#i've had these sillies for almost a year now and there's nothing more than background lore

[inaris-mage-of-storms]

}{ Warning for physical altercation, threat of sexual violence, and brief discussion of dead bodies.

As they entered the room, the Codfather stood at a window staring out over the water. "Pixlriffs, wait outside please," he said without turning around.

Pix silenced fWhip's protest with a gentle squeeze of his hand, then left him in the middle of the room and stepped out. As the door clicked shut, the Codfather turned and stepped toward him.

He was taller than fWhip by several feet, and the shirt of netting he wore did little to conceal broad muscles. fWhip couldn't help but be intimidated by the mer that towered over him; even if he weren't a god, it was clear that he had the advantage in size and strength. Then the Codfather grinned suddenly, sharp and predatory, the rest of his face covered by the mask.

"Hello, fWhip."

If fWhip still had a functioning heart, it would have stopped right then and there. He knew that voice.

Something shifted in the background hum of magic that fWhip could only barely sense, and as it did, so did the Codfather. He lost his height and bulk as he shed his demi form for a more humanish disguise, and even his mask shifted into something simpler. Now that fWhip was at eye level with him, he realized he knew those hazel eyes, too. He knew that mask, and that body.

And now he knew something else:

Oh, I'm fucked.

Once the Codfather - once Jimmy made sure fWhip knew it was him, he morphed back into his demi form and stepped closer. fWhip moved back, but Jimmy kept approaching until the back of fWhip's knees hit the bed. fWhip managed to keep his balance, but only barely, and didn't dare lean away for fear of falling.

"So, uh, Pix said I was officially registered as your concubine," he said nervously, trying to ignore how very, very close Jimmy's face was to his. "Is that like a, a symbolic title, or, um...?"

The Codfather's grin widened. "There's nothing symbolic about it. Your life is forfeit, little count, and belongs to me now. You belong to me." He put a hand on fWhip's chest, and it was almost insulting how little strength he had to expend to send fWhip sprawling.

"You - you can't treat me like this!" said fWhip indignantly, scrambling back to put some distance between them. "I don't want - "

The hand that wrapped around his throat and the knee that pressed between his legs were equally effective at cutting off his protest. "Oh, I'm well aware of what you want," said Jimmy. "You think I didn't notice how hard you got every time we got into a scuffle?" He leaned down and ran his tongue over the shell of fWhip's ear, pleased when wheezy protests turned into a shiver. "I guess we have a few misconceptions to clear up. Like the one where you seem to think I give a fuck what a murderer does or doesn't want."

"I didn't - " fWhip pulled at Jimmy's wrist fruitlessly, struggling for air. "I didn't know. S'posed to be - only in battle - "

"You're too smart to be that stupid," scoffed Jimmy. His hand clenched harder for one terrifying second, then he let go and watched fWhip wheeze and cough. "Do you know how many of our people I've held funeral rites for in the last few years, whenever you and Sausage weren't trying your best to humiliate me? How many farmers? elderly? children?"

fWhip shook his head, unable to meet the Codfather's gaze. Jimmy leaned close until the cold surface of his mask brushed against fWhip's forehead. "Neither do I. I lost count."

The water in a half-empty pitcher nearby lapped dangerously at the vessel's rim. fWhip shuddered, glad he'd been summoned to a room in the upper part of the palace rather than one in the depths. He wouldn't trust a conduit to function properly right now, not for him.

"I'm sorry. I am. But that's not my fault," he said in a small voice. "I just...I just tinker! I make silly little gadgets, and farming tools, and - and - "

"And cores that get forged into weapons so powerful no mortal should wield them," said Jimmy. "I've seen your 'gadgets', fWhip, and what Mythland does with them before selling them. Almost every body we recover these days is branded with the evidence of your work. Redstone burns littering the bodies of people who have never seen a speck of the stuff in their lives."

fWhip stared up at him, still unable to fully comprehend the scope of the horror Jimmy was informing him of. "They said they were defending themselves," he whispered. "They wanted peace. We were helping them make peace."

It wasn't as if he'd ever had anything against the codfolk, as sympathic as he was for the salmon refugees who turned up at his gates. As much as he liked to needle Jimmy, he also liked visiting the Codlands and chatting with the merchants. He thought about the merling he sometimes bought peat from, the friendly way she clapped him on the back with a loud laugh whenever he tried and failed to negotiate a lower price. He thought about her two kids that liked to try to "help" him carry his purchases to the border and were always fascinated with the sleight of hand tricks he showed them.

He thought about finding them someday, marked by redstone weapons, and his stomach churned.

Jimmy's face contorted with anger at the word 'peace.' fWhip didn't fight back when he grabbed him by the shirt and hurled him across the room, staying low and still while the god towered over him, only flinching when the pitcher across the room shattered in place. Jimmy gathered the escaped water into his palm with a gesture, and fWhip wondered if it was about to be stuffed into his lungs. From the set of Jimmy's jaw, he was seriously considering it.

fWhip closed his eyes, preparing to endure whatever torment the Codfather was about to inflict on him.

He gasped when the cold water splashed over his head instead, leaving him soaked through but unharmed. Jimmy hauled him to his feet and toward the door. "Get out."

"What - "

"Out." Jimmy shoved him hard before slamming the door, and only Pixlriff's waiting arms kept fWhip from falling to the stone floor.

"Oh dear," he murmured into fWhip's hair, feeling the Count begin to shake against him. "Let's get you cleaned up."

Pix glanced at the closed door, then took fWhip to his own room, finding a change of clothes for him and gently towel drying his hair after checking that he wasn't injured. "You know, I really hate that he's right," said fWhip, staring absently at a stack of books perched precariously on the edge of Pix's desk.

"About what?" asked Pix, moving from fWhip's hair to his wings.

fWhip sighed and closed his eyes. "That I always thought it was hot when he pinned me down." Pix chuckled, and fWhip managed a smile. "Does it not bother you, that I think that? Or this whole...situation? You said you were married now. Aren't you jealous?"

"I knew he would take additional lovers sooner or later," said Pix. He paused his movements on the lower half of fWhip's wing for only a moment before resuming. "It's expected of him. It's quite the anomaly that both Jimmy and Lizzie have only one consort and no one else in each of their courts, in fact."

fWhip wondered if Joel knew the Ocean Queen was already married. He'd seemed to be quite taken with her whenever she made her rare appearances at House Blossom several years ago.

He wondered if he would ever even see Joel again. Or his sister, or Sausage, or any of his other friends.

He'd really thought he and Jimmy were - maybe not the closest friends, but amicable, at least. They hadn't gotten into any serious arguments for a while. fWhip liked to bully him ever so slightly just to get a rise out of him, but it was only ever the sort of things he and Sausage did to each other all the time. And yet the whole time, Jimmy was - what, gathering information on him? On Mythland? Had he hated fWhip this whole time?

fWhip struggled with the complicated feelings swirling in his chest, ground his teeth and tried to calm himself, but it had been a stressful two days. Exhaustion, anger, fear, and guilt made for a volatile mood. Pixlriffs jumped, startled as fWhip exploded into a tirade of insults and angry remarks directed at Jimmy, Lizzie, the entire Ocean Empire, Sausage, the salmon mer, himself.

Pix gave fWhip a sympathetic look and let him rant while he moved around the room, putting fWhip's wet clothes aside to be laundered, tidying his desk, pulling on a cord and opening the door to pick up a tea tray that appears shortly after. By the time he pressed a warm cup into fWhip's hand, the count's fury had subsided into a miserable silence with the occasional curse spat out in a cracking voice.

fWhip stared down at the cup, took a sip, stared at it some more. Pix asked him how it was, and fWhip looked up at him.

"It tastes like seaweed."

He looked and sounded like a sullen, petulant child, and Pixlriffs felt bad for laughing, but the annoyed huff fWhip gave him when he turned his head to try to hide it just made the sight even cuter. "I'm sorry, I didn't think about it. I'll get you one of the imported ones."

fWhip's fingers pinched the end of Pix's robes as he stood, and Pix looked at him curiously. "Could you - ...No, nevermind," mumbled fWhip, withdrawing his hand.

Pix's tail swished behind him thoughtfully, then he wrapped his arms around fWhip's shoulders. fWhip stiffened, then relaxed into the hug and pressed his face into Pix.

"It will be all right," Pix murmured, brushing his fingers through fWhip's hair. "I have a head and a tail that will never meet. Having too many of me is still quite a treat. What am I?"

fWhip furrowed his brow as he thought, but it was an easy one, and the answer came to him in seconds. "A coin."

"Hm, so it is." Pix ran his fingers over fWhip's ear, then showed off the coin he held between his knuckles. "You were right."

fWhip had always thought Pixlriffs to be very proper, and such a whimsical gesture from the man caught him off guard. He laughed harder than he should, and wiped a tear out of his eye as Pix smiled and knelt in front of him, taking his hands in his.

"Where would you look to find lakes with no water, mountains without stone, and cities with no buildings?"

