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ussygussymy · 2 years

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Found You || Euntae Lee (I)

"Poredge”

Every bend and curve of a letter elicited the screech of chalk to accompany it. The woman put the chalk before clapping her hands and that was it for Jihyun.

There was a stagnant irritation she felt watching the woman spell out every word, and it at last came to life.

"So children, as you can see the-"

"Ma'am that isn't correct"

It wasn't the outburst but the lack of hesitation in Jihyuns voice, complete confidence unsettling for a child. The teacher watched the student with disbelief, that a child could be so uncouth.

"The correct spelling is p-o-r-r-i-d-g-e."

Every letter pronounced correctly, the teacher had begun to become irritated by the child. The woman kneaded her eyebrows together.

"And pray tell, how would you know that?"

"I read it in a book, I read lots of books."

Again it was that confidence, the teacher had had enough.

"Jihyun, go to the office."

— —

"I'm Hero Man, standing for justice!" So you dare to bully the weak!"

Jace got into Hero Mans iconic fighting stance, the beaming red cape flowing behind him.

"Bring it on! I will never back down."

Jihyun overheard the conversation from the swing she was sitting on, away from the rest of the children on the playground. She'd found that she never really was one for playing with other children, finding them too childish for her standards. At least that's what she told her mother in lieu of telling them the other children that she was an annoying know-it-all, to be fair she kinda was. Yet, these were two new faces on the playground, which is why her interest was piqued.

"...Jace. Is it wrong if Hero Man doesn't help others?" What if the villain is too strong? Why does he fight for others?"

Jihyun felt her eyes begin to sparkle, the kid surely had an unique personality. So, she really could not help herself to intervene.

"Morally speaking, it would not be wrong if Hero Man were to not help others out. However, it would be contradictory of his character, since he is meant to be good and therefore by our society's defining features of goodness, help others out. Hero Man wouldn't be much of a hero if he couldn't fight for other people, that'd make him a bad character."

Visible confusion was on the faces of the boys, a flood of questions swimming in their heads. Jihyun had begun to feel awkward as the silence permeated, it would happen alot where she would accidentally join a conversation without knowing if she belonged there or not. Right before she was gonna turn to run away and never look back, the boy with the red cape smiled at her.

"Exactly, what she said."

He turned back to the other boy before throwing punches at him.

"Dummy! What kind of superhero thinks that way! Take this super punch!"

"Don't it hurts"

Jihyun smiled at the duo, this was the first time she ever felt like she belonged.

Afterwards the newly formed trio got some candy to nom on.

"By the way, what's your name?

"Jihyun."

"I'm Euntae."

"Nice to meet you."

Jihyun grinned to herself, here were her first friends.

Jace looked back and forth between the two, he couldn't place it but there was a tingling feeling in the back of his conscience that the two would know each other for a very long time.

— —

"It's great we're all in the same class, even you Jihyun, you crazy genius. You guys are happy right." Jace inquired, the trio were sitting side by side. Ever since that fated day they had remained inseparable.

Jihyun merely gave a nod, she was too busy taking a look at the syllabus for the year.

"Yeah. Of Course." uttered Euntae, next to her.

"Guys.. Have you played phone games?" Jihyun glanced at the boy beside her, he really hadn't changed, even now. At times it was quality that irritated her and at times it was a quality she really liked."

Jace, always the Euntae whisperer, knew what to say, "Um.. so Euntae. How about we play too?" Euntae's face lit up, "Yeah. Sounds good." Jihyun couldn't help but smile, his change of expression was little but she knew it was a lot by Euntae standards.

Now the trio was distracted, the boys engrossed by the phone game in their hands and Jihyun caught up reading to the teaching plans in May. They didn't notice the clashing trio who'd come up to them.

"Hey big ears."

The presumable leader had spoken, before the entire flock spoke.

"What elementary school you from?"

"He wants to be friends with you."

"Your ears are huge. Wow."

"You guys wanna go to the snack shop?"

Jace looked at the two of them with pleading eyes. Jihyun could already sense it, a shift in their dynamic, she sighed but agreed begrudgingly. Jace grinned before turning back.

"Hm? Oh yeah. Euntae, Jihyun, why don't you come to."

Vasco merely replied, "Sure. Buy me chocolate milk."

— —

Jihyun found herself going up and getting chocolate milk herself, the chatting from the new trio had begun to irritate her. There was a small panging feeling of worry within her, something had changed in Jace the second they got to middle school. She was fortunate that Euntae was still there at least.

As she made her way back to their table, a third trio had shown up to the snack shop. Jihyun felt a feeling of dread climbing along her back, 'What the hell is up with all these trios,' she thought. Watching them move through the crowd, she could only knead her eyebrows in annoyance. It was another group of gangster wannabes.

"Move the line!" one the lackeys called as the leader moved smugly behind them.

"Ah! If there are no dumplings, you're dead!" the other lackey called.

Jihyun moved her eyes to the other trio, she could see their eyes light up, here they saw opportunity. "Hey, say hello to the scariest senior." One of them whispered, referring to the middle schooler with badly side swept hair. It seems their stares caught their attention as the trio came up to the group of freshmans.

"You guys have smokes? Got 'em or not?" one of the lackeys hassled them. 'This guy definitely breathes through his mouth.' Jihyun thought to herself, cringing slightly when his breath wafted into her face.

"Oh sure! Here!" the leader of the freshmans said immediately. Jihyun rolled her eyes, the desperate attempts to appear tough were causing her enough cringe for the day. Jace looked visibly surprised by the omission.

"Do you have a lighter? Oh you've got sense. Follow us. Let's light up."

"Yes okay!"

That response did not surprise Jihyun too much, but Jace's actions did.

"Let's go! Jace, do you smoke?"

"If we get close with them, it's like hitting the jackpot."

The freshmen looked back at Jace with the hungry eyes of greed, looking to get some status.

"Umm.. yeah, sure I smoke."

The answer got Jihyun off guard, she knew it, they were doomed from the start of entering middle school. All good people are lost to power.

"Don't go, Jace." reasoned Euntae. Jihyun glanced back at Euntae sadly, he'd yet to see that Jace was changing.

"Mom said smoking was bad. She said don't even touch it. She also said that smokers were losers."

Euntae's words had stung the seniors. They were evidently pissed at him and his self righteous attitude.

"Hey, who's this dick? Is he stupid or something?"

One of the lackeys began to laugh before smacking Euntae in the face.

"Fucking arrogant."

That was enough to get Jihyun fuming, she stood between the two, "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

The senior turned his eyes from Vasco to Jihyun, before he started chuckling, "Who the fuck is this chick? Get out of the way bitch." One of the lackeys stepped in to push Jihyun away, blocking her from getting to Vasco. Jihyun felt her insides start to boil over, soon enough there'd be steam coming out her ears. Yet, in this moment she felt helpless to do anything.

The lackey who'd slapped Vasco stepped back up, "This punk! Not moving?" he accused.

"If you are rude to your seniors, you have to say you're sorry." the senior waited a moment, hearing only Vasco's deafening silence.

"Huh? You won't" Thud, the senior began to kick Vasco.

"Euntae! Stop! You're hurting him!" Jihyun yelled, trying to force her way through to stop the brutal assault. Instead she got knocked back, "Stay put bitch."

"You won't? You won't? You won't? You won't?" With every repetition of the word, the senior kicked Vasco, the force behind the kicks growing greater after every time.

"This ass doesn't even make a sound! Wanna challenge me?" the senior laughed, taking glee in assaulting a freshman.

Jihyun looked on in horror, partly because Euntae was getting viciously beaten before her but also because Jace had done nothing to stop it. With pleading eyes she looked towards her only other friend for some aid, and in them she saw cowardice. Jihyun scrunched her nose up in disbelief as he averted her gaze.

"He's a fucking joke, I will beat you till you talk." the lackey laughed, allowing their leader to step through.

"You embarrassed me in front of everyone, you fucking little punk..From today we're gonna spend some time together."

— —

Euntae walked into the classroom with bloodstains marking his pristine white shirt. Jihyun knew exactly who she'd gotten it from, and she'd had enough of it. Today she would confront them about it. He always disappeared around lunch time, that was when she'd follow him.

As the clock turned, the class turned in for lunch, subsequently Euntae got up to leave as well. Glancing at her surroundings, Jihyun got up as well, stalking behind Euntae. Suddenly, he made a turn around a corner, Jihyun sped up her pace in order to catch up with him. However it wasn't long before he turned again, Jihyun found herself running to catch up before she headbutted right into Euntae.

Jihyun backed up, red stained her cheeks feeling embarrassed that he'd caught her in the act of spying on him. "Hey Vasco, I didn't see you there. I was just heading to the bathrooms."

Vasco stared back at her blankly, "This hallway leads to the boiler room." Jihyun started to feel sweat dripping down her forehead, she was caught, "there uh, a special bathroom in the boiler room." Euntae's eyes lit up with intrigue, "Really, I didn't know there was one."

Jihyun sighed with relief, Euntae sucked at detecting lying. "Right yeah, I'll be going then."

Vasco continued to move and Jihyun continued to follow. She'd followed them all the way to an abandoned part of the playground, from ahead she could see the group of seniors as well as a boy wearing glasses attached to the pole.

The leader grinned when he saw Vasco approaching, "The other cicada has come to play." He approached him before jabbing him straight in the stomach. This made Vasco keel over, yet he remained as stoic as ever. "Fuck took you so long? Huh?" Just as he was about to land a kick on Vasco's head, Jihyun emerged from the bushes.

"Stop, I caught everything on video. Have fun smoking when your ass is expelled." Jihyun spoke, holding the evidence in her hand. The phone was quickly snatched away by one of the lackeys, "It's this bitch again."

The leader came up to her, evidently finding the situation amusing. "Are you his girlfriend or something?" He came close enough to feel his breath fanning against her face, Jihyun stood with a hard expression, refusing to back down. "Actually she's kinda cute, you don't mind if I steal her do you?" The senior inquired, looking back at Vasco.

Before Jihyun could make a snappy comeback or the senior could reach for her face, Vasco stood between. "Don't touch her." The senior snickered at his words, before smacking his face hard enough to send him falling.

"Vasco!" Once again the lackeys were holding Jihyun back, she felt tears welling up in her eyes this time from the frustration she'd begun to feel. Once again, Vasco refused to make any noise or provide any reaction. He stared defiantly up at the senior, this served to only piss him off more.

Sending a kick flying right into Vasco's stomach, the senior yelled, "Who the fuck do you think you are? Huh?" The senior continued kicking at Vasco's stomach as Jihyun struggled to fight out of the arms of the two lackeys.

After thoroughly beating Vasco, the senior turned, making hungry eyes towards Jihyun. She felt her eyes widen, a new sense of fear began to envelop her. Just before he could take his first step, Vasco managed to croak out, "..Do whatever you want to me, just don't touch her."

That sent the senior over the edge, "What the fuck did I tell you about talking back? Are you disobeying me?" From his pocket, the senior brought out a box cutter, approaching Vasco with it. "I'll teach you about disobeying."

Jihyun watched in horror as the senior brought the boxcutter down against Vasco's skin before red beads of blood stained the metal. In this moment, Jihyun felt both the most helpless and the most shameful, because she could not break out. So, she stood there and watched as her friend got mutilated by a boxcutter.

Even through that, Vasco did not allow them the pleasure of his screams. "Fuck, whats up with this ass! Think's he's so tough!" The senior huffed, writing out grotesque images on Vasco's skin. After finishing he sneered at them with his friend, "Let's get out of her, I'm hungry."

Just like that they left, as if Vasco's life was worth just as much as a stuffed animal or object. As soon as the lackeys released Jihyun, she ran to Vasco, "Vasco! Are you okay?" She questioned, looking at the bleeding wounds on his chest. Vasco grit his teeth, "Jihyun.. Please don't let my mom see these."

Jihyun looked towards Vasco hesitantly before nodding and helping him get home.

— —

It wasn't the first time Jihyun was in Vasco's room, but it was the first time without Jace by their side. Jihyun took the warm wet cloth before placing it against the wounds Vasco had acquired. Vasco made an attempt to sit up before Jihyun pushed him down. "You need rest, I'm not gonna bother you with questions right now but you better believe I'm gonna talk to Jace."

"No, Jace doesn't need to know." Jihyun scrunched her face in frustration. "Vasco, why do you insist on going through things like this alone? You don't have to, you have us!" Vasco stared at Jihyun with widened eyes, she'd had outbursts in the past before but none as passionate as that. "What are you even trying to prove by not telling anyone?" Jihyun spoke, lowering her voice as she felt bad for yelling at him.

Vasco looked up at her with pained eyes, like he knew exactly what to say but couldn't muster up the strength to say it. "Jihyun, promise you won't leave." Jihyun was taken aback, this was completely out of left field. "What?"

"Jihyun." He paused, allowing the silence to take hold of the moment, "Promise you won't leave." Jihyun stopped, staring down at Vasco, before opening her mouth to speak.

"I promise."

Vasco mustered up a grin, "good."

— —

The next day, Jihyun came to class fuming. The second she entered the classroom she sent a slap across Jace's face that was deafening before sitting back down. Jace held his face, yet his face conveyed that he knew the reason behind the slap. Looking ashamed he sat back in his seat, Jihyun spent the rest of the period glaring at him.

As the school day neared its ending, the classroom emptied quickly, just as Jihyun turned to leave as well the gang of three seniors stopped her in her tracks. They ignored her this time, it seems they were here for Jace. Yet some panging in Jihyuns heart stopped her from running out the classroom, she stayed back watching the trio.

"You're fucking joking, we told you to bring him, not to decide yourself."

"Say it again."

"What did you just say?"

Jihyun looked with intrigue now at Jace's quivering frame, "Euntae is really hurt...So you should stop and.." Before Jace finished his sentence, a punch came flying at his face. Jihyun was up on her feet as she witnessed it.

Jihyun came running towards the lackey, using both force and time to create momentum, she slammed her body against the lackey to get him away from Jace. The leader looked on, pissed off. "This fucker again? Hey you guys keep watch in the hall" The senior called towards the other freshman.

Turning back, the senior began to approach Jihyun, "Hey, your stupid boyfriend stopped my yesterday so today you're gonna play with me."

Even the lackeys looking on with terror as the senior brandished a tatoo gun, "This is for eyebrow tatoos. But it works well on belly buttons as well." Just as the needle was about to prick Jihyuns skin, a presence made them turn.

"..Stop." Vasco.

"I'm here" The lackeys began to laugh at his entrance.

"'I'm here?'"

"How arrogant."

"I see he hasn't changed."

"Your friend is a really bad dick."

"He promised to bring you here."

The senior grinned, "If you report to me or something annoys me...your friends are going to get drawn on too."

His actions surprised Jihyun, Vasco stood in front of Jace and Jihyun in that iconic pose, heroman. The pose made Jihyun remember that fateful day, Vasco was her Hero Man.

"It's natural to help the weak. Those..are my friends."

The senior sent a kick to Vasco's head, throwing him off balance. Despite this he got up and continued to make weak attempts to fight, always getting thrown down, one way or another. Yet, his will to protect never changed. As long as there was someone to protect, he did not stop, no matter how battered he was. Blood was dripping down his nose and mouth now and his eye was squinted.

Jace got down on his knees to plead for mercy from the senior while Jihyun made her own attempts to fight the lackeys. The big one pushed her into a wall instead, bashing her head against the hard concrete. Vasco stopped momentarily to look at her with concern.

At this point, all three of them were getting their asses beat, bad. Seemingly out of nowhere, one of the lackeys was thrown into the air and Jihyun got a glimpse of blonde hair before the dark circles in her vision began to get bigger and bigger. Jihyun found her body getting heavier before she submitted to the darkness and gave way to the floor. With a thump, she was on the ground, sustained head injury.

— —

Waking up, Jihyun found she was in a completely different place in a completely different school. After her parents found out about the situation, they moved her out of the district and sent her off to a gifted school for young geniuses. There she was the top of her class, but she never did forget about Vasco, and she would find her way back.

#vasco #euntae lee #jace park #lookism

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benefits1986 · 10 months

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The Fault in Our Starts

Let's kinda dig up more Zodiac-slanted shizzumz and do some auditing, shall we?

Slept better but again, woke up at around 4 AM. As I was scheduling a meeting next week, I realized that there are two holidays. WHOA. Biking szn na talaga ito, again. YAS.

So, Zodiacs. Let me be clear that this is but a curation of my lived truths as we try to debunk the myths that go with it. Mother dragon gauged all XX and XY based on their signs and birth years. This workflow covers all people I interact with. Friends, family, and ahem, landi tribe. She truly believes that there's bearing in these even when she is a Marian and a devout Catholic. Must be because my godparents are 99% Fil-Chi, but heck, she didn't have a single lucky charm except me, her baby donut. CHZ.

This is the first time that I'm counting whether or not I've dated all the Zodiacs, so I'm not so sure how this will pan out. To add some twist, I'd also try recalling their birth order. Not sure though if I can actually retrieve them from my defunct memory bank. Let's go. Baka may tama na naman mother dragon ko sa deep-ish dive na 'to.

Aquarius. Damn. We're actually starting strong. Only child. Silent but selos levels 10000000000. Creative-ish and thinks too deeply. Will make the effort to be with you wherever and whenever you go. Kaya kang hanapin sa Raon-Quiapo 'pag ayaw mong sagutin phone mo. Borderline stalking which appeared sweet at first, but, fuck. I cannot. Holds back feelings a lot, but had many outbursts, especially when selos levels hit home.

Pisces. Ohhh. This one's interesting. Apart from checking the spelling right now, this one's really devoted. As a Water sign, the emotions are intense; but I guess, more than the zodiac, it's because of being a middle child. We actually started with small talks, that escalated real quick to deep and dark and delulu conversations. Probably, one of the most dedicated ones; but blinded dedication is crazy. How crazy? Willing to wait even when all signs say unavailable.

Aries. OWEEEM. Middle child ulit. UGH. Very, very strong personality and dominant... but hey, it's me! The chaos, the ego battles, the non-stop banters. Magaling mamikon. Once the ego is tamed and vanquished, this Aries will be loyal but will appear distant. Badly put, ayaw umamin ng tama at mali niya. Will show you grand gestures but without the words to back it up. One of the most intense and life-changing encounters I've had, because Aries people are not backing down when they say that they are dead serious. Note: Mom said, Aries is my most ugh ka-sign. :D But hey, dad ko is an Aries. Hahahahaha. Just saying.

Taurus. The zodiac I am staying away from. Hear me out, first. My twin Taurus towers are my strongest and most meaningful connections in my entire herstory. LOL. And, look where it got me... they died too early. I always feel bullied ng Bulls, as in. :( Why so? Give na give na give na give na dinaig pa pagiging self-giving ko.

One of the most graphic date-hiritan-habulan in my book is with Taurus. Bunso, so pabebe matic naman na. Taurus e. Kinda like Aries but in terms of hambog, mas less ng slight. Won't keep up with BS. Won't mince words. Won't back down. Aggressive but with preno and buga na laging pang-gulat. But, very, very, very devoted and has a really, really kind heart and strong spirit. Ilalapag lahat sa harap mo. Ikaw na lang bahala paano mo i-take. Misjudged malimit kasi parang walang pake, pero meron, meron, meron. Also, this Taurus is sakitin kaya no choice but to be maselan. Dahil yata sa Taurus na 'to na 'di nag-reveal ng birthday niya until sa kalagitnaan na ng kaganapan, stress levels 10000000000. I even asked kung talaga bang birthday niya is ____ a few times. Then, ekis na agad. Sorry na kasi. Tinanong pa ako kung anong problema, sabi ko fuck off. Never again. Made up elaborate excuses, too, kasi maka-debate, akala mo Miting de Avance. Hayup.

Note: While I steer clear of Taurus, 2023 has been a Taurus town in my book. FUCK. So 'pag may birthday greetings ako ng Taurus szn, I freeze and retreat, a lot. TBT, though, Taurus may be one of my most intentional signs to date. FML. So, iwas-Taurus szn continues. Hahahahaha.

Gemini. Wala akong matandaan. Sorry. Baka walang nag-stick. Hahahahaha.

Cancer. HAHAHAHHAHAHA. Bunso. May pattern ang sign na 'to. Falls in love easily and gets bored a lot. Shemay. Emotions are spot on. Akala mo may Netflix series kang aabangan. Stubborn and will try their best to win you harapan most of the time. Sentimental, homebody and romantic. Very easy to please. UGH. Very interesting din kasi Cancerians are deeply rooted sa family but appears to be lone wolves. Delulu levels 10000000000. Gusto ka ng patirahin agad-agad sa bahay awardee kahit saglit pa lang kayo magkakakilala.

Note: This is the reason why I CTRL + ALT + DEL my feelings and feeling ko talaga Aries-Taurus with sprinkles of Cancer akong nilalang. Ayokong maging tulad ng mga 'to 'pag tanda ko. LOLOLOLOLL.

Leo. Quick one lang 'to kasi cutie kagulo szn, so parang not counted. Bunso, if I remember it right. Hahahahahaha. Though date is full of adventures and misadventures. Ma-ego ang Leo, 'yun lang.

Virgo. SHET na malagkit 'to. Panganay. Vindictive levels 100000. Too traditional that's too boring for me, pero naman, 'wag ka, when no one's around, wagas maging aggressive. Obsession levels 1000000. Buntot levels 100000000000. UGH. Sensitive but will appear independent and unbothered. Likes overhearing conversations online and offline, a lot. So kung gusto mo 'yung "you and me and only us against the world" partner, baka pang-Virgo ka. Try mo.

Libra. Pang-balance talaga. Only child. Hmmm. Another interesting one kasi super calculated ang risk ng Libra na 'to. Kung baga, gusto niya sigurado. Walang mintis. Too peaceful borderline timid but there'd be times na the scales are off. And when that happens, lagot. LOL. Silent snob geek. Pero, what I like best is we had the craziest laughs and I was able to cry din naman because Libra is a good listener. Less doer lang o baka siya lang 'yun as a sedated soul.

Scorpio. Sizzling. Feeling only child. HAHAHAHAHHAHA. Sexual tension is off the roof. And they're not afraid to showcase their goodies even when they're fully clothed. Ganun. Very sentimental and 'yung pagka-deep, madalas 'di ko maarok. Too indie also. LOL. Craves and carves their own space as they wait for the deadly sting.

Sagittarius. I think wala pa rin kasi feeling ko lang naman, kawawa sila since same lang Xmas gift and birthday gift nila. LUH. Anong connect?

So, buti naman, hindi tayo naka-12 out 12 for today's kagulo sa utak session. Reading the stuff above, pare-pareho lang din kasi mga tao. I argue with mom a lot na, kesa i-box 'yung mga tao based sa sign nila, bakit ba hindi na lang maging fair game for all? Lahat naman kasi talaga may flags -red, beige and green, right? Also, as a Cancer myself, while I may have qualities of the Crab, it does not mean that I am all that. Nature versus nurture pa rin talaga. And, I think, zodiac dating is but a grand alibi. Mala-Fallacy of Love. LOL. Hala.

