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soo-won · 3 years ago

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Ok I’m going to rant about akayona chapter220. It’s going to be fairly negative so if you don’t wanna see it just…don’t read I guess. I just need to get some stuff out of my chest. It’s also very long and I’m sorry for that, it started only as a critic of chapter 220 but I got carried away and it ended up being a critic of akayona in general. I only started writing this to put all my negative feelings on “paper” but since it took me so much time to type I thought I could post it actually. I don’t normally do this and I only complain in private usually but I think I reached a point where I want more people to at least /know/ a bit more my PoV on the writing of akayona. Also for those who don't know me I'm a big Suwon and Coup Crew stan so if you hate them and think Suwon is bad, unforgivable etc I don't think it's really worth you read all that,,,, unless you want to be mad on purpose I guess. Anyways,

So. I hate this chapter. I hate this chapter so much it hurts me to my core. This chapter is my nightmare coming true. And to be honest, I expected something like that would happen sooner or later, but a part of me still wanted to believe it wouldn’t happen to the extent I feared it would. But oh well.

For those who follow me, it's not a secret that I’m a Suwon stan and a coup crew stan in general. So I’m particularly sensitive to their treatment and development more than for other characters. That doesn’t mean I’m not attentive to the development of the others, but it affects me less. When I translate the chapters I always pay the utmost attention to details and I’m trying to stay as close as possible to what Kusanagi tries to convey, whether I like it or not. And even if I don’t show it I still spend a big part of my time thinking about Yona and Hak as well. I shouldn’t even have to justify myself for feeling the way I do, since I don’t think it would change anything whether I truly hated the rest of the cast or not, but I still wanted to say it to avoid any “why do you keep reading it if you hate everything but these few antagonistic characters” or “You’re just the same as E/T if you translate akayona when you think this way”.

I love akayona, I literally can’t say I don’t, given the quantity of time and energy (and money) I spent on it. Whether by making content or just thinking and talking about it. But that doesn’t mean I can’t feel anything negative towards it. It can coexist. I’m so mad BECAUSE I love akayona so much.

Other thing, despite all the jokes I make about understanding Suwon better than Kusanagi herself or other fans etc (if you follow me on twt) I don’t want to pretend I’m THE fan that is right about everything about him. Suwon is a complex character and it’s entirely possible to have different interpretations of him that are equally right. I don’t want to pretend that for akayona in general. Maybe I really do read akayona totally wrong. Still, I want to share my opinions.

So, chapter220 hurts. It hurts because I’m an akayona fan exhausted of every character being on Yona and Hak’s sides, I’m exhausted of the ddhhb’s actions never having any kind of negative consequences, I’m exhausted of them never making mistakes anymore(actually they do make mistakes. But never acknowledged or addressed in the story.) I know this is Akatsuki no /Yona/. I love Yona. She’s my daughter and I grew up with her and I can relate so strongly to some of her struggles. Still, my opinion is that being a protagonist shouldn’t stop you from actually learning from others and not having EVERYTHING and EVERY character revolve around you (and your love interest) all the time. It shouldn’t stop you from being wrong and making mistakes and not being constantly put on a moral high ground by the narrative and having conveniently everything going your way. Akayona, as far as I know, didn’t enter its final arc yet. If that was a final arc with the objective of showcasing all the progress she made, so there is no real need to show the downsides of her actions/ideals anymore because it was done throughout the course of the story before, I wouldn’t mind. I really wouldn’t. But when was the last time Yona made a mistake? When was the last time Yona was contradicted and it wasn’t framed like said character was actually wrong and/or ended up taking her side or Hak’s a couple of chapters later?

All of this is made worse and insufferable when it’s recently constantly put in comparison with Suwon’s side. Ch220 tries to imply that Yona and Hak being soft-hearted is a good thing, and I agree. I like that part of them. But I feel sick in my stomach when it’s obviously to make the contrast with Su-won, who in this chapter is ready to sacrifice the prisoners and who in the first pages of the chapter says to Yona he shouldn’t have brought her on the battlefield because she’s basically too nice and too naive. Like, obviously I don’t think Yona has the same ideology as Il now, even if she kept some parts of it. Obviously I know that Yona has her own ideology. But damn it felt so good to see Su-won finally voice out his frustration and bitterness at the situation. He never voiced something like that before and that’s really something I wanted to see. But how can I enjoy that when it was done only to show how wrong he is and to further humiliate him and put Yona on the moral high ground in comparison? Is it really that hard to respect a character’s negative feelings without making it a big win for one side and a big loss for the other? I would have preferred Yona telling him that it’s not the case directly or even opening up a discussion about Suwon’s own issues with his dad at this point.

I was already mad for Meinyan. I loved Meinyan the second she appeared. I was so happy with her introduction because I thought she would challenge Yona and the status-quo of the manga, and she voiced out everything I felt after the diary arc. Isn’t Suwon’s situation unfair compared to Yona’s? Isn’t it unfair how Yona is healthy and has the dragons with her while Suwon and Meinyan have nothing of that and a chronic illness that k*ll them so young and make them go through terrible pain? And it’s (possibly) because of a god Yona is the acclaimed reincarnation of?

Yona working hard and also suffering in her life has nothing to do with it. The issue is that Yona has more in her hands from the start, while Hiryuu’s descendants have less. Not everyone gets 4 dragons with godly superpowers(one who literally can’t die included) after a difficult time of their life. Kouren and Suwon had simple humans supporting them after what they went through very young. And these simple humans aren’t bound by some weird blood/divine contract to stay loyal to them no matter what, and they can die and be wounded enough that they can’t fight again. Yes the dragons’ power have downsides to them. But it’s stupid to pretend it’s still not a privilege to have them by your side. The dragons may have direct downsides because of their powers but Yona has not. Yes, the dragons chose to follow her of their own, because they were moved by Yona’s actions and words and genuinely loves her as human, but still, if they ever disagreed with her and wanted to choose another side like Algira and Vold did with Kouren, or Geuntae did here with Suwon, they literally could not. That’s what I wanted akayona to explore and point out, that’s what I hoped with Meinyan. Even if Suwon doesn’t want the dragons for his own personal reasons, having Meinyan who doesn’t have that same background was interesting and a good occasion to explore that. Damn if I were her I would be bitter too.

But I was stupid, it was over the second Kusanagi made her have a flaw coming from all this(natural)bitterness, that is to blame Yona to the point of almost slapping her and wanting to get the dragons for herself and Suwon as a revenge against life(which is, once again, understandable if you ask me.), to distract us and the characters from the real issues I developed just above. Meinyan was wrong! Look, the dragons are saving her! Look, Yona is so nice and defends her too! Meinyan has almost nothing against her anymore ahah! Why would she after all Yona is so nice she even brought her little squirrel back 😊! She’s indebted to her now!

And it’s like that everytime. For everyone. But Meinyan’s case made me especially angry because Kusanagi really made a character that voiced my own feelings and framed her as a crazy girl who’s wrong and made her miserable and then sidelined her the second she was indebted to Yona. Her only role was to show how wrong you are if you ever dare to also feel this way as a reader and that’s it.

The only exception to this is I’d say coup crew for now. And only partially. Especially Suwon, who despites everything, still doesn’t want to open his heart to Yona. And I love him for that. And tbh I don’t think Yona really gives him any reason to so far. But Akayona doesn’t seem to think this way, given how everytime Suwon FINALLY lets out his frustration and bitterness a bit it’s always in a situation that makes him look bad and always results in negative consequences. When Suwon finally voiced out how he was so tired of these gods and dragon talks, in part because of his painful memories of Il, that made him choose to execute and then imprison Meinyan. Which obviously makes him look bad and now she hates him too. When Su-won voices out his bitterness at Yona’s naivety and kindness in this chapter, of fucking course it’s in the situation where that makes him sacrifice innocent Kouka prisoners! In front of Geun-tae himself at that! These events are not bad by themselves. I love Suwon for his flaws as well and I’d love to explore them and have him grow from them. But I have to ask, when did that ever happened for the ddhhb to that extent (their negative feelings causing real negative consequences I mean)

Like even in the water tribe arc(which was 130~140 chapters ago) when Hak hurt jaeki and suwon’s bodyguards, the consequences were still pretty okay. Jaeki never were mad at him for that, Hak didn’t lose anything by doing what he did. That only made Ju-do even more bitter towards Hak, but that’s also resolved today and it’s not like it ever had any concrete consequences on Hak/the ddhhb either. And we were supposed to feel bad for Hak. When Yona let out her frustration at Suwon working with them and acting all innocent with Lili I loved that. It was good because we understood perfectly Yona’s feelings, but that still didn’t make her reaction perfectly reasonable either, and she could calm down and recompose herself only after Zeno told her that Su-won was just helping, that they had the same objective, and that he was trying to help Yona too( for the poisoned arrow). It was well balanced, and in the end it was tensed but framed pretty neutrally, as Yona immediately protected Su-won after that too. In the end Yona gained something, as she grew up from the experience.

But in chapter220, the direct consequence of Suwon daring to voice some of his negative feelings is that he loses Geun-tae, one of his most loyal allies, who decided to choose Yona’s side instead. And man that hurts. It feels so unfair. Obviously if you only take this chapter, Geun-tae’s choice is understandable and he doesn’t do it against Suwon, but when you think about akayona in its entirety again it feels so. so unfair.

Having Geun-tae agree and show the deepest of respect to Yona in front of Suwon here because of Yona’s kindness for the prisoners of the Earth Tribe implies that Suwon is, unlike Yona, cold and cruel. Whether it’s intended or not(which I think it is). But we saw everything Suwon did for the Earth Tribe and Geun-tae. Damn a whole mini-arc was about that. Suwon would have taken some actions in Awa too if Yona hadn’t arrived and fixed the Kum-ji case before him. Su-won said it during Soo-jin’s rebellion, that having as few casualties (on Kouka’s side, I admit) as possible was his utmost job. Suwon helped revitalize the Earth Tribe and made Geun-tae realize his own power and influence as a leader. Suwon likes the man! Suwon also spared Kyoga, Iguni’s and Tae-jun’s life and even gave the brothers prestigious titles and important responsibilities. Of course to that you can reply that he did not do it out of kindness, but out of calculation, as it helped him in his plan of making Kouka stronger. And yes, I agree that Suwon’s methods are not as selfless as Yona’s. But is that bad? I agree it’s not perfect and it can risk ppl feeling used by him. But I mean, he doesn’t do that out of selfishness, he does it for Kouka. And he does it really well at that. Suwon loves people, and he sees something good in every one of them. And by using positive manipulation he gives them the push they need to exploit their own abilities and fight for him. I think it’s a beautiful power too. The manga puts the emphasis on the power of Yona’s kindness and I agree it’s a beautiful power, but I want to put the emphasis on Suwon’s power because so far no character does in the story. I think it’s really beautiful and meaningful the way he never does things instead of others, he makes them do it themselves. He constantly humbles himself. He doesn’t exactly revitalize the Earth Tribe, he uses his wit to have Yuno use her assets and to have Geun-tae finally show the face of the proud and cool general everyone admires. And why did he choose these two things specifically? Because he loves Yuno’s tea. Because he admires Geun-tae and looks up to him. And he wants to use that and make it a strength, to them and to him. And the differences with Yona’s methods are soo interesting because let’s take the only character (that isn’t Suwon) I still didn’t totally lose all my hopes for: Lili.

Lili is at the same time Yona’s best friend and Suwon’s friend. She was influenced and saved by the both of them. She also has a background that makes her able to relate to the both of them, or the both of them relate to her. Yona’s method is that she’s pro-active and tries to do everything herself. She will take matters in her own hands, and she would rather have no one else involved if she could. So in the water tribe arc she tries to protect Lili. She tells Lili she doesn’t have to worry because she will fix all the problems herself(and with the ddhhb), and at that Lili is frustrated. Lili is prideful and wants to be able to do something herself as the daughter of the water tribe’s general. She feels so ashamed to let that girl younger than her that isn’t even from the tribe do everything while she does nothing. And in response to that, Suwon tells Lili she can help, he encourages her to do things she can only do as the daughter of the water tribe’s general. That’s his method, he doesn’t tell her he will do things instead of her, he gives her the push she needs for her to do it herself. And don’t get me wrong, Yona’s being the way she is also immensely inspired Lili to become stronger herself but I think Lili represents the balance between both of their methods so well.

THAT is the akayona I love. The akayona that is well balanced, that shows that there isn’t only one good way to do things, and that no methods are perfectly flawless, and that these methods don't have to compete against each other and can be complementary. I miss that. What is left of that now, please tell me.

Anyway what I mean with all of this is that in the earlier arcs Suwon wasn’t portrayed as someone that is not soft-hearted. We saw it many times that he is, even if yes, indeed, he is ready to be cruel if needed for Kouka. And honestly, as a proud Suwon apologist(/hj) I can perfectly explain why he is acting the way he does recently. For me it’s really just that he’s pushed to his limits because of the illness and Yona’s presence. And don’t get me started on the illness and the way it’s just a plot device to make Suwon NEED the ddhhb’s help. It’s so bad. Anyway ch217 clearly shows he’s pushed to his limits with everything that is happening recently and he’s kinda in a fog right now I think. But I wish the story showed that more lmao. How he’s not exactly as usual or like before bc of the circumstances. Like as far as it goes that explanation is just me finding him excuses and it’s not really in the text lmao, I can admit that. But if that’s really it, I don’t think it’s made clear enough at all, and the narrative treats his methods as if they were 1. The same as Yuhon’s 2. As if he was at his best right now. Which isn’t the case. Like it sure is easy to make the comparison with the ddhhb’s method and show how their kindness and selflessness is the best thing ever if you shot Suwon in the foot just before. (shooting Suwon in the foot here is giving him the crimson illness and (gestures) the reveals about Yuhon and Il.)

And you know, I can see this current arc be about Suwon facing the flaws of his father’s methods, and coming back to his own ones, but that doesn’t change that in my opinion the execution so far is bad for all the reasons developed above. I could also rant about all the issues with the way Il-Yuhon’s conflict is treated but I don’t feel like it today. Basically I think it’s bad too and not balanced at all. Kusanagi tries to at the same time pretend it’s balanced and make them both gray and flawed while making Yuhon’s gray MUCH darker than Il’s and also never gives Yuhon his own PoV unlike Il. Who also had Yonhi siding with him. Anyway, (I’m not saying I want Yuhon’s awful actions to be excused btw I just wish we knew more about him.)

Back to chapter 220 again ( I’m so sorry this is so disorganized) I want to make a point on Geun-tae precisely too.

Geun-tae choosing to help Yona instead of obeying Suwon’s order is a huge blow because it’s Yona, who for the first time takes something from Suwon directly, something that he had gained with his own hands (Geun-tae’s loyalty). And obviously she doesn’t do it on purpose. But the result is the same. Before that the allies Yona had were people who were outside of Suwon’s circle anyway, so he could ignore it. But starting now it’s going to change and despite me wanting to give up this series for good, a part of me is still curious to know how he will react next. I hate how Suwon still holds me in a choke hold. But in the end it’s still a character that AGAIN ended on Hakyona’s side and at the same time something that Suwon lost to prove to him AGAIN that he’s wrong and it has become insufferable to me.

But yeah Geun-tae. I already hated how he was put down out of nowhere like that to make Hak save the day again. Because I only briefly mentioned Hak so far but I don’t think I can take him seriously anymore as he is recently. I’m really not against the ddhhb having cool fight scenes and being sexy and all that but for Hak it got ridiculous. So now we have Geun-tae, one of the two only darker skinned characters of akayona btw, who was shot with several arrows before the war even started, has been in a coma for like 7 chapters, and is not able to fight ever again because of his wounds. And he was saved by Hak. Hak who was also shot with arrows like 3 or 4 times already and was just fine a few days later. Hak who was heavily wounded at Kin too and was washed away by a flooding and has not a single lasting impairment after all that and basically regained his superhuman strength after sleeping for a week? Like ok I know Hak is strong and he’s basically the second main character with Yona at this point but this is a lot to take in. Especially when superposed with Geun-tae’s situation.

Like obviously self-sacrifice and selflessness is so glorified with Hak(it’s only a problem for the dragons for some reason. But we’re still at the exact same point of Jaeki being reckless and Shin-ah and Zeno rescuing them and being mad at them as 100 chapters ago. So I don’t know if it will ever go beyond that.) if Hak never has to suffer from the consequences of his actions. I’m not saying Hak is bad for trying to protect everyone. I’m saying it’s not healthy and can’t be realistically accomplished and he only hurts himself in the process. That if he was like any other character that isn’t the hhb he would either be dead or not able to fight anymore (like Neguro or Geun-tae). But visibly actually he’s fine. He hurts himself but he doesn’t seem to care and he recovers quickly. He learned nothing from this. So oh ok what could evidently be a downside of Hak’s way of doing things isn’t one just because. And it’s even glorified. Oh well.

Like you see. That’s why I feel the story is so unfair to Suwon. While it is SUPER lenient to the ddhhb, to coup crew and especially Suwon their every thought and action are judged. And yes, I know the ddhhb are the main characters. But idk to me Suwon was always a main character too. To me Suwon and Yona were the two sides of the same coin. And when I reread akayona until Xing I can’t believe I was wrong for seeing it that way. So why is Suwon at the same time given “so much focus” recently but also treated this way? I wish I knew.

When will Suwon be given the same space to heal? When Yona and Hak express their most negative feelings(once every blue moon) they get comfort and compassion. Both by the characters and the narrative. Why doesn’t Suwon have that same luxury? Because he’s king? Because it’s his own fault for not making allies the exact same way as Yona? I’m sorry but I personally want to believe that you don’t have to be as selfless and generous as Yona to deserve that. Yes, even if he hurt his friends I still think he deserves to be happy. Because hurting your friends and making mistakes is part of life you know. And even if Hak and Yona never forgive him that doesn’t mean his life should stop there. Even if coup crew indeed doesn’t give him the comfort(even if I believe they are the support he needs as a king) he would need for a lot of reasons, even if indeed, Suwon refuses himself to really open up to anyone, the narrative doesn’t have to add this nasty framing of Suwon being cold and wrong and stupid and taking more and more from him everytime. Recently it just feels like the story is repeatedly beating Suwon until he cracks and gives in to Yona and it’s very uncomfortable. So what if someone doesn’t want to join Yona’s side or open up to her? It doesn’t mean they’re wrong, it means they simply don’t want to. And in my opinion given their complicated relationship, Suwon has a lot of reasons to not want that. (I’m not saying Yona is all wrong and a manipulative mastermind either. Actually despite everything I can’t help but being rather fond of her personality, but everything around her is really messed up imo)

Now let’s take an example from this chapter. If you wondered at the beginning of this long rant what I was thinking of when I said that the ddhhb had flaws actually, they are just not acknowledged by the story, well this chapter has one just for you.

Kija and Jaeha(and the hhb in general) are furious that Kura-u is throwing rocks and using civilians and prisoners as if they were disposable assets and yeah that’s fair. That’s really cruel. But like can we…go back in time briefly and readdress when during the tournament 40ish chapters ago these same Jaeha and Kija were throwing rocks and boulders at civilians. That they were EXTREMELY lucky no one was hurt because I genuinely don’t know how they could even properly control where they were throwing them exactly(especially Kija who isn’t reputed for his delicacy in battle). How people would have probably either died or been hurt if that hadn't been for Hak having his ridiculous strength and being able to catch said boulders with one hand like it's a ball.The fact Kija and Jaeha endangered innocent people like that is never framed as wrong or messed up. It’s even rather framed as bold and cool and smth justified so really seeing them being so mad at Kura-u now is...something. (I know Jaeha apologized to Geun-tae for endangering Yuno and Lili, thank god he did, but for some reason it’s not a thing for the nameless civilians? What I mean anyway is that they’re not villainized for it.) In chapter220 Suwon points out that acting too recklessly and without following the plan can be fatal and cause them damage. This is a decent argument imo even if you could still argue that to stick to a plan too much can cause damage too. But it’s not even considered seriously because their recklessness is never a problem even in the situations where it logically should. But oh you can be sure that if anyone on Suwon’s side takes a risk, said risk will surely happen and they will suffer from the consequences immediately (ie: everything I said above). Anyway when people talk about the hypocrisy of the narrative that’s what they mean.