"A map." Now that fWhip's mind was in puzzle-solving mode instead of spiraling into sorrow, he didn't even need a moment to think. "Don't you have something actually challenging?"

Pix laughed, wove a logic problem into a poem, and absently stroked his thumb over the back of fWhip's hand while fWhip worked it out in his head. They sat there for a while, and with his mind distracted and enjoying the sound of Pix's calming voice, fWhip could almost fool himself into believing he might come to like it here.

Part 6 of The Codfather's Court AU

[ambernotember]

a little meddling could go a long way

a very silly episode coda for 9-1-1 8x11 and Doctor Odyssey 1x11

read on ao3

“Sergeant Grant,” Tommy grinned at her as he hopped down from the helicopter. “We have got to stop meeting like this.” “Firefighter Pilot Kinard, thanks for the assist,” Athena said. “If I never see another boat it will be too damn soon.”

or read below the cut

“Sergeant Grant,” Tommy grinned at her as he hopped down from the helicopter. “We have got to stop meeting like this.”

“Firefighter Pilot Kinard, thanks for the assist,” Athena said. “If I never see another boat it will be too damn soon.”

Tommy laughed. “Let’s get you all loaded up and out of here then. I assume you’re Daphne, our VIP?” She nodded and he guided her over to the helicopter. “You’ll be in the back with our aeromedic, and you’re our first stop.” He helped her up, and his partner got her situated. “And next to our FBI guides, we’ll have you two.” Between the two FBI guys, they quickly got Bonnie and Clyde seated as well.

“Sergeant, can I offer you the front seat?” He gave her a jaunty little bow as she climbed in, before he slid in after her. Once Daphne and Athena had been given headsets, and the criminals had ear protection on, they took off.

“Welcome to Kinard Air,” Tommy said over the headsets. “Our first stop is the hospital in approximately two hours. We don’t have in flight entertainment, but you’re welcome to watch the ocean waves out the windows.”

Daphne laughed, audible even though she hadn’t turned on her microphone, loud and bright.

“So Daphne, what are your plans once you’re healed up and out of the hospital?” Athena asked over the headsets. The aeromedic showed Daphne how to use hers to respond.

“Oh Sergeant Grant, I have no idea,” Daphne laughed again. “Dance all night, drive through the wilderness, swim in the ocean. Just celebrate, you know? Do the things I've been putting off, or thought I couldn't do anymore.”

“That sounds lovely,” Athena said. “But if I can make a suggestion? No more cruises. They’re not worth the trouble.”

Tommy privately thought Athena Grant might be the only person who could out deadpan him. He let the conversation fade into the background as he focused on flying, keeping an eye on the time and his nav system.

“Have you seen the new photos of it? Tommy?”

Tommy realized Athena was talking to him. “Sorry?”

“Has Buck shown you the new photos of the house? The kitchen counters just got installed.”

Tommy realized abruptly that Athena thought he and Evan were still together. “Uh, no, I haven't seen them,” he said. They still had an hour to go, and other people were on the comms, so it seemed like the easiest answer.

“Hmm,” Athena said. “Maybe Bobby forgot to send them.”

“Are you renovating?” Daphne asked.

“Building, actually. Rebuilding, I guess,” Athena mused.

“Rebuilding?”

“There was a fire,” Athena said. Tommy knew she was leaving out a lot of details about how and why the fire had started - Evan had told him about it. “We looked for a new place but nothing felt right. So we decided to build something new where the old house had been.”

“Wow. Did you get to design it?” Daphne asked.

“Actually my ex-husband did. He’s an architect.”

“And you’re still close? Wait, sorry, is that prying?”

“Nothing else to do,” Athena said. “We are close. We’ll always be family, and we have two kids together. He and his husband live in Florida now. We got divorced about, 7 years ago now? Almost 8. Then I met Bobby, my husband. Well, we had met before that, on the job — he's a firefighter. That's how I know Tommy here, actually, they used to work together.” Athena smiled at him then continued her story. “We were together a little less than a year when we got married. Part of what I love about him is how much he loves my family. He never tried to take over the dad role but he’s always been there for my kids. And he and Michael — that’s my ex — are close.”

She paused. “Sorry, that was probably a lot information that you were expecting.”

“I mean, like you said, not much else to do,” Daphne said.

“Do you have anyone at home Daphne?” Athena asked.

Daphne laughed again, but it was sad this time. “No. When I got sick — well, I didn’t want to put anyone else through that. It seemed easier to be alone.”

“It can be,” Athena agreed. “The thing I’ve learned as a first responder though, is that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. If there’s something that makes you happy, someone you love, it’s worth the risk.”

Tommy glanced at her out of his peripheral, but she seemed focused on the view out the windshield.

“And that’s how you feel about Bobby?”

“It is.”

“That’s so romantic,” Daphne sighed.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a lot of hard work too. We almost broke up twice,” Athena confided. “I didn’t want to be seen dating after the divorce and he thought I was embarrassed of him. And then I asked him to move in with me before he was ready.”

“Really?” Tommy surprised himself by asking. “You two have always seemed so solid.”

“Now, yes. But it took us a while to get there.” Athena turned around slightly to see Daphne. “The new romance shine is easy to find. It’s what comes after that that people don’t talk about. It’s a lot of hard work to learn to communicate with each other and trust each other. And it doesn’t stop.”

“It doesn’t?” Daphne asked.

“No, it does not. Bobby and I actually fought about the house design — I wanted to rebuild exactly as it had been, but Bobby pointed out that really, that had been mine and Michael's home. If we were building something, it should be mine and his, even if it was on the same piece of land as the old house.”

“You two sound like a romcom come to life,” Daphne said.

It was Athena’s turn to laugh. “Only because I’ve left out a lot of details. Sometimes it’s a horror show. But I can get through it because I know he’s there for me.”

Tommy swallowed around a surprisingly large lump in his throat.

Athena pulled out her phone to read a text message. “Slight change of plans, folks,” she said over the comms. “Pick up for Bonnie and Clyde will be at the hospital as well, no need for a second stop.”

“Copy that,” Tommy said, relaying the information to Harbour.

“I’m just going to let Bobby know,” Athena murmured as she typed out a text. “Do you want him to pass the message along to Buck as well?”

“Oh, I have to go back to Harbour anyways,” Tommy deflected. “No worries.”

Athena and the FBI agents spent the last part of the flight coordinating with their team on the ground, and Tommy and his aeromedic kept the hospital apprised of their progress.

Daphne was the first person off the helicopter, the medical team whisking her away to surgery for her transplant. Tommy hopped out for a quick stretch while the LAPD and FBI dealt with Bonnie and Clyde. He was surprised when Athena rounded the helicopter and pulled him down into a hug.

“Thank you for getting me home safe again,” she said. “Housewarming as soon as the tools are cleaned up - we’ll see you there.”

“Uh, I’ll see how my schedule works out.”

“We’ll see you there,” she repeated. “And hopefully never again on a boat.”

Tommy laughed despite himself. “I’ll do my best to avoid it,” he said. He waited until everyone had cleared the helipad, then got back into the helicopter to head back to Harbour, trying to put Athena’s comments out of his mind.

“Thank you for picking me up,” Athena said as she got into the truck. “I could have just had one of the uniforms get me.”

Bobby held out his hand for hers and threaded their fingers together. “And miss out on another second of seeing you? Absolutely not.” He lifted their joined hands and kissed the back of her hand, squeezing tightly. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t with you.”

“It had to be a boat,” Athena said. “You’ll never believe who my ride back was.”

Bobby looked at her in askance.

“Tommy Kinard.”

“That must have been an awkward flight,” Bobby said flatly.

“Actually there was a lovely patient named Daphne on the flight, we had a great time. And don’t talk about Tommy like that,” she chided her husband. “Have you seen him since the breakup?”

“No.”

“Well, that is not a happy man. Regardless of Buck saying Tommy broke up with him,” and he had, many times, and it was the reason Athena’s kitchen was overflowing with baked goods, “he’s clearly hurting.”

“What did you do?”

“Let’s just say there’s an aeromedic and two FBI agents that know a lot about our relationship now.”

“You meddled? You?” Bobby raised an eyebrow at her. “You hate getting involved in other people’s relationships.”

“It was the happiest I’d seen either of them,” Athena shrugged. “Sometimes people just need a little nudge. If it works, maybe they talk and we finally have an end to the baked goods. Or he doesn’t do anything about it and we have to buy a chest freezer for the new house for Buck’s baking.”

Tommy landed at Harbour, refuelling his bird and finishing his paperwork before the exhaustion of the day could overtake him.

When it was done, he took out his phone and sent a text message.

Can we talk? Maybe on Saturday?

tag list: @chimneyz @bucktommyyendgame @desert--moonchild @swagmaster9k @geekwarrior107 @racerchix21 @fan-of-a-lot @bybobbysbeard @adhd-dean @styxhuntress @owlgirl495

interact with this post if you would like to be added/removed

[issj1]

Hey! I've seen a lot of great art surrounding your WOC oc Michi Todoroki (including the one where she gets seriously hurt and dies, ouch, my poor heart).