Habol muna sa mga trabahong bahay na tambak because I'm nursing a broken nail na sumagad sa laman nung kuko ko. Pointer finger pa 'to. :( Plus work and hustles weekend because it's a long weekend. I will try my best to down so much work para sa Japan trip kong may 1% chances of winning and winging it. Pampagana forda bonus and bills and bahay in 2024. Plus, really, really excited sa mga kaganapans and at the same time, may halong takot of the unknown as a people watcher. Sigh. Though I'm not part of alignments na pangmalakasan. Start up girl ako, kaya I'm but trying my best to make the most out of what's on my plate as I try to break down silos kahit sobrang daling maging aggressive-aggressive mode because, the silos are thin and shaking. 'Yung pitikin ko lang, giba na; but, iba na ako ngayon. Hahahahahaha. 'Wag lang sa core values ko. Ako lang naman 'yun. Sa tingin ko lang sa takbo ng mga ganaps. PS1: I was backreading posts and my oh my, I realized na this thought fart corner has been evolving. Mas maganda structure ko the past years to be honest. BUT, I do this style because I'd like to keep up with slang and para ma-practice ako mainam for work and life after work. ALSO, mas wala na akong subtext ngayon compared noon na hindi ko na rin malaman kung ano 'yung imagined and ano 'yung reality. Mas buo na rin ako ngayon. Mas hindi takot kahit takot much pa rin. SKL. Bye for now.

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randomshyperson · 3 years

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The Scarlet Witch Prophecy - Chapter 13 - The Sixth Year (Part Three)

My dear friend @abimess, I keep stealing your gifs and making updates without telling you. I hope you never get tired of it.

Summary: As the youngest daughter of Howard Stark, you have ordinary expectations for your years at Hogwarts. Little do you know what adventures await you when your destiny is intertwined with the legendary Scarlet Witch.

Warnings: +16. Adaptation of the Harry Potter Saga, Magical Thematic, Prophecies, Mentions of Violence, Torture and dark magic, Language (swearing and minor/major offenses), manipulation of will, Underage kissing, insinuation of smut with minors, Smut (overage), descriptions of death, aggression, obscurity, angst, fluffy, soulmates analogies. || Chapter Warnings: Magical torture with minors, cursing, angst, ptsd, derogatory thoughts and behavior, dark magic.

Chapter Words: 8.486 K

A/N> Yes, I've gone for a month without warning anyone, and yes that might go on, but at least i'm near ending this (I'm already writing chapter 21). Once I'm finished, I'll just programe tumblr to upload them all for me because i'm lazy. I hope anyone like this yet, i don't even know what i'm doing anymore. Good reading!

Series Masterlist || Read on AO3 || All Works Masterlist

Chapter 13 - Part XIII - The Sixth Year (Part Three)

Gossip really starts to irritate you when you go to lunch after potions.

"You want to say something to me, girl?" You charge impatiently when you hear the giggles behind you again, coming from a group of students sitting at Ravenclaw's table.

The group turns around with wry smiles on their faces, and you notice the editions of the Daily Prophet in the hand of one of the boys. It is Hope Summers, your classmate, who speaks first:

"We're just sharing some theories, Stark." She says in a provocative tone. "Some of us find it an interesting coincidence that just now that Mephisto is back, you and Maximoff are losing control of magic."

You frown.

"What are you talking about?" you ask in surprise, referring to Wanda, but Hope thinks you want her to keep mocking you.

"It's just suspicious that no one knows what happened to you in that dungeon, or at the ministry of magic." Hope counters. "And now you two are blowing things up, and we have a dark wizard on the loose."

"Fuck you, Summmers." You curse as you stand up, leaving the girl in shock at your aggressiveness.

The same auror from the first day stands in front of you as you try to approach Slytherin's table.

"Students must respect..."

But you interrupted his speech with a loud shove that sent him staggering backwards, and drew the immediate attention of several people.

You were seeing red by now, the man's wry smile only making you more irritated.

He drew his wand, but so did you. And the room held its breath.

"Put your wand away, Miss Stark." Warned the auror angrily, but you didn't.

Wanda stood up as she noticed the confusion, rushing to reach you, but the auror put his arm in her way.

"Now, miss." He warned again, and you grunted in irritation.

"Get your hands off her." You retorted, feeling your body fever with hatred.

"Stark." The man said, his arm reaching down to push Wanda back, and you exploded.

You didn't even finish thinking about the spell, the magic exploding out of your wand.

The auror masterfully blocked it, and you dropped your wand to jump on top of him.

It was a confusion of shoving, other bigger students pulling you away from the man and he away from you.

" Never fucking touch her again!" You warned snorting in anger, Thor Odinson stopping you from jumping on the man's neck.

"I just pushed her away from the line of fire, you crazy bitch!" The auror retorted indignantly and angrily. "Go to the headmaster's office now!"

"Fuck you!"

Thor pulled you out of the hall as the crowd of students whistled in celebration, excited about the whole fight. The auror was too busy dissipating everyone to follow you.

"Hey, hothead, calm down." The blonde warned as he released the grip of you by the courtyard. You grunted angrily, wishing you could break something.

"Fuck this school, fuck that asshole." You complained aloud, as Thor looked at you curiously.

"You have quite a rage, Stark." He comments, and you grumble in irritation.

But Wanda catches up with you the next moment, and she looks even angrier than you.

"What the hell was that?" she asks and you roll your eyes, running your hands through your hair.

"I think you are going to be fine for now on." Thor comments, smiling at the thank you Wanda says to him before leaving you two alone.

"So?" Wanda insists, arms crossed. You bite the inside of your cheek as you look at her.

"What do you want me to say?" You retort angrily.

"You just started a fight for no reason! Again!" She accuses. "Only this time it was with a wizard who could kill you. I want to know what's going on!"

"I don't know, Wanda!" You exclaim angrily. "Why does everyone expect me to have answers? I don't know! Do you understand that? It feels like I'm going to explode in frustration any second, neither you or Gamora seem to get it. I don't understand what's happening to me!"

"Because you won't talk to us!" She shouts back, just as annoyed as you are. "You're pushing everyone away! Even me! We can't help you if you don't talk to us!"

You grunt impatiently, turning around. There was a strange throbbing in the back of your head, a strange whisper. Like a voice telling you that no one was telling you the truth, that your friends expected too much of you, that Wanda didn't care...

This last thought made you sob. Wanda softened her expression immediately, taking a step toward you and touching your shoulder, but you pulled away from her touch as if burned, wiping your tears away quickly.

"Leave me alone, Wanda." You mutter between teeth. She hesitates, raising her hand toward you again.

"Please."

"I need some time from you." You insist, pushing her hand away, and walking away.

A part of your brain is begging you to go back and make things right, but there is a cloud of anger and irritation that keeps you walking.

//-//-//-//-//

You roll over in bed in discomfort.

Nightmares. Again.

It has only been five days since you had your fight with Wanda, and you are getting worse every day.

With Summers' teasing, you end up noticing other things too.

How the school really found the theory that you and Wanda were somehow related to Mephisto, because the minister had covered up what happened in the dungeons and in the ministry, and everybody thought it was strange that two students were showing an increase in magical potential with the return of a dark wizard.

Unlike you, who were failing considerably in any simple execution of spells, Wanda was demonstrating exceptional abilities. Kaecilius was more than willing to make her the face of progress at Hogwarts, you heard the gossip about bringing in reporters to share the news of the new direction.

You know that the only reason Wanda hasn't come after you yet was because you're running away from her like the plague.

And you couldn't even explain why.

You were also blocking out your real health condition from her. Just like you two practiced during the summer.

Besides hiding this from Wanda, you have kept your friends away too, isolating yourself from everyone else in search of a little rest, only succeeding in taking a nap when you are running away between classes.

And the detentions with Kaecilius keep increasing as you skip classes.

You begin to consider learning to write with a different hand, just so the bruise has time to heal, but at this point you don't even care about the scar anymore.

"You really must like pain." Loki teases wryly as you sit in an empty room, waiting for the aurors' shift change again after your detention.

You don't ask him what he's doing on that floor again, and he doesn't ask why you haven't spoken to your friends in two weeks.

"Sure, that must be it." You joke back, massaging your injured hand.

He assumes a pensive expression for a second.

"Are you sure you haven't been cursed by someone?" He asks, causing you to frown in shock and confusion.

"Excuse me?"

He gives a little chuckle, settling himself better against the wall.

"Everyone's been talking about you being sick." He says. "I heard some of the Ravenclaw people theorize that you became a werewolf over the summer."

You laugh helplessly, massaging your temples lightly.

"I guarantee that's not it." You say making Loki smile.

"If you are sick for no reason, it could be a curse." He says. "I wouldn't be surprised, the way things are."

"But how do I find out if I've been cursed?"

Loki takes a thoughtful stance.

"I don't know." He says. "But I'm sure you can learn that in the no longer reserved session of the library."

You laugh at the joke, but soon you both return to silence. When that hallway's shift ends, Loki sighs, getting up and helping you to stand.

"Still can't perform spells?" He asks, already drawing his wand.

"Only if I want to blow things up." You scoff making him laugh.

"Fine, I'll enchant you." He says. When you are transparent, he looks at you with an amused expression. "See you next Saturday, troublemaker?

"Don't worry, I plan on skipping DADA, maybe I'll be here tomorrow." You retort in the same tone before turning to leave.

//-////-//-//-//-//

It takes three more days for Wanda to finally corner you.

You are skipping class in an empty room on the seventh floor, trying to doze off, and almost fall out of your chair with fright when the door opens and Wanda comes in, looking annoyed.

You grunt impatiently, without lifting your face from the desk.

"I told you I needed time." You complain, but tense up when you notice the tears in her eyes as she moves closer to sit at the table next to yours.

" You want to break up with me?" She asks in a whisper and you raise your head immediately, feeling your chest tighten.

"What? What are you talking about?"

Wanda gives a humorless laugh at your expression. "Why are you acting like this is an absurd idea? You've disappeared. You've been avoiding me, not even talking to me anymore."

You shake your head quickly, feeling the urge to cry.

"I don't want to break up with you." You say. "I..I would never want to be away from you."

"You just said you need time away from me." Wanda retorts with annoyance, and you feel your stomach clench as she sighs. "I don't know what's going on with us. And I miss you, but you won't let me near you."

You are exhausted. So you cry.

You rest your head on your arms, and let your sobs fill the silence, hoping that the tears will take this bad feeling away.

It's Wanda's gentle touch on your back that helps.

"Babe, tell me what's wrong." She whispers to you, her tone concerned.

It takes many minutes for you to calm down. But when you do, Wanda holds your hand, kneeling on the floor beside the chair you are in.

"I can't do magic." You breathlessly tell her from crying, "And I can't sleep. I've been sick for weeks, and I'm angry all the time. Healer Cho doesn't know what's wrong with me, but everyone at school seems to have a theory about it. I think I'm going to suffocate, Wanda. I'm messing everything up. Between us, between my family, and at school." You sob as you finish and Wanda shakes her head, her hand coming up to your cheek.

"Don't say that." She urges. "You didn't ruin anything. Hey, look at me. I love you. Your sisters love you, your friends love you. We'll figure out what's going on."

Wanda hugs you tight, and you sob, shaking.

You want to believe her words, so you push the intrusive thoughts away, and believe it.

//-//-//-//

Wanda takes you to a door in that same floor you two were before, but you have never seen that door until that moment.

And you are very surprised to realize that it is a bedroom.

"How...?" You ask confused as she closes the it.

"Welcome to the Room of Requirement." She says with a smile, pulling you by the hand around. "We hold our Avengers meetings here." She counters and you frown.

"In a bedroom? Interesting choice." You comment and she giggles.

"No, my love." She says. "That's how this room works. It is charmed to meet your needs. That's why I asked you to come in first."

"Oh, that's pretty cool." You say looking around. Wanda smiles at you, and then you both reach the bed. "The room thinks I have to sleep?"

"I do too." Wanda retorts, pushing your shoulders gently for you to sit on the bed. "Go on, nice dreams."

You hesitate. "You gonna leave me here alone?"

Wanda denies with her head, pointing to the chair that probably just magically appeared next to the bed. You frown.

"Can't you sleep in the bed with me?"

She giggles. "We don't have much time for you to sleep. If I lie down, you'll want to kiss me. So I'll be sitting in that armchair, studying as I should." She explains seriously, and you pout.

"Stupid rules." You grumble moving your hands up to her waist. "Lie down with me."

"Babe..."

"Please."

Wanda sighs, then nods. You smile, quickly removing your shoes as she does the same. You quickly adjust yourself on the bed, opening your arms for her to lie on top of you, and she gives a little giggle before doing so.

"Are you cozy, sweetheart?" You murmur against her hair, and Wanda squeezes her arms around you.

"Yeah, your boobs are good pillows." She teases, making you laugh with reddened cheeks.

Your eyes begin to heavy quickly, fatigue catching up with your body relaxed by the comfort of the moment.

"Go to sleep, babe." Wanda whispers. "I'll be here when you wake up."

You smile with your eyes closed, surrendering.

It's the best sleep you've had in weeks.

The problem is that as soon as you start to wake up again, you are feeling sick.

You touch the emptiness in the bed, mumbling softly. When you open your eyes you find Wanda sitting in the armchair, the darkhold in her lap.

"Damn it, Wanda, this book again." You complain in a hoarse voice, but she just sighs.

"Why the attitude?"

"I hate that book." You grumble sitting up in bed, massaging your face lightly. "Why do you keep reading it anyway?"

"It's interesting." She says, closing the item to look at you. "Agatha really told me a lot, but there are also things I didn't know."

"For example?"

Wanda bites her lips, appraising you.

"Scarlet witches are forged, for instance." She says and you frown in confusion. Wanda sighs. "Many powerful witches, born scarlet witches, never got to fulfill their destiny because the forging didn't happen."

You straighten your clothes uncomfortably, pensively.

"What exactly does that mean?"

"What the headmistress did last year was my forging." She clarifies and you swallow dryly, feeling your stomach turn. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" you ask confused.

"Everything." She says upset. "I know we've talked about this, but it seems like all I do is cause you problems. With the bond, and with the forge. If Agatha didn't want my powers, she wouldn't have taken you to the dungeon and you wouldn't have suffered."

You poke at the knot of your tie, feeling yourself suffocate slightly. Wanda is speaking, you blink to focus on her words.

"I'm sorry, could you say that again?" You ask out of breath, sweating. You blink to find Wanda's concerned gaze on you.

"Babe, what's wrong?" She asks worriedly, her hands around your face.

You feel your head spin, and everything goes dark before you can answer.

//-//-//-//

You smell the scent of grass when you wake up.

Then you blink in confusion, getting used to your surroundings to realize that you are in what looks like a ward bed.

"Hey, all right, take it easy getting up, Miss Stark." Asked Professor Strange with one hand on her shoulder. In the other he held a potion that you imagined he had given you.

"W-what happened?" you mumbled confusedly, sitting up in bed. Only now did you notice Professor Munroe and Wanda standing in front of the bed, both with worried expressions.

"You passed out, but you're better now I imagine." Stephen explained gently, but you were still feeling very weak.

"Professor, she simply blacked out." Wanda commented in a tearful voice. " Don't you have any idea what's wrong?"

Stephen sighed, and then pointed at the chair, the darkhold.

"Where did you get that book?" He asked, and Wanda frowned, taking a step toward the chair in a defensive posture.

"What does that have to do with my question?" she retorted dryly, and Stephen looked at you one last time before standing up.

"There's a reason it's called the Book of the Damned, Miss Maximoff." He says."It damns its readers."

"That's ridiculous." Wanda retorted, crossing her arms. "I've been reading it for weeks and nothing has happened."

"Not with you."

Wanda hesitates, widening her eyes. And then she takes a step back, swallowing her cry as she reaches out to grab the book and hand it to Stephen.

She turns her gaze back to you, and lets the tears fall.

"I am truly sorry." She says with a mixture of guilt and shame before turning to leave the room.

You call out to her about three times, but she leaves and you don't have the strength to go after her.

"Damn, couldn't I have said that in a different way?" You complain angrily to Stephen, who just sighs, exchanging a look with Professor Munroe. "How come you two are here anyway?"

"It was Wanda." Professor Ororo replies. "She asked the room for someone trustworthy to help her with you. Then there was a door opening in the potions room. Stephen was there with me, and we both came."

"Great." You mutter annoyed, thinking about how you are going to talk to Wanda and convince her that you were not angry with her. "Would either of you happen to know how to make me better now?"

"Sure." Stephen comments by raising the book in the air, and with a wave of his hand, the item dissolves into several pieces until it is gone. "I didn't destroy it, if that's what you're thinking. I just put it away, to prevent something like that from happening again."

"Congratulations." You grumble wryly as you straighten up in bed, the same migraine from before is now weaker, but it's still there.

"You know, you had a better attitude when you didn't have a magical doom on your spirit." Stephen complains, causing you to frown, but Professor Ororo gives a chuckle.

"Thanks professor." You comment wryly, making him laugh. He sits back down beside your bed, and pulls out of the cover a small notebook.

"Now that Miss Maximoff has stopped reading the book, I suppose you will get better." Stephen says, making you sigh.

"You suppose? That's encouraging." You say moving to stand up.

"Where are you going, Miss Stark? You need to rest." Warn the professor, but you ignore him, and ignore the weakness in your body as well.

"What I need, Strange, is for people to stop lying to me."

"No one is lying, Miss Stark." Professor Ororo states next. "We really don't know the extent of the magic the darkhold carries."

"And why is that I imagine?" You sneer. "Because someone omitted the truth from you, and it's been passed down for generations, isn't it? Well, that's over now. Because we've finally studied everything in this place, including a book that condemns anyone who reads it." You exclaim impatiently, stooping down to put on your shoes. "If you two will excuse me, I'll figure out how to get better on my own. But first I'm going to explain to my girlfriend that none of this is her fault."

Ororo and Stephen are silent, but you wouldn't have been paying attention to anything they said anyway.

Soon you are up and out of the requirement room looking for Wanda.

//-//-//-//

She seems to have disappeared from the castle, so you must concentrate to use your instincts.

The hardest part is dodging the aurors, but you finally reach the astronomy tower.

You're a little out of breath from the run, but it's the image of Wanda standing on the edge, the sunlight in her hair that leaves you breathless.

"Hi." You say in a low tone, your hands in your pockets as you approach. She startles slightly, wiping away tears as she keeps her gaze forward.

"What do you want here?" she asks in a husky voice. You sigh.

"That you stop hating yourself and listen to me." You say and she lets out a short laugh.

"And what do you think you can say?" She questions turning her body toward you. "All I do is hurt you."

You shake your head, but Wanda lets out a tearful laugh.

"No you don't understand." She says. "Since I met you, you have only brought me good things. Affection, happiness, hope. You've been that kind warm feeling that I need on my worst days. Hell, you're even the memory for me to cast a patronus." She confesses with emotion, her face wet with tears. "But me? All I bring you is pain and suffering. And now I even bring sickness. This is wrong, I hurt you. You need to see this, and understand that we can no longer happen."

"Don't say that." You ask, reaching up to touch her face, wipe away her tears. "That's not true, Wanda. I love you, you make me..."

"Stop it." She interrupts with a sob. "Don't make it any harder than it already is."

"Please, Wanda, listen to me." You plead, resting your forehead on hers, your hands on her cheeks. "You make me happy, you are the only thing that makes me happy, I love you, please..."

Wanda kisses you hard, and you respond with the same intensity, both of you gasping into each other's mouths.

But then she is pulling away, thrusting you farther apart.

"I'm sorry." She cries, taking a step back. "We're over."

And she's running away again, and this time you don't go after her.

//-//-//-//-//

Without Darkhold's being consumed, you really start to improve in terms of physical health.

The only problem is the emotional ditch you find yourself in.

Gamora, Nebula and Mantis find you, again in the Room of Requirement, skipping class.

"My god this is worse than last time." Gamora remarks as she looks around at the mess of junk food and pillows. The room had been transformed into a "comfortable place", which basically had the appearance of a living room, with several soft armchairs, and lots of unhealthy food. "Why did you guys break up this time?"

"Please don't talk to me." You grumbled, your voice coming out muffled because you were lying on two soft puffs, your face buried in the pillow, your hand inside a bag of muggles snacks.

"I bet you five bucks they'll be back together before the end of the month." Nebula commented and you sniffled against your pillow, hearing a noise that sounded like Gamora hitting her sister.

"We talked to Wanda." Mantis said. "And with Professor Stephen, too. We're sorry about everything, but have you decided you're not going to study anymore?"

"I don't care about school." You grumble against the pillow. "Leave me alone, I want to cry."

Nebula gives a short laugh, and Gamora elbows her.

"Stop hitting me, you crazy." Nebula complains loudly, moving away from her sister to approach you, taking the bag of snacks you have, and making you complain softly. "And you stop being such a drama queen. Aren't you two like soul mates or some shit? It's just a fight, you'll work it out. You're acting like you've never broken up before."

"Your sensitivity is admirable." Gamora scoffs, pushing her sister away to sit next to you, stroking your back until you look up at her. "Do you want to talk about what happened?"

You feel the urge to cry arise again. "Wanda thinks she is bad for me." You say. "And she doesn't want to be with me anymore, and I want to die."

You start crying again, stuffing your face into the pillow as Gamora strokes your hair.

"How did this happen anyway?" Nebula asks, confused, chewing on salty snacks."You barely slept at home over the summer to be with her, and now you guys are breaking up. It's hard to keep up with this relationship."

"Merlin, Nebula shut up." Gamora asks impatiently, and her sister raises her hands in surrender with an ironic expression. You want to scream against your pillow, but all you do is try to control your crying.

"You can't keep disappearing, sweetheart." Gamora says as she runs her hands through your hair, trying to calm you down. "Kaecilius has already noticed. He's trying to figure out where you're going, and eventually he'll figure it out since you can't stay here forever."

"Maybe I can." You mumble making Gamora laugh softly.

"Come on, I'm sure you miss a decent meal." She says. "Why don't you join us for lunch?"

"I can't sit at your table."

"Who said anything about a table?"

This is how you end up on the edge of the great lake, at a picnic.

Mantis gets several dishes from the house elves, and since lunch is a free social hour, nobody seems to mind that you are eating outside.

Your sisters are not the only students who, over time, have learned ways around school rules.

You grumble slightly as you feel the sun on your face, but lie back on the grass, closing your eyes.

Your mind wanders back to last summer immediately, the memories of Wanda, and you feel horrible. You just want her back. And then you swallow the urge to cry again to accept the juice Mantis offers you.

"We wanted to tell you that we've found a way to help you, too." Gamora says after a moment, causing you to raise your eyebrow. "About the darkhold, and the eternal damnation thing."

"Light topic." You sneer, throwing your arm over your face. The day is hot. "I appreciate the help, of course."

Gamora giggles. "Merlin, I had forgotten how grumpy you get when you're upset."

"I'm not upset, Gamora." You retort angrily. "I'm frustrated."

"Sexually." Nebula sneers, making you grunt in anger, but Mantis holds back a laugh.

"What's your problem with my feelings lately?" You accuse the girl with irritation.

"Not everything is about you, you know." She retorts and you sit up quickly, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Nebula laughs, rolling her eyes. "In case you haven't noticed, there's a war going on." She says. "We're all stressed and scared. And the three of us have been in the same classes as you, having to watch the same things. But you only have time for Wanda. And now you've broken up, again, because there's some mortal danger, again, that she's caused for you. So, I don't know, but maybe she is right to break up. Ever since you guys started dating everything has been about her, and the trouble she causes!"

"Fuck you, Nebula!" You exclaim angrily, advancing against the girl in front of you. Gamora and Mantis quickly separate you.

"Hey, what's wrong with you?" Gamora shoves you. "Were you really going to hit her?"