I’m begging anyone reading this to not tell me that we don’t know what is going to happen next and that I should just wait and not be so pessimistic. I’m truly begging I’m just tired I’ve been waiting for YEARS for the ddhhb’s ideals and methods to be challenged a bit. Years. Even when I was still a big ddhhb stan. And everytime there is a perfect occasion to do that or at least throw some hints it doesn’t do it and does the exact opposite by putting them on the moral high ground without any counter arguments. Not even a single hint in the way it’s framed. No no they’re constantly glorified instead. Guys I swear I love them and I’m actually dying to see more of what they’re thinking recently and I want them to have a good and interesting development but I also just wish Kusanagi was as compassionate with all her other characters and especially the characters not on the ddhhb’s side as with them. Like not even giving them as much focus because I’m well aware it’s not doable but just…giving them a bit of that compassion. And not just when they start becoming Yona’s or Hak’s friends. Amiright Meinyan. Like I’m not even talking about just Suwon I really mean in general.

And if you want to show me that I’m wrong on anything here(I’m sure I am. Tbh I’m just begging for someone to prove me wrong and convince me akayona is actually good i’m desperate to that extent) please show me examples that are not from BEFORE the Xing Arc. I think it’s where a big shift happened and most of the problems I have with akayona started there. Some issues started before that and it wasn’t perfect before either but I feel like it’s where it started to get so bad imo.

Also let’s be honest, after everything we learned about Suwon, do you honestly think he deserves any of what is happening to him? If you do, I don’t really expect to change your mind. But he was 9 when he lost his two parents and had to lead a faction. He didn’t have anyone he could emotionally depend on a bit. He doesn’t have a bad heart. All the circumstances were against him. It was shown again and again that he clearly didn’t want to hurt Yona and Hak. He didn’t even kill Il only out of revenge and everything he ever did was for Kouka. He protected Yona and Hak throughout the course of the story whenever he could. He’s not perfect and yes he hurt Yona and Hak immensely and he hurt others as well but I think the story is already reminding us that more than enough. He’s suffering and he’s 18 and has the country on his shoulders while he’s chronically ill and knows he will die soon. He shouldn’t deserve any divine punishment or karma retribution or anything for his actions, the only ones allowed to judge him are those he hurt. And even then I want him to be allowed to express how he was hurt by others too. I swear killing a bad king isn’t that awful esp in this historical context. Yona would have done the same if Suwon had been a bad king too. Yona actually did the same by killing Kum-ji even if obviously on a lesser scale. I know hurting his friends this much is a lot but I wish the story would treat Suwon as the traumatized young man he is. Just like it treats Yona and Hak’s traumas with so much care and compassion. I wish he was treated as the 18yo that due to a lot of circumstances couldn’t see any other options back then and still can’t. Like he’s not some grown ass adult with authority who hurt Yona and Hak for the sake of it (*stares at Il*), he is around their age and their relationship had problems that made things happen this way. He does the best he can with what he has and he always has.

Once again, maybe I really read akayona wrong. And I’m honestly embarrassed of feeling so strongly about it and ranting about it that much. And I still have so many things to complain about. I started writing this to let out all my negative feelings and at least I have to admit it helped me calm down and I don’t feel as angry as before I started typing this. I understand people who just don’t care about all the problems I see in this manga because they’re simply enjoying it for what it is. I really respect that. Unfortunately I don’t feel that way anymore and to be honest, akayona brings me more pain than anything. I disagree with too much of it. I’m still fond of it despite all of that for everything it brought me too and I’ll probably keep loving the first half of the story. But loving Akatsuki no Yona for me is unrewarding. The more I think and try to analyze it the more I see problems with it, and the more I get scared and hurt, and I don’t think anything could ever fix all the isses it has at this point. What will I do now I honestly don’t know. I’m giving myself some time to decide. I just don’t want to feel this way because of a manga ever again. I don’t want it to end now because it still has much to tell but I wish it was already finished so I could just move on and not have this constant reminder that “next chapter will surely hurt me in some way too. I wonder what it will be this time.” and then be hurt every month or every two weeks. I love making my own headcanons and making fancontent of it in general because the characters and universe still inspire me so much. But at what cost. I don’t feel like it’s worth all that pain anymore.

Lastly, all my personal feelings and history with akayona apart I still think thaht you don’t have to be as obsessed with it as me or be as angry as me to see some of its flaws and read akayona critically either. I hope whoever is reading this and made it here manage to only get good things from akayona, but please that respect people can be mad and voice their more negative opinions too. Even if they just straight up hate akayona. I think ppl should be allowed to express it (as long as it follows basic social/fandom etiquette you know,) It’s not like I will ever go tell Kusanagi directly or harass anyone over this.

Chapter 220 marks the 100th chapter since my very favorite Akatsuki no Yona chapter, and is also the chapter that makes me want to drop it. It marks my worst nightmare, Suwon’s allies joining Yona’s, coming true, and the day after Suwon’s birthday at that. Ch218 was already a lot to take in for me but it really feels like the final blow. I could not even translate the chapter at the best of my capacities this time (don’t worry I was in charge of only a part of it and my mistakes were corrected/rewritten, it was proofread etc. Everyone say thank you to ProjectVinland filled with wonderful and talented people.) and if I can’t even do that anymore I think it’s the sign I really should take a break. The worst thing is that I still had like 3 different akayona scenarios I want to draw comics of in my head as I wrote all of this. I wonder what I have to do for akayona to finally leave my brain.

#AnY_rant #idk how to tag this tbh #the day suwon started being my favorite character was when i started losing everything i was so much happier as a ddhhb fan for real #this is SO LONG this is embarassing #this is simply what akayona does to me on a daily basis tbh i only shows it now #i'm gonna go outside and touch some grass after this I promise.#not me being into a toxic relationship with a manga #I relate so strongly to hak actually is that how he feels towards suwon #If you managed to read everything congrats! now please read magi #shout out to my cc moots

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muffindaddystyles · 4 years ago

Text

𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒.

A blurb of Harry working out and how you can't keep your hands to yourself. Basically, I'm talking about THAT video of Harry. Sure it turned all of us tingly and last night we all meditated, a teasing smut for ya'll right here.

Your brows knighting together in your heavy slumber as the cool sheets swallowed your body whole, you moan in a kitten hum when the air-conditioned chillness gave a relaxing soothing feeling and you rub your one calf over another snuggling close to Harry's pillow.

When your body didn't molded into his's your eyes snapped open. A groan escaping your lips accompanied by a sigh when you heard the instinctive noises of him and others outside. Combing back your feral hair back and putting on some pyjamas, to look presentable since you're wearing nothing but his shirt from last night.

You trudged your way through lobby finding where they all are. A glass of water in your hand, it would've fell from your hold thanks to your grip that it didn't. The sight infront of you flipping your tummy into unbelievable somersaults, on instinct you leaned against the frame of large window pane squinting your eyes from bright sunlight moreso from the admiration.

He's working out with Jeff's sister. Pulling dumbbells effortlessly, his biceps stretching deliciously, his pecs wide spreading with his each pull and he's shining golden under the sun. Jeff's sister says something to him and his tiny cackle bellows into humid air. His sight only making arousal pool into your pyjamas sticking to the inside of your thighs.

Your heart said "fuckin' awe." when he scooches further to join his feetsies with his companion.

Your giggle chokes onto the water you're sipping when Jeff's sister announces with a hint of misheve in her voice, "We've got an intruder, here." Harry's head perks up at this. His honey gaze finding yours in an instant and the dumbbells hit the grass with a smooshing thump, when he quickly stood up reaching to you with two strides of his daddy long legs.

He pats his bum to shrug of the tickling grass, when you regained your breath back his palm pressed against your midriff from over his shirt as he smauched a loud kiss to your lips ignoring your morning breath.

"Enjoyed what ye' saw, lovie'?" He grins pinching your hip bone and you swatted his chest glaring up at him, he wrapped your both wrists into his one large hand tugging you close and your dainty squeal fused into his mouth when he couldn't resist but to give you another kiss.

He intervines your fingers dragging you outside and lays down on the ground, arms under his neck and knees bent; "Help me work out, meh sleepy girl." You chuckle rolling your eyes and folding your arms infront of your chest.

"As if you need help from me, a person who never exercised." It's true. Because due to university work you never got a chance and now your tiring job don't leaves you alone. But, that doesn't mean you aren't in love with your body. You love the way you're.

"Yeh know wha' kinda help, I want darlin'." He drawls out with a shit eating grin and you huffed dramatically giving him a playful side eye flopping onto ground where his feet are. Jeff's sister long gone knowing you people could be very handsy in eachother's presence.

You ground his ankles tightly with your small hands, butting your chin atop his bent knees with a puppy sleepy look and he brushed your hair behind your ear only coming back to his usual goofy antics by pinching your nose hard.

"Harry!!" You fussed shutting your eyes close and he giggles doing his first scrunch, stealing a kiss from your parted whining lips. He cups your cheeks there for a moment holding you still, "sorry. don't be a squirmy worm." When he goes back smoothly you throws dagger at him but your beam says otherwise.

"I'll eat you whole." Your statement honest. Because this curly head green eyed bambi's the cause of wetness between your legs and the flutterness of your heart.

He again scrunches over collecting his core tight and again pecked your lips murmuring against your mouth, "baby yeh can suck me only." Your nails digging to his calloused skin and sweat dripping down your spine.

Fifty scrunches in total like it's nothing but it was tiring you and you grabbed him by his neck when he came to meet you for his another promised kiss, "'s hot." You hiss when his long arm slided to grope your ass even after knowing the balcony's open for everyone's view.

He breaths raggingly gliding his palm up and down your heated core, "where? here, in between ye' legs?" You nod eagerly humming eroticaly. Your voice extra sexy from morning's hoarseness.

"We've only two days left. Love me, please." You pout like a baby ignoring the lump of tears in your throat at the thought of departure from him in two days back home. You traveled with him to L.A to just be his rock, to support him emotionally and physically for his debut film. He was erratic to introduce you to everyone around his new cast mates, his mouth wide into a proud ecastatic beam with his palm spread in protective manner at your back as he couldn't resist but to kiss your head when anyone would compliment you. His girl, his lovie' makin him so proud.

"'ey baby. c'mere lovie gonna take care of ye'." He pushes you up with your both hands and with a giggle you launch onto your feet smacking three pecks at the corners of his lips.

He waddled behind you whispering something in your ear that made you cackle hard and as you both passed through the kitchen, Jeff and Gelyne acted like you two don't even exist giving eachother smirks at the two doves mesireably in love with eachother.

"Done working this early?" Gelyne teased Hary and he swiped the sweat over his forehand dramatically puffing his chest out, "gonna work fo' somethin' else now." You blew a hit to him at his pervert talking.

You snorted clamping your mouth shut when he roared like a lion pretending to eat the apples of your tinted cheeks, his hips bucking to meet yours in feverish heat as the back of your knees collided with the cool tiles of ensuite bathroom.

"Gonna miss yeh s' bad." He whispered kissing the soft bone of your ear and you gulped thickly coiling your arms around his neck. "Me too, bubs. Promise me you'd fly twice a month back London. Back, home." You moaned into his mouth when he grabbed your jaw to slot his lips to yours in a messy, drooling and sweaty kiss sealing his promise into affection.

His hands sneaking under his shirt to fondle with your tits, pinching it mildly causing you to arch your spine and grind your pyjama clad pussy against his bulge.

Soon the fabric was pooling at your shins. He whimpered at the glistening moisture of yours, "drippin' fo' me lovie?" You bob your head vigorously making grabby hands at him.

"This needs t' go." You tugged the hum of his white shorts sticking to his plump ass sexily and he chuckled squishing your cheeks and showering you in kisses at your cuteness, "'s fuckin' thirsty fo' me' cock."

"Ah! bloody darn." He grunted letting his head fall to the crook of your neck when you yanked his shorts down finding him in nothing. You tsked maneuvering your fingers through his damp curls pulling at them demandingly and roughly, "such a whore. had your balls shoved onto people's faces." The next thing he said made your laughs billow into mauve washroom.

"Whore fo' you." With a grin and bottom lip sucked inside your mouth you wrapped your palm around his hard girth spreading his pre-come from his rosy tip down his shaft sloppyily.

The pads of his fingers brushed your fluttering pussylips and you gasped attaching your mouth to his when he nursed your cunt with your own arousal, teasing two fingers at your clenching hole.

There's something in touching eachother at the same time, it's just too intimate it makes you combust right at that moment.

"Want you. Please, inside." You gave him sweet eyes stroking him slowly and lewdly, while he slipped his one finger deep inside your soapy cunt knuckles pressed to your pussylips and he curled it to nuzzle your g-spot.

His lips remained rested on your forehead as you lined him at your entrance. Your chests flushing with erotic breaths when he was completely buried inside your walls. His veiny, thick and warm skin seathing through your delicacy making both of you moan.

"Don't." He whimpered lowly when you creampied around his thick cock in rapid patterns. He scratched his blunt nails down your back to grope your ass and shoved his fingers between your asscheeks to give you double stimulation.

He swallowed groggily, "will cum at the spot if ye' keep squeezin' 'round me' cock like this, pet." You nodded and he finds you so innocent he could cry from the love that's oozing out for you from straight his heart.

He pinned you roughly against the tiles. Palms full with your pulpy tits as he slowly started to to thrust into you. Your cheek smashed atop his shoulder and you rocked your pelvis to his movements. The view in the mirror infront of you making you more slick than you already are and it tricked down your legs.

His back's flexing, curls droopy, his arse on full display and juicy. When you gave it a smack he groaned into your ear giving a pleasuring rough thrust in return.

His pre-come weeping into your cunt when you digged your nails into his ass and he pushed his thumb hard against your asshole, rubbing it with stroking electrifying patterns.

"Ha-harry..." You clinged around his sweaty body when he kept on fucking inside you with mind clogging pace. The trim patch of his pubic hair tickling against your pelvis bone and he pressed his hand against your lower abdomen looking you in eyes, "could feel me in yeh' tummy?" His words causing you to lull your head on your shoulders giving him access to the exposed skin of your throat.

He wrapped his hand around your throat giving it a squeeze and leaving lovebites from your jaw down to your collarbones, "asked ye' somethin' pretty girl." He growled biting menacingly the soft skin of your sternum and you cried out filthyly clamping your pussy tight around him.

"Yes. Wanna cum." He retorted at this sucking your lower lip into his mouth and circling your clit with languid harshness.

"Cum fo' me, lovie'. come all over daddy's cock like a good girl yeh' are." He cradled your face. Kissing your eyelids, your bunny nose and your sweet little dirty mouth.

Your pupils blowing out wide and lips parting. With knighted brows you looked at Harry making grabby hands at him when you felt your orgasm building in your belly.

Knowing you always need Harry to embrace you in his arms when you come, he immediately scooped you up in his arms running soothing patterns at the nape of your neck still rocking inside you lazily. He himself bout to cum hard.

"Hmm. You're there baby, c'mon give it to meh'" With a strangled moan you came all over him. Your wetness cinching around him tipple him to edge too and he doubled over slapping his palm over your head and hugging you close to his chest.

"Fuck me' favourite kinda work-out." He grinned pecking your lips and pulling out of you to step back. You squealed when the cold shower poured over your heads like a furious rain.

"Pervert." You laughed poking his skin near his belly button but he whacked it away feeling ticklish.

The coming few months would be excruciating without him and you'll have to live through facetimes and voice-calls, but it's okay. His happiness's yours.

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mrs-cavill-wife · 4 years ago

Text

Safe And Happy (One Shot)

Pairing: Henry Cavill x Female Reader (Barbara)

Warning: Language. Fluff. Minor Injury. Zombie Apocalypse. Gun shot. Persecution. Please, say if I miss something.

Author's Note: My second fanfic, YAY! Henry is not a celebrity in this fanfic. Duh! It's a zombie apocalypse so it's kinda obvious but I wanted to say it anyway. Hope you guys enjoy it and reblog if you do. I'm all ears to feedback!

Tag List: @lexyvaldez26 @thereisa8ella @natura1phenomenon @mrsavery @number1chonie @themanfromu @littlefreya @legendarywizarddetective @lovingbearherringhairdo @zealoushound @deangal-101 @everydaymultifandom @summersong69 @jgtfvhsg @tellingyouastory @sillyrabbit81 @nuggsmum @pussyverson @oh-for-fic-sake @foodieforthoughts @fanficlover91 @r-t-doll @its--fandom--darling @poledancingdinos @hlkwrites @rmtndew

Summary: The world is a dangerous place now, but in the arms of the man she loves, she always finds security.

Barbara's P.O.V

Shit. I miss when the world used to be good. It was never perfect but no doubt it were way better than now.

An zombie apocalypse, who could have imagined that this could actually happen? Who knew that one day I would be armed, with a "beautiful" wound on my leg, hiding in an abandoned store, running away from a horde of about fifty zombies, crazy and thirsty for some human flesh.

I got hurt entering here, there was a piece of wood that grazed my leg, but luckily I had some bandage on the bag, I tied it to my leg to stop the blood. I looked at my leg and sighed, frustrated with myself.

"What the fuck dressing did you do, huh? My man is going to be pissed"

I live with my boyfriend, well husband, wasn't exactly official but we are together, he's amazing with dressings, but of course, I never pay attention when he tried to explain it to me. I'm hiding, trying to calm my breathing and think of a new plan, I don't know if I'll be able to run with my leg like that, but I think partially, it's really my fault. I'm often on those situations, I have my skills but I might not be the best, I still remember when I meet my boyfriend, on this type of shit cliche situation, today I don't complain for being dumb back there..

We met a year ago, I was running away.. again. I remember going into a dead end street, my gun had only two bullets left, I managed to kill some of those brain eaters, but I had about ten still behind me. I was already out of breath and couldn't think of anything else.

It was all very fast, suddenly my hero appeared, super skilled, I can't say where he came from but he managed to cut the heads of some of them, cut one in half, he stopped in front of me and fired with a super powerful machine gun, spilling a little blood and a disgusting substance on both of us.

"Hey are you alright, princess?"

He spoke to me after all those butchers fell dead. I was in shock but in seconds, I regained consciousness and was able to notice the man in front of me.

Broad back, fair skin, incredibly neat curly hair, a sharp jawline that could cut my soul, kissable lips.. a beautiful ax, a weapons in the waistband and at least two powerful shotguns in the back. The sun was setting and the light reflected in his eyes. The brightest blue eyes I had ever seen. There was a small brown part in one of them, I had heard about cases of heterochromia, but it was the first time that I saw it right in front of me.

"Your eyes are so beautiful.."

He laughed softly and a little shy. The sweetest laugh I've heard. Oh God, he's so wonderful, I think I died and went to heaven and that angel came to receive me. Maybe I'm not too unlucky after all.. wait, what did I just said? Oh fuck, what a good way of cause a first impression. First you almost die then act like a dumb ass needy teen. I rolled my eyes realizing what I done and he touched my arm.

"Thank you, you're beautiful too.. but are you hurt? What are you doing all by yourself?"

I nodded looking down and blushing red like a tomato.

"Huh I'm fine. I was searching for a place to stay. I heard on radio there was a small group of survivors around here. I'm always alone, so I decided to look for it but I obviously didn't payed attention on the munition I had before risking my butt."

He giggled and soft touched my cheek, wiping away some of the dirty. Gosh, I'm not going to handle and he's not making it easy..