Do you have any fun facts or anything of Michi before and during the WGP, as well as her relationships with Shu, their parents, and the WGP racers?

Hey, hello omg! I'm glad you like her so much and her drawings. So, any fun facts about? Alright! (Sorry if some are weak or repetitive).

During her time racing street races, she met Kabuto and the rest, like Yokoza, etc., and managed to get along with all of them. Although at the beginning they went so far as to tell her that something as "sophisticated" as her shouldn't be there. But she managed to earn respect very quickly.

When she saw them at the welcome party, they talked for a while, and Kabuto told and bragged about anecdotes among many others that had happened after she stopped going to those competitions. Catching up.

Long before the WGP, Michi already knew Carla and Nigel, having met her after a race.

Before the WGP, Michi raced in her category alongside Shu, of course. And she had good stats in that regard, in addition to being an incredibly talented racer with extraordinary skills, standing out quite a bit among other racers and her brother. And she was invited early thanks to that, before Shu was invited. Shu ended up starring in the first and last races, leaving Michi to compete in Italy. She only appeared in the background in her pits in Japan and the UK most of the time, giving Shu instructions.

At the Tokyo party, before it started, Michi spent most of her time talking to fans and hanging around Shu, because she felt a bit silly just wandering around doing nothing.

Michi managed to make friends with the other racers by approaching them (except Carla), although she was a bit shy or unsure how to start a conversation since she had never been surrounded by racers as talented as them, much less at such a big event (but in the end, she worked up the courage to interact with them and make a good first impression).

Shortly after the WGP and the Radiator Springs race, she would have had to take a break from racing for a while to let her engine fully recover. But she managed to get better and continues to compete actively, including joining the Transcontinental Race of Champions.

Talking about family...

Her relationship with Shu was always good, but there were times when it became ambivalent (I think you could call it that) and then returned to normal. These changes came more from Michi than from Shu.

Something funny is that Michi and Shu's attitudes can alternate depending on the situation. Shu has Michi's comical/carefree attitude, and Michi has Shu's serious/calm attitude. Or they simply behave the same way without realizing it. Not to mention that they often say or do something similar/completely the same at the same time. Michi is always the first to notice.

Her relationship with her mother was almost always ambivalent or avoidant (except during her childhood). I'd say the mother-daughter relationship here is unstable, changing constantly. This started when Michi was around 17 or 18 y.o .

Her relationship with her father is the complete opposite of that with her mother. This relationship has always been quite pleasant and fun, almost comical. Her father supported her from the moment she started street racing and was the one who accompanied her most of the time, since he himself participated in that type of race at the time.

Now, with the racers!

Miguel Camino: A rather pleasant relationship, actually, good friends on and off the track. But there's always a challenge when they decide to have a good time and race.

Carla Veloso: As I said, Michi met her after a WEC race, forming a sort of friendship and friendly rivalry with the Brazilian. And after the TROC race led by Carla, the Carnival Cup. Michi usually visits Carla once or twice a year. Michi was definitely mesmerized by the colorful and beautiful things of Brazil. That's why those little visits.

Francesco Bernoulli: There's not much to say, there isn't much between the two, but Michi may find Francesco's ego somewhat... Frustrating?? But she doesn't dislike him!; they treat each other neutrally.

Max Schnell: To be honest, I like the idea that there was always a kind of "love tension" between Max and Michi while they were getting to know each other, plus a few discreet glances off and on the track. It wouldn't have been that noticeable, at least to others. And yes, now I've put these two together. A nice, adorable thingy.

Nigel Gearsley: Quite nice. They're quite talkative with each other when it comes to good gossip. Yes, gossip friends definitely.

Jeff Gorvette: They're not that talkative with each other. But whenever they are, they usually share a few anecdotes about their races and such. With respect to Jeff.

Lewis Hamilton: They'd get along very well! They wouldn't be very close. Friends, yeah, but there wouldn't be much communication or interaction between the two of them.

Raoul CaRoule: And just like with Carla, a rivalry with Raoul has developed in the WGP. This was most noticeable at the Radiator Springs race. Although it's somewhat friendly, Raoul tends to be quite intense with Michi. But other than that, they both share that adrenaline rush and excitement when it comes to dirt roads. Dirt friends lol.

Rip Clutchgoneski: Michi is quite nice to Rip, and he is to her. She tries to make him feel comfortable in the environment of being with so many famous racers and the fact that he holds the "rookie" title. She gives him a few pieces of advice that he can apply on the track.

Lightning McQueen: Michi and McQueen get along well, having friendly exchanges and Michi has always shown respect towards McQueen, recognizing how good and skilled he is.

[totaldramafan-lauri]

First Impressions Part 2

First "love at first listen" moment happened already! >v<

Sweden

What I've heard: Favorite to win, everyone is obsessed with this, beat Mans Zelmerlow in Melfest, viral hit, about saunas, artists are from Finland singing in Swedish

OH BOY OH BOY, YESSSS, FINALLYYYYY! I've been looking forward to this! Of all the entries, this is the one that was the most painful to stay away from! I just know this is gonna be amazing.....I mean, it's a silly song from Sweden! And apparently a great one! This is a landmark occasion!

I know people are quoting this constantly everywhere, and that's a good sign for a song that's not in English-

OH MY GOD THIS IS AMAZING XD So much personality, SO different than the usual song from Sweden!

I mean that unironically! That....that one instrument in the background.....I'm not gonna call in an accordian, but it reminds me of one....It really adds a lotta flavor to this-

AHHHH, I love the chorus, I LOVE the chorus! That is gonna be an earworm!

I'm smiling so wide right now....This is so flipping silly, but I actually love this so much. This is so so so fun! SAUNA!

That being said, do I like it more than Iceland.....? I ACTUALLY don't know! I love them both! That's probably an unpopular opinion, since most people would pick this one in a heartbeat, but.....not me! They're both fun, but sound different! Iceland's song hit got me so pumped, while this one just made me smile and laugh....That's gonna take some relistens!

Better than last year? YES! And I liked them last year!

Portugal

What I've heard: Not many people like this, typical mellow Portuguese entry, has a message about leaving home

I'll give it to Portugal: While their entries often aren't....my thing, they do at least send different genres of music almost every year. They mix things up a lot

This screams "background music" to me, sorry....It's chill, but not much else. I can't really see myself seeking this out, but this type of thing DOES have an audience

Guitars are nice

Better than last year? Gonna say no

Norway

What I've heard: Artist is only 18, dancey song, pretty universally liked

Oh god, IMMEDIATELY I'm hooked....Go on, I'm listening....!

Chorus hit, and I THINK I HAVE A NEW FAVORITE-

This beat is EXCELLENT! I can't even explain why-

THAT BREAK IS SO COOL??? This whole song is cool? I can't even explain why I love this, but I DO! This is clicking! This is legit my first love at first listen!

The lyrics are good, too!

Aaaaaaaa, it's over! I wanna listen to that again! Good flipping job, Norway! You're now the one to beat for me

Better than last year? Yeeeeeesss!

Belgium

What I've heard: Haven't heard many people talking about this, but it was a landslide winner for Belgians in their show, and I think I read that it's dark pop?

Y-yeah, I think that description fits. Definitely dark pop. More synths~

Aaaand Alice In Wonderland reference

OK, I kinda love this? Not as much as Norway's song, but it's also not really comparable. This one's a lot darker. Less of a party, and more of a rave party

SYYYYYNTHS, and I like his voice

The instrumentation is REALLY good! I love how intense the ending is! This could end up high in my rankings, but I can't see it as a favorite yet

Better than last year? Gotta say no. "Before The Party's Over" still has my heart and I'm still mourning it TTvTT

Azerbaijan

What I've heard: Fun song, but nothing super interesting

Oh god I think I like this.....

Altho, it DOES kinda give the same vibes as Norway, to be fair. So I think Norway's gonna be getting more of my attention

They HAD to pick a kinda subject I'm weak to, as well.....a song about being in love....."You make me feel brand new".....

Y-yeah, if something better doesn't come later, I can see this becoming one of my underdogs.....D-dang it.....Wh-why am I so predictable......

Better than last year? Yes

[subtly-a-selkie]

Tadashi is Here

Here is my re-written Tadashi fic! I wrote this June maybe July of 2020, and although its been edited briefly before its been two years and I've (probably) improved so I re-wrote it. Anyways!

Word Count: 700 ish

Warnings: implied death, (?) fluff that is secretly angst in disguise

"Tadashi is here."

Baymax's torso begins to light up showing a screen, Tadashi is looking into the camera, holding a small chalkboard with the words "Test #1" along with his name. A girl stands next to him, wearing his signature baseball cap and smiling.

"This is Tadashi Hamada and this is the first test of my robotics project."

With a little nudge from Tadashi, the girl spoke too. "And I'm Y/N L/N, Tadashi's assistant and girlfriend."