"Fuck this." You curse angrily, taking a step away. "I didn't ask any of you to come after me. I don't need you. I just need Wanda. Fucking leave me alone."

You turn back to the castle, cursing the wild on your way.

//-//-//-//

Loki is the only friend you have now.

You wouldn't call him a friend exactly.

Kaecilius has put you in detention for three days a week, including Saturday, but mostly you just clean the castle. But when he takes you to the seventh floor, and makes you scrape sentences against your own skin, you don't worry about being alone anymore, because Loki is always on that floor.

It takes a week for you to tell him about the requirement room.

" You could have mentioned it earlier, we would have stuck around here." He comments without sounding upset.

Soon it doesn't take long for you two to start seeing each other even when you're not in detention.

You are not surprised that Loki also skips classes, he has always been quite mischievous, but the reason is different from yours.

He knew dark magic. Much more than you or your classmates. And he has no interest in practicing it in class.

"It's stupid." He comments as you are sitting in the armchairs. "Most people will never have the courage or willpower to cast a death curse. It's useless to learn."

"Is that the only reason you don't agree with the teaching at Hogwarts now?" You ask in surprise, setting up the chessboard for yourself as Loki shrugs his shoulders.

"I feel like you're judging me, Hufflepuff." He sneers but you smile, rolling your eyes.

"Honestly, I don't give a damn."

And you really didn't care.

Wanda was avoiding you in the halls, and you were doing the same with your friends and family.

When Iron delivered the mail to the Slytherin table, including Nebula's birthday presents, you wanted to throw up, but all you did was walk away from the Hufflepuff table toward the requirement room.

Without the darkhold, you didn't feel sick, but the anger didn't go away.

Your magic hadn't stabilized, and you were failing at everything, but you couldn't bring yourself to worry about it.

Erik wrote to you, commenting on the importance of you and Wanda practicing magical balancing together, and you burned the letter while crying on the carpet.

And at this rate, time went by.

It was almost the middle of the school year when things started to take a turn for the worse at Hogwarts, and in the wizarding war as well.

Mephisto is getting stronger, and the order is losing. And Kaecillius must be under some pressure from the ministry, maybe for answers from organizations like the Avengers, which are forbidden, because his detentions get too horrible.

It is Saturday again, and you drag yourself to the room where you are supposed to fulfill your detention, but unlike the other days, Kaecillius locks the door.

You only notice because he seems tense and distracted, and there is no feather or book.

"Professor, what will my punishment be today?" You ask confused, and he is nodding to the center of the room as he stands in front of the desk, a few feet from you.

"Miss Stark, today I want to ask some questions and I expect honesty." He declines as he turns to you.

You hiss softly, putting your hands in your pockets.

"Shoot."

Kaecillius doesn't even mind your lack of formality, looking at you with an impassive face.

"What is Mephisto's location?"

You choke in surprise and disbelief. "Excuse me? Why do you think I know that?"

"The ministry has reason enough to suspect that the Order of the Avengers is nothing more than a cover for the death walkers.Your brother, whom I had suspected of being part of that order of delinquents, is no longer at Hogwarts, but you will have to serve." He speaks and with each word you become more outraged. "Now answer me, where is Mephisto?"

" Did you just fucking call my brother a delinquent?" You mutter incredulously. "I have no idea where Mephisto is, what's your problem?"

But you widen your eyes when the professor draws his wand, and you barely have time to swallow dry before the spell hits you in the chest.

It's the cruciatus curse. You know the second it hits you. The sharp pain fills every cell in your body and you scream, not having the strength to stand or with your eyes open, hugging yourself.

"We must not tell lies, Miss Stark." Kaecillius says as soon as he stops enchanting you, the pain disappears in the same instant, but you continue to tremble.

In complete shock and fear, you sob.

"I will ask you again, where is Mephisto?"

You let the tears flow, and shake your head. "I don't know, professor."

Kaecillius lets out a sigh of disappointment. "Some cases are more difficult than others." He comments somberly, taking a step toward her. "Did you know that the record for enduring the Cruciatus curse before madness is six hours? Incredible, isn't it? It happened during the first war, with a muggleborn. You're a half-blood, maybe you can take longer"

He has a devilish grin as he finishes, and you clench your jaw at the threat.

"I don't know where Mephisto is." You repeat, but the professor points his wand at you again.

"My bet is seven hours."

And then the pain returns.

You don't know how long you stay in that room.

But it is long enough for your consciousness to begin to fade. The pain gets so severe that it gradually fades away. You begin to gasp breathlessly, not even able to scream anymore.

Someone help me. Please, help me. Help me. Wanda.

Between the tears you see the floor of the room, and between a twinge of pain, a red light. And everything is dark again.

//-//-//

“Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Warcraft and Wizard is arrested in flagrant by aurors from the ministry of magic this week, full coverage on page..."

You blink confusedly, your eyes getting used to the clarity, while the headline of the Daily Prophet was the first thing your vision caught.

And then you shifted in bed, realizing that you were in a hospital room , and whoever was reading next to you put the paper down when they heard you, and you could behold the curious look on your brother's face.

"Tony?" you whispered confused, and he smiled as he stood up quickly, the newspaper forgotten on the armchair.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" He asked as his hand reached for the loose strands of hair on your face and put them back. "You scared the hell out of me."

"What happened?"

"What's the last thing you remember?"

You thought, and then sighed, closing your eyes for a moment.

"Kaecilius."

Tony bit his lip nervously before speaking.

"I'm sorry." He said, lowering his hand to his own. "I came here as soon as I got the howler from Professor Strange, but honestly, I didn't even need it, because all the newspapers are talking about it."

"What...?" You started in confusion, but Tony hurried to explain.

"Wanda found you, Y/N." He told. "She, well, wasn't exactly happy about the whole thing. I think she lost control. Kaecilius is lucky to be alive if you ask me. She almost destroyed the seventh floor, it was a huge mess. And then the aurors interfered, and soon there were reporters everywhere. I guess now everyone knows she's a scarlet witch."

You widened your eyes, straightening to sit up and grumbling a little in pain. Tony looked at you with concern, asking you to take it easy, but you were already asking about Wanda.

"She's at the ministry of magic." He clarified. "Kaecilius is going on trial for torturing a student, and she will answer for putting everyone in danger."

" What?" you ask incredulously, and Tony sighs.

"Yeah I know it's unfair." He says. "But the minister of magic seems to be looking everywhere for people to blame for his lack of control. The problem is how much of that information will get to Mephisto. The whole ministry seems to be full of walkers."

You ran your hand across your face, frustrated.

"I'm so tired, Tony." You confess in a whisper. "It feels like everything is falling apart around me, and things are only getting worse."

Tony squeezes your hand. "I'm sorry, I really am. This whole situation sucks, and I wanted to help you. I'm trying, sister. I haven't been talking to you as much as I should, but I didn't want you to think you're alone. I'm working on breaking the bond. To free you and Wanda from the prophecy, and the wizarding world from dangers like Mephisto. I'm sorry I haven't been by your side."

You swallow your cry, and nod, trying to smile at Tony. He reaches up to hug you, and you gasp softly, taking a few seconds to relax and let the tears flow.

When you calm down, Tony tells you that he is going to get a Mediwizards to check your situation.

You lie down again, sighing softly. The memories come back with full force, and you choke softly, feeling your body tremble.

It's as if you can feel the curse again, sense the pain on your skin. Opening your eyes and shaking the memories away, you swallow dryly and reach for the glass of water on the nightstand.

You just want Wanda by your side telling you that everything is going to be okay.

//-//-//-//-//

You stay under observation for two days.

Doctor Hank makes a joke about you enjoying St.Mungus more than you should since you keep coming back, but Tony doesn't laugh.

Then you' re going back to Hogwarts by train, because the doctor thinks you shouldn't use magical means of transportation for a few days, and it's weird to take the empty express, but as soon as you arrive at the station, Gamora and Nebula are waiting for you with boxes of candy bought in Hogsmeade, and tight hugs.

You are not surprised by the stares you receive from the other students, but you ignore them as your sisters escort you around the castle to the Hufflepuff communal hall.

"Did you get to talk to Wanda?" Gamora asks as soon as you sit down on your bed, sighing with exhaustion from the train ride. The mention of the other sorceress' name doesn't help.

"Not yet." You say. "And I wouldn't be surprised to hear that she's ignoring me."

Nebula exchanges a look with her sister before sitting down on Mantis' bed, who is hugging her knees and looking at you.

"Honestly, I just want to finish this year without any more problems." You confess as you take off your jacket. And there is a moment of silence before you swallow dryly. "I also wanted to apologize to you guys."

Gamora frowns slightly, but says nothing. You take a deep breath.

"I know I was under the influence of an evil book, but that was still no excuse for treating you guys like that." You begin. "Tony told me about how things are in the wizarding world. Everyone is going through something, and it was selfish of me to think that only my problems matter. I'm sorry."

"Really, Y/N, it's okay." Nebula says, surprising you a bit. "We were all stressed, and well, I think an evil book is a pretty fair excuse." She jokes, making you smile. "Maybe things will get a little better now that Strange is the director."

"Oh, that's right" You comment just then remembering the things Tony updated you on while you were at St.Mungus. Like Kaecillius' resignation, and the position being passed on to Professor Stephen. "But honestly, I won't be at peace until I hear from Wanda."

"The trial isn't until Friday. And the way things are going, we won't get any news until it's over." Gamora warned as she sat down on the bed next to you. "I think the Maximoffs are probably too busy to write."

"What do you think will happen to Wanda?" You ask as you tug at the loose strands of the comforter. Mantis sighs lightly.

"I don't have a good feeling about things, Y/N." She confesses and you frown in concern. "And the stars never lie."

"Thank you, Mantis." You mock softly, and Gamora runs her hands through her hair.

"Let's not be pessimistic, okay?" she says. "Maybe the predictions are about, I don't know, the school finals? It doesn't mean something bad is really going to happen."

You grumble unhappily, grabbing a pillow and sinking your face into it. Gamora strokes your back.

"I'm sure things will work out, Y/N." She says. "Wanda will write as soon as she can."

"Do you guys think Kaecilius will be sent to Azkaban?" Nebula asks next, making you raise your head curiously.

"I wouldn't be so sure." You grumble. "I was actually surprised that he was put on trial at all."

"Well, with the whole mess that happened, it was bound to happen." Gamora said. "More than half the school became aware that he used the cruciatus curse on you, and then the daily prophet. And I didn't even know they were in the castle."

"It was because of Wanda really, wasn't it?" Mantis added. "Kaecillius caused his own ruin. He called the journalists to show what he called progress and decided to torture a student while they were in the castle. Then Wanda destroyed the entire floor and the next morning his arrest was all over the pages."

"I'm just really outraged to know that if no one had seen it, he would probably still be at Hogwarts." Gamora says angrily, and you sigh, agreeing as well as the others.

"Well, you must be hungry, shall we go to the great hall? It's almost dinner time." Gamora comments next, pulling you by the hand. You grumble softly, but agree, and soon you are leaving the communal hall to join the rest of the students.

//-//-//-//-//

You are tapping your fingers gently against the desk as you wait for the History of Magic class to begin.

It is Friday, finally.

You have barely slept because of anxiety about news of Wanda's trial.

Things at Hogwarts have changed a lot this week, all because of Strange's administration.

He restored the old classes, banned the teaching of dark magic, the scandal at the Daily Prophet being enough of an argument that the Minister of Magic no longer had a defense over this kind of teaching at Hogwarts. The restricted session of the library was also put back, and the seventh floor was off-limits because of the destruction Wanda caused, and you unfortunately lost access to the Requirement room.

Mantis was writing what looked like a lunar calendar for the divination class while Professor Okoye didn't arrive, and you started whistling distractedly.

And then Thor Odinson was poking you in the back to get your attention, and you turned around in your chair.

"Hi, Stark, what's up?"

"Fine." You grumbled suspiciously. "Can I help you with something?"

Thor looked almost unsure. "I was just wondering if you know of anything going on with Loki."

You frowned. "Excuse me?"

"I mean if you know if he's sick or something." He explains. "We had a fight, and well, he's not talking to me. And I've noticed that you guys have been kind of close lately, and I was curious if you knew anything and..."

"No, Thor, I'm sorry." You interrupt with a sigh. "Maybe you should ask him that."

Thor assumes a sad expression. "I would, but he's ignoring me. I think it might be about our mother."

You make a confused expression, and Thor looks surprised.

"Our mother, she...died earlier this year, Y/N." Thor counters, and you widen your eyes. "Our family is a name of reference against Mephisto. With the war, the walkers came to our home. She was there while we were here, and Dad was at the ministry."

"I'm so sorry, Thor." You whisper to him, still shocked by the information. He shrugged.

"I thought Loki told you."

"We don't talk about things like that, I guess." You say. "Sorry, I wish I knew how to help you."

"No, it's okay." Thor says with a sad smile. "You being his friend this year is more than enough. I don't like seeing him all alone out here."

You nod lightly, settling into your chair as you notice the teacher entering the room.

Mantis exchanges a look of understanding with you, having overheard the conversation even if accidentally, but she says nothing, and soon you are hearing about the witch hunt in the United States, and you try to focus on that rather than curiosity about how Wanda's trial is going or Loki's current emotional state.

//-//-/-//-//-//

As soon as lunchtime begins, you join the Slytherin table, where some of the students have placed a radio on the table, equally with other students from the other houses, to listen to the trial.

You are not surprised that a student's trial is such an interesting topic for everyone, but after the school started talking about Wanda being a scarlet witch, and the theories circulating around the halls, it was to be expected.

So you sit back while biting your fingertips and listening.

"And now directly from the Ministry of Magic, the trial of seventeen-year-old witch Wanda Maximoff, daughter of legendary witch Erik L-"

Your attention is slightly diverted from the narrative when loud laughter catches your ears.

They are Gryffindor and Slytherin students, exchanging coins. You don't need to hear the conversation to know they are gambling about the trial, the mean laughter and glances in the direction of you and your sisters are enough.

And as if she could feel your growing fury, Gamora touches your shoulder gently.

"Just ignore them, Y/N." She urges and you clench your jaw. " Everything is going to be okay with Wanda."

"I hope you're right, Gamora." You grumble, turning your attention back to the radio.

The narration of the newspaper is generic, and you discover that the audience has been closed off to the reporters.

You take a deep breath, concentrating.

No strange feeling, so Wanda is safe.

You wonder if Erik and Pietro are by her side during the whole thing.

It is only at the end of lunchtime that you have the result.

"It's amazing how things unfold in the ministry this afternoon." Counted the reporter with almost excitement. "After a unanimous vote, the witch Wanda Maximoff was found guilty of endangering her fellow students by not registering as a scarlet witch to the ministry of magic, after it was proven that her father, the sorcerer Erik Lehnsherr knew of her condition, as well as the affiliation with the criminal, Agatha Harkness was also mentioned. The ministry finally decided on Wanda Maximoff's expulsion from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizarding"

You felt your stomach plummet.

And everything became a little muffled around you, a soft whistle in your ear. You think Gamora and Nebula were calling for you, but you were getting up, feeling the room getting too small.

Stumbling out, you loosened the knot of your tie, finally stopping in the courtyard as you leaned your body against a pillar.

Wanda had been expelled from Hogwarts, publicly exposed as a Scarlet Witch, and tried as a criminal. You wondered if they would break her wand. Banned wizards led horrible lives.

Your sisters and friends caught up with you quickly, and you let them hug you.

In a few minutes Director Strange is catching up with you as well, and you release Gamora's grip to talk to him.

"Professor, I need to..."

"You cannot leave Hogwarts, Miss Stark." He interrupts with a wave of his hands and you frown in confusion, ready to protest but he is already speaking. "Tony sent a patronus as soon as the results came out, he already figured you'd want to see Miss Maximoff. The ministry is a mess, and Wanda will be staying with her father there for the minister's final decisions. You should stay here, where you are safe."

"That's not fair!" You squawk angrily. "Wanda needs me, I must-"

"She needs you to be safe." He interrupts again seriously, and then lowers his tone slightly as he notices the curious looks of the surrounding students. "Be rational, Miss Stark. Now that the Wizarding community knows the nature of Wanda's powers, how long before Mephisto has enough information and discovers your identity as protector."

You swallow dryly, clenching your fists begrudgingly. Stephen is right. You look away, and he sighs, placing his hand on your shoulder.

"Wanda will be fine, even without her NEWTS, she is an extraordinary witch." He says. "And the year is coming to an end, soon you will be able to see her again."

"She needs me now." You grumble annoyed, turning away from the professor's touch. He looks at you for a moment and then clears his throat.

"I'll see what I can do, Miss Stark." He says."In the meantime, focus on your studies, and be careful."

You frown at Stephen's words, but he is already turning and leaving before you can ask.

As you turn to your friends, Gamora has a worried look on her face.

"Are you okay?" She asks, and you sigh, agreeing to hug her again as you mumble no.

"I can feel how upset she is, Gamora." You grumble against your sister's shirt, wishing you could hug Wanda now. Gamora squeezes you against her arms, and you thank her for her intention even if it isn't enough.

The next few days are like a blur for you.

Many letters arrive, as do many editions of the Daily Prophet.

When the picture of the day Wanda's wand was broken comes out on the front page and you see her tired face, you have to run out of the common room to keep from crying in front of your colleagues.

Everyone writes to you, even Carol, everyone but the Maximoffs.

It is frustrating, and honestly, it breaks your heart in many ways.

The news of a Scarlet Witch after a century is almost as bombastic as Mephisto's return, and you're not surprised that many of your colleagues would start to comment on the possibility of Wanda working with him or against him.

It's overwhelming how everyone talks about her, but all you can feel is how much you miss her around the castle, around you.

You couldn't even remember that your magic is stable, and with everything that has happened, you haven't had time to figure out how to fix things.

Stephen tried to help, but he didn't know what was going on. At least the theoretical part of magic you were able to master, and you hoped to get at least an acceptable score in some subjects.

Only almost a week and a half after the trial, Professor Strange interrupts the potions class to talk to you.

Ignoring the curious stares and whispers of your classmates, you ask Professor Munroe to excuse you, and leave the room.

"What is wrong, professor?" You ask curiously as you close the door, watching Stephen with his hands in his pockets.The dungeons feel emptier without the ministry aurors around the castle.

"Saturday, in the Astronomy tower, nine-thirteen at night." He says as he hands you a small gold key, causing you to frown in confusion. "You will have exactly one hour, Miss Stark. Not a second more."

You stare at the object in your hand, and understand. A portal key. To Wanda.

"Thank you, Professor." You say, and Stephen nods before leaving.

You turn back to potions, the object in your pocket. You could barely contain your anxiety.

//-//-//-//-//-//-//

Tag list> @imapotatao / @aimezvousbrahms/ @ensorcellme/ @helloalycia || @mionemymind / @abimess / @stephanieromanoff / @yourtaletotell / @tomy5girls / @justagaypanicking / @thegayw1tch / @idek-5 // @myperfectlovepoem // @helloalycia // @ENSORCELLME // @AIMEZVOUSBRAHMS // @drpepperobsessed // @sighsam // @olsensnpm // @sxfwap // @table57 // @madamevirgo // @causeitswhatjesuswouldfreakingdo // @emptysince18x // @xastrydx || @yuhloversxx || @ymzki-haruki || @wouldirunofftheworldsomeday || @lostandsearching || @lezzzbehonesthere || @musicinourlips || @chaekhan || @diaryoflife || @nervoustrack || @aquamarinescarlet || @cristin-rjd || @idamaemann || @fortunatelynerdylight || @iliketozoneout || @blackwow34 // @tiny--freak || @spongebobtentacles || @cyberbonesworld ||

A/F/N> Place your bets for my next comeback (a week, a month or tomorrow?). If I delete the blog, and you're in love with this story for some reason I don't know about because there are so many better things to read, know that I'll post everything on AO3 if I ever do.

#wanda maximoff x reader #wanda x reader #scarlet witch x reader #marvel imagines #The Scarlet Witch Prophecy #elizabeth olsen x reader #harry potter au

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crazyk-imagine · 3 years

Text

Sacrifice - Original Ending

Pairings: Damon Salvatore x Female reader

Characters: Female reader, Bonnie Bennett, Elena Gilbert, Damon Salvatore, Stefan Salvatore (mentioned)

Warnings: character death, complusion, angst

Word Count: 1,301

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

'There is one way I could help Elena and protect everyone before they get themselves hurt. Should I? I mean it is risky and dangerous. But if I can save everyone then it'll be worth it even if I-’ Your thoughts were interrupted by Bonnie.

“We’re gonna go check on Elena, make sure she’s okay. Are you gonna be if I leave?”

You smiled, nodding, “Of course, I’ll be okay. You go make sure she's okay. She's gotta be freaked out by this whole thing." Bonnie nods. "I'll be fine, go check on Elena but don't forget to take care of yourself. You take care of everyone else even when it's not your job. Sometimes it's okay to be a little selfish and want to take a break to take care of yourself, don't forget that." You pushed yourself off the couch, hugging her.

Bonnie tightened her hold on you before letting go.

Once Bonnie went out of the door, you started to feel the insides of the couch, searching for the piece of paper you need. Realizing it wasn't where you put it, you removed the couch cushions to find... nothing.

Standing up, you rubbed your face in frustration. "Where did I put it?"

“Looking for this.” You looked up to see Damon waving the paper you needed.

You gasped.

“What the hell are you thinking?!” He stomped towards the table with the bourbon, pouring himself a glass, taking a sip.

“I-I don’t know what you're talking about? Please explain.” You said, putting the couch cushions back into the correct spot.

He walked behind the couch, taking a quick peek at his drink before throwing it at the wall. “You know exactly what I’m talking about! What makes you think this is okay?”

You pick up your bag, placing it on your shoulder, you head for the door.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Damon used his vampire speed to step in front of you.

“Get out of my way Damon.” You pushed him out of your way, grabbing the spell from his back pocket, placing it in your bag without him noticing.

He grabbed your arm; your bag fell off your shoulder. “No, you’re not gonna go out there so you can do your witchy woo and die. You’re staying here with me.”

You pulled your arm out of his grasp. "Why do you care so much about me right now? You barely bat an eye in my direction but now that you know what I'm about to do you're suddenly concerned. Why?"

"I care about you."

You scoff, "that's hard to believe."

"Why is that so hard to believe?"

"Oh, I don't know her name starts with an E and ends with an L, E, N, and an A. Now, what does that spell? Oh, yeah, Elena?"

"What does she have to do with this?"

"Everything seeing as her life is in danger again. Shouldn't you be more concerned with her life, since you're in love with her."

"I'm not in love with her."

"Why do I find that hard to believe?"

"I'm not. I don't love her, I love someone else!"

"Who?"

"You."

Your brows furrowed together, "I'm sorry, I think I misheard you, could you repeat that?"

His eyes softened when he took a step closer to you, cradling your head in his hands. "You. I'm in love with you. I'm not letting you go."

"You just had to make this harder." You whispered.

"What-"

Your vision blurred as tears pooled in your eyes, bringing your hand up, resting it on top of Damon's. You leaned in, staring him in the eyes, as you said, "I'm going to leave here. You're going to forget that we had this conversation. You're going to forget you love me, you think we're drinking buddies and that's it. The only person you love is Elena, you believe she's your one true love, your happy ending." You sobbed while grabbing your bag before speeding out of the house, going into the woods, near the Lockwood estate.

You opened your bag, pulling out the spell, and the other ingredients you need. Wiping your face, you set everything up, and began to do your work.