"So it's your lucky day, pretty girl. I am from that group of survivors. They always told me to go round and look for possible new survivors."

I looked at him frowning.

"Now it's my time to ask. All by yourself? Why?"

And he smirked, looking like a made a silly question. Your hot bastard.

"I'm a prepared person. Not bragging but I always check my munition"

Touchee. I crossed my arms looking at him, trying to keep my posture but I was really melting inside.

We heard a loud noise, making us concerned. He grabbed my hand and started walking.

"It doesn't seem far, we must walk. Let's go"

"Where are you taking me? I.. I don't even know your name?"

I stopped moving and he stopped looking a little mad then he sighed.

"I will take you to our shelter. I saved you, you can trust me. We both need a bath and some rest.. and I'm Henry."

He said smiling and I nodded starting to walk by his side.

That day, he took me to the survivors. There were at least four people, some couples and children, all of whom welcomed me very well. But despite that, I thought about leaving the next day, I was always alone and until then, it was how I wanted to be and I would be like this today, if Henry hadn't insisted that I stay. I said I would stay for some days but during that, he convinced me to stay for more weeks and when I realized, we were closer than ever. Actually, those days made me found love. One of the guys of the shelter was a priest before the world was destroyed, Henry and I decided to get married and so it happened. Simple but a beautiful ceremony.

After a few years, we both decided to leave, maybe it was not a smart idea in the current situation, but we were certain of it, so we did. It was difficult, at first from hiding to hiding, sleeping on uncomfortable places, sometimes without enough food for both, we almost died a few times but together, yes, we were unbeatable. But finally, we got a place, safe enough to call home.

Henry's P.O.V

One hour left. I trust her, she's a little clumsy but my girl knows what to do, I taught her some tricks when we met but still, my heart is desperate. Today I received a radio message, it was Stuart, a partner, we have known each other since I was part of a group of survivors, he provided us with food, ammunition and weapons from time to time, even now that I am no longer part of the group, he's a great friend. I always went to get it, alone, I didn't want to risk seeing my Barbara hurt. But today, Stuart said he couldn't come, because of some injuries, so I would have to go, but Barbara decided that her chance to do it this time.

"Barbara.. baby, you don't have to.."

I remember I said trying don't sound like I was doubting her capacities.

"Well on my mind, I do need. You always do that, I feel useless, I'm no princess in danger, i can do that"

I got closer touching her back while she packed her bag with "travel" supplies. She looked at me, touched my face and smiled. I love this smile.

"I'll be alright, I know that area is dangerous but you know I know the way and I had a good survivor teacher"

She said and wrapped her arms around my neck and I hugged her feeling defeated. She never had to say much to convince me of anything. I know she was feeling bad about me doing the hard work and I think she deserves a chance. I need to show I really trust her.

"I will be counting the seconds.."

I sighed and she smiled widely packing my lips many times. She grabbed her bag, her gun and went through the door but before leaving she looked at me one last time.

"I love you"

We both said at same time, making our hearts beat at same rhythm.

She gonna be alright, I know.. at least I hope.

Barbara's P.O.V

I heard a small noise that made me wake up. I dozed off for a while when I expected the horde to calm down and preferably leave. I got up and checked outside by one of the windows. Empty. Thank God. My leg didn't hurt so much anymore, but the fact that the street was clean was a relief to m. I wouldn't have to run, just be careful.

I opened my bag and ate a chocolate bar. Stuart wasn't lying when he said that had good things this time, I got things I hadn't ete in years. I left the store quickly after eating and started walking my way back home.

I was almost closer, I smiled seeing my home. Finally, safe house. when I got on the home's street, had three zombies, between me and my house. Great.

I tried to carefully pass behind them, I was almost there, but again, I didn't pay enough attention, I tripped over something and fell to the floor, over my injured leg, I couldn't contain the scream. They heard and were already walking towards me. F U C K M E.

I looked at my house. It's not so far, I can do it. I ran, fast as I could, my leg was hurting a lot, the bandage already red with my blood but I did it. I could climb the special secret passage through the wall and done. I layed in the grass for a second trying to recover my breath, closing my eyes, finally feeling safe then something fell on top of me. I got scared until I could open my eyes. A beast. A fluffy beast.

"Hey Kal, you scared me baby"

I hugged the big black and white American Akita. It's mine and Henry's dog, our loyal companion, our dog son. We found him on our away to find a new safe place, he were a little injured on the front paws. Of course we felt in love with him and took care of him, we had to keep him and we did.

I petted him a little more before getting up.

"Alright, mommy needs a good break now. Promise to play later. Where's daddy? He had a heart attack?"

Oh he will when see my situation. I walked to inside our house and pulled the food supplies on the kitchen. I was focused until I hear the shower on bathroom upstairs. I smiled.

"What a good way of relax, huh?"

I walked upstairs, taking off my clothes though the way. When I opened the bathrooms door, I was fully naked. Oh that vision. My man, all naked.. that furry defined abs, those strong muscles.. that round booty.. and that big veiny dick, shit, even soft he's huge.. I'm so freaking lucky.

I licked my lips and tried to close the door softly but i ended up making noises.

"Thought I had told you need to be stealthy"

When I turned around, he was looking at me, with those gorgeous eyes that left me speachless since first time. Then he's face changed to worried and I realized he were looking at my wounded leg.

"Barbara, what the fuck just happened?"

I rolled my eyes then got into the shower with him. Before he could say something, I kissed him softly. He kissed me back of some type of way that I could feel how worried he were. Was a intense kiss, our tongues battling against each other, oxygen wasn't this necessary for us at this point. He quickly grabbed me tight and gave me a little boost then I had my legs wrapped around his waist. We ended our kisses with soft pecks and smiles. I looked at him. He had one hand around my back and another softly rubbing closer my wound.

"Hey are you alright, princess?"

I smiled way more with his soft voice and nodded.

"Yes, now I'm safe and happy"

#henry cavill one shot #henrycavill rp #henry cavill #henry cavill x female reader #henry cavill fanfic #henry cavill fic #henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill fluff #henry cavill imagine #henry cavill x reader #henry cavill x you

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yurtletheturtlehenderson · 4 years ago

Text

COSMIC - S3:E1; Chapter One, Suzie, Do You Copy? - [Pt. 5 - FINAL]

A Will Byers x Reader Series

Summer brings new jobs and budding romance. But the mood shifts when Dustin’s radio picks up a Russian broadcast, and Will senses something is wrong.

a.n: thank you guys so much for waiting, I know it must have frustrating but I don't regret taking time off. FYI i ended up skipping some scenes like Hopper's talk with Mike and Joyce going home cause I just kept getting stuck

||𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐕||

Dustin is the first to reach the top of the hill, his sister, the last. And when she does, she hastily unhooks the bag from her shoulders, letting it fall to the ground before she does.

"We made it!" Dustin happily declares, choosing to ignore the bitter attitude of his cranky and overheated friends.

"Yeah, only took five hours." Max sighs, dumping her weight on the grass beside Y/n who buried her heated face in the cool grass.

"Quick," Y/n groaned, rolling herself over onto her back. "someone... water. I'm gonna be a raisin soon... please,"

Lucas's face lit up at the mention and instinctively he dropped the bag off of his shoulder and retrieved their shared canteen of water. Y/n's eyes fluttered closed and a frail smile strung across her face when she saw this. Lazily, she reached for it, expecting Lucas to hand her the refreshments she had asked for.

But a frown quickly flew across her face when she heard the flat splashing of water on grass and the obnoxious sound of guzzling. Hesitating against the downpour of golden sunlight into her eyesight, she allowed her eyelids to unscrew just enough to see Lucas downing the rest of the group's water.

Her lips drew back into a snarl, ready to chastise the boy, but her friend had beat her to the punch.

"Did you seriously just drink the rest of our water?" Max deadpans, her icy glare piercing Lucas.

"Nope," Answered Y/n from her spot on the grass, eyes peeling open again to scowl at Lucas. "I know for a fact he wouldn't do that, Max, cause that would mean I'd have to kick his ass."

Lucas cautiously met her eye, his puffed-out cheeks filled with water slowly drained themselves back into the canteen leaving behind a sheepish smile. He held out the container for Max, then Y/n as a peace offering. All he was met with were tired glowers.

"That's it. Your ass is grass, Sinclair," Y/n seethed, no real threat behind her words. Or her actions, as she showed no signs of moving other than the depleting motion of her tired heaving from her spot on the grass and a lazy pointed finger hanging in the air in his direction. It fell back to the ground. "You know, after I get up. The moment I do, it's over for you,"

Despite the creeping smirk, Max rolled her eyes at the duo as she grabbed for the duffle bag she had previously been carrying.

"Is it just me," she addresses the group as she unpacks, her mischievous smirk blossoming on her pink cheeks. "or has Y/n gotten meaner?"

Everyone shares a hum of laughter that floats amongst them, including Y/n who smiles to herself pleased, her eyes once again closed.

Unknowingly, Dustin does the same as he unpacks his duffle. A fleeting sense of deja vu passes over him.

"Yeah, it's my probably my fault," he says, beginning to put the first pieces of the Cerebro together. "all that time we spend with 'that douchebag' Steve Harrington,"

"Hey," pipes Y/n shortly. Thinking of the running joke that had started up earlier in the year thanks to Robin, her voice falls into a mocking tone. "don't talk about mom like that, Dustin."

Dustin gives her a funny look before ultimately rolling his eyes as she laughs quietly to herself. The sight drew a smile on Will's face and he briefly paused his unpacking to smile at her, then shook his head returning to work.

"Weirdo," Dustin mumbles. "Alright, sunbathing time is over. Come on. Get up and help us!"

It's Y/n's turn to roll her eyes and she does so with another impressive groan, though she does comply. She rolls herself over and sits herself up so she is sitting on her folded legs, and gets to work on the bag she had previously discarded.

What members of the party remain pull together underneath the setting sun and got to work. Under Dustin's word, the team was able to make quick work of the scraps they had lugged with them.

Lucas, Max, and Dustin took up the work of assembling the base of the radio antenna as Will and Y/n got to work dismantling several bare umbrellas for the makeshift directors. Dustin, who had been so engrossed in his work, had gotten to his third strip of tinfoil only to realize the roll was running thin and that Y/n had been sneaking strips to make various types of hats; one shaped like a baseball cap resting on her head, the second on Will's was shaped like a wizards cap to match Will the Wise, and a third, half-finished cowboy hat sat tucked away behind her back on the grass when Dustin's suspicions grew.

Dustin had learned better with the duct tape; keeping it on his person and only distributing it to those who asked. And he had been so caught up in it guarding the duck tape to avoid another incident he failed to stop the first.

After finishing her section of Cerebro, Y/n had gotten to work on her "side project", this one in the shape of a bucket hat for Max. Dustin tried to scold her again, but she knew they were just about one strip of duct tape away from finishing.

After some conniving on Max and Y/n's part—out of an act of spite, Max defiantly accepted the cap with honor as Y/n placed it on her head, both of them glaring at Dustin—the party came together to hoist the now finished Cerebro into the summer air.

"Pretty impressive, right?" Dustin declares as they all gaze up at their finished work.

Several of them nod.

"Now," he says, all but throwing himself on the grass beside the receiver. "ready to meet my love?"

Dustin is met with scattered agreement.

"Yeah,"

"Sure,"

"Go ahead,"

Y/n, however gladly takes a seat across from her brother, stretching herself out in the grass as she finally enjoys the absence of work in the sun. "Dustin, as your sister, I can honestly say that I have been waiting for this moment all my life. Fair warning though, I will be talking her ear off."

A hopeful grin touches Dustin, slowing blooming on his face. And despite her next words, he finds himself laughing a little.

"But I'm afraid I can't promise I won't be telling her anything and everything embarrassing about you."

His face falls flat, a hint of playfulness still lingering. And as he does so, Will gives into Y/n's lead and takes a seat beside her in the grass. Dustin only narrows his eyes at the pair.

"Telling you really was a mistake, wasn't it?"

Y/n breaks out in a devilish grin and she is unable to stop the quiet cackle that tumbles out of her, yet still it turns Will's insides to jelly. He, like his friends, had been watching the siblings' exchange with great amusement.

"Yes," she agrees, eagerly. "yes it was."

Dustin rolls his eyes before bringing the device up to his mouth, his fingers already on the speaker button.

"Suzie, this is Dustin. Do you copy? Over."

A silence falls over the group as they wait, the only sounds to fill it are the crackling of the Cerebro's interference and the sweet sounds of nature that put even Max at ease. But no response comes.

Dustin shrugs it off, scratching his nose nervously as he mutters softly up to his waiting friends.

"One sec. She's probably... She's still there," he smiles, turning back to the speaker in his hand. "Suzie... This is Dustin. Do you copy? Over."

The others begin to shift uncomfortably where they stand; the awkward tension growing heavy in the air and they share uneasy glances outside of Dustin's field of vision.

"I'm sure she's there," says Dustin, his voice so soft and quiet it was nearly carried away by the breeze. "You know, maybe, she's just like, busy or--"

"Yeah," Lucas quickly agrees, avoiding eye contact and adjusting his cowboy hat.

"You know, it's around dinner time."

Everyone is quick to mumble an agreement, and Y/n, desperate for something to keep her busy and her mind off of whatever was happening mindlessly pulled a pack of gum from her pockets. Her eyes were fixed on a random spot in the grass as she unwrapped a bit of f/f gum and slipped into her mouth. Before putting the packet back, she just as mindlessly pulls another slip and offers one to Max who gladly accepts.

"Suzie," Dustin tries again. "this is Dustin. Do you copy? Over."

Will watched Dustin continue his efforts to contact his girlfriend and couldn't help but note the bit of sadness growing in his chest at the sight. Dustin seemed so hopeful, and to see—

The spiraling thought was interrupted when he felt something move his hair; he smiled when he realized Y/n was readjusting the tinfoil wizard's cap on his head that had been slipping. He breathed a quiet laugh, watching her lips twitch up in a smile as she readjusts a few strands of hair she had messed up

"Suzie, do you copy? This is Dustin. Over."

⊹ ⊹ ⊹

"...do you copy? Over."

The summer moonlight spilled out onto the hill still occupied by five of seven party members; Max and Lucas, who lie on their backs side by side as they stargaze together while Dustin was still at Cerebro. Will—like his friends—wanted to make most of the scenery and found himself sprawled on his back in the grass. The back of his head was resting on Y/n's leg as she mindlessly played with his hair, her stare a million miles away. His eyes began to flutter closed having grown content by her warm and soothing touch.

"Suzie! This is Dustin, do you copy? Over."

The breeze picked up in a pleasant wave, making the trees sing around them. And it was gentle enough to pull Y/n from her thoughts, and back on her brother.

"Suzie, this is your Dustin. Do you copy? Over."

It dawned on her just how hard it was to see him in the darkness, and it hit her just how long they had been there. As her fingers continued to fiddle with Will's bangs, her downcast eyes landed on his face; the sight of him in a state of such relaxation put a smile on her face and a warm feeling in her chest.

He had been through so much for so long and was given so little time to readjust. This was one of the many reasons she enjoyed planning campaigns with him; he was always in his element, supercharged and bursting with ideas. That is when he could manage not to lose concentration whenever a love song came on the radio that didn't make him all dopey and lovesick.

At the thought, Y/n felt a heat creep all over her skin as it always did whenever she thought about Will—but she knew it had nothing to do with her powers. It was just Will. And his innate ability to lift her spirits higher than the skyline while simultaneously bringing her back down to earth; A superpower all his own.

Just as it had happened only just the other night with Will, the lovesick gaze holding her hostage was broken when the other took notice.

"What?" Will whispered up to her in a funny smile.

The softness in his voice pulled Y/n back down and into reality where she was faced with the embarrassing truth of being caught. She shook her head with a simper, a mischievous idea blooming in her mind as one hand crept out of sight and curled around the discarded tinfoil hat he placed in the grass.

"Nothing," she whispered, shrugging. Y/n scrunched her nose as she put on a silly look of fake disgust. "Just getting tired of this ugly mug is all,"

She placed the tinfoil hat over his face where it wobbled, threatening to fall. Y/n smiled again, breathing a laugh through her nose as he laid there still. Oh, so easily she could imagine the unimpressed look now plastered on his face.

"Funny," came his muffled, echoed response.

"Right?"

"Suzie, this is—"

"Dustin!" Cried Max suddenly. Her frustration had been growing with every call and it was a wonder she hadn't broken yet. "Come on! She isn't there."

"She's there, alright?" Dustin argued. "She'll pick up,"

Will craned his head up to look at the disturbance and in doing so sent the tinfoil dunce cap tumbling off his face and back into the grass.

"Maybe Cerebro isn't working?" Will offered.

"Or maybe Suzie doesn't exist," wondered a greatly agitated Lucas.

"She exists!" Dustin defended, the pitch of his voice rising as he got more defensive.

"She's a genius AND she's hotter than Phoebe Cates?" Lucas countered. "No girl is that perfect."

Max shot up from her spot in the grass and cast down a look at her boyfriend.

"Is that so?"

Lucas is quick to back peddle and throws himself into a sitting position with a growing look of concern.

"I mean," Lucas stammers. "you're perfect. I mean, you-you're per—I mean like you're perfect in your special way—you're own special way."

Max finally releases the laugh she had been holding in and shakes her head. "Relax, I was teasing. I'm obviously perfect and Dustin is obviously lying."

"Max," Y/n sighs. Her eyes flickering sympathetically to her brother who is downcast.

But Max doesn't think much of it and climbs to her feet. She throws her hand out for Lucas to take and pulls him to his feet. "Come on, Don Juan."

Together they start down the hill, prompting the final couple remaining to follow as they pick up the pieces left behind.

"Where are you going?" Dustin calls out to Max and Lucas.

The redhead barely throws a look over her shoulders as they retreat. "Home,"

Y/n watches with great disappointment as they retreat down the hill. She finally broke away when Will offered his hand from where he was standing.

"Well, guess it's just us," says Dustin longingly, not yet realizing they too were heading out.

"Um," he checks his watch, wincing at the timing. Like his girlfriend, he sends Dustin an apologetic look. "it's late. I'm sorry."

Dustin doesn't bother to hide his disappointment, but Will perks up with a hopeful smile. "But maybe tomorrow we can play D&D?" He flashes a smile to Y/n. "We've been working on a campaign lately. We've been dying to show you, we think you'd like it."

Y/n nods eagerly. "Yeah, and maybe you can tell us more about Suzie?"

"Yeah," Her brother nods, sad eyes still locked on the grass and limply his shoulders rise in a shrug. "sure."

Will tries again, giving his friend an earnest smile. "Welcome home,"

Dustin nods again and Will begins down the hill. He looks back when Y/n's hand slips out of his own to see her lingering. "I'll catch up in a minute,"

Will nods and starts after his friends leaving the Henderson siblings alone. Dustin is the first to break the ice, his voice sullen.

"She is real, you know," he mumbles, head nearly sagging all the way to the grass.

"I believe you, Dustin," says Y/n. She gestures to Will's retreating form with a gentle smile. "We both do."

His mood doesn't lift but Dustin's gaze does curiously. He's surprised to find nothing but sincerity in her eyes.

"I'm sorry about today. I really am. We were really looking forward to it," pessimism flashes across her face. "well, I know Will and I were."

"Is that why you guys are leaving?" He can't help but ask bitterly, making Y/n frown.

"You know it's not like that," subconsciously she starts fiddling with her watch to take away from the worry that had been growing all day. Her gaze stays on Will and the longer it does the more obvious it is she's scared. "It really is getting late and... Well, honestly I think something's bothering him. Like there's something he's not telling me. I don't know, it could be nothing but I'd feel better if I saw him home."

"I guess I can't blame you for being careful with him. I just— I guess I pictured today going a lot differently."

Y/n nods. "I did too."

A small silence falls between them. It's filled with nothing but unsaid words and the melodic choir of crickets singing to the night sky.