Hiro's eyes widen at the statement, not only did he not recognize this girl but she was Tadashi's girlfriend?

The girl -- Y/N presses a button and Baymax starts to speak.

"Hello I am Baymax--" the robot was cut off by a loud screeching noise, causing the screen to glitch, and both Tadashi and Y/N to clap their hands over their ears. Tadashi quickly shuts Baymax off, the screen showing the last frame of them for a couple seconds before starting up again.

"-is the 7th test of my robotics project."

Y/N waves from the background, wearing a pair of ridiculously fluffy earmuffs, probably an attempt to soften the screeching noises that Baymax had emitted, and Tadashi's SFIT sweatshirt. She is also holding a mug that had a silly robotics joke on it, and a teabag string hung out of the mug.

"Hello I am Baymax--" the screen glitches and suddenly the robot is attacking Tadashi.

Y/N's eyes widen and she sets the mug down, reaching out to Tadashi. Unfortunately Baymax's arm detaches from his body at that moment and she has to quickly duck down to not be hit by it.

"Oh my god." she exclaims as the arm manages to knock down the computer in the corner of the room.

"Wait! Wait! Stopstopstop!" Tadashi shouts, managing to stop Baymax. The screen freezes on the last frame a bit longer this time, showing Y/N's eyes wide at the destruction Baymax's arm caused, and Tadashi trying to dodge the arm that was still attached.

"Tadashi Hamada again. This is the 33 test of my robotics project." Tadashi said almost apathetically, dark circles under his eyes and messy hair prominent. Y/N moves into view of the camera and gently places her hand on his arm.

"Dashi we should probably get some rest." Y/N said, standing up on her tiptoes so she could give him a kiss on the cheek. Almost as if the electric system agreed with her the lights spark and go out. Tadashi switches on a flashlight and stares directly into the camera.

"I'm not giving up on you, you don't understand this yet, but people need you." Y/N gives him a fond smile "Now back to work." She rolls her eyes and Tadashi presses the off button.

"My name is Tadashi Hamada and this is the 84th test." The other videos were dark, but this one is flooded with light, quite clearly the late morning. The chalkboard has 82 and 83 crossed off of it and Y/N is leaning on him half asleep. Once she realizes that the video is going she straightens up, stretching her arms above her head. Tadashi smiles at her, kissing the top of her head and then turns to face Baymax.

"What do you say big guy?" he presses a button and the robot begins to speak.

"Hello, I am Baymax, your personal healthcare companion." It takes a few seconds for Tadashi to realize that nothing bad has happened and when it does he becomes ecstatic.

"It works!" he yells "This is amazing! you-you work!" He pulls Y/N closer to him and cups her face, kissing her impulsively. "I knew it! I knew it, I knew knew it! I can't believe it!"

Although Y/N's reaction is definitely more subdued than Tadashi's she is very clearly excited, bouncing on the balls of her feet slightly.

"Okay okay big moment." Tadashi says, glancing at his girlfriend. "Scan me."

"Your neurotransmitter levels are elevated, this indicates that you are happy."

"I am. I really am. Oh man wait until my brother sees you. You're going to help so many people buddy. So many." 

(Y/N) wraps her arms around her boyfriend. "And then I get to meet him and your aunt right?"

"Of course. I am satisfied with my care."

The screen freezes on Tadashi leaning in to kiss Y/N again.

"Baymax?" Hiro asks "Do you know where Y/N is?"

continuation!

[stray-kids-react]

Shy s/o doesn't think they deserve them

Masterlist

...

Bang Chan

° He loved your shy personality, he just wanted to cuddle and praise you all day long. Even though you are a naturally soft person, that also comes with a lot of insecurities.

° Your boyfriend is a hot aussie leader with a heart of gold who fans call daddy, you can't but feel that you don't deserve such a God like boyfriend. And he can see it bothers you.

° Chan is a sweet heart who will check in on you as often as he can even with his busy schedule, he knows having an idol boyfriend can be stressful and he wants to comfort you.

° Felix was baking brownies, which you usually helped him out with even if it is just to cheer him on as he does his thing. But both of the aussies noticed your missing presence.

° Chan waltzed up to his studio, where you often hung around when you were at the dorms. Once he walked inside he noticed your figure curled up in a chair.

° You were scrolling through some messages that were sent to you via Instagram. None of the messages were pleasant, and Chan's heart broke as he read the truly gruesome ones.

"Maybe they are right. Maybe I don't deserve you." you sighed, slumping back.

"Don't say that, you are a beautiful person inside and out who I couldn't survive without." He reassured, taking your phone away as he cuddled into you.

Lee Know

° Minho always liked you since you first met during the shoot of hellevator. He was pretty obvious with his fondness of you, but you never believed that he could like you.

° Later on once you began dating, he soon realized how low your self confidence truly was. So he made a promise to himself to try and increase it as much as he can.

° Many fans would threaten you for 'taking Minho away', but Minho would shred the letters before you could see how many there truly were. He knew it would hurt you.

° Minho is very affectionate towards you and likes to show you his love through touch. Whenever you seem down, he will cover your face in small pecks until you begin to smile.

° Has seen how come fans and staff treat you, pushing you around and telling you that you aren't worth his time. Minho took it into his own hands and protected you from them.

° He doesn't like seeing you upset or feel like a burden to him, especially since you are so special to him. Minho asked Chan and JYP if he could take at least a week off, they said yes.

"You didn't have to take a week off just for me, I am okay with your schedule." You explained, ruffling his hair.

"I know you're okay with it, but I needed to get away just for a while. And I miss you everytime you're not with me." He replied, gently placing a kiss to your head.

Changbin

° Will do anything to make you see for at least a second how important you truly are to him, he usually sends you hearts and does an adorable aegyo voice when talking to you.

° When you first began to hang out, you were very distant and almost never said a word. Changbin wanted to get to know you, so he constantly made efforts to befriend you.

° Once you opened up you Changbin, he noticed how self conscious and self critical you were of yourself. His confusion as to why you hate yourself only grew stronger.

° Every morning when you both get out of the shower, he will stand you in front of the mirror and poke every feature on your body saying that it is gorgeous and perfect.

° Likes knowing that you feel comfortable around him and that you have him to go to when you are feeling down. He wants to always be there for you and support you.

° Won't admit it to you, but he once teared up while you were asleep because he picked up a hate letter that was directed at you and he was worried that you read it.

"Your eyes, stunning. Your tummy, adorable. Your ears, cute. Your lips, kiss able. Your butt, squishy. Your shoulders, gorgeous..."

"Binnie you have five minutes before dance practice, you should really get going now."

Hyunjin

° Hyunjin is known to be a visual God in all of kpop, even though he is also VERY talented. Many people have a crush on Hyunjin, and you happened to be one of the many.

° His personality was addictive to be around, his looks were God like, and his talent was insane. Thus making it harder and harder for you to see how much he truly adored you.

° You saw yourself on totally different levels, you alwere at a ten while he was in the thousands. Your thoughts always doubting a scenario where you two would date.

° Assuming Hyunjin was just being nice to you, it became very hard for Hyunjin to clue you into that fact that he liked you. Everyone knew this except for you it seemed.

° Jisung, being a close friend to both Hyunjin and yourself. Took it upon himself to try and arrange a way for you to not be so self critical and completely oblivious.

° The next afternoon, you walked into the dance practice room which was now turned into a full on romantic dining area. Shocked as you saw Hyunjin with a rose in his hand.

"Is this for me? It can't be... There must be some sort of mistake or-"

"No mistakes, I've liked you for a while and thought I was being obvious enough. But Jisung told me that I should simply confess."

Han

° You and Jisung have been dating for a while, and you watched proudly as Stray Kids gained more and more popularity as they deserved, since they are talented kings.

° The hate comments sent towards you, and the jealous fans or occasionally staff members and idols. Those never used to bother you, but they became more frequent.

° This slowly picked away at your already small amount of confidence, over thinking everything you do or ever did. And Jisung began to notice your distressed state.

° After a performance he went up to you back stage and leaned in for a kiss, when you barely responded to it and looked around the room nervously, his heart twisted sadly.

° Jisung took you to an unoccupied dressing room, and locked the door behind you. He cupped your cheeks gently as he rested his head against yours. A small sigh escaping him.

° You felt all of the built up sadness and anger rise out of you, as tears slowly sprinkled down your cheeks. Your hands clinging onto his back as he embraced you.

"Shh shh shh, it's okay. Just let it all out, it'll be okay. I'm here for you, you know that."

"I'm sorry, I just felt like I don't deserve you and I shouldn't have been so distant, their words just really hurt."

Felix

° Felix knew it was going to be a bumpy ride seeing as he is under a huge company and his band is very popular, but he was willing to go through all of that with you.

° You and Felix were best friends before you started dating, he knew you were shy and quite distant when it came to people. He started to find it cute after a couple years.

° JYP himself has criticised you for interfering with his idols's lives. Even though you didn't interfere and honestly helped Felix calm down throughout the schedules.