Bonnie and Elena were eating dinner talking about anything they could think of. Only to be interrupted by the doorbell.

"I'll get it," Elena told Bonnie when she pushed her chair back, walking out of the kitchen to open the door.

You started chanting.

Bonnie followed, she had a feeling something might happen and was worried about her friend.

"Oh my god." Elena gasped, slamming the door shut. "Bonnie! Run!" She yelled, running towards her friend, pushing her up the stairs.

The vampire kicked the door open, walking towards the two, he grabbed Elena’s ankle, pulling her down.

Elena lets go of Bonnie when she's pulled down. "Keep going Bonnie." Elena looks over her shoulder and kicks the vampire in his face before she pushes herself up the stairs.

Bonnie bent down, grabbing her arm, pulling her up.

After they made it to the top of the stairs Bonnie gave the vampire an aneurysm, giving the two enough time to back up, closer to Elena's room. Bonnie stopped to close the door.

You could see Elena tell Bonnie something but you couldn't hear what she said.

"I need to call Stefan." Elena said, grabbing her phone, dialing his number. She didn't get to talk to him because the vampire broke her bedroom door, grabbed Bonnie and slammed her head against the wall before he grabbed Elena.

The wind blew out the candles you were using, breaking your concentration, you disappeared.

"What do you want?" Elena asked.

"Do you really not get it?" The vampire tilted his head. "I want the Salvatore’s to hurt like they hurt me. I'm going to kill the girl they both love." He sped in front of her and bit into her neck.

She thrashed in his hold but with his supernatural abilities, he easily had the upper hand.

After relighting the candles, you returned to Elena's house. You watched as the vampire dropped Elena's body, staring at her, blood dripping down his chin.

He stared in disgust, shaking his head. You took a step forward causing the vampire to look up, "who are you?"

"No one that concerns you. Why did you do this?"

"I couldn't- I-"

"revenge."

"What?"

"You wanted revenge, right?" The vampire nodded.

You walked around Elena's body, standing in front of him, you placed your hand on his chest, "I'm going to help you."

"H-how?"

"I'm sorry," you shoved your hand through his chest, lightly squeezing his heart before pulling it out.

He fell, turning grey as his veins appeared.

You dropped his heart, turning around you studied Elena, her wound, having an inner debate with yourself. Shaking your head, you brought your arm up, your hand hovered over Elena's chest. Closing your eyes, you muttered another spell, shaking your head when you feel yourself losing your strength.

Bonnie groaned, holding her head, "what happened?" She turned to see Elena and you.

Turning you gave Bonnie a smile.

Bonnie's eyes widened when she saw the blood drop from your nose. She called out for you but you disappeared.

A phone ringing made Bonnie pause, she reached for Elena's phone, answering it, "hello."

"Bonnie? What're you-," Damon groaned like he was in pain.

"Damon? Damon?"

"No. No. No."

"Damon, what's wrong?"

"Where is she?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know."

"She- she was here but she-"

"she what?"

"I think she saved Elena." Bonnie whispered as she began to cry.

Elena woke up, gasping for air, reaching up she felt her neck.

You traded your life for hers.

#damon salvatore #damon salvatore x reader #the vampire diaries #vampire diaries #damon imagine #damon salvatore imagine #damon salvatore fanfic #damon salvatore fanfiction #damon salvatore imagines #the vampire diaires fanfiction #the vampire diaries imagines #the vampire diaries fanfic #the vampire diaires imagine #crazyk-imagine

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misslilli · 3 years

Text

Happy New Year guys 🥳

Felix Felicis

MSR. AU. E. | tagging @today-in-fic | read on AO3

Chapter 67 - Be My Valentine

The week that follows our adventures at the Beach House drags by so slowly and to be honest, I'm torn if this is a good thing or not.

On the one hand, at the end of it twinkles the promise of a great first Valentine's Day date.

I have absolutely no idea what Mulder's got planned, he's secretive about it and changes the subject smoothly whenever I ask too many prying questions. Not even Felix, who's bursting at the seams with the secret he's keeping, has let anything slip.

On the other hand, the end of the week also marks the start of spring break. My kids are wearing my patience thin with their barely contained excitement mixed into the exhaustion from working hard, report cards need to be written up, parting gifts need to be bought and wrapped and the classroom mess needs to be tidied.

What puts quite the damper on my vacation spirits is the fact that the boys will be gone for a whole week, visiting Sam in LA.

The girls have scoffed and rolled their eyes at me more than once, until Holly finally has had enough and suggested I just fold myself into a tiny ball for them to stuff in their hand-luggage so she doesn't have to listen to my whining on her spring break.

"You'll see them again on your birthday, D, maybe a little time apart is not such a bad thing, you know?," Alex has offered her perspective with a pat on my arm and Sarah has added her two-cents with a wink to "give him a good send-off he won't be able to keep off his mind until they get back."

The outfit we've picked up at La Perla will certainly do its part in that, I think with a tiny tingle of anticipation.

If and when I've managed to get through Valentine's at school without losing my mind, that is. Oh the drama… some kids are giddily reading their cards, showing them off to their friends in fits of giggles, others are glumly staring at theirs because it's not from the person they had hoped for but I did make sure they each get one. Nothing worse than the disappointment of not receiving one at all.

A few cards have found their way to my desk too, anonymous of course, can't betray their coolness with a signed card to their teacher. More or less, they're quite similar, only one of them stands out, the writing a little wobblier than the others, more spelling mistakes on it and I smile at it a little more affectionately.

I display them all proudly on the wall behind my desk, but that special one gets a special spot and the anonymous sender gets an extra tight hug as a thank-you at recess.

It takes a few hours of prep-time for us to get ready in my crowded bathroom, a closely avoided burn mark from the curling iron in Sarah's hand and additional helping hands to fasten clasps and zip up dresses in the back.

Not one of us has any idea where our date will take us and while we're getting ready, we're spit-balling the most outlandish ideas where we'll end up tonight. Everyone except Alex, who has been boycotting Valentine's Day on principle for as long as we can remember.

"I bet Tom's reserved a table at some restaurant, like every year - not to be ungrateful or anything but I wish he'd plan something else for a change, something more exciting than dinner…," Sarah sighs her dismay that her boyfriend doesn't have a romantic bone in his body into her powder puff.

"Well maybe you should plan Valentine's Day for a change, if all you do is complain about his choices, missy, we gave you plenty of good location ideas for next year!"

"A spaceship is not a good location idea, Holly…" I hide my grin into my own powder puff, someone I know would think this to be the utmost perfect location for a date.

Alex answers the doorbell that startles us out of our discussion while we put on the last finishing touches and make our way downstairs. Three gentlemen in their finest suits await us downstairs, though only the one in the middle and his awestruck clean-shaved face makes my heart flutter and beat a little bit faster.

"Miss, I was blinded by your beauty, I'm going to need your name and phone number for insurance purposes!," he grins into our soft kiss hello.

"You're so handsome, I completely forgot my pickup line. Nice touch." I smile up him dreamily, touching a finger to the daisy tucked in next to his pocket square.

"You're disgusting, both of you… Let's go before they can think up more cheesy lines." Holly teases from her boyfriend Rick's side with a tug on his hand.

"You know, we could've walked here from the house, Mulder…," I remark on our stroll along the harbor, decorated with glowing hearts in the trees that line the walkway that add a romantic feel to the Christmas lights twinkling between them.

"No? It's cold and you're in heels that are far too nice to ruin on the long walk down the dirt road!"

"So it's only a short walk huh… we're going to Mamma Mia's!"

"No."

"The Cabby Shack?"

"Nope."

"Oh please, I'm dying with curiosity over here! Where are we going?" The. impatient tug on his hand only puts that secretive smile on his face again and he only lifts his shoulder in response… What it he up to?

I'm almost a hundred percent sure we're headed to the overly fancy restaurant right next to the Cabby Shack but I'm dead wrong again.

Instead, we turn to walk down the dock where we shared our first kiss, only now it's not as deserted and at the end, a two-story boat bobs up and down, festively adorned with more lights and a warm glow coming from the windows on the bottom deck.

Squinting, I read the sign draped across the starboard side.

"Star-Gazing Cruise… Stargazing cruise? We're going on that??" Glancing up, mouth caught between gape and smile, I almost squeal out my delight at Mulder's slow nod.

"Mh-hm. But wait, there's one more surprise at the end of the dock." I don't think my heart can take more surprises tonight.

"You bunch of sneaky bastards!" Holly gives a smugly grinning Rick a swift punch to the arm as we join them at the end of the dock.

"You really had us, I can't believe you planned a triple date for us! Star-Gazing, no less. Kudos to whoever came up with that idea!"

"Thanks Shorty, we thought we'd shake things up a bit tonight, to save Tom from complaints about his lack of imagination." Sarah only laughs airily at the jab, thanking Rick profusely for saving her the effort.

Tom's shoulder sag a few inches before he gives a half-shrug and forces a cheerful smile onto his face.

"Let's get inside, guys, I'm freezing and hungry!"

It's fairly easy to sit on my moral high horse right now, in my contempt for Sarah's laugh, fully convinced my partner is the best thing since they invented sliced bread, has absolutely no flaws and is practically perfect in every way.

Scarily perfect. With his steadying hand on my back, taking off my coat to check it at the door, pulling out my chair at our table and warming my cold hands between his own under the table.

"How in the world did you guys come up with this? Thanks babe!," Sarah glances around at the guys, accepting the champagne flute Tom's filled up with a small smile.

"Well… I got the not-so-subtle hints that you'd like to do something special on Valentine's so I asked around a few of my construction site's for ideas - I own a construction company," he adds as an explanation for Mulder's benefit, placing a glass in my hand. "but they were just as clueless as I was. On one of our Friday poker nights, the topic came up and Rick here suggested we could go somewhere together, to shake things up a little."

"And so you'd only have to come up with one idea instead of two." At Holly's interception, Tom lifts his shoulders again, grinning a little guiltily that she hit the nail on the head.

"Yeah, pretty much. We were still hopelessly lost though, so Simon brought his Alex in to help us out. It was also her who reminded us that there's a new addition to our group and that he might have some great ideas up his sleeve. We were pretty impressed by the Winter Carnival idea, I gotta say!" He hands the final glass to Mulder, who reluctantly lets go of one of my hands to accept it.

"Thanks, although, full disclosure, that's the only one I didn't plan, that was Scully's idea." The memories of that afternoon lights up both of our faces and I give our interlaced hands a little squeeze.

Our conversation is interrupted briefly by the waiter taking our drink order and distributing this night's special menu. It's a mouth-watering four course dinner, started off with little appetizer plates for each couple to share, perfectly fit to eat one-handed. Or feed each other half when we've picked a particularly good one.

"So all this was your idea, then?" Mulder shakes his head no at my question, distracting me from the conversation momentarily with a quick swipe of his tongue across that bottom lip of his. Oh Lord, is it just me or did someone turn up the heat in here?

"I wish I could take the credit for this one. I had a little helper with a vast amount of information stored in his mind from your talks at recess." The mention of Felix reminds me to stop staring at those damn lips my eyes are glued to and force my mind to focus on putting thoughts into words and words into sentences. My dry mouth fails me miserably.

"You okay over there, Shorty? You look a little… distracted…," Tom teases me from across the table, sending an embarrassed flush up my neck. Shit, for how long was I staring?

"Uh-huh…Uhm…Our talk about constellations and star-gazing with my dad as a kid. I can't believe he remembers that, that was months ago!"

"Can't remember where he put his homework or his second sock but that he remembers…," Mulder's deadpan earns him a chuckle around the table. The water glass he pushes towards me with a knowing grin and a wink earns me a blush a shade darker.

We raise our champagne flutes in a toast to great ideas, clinking them together in the middle. I only take a small sip, champagne goes right to my head on an empty stomach and my mind is already plenty fuzzy around the edges from the absent-minded thumbstrokes of Mulder's hand on my thigh. How am I supposed to sit through three more courses and star-gazing without losing my mind?

From the appearance of the entrees to the end of the main course and during the easily flowing dinner conversations, the hand leaves its resting spot only for a total of five times - yes, I counted - until the table is cleared and the waiter steps up to inquire if we’d like to order dessert. I can barely manage to bite back my vocal reaction to Mulder's quiet whisper of what he'd like to have for dessert so very close to my ear, his warm breath sends shivers down my spine.

Leaned back after dessert, Tom's entertaining us with a story about one of his new construction workers, a young guy who always misplaces his tools, has no idea how to handle a hammer or a wrench, can't drill a hole to save his life and is in general a real liability to have on a construction site, but he does make for a funny story.

During his story, Mulder's leaning over every now and then, privately adding his own gleefully delivered dirty twist to 'handling hammers' and 'drilling holes'. Tears in my eyes and pressing my lips together tightly, I'm shaking from the effort to keep my laughter in, it's getting real difficult with each new comment.

"…and I got so frustrated with him fumbling around with a fucking screwdriver, I said Jesus Christ, if you can't get it in, put some grease on it and just screw it, it's not that hard!"

I try to confine my laugh into a snort but I absolutely lose it at this point, bursting into an uncontrollable giggle fit, waving my hands to get Tom to stop. He's so oblivious and confused as to why I'm crying laughing, hiding my blushed face into my hands. "What?? Screwing is not that hard!"

That's all it takes for Mulder to lose his composure as well and he barks out a laugh that only adds to my own amusement and we end up giggling like little children, leaned together for support until we're holding our sides, gasping for breath.

"For crying out loud, you two are so immature," Sarah sighs into her glass and rolls her eyes at us, her annoyance betrayed by the grin tugging on her lips.

I'm trying to catch my breath between residues of laughter, wiping my eyes. "I'm sorry… oh God… that was a good story, Tom, really." Even after the giggles subsided, I can't even look at Mulder, if I do, I'm sure I'll lose it again.

"Hey Richard, you wanna put that down for just one second to participate in the conversation?" The edge in Holly's voice and the use of his first and full name gets Rick to snap his head up from his phone and effectively puts an end to my amusement.

He places the phone face down back onto the table and throws Holly a guilty look.

"Sorry, doll, work stuff…"

She opens her mouth to fire back a nasty comment but thankfully, she's interrupted by the maitre d' clapping his hands for attention, announcing it's time to head onto the upper deck for the star-gazing part of the evening. I breathe a sigh of relief.

Bundled up in our coats, the six of us separate into different sections of the deck for some alone time, Sarah and Tom choose the front to listen to the astronomer pointing out constellations, Mulder and I huddle underneath a blanket in the back to people-watch in peace. Holly and Rick are at the starboard railing, still arguing with hushed voices and flailing hands.

Head tilted back, I search the night sky for a shooting star and name a few constellations I can make out. It's suspiciously quiet by my side and when I glance over, Mulder's not participating in the star-gazing at all. Instead, he's watching Rick and Holly, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. I can practically see the profiler wheels turning in his sideways-leaned head.

"Penny for your thoughts?" My gentle nudge into his side pulls his attention away from the fight, clearing his mind with a little shake of his head.

"I'm sorry, got lost in my thoughts…"

"Care to share?" I'm curious and also a little worried he think this'll be us in a few years, ruining a perfect evening with an argument instead of enjoying the moment.

"I'm not sure if you'll like what I have to say… and I don't want to overstep…"

"You think this will be us in about two years?" He only snorts in response, tugging me closer with his arm draped across my shoulders.

"Don't be ridiculous, no." Oh the sweet naïveté of the first few months of a new relationship. Closely snuggled together in our bubble, we're apparently both still fully convinced that we'll solve all of our arguments calmly and end up laughing in the end or maybe we'll never fight at all - we're such a perfect match and with all of our rules and good intentions for open communication and honesty, what could go wrong?

"Mhkay good. So pray tell, what's on your mind?"

"Two years, you said? I really hope I'm wrong, but I don't think Rick will be around that long…" Surprised at his words, I pull back a little to glance up at him, eyebrow raised.

"What? Why?"

"Because they speak different love languages. Judging only from tonight, hers is possibly quality time and his is receiving messages from other women to answer during dinner with his girlfriend." My face must register my shock and confusion.

"Come on, work stuff? On Valentine's Day? Phone face down on the table? Phone at the table at all? Again, I really hope I'm wrong but either he's just a dick or he's texting with other women. Maybe both."

To fight the sinking feeling in my stomach and to save our own evening from drifting off into Depression Land, I desperately need to change the subject and let future me worry about whether he's right in his assessment or not. Subty, I push my own phone a little deeper into my coat pocket.

"I hope it's neither and you're dead wrong about this… Hey, is it time to exchange gifts yet?"

I'm the absolute worst at keeping gifts to myself, the envelope in my purse has been screaming for attention the whole evening and now that we're finally alone, I think exchanging gifts are the perfect way to refocus our attention to what's really important. If it weren't for the wide-eyed, slow-blinking expression on Mulder's face.

"Oh no, I was supposed to bring a gift? I'm sorry, I thought this evening… was the gift…" I wave my hand at him with a quick shake of my head. Since it brings me a lot more joy to give gifts rather than receive them, I whip out my envelope and present it to him with a flourish and an elated grin on my face.

"Here. I wasn't sure if it was something you'd enjoy doing so I employed the services of a little someone who does know and he signed off on it. Open it!" Envelope in hand, Mulder throws me a dubious look.

"I really hope for him Felix didn't rope you into giving me something only he'll enjoy." Giggling at the thought - that actually does sound like something Felix would do - I shake my head again, nudging him to finally open the stupid envelope.

"If this is tickets to the Trolley Museum or something, I swear to God…" He's trying my patience on purpose and I watch him pull out the contents of the envelope with an open-mouthed expectant grin. Completely taken by surprise, he glances from the tickets in his hand to me and back again several times.

"Are you insane??"

"Yes.," I nod gravely. "Although I'm surprised it took next year's Super Bowl tickets for you to realize that…" Far too slowly for my liking, he fans out the tickets in his hand, staring down at them for a while to keep his emotions in check. Oh stop it, if you cry, I cry.

"I… That's… There's… three tickets here."

"You think I want to get murdered in my sleep?"

My attempt to lighten the mood is met by a hug so tight, it momentarily takes my breath away and a watery laugh that warms my heart and has my eyes brimming with tears too. Crap, I swore to myself I wouldn't cry tonight!

"It's too much, Scully, I can't accept that… these tickets must've cost a fortune!"

"Oh I know a guy, who knows a guy…"

————

[ FM ]

Pulled back from our hug, we wipe our eyes chuckling at ourselves and share a salty kiss I try to put all my thankfulness for her very existence into.

I'm absolutely awestruck by her gift, not only by the fact that she picked something I've been thinking about doing for a long time and what must've cost a small fortune, guy or no guy.

The biggest gift for me and the one that transforms me into a blubbering, emotional mess is that she has included Felix. Simple as that, no questions asked, no "Oh what can we do to get rid of that kid?".

Integrating my child so effortlessly might as well be my secondary love language.

Caught up in my emotional turmoil, I almost forget that I was only joking about not getting her a gift, although it pales in comparison. It's also an envelope to shyly present to her surprised face, but it contains a weekend getaway for only the two of us, to spend a few days away from the day-to-day grind, wrapped in fluffy robes the entire day and with someone else to make us breakfast in the morning.

"Oh my… Thank you, I love it! We'll go at the end of the school year, it'll balance out the funk of saying goodbye to my kids after four years together!"

Gifts exchanged, we return to what we're actually here to do, searching the night skies for stars and she quietly admits she's never seen a shooting star before. After a while of silently gazing upwards, a streak lights up the darkness and we each make a secret wish on the shooting star that makes its way across the sky.

I can hardly wait to get her home and upstairs, to really show my appreciation for her incredibleness and to finally get a glimpse of what she's been hinting at, another surprise, just for me. Oh please let it be La Perla.

#the x files #xf #xf fanfic #msr #felix felicis #wonder if anyone notices

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grailfinders · 3 years

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Fate and Phantasms #204

Today on Fate and Phantasms we're building the second greatest musician in the spirit origin list, Antonio Salieri! Tony-O is a Spirits Bard to pull up a variety of musical numbers, as well as a Great Old One Warlock because he hasn't quite been feeling himself lately...

Check out his build breakdown here, or his character sheet below the cut!

Next up: Look alive, creme de la Kremlin's arriving.

Race and Background

Antonio's a human. Or at least he was, before the collective consciousness of humanity got a hold of him and turned him into an unholy avenger of darkness. That's... kind of a Fallen Aasimar, I guess? He gets +2 Charisma and +1 Strength, Darkvision to help with the russian nights, a fancy outfit that gives you Celestial Resistance against radiant and necrotic damage, and the Light cantrip thanks to being a Light Bearer. Darkness is more your style, but you're anime. I'm sure some part of you lights up when you have a big attack coming. You also get Healing Hands for a pool of 1 hp of healing per level per long rest, but that's not really in character. I guess this is your Self-Restoration, as long as you only use it on yourself.

Like your rival you're also a Guild Artisan, giving you Insight and Persuasion proficiency as long as you keep paying your dues.

Ability Scores

Make sure your Charisma is as high as possible. You're the best musician in the world. Now. Second highest should be Constitution, you play violin on your own tendons and come out ok, I can't even use the computer too often without messing those things up. Your Dexterity is also pretty high. I don't care what the rules say, you can't play the piano if you're clumsy. You're also pretty good with a shortsword. This means your Strength isn't quite as high as I'd like, you don't use it normally, but you can turn into a dragon, so I'd like it to be better. Wisdom is a difficult one to place. Why they made "is emotionally stable" and "can hear good" a single stat I don't know, but it averages out to here. That means we're dumping Intelligence. You know who Mozart is and how to play the piano, and that's about it by now.

Class Levels

Bard 1: We're starting off with the bard because you do play music to kill things, but also to get three skill proficiencies from the bard list, which is to say from the entire list of skills. Grab Performance to perform, Intimidation to be absolutely terrifying later, and Perception so you can appreciate the true beauty of music. You also get proficiency in Dexterity and Charisma saves. As a bonus action, you can give a creature a d6 of Bardic Inspiration which they can add to their attack roll, save, or check once before expending it. You can do this Charisma Modifier times per long rest, and a creature can only have one inspiration at a time. Finally, you learn some Spells which you cast using your Charisma. Grab Blade Ward to power up your dragon fursuit a bit more, Mind Sliver and Dissonant Whispers for your wildfire rumors, Thunderwave for more typical weaponized music, Disguise Self for the visual effect of your costume change if your DM is a stickler, and Sleep to keep the Tsar happy a little while longer.

Bard 2: At second level, you become a Jack of All Trades, adding half your proficiency bonus to all checks you're not proficient in. You also get a Song of Rest, healing your party for an extra d6 if they heal on short rests. Not in character, but the rest works, so w/e. Finally, you get Magical Inspiration, so your inspiration dice can now help people by adding to their magic damage or healing. Your spell this level is Bane for a more mechanic-friendly wildfire. Makes a bunch of enemies a little bit worse at skill checks for a while.