"For what it's worth, I know I've been teasing you pretty bad but... I am really excited to meet Suzie. I'm sure she's great,"

"Thanks," For the first time since before the sun had set, Dustin's lips hook upward in a threat to smile. "She is..."

"Get home safe, Romeo," Y/n quips. When he sends her a soft 'you too' she decides it's gotten too chummy and impulsively she yanks his hat over his eyes, chuckling at the look on his face.

Dustin chuckles under his breath and eagerly fixes his hat just in time to watch Y/n scurry down the hill to catch up with Will.

"You too," he mumbles more to himself than anything.

He watches as Y/n casts one apologetic look over her shoulder and that's that. He now stands alone on the hill next to the homemade radio tower, watching sadly as everyone leaves. It's nearly enough to break the dam of tears he can feel collecting in his eyes but he perseveres.

And nearly jumps out of his skin when the transceiver comes to life. It angrily spits out static and Dustin throws himself to the ground, making a grab for the speaker.

"Suzie? Suzie is that you?"

A voice can be heard here and there; not the voice of his beloved Suzie but much deeper, and unmistakably Russain. He snaps himself out of his daze and makes quick work of doing his best to clear the interference. His assessment was right; the voice was Russian, and it calmly spoke a string of words he wished desperately to understand. And yet, no matter how confusing, he can't help but feel his skin crawl with excitement when he realizes...

Cerebro had just intercepted a top-secret Russian transmission. Arguably the most vital piece in the puzzle of what would come to be known as the most important summer of their young lives.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

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theimpossiblehologramtree · 4 years ago

Text

Making Queen members flower crowns would include

Pairing: Queen members x reader

Word count: (altogether) 1800+

Warnings: some sickening fluff, oh and swearing but that’s a standard, some slightly suggestive themes in john’s (implied sex) but nothing accually happens except a kiss

A/N: Hello you beautiful people! I’m back (don’t get used to that tho lol) I thought of this two years ago when i first saw Bohemian Rhapsody (SO 2 FUCKING YEARS AGO). Freddie’s is gender neutral. I tried to add a “keep reading” button but I’m not sure it works tbh because this hell of a side never cooperates.

Please keep in mind that English is not my first language.

🐝masterlist🐝

REQUEST IF YOU WANT MORE

☕buy me a Ko-fi!☕

Gifs aren’t mine. Credits to the owners.

Brian May

You were laying on Brian's lap, the sun hitting your face pleasantly. This week the weather was nice and warm, which was something extremely unusual in England, so the two of you decided to head out to the country and have a little picnic.

After what felt like hours spent in the car ("Brian, for Christ's sake, would you open the bloody window, I can't breathe!" and "Bri, I love you, but if we don't get there in five minutes, I'm going to murder you, I swear") you finally found a nice clearing, where you could relax and forget about the stresses of city life.

Brian put down a blanket on the grass, near a small stream that flew through the forest. He brought the bag with food and drinks (you didn't have a basket, so you had to improvise).

You quickly put some sunscreen on your face and laid down, keeping your head propped on Brian's lap. He put a hat over his face and fell asleep, his chest rising steadily.

After some time (that fucking wasp didn't let you sit in one place), you stood up and noticed many beautiful flowers, growing on a nearby bush. You got lost in picking up the most beautiful ones, admiring each one carefully. When you got enough, you sat back down and started tying the stems together.

Suddenly you got an idea. Careful not to wake him up, you began sticking the flowers in Brian's dark curls.

Your now decorated boyfriend woke up and stretched, not noticing the colourful addition to his hair. This made you chuckle softly, but you decided to see how long it would take him to realize.

+"What is it, babe? Do I have something on my face?"

"No, Bri, I just remembered a funny joke, that's all."

"Oh tell me, then."

"What’s the difference between a lawnmower and an electric guitar?"

"Hm?"

"You can tune a lawnmower!"

You both enjoyed the rest of the day swimming in the stream, sunbathing and eating the snack you brought. And Brian somehow still didn't notice.

Until it was time for you to get home.

You got in the car ("Open the window now, it's like in the oven in here!") and Brian looked into the rear-view mirror.

+"Hey, (Y/N), what the fuck is that? I love it."

Roger Taylor

So honestly it would probably happen during one of his concerts.

You were backstage watching the show, enjoying every second of it. Freddie was in the middle of shouting some (very inappropriate) compliments to Brian's ass, slapping his buttcheeks. The crowd immediately went wild hundreds of fans screamed in unison. You chuckled under your breath, flashing a white smile at your beloved boyfriend Roger and his bandmates. You felt an arm wrap around your shoulders. Surprised, you turned around, your eyes meeting Mary's.

+"What's up, kiddo?" she smirked and patted your back.

"Oh, nothing much. Just Freddie being Freddie," you replied, making both of you erupt with laughter.

Suddenly you felt a familiar feeling form in the pit of your stomach. Out of nowhere, your hands became shaky, your breath shallow and quick. Feeling like you need some fresh air, you excused yourself.

+"Are you sure you're okay, (Y/N)?" Mary watched you carefully, her hand supporting you in case you fainted.

"Yes, Mary, I just need some fresh air. I'm extremely tired, and I haven't eaten anything since this morning" you reassured your friend. "I'm just gonna sit outside for a while."

"Do you want me to come with you?" she asked, still not convinced about your well-being.

"Yes, I wouldn't want to spoil the gig for you. I'll be back before you know it" you squeezed her hand and, after promising her to be careful, you headed outside.

You took a walk alongside the small patch of lawn beside the exit. After taking a couple of deep breaths, you noticed some daisies grow in the green grass. Without thinking much, you sat down and started picking them up and tying their stems together.

Your fingers worked quickly, making a beautiful flower crown, mindlessly.

Meanwhile, on stage, the boys were singing She makes me - a song that reminded Roger of you. He quickly glanced to his right, expecting to see your beautiful figure standing with Mary. But, much to his surprise, he couldn't see you anywhere. It was no secret that his eyesight was shit but, bloody hell, it wasn't that bad. His blue eyes were searching for you, frantically.

When the song ended, he quickly motioned to Freddie to take a quick break, while he went to check up on you. He practically sprinted to Mary, almost knocking down his drumkit and John.

+"You dumb fuck, watch where you're going, Rog!"

Usually, Roger would reply with some snarky comment, but at that moment he really didn't care. When he reached Mary, he didn't even need to ask her about you.

+"She's outside. Needed some fresh air" the girl shooked her head towards the exit.

Roger quickly walked outside, knowing that he couldn't stall the audience for too long. But at the same time, he must have made sure you were all right.

He got out of the building and searched for you. He spotted to sitting on a small patch of grass, holding a pretty flower crown in your hands. His heart ached at this sight.

+"Hello, love" he whispered, kneeling next to you. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I am, Rog" you kissed his cheek. "I just felt a bit off, that's all."

You felt your boyfriend press a kiss to your hair. You smiled at the feeling, leaning into his touch.

You finally placed the finished flower crown on his head, brushing away loose strands of sweaty hair from his face, your hand gently brushing his temple. He took your tiny hands in his and kissed your fingers.

+"Do you wanna go back in there, sweetheart?" he asked sweetly, looking deeply into your eyes.

You nodded and pecked his lips, "Of course, Rog, I wouldn't want to miss any more of your show."

He smiled and lead you inside, placing his hand on the small of your back. You returned to Mary and wished your boyfriend good luck.

Roger kept the flowers on his head throughout the whole gig, sending you a dashing smile and winking at you every now and again.

I just think Roger would look sososo pretty in a flower crown.

John Deacon

It was a lovely afternoon in London. You and your fiancé John decided to take a walk after the whole day in the studio, recording songs.

Taking a walk in a nearby park was a great way to destress and release the tension accumulated during the day. It was something John realized pretty early on in your relationship and took full advantage of it. He loved wandering along the pebbled pathways that swirled around beautiful trees and bushes full of colourful flowers. Being in the presence of nature made him feel at ease and helped him relax.

But the real reason why he enjoyed your walks so much was you. He adored seeing your face light up with joy when you saw a squirrel run up a branch of an old oak or when you spotted a particularly beautiful fish in the small pond. He could watch you pick up fallen leaves for ages and hear you talk to little kids in a playground, showing them the shiny rocks you collected along the way.

To be honest, he always dreamt about starting a family with you and seeing you get along with kids so well only increased that desire.

Often after a walk, he was in the mood™, which, considering his shy nature, always took you by surprise.

Oh man, he just loved taking a walk in the park.

And today was no different.

You were walking hand in hand, admiring the blossoming flowers. Occasionally, you would stop and pick them up, making a small bouquet in the process. White daisies, pink clovers and blue forget-me-nots accumulated with every step you took.

John was telling you about the new idea he had for a song, kissing your cheek every now and again.

Listening to him, you started to fiddle with the flowers, tying them in knots. After a while ("And then, I think, we could include a gong, you know?") you were done with your creation.

You put the flowers on John's head and kissed his temple.

+"What's that, darling?" he asked you, surprised.

"Nothing, but I think you look sensational, my love" you replied, smiling innocently.

You felt John's hand bring you closer to him. He kissed you, entangling his long and incredibly skilled fingers in your hair. The kiss soon turned into more heated one.

+"I'll show you how sensational I really am, pretty girl."

Freddie Mercury

So with Freddie, it was probably at one of his parties.

He invited you along to have a drink with him and his bandmates.

You usually weren't the one for big and loud parties, but he kept asking you and you gave in.

+"Oh okay, Fred, I'll do it," you said after the twentieth time he had asked you.

"Fantastic, (Y/N)!" he exclaimed, loudly clapping his hands. "Just remember to wear a costume."

But you didn't really want to dress up in fancy dresses or costumes from different eras. Calling Mary, you asked her for advice and she told you to just wear some accessories.

So before the party, you went to a small flower shop and bought a small bouquet of purple lilacs. At home, you made a flower crown, hoping that dressing up as a nymph would be enough.

When you got to Freddie's house, you were greeted by a crowd of people in colourful skirts and suits with fashionable patterns. That's when you found Freddie, Roger, Brian and John, chilling on a couch with their dates.

+"Oh, (Y/N), you look marvellous, darling!" exclaimed Freddie dressed as a king, while he stood up to embrace you in a warm hug.

"Thank you, Fred, I made it myself" you smiled shyly.

You got some champagne and joined the conversation.

Suddenly, you felt a pat on your shoulder, and, when you turned around, you saw Freddie holding out a hand to you, asking you to dance with him. You gladly accepted and got up.

+"I really meant it, darling. You do look marvellous tonight" he whispered in your ear.

"Thank you, Freddie, you can have it if you'd like" you sent him a warm smile.

You took off his golden crown and set it aside. Gently taking off the flower crown from your head, you placed it on top of Fred's. He beamed at you and put his own crown on top of your head.

+"Now you rule here, darling."

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waynewifey · 4 years ago

Text

Fading away. —

Pairing: Jason Grace x Roman!DaughterofPluto!Reader

Sumary: after moths of over working, a colapse makes you get into a coma and reflect on your feelings.

Warnings: coma, angst, Pluto as a caring dad, fluff at the end.

Words: +-3k.

A/N: This is my first Percy Jackson Franchise fanfiction, so take it easy on me. This is also my biggest and favourite one. I hope you like this! My requests are always open.

(Y/N) (L/N) had a good reason to hate Jason Grace. How could she not? Jason was so annoying, self centred, selfish, stubborn and worse of all? He dated Piper McLean. Piper was great, (Y/N) knew that and they seemed happy together. But, still, he chose Piper, not (Y/N), his girlfriend back at Camp Jupiter, who he totally forgot about. How come Percy remembered Annabeth but Jason wouldn't remember (Y/N)? And when he recovered his memory, he chose Piper. But she also loved him still, and seeing him hurt like a bullet going straight through her heart. She decided to spend a year at Half-Blood Camp to stay with her half-brother Nico Di Angelo when Gaea were defeated. She thought she could manage to see him almost every day, but she couldn't. So she started doing anything to get her mind occupied. Going on meaningless quests, travelling to New York randomly, volunteering for literally any service in the camp and barely sleeping — because sleeping meant dreams.

"It doesn't have to be like that, (Y/N)." Her brother gave her another shot of Nectar. The sunlight that entered Hades' cabin was leaving slowly as they talked, (Y/N) leaned on her bed watching her fingertips become solid again.

"I'll learn how to do it right and I promise I won't push myself too much, but I can't stop practicing." She avoided eye contact with Nico, feeling ashamed of herself. After all, she was supposed to be the one taking care of him, since she was older. She came back from a "quest" for her father, that was staying a weekend on the Underworld. She started using Shadow Travel to get there. The problem? She had no idea how hard it was, and she almost died every time. He sighted.

"I'm not talking about Shadow Travel. You should talk to Jason and sort this out. You're almost killing yourself everyday doing the craziest stuff just to keep your mind off him. He already broke up with Piper, what's stopping you now? I'm your brother and it pains me to see you suffering, I won't just sit and watch while you literally desapear." He got up and walked to the door. The (h/c) girl forced a smile so he believed she was fine. Nico left the cabin.

After hours reflecting and thinking, she heard the trumpets that announced the convocation to a game of Capture the Flag. Since she was feeling better, she changed her clothes and walked outside. The teams were: cabins 1, 4, 5, 9, 12, 14, 18, 21, 23, 27, 28, 29 vs. cabins 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 20, 24, 25, 26. They started the game. (Y/N) had to protect the boundary with a kid from Hipnos' cabin while a group attacked the opponent's flag and another protected their territory and their flag. Everything was going as planned, she hadn't seen anyone yet. Out of the sudden, she saw a blond guy running in their direction with a sword. Oh hell no, Jason Grace wouldn't attack her like that. But he did.

"What the hell?!" She screamed, reacting to the blade flying in her direction. Her teammate was asleep. She defended herself with her own sword and counterattacked. He invested against her leg, trying to make her fall. Her instincts took place, she jumped, attacked again and they started a meaningless battle. Jason looked the same as always. He was almost the same Jason that used to take her on cute dates in New Rome. But he fought like a greek. And that was when it hit her, he changed. The mixture of love and hate made her loose her senses for a bit, giving Jason the lead. He focused on her leg but hesitated to hit it, giving her time to get back on the fight. She knocked him to the floor, her foot on his chest and her blade on his neck, when she heard footsteps approaching quickly. Of course. It was a trap. She turned around and saw a son of Hebe holding her team's flag running, followed by two daughters of Hephaestus. She grabbed a knife from her belt and threw it to his leg, hitting exactly where she wanted. She then grabbed Jason's blade and Shadow Travelled. For a moment everything was fine, while she drowned into darkness, but then she couldn't get out. She saw her father's face mixed in the dark. He raised his hand and touched her face, than she was back at the forest. Realising not even a second had gone through, she attacked the — injured — boy and the two gigantic girls at the same time. She wasn't really expecting to defeat them, just trying to win some time so, hopefully, someone would come help her. The boy dropped the flag and got a small sword. The two girls had hammers... oh. The three of them attacked at the same time and she protected herself with Jason's sword, which flew away. She was out of hopes when a figure appeared beside her and started fighting them.

"What are you doing here?! You're not supposed to help me, we're enemies, remember?" She said, fighting Hebe's son.

"I guess you're welcome then." Jason replied smiling, fighting the hammers-girls. (Y/N) sighted in annoyance. Seconds later, her teammates came running from the enemies' territory with a flag and the three-people group surrendered. Everyone started screaming and celebrating. (Y/N)'s head hurt with the noise and she looked to her brother, feeling numb.

"Hey, can we talk?" Jason said, getting in front of her with a big smile. He was proud of himself for helping her? Of course he was. He was going to take all the credit for her team's win. The anger rose inside of her burning everything. She furrowed her eyebrows and with the last energy that remained in her body, she tried to Shadow Travel for the perhaps hundredth time that day.

She fell into the darkness while feeling her body desapear quickly. Her heart was very accelerated but then it stopped. She saw herself at the barks of Lete's river. I'm dead., she thought. The desperation started taking over. She remembered the face of all her friends. Her siblings, Hazel and Nico. Her mother. Her best friend Reyna. Camp Jupiter. New Rome. The Lar Vitellius. Lares? Lares! Maybe she could go back as a ghost! She would at least see her friends again.

"Didn't expect to see you this soon." A voice said with humor. She turned around, as always enlighten by her father's presence. But his face was sad. Not the everyday-sad-Pluto, but the my-daughter-just-died-sad-Pluto.

"Am I d-... dead?" The anxiety forbid her from crying in front of her father. The one she never knew and once she did, she didn't want to disappoint him.

"Yes and no. You see, my darling, there are things more powerful then death. Right now, your physical being is exhausted from travelling through darkness and light — which I told you not to, but we'll talk about this later, you have a decision to make. You're body is surrendering to Death out of hopelessness. But your soul, on the other hand, still fights for the heart beating in your chest. And your conscious, the controller of both body and soul, has to decide which one of them you'll support right now. As Lord of the Death that's all I can say to you. But as your father, I would like to say that we have a room for you in the castle, if you'd like that. And also, I feel obligated to show you what is happening on Earth." When he finished his words, an image formed in the air, sort of an Iris message, but no one saw them. (Y/N) saw herself laying on the grass, surrounded by some campers, Nico and Jason.

She was watching them from above. Jason put two fingers on her neck, trying to feel her pulse. She — the one in the Underworld — gasped as the blond boy whispered 'nothing'. She glanced at her father, who had a pained expression as he stared at Nico freaking out. Her brother had his hands on her chest and was murmuring something in greek. Then, he opened his eyes, filled with tears of desperation, and glanced at Jason, who didn't look any better. She wanted to scream and go back to up there, but her voice wouldn't come out of her throat.

"Half of her is already gone." Nico struggled to say. Everyone around gasped. "I can't Shadow Travel with her, it- it would k-kill the other half..."

"Let's take her to the Infirmary. Everything's gonna be fine. She'll be okay." Will Solace had appeared in the crowd and kneed down to take (Y/N) in the arms, being helped by the other two. As they walked, (Y/N) held herself in her arms, sobbing. She didn't want to die, not like that. The image faded away and Pluto hugged her. He never did that before. She left out all her emotions through the cry. Her father caressed her back and gently kissed the top of her head.

"Now you see, my child, what those on Earth are going through. You have a family up there. And if you'd ask me, Jason Grace is a good person, even being a son of my brother. You have a choice, so make it wisely." Pluto said, not backing away from the hug. She nodded and he immediately knew what her choice was. "You know I'd love to have you here with me, but I'd love even more to see you happy. Don't be reckless. And listen to your brother. You don't have to worry to come see me, I'll make sure to visit you during your recovery." As he said that, a white door appeared out of nowhere. "Here's your carpool." The girl started to walk to the door, when she heard Pluto say: "(Y/N) I lo-... Good luck." She smiled to him and went through into the door. It felt like eons in the nothingness. She felt so much pain all over her body. Then she gained conscience. She didn't knew how long it had passed. She also couldn't open her eyes or say anything, but she knew she was laying down something comfortable, a bed, perhaps. But she could hear perfectly well.

"... and I'm so sorry you had to die for me to gain the courage to say this. Please come back to us... Come back to me. Nico barely leaves this room and nor do I, Will had to force him to go eat. It's not the same without you, (Y/N/N), it really isn't." Jason's words gave her the urge to cry, but she couldn't. It was like her body had shutdown completely. She felt his warm hands on her cold ones and after that, a door was opened. Footsteps. Only one person. Jason didn't move. Someone sat down next to them.

"Dad- I mean, Hades said she will be okay." It was Nico's voice. He sounded extremely tired.

"Didn't he say that last month?" Grace was annoyed, but he didn't stop holding her hand.

"I know, I wish I could do more... I'm... I'm sorry Jason." The blond sighted.