° Felix was disappointed by some fo the fan's toxic behavior towards you, knowing that those types of comments will stick with you for quite sometime. You made him happy and he wished others would see that.

° The other members and artists under JYP saw you as part of the big jyp family, but even their support couldn't stop the sadness that brewed as more hate letters were sent.

° You didn't want to stress your already overworked boyfriend, so you tried to find a quiet spot to cry in. But Felix knew you too well, and knew where you would hide.

"I'm okay Lix, I don't want to stress you out since your already on a hectic schedule today. I'll be fine I swear."

"I won't leave until I know for a fact that you are okay, the practice can wait. You need me right now and I'm going to be here for you."

Seungmin

(He looks so cute! I couldn't help myself lol)

° You were also a beloved idol, and many eoopel actually found your relationship with Seungmin quite adorable. You felt lucky that there wasn't so much hate directed at you.

° Even though you both seemed to have it easy compared to other idol couples, you couldn't help but feel insecure when Seungmin treated you like a queen/king.

° Many fans of yours knew that off stage you are an adorable shy bean, but no one except for Seungmin knew why you would become so shy and distant towards others.

° Your shyness came from extreme anxiety and self image issues. You never had much confidence, and Seungmin made many goals to try and bring your confidence up.

° One day after a hard performance, you sat in front of your dressing room mirror and let your tears slide down your cheeks silently. Letting your anxiety take over everything.

° Seungmin walked in with a box of celebration cupcakes, only to have hsi smile fade once he saw the tears rushing down your features. He felt his heart sink.

"I'm sorry Seungmin. It's stupid really, but I just don't feel like I deserve you."

"Y/n, we are perfect for each other. I spoil you with love and affection because you always make me feel special and loved."

Jeongin

° You knew how beloved Jeongin was, by fans, members, idols, netizens, family... Everyone. This sent a large amount of pressure towards you once you began dating.

°Jeongin loved your quiet and calm personality, it was a nice break from the loud JYP building and Stray Kids dorms. Your shyness is what attracted him to you.

° He liked cuddling with you in your apartment, talking about nothing and everything as a random movie played in the background. It was his favorite place to be.

° You both were open with anything that was bothering you and never let something stir inside of you for too long. He wanted to be your safe haven for when you need one.

° One weekend when he was staying at your place, he noticed you seemed more quiet than usual and asked you what was bothering you. Since something clearly was.

° You snuggled into his chest as you clung onto him tighter, sighing in defeat knowing you will have to admit your feelings even though you think they seem silly.

" I feel like I don't deserve you. I mean, you are Yang Jeongin a literal angel."

"You deserve the universe and everything in it, I love you and only you. Don't put yourself down, remember how much I care about you."

[elriel-oblivion]

So it's been four days so here's part two 😁 Just wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone who read/liked/commented/reblogged the last part! It was such an amazing response, especially given it was my first time posting my writing here, so thanks for all the love you shared 🥰🥰

Heads up, this part is actually part one from Elain's pov. Initially I wanted to continue from where the last part left off in Elain's pov, but as I was writing the background, I realised I'd written too much to just skip when Az gets to the estate and cut straight into a continuation of part one, so I ended up rewriting the whole thing in her view. So there's no new elriel moments, but you'll get a lot of new stuff anyway 😅 I would've said you don't have to read this part to understand part three, but when I was rereading the later parts a few hours ago, I realised there's some stuff that alludes to things in this part, so I strongly recommend you don't skip this 😅😅

Also, wow, some of my fave paragraphs I've ever written are in this part 😁 Bonus points if you can find them; there are four I'm thinking of in particular 😉

Word count: ~ 3.1K. Lemme know if you'd like to be tagged/removed 😊 Next part up in two or three days 😊

AO3

Ashes from the Deep

Part II

__

It had been a pretty uneventful day as Elain worked through her new plant textbook. Feyre and Rhysand had decided to spend the weekend away at the mountain cabin, Cassian and Nesta were away doing things she wished not to think of, and Mor was at the Winter Court.

Amren had only been round in the mornings, probably to check Elain was still alive. She'd glance round the living room, examine some of those fine crystal glasses in the display cabinet and then leave. There was no difference today, though Elain always felt Amren's scrutiny upon her even when that muted silver gaze was directed elsewhere; perusing Rhys' wine collection had become a tired ruse.

So besides preparing and taking her meals with Nuala and Cerridwen, Elain had spent her afternoon with her book, making notes and copying drawings. The twins had gone off on some errands, so she'd wandered into the garden at some point to tend to her many plants, telling them how lovely they each were. The crocuses looked particularly stunning this autumn day, their pale violet colour breathing life into the shades beneath some of the trees.

With her book, she'd identified new weeds, digging into the soil to rip some pesky ones out. Sometimes she didn't want the help of a tool; sometimes she needed to feel those roots on her bare skin.

Harvesting the carrots and beetroot was also on the agenda today, along with seeding for some spectacular displays next year. She'd been collecting the seeds from some of her summer blooms, like those soft clouds of baby's breath, saving them to replant. These she sowed directly into ground she'd prepared days before, her fingers digging into the crumbly clumps of earth.

Autumn onions she'd plant tomorrow, perhaps. Feyre always remarked on how their strong taste complimented meats well, so Elain wanted to harvest some fresh for her sister for once. It'd take a few months of waiting, but there was little else better than picking out and eating food one had grown with their bare hands and the essential ingredients of love and care.

Setting her book on the patio table, Elain surveyed the garden. It was a good day's work. Plants watered and sown, weeds uprooted, and hands sweaty and soiled, Elain was proud of what she'd achieved today. There were no distractions, nothing to take her from the one thing she always found satisfaction in.

After a long shower, she found herself back in the garden with a cup of tea and a blanket. The sunset washed the sky in a blaze of red and orange glory before it yielded to the cool tones of twilight then night. Elain sat in silence, hands wrapped around her mug. How long would it be until someone's arms were wrapped around her, until she felt the warmth her sisters finally had?

Silly, these thoughts. Immortality stretched far ahead, there would be time to develop that companionship. Months and years were but a heartbeat in the life of a High Fae. She wouldn't even notice the years pass.

Or so everybody else kept saying.

With her tea finished, she perused the book of recipes she'd borrowed from Nuala. Some recipes jumped out, ingredients for which she'd been growing for a few months now. Pumpkin pie sounded especially delightful, the gourd having almost darkened and hardened to ripe quality just a couple days ago. They should be ready for harvest tomorrow.

A chill wind sent Elain inside to prepare and have her dinner in pleasant silence. Even her mind was quiet tonight. After washing her dishes, she stood by a bay window, fingers idly tapping the windowsill.

Faelights bobbed like tiny lamps, dotted through the garden. The full moon was now high in the sky, its ghostly glow illuminating the datura flowers she'd seeded half a year ago. She pulled on her blanket and went out again for a better look at those gorgeous blooms, the petals opening only at night.

Elain couldn't be happier she'd found seeds of a triple-flowered variety. They'd grown to produce large trumpets, three layers of petals ruffled against each other. Somehow she thought of her sisters as she crouched and stared at the flowers, each layer so similar, yet fighting for space and breath as it unfurled before another. It was only when they were all fully open that they could sigh along the night breeze as one, an ethereal song of togetherness, tinged with notes of poignancy, only heard by those with the will to look deeper.

The white petals were stained with velvet violet, a true vision in her garden. While the others had given her passing compliments on the flowers, Azriel had seemed stunned the first time he saw them, citing them his favourite of all the plants Elain had grown so far. Something about their shape and contrasting colours, he'd mentioned.

She smiled fondly at the memory, where his eyes sparkled as he reached for one of the soft petals.

Her hand lashed out to grab his wrist. 'Don't touch them; the leaves and stems are highly poisonous.'

His brows rose. 'You wouldn't think that at first sight. But they're beautiful, Elain. Truly magnificent,' he said, his smooth voice so low, a voice that was night given sound. And how befitting, as even those datura flowers seemed enraptured by his presence, one shy petal finally unfurling towards him.

She beamed at him. 'They like you. Flowers like it when you talk to and compliment them - but these ones haven't given me the same reaction as they have to you. I think they really like you, Azriel.'

His answering smile was heartbreakingly tender.

A few more seconds passed before she realised she still held his wrist. She silently let go.

It was a shame she'd have to dig out the datura shrub and move it inside for the winter; it did look magnificent in the moonlight.

The sky shifted past its midnight velvet, and still Elain crouched, admiring the flowers. She shivered in the night's chill. The stars above twinkled and glistened, cold and distant as ever, yet stunning - infinitely more striking than they'd ever been when she was human. A thousand different colours sparkled in that vast expanse, the moon a phosphorescent queen in the centre of her court.

The Night Court truly lived up to its name in the wee hours of the day. Its opulence never failed to mesmerise her; the enhanced Fae eyesight was at least one thing she was grateful for from this body.