Warlock 1: Before we get your usual stuff, let's pop over to warlock real quick for some bonus goodies. Your extra powers are technically from the Man in Grey, but more literally they're from the grail forcing you into an Avenger typing. That means just like Artoria Alter you're a Great Old One warlock, which gives you an Awakened Mind. This lets you telepathically speak to anyone within 30', as long as they understand at least one language. Wildfire is all about spreading rumors, and now not even the language barrier can stop you from doing so. Since you're an Aasimar, you also get your Necrotic Shroud this level. By using your action, you can force nearby creatures to make a charisma save (DC 8+ proficiency + charisma mod) or they're frightened of you for the round. Once per turn, you can add your level in necrotic damage to an attack or spell. You can don your costume once per long rest. Finally, you get Pact Magic. It's like magic, but not. You get new spell slots that don't mix with the others, but they recharge on short rests! You can use warlock slots for bard spells and vice versa. For warlock spells, grab Eldritch Blast for those guys you summon to shoot people, Sword Burst to summon guys with swords to whirl around you real quick, Armor of Agathys for actual protective armor with your dragon transformation, and Hex for more curses and the like.

Bard 3: Going back to bard gives you your college, the college of Spirits. With the grail's Guiding Whispers you'll learn the Guidance cantrip, adding 1d4 to a creature's next skill check for up to a minute. By combining this with your jack of all trades, you should be good enough at deception to trick that Mozart into... wait, no, that's not you. Right? Anyway. Your Spiritual Focus. You can cast spells through extra kinds of focii, and if you cast spell this way and you've got six or more levels in bard, they deal or heal an extra 1d6 to one target. Finally, you learn how to conduct Tales from the Beyond. You can spend a bonus action and an inspiration use to roll on the Spirit Tales table, using the inspiration die. You hold onto that effect until you use it, or you take a rest. You can use the tale by targeting a nearby creature as an action. Currently, your d6 lets you re-enact several of your operas and songs, like the Tale of the Clever Animal, giving the target inspiration on all intelligence, wisdom, and charisma checks for 10 minutes; Tale of the Renowned Duelist, a spell attack dealing 2 inspiration dice + your charisma modifier; Tale of the Beloved Friends, which gives the target and another creature of its choice temporary HP; Tale of the Runaway, which teleports a creature and can teleport others of their choosing; Tale of the Avenger, which makes every melee attack against a creature deal an extra inspiration die in force damage; and the Tale of the Traveler, giving a creature temporary HP, and while having that HP it moves faster and has a higher AC. You also get Expertise in Performance and Intimidation, doubling your proficiency in those skills. Finally, grab Phantasmal Force for your first long-term summon. Now your little grey guy can hang around for a bit. He technically isn't real, but if someone gets too close he can still poke them for some psychic damage.

Bard 4: Use your first Ability Score Improvement to bump up both your Dexterity for better swordplay and AC and Charisma for stronger spells. We actually won't be maxing out your charisma this build; you need to be worse than Mozart, after all. To drag him down to your level, grab Vicious Mockery for your cantrip and Shatter for your spell. Vicious Mockery is almost literally how Wildfire should work, and now that you can speak directly into people's minds it should be especially effective.

Bard 5: Fifth level bards get a stronger inspiration; now it's a d8. That means you unlock two more options on your spirit table, the Tale of the Beguiler to deal psychic damage and incapacitate a foe, and Tale of the Phantom to turn a creature invisible. The invisible creature adds necrotic damage to their next attack, and frightens the creature it hits. Helping you play even longer, you become a Font of Inspiration. Inspiration dice recharge on short rests, not just long ones. You also get your first third level spell, Intellect Fortress. Turns out avengers are almost as hard to faze as berserkers.

Bard 6: At sixth level, you can perform a longer musical called a Spirit Session over the course of an hour. By performing a ritual with a number of willing creatures, you temporarily learn a divination or necromancy spell from any spell list of a level equal to the number of creatures in the ritual. The upper limit is based on your proficiency bonus, and you can do this once per long rest, which is the same amount of time you'll keep the new spell for. Learn Animate Dead, and you'll suddenly have plenty of people willing to help with your next session! Boom, now you have long term versions of those little grey guys. They can probably use a sword if you ask them nicely. You also learn how to inspire Fear in creatures. More routinely than your dragon onesie does, anyway.

Warlock 2: Speaking of your dragon onesie, let's make it better with some Eldritch Invocations to spice things up. Armor of Shadows lets you cast Mage Armor at will for an AC of 13 + your dexterity modifier. I don't know what your third ascension is, but it's probably not armor. You also get Beguiling Influence for proficiency in Deception and Persuasion. If you talk up your project well enough, I'm sure people will work themselves to death to see it happen! Also, you can Cause Fear. It's not as good as Fear, but if you only need to hit one person you'll save a spell slot.

Warlock 3: At third level, warlocks get a fancy new gift from their patron. You're getting the Pact of the Chain, letting you cast Find Familiar as a ritual with a few extra forms and the ability to attack with your familiar by not attacking with your you. Put him in a fancy robe, boom, a chorus you don't have to keep control over with magic. You also learn how to make a Shadow Blade so you can summon a fancy magic violin bow.

Warlock 4: Use your next ASI to bump up your Dexterity for more finesse in your music and a higher AC. You also get the Friends cantrip to make fooling Mozart even easier, and Mind Spike for more mental anguish. This one has the added benefit of making it impossible to hide from you!

Warlock 5: Fifth level warlocks get third level spells, like Summon Lesser Demons. These chorus members won't listen to anything you say, so... keep your distance. Your curses are also Maddening Hexes now. When you curse a creature, you can use your bonus actions to deal psychic damage to that creature and everything within 5 feet of it. Perfect for those pesky teleporting enemies. Set it, and then there's nowhere in the world they can run to escape your pain.

Bard 7: Going back to bard gives you fourth level spells, like Ego Whip. Fill a creature with your despair, giving it disadvantage on attacks, checks, and saves, and prevent it from casting spells.

Bard 8: Use this ASI for even more Dexterity. You're as good at playing a fiddle as you are at composing, which is almost amazing. You can also create a Phantasmal Killer to stalk down a targeted creature, frightening it and dealing damage each turn it can't pass a saving throw.

Bard 9: Ninth level bards get a stronger Song of Rest, as well as fifth level spells. I wouldn't say you can cast this one, but Modify Memory has certainly been used on you a couple times.

Bard 10: Tenth level bards get a lot of cool stuff. Grab the Thunderclap cantrip, because it's the most straightforward part of this level. Aside from another round of Expertise doubling your proficiency in Insight and Perception, of course. Your inspiration die becomes a d10, so you get two more options on the spirit table. A Tale of the Brute lets the targeted creature try to knock over every creature they want within 30' of it, dealing thunder damage and knocking them prone if they fail a strength save. A Tale of the Dragon deals a bunch of fire damage in a cone, forcing a dexterity save. You also learn Magical Secrets, two spells from any spell list without restriction. Aside from being at a level you can cast. Conjure Barrage brings down your very own gunline on a poor sap, and Animate Dead makes that gunline in the first place. I know I suggested grabbing this with your spirit session, but you need to recast the spell over and over, so this just makes sense.

Bard 11: Eleventh level bard, meet sixth level spell. Psychic Crush might come from an Unearthed Arcana, but it's still a nasty little number. Your despair crushes the mind of a target, forcing and intelligence save. On a failure, it takes quite a bit of psychic damage and is stunned for up to a minute, with more intelligence saves each turn. The really nasty part is this spell isn't concentration based, so you've got plenty of options to abuse that.

Bard 12: Use your last ASI for more Constitution for better concentration and health.

Bard 13: Thirteenth level bards get seventh level spells, like Mordenkainen's Sword. Only the best for your chorus. It's a big sword that floats around for a minute. You can use your bonus action to move it around and wallop people. Also, your song of rest is a d10 now.

Bard 14: Your final goody from college is a Mystical Connection with your Tales from Beyond, letting you roll two dice and choose which one you take. If you roll the same number twice, its dealer's choice. You also get another round of Magical Secrets. Grab Crown of Stars for a slow burn barrage from the chorus, and Tenser's Transformation for your latest and best mystic code. You gain temporary HP, permanent advantage on weapon attacks, extra damage on those attacks, proficiency with all weapons and armor, proficiency in Strength and Constitution saves, and can attack twice per turn. Afterwards you have to make a constitution save or get some exhaustion, but that makes sense. Being the man in grey really takes a lot out of you.

Bard 15: Ok I might have lied about last level being the last things you get from your college. Fifteenth level bards get a d12 of inspiration, meaning you get your last two options on the spirit table. The Tale of the Angel gives a target 2d12+4 HP, and ends a basic status effect on them. The Tale of the Mind-Bender forces an intelligence save or deals 3d12 psychic damage to a target, stunning them for a round.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Bards are great at variety, and you prove that. You've got enough health and AC to be a melee fighter, plenty of spells to deal damage, and just enough healing to help the more dedicated party members.

You're also great and dealing status effects to creatures while dealing damage at the same time. These go beyond just fear, with nastier effects like reduced checks and saves, up to a full minute of being stunned. Free advantage for everyone who wants it is a big drawback.

To further push this advantage, you have plenty of ways to hand off responsibility to your chorus, further compounding your advantage from status effects.

Cons:

While you have a lot of options, you're not the best at any one of them. Also, it's hard to control your abilities sometimes, since your spirit table is literally random.

A lot of your spells also use concentration, so you have to be careful how you go about destroying people's minds.

Keeping uncapped charisma is funny for the character, but it's a big issue for your actual strength. Just max out your charisma if you play this build, it's fine.

#FGO #Fate grand order #D&D 5e #dnd #Antonio Salieri #warlock #bard

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wistfulrat · 4 years

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this week’s fics! feat. bakeries, bookshops, bisexual awakenings of the angsty and fluffy sort, wolfstar goddads being tender as hell, desi harry reconnecting with his culture, domestic drarry, a lap dance set to akon’s smack that, and more!

But That’s History by @ebbet - 54k - T Harry Potter starts his first year as Muggle Studies Professor only to find that Draco Malfoy has been hired to teach History of Magic.

listen to me. this is one of the funniest drarry fics i've ever read. i was cackling in my bed at 2am because harry’s internal monologues throughout this fic are unhinged. insanely quotable. “what was he, a lothario” and “you were crushing me with your muscular thighs!” are lines that live rent free in my empty head. harry has never played anything cool a day in his life. there’s a faculty meeting where the teachers are planning the yule ball and debating the merits of a DJ when harry decides he must defend his muggle-music-loving honor by dancing seductively to akon’s smack that while a blushing draco loses his mind. i fucking screamed. and the best part is that in between the comedic scenes threading the overall story, you have extremely tender moments of like, padma patil helping harry become a more rooted desi by sharing their cultural traditions, harry proudly donning his sherwani. draco wrestling with his past, going to harry’s lgbtq+ club for students, being sheepish with ron and hermione. ugh, comedic writers with emotional depth are clever and talented as hell!!

Realities, Unfurling by @ebbet - 45k - M Draco Malfoy is released from Azkaban into a changed world.

incredible collage-fic told from multiple povs. 8yrs post-war and everything’s changed. the current state of the magical world unfolds via slice-of-life snapshots from a truly stunning cast. non-binary harry whom is running a non-prof org dedicated to building tolerance and establishing equality for marginalized identities. post-prison-release draco whose life will be changed by the internet. neville’s tender relationship with blaise. andromeda’s fiercely protective mothering. remus and sirius being alive and very hot and just, the tender goddads harry deserved. cho chang being brilliant. baker pansy’s softened edges. found families abound. harry being flustered by their crush on draco and making personalized playlists on an iPod nano.

that all might sound narratively cluttered but the author more than pulls this off. glorious, start to finish.

Knead by @jovialobservationanchor (an @hd-erised fic) - 83k - E This is not a story about Harry renovating Grimmauld Place. This is a story about coffee shops and brewpubs, about Ginny and Luna on a farm with creatures, about magical Oregon, coastal road trips, flying, friendship, and Draco Malfoy's lean arms.

cinematic. a love letter to oregon’s expansive landscapes and lively cities. it’s harry finding home in unexpected places and people. in the vast silence of rolling fields, endless coasts, and starry night skies big enough to feel like you’re adrift in space. and it’s also the lingering, intimate quiet of early mornings in a bakery, sitting on a park bench overlooking the city as you eat ice cream next to your crush. it’s harry watching ginny and luna dance and work around each other like bees. it’s the slow unfolding of harry and draco’s relationship as they fill each other’s quiet. finishing this fic is like waking from a good dream. transporting, immersive, lovely.

Harry Potter and the Bisexual Awakening by @writcraft - 20k - E Harry is perfectly content being single, heterosexual and living in Godric's Hollow with his very clingy rescue dog, Snitch. When Draco Malfoy turns up on Harry's doorstep demanding that Harry teach him how to drive, things quickly become a lot more complicated.

first of all, i feel very seen by draco being a gay-who-can’t-drive. it’s called representation. but mostly i love the ease of harry and draco’s banter, a flustered harry discovering his sexuality, and the way this fic addresses biphobia. also very emo over this exchange: “I think I might be scared of you, but probably not for the reasons you think.” “Yes.” Draco stares at Harry. “I think I might be scared of you too.”

Forged through flowing water by @tedahfromtayla (an @hd-erised fic) - 40k - E When Hermione sets up a diplomatic mission to begin repairing the damage British colonisation did to Indian magical communities Harry isn’t going to pass on the opportunity to visit and help his family’s home country. Maybe he should have asked a few more questions about the personnel she had recruited for it before signing on because Malfoy surely has an ulterior motive to be there.

so much to love about this fic. the beautiful settings, from kolkata to mumbai, to the holi festival and colorful lively streets, to remote cave settlements and old intricate temples. it’s harry in the homeland, reconnecting to his family’s heritage and confronting the weight of imperialism in his history. it’s nipping the white savior complex in the bud. this part: That is what England left behind. That is what it still stands for, despite whatever mask of respectability and honour it presents. . .You don't get to step aside and let someone else deal with the mess. You have to listen and learn and then act, Malfoy, you need to learn how to fix your own mess. This is why we're here. my indigenous ass cheered. HP certainly sells the british fantasy but HP fanfic?? fuck jkr, fuck the crown. i love that this fic doesn’t romanticize england’s history. i love that we get to see the vast resilience and beauty of post-colonial india.

Purity Control by yrfrndfrnkly - 28k - T In which Harry tries to ignore his trauma with fantasy Quidditch but Malfoy's Thereness™ is distracting and all his classmates want to talk about are unicorns, virginity, and Muggle music.

tender 8th year fics where they go from bristly as fuck to understanding and soft 100% guaranteed to make me emo as hell. all the teens have traumas and no one wants to talk about it but eventually Things are Talked About. it’s good of the adults to finally notice. everyone just wants someone to hold their hand. and this part: “You’re the only person around here who’s a bigger mess than I am.” “I thought maybe we could be a mess together,” pls don’t look at me as i weep over their gentle empathy.

Advent, a comic by dustmouth - WIP - T It's Harry and Draco's first Christmas together and Draco is determined to live his full yuletide fantasy, come hell or high water.

dustmouth, patron saint of whimsical drarry. whose illustrations singlehandedly reinvented wizarding fashion. whose cheeky and tender comics are like a soothing balm to the utter depravity of this carnal world. harry and draco being domestic, draco’s xmas spirit brand being “traditional unhinged”!! extremely my shit. we’ll absolutely be reading this all december.

Little Spaces by @dracoladon and @lazywonderlvnd - WIP - E Draco's back from France and working on the spell damage ward at St Mungo's with Hermione, who invites him over for dinner. Without telling Harry. This is a roleplay, which means Harry is written by one author (lazywonderland) and Draco by another (dracoladon).

the switch in distinct character voices works so well for this fic!! tonally i feel like i'm watching an episode of the office. i personally love harry and draco being Pissed Off at how much they want to bone each other. the battle of the tapenade was the most riveting dinner scene i've read in a minute. clever, hilarious, emotionally tense. can’t wait until that inevitable moment post hate-sex when they’re gonna be like “oh noooo it’s a Heart Boner as well!! >:((” hell ya we’re subscribing for chapter updates.

Dragons Don’t Know Paradise by @teacup-tai - WIP - E In 2004, when Remus spends two scary weeks in the ITU due to complications of pneumonia and his HIV condition, Sirius walks around the house like a ghost and Harry finds comfort and strength in Draco through a chat in an online LGBT forum. Harry falls for him, but Draco has a lot of secrets and, before long, will need to come clean—even if he believes that no one is able to understand a dragon.

non-magical bookshop AU. remus and sirius’ relationship is a marvel. the ease of their affection with harry makes me so emo. draco’s friends being insistently present even as he tries to isolate himself. this is a story about acceptance, found families, and falling in love at a distance. the intimacy, the longing, the tenderness. what a fic!! i keep coming back to this part:...he looks at ease, inside his body, a body he needed to fight for. He’d made peace with his struggles and his scars. And Draco realises he wants that. He wants to be at ease inside his body, the body that now carries a virus. He wants to be at peace with his own existence. you hurt for draco so deeply but you get moments like these where he affords himself a kindness that feels foreign and it’s just!! the boys navigating grief and learning to be vulnerable. so good.

#drarry fic rec #drarry #we live and die for desi harry aka hari poddar bc fuq jkr #a lot of soft drarrys this week but in my defense ive been reading hella angst and my depression was not finding that cute #weekly drarrys

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jamilelucato · 4 years

Text

warning [G.W.]

Pairing: George Weasley x Reader

Words: 3.362

Requested: yes

I personally like the idea of George with an outcast Slytherin who’s friends with the other houses

Summary: George has a crush on a Slytherin girl that doesn’t seem as evil as his twin think she is.

A/N: I had a lot of fun writing this one and I actually liked it? A lot? I don’t know why I’m using question marks, I’m just genuinely surprised. MY GIF!

+ (y/h/c) is “your hair colour” and (y/e/c) is “your eye colour”

George Weasley always thought y/N y/L/N was attractive. The first time he saw her, he was up in his broom, about to play Quidditch against Slytherin, and his eyes just locked with hers, even though she was far away.

She was sitting in the bleachers with a very green t-shirt, screaming, although George couldn't hear her. She seemed excited, her (y/h/c) hair swaying all around.

After that match — that Gryffindor won, much to y/N's disappointment — he knew he had to find you around the school. At first, he didn't believe you were a Slytherin. He only saw you two times after the first time he saw you, and both of those times you were not wearing a uniform, but talking to Hufflepuffs, so he just concluded that you were just friends with one of the Slytherin's players, instead of from that house yourself.

It was only when Fred, his twin, walked in the common room, complaining, that he found out the truth.

"I can't believe it! How dare that stupid snake...!" Fred walked in shouting, not caring if anyone there was listening. "Stupefy me! How dare she!"

George decided to ask his brother what was happening since he didn't see Fred that shaken in a very long time.

"A stupid girl from Slytherin stupefied me! In front of everyone!" outcried his twin, sitting down next to George.

"Who?" George asked, no longer interested in his homework. Not that he ever was, to begin. "Why?"

"I don't recall her name... she's that weird one, shy. From the fifth year," Fred said, struggling to remember something remarkable about the girl, "she has (y/h/c) hair and (y/e/c) eyes."

Fred had to say no more; George immediately knew who he meant. It could only be her if he could recognise you just with some words. He wouldn't have described you as weird, but he understood that, given the circumstances, his brother would have never complimented you.

"She's a Slytherin?" George asked, still surprised. He didn't know your name — that was a problem he still had to figure out — but knowing you were a Slytherin made things a little easier.

Except it didn't. A Slytherin? George fancied a girl from the worst house, a girl that now had attacked his twin? He couldn't believe it.

"Haven't you heard what I just said?" Fred was slowly calming down. "Anyway, I was there, you know, offering our newest product for the kids — and you know, it wasn't even for her!"

George was trying hard to follow his brother's explanation and picture you in the middle of the scene.

"And the instant the Ravenclaw little boy ate it, of course, as we planned, he started turning yellow, but like, really yellow, and she just snapped!" Fred continued, gesturing with his hands now and then. "She asked me to reverse it, but I said the spell would eventually go away naturally. She didn't like it; she took out her wand and stupefied me! I didn't have time to do anything!"

George stared at his brother, shocked with what he had just heard. The girl from his dreams, attacking his brother just because of a little joke, and she was a Slytherin. The day was already bad because he hadn't seen you, but now, it was worse.

"George, say something," Fred called his brother attention.

"Huh? Fred, are you sure there wasn't something more?" he asked, not wanting to picture you as the bad guy. "Did you force the boy to eat it?"

"What? No, I'd never, brother!" Fred answered, getting up. "Doesn't matter, I'll never sell things around the Sytherins's common room door. Too dangerous."

Fred left, complaining to everyone he found in his way about the Slytherin girl, but George stayed on the couch, still surprised with the new information he had just got. What would he do now? At least, he was glad it was just a crush, and he could manage to get over it since he even didn't know your name.

He would manage. Yeah.

***

Oh boy, was George wrong!

Trying to forget about you was one of the hardest things he had ever tried doing. Firstly, because Fred didn't stop whining to him about you — he couldn't get over the spellcasting — and he wanted to plan a prank against you. Secondly, because, now that he knew where to find you, around the Slytherins, he seemed to see your face more and more, all over the school.

Fred was the one that found your name out, much to George's worries. Having a face was hard to get over, but having a name to the face was ten times harder.

"y/N y/L/N," Fred said, before sitting down, forcing George to diverge his eyes from you, sitting at the other side of the room.

"What?"

"The Slytherin girl we're goin' to prank. That's her name. Angelina just told me," explained Fred, filling his plate with everything offered for breakfast.

"Do we have to?" George just wanted to get over you, and the only way he was going to be able to do that was forgetting about your existence, and Fred made it more arduous.

"Do I need to remind you—"

"— that she stupefied you," George interrupted his brother, tired of hearing about it, "Yeah, I know it."

"We all know it," added Ron. "You know, for someone who hated being defeated by a girl, you do a horrible job at hiding it. Look at Malfoy, he doesn't tell everyone about the time Hermione punched him."

"I wasn't defeated!" shouted Fred, stuffing his mouth with food.

But the table didn't seem convinced.

***

Y/N was playing gobstones in the yard when George caught her eye. He seemed to be doing it a lot lately, and she could imagine what was coming for her. Probably Fred and George's worst revenge prank ever.

However, she didn't look away. She let her eyes stare into George's, wondering how long would they both be able to hold it.

Her Hufflepuff friend called her name, but she didn't break the eye contact, because she felt deeply curious. She was sure that it was George and not Fred because Fred wouldn't have been able to read her so well as the other twin was doing. He wasn't angry; he didn't look at her like he wanted her dead. Instead, his stare seemed to send chills all over y/N's body, and she wondered why.

"y/N? Are you still there?" her friend called again, "'cause I just won."

You shook your head.

"I'm sorry, what?" you asked, finally breaking the eye contact with George.

"Never mind," sighed the friend, knowing it was a lost cause to wait for y/N's attention when she was spacing out like that.

***

"Ok, so listen," Fred started, jumping in George's bed just before they went to sleep. "I want to give y/N a taste of her own medicine."

George had to blink a couple of times before focusing on his twin.

"You will stupefy her?"

"Exactly!" Fred was happy that his twin understood him so fast.

"How are you gonna do it though?" George asked, supporting his back in the headboard.

"Well, I was planning to corner her after dinner tomorrow," his twin was talking a lot excited about his idea as if he had spent the whole day thinking about it.

Fred went on about how he had noticed that you were generally the last to leave the feast — George had observed it too. It appeared that you had a lot of friends in other houses but was never brave enough to approach them when their house table was full, so you waited for it to get less crowded before sitting down with your friends.

George tried to persuade his brother to give up — it appeared to be too much work just to revenge on a girl that was trying to defend a Ravenclaw — but Fred didn't want to give up. And so, they went to bed with it all planned, but George couldn't sleep.