"I should be the one to be saying that. I know there's nothing else to do. I'm sorry for putting the blame on you. It's just- if we've talked before, nothing of this would have happened. If only I was brave enough..." (Y/N) felt weak and her consciousness was back at nothing again. When she heard something again, it looked like a lot of time had passed by, but she wasn't sure at all. Jason's voice was happy as he told her his plans to the future.

"I realised you would like to work with me training the legion. You're obviously skilled and the payment is quite good. And I've heard they are planning to build a village here as well, but I don't know if you-..." Every time she tried to stay conscious, she felt weaker. 'Rest', her father's voice said inside of her head, so she let herself.

Some time...? A long time...? She didn't knew. But the next time she heard, she was way stronger. She waited until then, so she could stay longer and try to understand her emotions. She heard almost an entire day. Her friends entered and left cabin 13 — she found out that she was there. Some of them talked "to" her, some just sat there in silence. When alone, Nico talked a lot about Will Solace. (Y/N) smiled mentally. Then Jason entered. She could already recognise the sound he made walking. He sat beside her bed and held her hand, as usual.

"Hello, princess. You look better." She reunited all the strength she had storage and sent it all to her right hand. She softly squeezed Jason's hand, for a small portion of second, trying to say 'hi'. She felt exhausted. He gasped.

"She just squeezed my hand!" He screamed, laughing. Nico jumped out of his bed, laughing as well. They both stared at her, waiting for more. "You're there, right? I knew you were! It's been long months, but you're getting better. Don't work too hard. We'll see each other soon, don't worry." He kissed her forehead. After that, it was easy for her to let go and dive into her sleep again.

She was slowly getting better. She noticed her comas were smaller now, and she got stronger every time. She started communicating by squeezing people's hand. One time for 'yes' and two times for 'no'. But it still was exhausting. She met with her father a couple times through dreams, but it never lasted long. She was sick of it. She wanted to jump out of the bed and run through all the camp. She was alone with Jason, as he talked about the last time he went to Camp Jupiter, telling every change. She slowly forced herself to open her eyes. It wasn't for too long, just enough for her to see the big smile he had while talking, her favourite blond hair and how he gesticulated while speaking. By that time, her feelings were completely lined. She declined her childishness and stubbornness to accept the fact that she obviously loved him. Her lips were able to form a small smile. He hadn't noticed her yet. I can do this, she thought.

"J." She whispered for the first time in five months. Her eyes were already closed again. He gasped.

"Did you just say J? That's me! I'm here, i'm right here, love. Can you hear me?" She squeezed his hand one time. Yes. He chortled. "You're so strong. I miss you so much." He started softly crying. She squeezed his hand two times. No. Don't cry, she wanted to say. "Alright, 's fine, 's fine. Gods, you're coming back. I bet Aphrodite is watching us closely." He chuckled but suddenly stopped. "I forgot we haven't talked about that yet, i'm sorry. I don't wanna be intrusive, you know. It's just, by what Nico has told me, well, you still liked me." She squeezed two times. "That's... that's great, love. But don't worry about that just yet. You should take some rest now, my love."

Five days. She had woken up every single one of them, but only listening. No squeezes, no talking, no looking. Just storing strength. She knew she was close to fully waking up. She was already able to keep track of the days. It was a Sunday, the day she received the most visits. It should be morning, because she only heard Nico's snorting. She slowly opened her eyes. The same place. Different clothes. She wondered who had changed them. Perhaps Will did. She systematically moved her arms, pushing herself to sit. Her back was laying at wall. She took a deep breath. It was going fine. She wanted to wake Nico up, but she decided to wait to see if she would be able to actually stay awake. About an hour later, Nico woke up by himself. He yawned and turned to her bed. She looked at him with a big smile. He jumped out of bed.

"Holy shit, (Y/N)! You're up! How- Wait! I need to- Wait! Don't fall asleep, I'll be right back!" She blinked slowly to sign 'ok'. He was back moments running later with a bunch of teenagers in pyjamas. They all froze at the door, staring at her. Hazel, Frank, Annabeth, Percy, Jason and even Piper. Hazel was the first one to wake up from the trance. She ran to her sister and hugged (Y/N).

"Ouch." She managed to say, reacting to the tight hug that made her head hurt.

"Right, sorry! I forgot. Wait, you speak!" Hazel answered and laughed. All of the others joined in, amazed by her friend, and started talking, telling everything she had missed. (Y/N) couldn't speed properly, only a few words like 'hi', 'ow', 'miss' and 'food'. Later that day, Will came to check on her. He said everything looked just fine, but that she should rest.

"Hey." Zeus' son said, once they were alone.

"Hi."

"Gods, it's so good to finally hear you again. I've talked to myself for a long time." They giggled softly. (Y/N) wasn't showing any signs of it, but that day had been extremely tiring. Her entire body hurt but she couldn't give up just yet.

"I... heard." She whispered. "A bit." Her eyes tried to close but she opened them wide, fighting her own nature. Jason noticed that.

"Hey, no need to over do it.” He brushed her cheek with his thumb.

"Sleep... here." She begged, placing her hand beside her. He froze for a moment, embarrassed. And then, with a rubor across his face, he sat on the bed beside her. She laid her head on his chest and quickly fell asleep.

“Go to sleep, love. We have all the time in the world.”

#percy jackon and the olympians #percy jackson #fluff imagine #percy jackson imagines #percy jackson fanfiction #jason grace #jason grace x reader #jasonissocutehelp #nico di angelo #nico di angelo x reader #daughter of hades #pls send requests

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kiwichaeng · 3 years ago

Text

I posted 5,619 times in 2021

432 posts created (8%)

5187 posts reblogged (92%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 12.0 posts.

I added 481 tags in 2021

#evie's random shit - 192 posts

#evie watches b99 - 66 posts

#b99 spoilers - 48 posts

#secrets of blackthorn hall - 37 posts

#sobh - 36 posts

#evie receives asks - 28 posts

#tsc - 24 posts

#cricket - 19 posts

#dani <3 - 18 posts

#oh my god - 13 posts

Longest Tag: 103 characters

#me knowing i wont be able to read it tonight because i have two of the most important exams tomorrow 😭

My Top Posts in 2021

Kieran? Oh you mean cutter of tiny sandwiches

70 notes • Posted 2021-10-08 17:18:27 GMT

Magnus bane went from avoiding the shadowhunters to being married to the counsul and having a shadowhunter son and that's beautiful ❤️

71 notes • Posted 2021-05-28 09:55:02 GMT

My friend who is reading TMI for the first time told me Hodge is their favorite character...

They called him "lil owl man"

They told me nothing can change their mind...

I'm gonna let them find out-

90 notes • Posted 2021-07-01 15:05:39 GMT

wait a sec wait a sec wait a sec

i had a thought

so belial can't control james or y'know do all the shit (it's been a while since i read the books bear with me) if james is dead...

and if cordelia dies she won't be lilith's paladin anymore...

CASSIE?? ARE YOU GONNA KILL THEM???

imagine them dying in each others' arms for a second. thank you.

91 notes • Posted 2021-09-09 00:00:41 GMT

Study sessions and Coffee Intoxications

Pairing: Malec

You can find it here on AO3

“Do you think I should have decided to take up arson instead?” Alec questioned, idly twirling his pencil. “Setting buildings on fire would be more entertaining.”

Magnus looked up from the papers spread out on his bed, alarmed. “Alec, what-”

“Think about it, I mean-”

“How much coffee have you had?” Magnus eyed the empty cups scattered on the floor and desk.

Alec blinked and looked around. “More than a little?”

Magnus sighed. They had finals in two days which meant endless nights of cramming and all-nighters for Alec, and meticulously planned schedules for Magnus.

“You picked forensic science because, and I quote, ‘if I can’t become a serial killer I might as well help the police catch them,’” Magnus said, eyeing the document open on his boyfriend’s laptop and all the books laying around. “Now you want to suddenly become an arsonist?” “I changed career paths,” Alec recited in a monotone voice making Magnus smile.

“I regret introducing you to TikTok,” He mumbled under his breath and turned back to his notes.

Five minutes passed in quite mumbling and the click-clack of Alec’s keyboard before Alec spoke up again.

“Do you think we should adopt a cat?” Alec looked at Magnus hopefully.

“Alexander honey I love you but what the fuck does that have to do with dead bodies or whatever you learn in forensics?” Magnus was started to question if they should both go outside and touch some grass even though it was freezing.

Alec glared, “You stupid English majors and your stupid essays. At least we know how to kill a man with a spoon.” After a moment of consideration, he added, “I love you too.”

“First of all, why don’t you try to write this essay instead? Second of all, you are not drinking any more coffee.” Magnus had never liked coffee much himself but his boyfriend was a different story altogether, drinking multiple cups a day, only got worse during nights like these.

Alec immediately spun around in his chair and looked at him like Magnus had just told him their hypothetical cat had just died. “But then how am I supposed to stay awake-”

Magnus sighed and got up, walking over to stand in front of Alec. His hands gently cupped Alec’s face, tracing his cheekbones. Alec looked up, his blue eyes bloodshot and tired. Magnus tilted his face up and kissed his forehead and Alec visibly relaxed, some of the tension leaving his body.

“You’re tired,” he mumbled into Alec’s hair. “Sleep, love. Just for a few hours and I promise I’ll wake you up. Then you can plan on burning all the buildings you want.”

Alec leaned forward resting his head against Magnus’ torso and hummed. They stayed like that for a few moments, one of Magnus’ hands stroking his hair and the other wrapped around Alec.

The peaceful silence was broken when Alec groaned. “Shit my stomach hurts.”

Magnus, being the good boyfriend he is, did not say ‘I told you so’ like he very much wanted to. He pulled Alec to his feet gently despite his protests.

“Alright time to get you to an actual bed before you get caffeine poisoning-” Magnus abruptly stopped and after a moment added, “Wait is that a thing?”

Alec chuckled and leaned up, his lips ghosting Magnus’.

“I’m pretty sure it is,” he said and pressed their lips together, his hands traveling up to Magnus’ face,

Magnus pulled away gently, “You’re shaking.” He took Alec’s hands in his and held them tightly. “Too much coffee is not good for you. How many times have I lectured you on that?”

“More times than I can count,” Alec laughed. He looked tired, his hair more of a mess than usual. Magnus doubted he looked any better.

He hates seeing Alec like this, going nights without sleep, depending on a drug to keep him going.

Magnus believed in a proper sleep schedule, especially during exams. Many students chose to ignore their health in favor of a grade but how can you possibly achieve a good score when your mental and physical health is at a compromise?

He had lost count of the times he had told this to Alec, but in his defense, the other boy had tried.

Magnus cleared all the books and notes off of Alec’s bed and sat him down at one corner.

“Stay here,” Magnus kissed his forehead and went to grab a water bottle and some herbal tea. Alec wouldn’t be able to go to sleep right now with all the coffee jitters. The first thing was to get rid of them. The second was to throw the coffee machine out of the window without Alec noticing

When Magnus returned, Alec was pacing and wringing his hands. His head snapped up the moment Magnus entered.

“Why is it too cold outside for a walk?”

Magnus blinked. “Because it’s...December? Now sit.” He pointed at Alec’s earlier spot. Alec did

“Here, drink this.” He handed Alec the bottle of water and watched Alec take a sip.

He narrowed his eyes. “All of it”

Alec grumbled something unintelligible and emptied the bottle.

“I’m throwing that wretched coffee machine out,” Magnus grumbled, voicing his earlier thought.

Alec’s looked at him sharply. “No you’re not-” He winced. “Head hurts.”

Magnus sighed. Coffee intoxicated Lightwoods were not the most uncommon occurrence, although Isabelle was relatively better at handling her caffeine. And the blonde kid—Mace?—preferred energy drinks. Magnus did not know if he knew how much caffeine was in them.

Magnus handed the herbal tea to Alec. “Drink.”

Alec made a face but obliged when Magnus glared at him. “You’re so mean to me.”

Magnus snorted. “I’m not the one who did this to you, darling.”

Alec finished his tea and put the cup aside. “I’m sorry. I know you have an essay to work on. I shouldn’t be keeping you fr-”

Magnus placed his lips on the other’s before he could say another word, this one longer than the first. He felt Alec sigh into the kiss, hands going to his shoulders.

“Ok get up we’re gonna get that extremely harmful drug out of your system, then you will go to sleep and I will work on my essay. Is that clear?” Magnus’ voice left no room for argument. “And no more coffee.”

Alec’s eyes widened at that. “But how am I going to-”

“We’re going to use other healthier options of staying up but only if you have to be awake ok?” Magnus looked into Alec’s blue eyes seeing himself reflected. Those eyes he loved so much dropping with exhaustion, showing just as much affection for Magnus

“Ok,” Alec whispered. “Do you promise to hold me till I fall asleep?”

Magnus smiled and kissed him again. “I promise.”

A beat passed before, “So after I wake up, which place should we start with?”

tag list (lemme know if you wanna be added/removed): @khaleesiofalicante @gayforcarstairsgirls @fandom-101 @noah-herondale-lightwood @beclynn-herondale @magnus-the-maqnificent @queenlilith43 @clumsyowl-in-a-fandom @daughter-of-night @pjo-tsc-trc-otherthingstoo @bookswitchcraftandcats @kitherondalesfreckles @elettrahere

93 notes • Posted 2021-10-22 22:18:10 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

#my 2021 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #wow ok #tumblr wrapped

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xmint-conditionx · 4 years ago

Text

☆ flanked ☆ ch2 | knj

(verb) flank -

guard or strengthen (a military force or position) from the side.

attack down or from the sides, or rake with gunfire from the sides.

☆ pairing: soldier!namjoon x widow!reader; namjoon x fem!reader ☆ word count: 3.1K ☆ summary: you’re a recently widowed military spouse who is stationed at camp walker, south korea. you’re dealing with the tragedy of your husband’s recent death, and in the process, you accidentally meet a k-pop idol you’ve had a crush on for years. who knew you’d both be at the same post while he’s doing his compulsory service? who knew he’d be so damn nice? who knew it would be impossible to get him out of your head? ☆ warnings: angst, mentions of death, grieving, lots of fluff in this chapter tbh and you might die because dork namjoon has come to the party ☆ a/n: hey everyone c: sorry this repost is a little late; i've been sick the past two days and holed up in bed for the last one. i'm so excited to release this for you and start on the next chapter.

It is 6:05 in the morning, and you are awake. Not wide awake, but awake. You can’t believe you let Namjoon convince you to get up this early, because frankly, nobody has ever convinced you to get up this early. When he said that you’d have to get there first thing in the morning so you can see everything, you really didn’t think he would mean you’d have to get there at 7 AM. It’s always been your philosophy that it’s wrong to wake up before the sun, and you’re finding that getting out of bed in your pitch black room isn’t easy. You’re gonna have to make sure to clarify everything that man says in the future. Ugh, military men, you think.

You groan, muscles stiff as you finally manage to get yourself out of bed.

Bananas is obviously not getting the memo, the only sign of him being his fluffy tail poking out from under the covers. He’s never been into early mornings either.

Namjoon sent you a text yesterday and told you that the exhibit that he really wants to show you requires tickets. He then told you that because they only sell 100 tickets per day on a first come first serve basis; getting in line any later than 7 AM would surely be entirely too late, apparently. The Daegu Art Museum opens at 10, tickets go on sale at 9:30, yet you need to be in line no later than 7? Sure.

He seemed really excited about the exhibit, though, saying that Yayoi Kusama, whoever that person was, was a genius. So… you couldn’t exactly turn him down. Her works were deep and breathtaking and spoke so much about life, according to Namjoon. He had promised it would be worth it, and you thought about that promise as you groggily did your morning routine. Yeah, you thought, it had better be. If only he hadn’t sent too many pleading-eye emojis.

You grabbed your over the shoulder bag and gave Bananas a good belly rub before heading outside.

Despite being almost non-functional this early in the morning, you beat Namjoon to the museum. Gawking at the massive modern building, you walk up to the front doors, where a decent line has already formed. Okay, maybe he was right.

You find yourself a place at the back of the line and just as you reach in your bag to grab your phone to text him, you see Namjoon walking in your direction, long legs making short work of catching up to you. You catch his eyes lingering on your bare legs as he approaches, and for just a moment, you’re glad you chose to wear this skirt.

“Morning, Namjoon,” you groan, leaning up against the museum’s outer wall. More people start filing in line after you, and you’re thankful Namjoon wasn’t too late. “I guess you were right. Look at all these people.”

“Morning, peach,” he says with another one of his dimpled grins, “Glad it’s warming up out? It’s supposed to hit 20 degrees today.”

“Okay, it is entirely too early for you to be this happy,” you say, voice groggy. Namjoon just shrugs.

“Guess I’m just excited.”

You look around the small crowd that has formed and notice that a lot of the people are sitting up against the wall while they wait. You decide to do the same.

“I am too, trust me,” you say, back resting against the cool stone, “I’m just not usually up this early.”

“I see. Maybe conversation can keep you awake. Are there any other places in Daegu you want to see?” Namjoon inquires.

“Well, there is that aquarium I keep hearing about. One of my coworkers on post says that there are mermaids that do a little performance with the fish.”

“Oh! I know which one you’re talking about! I’ve actually been there a few times. I love it there! Fish are so cool.”

“Before I went into veterinary science,” you say, “I was originally planning on being a marine biologist.”

“You’re a vet? I didn’t know that! No wonder Bananas looks like such a happy pup!”

“Yeah,” you say, letting your head fall back, “he really is. But, I really want to go check it out. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to an aquarium.”

“The mermaid performers swim around with a bunch of stingrays. Stingrays are actually not that dangerous, especially if they have the barbs removed from their tails.”

You feel your eyes growing heavy.

“Wow, I didn’t know that.”

“A lot of people think they’re really dangerous because Steve Irwin died from a sting from a stingray, but his injury was a result of the barb piercing his thoracic wall. Most stingray injuries are actually very mild.”

“That’s interesting,” you say quietly, eyes fluttering closed.

“Some people think that cutting down their barbs is abuse, but it’s like cutting off a fingernail to humans. They don’t feel it at all and it grows back over time.”

“Mhmmmmm,” you say as you feel yourself slipping back into sleep.

“It’s the touch tanks that can be a little problematic,” Namjoon continues, oblivious, “Stingrays have a type of mucus that covers their body that protects them from bacteria. If that gets rubbed off, they become vulnerable. A lot of zoos and aquariums are taking plenty of precautionary measures though, like making sure the guests wash their hands before and after they experience the touch tank. In fact, I think that given the proper precautions, touch tanks…”

______________

The warmth next to you feels like home, and threatens to pull you back to sleep. You feel yourself holding onto something... firm and yet so soft, but it’s comforting, so you tighten your grip and nuzzle further in. You then feel a gentle breeze run across your legs and wonder where your blankets have gone. Bananas has probably hogged them all. You breathe in and smell laundry detergent, a little musk and… men’s deodorant? There’s the quiet chatter of birdsong, and an unmistakable trickle of water, and you instantly remember where you are.

Your eyes snap open to find yourself snuggled up to Namjoon, arms hooked around his bicep and cheek against his shoulder. He seems un-bothered by your lack of respect for his personal space; he doesn’t even look up from his book. Like it’s the most natural thing for you to be attached to him like this. Embarrassed, you quickly distance yourself from him and apologize profusely while he just chuckles a bit. He puts his bookmark in to keep his place and turns towards you as you blink yourself awake, tasting the dryness in your mouth. Oh god, you must have had your mouth open.

“It’s fine, peach. I didn’t even realize you were asleep until you started snoring.”

You gasp. “I did not!”

“Oh, you did,” he says, eyeing you playfully, “It was only a little though. And it was really quiet. Kind of cute, actually.” You play hit him in the arm that you had just been latched on to.

“Hey, don’t be mad at me. I bought your ticket!”

