducked out of the room quickly.

“I can’t believe we just got away with that,” Ned breathed out with a sigh of relief once they were down the hall, away from Dr. B’s door.

“We could totally be spies or something,” Peter laughed, bumping his shoulder against Ned’s.

Ned stopped suddenly and turned back toward the classroom. “I think I left my book in there.”

Peter followed closely behind him and they both stopped dead in their tracks at the door.

“Dude,” Ned whispered at the sight in front of them.

Dr. B sat on the desk and Miss Romanoff stood in front of him. Her hands were on his shoulders while his were wrapped loosely around her waist. Peter watched in shock as they kissed, gentle and loving, oblivious to the rest of the world.

Peter regained his senses quickly and smacked Ned’s arm and they backed out of the room, nearly sprinting down the hall and around the corner. The bell rang, but they didn’t stop until they reached the cafeteria. They got a few looks from the other students they passed, but ignored them.

“Holy shit,” Ned said, gasping for breath as they returned their trays to the window with the rest of the dishes.

“I know.”

“Holy shit.”

“I know.”

They followed the hoard of students leaving the cafeteria and parted ways until the last period of the day. They met at the end of the languages hall, still a bit shell shocked from their lunch time revelation.

Their Spanish class was at the end of the long hall and they had to walk past Miss Romanoff’s room in order to get to it. Like most teachers, she was standing outside her door handing out worksheets as students entered. Peter pointedly watched his feet, picking up the pace a little, hoping she wouldn’t notice them. They were almost in the clear but were stopped by her calling out Ned’s name.

“Dr. Banner said you’d be down this way today,” she said, holding up a finger and going into her classroom to grab something on her desk.

She stepped back out with Ned’s textbook in her hand.

“You left this in his classroom.”

“Oh, uh, thank you,” Ned stuttered out, reaching for the book.

She held it back and gave them a look that had Peter shaking in his boots.

“Just so we’re clear,” she started, her tone ice cold. “What you saw during lunch, doesn’t leave that room.”

“We didn’t see anything,” Peter lied, nervous under her steely gaze.

“Am I understood?” she asked again, her eyebrows raised at them.

The warning bell went off over head and Peter and Ned nodded, unable to speak.

Miss Romanoff handed over Ned’s book and nodded down the hall.

They took the hint and scurried off to Spanish.

“I’ve never been more terrified in my life, man.” Ned said once they were sitting at their shared table in the back of the classroom.

Peter nodded with wide eyes. “Let’s agree to never do that again.”

“Agreed.”

#brucenat #hulkwidow #brutasha #fic #please enjoy :D

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