He kept on thinking that he should warn you about it, and if that was the case, then he needed to talk to you, and that was going to be a test to his anxiety.

***

At breakfast in the next day, George kept staring at you, waiting for something to happen, some situation that would force you two to talk, but that never happened.

He thought he would be able to talk to you during classes, but he was a year older than you, so the chances of you two meeting were practically zero. He had to get his ass to follow you and corner you himself.

The only problem was: he didn't think he was brave enough for that.

Nonsense! You are in Gryffindor for a reason, he thought, before breathing hard and gathering the nerves to find you.

Once classes were over, he had some free minutes without his brother — with the excuse of going to the restroom before dinner.

He wandered around, taking ten minutes to find you.

You were sitting in the yard, with a bunch of other students around and you all talked excitedly. George noticed that only you were a Slytherin; the rest of the group were Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, and there was even a boy from Gryffindor — he recognized it to be Neville, a friend of Ron.

He swallowed, feeling each nerve ending tingle. Warn you was the right thing to do but did he have to? You knew how to defeat his brother the first time — perhaps you could do it a second time.

But then, there was no escape. Your gaze met his since George was still standing across the yard. He thought that you mistook him initially, or at least that's what it looked like since you stared at him angrily.

Gently, your expression relaxed, and George hoped it meant that you knew he was him, not Fred. He scratched his head as he walked towards you.

"y/N, I'm sorry to disturb, but..." George felt his cheeks turning red as he spoke, "could I talk to you for a minute? In private?"

You looked around, at your friends, who seemed to care less about George's presence and agreed to talk to him.

"What's it?" you asked, keeping your voice low even though you two had walked away from your group of friend.

"I wanted to warn you about my brother, Fred," started George, diverging from your eyes, scared that he would not be able to tell everything if he kept looking into your (y/e/c) eyes. "He wants to stupefy you after dinner."

You looked distrusted at him.

"Why should I believe you?"

George sighed. "I wouldn't lie about this. Unlike my twin, I don't think you deserve his revenge.," he said, still avoiding her eyes. "I feel like you were just protecting your friend, I don't think you wanted to hurt Fred."

"You don't?" she asked, her eyes sparkling as his eyes met hers.

It felt as if they were looking at each other for the first time. The chills were there, this time stronger, if possible. George's red hair fell in front of his eyes, and y/N had to resist the urge to reach it.

His eyes wandered over all her body; for the first time in years, that didn't make her feel self-conscious. If anything, she liked knowing he was contemplating her. Seeing the smile that appeared in his lips only made her like it even more.

"You don't think I was just mean to your brother?" you asked again. "I am a Slytherin, after all."

"Do you want me to think you were just a bad girl?" George replied, raising a brow. Although it was supposed to be a rude question, y/N could only think how hot it was to have George calling her bad girl.

"No, 'course!" you quickly said. "I'm glad your first thought was that I was defending my friend," you played with your hair, nervously, and that caused George to feel a different kind of excitement he was not expecting. "Toby is a first-year Ravenclaw, but I know him since he was a baby — our moms are friends."

George raised his brows and pressed his lips together, absorbing the information.

Y/N couldn't be evil if you were friends with all houses and probably was your mom. That made his heart warm. He could like you. Not only he could, he already did. Who was he kidding? Even with his twin complaining at his ear, George kept fancying you.

"Well," he faked coughed, "that was what I came to tell you. I have to go before Fred thinks something is wrong."

You agreed, shaking your head up and down as he walked away, but you couldn't just move. George could be gone, but now you had to think of a way to protect yourself.

***

Fred and George waited, even when Angelina, Ron, Lee and Harry had left. They stayed sat, pretending to be still eating. The Great Hall wasn't completely empty when y/N finally got up from the Hufflepuff table and headed out.

"Are you sure about it, Freddie?" George asked as he and the twin got up.

"It will be simple, and it won't hurt her, just humiliate, like she made me feel," Fred said, and George wondered if he said that to convince his brother or to convince himself.

Although George watched you every minute of his day and he felt like he knew you better than Fred, his older twin had spent some time watching you as well, and it seemed that your shyness and kindness could have melted his heart.

They walked out to find y/N leaning against one of the pillars to the left of Hall's big door.

"Looking for me, Weasleys?" you used the plural, in a way to protect George for his confidential.

Fred worked fast, his wand was already in his hand as he cast "Stupefy!" but y/N was faster. "Depulso!" she shouted.

Fred got thrown meters away from y/N and his brother, and only your laugh George heard as students that we're walking away from the Great Hall came closer to take a look.

Professor Snape walked out of the Hall at the same moment Fred got up, pointing his wand to y/N.

"You, three!" Snape shouted angrily. "Detention!"

"But, Professor," George tried to intervene.

"I don't want to hear, Mr Weasley," interrupted Snape and then he faced y/N. "You, Miss y/L/N, I'm greatly disappointed."

"I'm sorry, Professor Snape, I didn't mean to hurt Fred Weasley..." you explained, lying a bit, as you lowered your face.

But Snape continued: "Next time, don't get caught."

And the Professor left, leaving y/N to exchange confused looks with the twins.

"Was he glad that I hurt you?" you asked, looking at Fred who tried to fix his clothes.

"You didn't' hurt me!" he debated, but y/N ignored.

She was now facing George, who didn't know what to say. Everything had happened so fast, George was still processing it.

"See you at detention, then," y/N said, sighing.

George almost raised his hand to wave her good-bye, but he remembered his brother was watching everything, and he was not supposed to know about his crush.

***

The night of detention had arrived.

George had spent all his time since the confrontation trying to be apart from his twin, so he could meet you in the corridors and maybe exchange a word. But every time he saw you, you seemed to be having fun with your friends, and he with Fred.

Fred appeared to have learned his lesson, and he didn't show any intentions of revenge. He hadn't told anyone about the confrontation that went wrong, and that was a first. George was glad — he believed it meant his brother wasn't so angry at you.

You three met at Professor Minerva's office, and she didn't seem happy about it. She was used to the boys getting detention, but y/N's presence was a first.

"Well, now that all of you are here, let me assign your jobs," she said, walking around the room. "I can't let you two together, as I've learned, but I don't have three assignments..." McGonagall was working hard to think of a solution. "Did you three fight, or was it just two?"

"It was me and Fred, Professor," you answered, happy to be useful since you were sad of having disappointed more than one teacher already.

Professor McGonagall exchanged looks with Fred and y/N.

"Then, y/N, you and George go to the trophy room, to clean them out. I believe Mr Filch has left a set of cleaning gadgets for you there," she started, "now, you, Mr Weasley, come with me."

George waved his brother good-bye as he and y/N walked away from the room.

"Do think Filch will be there watching us?" you asked, trying to make conversation, "He always gives me the creeps."

"In the way McGonagall spoke, I don't think he will," George said, almost touching your arm as you two took a turn to find the trophy room.

When you got there, you two started focused, cleaning everything with attention. Neither seemed ready to talk, although George had no idea what to talk about with you.

"So, huh, I forgot to thank you," you said, raising your head from the trophy to find George's face in the middle of the room. "For tipping me about Fred."

"No problem," George said, looking to find your face as well. "To be fair, it was quite nice seeing his face when you sent him away."

"He wasn't mad, was he?" you asked, worried.

"Oh, he was," George said, without thinking. He, then, noticed your concerned face, "but I think he will stay away from you from now on."

You tilted your head as you slowly came closer to him. It was involuntary; you felt the gravity pulling you two closer.

"He acknowledges you are a powerful witch, I guess."

You giggled, tossing a lock of hair behind your ear. George's eyes followed the lock's trajectory — he noticed he grew fond of your hair.

"And you?" you asked, with a coy smile.

"Me?" George gulped, tilting his head in your direction.

"Do you acknowledge I'm a powerful witch?" you used of his words as you fluttered your eyelashes at him.

"I never doubted it," answered George, staring deep into your eyes, and embracing the flirtatious atmosphere that you two were walking in.

It was your time to feel a bit embarrassed. Could he be speaking the truth? You wondered.

"You're a powerful wizard yourself, George," you replied, biting your lip, causing him to focus on your mouth. And now he was staring at it, George didn't want to stop. He wanted to have it, and so, he decided to go for it.

He slowly leaned in, as you gulped nervously. His lips met yours, soft at first. A delicate encounter, but then, a rush — you both wanted more. His hands found their way around your body, and fastly he raised you and positioned you sitting on the available table, as one of your hands tossed aside the trophies that were on it — they all fell to the floor.

Your left hand found his hair, and you didn't want to take it out of there. He seemed to like the touch as well because he started biting, softly, your lips, and that send shivers all around your body.

He was about to lay you down on the table when the door opened, surprising you two.

"Oh, for Merlin's sake! Break it, now!" shouted an angry Professor McGonagall, and you felt your face get redder than George's hair.

Behind her, Fred was having the time of his life — he couldn't stop laughing.

"I didn't know detention could be fun!" he said, winning an angry frown from his twin.

You and George stared at each other embarrassed, but most of all, regretting getting caught. But that didn't seem like that would be the last time.

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incarnateirony · 4 years

Note

Without maybe putting too fine a point on it, based on your observation of the way the show is headed, do you think we're moving to an ending that separates all of TFW from each other? I know the diverging of Sam and Dean's paths is a big part of their journeys, but do you think that applies to Cas (and even Jack), too? I think of all of them, I'm least clear on what the rest of Cas's journey looks like from here (beyond the Empty-that's pretty clear).

If you watch nothing else of my videos, I suggest taking the time to watch Galactic Grudge and Destiny’s Reflection. It takes about 20 minutes total, requires headphones and 1080P and yes, I understand people with audio processing hurdles or language barriers might struggle a bit but long term it maps out a path that would take several hundred pages or more to map out in text.

That disclaimer out of the way as to why I’ve arrived at this destination:

Yes.

Not entirely, nor permanently. Death is nothing to fear. Once they stop fearing death, and especially once they break the system so people aren’t auto-sorted into cages of passivity without their People and Families -- once All of the Heavens function on grand scale like, say, Ash’s bar did -- once humanity has reclaimed the throne/garden. What IS there to fear? That’s the real question.

With the video TLDR spec minded, my hot take:

Whether before or after Cas gets yeeted to the Empty (probably after), he’s due to mirror Rowena’s unbirthing of hell for a long, long list of reasons. Which sure, is her final death. But it wasn’t her end, was it?

But it’s Castiel most definitely arranging a home in which the Winchesters can have peace.

While I see Sam being the one to throw open all the doors of heaven as Chuck did hell and lead a giant MOL resistance through it to TAKE back the throne (another reason I think Cas won’t be until after the Empty, because taking heaven back is one thing but actually stabilizing it in all the omens of what happens if God disappears or w/e is another -- we’re talking 15.20 here) (also a note, berens wrote 12.22 as a two parter alongside Dabb for 23, and Dabb also wrote Inside Man where the Bobbies revolt), Cas is probably the one going to end up with that throne. Very loosely.

Because they can’t just throw it to their kid and put the weight of the world on his shoulders, it doesn’t break anything. And Rowena has gone from Cas foil to Cas mirror over the years, and even as far as, say, The Things We Left Behind -- much less later Funeralia when she actually MEANT IT, or anything else to follow -- it’s about regret over a child that our stupid battles pretty much condemned. Sam and Dean also have a foot in this story pond but it most centrally belongs to Cas.

So while Cas chases the path of the goddess (Mary, Rowena, Amara), and Sam subverts the allfather he was tied to this season (John, Chuck and yes, even histories of Dean himself), where is Dean? Well one, Dean’s always been tied to someone fans aren’t asking enough questions about right now: Death. Who is very, very prominent this year, and I think everyone has to go rewatch Two Minutes To Midnight right now, too. Focus on more than the pizza or even “one day I’ll reap god, too”. Just focus on it all. Hell, focus on the inversion of Death finding them inconsequential to them being important. Focus on it all.

Dean has emotionally lensed parts of Chuck’s pillar this season, but that’s not really HIS, that’s what Sam was directly tied to. Dealing with daddy issues has always been a Dean thing, and part of his residual anger and hurt are what drove him and Cas apart this year, so the Chuckmara mirroring he kinda filled that emotional slot, sure. But his mytharc positioning, I’m gonna need everybody to think about that.

Dabb has spent like, 2 years teaching people that it’s fine to let go in a mature way and process your grief. Both Sam and Jack got passed a philosopher’s stone in order from Dean to Cas to (cursed aeonchild), once in 15.09 and once in 15.13. The magenta light of death is on both Dean and Cas, but largely avoids Sam, and Jack after his rebirth, while they stand over the christchild in place of Joseph and Mary.

Be it Swan Song “I can’t keep treating you like a kid anymore; you’re a grown--well, overgrown--man”, to modern “But now... you are a grown man, and I am incredibly proud of you”; it’s recognition of the child as a man. Be it Dean’s 12.22 “I saw you. Back there. You’re ready for this.” -- be it John’s “What next?” while moving on. Be it “go, mom, be happy.” be it even when she died, and they thought of bringing her back, “I saw your mother’s heaven. And she is. Happy. She’s... with John. And there’s no hurt, there’s no pain, guilt. Just joy.”

Sam’s place is on earth. His chance to have a home. A family. Dean... Dean has a family. And sure, Sam does as part of that family. But to even be a head of a home. To HAVE a wife. And a son. To finish leaving behind his legacy. Dean... has his I’m sorry.

So let’s play a game, presuming relinquishing the angel’s hold on heaven is done. Saving Cas from the empty is done. But Cas is sitting on that heaven throne while they all look different ways on what to do. Sure, Jack could revive Sam and Dean and bring them back to earth even if Cas is stuck glued to heaven like Rowena is hell. But if Dean’s done his duty AND is proud of his brother beyond duty, if the monsters are all but taken care of short of some stragglers Sam’s legacy system with Eileen can clean up. And ultimately... someone still needs to raise Jack, yes-- what does that give us?

I saw you. You’re ready for this. Now, you’re a grown-- overgrown-- man. I can’t treat you like a kid anymore.

It’s okay, dadmom. You fought for me, raised me, loved me. That’s enough. Go. Be happy. I’ve got him.

So back to “Dabb’s Dark Side of the Moon, Ash bar, megascale”, well. I’m gonna say. They’re gonna need a good hand on deck for that dream to let people find their people, to find their heaven, hell, to decide if they haven’t found their people yet and go back and try again.

It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll See You Later. Because there’s still parts of earth they can make better. Every day they can make it better. And once Sam has his life, full, he can and would rejoin them all, in heaven. Be that wayfarer bars or toes in the sand, a world where people, families--they’re just as real there as they are on earth, able to make their perfect worlds. Dean and yes, Cas, can go and make that world even ahead of Sam-- with John, and Mary, and whatever old friends they choose to see again. And Sam, and Jack -- and Eileen -- can live on earth. Because for years Dean has wanted Sam to have a life. And die old of something normal and have a kids and grandkids. Trial and Error (Dabb), anyone.

The issue is letting go without it either being suicidal ideation of destructive sacrifice. And I think that’s the framework we’re going to be delivered.

Could I be wrong, sure I guess, I’m human. But as of right now, that’s what I see.

Cas has always wanted to bring his People home. But who have his People become? While yes, being seated in that chair gives chance to make things right with a few remaining angels he would no doubt give a chance, humans reclaiming the garden and planet from the divine they surrendered it to (Hammer of the Gods, Dabb, if you read between the lines on the Billions of pagan gods), or reversing various sealings (Clip Show, Dabb, if you pay attention to how and why EACH WORLD WAS MADE TO BEGIN WITH and how many Falls there have been and WHY THE TABLETS EXIST TO BEGIN WITH), whatever. It wouldn’t really be about establishing authority--and in the end, I’m fairly certain the Castiel seated in that throne would be irrevocably human. Because it’s the human soul that’s immortal. Be it using his grace to establish a spell and reversing elements like in Sacrifice, or tied into the angel blood and human heart theme that’s screaming at us this year-- that’s pretty much where I see Cas ending up.

So Dean and Cas separate off to heaven in one way, Sam and Jack another, but still fated to come back together. Sam will have Eileen waiting for him. And Jack to raise.

Because the point is that they were here at all and you got to know them. And when they’re gone, it WILL hurt. But that hurt will be a reminder of how much you love them. But learning to let go -- it’s a part of growing up.

I’ve seen you. You’re ready for this. I can’t keep treating you like a kid anymore. You’re a grown, overgrown, man, and I am incredibly proud of you.

Go, be happy.

“See you on the other side.”

If people can’t watch my vids and pull anything out of it, my second note is to go do a Dabberens rewatch. Pull up Dabb and Berens eps on superwiki, make yourself a chain. I WILL note most of 6 and 7 has been seemingly obsoleted by Dabb, which should surprise none of us with all the ball punches at season 7 he does, so if you wanna save yourself a few hours, feel free to bypass. Season 10 also seems to have been addressed in season 14, and everything after that is the onset of Dabb era, so once you get to season 11 (where Carver and Dabb were sharing) and/or 12 (where Dabb took over entirely), just do a straight run. I also won’t blame you for bypassing Bloodlines.

But if you do truncate 6/7, and a few eps, I suggest replacing them with the finale of each season (4-14, 6 and 7 pretty much already addressed last year), because Dabb still heavily employs those whether they were his own or not. Before Carver came back Dabb was sitting in the upcoming showrunner slot even during Gamble era. Dude has been primed and paying attention for a long fucking time. Absolutely 0% of people should have been surprised at Dabb inheriting the show when he did. And he’s been telegraphing his ideas for this show for years. Notice how many eps I cited above have Dabb’s pen all over it.

It’s where my headspace already was but damn if it doesn’t put Dabb and Dabberens’ direction in scale.

So for all my talk of philosopher’s stone and Death and all of that, if you can’t bring yourself to wade through all 20 minutes of Grudge-Reflection, I ask you to at least think on symbolism here

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hoopdiddies · 5 years

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I'm Not Over You// Ben Hardy x Reader (10.1)

A/N: The last part! Here you go! Thanks for supporting the entire series, guys. Means a lot ♥ ♥

Summary: A wedding brought you apart and it will be a wedding that will bring you back together

Warnings: Microscopic angst and FULL ON FLUFF

WC: 3k

Tags: @haendel-me-with-care

@mrsdoradominguez-barnes

@mickmoon

@lakef

@mrsmazzello

@valeriecarolinaw

@queen-turtle-boiii

@loveandbeloved29

@hazme2

@boherahpsody

Parts: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

"What- I thought Gwil- never mind, did I hurt your shoulder?" You stumble over your words and he chuckles, the curve his red lips are sporting making your insides melt.

"No, you didn't."

"Oh thank heavens. Sure I didn't add to your injuries? " You had to say it but luckily, he shakes his head good-naturedly and seems to have shrugged off the issue. "I'm okay now. I've been for so long actually." At least you've got the conversation going, against the odds of you doubting that it might've ended up awkward with how long you haven't been in touch. You smile crookedly and rub your arm, sighing profoundly to say another word but as you open your mouth to do so, Ben beats you to it. "What about you? How've you been?"

You shrug. "Same old but tortured...and pissed...at Joe...for doing me injustice like that." He rubs the back of his hair and cocks his head to one side. "Oh? Tell me about it."

You give him a brief, speculative look– thinking that it's a miracle you're talking normally like you haven't kissed each other the day you left him lamenting on a hospital bed, been in contact for an entire year and made love with your eyes during the ceremony– in that order.

You snap out of it and look around the busy reception. "I- well-"

"To make it easier, let's head out for a walk on the beach, shall we?" Ben steps aside to let you leave before him and you tuck a tendril of your hair behind your ear, nodding as you walk ahead. He follows you out and you glance over your shoulder, looking past him and seeing Joe wiggle his brows at you from their table– to which you widen your eyes in annoyance and a little gratitude.

Your walk has been graced with the twinkle of a thousand stars and the calm splash of the evening waves against the shore. You've let your hair down from the tight bun you've put it in and taken off your sandals to traipse along the water while Ben remains along the dry sand to stay practical– not that you aren't. He just has his shoes on while you're holding onto yours.

You haven't strolled far from the party with the lamps spanning from the vicinity within the reception still present as you tread along. You've told him all about Barcelona and your studies and everything else concerning your life there; so far it's been good and jolly. He's taken a new project and is in the process of filming, something you've congratulated him on as well– the previous one being his full recovery and you didn't bother to bring up the prior events to that, it might just lead to something you'd lose your voice to talk about. It's a relief that you are able to share a few laughs in between, something you thought wouldn't be possible anymore. You haven't talked to each other like this is ages.

"I guess we're both working our fingers to the bone." He chuckles and stops in his tracks to enjoy the breeze. You involuntarily mimic his stance and stand semi-still on the water, tossing your sandals onto the driest part of the sand. "I guess. Business before pleasure they say."

"Well my business is my pleasure so it seems like it only applies to you." The smile on his face widens thoroughly and you scoff underneath your breath, swinging your leg back and forth, creating mini splashes. "Excuse me, it applies to neither of us. I love working for something I know will finally lead to my dream."

He hums and bends down to pick up a pebble, casting it smoothly against the water and makes three skips. "It just occurred to me that you never once told me anything about your dream to become a doctor or anything." You give him a fleeting smile and shake your head, crossing your arms as you begin admiring the sky. "If I had told anyone, it wouldn't come true."

"Seriously?"

You raise your hands up briefly in defense and let out a chuckle, bending down to pick up a pebble to skip as well. "I'm living proof that it's effective, you should try it sometime." While you cast your pebble and watch it skip, he studies you intently and with great focus, drawing in a sharp breath before taking off his shoes to join your spot in the shallow water. He sets it aside and stands next to you, lifting his gaze up to the sky and then to you as you take in the cluster of stars dotting the heavens.

The gleam in your eyes as you beam at the starry view puts him under a spell and you sense his piercing stare, encouraging you to catch his fixed look. "What is it this time?"

He gulps, his mouth going dry. "I've sent you a message a couple of weeks back. Never got a response from you..."

You angle your head to one side amusingly. "I replied? Maybe you just don't check your inbox that much- and wait, I changed my number, how did you-"

"Our boy, Joe."

Of course. Joe really needs a new girl in his life, he must be exhausted from being such a mediator.

"And yes, I don't check my inbox a lot. Busy as a bee lately." He adds with a defeated smile present. You weave your fingers together, keeping your vision limited to the horizon yet sensing his eyes penetrate through you.

A little shy to let him see your blush creeping up your cheeks, you tear yourself away from his gaze and sigh inwardly. "I know that look somehow."

"For the third time asked in this lifetime, would you care to finish the dance we had at the after party? A dance to satisfy all the dances we never had the chance to finish. "

Your mouth shamelessly hangs like an attic door with loose hinges at how he was able to remember that. You recall his attending physician say that there would be no risks of amnesia or any sort of memory loss, although he shouldn't be able to recall minor details.

But then your dance wasn't a minor memory.

Ben's still waiting for your answer and you recompose yourself from the jaw drop, stuttering in the slightest as you speak up. "Uh y-yeah. I mean, we never get to finish dances, am I right?"

Without tethering himself from taking your hand in his, he draws you close to him, the movement of your legs making small ripples and swishes in the water. You can't keep a firm eye on him and as he understands your uncertainty due to how long it's been since the pair of you have closed a distance, he manually positions your arms around his neck, putting a little forethought into snaking his hands around your waist to ease you into it again.