“You what?! What time is it?” you ask, scrambling to look at your phone. It was 5 minutes until open. “Namjoon, why didn’t you wake me up?”

“I was going to, but you were sleeping so hard...”

“Well, at least that means I wasn’t all over you this entire time.”

“Oh, no," he says, "you were.”

You groan. “How did you get up and buy the tickets then without me knowing?”

“A man has to have some secrets, you know. Come on, let’s go look at some art.”

The inside of the Daegu Art Museum is stunning. The lobby is bright and open; the sunlight pours into that first room through the large windows, casting a lovely morning light on all of the bright and cheery visitors. Some of the larger pieces are displayed in this grand lobby, some towering ten of feet above you.

“Namjoon, this is beautiful.”

“Just you wait, Come on, first we’ll do classical, then lunch, then modern art. The best one we’ll save for last.”

Classical art wasn’t your favorite, but Namjoon got absorbed in just about every piece. When he saw one that really grabbed his attention, he would sit there gawking at it, mouth open as he read from the little plaque next to it. The way his eyes filled with wonder and widened with discovery at the newly rotated paintings was absolutely adorable. He almost had this child-like wonder about him, eagerly looking back and forth from the plaque to the painting and back again. You almost enjoyed studying Namjoon instead of the art.

You let him take the lead, showing you some of his favorite pieces as you navigate through the galleries. He is definitely in his element here. After he finishes his embellished tour of the classical works, you both decide it would be a good time to break for lunch. The museum has a little cafe, so Namjoon takes care of waiting for your orders while you are tasked with finding a nice spot to spread your blanket outside on the grounds. You see a spot beneath a tree offering up a little shade, so you spread the blanket over the soft grass and take your place, closing your eyes and breathing in the fresh air. Namjoon soon arrives with your food, and settles down next to you.

Before you start to eat, you remove your cardigan, exposing your chest and arms to the air, hoping to enjoy some of the new warmth in Daegu. You hear Namjoon take a sharp inhale, and thinking something’s wrong, you quickly look over at him. He’s got his eyes trained on you, and he swallows hard before he realizes you’re looking at him. He jerks his gaze away, finds something else to look at and shakes his head, as if to clear it. Was he… checking you out?

“Sorry, I thought I uh…” he trails off, “thought I saw a bug. It was, uh, just a shadow.”

“Uh, thanks for uh, looking out,” you say, before a thought strikes you, “Hey, Namjoon. I brought my painting stuff with me today. I was hoping to paint a little while we eat, is that okay? I don’t want to be bad company.”

He perks up, “Oh, yeah, sure. I can just keep reading my book. Hypervelocity stars aren’t going to learn about themselves!”

You set about getting out your watercolor palette, planning on using some of your bottled water to wet your paints. For some reason, you glance back over at Namjoon. He’s sitting with his back against the tree, legs crossed at the ankles, book in one hand, and bao in the other. His eyebrows are slightly furrowed together in concentration, and he lazily takes a bite, not even looking at the bao bun. You hold back a giggle when you see he got some sauce on his mouth. You can’t help but point it out by getting his attention and tapping your own bottom lip. Namjoon studies you for a minute, and slowly licks his bottom lip, almost too slowly. Before you can register what he had just done, he just smiles at you innocently and goes back to reading his book.

This man is going to kill you, so he might as well be the subject for your art. The way he’s positioned himself is just too adorable to ignore.

After getting the basic shape of his outline done and halfway through the details in his face, he stirs from his place under the tree. You watch him as he places his book down carefully on the blanket and walks toward your back, steps ever so gentle. You turn your head and see a little bird hopping around on the grass, and Namjoon is after it. He breaks off a piece of bread from his second bao and extends it towards the bird, who eyes him suspiciously. To your surprise though, it hops forward and takes the bread, chirping up at Namjoon. He goes to sit cross legged on the ground, but doing so ends up startling the bird, who then flies a short distance away on the lawn. Namjoon sulks and pouts a little before getting up and walking after the bird. This is the craziest thing you have ever seen. You love animals so much that you’ve dedicated your career to helping them stay healthy, but this is on a whole other level.

You go back to refining your art, throwing some color into the sky and on the tree, seeing as your main subject has wandered off.

You’re startled when he comes back from behind you.

“How’s the art coming?” he asks, looking over your shoulder at your book, “Hey! Is that me?!”

“Well, it was going to be until you started playing Snow White.”

“Yeah…” he says, looking down at what’s left of his sandwich, “the little guy ate all my bread.”

You laugh a little at him as he frowns at the char siu pork filling barely being contained by the thinnest bun dough you’ve ever seen. Widening his eyes, he downs the rest of the bao bun in one bite.

“Dind youh whanna fhinish youhr phaintingh?” he says, covering his full mouth as he speaks.

“I can finish it some other time. Let’s go see the modern stuff before I want another nap.”

Stepping into the large room that houses the modern art, you take in a sharp breath with how absolutely full it is. Sculptures, paintings, installations; and in the back of the room is a line leading to a small door. You don’t know where to look first, so thankfully your personal tour guide is there to show you the way.

You’re reading the plaque on a minimalistic piece when Namjoon comes and grabs your wrist, excitedly ushering you to follow him. He leads you to the other side of the room where he stops in front of a section of blank wall, gesturing for you to look at it. You sit there and wonder what in the world he could be talking about when you see it. A piece of bright pink gum is stuck to the pristine white wall.

“This wasn't here last time!” he exclaims in a whisper. “I can’t believe this.”

“Yeah, kinda sucks that someone did that.”

“No, you don’t get it. This is an installation.”

“... are you sure about that?”

“Yeah! Look, it's about how such a simple thing can ruin something so large. Like finding a fly in your chardonnay, or there being a hair in your food, or one small imperfection in a person ruining your whole view of them.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s actual trash, Namjoon.”

“Of course it’s actual trash. I don’t think the artist could have gotten the point across without using actual chewing gum. It says so much. It might also be depicting the actual process of tainting something too! Like, how long did the artist chew the gum before they stuck it there? How much time and effort did it take them to ruin this whole wall with their gum? Where’s the plaque?”

As Namjoon searches the nearby walls for a plaque, a janitor comes by and scrapes off the gum, smiling gently at the both of you. You send Namjoon a pointed look, one that’s screaming “I told you so,” and then you both start laughing, having to hold back most of the sound in the quiet of the viewing space.

“Okay, last but not least. You ready?” The two of you were next in line to enter that small door you had seen at the back of the room when you first entered. The lady taking the tickets had already informed you that you would have five minutes once the door shut. You still had no idea what to expect.

“Yeah, I guess I had better be.” The door opened, letting out the museum goer who had just been in there.

Namjoon leaned up to your ear from behind and gently said, “Close your eyes.”

You were about to protest when he continued speaking, placing his hands on your shoulders, “I’ll walk you in there and tell you when to open. Trust me?”

You answered him by letting your lids drop. You felt him guide you by your shoulders as you walked gently forward and then to the right. You could tell that the floor texture had changed from the concrete you’d been walking on all day to something more plastic. You heard the door softly click shut behind you.

“Open,” he commanded softly, and you complied.

You could not make sense out of what you were seeing. The view went on forever, but you could tell that the actual room was so very small. Directly in front of you and on all sides were mirrors, infinitely reflecting off of themselves into the horizon. You were both completely surrounded by them. Scattered around the part of the room that wasn’t the black platform that you were standing on were delicate fairy lights in a cool white tone. It felt like you were floating in a void, so endless and empty. There were specks of brightness, but they did nothing to change the darkness enveloping you. Though it felt infinite, there was a nagging sense of being trapped. Surrounded on all sides. It was beautiful and terrifying to look at. Consumed by everything and nothing. You forgot Namjoon was there until he spoke quietly against your ear.

“This is what I think grief looks like. If it could take a physical form, this would be it.”

He’s right. He’s so right. You’re being swallowed by emptiness. You both are.

You both stand there in silence for the next few minutes, Namjoon’s warmth radiating onto your back, his hands still on your shoulders. Occasionally, his breath would brush against the nape of your neck.

“You really get it, don’t you?” you ask quietly.

“I can’t say I understand what it’s like to lose a spouse, peach. But I understand grief in my own way. I know this sounds crazy, because I don’t believe in any higher power, but I think we were supposed to meet each other.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean... “ he starts, “I just feel better when I’m around you. I feel like a… better person. You don’t treat me like... “ he stops himself.

“Like what, Namjoon?”

“You don’t treat me like other people do. In a lot of ways. That’s... the easiest way to say it.”

You just nod, wanting to soak up these last few moments in this room with him. In this dark space, it’s not so scary to get close. You allow yourself to lean back into him, and he stiffens up for a moment before circling his arms around you.

“We’re gonna get through all of this together,” he says against your ear, “I promise. Together.”

#bts smut #rm smut #namjoon smut #namjoon x you #namjoon x reader #bts imagines #bts scenarios #namjoon imagine #namjoon fanfic #rm x you #rm x reader #xmint-conditionx #flanked

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indigobackfire · 4 years ago

Text

Phoenix Lazar Nobleworth Silverwood

Below is a lengthy history of his parents, their involvement with dragons, and how he lost them.

Ps: I tried adding some Scottish dialect in the dialogue, but I'm not the best at it considering all I have as reference is my love for James McAvoy and Outlander. Forgive me in advance for any atrocities lol. Also, diverging from canon especially in relation to Veela powers and physical descriptions.

Phoenix's father, Emilian, was sorted into Gryffindor and with pride, he was a Gryffindor by the book, adventurous, brave, often reckless, fun, with a strong sense of protection over his friends, someone who valued courage and honor.

Emilian didn't know how he and Palmer Silverwood - Slytherin, pureblood, much more popular than him, and one of the best duelists in their year - became friends, he also didn't know how Palmer found an about to hatch dragon egg in the forbidden forest, or how he even got into the forbidden forest to begin with, but being who he was, Emilian wasn't much surprised.

The biggest surprise was that Palmer even knew who he was.

Emilian takes a peek into Palmer's robes where the egg is hidden. "So? You're the dragon laddie, Nobleworth."

"Yeah, it's a dragon egg. Common Welsh Green this one." He looks up. "And is that what people call me?"

"Are ye really surprised? You talk about them all the time, yer the best in Care of Magical Creatures, and ye have a dragon painted at the back of yer bloody robes."

"Only fair. McGonagall hates it."

Palmer laughs. "Will ye help me?"

"Aye. But what ye want me to do?"

"I dinna ken. I just don't want the wee dragon to die. The poor creature wasn't warm when I found it so it's probably motherless. I mean... they fire up their eggs, don't they?"

Emilian smiles. "You're not as unknowledgeable as you think, Silverwood. Let's go somewhere more private."

In the humid and dusty air of the artifact room, they hide. "Hand me the egg."

Palmer hands him the egg delicately as if the creature inside it wasn't one that could eat them both in a bite when grown. And for a moment Palmer wonders what he'll do, but Emilian just stands there holding the egg. And as he's about to question him, he sees Emilian's fingers get bright red.

"Mate? What's wrong with yer hands?"

Emilian snickers. "I have a secret, can you keep it?" Palmer nods eyes fixated on the egg whose cracks were very slowly growing. "I'm half Veela and whilst I can't throw balls of fire from my hands... I can heat it up to... oven temperature."

"Oven temperature?"

Emilian smirks. "Ah dinnae have exact numbers, but if ye want to give a touch."

Palmer looks at his hands again. "Nae. They're as bright as molten glass, lad."

Emilian raises his eyebrows. "Oh, I felt it move."

"Ooohh, it's gonna set this tiny room on fire."

"Let me hide it this time. I ken a place we can go. The person ye should've gone to in the first place."

Palmer widens his eyes. "Kettleburn, nae."

"Silverwood, ye cannae keep the dragon. It'll set you on fire before completing one year."

Palmer puffs as they walk out of the artifact room. "If the dragon enthusiast dinnae want to keep a real dragon, why would I?"

"A dragon lover is the same as a bee lover. You can appreciate the honey, the lovely stripes, but if ye hold it in yer hand, it'll sting you. Dragons were made to live outside, flying, spitting fire. A wee dragon is cute, but once is grown..."

"Yer a curious lad, Nobleworth." Emilian gives an awkward half smile. "I like you."

Their friendship was as unexpected to them as it was for the bystanders, but one that sustained for their last two years in Hogwarts - including Palmer's girlfriend, Clarin, an uptight but curious Ravenclaw, who despite her best instincts followed behind on the boys' adventures.

When Emilian announced he would be leaving England for the Dragon Sanctuary in Romania a couple of years later, as much as Palmer and Clarin expected that to happen, it still came with the bittersweetness of watching one of their best friends go.

Years go by, but still, their bond sustains time and distance. Every opportunity they had, the SIlverwoods would travel to Romania to visit their friend who in a lighting in a bottle chance found himself a wife of "his kind".

Full Veela, Antonia Lazar, practically raised herself as her father left her mother, a temperamental full Veela woman, to deal with Tonia herself, a task she delegated to her equally careless family members, closely involved with the Dragon Sanctuary in times the place was still informally managed.

When Emilian meets her, barely wearing rags over her body, barefoot on the grass, pearl blonde hair unruly, looking as if she was raised by wild house elves, he couldn't help his heart hammering in his chest. Female Veela beauty wasn't something he was unused to, considering his mother and aunts were ones as well, but when Antonia was before him he thought of himself before a goddess.

Emilian tries not to spill the water in the heavy buckets while Antonia doesn't seem to be struggling at all. He wouldn't have a need to even carry them if he hadn't forgotten his wand, but at least he got to be alone with her.

"Why is it that ye dinnae like us?"

"You English think you run the place just because you read about dragons in a book, think you know more than us who grew with hundreds of them." She shoots him firey eyes. "Know when I first rode a dragon? I was five years old!"

"I never say I doubted yer capacities. And I'm not English, I'm Scottish." She glares at him again. "I'm kidding."

"Don't get me angry, you won't like it me angry. Trust me."

"I would actually. I wonder what color yer feathers would be."

"I'm sorry?"

"I ken a Veela when I see one. Especially cause I'm half one."

Her expression soothes a little. She puts the bucket down and grips his hand. "Go, do your magic."

While his hand goes as hot as they can, his eyes slowly change hues to match her, never breaking eye contact. "It's nice touching a girl who doesn't mind a more... ardent touch."

She gives a small smile. "You're pathetic."

"I'd love to fly on a dragon's back with someone who understands about them. I promise I'm not here to mock or doubt you. I love those creatures more than anyone I know."

She lets go of his hand and with a smirk picks up the bucket. "Well, now you know me."

Their relationship quickly becomes stronger as they spend day after day together. The work at the Sanctuary is as rewarding as it is tiring, so at the end of long days, they would sit together and exchange stories, her of her buckwild childhood and him of his years in Hogwarts. In each other's company that they find an air of normality and peace.

After recognizing and accepting her strong feelings for Emilian - something hard considering how men had treated her before, seeking what she had to offer them more than considering her needs - and finding out he felt the same for the longest time, they decided to marry, her seeing in him a sense of stability for the first time in her life.

It doesn't take long until Antonia is pregnant with their first child, and in the pool of genes and possibilities, their first-born boy is a full Veela like his mother, something uncommon for boys. Not considering what would be 'formal' or well accepted, Antonia decides to name him Phoenix for encompassing what being a Veela means to her, a bird of elegance and fire and perseverance.

And as if it was pre-destined, just a couple months prior, Clarin and Palmer had given birth to a girl of name just as uncommon, little Indigo Silverwood, who is but three months old when they come to Romania to meet little Phoenix.

To this day, the Silverwoods wonder if their timing was the best or worst it could've been.

As in the same week they came to visit, an attack happens with the intent of capturing as many dragons as they could from the reserve, something that had happened times before but this time much better planned and heavily armed with the best wizards they could get.

They start picking up their wands in haste while seeking the fire protection potion they had brewed specially for this trip back at home. "What do they need dragons for? Can't they breed their own." Clarin asks.

"Is not like is legal or easy to do so." Antonia has her eyes soaked with tears. "They don't care about the creatures, they want money. Oh, they use their blood to make spot removers. Oven cleaners! How can you take a marvelous creature and turn it into such a pathetic thing? Then they use their hearts in you wizards stupid wands and their skin into gloves!"

"Somebody must have heard about the new Chinese Fireball," Emilian says, "People seek the gold in their horns and eggs, but if you pull them out, they die."

"Not to mention the baby Romanians. Put your goddamn boots on already, Emilian!"

"What 'bout the bairns?" Palmer asks anxiously.

"There's no time. They probably ain't getting all the way up here, but in all cases." Emilian grabs the potion from Clarin's hands turning over Jacob's and baby Indigo's mouth, knowing the fire wouldn't do harm to Phoenix. He places something in Jacob's little hand. "Jacob, if any mean person comes trying to hurt ye, throw this at their feet and run. Alright?" Jacob nods, eyes wide with fear and excitement of a five-year-old.

"What is it?" Palmer asks.

"A vial of Peruvian's Vipertooth venom, extremely deadly and volatile. Don't ask me why I have it."

Palmer looks at Jacob. "Stay quiet and protect the babies, right, love?"

Antonia kisses Phoenix on the forehead one last time then turns to the others. "Let's go, please!"

And if they knew, she would've held him a little longer, Emilian would've stopped time for a couple of seconds to look at their boy for a lingering moment more. But they didn't and time never reversed.

They weren't the only lives lost, but side by side they fought and won and lost and lost and lost. They managed to protect all but two of the dragons at the end, blood of dark wizards - and innocent ones - soaked the grounds. Dragons loose on the sky overhead, blood spilt from both sides, burnt buildings, scars that would never heal, the body of a friend devoided of life, a mother of dragons and children never to wake up again, children crying in a cabin kilometers away.

When Antonia's mother refused to watch over her own grandson, Clarin felt as if it was her own son the woman refused and it was that soon the decision to keep him came. She was still breastfeeding and no ordinary family would know how to raise him right, at least that's what both her and Palmer told themselves. Emilian's parents, both devastated by the news of their son's death were quick to agree with the Silverwoods' proposal.

And it's like this that Phoenix and Indigo are practically raised as twins, still young when he notices he doesn't look like the rest of them - a pale and blonde boy in a family of tanned brunettes - not only for his looks but by the fact that sinking his hand into a pot of boiling water doesn't hurt or the fact his anger makes his body react differently from the others or that people got mesmerized by his looks enough to do whatever he asked them to.

But the Silverwoods learn the painful way that raising a Veela child is not easy work. Not only easily irritable but also dangerous when transformed, not much to others while still young, but to himself due to painful and harmful transformation, taking hours until he could retain his human form. Meditating and thought exercises became pivotal from an early age. As not make their treatment towards him different from Indigo, they become tougher with both, demanding an altruistic, patient, and empathetic behavior from both.

This leads Phoenix to grown into a level-headed, sweet and compassionate boy who eventually got sorted into Hufflepuff without the sorting hat having to consider long.

As much as he wishes he had grown with his biological parents, he's grateful to have grown in the family he did and doesn't consider himself any less part of it, he loves his siblings dearly and considers and reslects his parents as if it was from their blood and cells he was made of.

---

This is my attempt at a concise history of Phoenix, mostly his parents who I dream of drawing someday. I'll make something in the future for his romantic life as it is its own ride. I ship him with Ismelda and boy oh boy I have some to say about that.

If you wanna more info on Phoenix, I made him an OC profile :)

#mi artita #phoenix nobleworth #fanfic?#oc backstory #hufflepuff #dragons are in it too #an attempt at scottish sounding dialogue #i cant draw clothes for sht #or poses #or hair #help #hphm #hogwarts mystery

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mysticpetals · 4 years ago

Text

Lovebug

Pairing: Jake × MC

Genre: fluff, humor

Word count: 1.5k

A/N: I really loved writing this one! Let me know what you think of the second person pov? Or do you prefer third person? Comments and reblogs are really really appreciated!!