Her eyelids became heavy and she yawned. Why was she still out here? It was late into the night; she should be in bed by now. But the night was so beautiful and it was so quiet and she wanted to appreciate it all just once. Just once without the expectations of others, without having to wear that miserable smile all the time.

Of course, it didn't look miserable, which is probably why almost nobody ever bothered to look deeper into Elain. She should be used to it by now, but it still felt - wrong. That most overlooked her so long as she wore a smile. That most didn't think her capable of feeling the utter bitterness and loneliness she had once seen so plain on her sisters' faces.

And in acknowledgement of her sisters' hardships, Elain didn't fault them for not looking, for not seeing her. To see past the thick blanket of darkness in one's own mind was a trial in itself. But it had been years since the war now. And still they didn't notice.

They didn't notice that Elain was being shredded from the inside out.

It was almost laughable. But not funny enough.

No, it was not funny that people still treated Elain like a child, that people wanted to keep Elain in some weird impasse of a stage between child and adult. She'd thought finally carrying out her duty and giving her hand in marriage would show everyone that she was growing up: Elain Archeron, middle born but first married. Of course it was still on her own terms, to a man whom she'd loved. A man who'd seen her through the rubble of her family's lives. But she'd overall hoped doing what was expected of her would be enough.

Clearly not. She didn't even know who she was any more. Did she ever? Everything she'd once yearned for, gone. That fragile human life would soon be just a speck on the horizon of her past.

She sighed. Rebuilding herself was going to take a long time.

But what would she have to do for people to see her, to listen to her? Throw a rage? Fall into a drunken stupor and break a few dozen bottles?

She definitely could, but those were not her. She was Elain Archeron. And so she would wait. Patience wasn't a bad thing at all; she saw it on the shadowsinger's face all the time, that tranquility and calmness she so wished to feel inside.

Azriel. Her heart softened as he entered her mind again, and she dug her fingers into the soil, if only to occupy her fidgety hands. As sure as the chaos of her visions these days, there was a mess of butterflies related to him she wasn't willing to show. Or understand.

Elain and the spymaster? Now that was laughable. Truly laughable. He was wise and patient, while she - well, everyone already thought her a child, and though he listened like no other around her, surely even he couldn't glimpse the adult she so desperately wanted everyone to see.

No, it was foolish to entertain the idea of a relationship with him. No matter how much he saw.

No matter that he was the first to see her since Graysen.

Elain exhaled. She stifled another yawn, smoothing out the soil, then brushed her hands clean. She wrapped the blanket closer around herself and stood. Twinkling stars and velvety darkness and -

There, a knot of shadows materialising at the far edge of the garden, collecting and swirling into a larger mass before Azriel himself stepped out and sagged against a tree. His shadows whirled and obscured him, a dark fire with him burning at the core.

Elain's voice left her throat before she even thought to call him and she ran over to his figure slumped in the dimness.

She couldn't help but say his name again as she neared. 'Azriel!'

Those beautiful hands fiddled with a Siphon, but he looked even worse up close. Fatigue dragged at his body, a second weight to all the muscle and armour he already had to carry. Sweat and dirt clung to him, his hair. At least the shadows were parting, swallowing each other and misting away as they often did around her. Perhaps she should ask someday why they did that. But not today, not when his breathing was so laboured.

She raised a hand - to do what, she had no idea. She couldn't just touch him right now. 'You don't look okay.'

Something else limned his features as he huffed a light laugh and said, 'I'm fine, don't worry.' His voice was raw, so starkly different to its usual icy smoothness. It was common for him to guard his emotions, but in his state, this kind of thinking was just unhealthy. What would it take for him to be honest with her?

'You don't have to pretend with me, Azriel,' she said, lowering her hand. She studied the ground, embarrassed that she'd come up to him. What could she even offer in her pathetic childlike state when he was so clearly affected by his mission right now?

His hand rose. Her heart faltered, she had to do something, and she blurted, 'Can I wash your hair, please?'

His eyes widened, his entire composure crumbling. It wasn't often that the shadowsinger looked startled, but Elain was far too shy to show that she quite liked the effect her question had on him.

'You want to wash my hair?'

His face was so exquisite, it hurt to look at it. His eyes would be even worse; it wouldn't be the first time she was rendered speechless by their kind gaze. A myriad of colours swirled in their glistening depths - gorgeous greens and brilliant browns, all so natural and rich, if only she could look at them long enough to find their matches in the garden around her. Though, his eyes were an entire spectrum of colour in their own right. How would she ever pick out each and every shade?

And if she somehow did have the courage to meet his eyes now, what would she see of herself in their reflection?

A lovesick puppy? A doe-eyed, fearful fawn?

No, she didn't want to know.

So she swallowed and focused on his hair. Perhaps this Fae eyesight was a curse, for even his hair was shockingly fascinating. Only flat black from a distance, the faelights bobbing about the trees highlighted layer upon layer of silky raven locks up close. His hair was so dark it seemed to absorb the surrounding light. Mud stained one side of his head, and it was an effort to keep her hands from brushing it away, so she said, 'I'm positive that's mud and you shouldn't sleep with that in your hair. It'll only take a few minutes.'

He ran a hand through his hair, clumps of dirt falling out.

'You've managed to get some on your face, too.' There were light specks of mud and blood across his face, a more noticeable patch along his cheekbone, thrown into sharper relief by the faelights and his own weariness. Was that a cut beneath the patch? And another on his temple?

She leashed her arms.

What had happened? He wore the signs of a fight, but why would he come here when he knew Elain was the only one home?

His eyes bored into her face, but she refused to meet them. He seemed to lean forward then, stumbling.

Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous that he wouldn't even acknowledge he was in need. Azriel rarely stumbled. Any fatigue Elain had felt just a while ago was now burrowing down a little longer. Her voice was firm when she spoke. 'I'm washing your hair. It'll help relax you into falling asleep.'

His brows rose, but if Elain stood there one more moment she wouldn't have the courage to do anything for him. For herself - she could take care of someone else. She could do for Azriel what she hadn't done for Feyre all those years as a human.

And for Azriel, she could tend to the male who'd provided her with comfort and safety in this world of distress and danger.

So she pulled him along, clenching her jaw and refusing to look back. Her heart hammered in her chest but she continued, hand wrapped round his armoured arm. Her hand slid down to his wrist but just as she was about to replace her grip, he grabbed her other hand and pulled her into him.

The shadows instantly began to ensconce them, dozens of those cool tendrils twining like vines. The estate loomed huge before them, and Elain gripped Azriel's hand tighter. 

'My bathroom,' she said. Beneath the low whisper of those shadows, her blood thrummed, her heart so painfully obvious against her ribs now. It would be a wonder if the spymaster wasn't aware of it. Though she did hear another flutter above, right by her ear. But as expected, the shadows made quick work of their journey and she didn't have the chance to dwell on it further.

Now out of the comfort of Azriel's hold, Elain set down her blanket and made to grab a chair from her bedroom. His dark presence was so overwhelming that she exhaled lightly as she entered the room and took the chair. She dragged it to the sink, avoiding his gaze, and pulled a towel, soap and a large jug from the cupboard by the door.

As she settled the soap and jug on the sink, she dared a glance at him. He was still clad in full armour, those black scales gleaming like obsidian over his skin, his Siphons glistening jewels across his body. 'I think you'll have to collapse your armour for this,' she said.

He inclined his head and tapped a Siphon, those scales lashing back into each other with cruel elegance. They were a mirror of their master: cold, controlled and unyielding, forged from scintillating darkness. He was a night sky riddled with stars; light existed if only one bothered to look for it.

Azriel's great wings righted themselves as he stood straight, now looking smaller in just his black tunic and trousers. Something about him seemed vulnerable without the armour, so Elain breathed, 'It's beautiful, all of it.' The hulking armour, the classic simplicity of the tunic and trousers, and the male who wore them all.

He was just so wonderful, Azriel. An enigma that could see her own. Her heart clenched.

Azriel rustled his wings, colour blossoming on his cheeks.

Elain blinked and pulled the chair out a little. 'Please sit.' As he sunk down, she rested the towel on his shoulders, hovering her fingers above his forehead. Her body tensed and her fingers remained suspended. It was like a spark of tension flickered in the space between their skin, teasing her, tempting her, taunting her.

After all, she'd offered to wash his hair, an act that would certainly require touching. But why was she so hesitant? She'd touched him before - kissed his cheek, even. Although that had been in the heat of adrenaline, a mark of her gratitude where a simple thank you wouldn't suffice, not for risking his own life for hers.

This was - what was this?

She finally lowered her fingers through that tense spark, pushing his head back against the sink. It was exhilarating, this contact, but he lowered his wings, shifting on the seat. Elain moved into the space he gave, turning on the tap as he went still. Just as her body was taut, taut as the skin of a drum.

She checked the water. Warm. It was time to start.

Azriel was looking up at her. Something like yearning swirled in his eyes.

He looked so tired. It made her heart ache.

'You can close your eyes,' Elain whispered. And he did.