"Hey, like old times, right?" He cajoles softly and you look up at him.

"Like old times." You repeat after him and find it easy to stare into his eyes again, once more submitting yourself to the metronomic beat of your heart. He initiates with light sway, feeling the crashing waves beneath your feets put an effect to how you're moving. With you studying every detail of his face adoringly, you notice the small yet noticeable scar on the near left of his forehead; a small residue of his injury. You frown as you reach up to trace your finger smoothly across his scar, your heart breaking at the memory of that night.

Ben takes notice of your flitting expression and cups your cheek to alleviate the worry you've put yourself in at the sight of his scar. "Hey, hey. Don't worry about it, I'm okay now."

You hang your head apologetically, chewing on your bottom lip with the urge to bring up what you wanted to suppress out of guilt.

"I'm sorry if I left you like that. At the time you really needed me the most, I scrammed and ghosted you for an entire year. I broke my promise, your arm and a small fraction of your skull," as inappropriate as it is to laugh a little at it, you let it slip past your lips anyway to give it a stretch and lighten the weight on your shoulders, "and it's all thanks to Joe for making up that worst case scenario."

Joe did say you'd hurt him on every possible level– ranging from physical to spiritual. Though you didn't afflict him physically per se, your carelessness on the highway did. "I'm so sorry, Ben, for letting my emotions get in the way of what we had. Our friendship. You loved someone else then and being in a way cursed with unrequited feelings, I-I had to distance myself."

He assures you with a loose smile, twirling you under his arm and leisurely pulling you back to his body. "Every bit of it is alright. I had sworn on the day we met that I'd protect you with every fiber of my being and I should be the one that's sorry. All you ever did was love me," he stares down at you intimately, lifting your hand to his lips and kissing your knuckles, "though how clueless and unbearable I was," a kiss to your wrist, "through all my complaints and nasty fits," a kiss to your cheek, the sensation making you giggle slightly, "through my clumsy tendencies, " a kiss to your nose, "through all my mood swings after a bad day on set," an elongated kiss on your forehead, parting away deliberately before flicking his eyes to your lips and back to your Y/E/C orbs. He gulps audibly at how he's asking you for permission to do it. "When I couldn't return that love to you because I was blind enough to let Rosy stay. For loving me...in both my lowest and highest."

He's risking a few inches in but you can tell he's holding back. You slacken your arms from his neck, little by little dropping them to your sides as his green eyes finally overwhelm you.

The corner of his eyes crinkle as he smiles, breathing out the words you've long waited for. "You've held my heart in your hands even when you were miles away and though you won't be staying for long, I'll always be waiting." In the same way you had when you left, you tip your head back to let his lips meet yours only this time it doesn't take him by surprise. Your lips don't move against each other for a few seconds and you pull away, breathless.

His green eyes are wide yet flecked with awe, unruly brows lightly creased together with small strands of his combed back, blond hair falling into them but they soften as the smile on his face widens. "You're not with Joe, are you?"

You chuckle, shaking your head and heaving out a defining exhale. "I never was. You're not with Rosy anymore, are you?"

He shakes his head as well and it appears the blissful grin on his face won't be coming off anytime soon.

"Long done. I love you, and you alone."

You'll be blaming him later for the ear-splitting grin now etched on your face.

"I love you too, Benjamin."

He throws his head back in relief and lifts you up in his arms, tilting his head back as he savors the full feeling of your lips on his, the kiss gradually becoming open-mouthed.

As if on cue, the fireworks meant for Rami and Lucy come launching up into the sky and bursting into bright colors, the sparks raining down and vanishing into thin air shortly after. Cheers of the people emanate from the party as Lucy and Rami share the same kiss from outside at the same time you and Ben are. You pull away with unridable grins on your faces and share the magical sight of the fireworks lighting up the night sky with no other disturbances to ruin the moment.

"You think they'd start wondering where we are?" You hum with your head rested against his chest. He kisses your hair and smiles as he tightens his hold around you, revelling deep in the moment.

"They'd get the idea, babe. They'd get the idea."

Lucy was right, Ben has always been your soulmate; the three dances you've had in your lifetime somehow always brought you back to each other. Hopefully the one you just had will be the one that will never tear you both apart ever again.

You've yet to thank Joe for tricking you into thinking that it was Gwilym he wanted to spin you off to.

How magical is that tape you used to stick the polaroids together?

It somehow pieced you and Ben in the same manner and stood the test of time.

-Fin-

#borhap #queen #ben hardy #ben hardy imagine #ben hardy x reader #borhap cast #borhap cast x reader #borhap imagine #ben hardy fanfic #imagine #fanfic

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punkscowardschampions · 5 years