Anonymous asked: 12. “He’s so pretty I think I’m gonna faint.” It’s MC x Jake, but the group (or whoever 😂) are in confusion over MCs sudden deep attraction for a random guy. Please? 🥰

Your college group might be extra but you love them to death. Now, only if the object of your affections also saw their kind heart behind all the craziness, your life would be complete.

It had been a busy month for you and your friends, swamped with exams and assignments but it had finally ended today. Jessy was already sending everyone snaps about freedom and the rest of the group was lazing around on the grass. You had your back propped up against a tree and were talking to your mom about how the last exam went.

Hannah and Thomas were already lost in their own little world and Richy had already started annoying Dan, if the irritated expression on his face was anything to go by. As soon as your call ended, Jessy got up and cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. Only you looked up at her, the rest too busy with their shenanigans to notice her.

She gave you a disbelieving look as if to say, 'can you believe this?' and you smiled at her quickly reddening face.

"Hey, you morons! I'm trying to say something here!"

Her voice was so loud, it made some of the other students who were hanging around, look at your group with raised eyebrows. Embarrassed about her outburst, she quickly sat down again, this time with everyone's attention on her. She huffed in discontent, muttering about how it wouldn't have happened if they'd just listened to her the first time.

"Uh, Jessy? What did you want to say?" You asked and she perked up once again.

"Oh yeah! Guys, let's celebrate our new found freedom and go to Cherries!" She exclaimed.

Cherries was the cafe just outside the college campus and was the most popular spot for dates and group hangouts. Everyone loved to go there, as it had the best menu and the sweetest owner. Another plus was that since everyone went there, chances to stalk or bump into your crush were very high.

"Oh! That's a good idea." Richy nodded in support.

"Anything that'll get me out of his bullshit." Dan pointed a thumb at Richy, who only gave him a grin.

"Let's go then," Thomas said.

In no time, you all had occupied a corner table and were chatting up a storm, the other patrons giving you amused or annoyed looks.

"All I'm saying is, you did good filing a restraining order against that stalker," Richy told Hannah who smiled in reply.

"Yeah, all the creeping around and threats were getting a little too much," Hannah agreed as Thomas frowned.

"I'm just glad that you're safe now," he said, which had Hannah giving him a kiss and making Dan groan.

"Can you not do that in front of us?"

Richy nodded his head in agreement and Hannah only smirked in response, once again pulling Thomas to her.

Soon enough, your orders arrived and everyone busied themselves with eating, occasionally making jokes.

While everyone was eating, your eyes drifted off to Jake who had entered soon after your group. He was alone, with his laptop opened in front of him and busy typing. His eyes met yours for a moment and he gave you a wink which had you chuckling.

"What? What is it?" Jessy asked, eyes trailing over to where you were looking.

And before you could think about what you're saying, you had already started speaking.

"He's so pretty, I think I'm gonna faint," you said, still looking at Jake.

Jessy gasped and you finally turned your head towards her, and noticed that everyone was looking at you.

"What?" You squirmed, suddenly feeling self conscious.

"Did you just tell us who you like? Is that him?" Jessy asked.

Oh yeah. None of the others knew about your relationship with Jake. You had started off from a few odd encounters here and there and before you knew it, you had started talking and over time, it bloomed into a beautiful friendship. Jake had social anxiety and was pretty worried about meeting your friends, who you knew were a colorful bunch. So you had suggested to keep your friendship on a down low until he was comfortable enough to approach and spend time with them.

Hannah and Jessy were trying to get you to like and possibly date someone and to stop their eager matchmaking, you let it slip that you already had a crush on someone. You never revealed the name though, but judging by Hannah's knowing look, you were pretty sure they would figure it out with an Instagram search.

"Yes, that's him," you sighed, "but don't bring it up to him, please."

"So you're into dark and mysterious guys, huh?" Richy asked, pointedly looking at Jake's black hoodie.

"I guess so." You laughed and the sound made Jake look up from his laptop, seeing you enjoy your time with your friends. He felt a pang in his heart when he thought about how you might never be like this with him. The time you spent with him was mostly filled with comfortable silence and warm touches, and he loved that, but he wanted to laugh and joke around with you too, not just in private but with everyone seeing how well you got along with each other.

So with thought in mind, he started packing his stuff and got up, swinging his bag around one shoulder and approached your table. Thomas noticed him first and nudged you to look over.

You turned over and immediately straightened, a questioning gleam in your eyes. Maybe he should have discussed it with you first?

He greeted you with a hello, smiling a little at the rest of your friends who returned them with slight apprehension and looked at you once again.

"We're still on for tomorrow, right?" He asked and you could feel everyone's piercing eyes on you. Even Dan raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Ah, yes, of course. I'll text you?" You said, confusion lacing your tone. You had never cancelled a hangout with him before, so you were curious as to what brought this on.

"Great. I'll see you tomorrow." He smiled and made his way towards the door, with his heart pounding in his chest. He just talked to you in front of your friends, and was surprised he hadn't wanted to run away. Maybe because you talked so much about them, he might have been getting a little comfortable with the idea of hanging out with them.

As soon as he was out, Richy turned on you so fast, it gave you whiplash.

"You little fox, what have you been doing behind our back?" He grinned and you groaned in reply, covering your face in your hands.

"Oh? Isn't it?" Thomas teased from beside Hannah who was looking at you in bewilderment. Seems like she hadn't processed what had happened.

Jessy shoved you playfully and then put an arm around your shoulder.

"It seems she didn't need our help after all."

"No, that's not what—" you started but we're interrupted by Dan.

"You know what they say, it's the quiet ones who you have to look out for."

"Ugh, guys it's seriously not like that," you said.

"So what is it like?" Richy asked eagerly and you sighed, knowing you'd have to tell them the whole story. After shooting a quick text to Jake, asking whether it was okay to tell them and him replying in an affirmation, you flagged a waitress and asked for coffee for everyone.

"Oh, that good of a story huh?" Hannah teased and you shook your head, smiling.

After telling them about the whole thing, giving special attention to the fact that you were only friends and Jake did not know of your feelings, and had social anxiety so that's why he didn't go out much, you waited for their response.

"So you do need our help, after all." Jessy nodded.

You looked at her in disbelief.

"That's all you got out of it?" You asked.

"We also got that there's a high chance he feels the same but is scared of being judged or losing you as a friend," Dan said.

"I don't know…." You trailed off uncertainly and Hannah patted your hand.

"Don't worry, we understand your dilemma and will help you."

"Help me?" You asked, tilting your head in confusion.

"Oh yeah, you're gonna have to introduce him to the family one day, no? We promise we'll behave," he smiled innocently.

You were pretty sure they were going to do something embarrassing but you were more worried about why Jake had done that. Was he saying he was ready to meet them? If so, you couldn't wait to introduce him to everyone. And if he didn't reciprocate your feelings, you were pretty content with him being your friend.

Only time would tell what fate had in store for you two.

#duskwood #duskwood game #duskwood jake #everbyte duskwood #jake × mc #duskwood jake × mc #jake × mc headcannons #jake × player #jake fanfic #Duskwood fanfic #duskwood fanfiction

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the-observant-frisbeetarian · 5 years ago

Text

Chapter 4 - Penny Ante

Catch Perfect by George deValier

CHAPTER FOUR

PENNY ANTE: A frivolous, low stakes game.

Berwald was quickly coming to the realisation that he would have to get used to sleepless nights. After spending ten minutes locating his glasses - which he had knocked to the floor in surprise the night before - he pulled on a t-shirt and jeans, fastened his pocket watch, and managed to drag himself from his alcove. Tino's room was empty, and Berwald hoped he hadn't left for school. Seeing Tino in the morning and evening were already the best moments of Berwald's day.

As he walked down the hallway Berwald noticed a previously closed door left open. Curious, he peeked in to see a large bedroom, completely empty except for a twister mat in the middle of the floor. He took a very deep breath, forced himself to keep walking, and tried not to angrily kick the wall.

Berwald headed down the stairs and out onto the front lawn, picking up a few stray empty bottles on his way to the mailbox. The sun already blazed brightly and, combined with the clear sky, promised a hot day ahead. Berwald deposited the bottles into the garbage bin on the curb, retrieved the mail from the box, and was just flicking through it when someone practically jumped in front of him. Berwald looked up and blinked as though he was being blinded.

"Good morning!"

"Uh… mornin.'"

He was smiling cheerfully. He had light brown hair with one untamed curl flying free. He spoke with an Italian accent. He had no pants on. "Did you really move in with Denmark? Wooooow. That's crazy. You're completely crazy. Welcome to the neighbourhood!"

"Uh…"

"I mean really, I thought I knew crazy, but choosing to live with him is a whole new level of crazy, you know? Wow. I mean really. Crazy."

"Uh…"

"What's your name, crazy man?"

Berwald couldn't hold it in. "Y'have no pants on," he blurted out.

"Huh?"

"Pants. Yer… not wearin' any."

The brunet looked down at himself. "Oh, again. I always forget to put them back on after sleeping or showering or having sex."

"Uh…" Why did every person Berwald meet here throw him off guard? And it wasn't just the house, now. It was the entire street.

"So? Your name?" asked the pantless brunet.

"B'rwald."

"Hello Beryl, it's nice to meet you."

"B'rwald," Berwald repeated.

"I heard you the first time. I'm…"

"Feliciano!" A tall, muscular blond man came running across the street with a frown on his face and a sheet in his hand. When he reached Feliciano he threw the sheet around him and tied it forcefully at his waist. "Mein Gott, you stupid Italian, check the list on the door before you go outside. Item three, pants!" The man glared at Berwald. "Who are you?"

"Ludwig, this is Beryl, he's moved in with Denmark," said Feliciano merrily.

Ludwig raised an eyebrow. "Really? Huh. Good luck with that. Come on, Feliciano, you cannot just stand in the street naked. You're turning into Francis."

"Bye Beryl!" Feliciano waved as Ludwig pulled him insistently across the street.

"It's B'rwald," said Berwald again, though he didn't think they heard him. He cleared his throat and looked at his feet, uncomfortable and slightly embarrassed, even though he was now alone. His first suspicions of this street were fast being confirmed. It was not his sort of place.

Berwald headed back inside and threw the mail down on the side table beside the sleeping Greenland and Faeroe. It contained nothing much of interest except for a few white envelopes with the word OVERDUE stamped in big red letters.

Entering the kitchen, Berwald's heart did a familiar little jump. Tino stood at the bench, stirring a mug of coffee, dressed in a startling combination of pink denim, green stripes, and… camo boots. A yellow SpongeBob backpack sat on the counter beside him. Looking up at Berwald, he started to take a step back, but stopped himself at the last moment. Instead, he smiled timidly and held the mug across the counter.

"Milk and sugar? Is that all right? That's how I made it last time, and you liked it, so…"

Berwald didn't mention that he would have liked it made of mud if Tino had handed it to him. He just took the mug, skin burning where their fingers brushed briefly. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Tino reached for another cup and Berwald tried not to be obvious that he couldn't tear his eyes away. Tino emptying a spoonful of coffee into the mug… filling it with boiling water from the jug… brushing the hair from his eyes which seemed even brighter than usual in the light that flooded through the open window... Get yourself together, man. Berwald took a seat on a bench stool and forced his eyes to focus on the counter.

"I think I'm going to need a lot of this today," laughed Tino, replacing the coffee tin on the shelf. "Did you get any sleep?"

Between Denmark and Norway's deafening and, frankly, horrifying vocalisations, and the subsequent screaming fight that had broken out between Norway and Iceland, he'd barely managed to get any. "Little bit," he answered. "You?"

Tino did not have a chance to answer before Denmark practically bounced into the room, an overstuffed backpack thrown over his shoulder with a thick, pink book poking prominently out the top. He was followed by Norway, yawning loudly and looking like he'd had as little sleep as Berwald. He headed straight for the fridge, ignoring Tino's wave of greeting. Denmark, however, grinned manically.

"Good morning, fellow Scandinavians! Isn't this a beautiful dawn? I am so very cheerful and optimistic about the glorious day ahead! Do tell me how you are this very fine Friday morn!"

"I'm exhausted because you and Norway kept me awake all night having obnoxiously loud sex," Tino replied calmly. Berwald nearly choked on his coffee. "I was a bit surprised, really, 'cause normally on Thursdays you're done in like, fifteen minutes."

"What can I say, Norge baby can't get enough of me."

"Don't be ridiculous, Tino." Norway rifled through the fridge then slammed it shut behind him. "As if I'd ever let that bastard touch me."

Denmark stared at the egg in Norway's hand. "Rule number nine, Norway. Does Mr. Egg have a smiley face?"

"Rule number twenty-two, Denmark. Norway is exempt from all of your stupid rules." Norway turned on the frying pan and cracked the smiling egg into it.

"Rule number twenty-two is still pending examination and approval!"

"Okay, then how about rule number twenty-three. Norway does not give a shit." Norway leant on the bench and looked out the window into the backyard. "And you need to mow the back lawn."

Denmark groaned. "But I don't wanna."

"I don't care. It's like Pripyat out there. Deal with it."

"No."

Norway turned slowly, tilted his head, and raised one eyebrow. "Do it or else." His words were like ice.

"Or else what? You'll give me a spanking?" Denmark flashed a toothy grin and Tino made a small noise of disgust.

"You wish, you freak. Do it or I'll…" Norway's eyes fell on the book poking out of Denmark's bag and he made a sudden grab for it. Denmark quickly dodged but it was too late. Norway triumphantly held the book above his head. Berwald blinked at the cover – a tartan-clad warrior with rippling muscles holding a buxom blond by the waist. He missed the title, but caught the word 'Harlequin' stamped above the picture.

"Don't even think about it," Denmark attempted to growl, but just sounded anxious.

"Do it, or so help me, I will ruin the ending of this piece of trash."

Denmark dived for the book but Norway easily sidestepped out of the way. "Don't insult my story! It's shiny, and romantic, and totally hot, and…"

"I've read things on toilet walls with more literary merit," Norway spat disdainfully. Denmark gasped, hand flying to his chest as though he'd been wounded. "Now," continued Norway, "Promise me you'll mow that lawn or I will tell you exactly what happens to Sir Lifts-a-Lot and Maid Mammaries in minute detail."

"You wouldn't dare!"

Norway opened the book and cleared his throat. "The naive yet feisty heroine is rescued from the band of thugs by the gruff yet gentle highlander."

"Haha, I've already read that bit."

"Is this for real?" Norway muttered, skipping forward a few pages and taking a smooth step out of the way when Denmark tried to rush at him. "And then they have… sex, I believe… of some description. Urgh."

Denmark hand flew to his chest, scandalised. "Before they're even married?" He tried again, unsuccessfully, to grasp the book from Norway's hands. "No! Don't tell me! Give me back my story!"

"And then…" Norway skimmed toward the back of the book. "Oh, man, you're not gonna believe this, it turns out…"

Denmark pressed his hands against his ears. "Don't tell me! I'll do it! I'll mow the lawn! Just don't ruin my glittering beautiful Scottish romance!"

Norway's expression remained unchanged but for the subtle triumph in his eyes. He tossed the book at Denmark, who caught it frantically and clutched it to his chest like something precious and fragile. Norway went back to the frying pan, flipped the egg onto a piece of toast, and carried it from the room. "The lawn, Denmark. By this afternoon."

Denmark stroked the book gently. "It's all right, my precious, I won't ever let him near you again."

Berwald glanced sideways at Tino, who just shrugged and stirred his coffee nonchalantly.

"Sweden." Berwald glanced back to find Denmark staring at him intently. "There has been a slight reallocation of duties. Due to your professional qualifications the backyard is now your responsibility. Any objections?"

"Uh…" Berwald looked apprehensively out the window. He hadn't paid much attention to the backyard since he had arrived. Now that he did he saw that it was an unkempt mess, the grass nearly waist high, the small garden plots around the edge of the fence wild and overgrown. It looked like no one had set foot in it for years.

"I know, I know, it's a bit of a mess. Fin tried to start what he claimed was a garden, but apparently no one ever told him that plants need water."

"I always wanted a garden," said Tino absently. "With herbs and flowers. And a swing." He stared dreamily out the window as he spoke. He seemed to have forgotten he was still stirring coffee. He seemed to have forgotten where he was. Once again, Berwald could not tear his eyes away.

Tino wanted a garden. By God, Tino was going to get a garden.

"Sweden!" Denmark barked loudly. "Rule number eleven, Sweden!"

Berwald blinked and hastily looked away. "Uh, yeah, sure. No pr'blem."

"Great, hop to it, Groundskeeper Willy. That lawn needs to be done by this afternoon. Now if you will excuse me, I have… important study… to do." Denmark slowly left the room, caressing the book and muttering something which sounded suspiciously like, Wish Norway was a highlander...

Berwald's eyes immediately gravitated back to Tino, who still gazed obliviously out the window. "It's not that I forgot to water them, I just kept hoping for rain, and drowning would be so awful. And I couldn't decide whether I wanted flowers or herbs, so I planted them both, but the basil didn't get along with the lilies. Then when the roses withered the daisies died of grief. Maybe it was all for the best." He was still stirring his coffee.

"Um... 'kay." Berwald tried to form a response. "Ye're the first Finn I've met that talks more than me."

Tino looked puzzled for a moment before noticing Berwald as though for the first time. Then his eyes lit in understanding and he laughed softly. "You mean at all."

"'xactly."

Tino laughed again. "My dad always said…" He broke off abruptly.

"Why don't ye live with yer parents?" The second he asked it, Berwald could have kicked himself. Why on earth had he asked that at a time like this, a few days after they had first met, on a sunny Friday morning in the kitchen? Then he wondered if there was ever a good time to ask something like that.

Tino just shrugged and looked into his coffee. "They kicked me out. And told me never to come home again."

"Oh." It was strange feeling, to be suddenly so angry at people he had never met. "Why?"

"They walked in on me kissing my best friend…" Tino took a deep breath, "…Eduard." He raised his eyes slowly, hesitantly, as though unsure of Berwald's reaction.

"Oh." Ohhhh… Oh. "Oh," Berwald repeated. A hundred thoughts and feelings attacked him at once. "S'rry."

Tino looked faintly relieved. "It's okay. Really, it is. I'm lucky Ice got me this place to live. And remember I told you, Eduard lives next door, so I have lots of friends around."

Berwald nodded, still trying to digest the knockout information he'd just been given. Tino had been kicked out of home for kissing a boy. A boy who was his best friend. A boy who, apparently, lived right next door.

"Sorry I'm late, Tino." A young blond in glasses walked into the kitchen, a backpack on his shoulder and a laptop case in his hands. "We'd better hurry up if we're wow, he really is scary, isn't he?" The blond stopped short when he noticed Berwald.

"Eduard!" Tino gasped, dismayed.

A boy who was standing in the kitchen before him. Berwald's hands clenched and he almost felt his eyes flash. Eduard took an immediate step backward.

"Okay, I, uh, hi. Nice to meet you. And I'm backing up now." Eduard whispered loudly through the side of his mouth, "Seriously, Tino, come on…"

Tino drained his coffee, picked up his SpongeBob backpack, and smiled awkwardly at Berwald. "Bye, Berwald."

"Bye, Tino," Berwald replied, not taking his eyes from Eduard backing out of the room nervously. He could hear their conversation drifting back as they left the house.

"He's the guy who's moved in here? He's terrifying!"

"Stop it, I don't think he means it. He's actually really nice."

Watching them go, Berwald couldn't help wondering resentfully what sort of relationship Tino and Eduard actually had. They were the same age, they were best friends, they obviously had far more in common than Berwald and Tino ever would. And yet if they were together, that was their business. What right did Berwald have to feel angry or upset about it? It wasn't like he had a shot in hell with Tino, anyway. All he was doing was torturing himself. Berwald sighed, cleaned up the coffee cups and Norway's mess, then headed to get ready for work. He was already late.