___

Feedback's welcomed; thanks for reading 😊

If anyone wants to know what the datura flowers look like, CTTO:

@illyrian-lover-flower @julesherondalex @nooriee @mis-lil-red @verifiefangirl @tswaney17

[mithranqueersmusings]

I Think I'll Love You Too II

Chapter: 2/?

Rating: U

Summary: George and Ringo have been going out officially for a couple of months. Ringo anticipated that dating a stripper would be complicated, but he didn't understand exactly how complicated it would be.

Tags: Modern AU, Established Relationship

Pairing: George Harrison/Ringo Starr (Background McLennon)

AO3 link here / Fic masterlist here

The following clean-up from their nocturnal experiment was far from easy, the wax seemed to crumble into tiny pieces and was determined to cover each inch of the carpet. George was insistent on doing most of the work, a struggle of manners ensued in which Ringo was adamant that he should help but eventually gave in and took up George's offer to relax in the bath.

Soaking in the warm water, Ringo's mind began to wander to their first official date. It seemed like such a long time ago now, although it had only been a couple of months at the most. Ringo could vividly picture arriving at George's house for the first time and picking him up for dinner, bruises still dotted across George's pale skin from the somewhat embarrassing but retrospectively rather comical fall at the club. Ringo had struggled to figure out the best place to take George, unfortunately the only advice available was John's.

"He's a vegetarian." Ringo emphasised for the fourth time, John had once again offered up a meat-only establishment.

"Oh, well you could've told me sooner." John scoffed, sometimes Ringo couldn't tell whether he was joking or truly that oblivious.

"What about sushi? That can be veggie, right?" Ringo was fiddling with a bouquet of flowers that had been left on John's kitchen counter, a small card had the name 'Paul' written on it, punctuated with a kiss.

"Sure." John offered "You could always, and hear me out, ask where he wants to go."

Ringo rolled his eyes "Great advice John, thanks. What if he doesn't know either?"

"Then you're both helpless and you belong together."

In the end Ringo had settled on sushi, which only calmed his panic somewhat because he still had to find which sushi place was best. He'd forgotten all about how stressful dating could be, and it'd been a long time since he'd been a proper date. Eventually he settled on a fairly affordable place that wasn't too far from his house, he felt rather silly calling up to make a reservation an hour in advance but he didn't want to risk embarrassing himself by not having a table booked.

This struggle with the restaurant left Ringo only an hour to get himself looking presentable for the date, his closet was emptied onto the floor and bed as he rummaged around for something suitable. He felt like making more of an effort than usual, this was one date he didn't want to screw up, especially knowing how fashionable George was likely to look. In the end he settled on a paisley blazer, it had been a gift from John years ago and had hardly been worn, and a black shirt underneath which he experimented with the buttons of.

He left himself just enough time to brush his teeth, sort out his hair and tidy the room as quickly as he possibly could. Hurrying over to George's in the car, he'd almost forgotten to be nervous about the date itself. Almost forgotten, because as soon as he knocked on George's door Ringo felt a wave of dread washing over him. He hadn't even thought of any conversation starters, or what he was going to order at the restaurant. As he waited for an answer, the dread only festered further. Yet once the door finally opened, revealing George draped in a decorative kimono, all fear subsided.

"Hi." Ringo spoke, suddenly sheepish.

"Hey." George replied with a grin, stepping out onto the street and locking the door behind him.

The two of them looked at one another for a few moments, eyes tracing from head to feet with no words being said. George was wearing makeup: his eyes darkened with liner and mascara, his gaunt cheekbones sparkling with highlight and his lips painted a tempting shade of red. Ringo could see that he'd tried to use foundation to cover over the bruises on his face but it wasn't entirely successful, not that it mattered.

"You look great." Ringo managed to get out without stumbling over his words as they walked over to his car.

"Thanks, so do you." George responded but Ringo supposed he was only trying to be polite.

Passing a shop window, Ringo stole a glance at the reflection and found himself presently surprised at how good the two of them looked together. Ringo was even beginning to believe George's compliment, a surge of confidence arising merely from being stood next to George. He'd anticipated that George would only make him look worse, but there was something complimentary in how the two of them were dressed. It was a small boost that Ringo needed to quash his nerves, he was determined to not ruin the night just because he was feeling anxious.

"So... Where are we headed?" George asked, stretching his legs out in front of him.

"Sushi." Ringo replied more curtly than intended "Is that alright?"

"I love sushi." George answered cheerily.

"What a relief." Ringo chuckled "I'm not gonna lie I was struggling to find a place to eat, with you being a vegetarian and all."

George paused for a moment "You remembered that?"

"Of course I did." Ringo panicked for a moment, afraid he'd said the wrong thing and given too much away but the smile that spread across George's painted lips calmed him back down.

It didn't take them long to arrive at the restaurant, it was rather busy but not so much that it would become uncomfortable. Ringo still couldn't believe his luck, that he'd actually been able to get a date with George. Looking back on how their relationship started, it was strange to consider that they'd end up here.

"Is your face alright?" Ringo asked when they'd been seated, it was hard to not notice the swelling on George's lip.

"Oh yeah, it's fine." George provided evidence with a genuine smile "I've had way worse, don't worry."

"You fall over a lot then?" Ringo joked, looking down at the menu and feeling a little intimidated by the amount of choice.

"Only when I know you're there to catch me." George winked "No, I've had my fair share of scraps here and there. That's just life, isn't it?"

Ringo chuckled "Not in my line of work, no."

"Don't be so modest, I haven't forgotten when you beat up that creep in the club." George was studying his menu with far less fear than Ringo "Any idea what you're gonna order?"

"Haven't the faintest." Ringo read the same words over and over again as though it'd help him understand "What about you?"

"Hmm, I think so." George answered with a confidence Ringo envied "Want some help?"

"Please." Ringo smiled sheepishly, laying down his menu and looking to George for assistance.

The date was hardly going as Ringo had anticipated, but while George went through dishes on the menu with a clear expertise Ringo couldn't stop himself from smiling. The intimidating Spike was describing in detail the difference between maki and temaki with such delicacy, it was such a strange moment of realisation for Ringo that made him truly understand how far they'd come. Ringo realised too late that he hadn't been listening to what George had been saying but it didn't matter in the end because George ordered for the both of them.

"So..." George began, drink in hand.

"So." Ringo repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"How long have you been waiting to take me out?" George asked with a knowing smile.

Ringo half expected this line of questioning to begin, he only wished he'd prepared some answers "Does it make a difference?"

"I'm just curious." George leaned in a little closer, a devilish look in his eyes.

Ringo sighed "Now I'm debating whether to lie so you don't think I'm a loser."

"I wouldn't bother with that, I already know you're a loser Ringo." George spoke deadpan, staring without expression then burst into laughter "I'm sorry, I had to."

"And that's meant to encourage me to be honest?" Ringo laughed nervously.

"Come on, tell me." George sounded almost whiny, a tone Ringo had heard before but never in regular conversation.

"Fine, fine." Ringo conceded after drinking his beer "In all honesty it was probably the first time I saw you... Not that I thought you'd ever say yes, of course."

The answer seemed to satisfy whatever itch George had "Really? I'm that good looking am I?"

"Not to sound cliché, but have you seen you? I don't think I've seen anyone more attractive." Ringo spoke somewhat seriously.

George blushed just slightly, having to look away from Ringo's intense gaze "You're sweet. But why were you even in the strip club in the first place? You didn't seem too at home, at least from what I remember."

Ringo felt rather complimented that George even remembered how he'd been acting all that time ago, he'd always supposed he hadn't left much of an impression at all and whatever he did was surely negative.

"John dragged me there. He, uh-" Ringo stopped himself before saying too much "Thought it'd cheer me up."

George squinted his eyes in suspicion "What aren't you telling me?"

Ringo paused, debating the best verbal exit strategy but the good beer and even better food was slowing his thought processes "Uh... Nothing?"

"Oh come on." George kicked Ringo lightly under the table "You think I'm gonna judge you?"

"Well, yes... But fine, I'll tell you." Ringo chuckled, pausing for an anticipatory breath "I'd been going through a bit of a... dry spell, so to speak."

A grin spread across George's face "Seriously?"

"Seriously." Ringo repeated, hiding his shame behind his beer.

"I find it hard to believe that you were having a 'dry spell'." George rested his hand on Ringo's own, his finger tracing around the metal of the rings.

"Well, I'd, er- I'd still be having one if you hadn't come along." Ringo stammered "Shit, that sounds really pathetic, doesn't it?"

"Just a tad." George smiled reassuringly "I'm just glad I could be of service."

"For a while you were making it worse, actually." Ringo had finished his beer and was itching for another "With all my pent up frustration and then I see you undressing on that stage, I nearly lost my mind."

George chuckled, looking rather proud of himself "I can only apologise for being so tempting." He emphasised the word by running his tongue over his top lip onto his sharp canine tooth.

"No need to apologise, it's your job after all." Ringo tried to remain composed "And in the end it all worked out so... No harm done."