Text

James & Ava

James: [let's say he puts up an insta of those bubs playing with those torts for her to see] Ava: 🥰 So happy they like 'em, I would've tried to get a real one but they were not fitting in the hand-luggage and apparently that's illegal 🤷 James: [ages later like] James: picking you up from A&E is one thing, a holding cell is quite another Ava: I understand, there's fast and then there's that Ava: thank GOD my Dad will front my bail 😏 James: & your brother's practically a lawyer so there's that Ava: If it weren't him I'd raise questions about having a 'basically' lawyer take my case but yeah Ava: do the torts have names yet? Ava: keep me posted tah James: they do James: Clover & Dandy Ava: 👏 Ava: very creative, very cute Ava: must take after you James: Matty's suggestions were all rejected for being too confusing, which in my opinion was slightly brutal of Jay, but I do also see her point Ava: 😂 Ava: They can have some confusing but adorable nicknames Ava: I couldn't say either my brother or sister's names for the longest time Ava: stuck being 'Uster and 'Ancy James: & yet if the roles were reversed they'd have had such an easy time James: yet more evidence you're a 😇 Ava: and very easy to spell when I got to School, thanks mum and dad Ava: you were alright, 'til it gets to your surname, bit unfair that James: I used to just do a J James: ironic now but I didn't like writing much when I was younger James: added the a & y later when everyone started calling me it Ava: It must've been something, to get to pass that on James: she did it without asking me James: but I know she could have fared a lot worse Ava: Oh, really Ava: I guess that's a thoughtful gesture on her part James: from an outsiders perspective, yes, but I understand why she actually did it Ava: Why? James: because she wanted me to step up & it was the most obvious way there is to say that she's mine & I had to Ava: Ah, that makes sense Ava: in that case, thoughtful as in well thought out but not beyond that Ava: she took your name from you that's James: I'm happy for Jay to have it now though, she'd hate a 'girly' name James: I would have had to find a nickname she could bear to be called in that instance Ava: Yes, at least she's the one who actually has the name, that's never gonna feel bad James: I don't remember where Matilda's came from, we were barely speaking then James: so that does feel worse Ava: at least there's an excellent book and character waiting James: very true James: & she had terrible parents Ava: You won't be getting a hat glued to your head any time soon James: today I won't, we've all learned so many 🐢 facts Ava: Go for esio trot first James: I will, I haven't read it before James: thank you, Ava Ava: You'll like it, and for Roald Dahl, it's pretty sweet Ava: no bad ideas before bed time, like James: does it have a happy ending? Ava: It does Ava: for humans and 🐢 alike James: I've missed you Ava: I've missed you Ava: Obviously couldn't commit the cliche of meeting me off the plane, but when can I see you? James: what are you doing tomorrow? Ava: Avoiding unpacking Ava: I think I've got a brunch date but beyond that, I'm free James: my dad is out of the office all day if you'd like to come & visit me Ava: I'd like that a lot Ava: I definitely will Ava: that'll be okay, right James: she's not going to also decide to visit me James: or talk to anyone that could see you doing so Ava: okay good Ava: Obviously you've thought it through but got a 😇 rep to protect James: I'll never be reckless when your halo is at stake, I assure you James: it's very important to me Ava: What about my 😈 Ava: You can do something about them too, yeah? James: absolutely James: those horns need to stay sharp, of course Ava: God you're hot James Ava: I've missed you so much you have no idea because I lack the words to explain it in any way that would convey just how hard it's been being so far away from you Ava: but I am very much ready to show you tomorrow Ava: and I'm not just talking about the holiday snaps that were not suitable for public display James: It's vital that the protagonist of my 1st novel is very multifaceted 😇 & 😈 which is why I wouldn't write it about just anyone James: I'll show you tomorrow, why it has to be you Ava: I'm so glad that it's me Ava: fuck James: I've lost hours thinking about the tan lines you potentially do or don't have, I'm very invested Ava: I have a strict no spoilers policy Ava: all will be revealed James: but I need to know Ava: 😏 Ava: It does seem cruel and unusual to make you wait when you've already been waiting so long Ava: too 😈 perhaps James: but sending gifts was very 😇 James: what decision are you going to make? Ava: It was just a little something Ava: if I had to get something every time I thought about you, we're talking grains of sand on the beach level Ava: I can't send you pictures, can I James: no, she has an app that restores any pictures I delete Ava: Hmm James: that said, you don't have any tattoos or anything clearly identifying Ava: that's true Ava: can she see the account of who's sent the pictures Ava: because it doesn't have to be me who sends them, or anyone else that actually exists to hunt down James: how many times are you going to go above & beyond to prove to me that you're too smart for King's? James: I believed you on the 1st tour Ava: I can be smart as long as we need to be smart Ava: and I had to make sure you wanted to talk to me after the 1st tour, of course James: I wanted to talk to you before the 1st tour, you know that Ava: I know Ava: Can I ask you something, if you promise to be honest James: yes Ava: Did you think badly of me for trying to pursue you when I knew you were married Ava: or what did you think of me, I guess James: I was too busy being glad that you wanted to James: but of course I wondered why James: I still wonder what it is that you could ever be interested in about me Ava: I can't profess to giving it particular or cohesive prior thought myself Ava: we both allowed some recklessness that day, clearly Ava: and I know you do, I'll write you a book one day Ava: but it'll take me a while to get down everything I find interesting and worthwhile about you James: I can wait Ava: Good Ava: One job at a time Ava: and this profile is looking pretty realistic and is as close to untraceable as is possible Ava: but I'm assuming she doesn't moonlight for MI5 James: do you? James: because you perhaps should Ava: 😏 Ava: Only to write my award-winning, world-changing exposé James: you're going to be a spectacular journalist Ava: Thank you 😊 Ava: I'll spare waxing lyrical about the vitality of a free press, don't think the readers will be about it when we could be talking more about my tan lines James: please do continue James: on whatever subject you feel the most passionate Ava: [a message request from this fake profile moment] James: [immediately accepts and immediately dies] James: oh Ava: you said passionate James: I did Ava: You're a subject I can get really worked up about, like James: I can see that James: & feel it Ava: Good Ava: Are you allowed to send photos to a fake girl or no? James: I don't care if the fake girl gets discovered James: she means nothing to me Ava: Poor fake girl Ava: still, can't be all bad James: it's not James: because now I can show you how much you mean James: [and does because FINALLY can send each other whatever they want] Ava: [what a glorious moment also over here like don't say ily don't say ily] Ava: OH James: Thrilled as I am to be behind a locked door, I'd be even gladder if you were here too Ava: yeah I Ava: feel that Ava: really feel it James: it's my turn to ask you a question James: do you want to hear the story of what would happen if we currently had all the time we could possibly want to really delve into 2 weeks of thoughts, dreams & wish fulfilment or do you want a narrative that's more realistically framed, so unfortunately there's not much opportunity for description or dialogue but instead every second is intensely action driven because we don't have a single one to waste? Ava: The latter Ava: I know the story, as the protagonist I've been living it with you Ava: Call mystery girl, she'll be as quiet as she can James: [does of course] Ava: Well James: I'm speechless James: but still here Ava: Please stay Ava: I hope you can stay James: I'll try Ava: Remember I told you this is different James: yes Ava: I really haven't felt like this before Ava: is what I'm saying Ava: I'm even more sure this is entirely new now James: understood James: I know you understand that it's the same for me Ava: I do James: Ava James: please stay too Ava: I will Ava: Literally nowhere else I'd rather be Ava: or no one else James: I'll try to understand that Ava: I'll try to make it clearer Ava: long as that may take Ava: not a quitter James: you've also never been unclear Ava: But you should know by now Ava: you know James: that's my error, not yours Ava: Shh James: I can't because Ava: Why? James: none of the blame for what I don't know rests on you Ava: but Ava: yeah, that's true Ava: but there's more ways I could show you Ava: tell you James: are there? Ava: yeah Ava: but you know Ava: scary James: that I do know for definite Ava: You don't think I'm 🙀 James: I think you're brave James: but you recognise when to be cautious Ava: I recognize it Ava: I rarely want to be cautious though James: we wouldn't have a story if you did Ava: 😏 okay Ava: I feel less bad James: don't feel bad at all James: please Ava: okay Ava: I'll try Ava: if you do James: you shake Frank's paw & I'll shake a 🐢's James: arm? whatever they have Ava: 🥰 you are so fucking cute Ava: and it's a deal James: [sends her a pic of him doing it because he can now #nerd] Ava: [send a video of Frank mugging her off like get away from me mother] James: 😂 Ava: I still agree to the terms and conditions Ava: he's just a diva and thinks I'm trying to give him an unwanted manipedi James: I can relate to the dread of an unwanted makeover James: tell him I apologise for laughing Ava: Dad duties? James: the reality of a very controlling wife Ava: 😑 Ava: Well we'll go shopping, one day James: only if Jay can come too, nobody hates having no influence over their own wardrobe more than she does Ava: Of course Ava: she's got to meet Frank James: she would love to, you honestly have no idea Ava: One day soon Ava: I can handle bumping into you at the park without being too 😍 James: I don't know whether to be happy or sad that you can apparently handle that Ava: I'm nothing if not over-ambitious Ava: and over-confident James: I like both of those things about you Ava: There's nothing I don't like about you James: I got it really wrong, you're not trying to age me, you're trying to kill me Ava: Never Ava: What would I do without you? James: you'd survive, as you're always saying Ava: 🥺 Ava: no James: it's okay, we don't have to find out James: I want you with me, not without me Ava: I need you James: Ava James: I haven't got in it me to walk away again, I mean it Ava: Then don't Ava: it isn't what I want Ava: but as well, I really don't think it's right, for you or for anyone, me included Ava: It wouldn't be easy, at all, but if I thought this was wrong, I wouldn't do it, I'd have to stop, somehow James: I know Ava: I'm not a bad person Ava: and neither are you James: you're a good person James: & being with you isn't what makes me a bad one Ava: You're a good one Ava: one of my favourites James: no, but you make me want to be better at being a person James: because you're one of my favourites too Ava: We're all just trying to get better at being people, yeah James: most of us Ava: The rest are gonna wake up and realize they wasted a lot of time pretending they had it all figured out, too late James: I'm so happy I met you Ava: That is definitely very mutual James: even if this all goes wrong again tomorrow or any time before how long we want it to last, I want you to know I won't be sorry about the start or the middle Ava: That means more than that phrase can convey James: & I want to emphasise I'm not only saying so because everything else in my life is going horribly James: if I was happy I'd want to share that with you too Ava: I love you James: Ava Ava: I couldn't not say it anymore, I'm sorry James: I don't want you to be sorry if you're not Ava: I'm not sorry that I mean it, or feel it Ava: but I am if I crossed a boundary James: you can say anything to me Ava: Well Ava: there it is James: what are we going to do about it? Ava: Up to you really Ava: we don't have to do anything Ava: do we? James: but that wouldn't be right James: things shouldn't go on as they are Ava: Sometimes they have to though Ava: anyway, does it even count as a declaration of love if I don't run to your house in the pouring rain in something made of white silk, like James: it counts that you're the 1st adult who has honestly said that to me Ava: Then I'll say it again Ava: I love you, James James: Then we need to find a way to be together properly Ava: Yeah? James: yes James: you can't be this important & the other most important person in my life not know that you exist James: or never have woken up next to me James: I still have no idea how beautiful you look when you're asleep Ava: We'll work it out Ava: be together properly James: I promise James: because I have no intention of breaking it Ava: I'm thinking maybe you want me dead too James: not even hypothetically James: I need you too much Ava: My legs feel like they ache from not being allowed to come run and find you right now James: I keep accidentally hurting you, don't I? James: Frank has no skills as a masseur I assume? James: IOU Ava: I'm holding you to that one like it's a bonafide promise too James: good James: because while I don't technically have any skills of my own, I'm confident you'll let me know if you like my attempts or not Ava: fake girl might be quiet as a mouse but that's not my style unless absolutely necessary James: that's why you're my favourite & she's my scapegoat Ava: 🥰😏 I can only be so sorry James: well, it's fine because apologies aren't what I wanna hear Ava: All I wanna hear is my alarm so it means I get to see you today James: almost looking forward to going to the office myself James: how unusual Ava: They're so welcome for the boost in morale, like James: if I could keep you on my desk all day, I would Ava: When the novel is ready and you're ready to be fired, then we can do that James: okay James: I'll pull a few more all-nighters James: see if I can't get these chapters finished Ava: I'll nap beside you Ava: at my most inspiring when I 😴 James: I find it hard to believe you'd be anything other than distracting Ava: Who, me? 😇 James: yes, you James: you're very beautiful, you know Ava: 😊 Ava: You're lovely James: it's true, you make me wish I knew how to paint Ava: You make me wish a lot of things, I get that James: tell me one day Ava: Every wish? James: yes Ava: Okay Ava: we can count how many have come true James: until they all have Ava: Happily ever after James: it would be over ambitious & over confident of me to suggest I'm capable of giving you anything close & I'm not anything close to being either Ava: You're just less talk, more make it happen Ava: you've shown that plenty already Ava: I believe in you, I always tell you James: I can always feel how sincere you're being when you do Ava: Good 'cos I don't lie Ava: even to be nice James: I like that about you most of all Ava: If I wasn't conceited before 😂 James: you weren't, it's fine Ava: Well Ava: 🤏 Ava: but it is fine Ava: not not fine enough to warrant stopping you complimenting me James: you couldn't stop me, darling Ava: is that so? James: of course James: even if you made me speechless again, compliments don't have to be spoken Ava: 🤤 Ava: can we put that to the test James: give me a minute James: [a dramatic pause that's longer than either of them would like] Ava: James? James: okay, test me Ava: How though? James: how do you think you can 😶? Ava: Oh, that's easy Ava: I just need the help of a friend James: it's easy to give you compliments Ava: I know, that's why I've gotta go hard over here Ava: bear with James: take all the time you need Ava: I won't need that long Ava: don't like wasting time with you ever James: are you saying you think you've already lost? Ava: Um, no Ava: I'm saying it won't be long until you can see the finished product and be 😶 Ava: how rude of you 😏 James: then it couldn't possibly be a waste of time Ava: [sends him a video on the fake profile] Ava: might wanna turn your sound way down James: well, now I want to turn it up Ava: do so at your own risk Ava: I'm very much alone rn so I could be as loud as is necessary James: [sends her a pic so she knows how into that video he was because worth a thousand words] Ava: Now that is a compliment James: like I said, it's easy to be complimentary towards you Ava: I can see that 🤭 James: I need to see you James: why the fuck isn't it tomorrow yet? Ava: It's actually so unfair Ava: dunno if we can claim starcrossed but you know James: it'll feel less tragic once I get in the shower & can actually turn the volume up Ava: You're really gonna inspire a sequel that easily, huh James: a saga James: longer than Twilight Ava: would just about see us through 'til morning Ava: me @ brunch 🥴 James: I'm wide awake if you are Ava: Of course Ava: new challenge Ava: make you speechless and get you to 💤 pass out, like James: I'm not sure if it's an advantage or disadvantage that I haven't slept well for the last 6 years Ava: We'll work that out together Ava: but wait Ava: say night now so I don't miss it later James: it'll definitely prove helpful in the morning since we have a habit of leaving cups of coffee untouched when we're together James: Oh Ava, you're so sweet James: goodnight for later, my darling Ava: True Ava: and Edward is so jealous Ava: you can't help being more interesting Ava: or better at sweet talk James: we'll make everyone jealous, one day James: when you're my girlfriend Ava: I can't wait Ava: legitimately James: me either Ava: Did you have many girlfriends before Ava: or just do hookups James: I didn't have any girlfriends before Ava: suppose you didn't have much time, nah Ava: not for serious ones James: I didn't want a serious one in school & my parents absolutely didn't want me to have one either, for all the good that did Ava: Makes sense Ava: parents rarely get what they want though, like you said James: I was having too much fun not being serious about anything, until I wasn't any more Ava: That's a lot of people Ava: if there's a time for it James: that's everyone I knew then & a lot of different people I also know now Ava: Yeah, it is a bit like they typecast this entire area most of the time James: I'll make every attempt to avoid it when I set the scene in my novel Ava: like you said too, fun 'til it ain't Ava: I always leave before then James: I always did too, until I got to rehab & leaving was no longer an option James: kind of its unique selling point Ava: How long ago was that? James: it's been years Ava: What did you go in for, if you don't mind me asking James: do you remember that expensive drug habit I mentioned as being one of the only things I used to care about? it honestly was Ava: I was just worried you were meant to be sober Ava: 'cos that would've been really awkward Ava: that's amazing though Ava: well done James: I'm mostly sober but sometimes I fuck that up, which is awkward, you're right Ava: I'm sorry Ava: that night was totally my idea, I steamrolled you so hard James: it was my bad idea to get drunk, that's not your fault James: it's also not your fault that I did something I shouldn't to try & stop myself from doing something else that I'd convinced myself that I shouldn't James: because I'm well aware of how well that doesn't work Ava: Alright Ava: but I'll be more supportive now I know, for the record Ava: though I see your logic there, even if it didn't exactly go to plan James: it went according to an even better plan James: because here we are James: & I don't want to spoil your fun, Ava Ava: I can't even claim it as my plan, sadly Ava: 'cos I couldn't even imagine we'd get here Ava: and you won't, you don't Ava: there's more than one way to have fun Ava: every time I've met up with you has been fun and I was only drinking one of those times so safe to say it isn't required, like James: tomorrow won't be any different, I promise James: despite the fact my office has never been fun before Ava: yeah but I've never been there before Ava: obviously the issue James: the main issue, absolutely Ava: having your dad as a co-worker is probably a fair 2nd James: technically he's my boss & how often he likes to make that known is the 3rd Ava: ick Ava: 🙄 Ava: he's not getting in the book James: I'll put him in the acknowledgements for spurring me on in getting the chapters done quickly Ava: 😂 A subtle dig is the best kind James: 🖋 vs ⚔ Ava: your 🤓 brain is sexy James: I'll happily say again that everything about you is Ava: I'll be even happier when I can hear you actually say it tomorrow James: you can hear me say it now James: I'll bring you into the 🚿 with me Ava: I love you James: [okay we skipping to tomorrow for my evil cockblocking deeds] James: Teddy's here Ava: Oh Ava: to visit or put in hours? James: the latter apparently, which he has wisely decided to do when my dad isn't here to supervise him Ava: Well, good for him Ava: right, what's the plan then James: I'm gonna go get Matty, she might as well here too since you can't be James: maybe she'll annoy him enough that he'll leave earlier than he's currently planning to Ava: Cross my fingers, like Ava: she's pretty sweet overall though James: Teddy really doesn't like children though Ava: I can't imagine him interacting with one tbf Ava: keep me posted then, I guess James: he dropped Jay when she was a bit older than Matty, it can't have helped matters James: if nothing else I'll try & leave earlier than I actually need to when I go to pick her up James: it won't give us long but it's the best I can do Ava: Kids are made of sturdy stuff, if my fam has taught me anything Ava: bless him Ava: that's cool Ava: the girls were going on to the shops so I'll just join them James: okay Ava: can't be helped, can it James: not yet James: but I'm still sorry Ava: not your fault James: [sends her all the deets because he's booked her a massage since he can't give her one & she's now got loads of spare time, like ILY babe] Ava: You didn't have to do that Ava: but as far as 2nd best options go Ava: I've lucked out there, thank you James: I'm aware how frustrating all of this is, in every possible aspect of the word James: so hopefully this will help Ava: It is Ava: but you're worth it to me so I'm in if you are Ava: though probably warn me beforehand if it's that kind of massage, otherwise it could get awkward James: 😂 I have heard she's very good but I can't personally vouch for whether or not that's why she's as highly recommended as she is James: you'll have to let me know Ava: 😏 I'll let you know if your friends are shameless perverts or not, yeah James: thank you James: it would be useful information to have because both my parents have separately been there Ava: 😬 Ava: do you reckon that's ever happened Ava: having an affair with the same person by accident James: it must have at some point Ava: I mean, a thruple is the last resort of every middle-aged couple wanting to reignite things so give it a go James: thank god I'm not yet middle aged & my marriage is dead in the water James: it was strange enough when a friend made a pass at me at a party who I know had slept with her previously without seeking us it out Ava: as much as it pains me you aren't, babe Ava: she's not my type either sorry James: understandable, he wasn't mine Ava: you straight? James: shocking, I know Ava: Again, tragically not but I thought I better check 😉 James: as much as she'd probably love that to be the reason I want to leave her, it's not Ava: That cliche really is played out though James: agreed, it's not one of my preferred cliches Ava: Fine, fine, I WON'T sleep with the masseuse, you don't have to beg James: if you could not sleep with anyone else, regardless of their profession, that'd be a relief Ava: 'Course I won't Ava: I love you, there'd be no point James: I miss you so much Ava: I know, I miss you too Ava: not just because all my friends seem to have got new boyfriends at once that they all had to talk about James: two fake profiles would be a step too far, right? Ava: 🤏 just Ava: anyway, fake girl means nothing Ava: I don't wanna claim fake boy either, just you James: maybe you should come to the office & let Teddy see you, it would get everything out in the open Ava: I don't think you're ready for that, are you James: there is no way to ready myself for it though, is there? Ava: There's some ways Ava: even if you know your wife is obviously gonna be a nightmare regardless Ava: can ease everyone else in Ava: maybe mention you've met someone to him? see how he is with that first James: I don't really want to involve him to such a dramatic degree, yours is a much better idea Ava: Believe me, I wanna be there as much as you want me there Ava: but I don't wanna fuck it up James: me either, it's gotten so bad with her James: as bad as it's ever been Ava: What are you going to do? James: I don't know, I tried to leave when...after I left you & James: well, I'm still there, aren't I? Ava: It's really fucking complicated Ava: and that's an understatement Ava: it will probably be worse after, when you do leave Ava: but then, when she can't follow through with her threats, 'cos it's all bullshit, what can she do, you know what I mean James: she's said things that mean I can't risk leaving her alone with the children at all now James: not that I particularly did before but there were things I believed she'd do then & things I didn't actually Ava: You'd have to take them with you Ava: so that means you need to keep your place Ava: but I assume the chances of her leaving are slim to none Ava: unless Ava: hmm James: she's said she wants to go, start over, but that means nothing James: I know she'd refuse to just to spite me Ava: Appearance is everything with her, yeah? James: it is Ava: you need to do something that will make her leave then, feel like she's made the decision Ava: like if you were gay, something that she can't make go away on the socials James: we can't have a baby just so she'll fuck off Ava: No, I can't even have news of a fake baby getting back to my parents Ava: but seriously Ava: if we did out us, show people we were Ava: would she find a way to hack that or no? James: she'd find a way to destroy your entire life Ava: No she wouldn't Ava: she's doing that to yours, has been for too long James: she would, Ava James: she's done it before, to your sister, to any other girls she's found out about James: & I didn't even care about them the way I do about you Ava: What could she possibly say about me? Ava: I'm a homewrecker? If she wants everyone to know how unhappily married she is Ava: Everyone knows all about my weird family, I've dealt with that for years Ava: Anything she could say, I'd own up to or I'd prove wrong, she doesn't control my narrative James: even if you are right, she still controls mine James: my children's James: I'm not allowed to just take them, am I? She'll have me arrested or something Ava: Only mentally Ava: you can break that, you will Ava: 'cos she doesn't provide any finances, she doesn't look after the kids, what does she offer, like Ava: there is no hold over you but her mental one Ava: Your name is on their birth certificates too, you're as entitled to be with them Ava: anyway, you don't have to go anywhere, who owns your flat, like? James: my dad owns everything Ava: Yeah, your dad Ava: He's not going to put his grandkids out, even if he doesn't side with you Ava: and if it comes to it, he'll have to have you both out whilst you sort out the divorce Ava: there's no way she's automatically entitled to that flat, it isn't either of yours Ava: and she's not automatically entitled to the kids, especially with all the worrying things she's said, yeah James: but I'm not either, I'm an addict Ava: Recovered, literally went to rehab Ava: and let's be honest, half this town is on it to that degree but they're not owning up and calling it a problem Ava: you did that and you sorted it out James: what if they aren't actually mine? James: she's cheated as much as I have Ava: Oh, James Ava: I don't know Ava: you could find out Ava: if you were ready for that but Ava: I see the appeal of not knowing Ava: she probably does though, if she's thought to use it against you before, it's at least crossed her mind too James: as much as she's said it, I've never actually believed her James: but what if I find out that they aren't, it'll be the end, nothing else that we've just said would even have any relevance James: I can't lose them, Ava, I'd rather stay with her forever than let that happen Ava: Of course Ava: they're yours, you raised them Ava: does she Ava: stupid question but does she actually want them? James: no James: she told me she never did, either of them Ava: I don't Ava: as spiteful as she is Ava: would she keep two kids she doesn't love or want Ava: what about her parents, what do they think? James: they're both at their wits end Ava: They'd back you, then James: they know they can't back her James: too much has happened that her mum knows about Ava: If you have proof and people backing you that she's unfit to be the sole provider, then she'd have to sort out visitation and work with you Ava: and I can't see her bothering, if she means all she's said Ava: but Ava: I don't know Ava: it's scary James: if she knows it's you I'm with, I honestly couldn't guarantee anything with regards to what she would or wouldn't do James: her strange obsession with your siblings is something I've never quite understood Ava: None of this is about me, or my wellbeing Ava: I don't care, there's nothing she can do to me Ava: if that was all we were worried about I'd move myself in today but it ain't James: but what I'm saying is, she could go further than we're thinking she would with regards to the children because she doesn't want me to be happy with you specifically James: not just because she doesn't want me to be happy ever Ava: Okay, I get it Ava: So you'll either stay, forever Ava: or she'll take the kids and you'll have to battle in the courts to see them James: that's how it appears James: & if they aren't mine, she just takes them if I don't stay forever Ava: That's why if you do decide to leave Ava: you need to know that first James: I'm scared to know it Ava: That's understandable Ava: there's few things scarier that I can think of James: Matty wouldn't remember if I disappeared from her life now but Jay needs me Ava: You aren't going to just disappear Ava: whatever you decide, whatever happens, we won't let it be that James: can you forget everything I said about trying to be sober, please, I really need a drink James: lots of drinks actually Ava: Tell whoever you need to that you need to go home, okay Ava: then come meet me Ava: I shouldn't have started this conversation right now, I'm so sorry Ava: come be with me James: I can't, you've got a massage to get to & that's the least of what's expected of me James: not leaving Ava: Okay, have you got Matty? Ava: Because go do that then, spend some time with her James: I don't think I should, she'll pick up on how I feel & then nobody'll get any work done Ava: Alright, are you sure you want to stay, you'll be alright? James: I'll be fine Ava: I'll leave you to it then Ava: try to distract yourself, sure Teddy will help you James: I'll talk to you later Ava: Sure, no worries James: [later] James: I'm sorry Ava: I totally get it Ava: well, I don't, but I totally get that too Ava: I'm sorry as well James: everything is indescribably terrible Ava: Yeah Ava: it's bad James: I'm so sorry, Ava Ava: You don't have to say sorry to me Ava: I chose what I chose Ava: you didn't know what you were signing up for, how could you James: now you know what you're signing up for, if you don't want to be any more, I understand Ava: Don't say that James: I have to say it Ava: Now you have then but I'm ignoring you James: please don't Ava: I could never, you know how I feel Ava: that's not changing, it can't James: I know & you know I don't want it to Ava: I just wish there was something I could do Ava: to actually help James: you do help James: more than I can find words to express Ava: I'm not gonna bring it all up again but Ava: all I can think is we have two spare rooms at mine, alright Ava: if you ever need them James: what about your parents? Ava: I could talk to them Ava: and both rooms have bathrooms, and it's only me on that floor as well so the girls wouldn't have to feel like they've got to meet loads of new people James: but what could you possibly say? Ava: As much of the truth as they need to know Ava: Don't worry about that, they're easier to sort than any of the rest of this, yeah James: I'm fairly certain that'd be the whole truth & that wouldn't be easy Ava: They're big rooms, the girls could share or you could have one with Matty Ava: I'm saying, we don't have to say you could as easily share mine James: I wouldn't want someone as fucked up as me going out with either of my daughters Ava: You aren't Ava: it'll just be the age gap but they'll get over that Ava: anyway, the space is there, that's about all I've come up with since earlier James: thank you James: for even trying to come up with anything while I've just been James: again, I don't know what the word is, or could be Ava: You needed to stop Ava: as much as you ever can James: & now I need to see you but it can never just be that simple Ava: Does Jay have anything on tonight, like a club or a lesson or? James: ballet, so I have to stay because she hates it Ava: Fair enough Ava: Is lunch tomorrow an option or? James: I'll make sure it is Ava: Okay, I'll see you then Ava: could you do a phonecall during ballet, even for five minutes Ava: just so I can hear your voice, tell you all the things I wanna James: no promises Ava: of course James: aren't you glad you came back from holiday to all this Ava: I wasn't planning to stay there forever regardless Ava: you know how much I missed you Ava: still do James: tell me about it, or the massage, or your friends' boyfriends, anything that isn't the subject of my misery Ava: It was a good massage Ava: though the way my shoulders killed, you wouldn't think I'd just been on holiday Ava: you definitely need to try it yourself James: I'll book us in together next time Ava: That'll be perfect James: but before I do, did she try & seduce you? Ava: 😂 Ava: not enough to convince me I need to go back every fortnight 💔 James: did you not tell her I've got a best selling novel to write? Ava: Of course Ava: doing the hard sell on everyone for you, babe James: I appreciate it, very much Ava: I appreciate you Ava: What time will you be back, I'll uber eats you something for dinner Ava: you must be exhausted James: only if you order the same thing, it'll almost be like having dinner together Ava: You have the best ideas James: [a time that he'll be back] Ava: It's a date James: I'll dress up for you James: get out of these work clothes Ava: 😳 'scuse you Ava: warn me before you're gonna be that hot please James: if you were warned, you'd be less likely to 😳 Ava: I'll always blush for you Ava: like it or not James: you know how much I like it Ava: I seriously wish you were here Ava: such a waste of pink James: I wish you were here Ava: Gutted my ballet days are behind me James: she doesn't want to go, is there anywhere we actually could meet? Ava: With the kids? Ava: I hear that new soft play does a good coffee James: okay Ava: It's one place adults are actually encouraged to chat to each other so it won't be weird to Jay James: as soon as I tell her she doesn't have to put her tutu on, that's all she'll care about Ava: Bless her James: not to mention the bun, that's a war I'm happy to call a ceasefire on Ava: I'll put my hair down Ava: not trigger her 😂 James: just me then 😍 Ava: it's still a date, like Ava: got to keep you on your toes James: can we draw the line at a pirouette though please? I'm very tired Ava: alright, another time 😏 James: tomorrow maybe Ava: you'll feel up to it then? Ava: planning on a 💤 night of sleep James: you said the coffee's good James: if I actually manage to drink it, who knows Ava: Don't you know you're too big for the ball pit? James: that's an outrageous thing to say! after the day I've had, I couldn't deserve a ball pit more James: you've really devastated me there Ava: Okay, okay, I'm sorry Ava: sneaky hold my hand under the balls? Ava: please James: regardless of your apology, I'm gonna have to throw you in James: so yes Ava: 😱 Ava: now that's actually outrageous James: 😏 Ava: 😈 Ava: how you play James: with you Ava: so inappropriate to make me 😳 in soft play James: oh, so you want best behaviour? James: I can do that too Ava: No Ava: never said that Ava: I might like inappropriate James: I also think you might, let's find out Ava: 🥰 Ava: Let's James: Ava James: I seriously don't know what I would do without you James: no, that's wrong actually, I do. I'd be in such a state right now, really drunk or worse James: because it's not talking about it that's the problem James: we have to keep talking about it, okay? James: I have to figure out what I'm going to do Ava: I love you, James Ava: of course we can keep talking, I'm not going to leave you Ava: whatever you need means just that Ava: you will figure it out Ava: You will not lose them, okay, whatever that takes James: but what you need is just as important & if that's ever taking a step back, not talking about it or whatever else, do it Ava: Of course Ava: I will, I'll try James: good, I've already dragged you into this & I refuse to also drag you down Ava: You'll see how hard it is to do that in the ball pit James: 😂 Ava: Not without a fight, ever James: if they don't use that as the film tagline, such a waste Ava: They might want you as lead for that Ava: negotiations are ongoing James: you're the face, it's non-negotiable Ava: 🥺 I wanna kiss your face James: I want to press my lips against every single bit of your skin, all the time Ava: Oh James: there's never enough hours for everything I want to do with you Ava: Making up for all that lost time should be very, very good James: we're going to need days, weeks, months James: I want to give you that Ava: You can promise James: can I? Ava: Yeah Ava: we'll find a way, right? James: I promise you Ava: 💙 Ava: I promise you it'll get better James: of course, there's no crying in the ballpit Ava: not even when I beat you James: hypothetically not even then, but you won't so it's no problem Ava: 😏 that's fighting talk James: yes, it very much is Ava: Don't try to swoon your way to victory Ava: I'm definitely not that easy, nope James: I'm not Mr Darcy James: we can both do better than that James: that said, I am wearing a white shirt Ava: Shame there's not a good lake around James: but we should still go swimming some time Ava: Only if you pick the bikini Ava: tradition now James: of course, I'd hate to break tradition Ava: take you off the alumnus James: & then how would I meet girls Ava: 😲 Ava: Cheek James: that's all it is, I assure you Ava: not a threat then? James: no James: I'm not planning to lose you in the ball pit Ava: Good luck Ava: take more than a subtle hint to get rid of me, babe James: it'd be very bad luck Ava: 🍀 James: how soon can you be there? Ava: it isn't far, is it Ava: 15-20 minutes James: okay Ava: You better show up first so I can tell 'em I'm meeting you Ava: convincing a not-bothered 6-year-old I have an imaginary child is one thing Ava: reception will just be getting 🚨 James: I'll let you know when we do Ava: 👍 Ava: I'm looking forward to it Ava: even if it'll be odd to leave it at a kiss on the cheek James: & very odd for you & Jay to finally be in the same place Ava: Yeah, you sure you're alright with it? Ava: No doubt she'll totally blank me, who wouldn't when faced with the joy of soft play James: obviously it's far from ideal for me or you but Ava: I just wanna see you Ava: I'm fine with it James: I know I should probably care more but I swear, if this day ends without seeing you James: I will actually lose my mind Ava: We're not doing anything wrong Ava: you can't help it if random women talk to you at soft play Ava: have to keep you literally locked up to avoid that so James: It does happen a lot & yet I've so far avoided being chained to the wall Ava: Exactly Ava: not even anything noteworthy Ava: and I'm not gonna like Ava: overstep or be too much with either of the girls, you don't need to worry Ava: I wouldn't do that, or anything you weren't comfortable with James: I'm not worried about that James: I'd never have brought Matty over to your house if I thought it was going to make either of us feel uncomfortable Ava: 'Course Ava: you're a good dad James: but if you do feel anything close to it, with Jay or with anything, just tell me Ava: I will Ava: You're doing this well, you know James: I'm trying to Ava: And if she ever says, you know Ava: she doesn't like me or whatever Ava: then you can tell me and we won't meet when you have to be with them Ava: take it slower Ava: I know it would make it harder but I know they come first and I'm totally cool with that James: you're doing this really well too Ava: I hope so Ava: it's new territory for both of us, all of us Ava: we'll work this out too James: I trust you, Ava Ava: Thank you Ava: you can Ava: I'm not gonna let you down James: but you can, like you said, we're all just trying to get better at being people, aren't we Ava: Yeah, okay Ava: Too cocky? Ava: I'll try really, really hard not to let you down, but no promises Ava: How's that? James: I don't want you to think that me thinking you're perfect means you have to be James: 😇 & 😈 remember, mistakes are what rewrites exist for & I already made mine in trying to let you go James: you're allowed to get it wrong too Ava: I just really don't want to hurt you James: I don't want to hurt you either Ava: as long as we know that, even if we do by accident or whatever Ava: that's better, isn't it Ava: than me leaving you alone James: anything would be better than that James: but yes, especially if we know what we want & don't want James: I'd let you hurt me over & over again if it meant you didn't leave but I know that isn't what you want Ava: Never ever Ava: even thinking about it is making me hurt James: so we're not going to let it happen even hypothetically Ava: only fun hypotheticals James: like the traffic not being horrendous so I get to soft play before the children start a riot James: because we're finally ready to go Ava: That's so hypothetical it borders on a pipe dream but maybe the universe will play fair after the day you've had 🙏🤞 James: so much so that I'm hypothetically considering walking Ava: how many hypothetical stops would you have to make 'cos she wants to look at something or pick something up she shouldn't Ava: Frank can make a ten minute walk take a good thirty, easy James: enough that I could hypothetically catch my breath after all the cigarette breaks I've had today & I might not hypothetically pass out Ava: Just thinking of your health, clearly James: I should quit, again Ava: How long did you manage? James: which time? Ava: 😏 most successful time then James: 6 months maybe Ava: Not to be sniffed at Ava: longer than I've gone and I'm a shameless 'social' smoker as if that's alright James: how long have you managed? Ava: However long between whenever I've been offered one Ava: I've not tried really James: do you want me to not offer you any? Ava: Sounds like you need to catch your breath Ava: take that as you will James: okay Ava: 😊 Ava: Tell me when I need to leave James: [a long enough pause] James: you can leave now, if you'd like Ava: On my way Ava: how strict is your sweet policy? James: arguably not as strict as it should be, but I don't share that hypothetical opinion Ava: I'll stop in the shop on the way Ava: now, do I guess and see how my choice rates or do I cheat and ask you what the faves are Ava: 🤔 James: you heard me say I trust you, right? Ava: Okay, I got this James: I believe it & in you, darling Ava: 😍 you could say that again Ava: if you liked James: I've got no end of faith in you, Ava Ava: Ugh, bye Ava: I've melted James: what I'm hearing is that I'm going to have to pour you into the ball pit? Ava: If you can pick me up off the floor, yes Ava: also what I'm hearing is you want a treat too, noted James: of course I'll pick you up Ava: Actually trying to kill me Ava: I'm trying to walk, like James: if I could carry you over the threshold of this soft play centre, I would Ava: Babe 😩 James: not the time nor the place, understood Ava: Sadly not James: when the filmmaker takes certain liberties with the source material, we'll attempt it then Ava: Directors cut, yeah James: yes Ava: right, 'scuse me whilst I focus Ava: 🍭🍫🍬 important decisions to be made James: you're sweeter than any of it Ava: James James: sorry, you need to concentrate 😶 Ava: 😈 you Ava: but 😇 at the same time Ava: how do you do it? James: how do you? Ava: Touche Ava: maybe we're a good match James: I think we are Ava: What a coincidence Ava: Me too James: 🍀 Ava: [do we wanna end it here and just work out how it goes?] James: [yeah we can do] Ava: [I'm saying she went animal-themed and got her like percy pigs and an animal bar and the animal biscuits etc and got Matty some rusks or something soz baby snacks aren't as fun and then got him some candy cigarettes] James: [we all know that'd go down amazingly well done babe & I'm saying the baby made the loudest sound when she saw her again like oh hey girl] Ava: [that would be so cute] James: [we all know they already like each other] Ava: [lbr you haven't got any competition in Chloe, all you need to do is not be a massive bitch] James: [mhhmmm I'm also saying he let Jay decide what she wanted to wear because she deserves that thank you] Ava: [when you're busy living your best life so I assume you'll be alright even if you're like hello stranger?] James: [she'd be in such a good mood thankfully] Ava: [we all deserve this to be a moment, lads] James: [even if it can't be as much of a moment as you'd both like, keep it sneaky lads] Ava: [🐍[ James: [the self control required after the day they've had and how highkey their emotions are rn] Ava: [truly, at least no adults are there to pick up on what is way more than the vibe] James: [the receptionist been knew but who's she telling] Ava: [lmao imagine the amount of people conducting sneaky affairs she stay in her lane] James: [I bet they would cos their kids could not be more distracted] Ava: [its perfect tbh] James: [100% am throwing her in the ballpit excuse us children] Ava: [must be done] James: [let him be young goddamn it, he was robbed] Ava: [be young and have fun] James: [Jau just talking about soft play constantly for the foreseeable but Chloe none the wiser lol] Ava: [gonna steal your kids and your man 'cos you don't want 'em James: [they gotta come back because not only is it a great cover it'd be a really swag soft play like better than the one Louise always goes to even because posh people] Ava: [remember on scummymummies they said that one did booze lol they've got so fancy] James: [you're missing out Chlo, soz not soz] Ava: [literally no one is soz, not even your baby] James: [the baby should have her tort with her because feels] Ava: [awh yas] James: [no other kids steal it thank you] Ava: [baby fight lmao] James: [I hope not because the mum would be so judgey cos he's young & Ava's even younger] James: [not sorry we all serving looks & living our best lives at this soft play] Ava: [no one shall bring them down rn or I'll brawl] James: [but I do hope Jay's hair is the messiest it's ever been because fuck you chloe] Ava: [i always wonder what chloe is actually doing 'cos like, nothing ever is the tea] James: [truly how much shopping can you do girl] Ava: [waiting for your fairytale in your sham of a life, like] James: [ooh Ava should do something with Jay's hair that she actually likes cos maybe she's getting annoyed at it while she's trying to play & live her best life and James is like pikachu meme what is this witchcraft but she thinks he's like 😧 how dare you for the hottest of secs] Ava: [a mood just like lowkey how dare you but also how teach me lmao] James: [just falling more in love with the bae by the second over here] Ava: [queen of understated and simple shoutout to your mother for that one] James: [yas I've always loved that about Bea] Ava: [the levels of fuss Chloe is is not a mood for anyone] James: [one of many reasons Jay hates you babe] Ava: [those poor kids she ends up having like rip] James: [I hope she only dresses James now when they are going out because lord] Ava: [poor boy not a mood] James: [especially now you got the hottest bae ever] Ava: [nothing you can do to cockblock this honey] James: [she should obvs find the fake profile like immediately though] Ava: [we can do that next] James: [& if she messages it Ava will be able to see what she's like] Ava: [the delight that is, okay letgo]

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