That evening, Berwald walked home from work to find the street entrance blocked by several cars - including his own – and the sound of raucous cheering erupting from down the road. He could think of only one explanation.

"Denm'rk."

Resigning himself to the worst, Berwald made his way past the parked cars and towards the house. It looked like the entire student population had turned out to stand in excited groups, staring and cheering at some commotion occurring in the middle of the road. A short, strangely familiar man with shaggy yellow hair wandered up and down the side of the street, waving a small notebook and shouting, "Place your bets!" Drawing closer, the crowd parted, and Berwald got his first look at the focus of everyone's attention.

Surprisingly, it wasn't Denmark. In the middle of the road, two men stood in front of two average sized sedans. Berwald recognised Ludwig, the German he'd met briefly earlier; the other man was not familiar - a tall, grinning blond in glasses wearing an American flag t-shirt. Each of them had a makeshift harness around their chest, connected by rope to one of the cars.

Oh, they could not be serious… Was there a single sane person living in this street?!

"My money's on the German." Denmark's voice carried across the lawn as Berwald walked warily towards his four housemates. Tino smiled and waved, but the others ignored him. Denmark clutched a piece of paper and stared at the two contenders intently. "Can't lose."

The crowd grew noisier, cheering and calling for the race to begin. Across the road, Feliciano stood with a group Berwald didn't know, including a white-haired man who shouted encouragement into Ludwig's ear. Next door, Lithuania and Poland watched the proceedings with Eduard. Berwald had to stop his fists clenching into fists at the sight of Tino's 'best friend.'

"Den, is it really a good idea for you to be betting?" Tino's voice brought back Berwald's attention. "How much do you have on this?"

"Like I said, can't lose this one. Look at the muscles on that Kraut!" Denmark shouted, "Oi, Germany, you potato eating bastard! You'd better win this or I'm going Viking on your ass!"

"Screw you, Denmark," Ludwig shouted back.

"No chance, I know what you're into and even Iceland doesn't go for shit that kinky."

"Not cheaply, anyway," said Iceland flatly.

"How did you get Ludwig to agree to this?" asked Norway in a bored tone. He was, as usual, reading a book – Schopenhauer, this time.

"Remember that barbeque the Germans had last week?"

"The one you weren't invited to but jumped the fence and ate their food and drank their beer and got beaten up by the Hungarian girl?"

"Yeah, that one. I bet Germany he couldn't eat ten sausages in sixty seconds. He couldn't, and here we are."

"And Alfred?"

"Asked him if he wanted to tie himself to a car and race a German. And here we are."

"Den, gambling is how you got us into this mess…" Tino started.

Well, that was interesting. Before Berwald could think too deeply on it, the crack of a gunshot ripped through the air. The green-clad referee held a gun above his head. The race had begun. "Too late now!" cried Denmark cheerfully. "Move it, Germany! Kick some American ass!"

Berwald was rather surprised at how fast the two men moved, dragging the cars behind them. They were obviously both incredibly strong. The crowd went wild, whistling and shouting and waving the small pieces of paper in the air frantically. Feliciano was jumping up and down and waving a German flag. The white-haired man kept pace with Ludwig, shouting at him the whole way.

Loud cries of "Come on Alfred!" came from the next house over where three men, all of them blond and one dangerously close to being naked, cheered from the lawn. One of them, a short guy with a tweed suit and massive eyebrows, walked to the finish line and held something aloft. Berwald squinted; it was a hamburger. "Oh, Alfred!" he called seductively. "If you win I'll let you eat this off my..."

"What the hell?" Denmark interrupted, face turning red as he shouted. "What does England think he's doing?"

The bizarre strategy worked. The American, Alfred, picked up in speed and just moments before the line managed to pull in front of Ludwig. He crossed the line to deafening cheers, happily grabbing the burger with one hand and England's waist with the other.

"The American wins!" shouted the referee. He was immediately swamped by half the crowd pushing their pieces of paper at him insistently.

"Cheating! Lies! Subterfuge!" Denmark stormed over to the finish line and practically blew up in the referee's face. "What the HELL was that?! In what race on Earth is it acceptable to use bribery to get your guy over the line?! I request, nay, I DEMAND a rematch!"

"No one said it wasn't in the rules, wanker," said England, a smug grin on his face. "Now pay up, Vash, I had a hundred quid on this." Alfred simply focused on devouring the burger.

"Oh, this is bullshit!" Denmark turned to the white-haired man beside Ludwig. "Prussia, back me up."

"I hate to do it, but I have to agree with Psycho here," said Prussia angrily. "Honestly, Vash, we were not informed we could use these tactics or we would have had Feliciano naked at the finish line waving a wurst in the air."

Denmark threw his hands out. "You see? Give me back my money, Switzerland, this was rigged!"

Switzerland did not look up from taking papers from those around him and checking them against his notebook. Berwald suddenly remembered where he knew him from: Vash, the Rifle, possibly the fairest and most unbiased dealer in the entire underground card circuit. Berwald barely recognised him without the cloud of smoke and the smell of bourbon. "It wasn't rigged. Your guy lost. Deal with it."

Denmark crumpled his paper and threw it to the ground. "This is not over. Oh, this is SO not over!"

Vash turned his back on Denmark as he distributed the winnings amongst the crowd. "Denmark. Take a deep breath, and ask yourself this question. Which one of us is currently in possession of a gun?"

Denmark paused for a moment then stomped on the ground and marched back, leaving Prussia to take over the argument. "Damn it, damn it, damn it!"

Tino shook his head, glaring at Denmark with a look of frustrated pity. "I told you, Den."

"Great," said Norway, tucking his book into an inner pocket of his corduroy blazer. "Just when I thought you couldn't get any stupider. How much have you lost us now?"

"But that was a sure thing, how the hell did he lose?! Hey Germany, you owe me now. Are you listening? You owe me! And don't think you can get away without paying like you did after 1945!" Ludwig shouted an angry response but Denmark turned his back and ignored him. "Okay, okay, it's all good, I have an idea. Rematch. Can't use the Kraut though. Now let's see…" He paused, turned slowly to Berwald and looked him up and down, excitement dawning in his face.

"No."

Denmark whined. "Come on, Sweden, you're even bigger than that German bastard! You can beat that skinny Yank!"

"No." Berwald looked away and noticed, with a cold jolt of shock, that Ivan had appeared on the next door lawn. He narrowed his eyes and watched as Ivan put an arm around Lithuania and glanced over, smiling smugly. Tino followed Berwald's gaze, and the entire atmosphere shifted. Tino nudged Norway, who elbowed Denmark, who looked from Berwald to the Russian with an almost murderous glare. But the most interesting reaction came from Iceland. A look of pain, sadness, and almost fear passed across his face, and he took a step behind Norway.

"Come on," said Norway quietly. He headed towards the house, his arm reaching for Iceland. Tino followed, but Norway had to bark, "Denmark!" to get the Dane to move. More than happy to leave this uncomfortable situation behind, Berwald trailed after.

They were nearly at the door when Berwald felt a firm, cold hand grasp his arm. He scowled furiously, spun around, and found Ivan Braginski smiling cheerfully, dangerously at him.

"I know your type, Berwald. I know you." The words were a challenge.

Struck still, Berwald silently panicked. His eyes involuntarily flicked towards Tino, paused on the doorstep with the others. But Berwald could play this game, so he kept his face blank, even as he wrenched his arm from Ivan's grip. "Ye know nothin'."

"I know we both live in two worlds. I know you think you can make a clean, honest start. And I know you'll be back." Ivan smirked. "You always come back."

Berwald's jaw clenched so tightly it was painful. Bluff. "Don't know what ye're talkin' 'bout."

"Him?" Ivan nodded at Denmark. "Silly boy. Maniac, who does not know what he is doing." Denmark opened his mouth angrily but Norway silenced him with a look. "But you, Berwald, are a professional. As much as you try to hide it with your nice, normal, respectable job as a… what was it? A cleaner?"

Berwald felt the beginnings of anger in the burning of his neck, the involuntary clenching of his fists. But he could play this game. "Gard'ner."

Ivan snorted. "Of course, a gardener."

"What are ye doin' here?" Berwald leant forward and hissed, hoping he couldn't be heard by those around him. Both his and Ivan's housemates were far too close. "Livin' with these kids, pretendin' ye're normal…"

Ivan laughed outright. "I could ask you the same thing."

Berwald felt a growl rise in his throat. "I'm nothin' like ye."

"Aren't you?" Ivan smiled, and it made Berwald's stomach turn. "I don't think I need to ask what you are doing here." He glanced openly, unmistakably, towards Tino.

Berwald felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Ivan was exceptional at reading people. He hid it behind a smiling face, behind a falsely innocent exterior, but he was not a phenomenal poker player for nothing. Berwald could play this game, but suddenly, it wasn't a game anymore. "Back off, Br'ginski."

Ivan's eyes crinkled in cold, hard amusement. "Do you think he'd look at you twice if he knew who you were?"

Berwald's anger rose higher, heat infusing his cheeks. "I'm warnin' ye." He barely kept his voice controlled; his heart was in his throat, and his veins boiled with rage.

"Criminal." Ivan leant closer, ugly words hot against Berwald's ear. "Do you think he'd blink at you with those big eyes? Smile with those pretty lips?" Berwald was speechless with rage. A vein throbbed dangerously in his temple. Ivan wanted him to react, he was pushing him, but this was…

"You think he'd open those legs for you?"

…too far. Something snapped. Berwald snarled, clenched his hand into a fist, pulled his arm back… He felt it stopped by a strong hand. He turned his head to see Norway gripping his elbow, a warning in his serious eyes.

Awareness slowly seeped into Berwald's brain, until he realised that the entire street had gone silent. Everyone was staring at him. He pulled his arm free, and took a step backwards, the fury in his veins drowning any embarrassment.

Ivan laughed. "Angry boy you've got here. I'd be careful. I don't think even little Ice could handle this one." Ivan smirked at Iceland, hard and cruel, and winked. Iceland fled into the house, Tino following close behind.

Denmark stepped forward, enraged. "I mean it now, you sick bastard, I will rip your…"

"Ivan." Norway's voice was calm, deadly, and it silenced Denmark instantly. He took one step closer to Ivan, levelling a glare that was even more terrifying for its lack of expression. "If you ever, even once, look at my brother like that again – I will kill you. Do not think for one second that I am not serious. Come on, Sweden. Den, move it."

Berwald did not tear his gaze from Ivan's smiling face as he let Norway pull him into the house. His anger refused to subside. Why the hell was Ivan living in this street? Why did those kids live with him? What was going on between him and Iceland? One thing was certain. Ivan did not belong here. But Berwald could not stop the small, nagging voice inside him which whispered, neither do you.

Berwald had taken the job at the university because it was normal. It didn't pay much, but he didn't do it for the money. It was the opposite of everything he was used to, everything he had been involved in for too long. It was a new start, a fresh beginning, a way to put the past behind him.

But Ivan was right. Berwald had not been able to stay away from that life before - how was he supposed to do it now? He could try and run from it, but he would always be a criminal. If Tino knew who he was, he'd want nothing to do with him. Tino should be with someone nice and normal… someone like that Eduard kid. Berwald ignored the way his blood boiled at the thought of it.

Once inside, Norway and Denmark immediately disappeared. Tino and Iceland were nowhere to be seen. Berwald was left standing alone in the front room, slightly disoriented and thrumming with rage.

Greenland looked up from the couch and blinked at him a few times. "Ah. Sweden, right?"

Berwald glanced at him vaguely. "B'rwald."

Greenland waved a hand. "Right, Berwald, right." He stretched and yawned. "Drama on the front lawn, Sweden?"

"Uh… somethin' like that."

"Oh, the never ending Ivan saga." Faeroe sighed, stretching and sending a few empty cans flying to the floor. "This is the only reason I hang around here… better than any soapie, I tell you what."

"What, um…" Berwald felt a little guilty for asking, but he was still so confused right now. "What happened b'tween Ivan'nd Iceland?"

Greenland and Faeroe exchanged a heavy glance. "Really not our place to say," said Faeroe.

"Yeah. We just sleep here," added Greenland.

"You seem angry about something. Everything all right?" asked Faeroe, tilting his head.

Berwald shook his head absently. "It's nothin'."

"Just remember, my friend," said Greenland, "'Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it; you are the one who gets burned.'"

"Yes," said Faeroe, "For 'we are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.*'"

Berwald furrowed his brow, stared at the wall, then nodded tersely. Just when he thought things couldn't get stranger, the guys on the couch start quoting Buddha at him. "'kay. Thanks."

He headed to his alcove. It was small, it was cramped, it was blocked off from the rest of the house by a curtain. But damn it, it was his, and it was one place where he could avoid the entire blasted world. He fell onto his bed, placed his glasses on the side table, and pressed his palms into his tired eyes. Despite everything, he could not shake that feeling. Berwald knew he didn't belong here. He knew he never should have moved in.

But from the second he'd laid eyes on Tino, he knew he didn't have a choice.

"Berwald?"

Berwald's eyes shot open at the sound of Tino's voice. He shook himself from his drowsy daze, unsure how long he'd been drifting half-asleep. The sky outside his window was dark. He quickly stood, put on his glasses, and parted the curtain to Tino's side of the room.

A few bright lamps lit the room, and Tino stood at the window, struggling with an old-fashioned pull-down contraption with a latch at the top. He bashed it a few times with his fist before smiling at Berwald apologetically. "The window's caught. Can you help me pull it free?"

Berwald stood still a few moments, heart pounding in his chest. "Sure." He forced himself to move, grasped the top of the window, and pulled. It did not budge.

"Um, you need to hold here..." Tino touched the centre frame of the window. "And hold it steady while I pull this part down."

"'kay."

Berwald held the frame steady. Tino was so close in front of him Berwald could smell his hair and feel the heat from his body. It was making his head spin and his mouth dry; he could not control his breath, his pulse, his thoughts.

Tino pulled on the sliding window and suddenly it flew down, slammed, and Berwald nearly lost his balance before steadying himself at the last second.

Tino laughed, somewhat shakily. "This old house is falling apart!"

Berwald didn't know how to respond, so he didn't. He just looked out at the moonlit backyard over Tino's shoulder… and realised he had forgotten to mow it.

Tino noticed at the same time. "You didn't mow the lawn."

"No. S'rry."

"Don't apologise. Denmark shouldn't make you do the yard."

"I don't mind. I'm goin' t'make ye a garden." The words came out before Berwald could stop them.

Tino turned slowly, his face unreadable. They were still so close, but Berwald did not move. "You're... going to make me a garden?" Tino looked surprised, confused, and slightly flattered all at once.

"Uh. Yeah."

"Why?"

"'cause... 'cause ye want one."

Tino stared at him. Berwald stared back. Surely those violet eyes could not grow any wider.

Suddenly, a devastated scream echoed down the hall, followed by a cry of, "Oh my God, she did what?!"

Berwald realised just how close he was still standing to Tino, and forced himself to step back.

Tino laughed, clutching the lower window frame behind him. "I think Norway just ruined the ending of Den's book."

"Oh. I didn't mean t'…"

Tino smirked. "Den deserves it."

Berwald couldn't help but agree. "What was he readin' anyway?"

"Denmark's got a thing for romance novels. He's on a bit of a historical time-travel kick at the moment."

Berwald didn't know what to say to that.

"Feliks loves them too, but he prefers regencies. Eduard says it's all heteronormative garbage." Berwald felt his fingers twitch at the mention of Eduard. Tino continued easily, "Something happened between you and Ivan too, didn't it? It's just, when I saw the way you were talking with him before… Ivan seems to have that effect on a lot of people. Making them angry, I mean."

What was Berwald supposed to say? He's someone I gamble with illegally and he enjoys ruining my life? "It's really nothin' t'worry about." Then he remembered the way Ivan had looked at Iceland. "Is Iceland okay?"

Tino didn't reply for a moment, face uncertain. He answered slowly. "He's all right. He's tough. Not as tough as he thinks, but still tough. Ivan and him…" Tino stopped. "I'm sorry, I really shouldn't…"

"O'course," Berwald said quickly.

Tino took a shaking breath and looked down at his fluffy purple slippers. "You know how this morning, when we were talking in the kitchen, and I told you how my parents walked in on me kissing Eduard?"

Not exactly something Berwald could forget... "Yes."

"I… I want you to know that I'm not… um, I mean… we're not together. He's not my boyfriend or anything, we're just friends." Tino's cheeks turned an even darker shade of red. "I just wanted to know what it was like… kissing, that is, and…" Tino's eyes went wide and he suddenly seemed to panic. "…and I know you don't care at all and I'm sorry I said anything, please forget it, that was really stupid…"

"No," said Berwald. Sure, it was strange, but… "Nothin' ye say could ever be stupid."

Tino's brows furrowed, and his head slightly tilted. "You're not really that scary, are you?"

"I don't try t'be."

Tino nodded, a little ashamed. "I know. I'm sorry. I must seem so rude to you."

"No. I know how people see me."

"That's unfair though, isn't it? For people to just look at you and think they know who you are. I never thought I would be like that. Not when I know people do the same thing to me."

"But ye're not like that. I think ye see through that."

Tino bit his lip and brushed his hair from his forehead, familiar, endearing gestures that made Berwald's heart twinge in hope and warmth and yearning. Outside the window, a cloud obscured the moon; the room darkened slightly, even with the light of the lamps inside.

"Thank you for helping me with the window."

"Ye're welcome."

"And Berwald, if you find this all too much and choose to move out – I understand. And I'm really glad to have met you. But I... I hope you don't."

Berwald tried to respond, but his throat was completely dry. Tino sounded like he really wanted Berwald to stay, and Berwald physically ached to reach out and touch him. He eventually managed to respond. "I'm not goin' anywhere."

Tino smiled, but he didn't look convinced. "It's probably getting late. Have you been asleep?"

"Sort'f."

Then, utterly unexpectedly, Tino reached out and took Berwald's pocket watch from his front pocket. At the feather touch on his chest, Berwald felt like he'd been struck to his centre; as though his thumping heart could not take much more. Tino did not notice. "It's nearly ten. Guess I should get to bed, too."

Berwald just nodded, speechless.

"It really is a beautiful watch." Tino smiled as he handed it back. "Where did you get it?"

Berwald forced himself to speak. "It was m'fathers, and m'grandfathers."

"Cool, like a family tradition!" Tino looked genuinely interested. "Are you close to your dad?"

Berwald paused a moment. "I was. He's dead now."

Tino's face fell, mortified. "I'm sorry. That was stupid of me, I shouldn't have assumed…"

Berwald had to stifle a snort of laughter at the way Tino kept apologising. "'s'okay."

"No, it's not. I always say the wrong thing. I didn't, I just, I mean…" Tino stopped short, closed his eyes briefly, and took a deep breath. Then he looked directly into Berwald's eyes. "I'm sorry about your dad."

For a few seconds, Berwald couldn't breathe. "Thank ye."

It almost seemed like Tino was going to say something else; but he just blinked, averted his eyes, and turned away. "Goodnight."

Berwald told himself to move, choked out a 'G'night," and disappeared behind his curtain. He put a hand to his chest, feeling it pound heavily against his skin. He was suddenly hot, too hot, and had to tear his shirt over his head, careful to first place his pocket watch on the desk. Then he fell backwards into bed, palms pressed firmly against his eyes.

Berwald no longer cared that Denmark was wildly insane. He did not care that Norway seemed sociopathic. He didn't care that he could not figure out the mystery of Ivan and Iceland. He didn't care about the Buddhist loafers on the couch. All Berwald cared about now was Tino.

Tino, who made it all worth it.

Strange, awkward, breathtaking Tino, who he was deeply, startlingly, desperately in love with.

Next Chapter

Disclaimer: This story belongs to George deValier. Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya. I own nothing.

#catch perfect chapter 4

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