"My aching body disagrees." George pouted his still somewhat swollen lip.

"Well... That was your own fault really." Ringo joked, finally catching the waiter's eye so that he could order another beer.

"You're right, you're right." George's hand was still pressed against Ringo's "Hopefully from here on out all the pain will be consensual."

Ringo blushed "Hopefully."

Later that night it was clear that there was no longer any need to be hopeful.

[minjiwritesstuff]

Spring Day

Pairing: Junhui (jun) x genneutral! reader

Song: Spring Day by BTS

Genre: fluff

Words: 1,5k +

#########

Winter has just begun. The cold, the snow, the storms. In short, nothing you loved much. You loved spring. The flowers in bloom, the sun bursting through the clouds, the budding trees. You loved going out and seeing nature coming back to life more and more every day.

One of the things you loved most about spring too was that your best friend would be back in your hometown. Because of his work, he couldn't be there as much as he wanted but each year on the first day of spring, he would come back and the two of you would meet and spend the day together.

Yet this day was still quite far. At least you still got to talk with him every day until his return. Junhui wouldn't miss a day; he would always call you at night before you went to sleep. It was your favorite part of the day. Being used to have him by your side for so long, throughout your entire childhood, and now suddenly seeing him only a few days a year, it was really hard on you, but it was also really hard on him. So has winter simply just begun, you were feeling really low, but you tried and make yourself happier by saying that you were closer to seeing your best friend than before.

Days went by and it was hard but it was manageable.

Day 52 of winter was particularly hard. You didn't have a good day at school and work after was miserable. To top it off when you came home your mother reprimanded you for something really stupid and it was the only thing that kept you from crying.

As you stormed upstairs to your room, tears were already falling down your cheeks. You slammed your door and plopped down in bed, laying under the blankets as you cried hot tears into your pillow. Not long after you heard the front door close, meaning your parents were gone, probably for a date or something since it's Friday night. The good side of this was that you were alone so as soon as they left you headed for a good shower, in hopes it would calm you down. It did but not as much as you would've wanted.

About half an hour later you were out and back in bed wearing one of Junhui's hoodies, your hair dripping wet from the shower. You laid down, sometimes crying, sometimes not as you waited for Junhui to call you, which he did about two hours later.

When you answered, you just finished crying for a good 15 minutes so your eyes were red and puffy and there was no way you could hide it.

''Hey are you ok?'' Junhui asked as soon as you answered the Skype call.

''I really miss you'' you said in a sob as tears fell down your cheeks again.

Seeing you like this broke Junhui's heart. He wished he could hold you and wipe your tears, saying it would be ok but he couldn't do that through a screen.

''y/n… what happened?'' he asked as he knew it simply couldn't be only because you missed him.

As you explained how of a hard day you had, Junhui listened closely, not missing any detail of your story.

''Oh y/n I'm so sorry… You didn't deserve to have a day like this I'm truly sorry'' he said trying to do everything he could to make you feel better through the screen.

''It would have been better if I didn't miss you as much'' you admitted while wiping your tears and sniffling.

''I know… I miss you too, so much… just earlier I told Minghao how I couldn't wait to see you again''.

You looked at Junhui and smiled slightly. You were glad to see that he was talking to you to the others. Of course, he would since you're his best friend, but it always feels nice to know you are appreciated, especially in hard times like this.

''There aren't a lot of days left, only 38 ok? I'll be here soon. It'll pass by so quickly that you won't have any time to miss me again''

You chuckled some at the silly words your best friend just said. It was silly because you both knew that you'd have plenty of time to miss him this much again, but he was trying his best to cheer you up, and it worked in some way.

''How about you tell me about your day? I don't want to set a bad mood by only talking about mine'' you said while pulling on the sleeves on the hoodie so you could put your hands inside of them.

Junhui nodded and smiled before going on about his day, telling you how Jihoon almost yelled after Mingyu for leaving his dirty dishes on the counter once again, which made you laugh.

As you both kept talking, you eventually felt tired but didn't say anything because you didn't want to end the call early. So you just talked, and eventually simply listened to what Junhui had to say, smiling as answers.

''Do you want to go eat a piece when I come? We could go to that restaurant where we went for your 12th birthday. You know where you embarrassed yourself by spilling water all over the waiter'' Junhui said chuckling as this was one of the greatest memory you both shared.

As he waited for an answer and noticed you didn't give any, Junhui looked up only to see you sleeping. Junhui smiled and looked at you for a little while. He took a picture with his phone and looked at you again.

''I'll see you soon y/n. Good night, sleep well'' he said before ending the call and going to sleep himself.

A few weeks later, winter was finally over. Spring was tomorrow and you couldn't wait to see Junhui again. Since Junhui was on his flight so he could be here early in the morning, he didn't call you that night, but it was always like this. Instead, he texted you saying how close he was getting. Of course, you didn't answer each time as you were asleep but it was his way of compensating for the fact that he didn't call you.

The next morning, the first morning of spring, you got up really early so that you could be at the airport to pick Junhui up. When you actually arrived, you received his text, saying he would be there in half an hour or so. Excitement spread in your body as you couldn't believe you actually would see him after all this time.

The minutes passed and eventually, you saw his plane land. You watched and waited to see him come by the door. Many people passed but no Junhui. You started to worry for some reason even if you had absolutely no reason to worry because you knew for a fact he was on that flight.

Then you saw him. After almost a year or so without him, there he was, walking to you. A new feeling arose in you and it was more than excitement. Almost like a spark? While he walked to you you thought of what that feeling could be and you were quick to understand that your feelings towards your best friend changed. You grew another actually. Wen Junhui wasn't only your best friend as of now. He was your crush.

When he got closer, you started running to him and you jumped in his arms when you were close enough. Dropping everything he had in his hands, Junhui caught you without a doubt and held you close to him.

As every year, you started crying in his arms, balling your eyes out as you repeated the same five words over and over.

''I missed you so much''

''I missed you too y/n, you have no idea'' he said while rubbing your back.

You two went home so he could drop his things in your room and then you headed to the restaurant so you could eat a piece.

When you got seated, you both talked like never before and after a little bit, you noticed Junhui's phone lighting up because of a notification, which was probably one of the boys asking if he landed safely.

But one thing you also noticed was his background. And it oddly looked like a sleeping you.

''Junhui?''

''Yeah?''

''Is that me on your background?'' you asked while raising an eyebrow.

Junhui looked at his phone and then at you before blushing.

''Maybe? Why''

''Well, I think it's quite creepy to have a picture of me sleeping on your lock screen'' you said teasingly.

Junhui looked down still blushing and he smiled.

''Well, while we're at it. There might be something I need to talk to you about'' he said.

You looked at him and he did the same.

''I think… No, I mean… I know. I know'' he chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.

''I like you y/n'' he blurted out.

You looked at him and smiled.

''I like you too Junhui'' you said, which made him smile.

But then you looked down some.

''What's wrong?'' he asked.

''It's just that… It's gonna be hard not having you around'' you said.

''Well… Come back with me?''.

You looked back up at him.

''What?''

''Come back with me to Korea! What's stopping you?''

''Well I mean I have my job and school…''

''You can always find a job there and you can finish school online!''

You smiled some as it made sense.

''You're right… I think it could work''

Junhui smiled and grabbed your hand.

''It's gonna be so amazing to not have to wait for spring to see you'' he said.

Spring, which brought back the flowers, the trees, and the sun, also brought back Junhui, forever.

############

ok so I've had this in my askbox for way too long and I'm SO sorry it took this long to write. i literally didn't know how to write it but I finally came up with something and I hope you guys will love it

[saltandburn-ilovesamwinchester]

Christmas In July

DeanxReader

Warnings: 18+ fluff, implied smut

It's that time, Christmas time is here

Everybody knows there's not a better time of year

Hear that sleigh, Santa's on his way

Hip, Hip Hooray, for Christamas Vacation

As silly as it was, you were singing along to a Christmas movie in the middle of July while baking cookies in your red plaid pajamas. It was the time of year where there was nothing new to watch. The time of year that the scorching heat made you miss winter's comfort.

You didn't care because nobody was home. Other than the movie rolling, the bunker was quite enough where you could hear a pen drop if it did. With the TV running in the background you ran to check the cookies. Your feet padded the cold marble floors and the cold air engulfed your thighs and cheeks where they fell from your shorts.

The smell of the delicious goodies was enough to allow your stomach to make a whale's call. You opened the oven just a bit before the smoke could steam your glasses. Quickly, you found the potholders and swiped the pan from the blazing heat. Smiling at the perfect cookies on display you began to shake your ass effortlessly to the song that was almost over.

Peace and joy and love are everywere

(jing-a-ling-a-ling-a-ling-ling)

You can feel the magic in the air

(jang-a-lang-a-lang-a-lang-lang)

Let the spirit of the season carry us away

Hip, Hip Hooray for Christmas Vacation

You just managed to get the pan on the burner when two big hand gripped your sides tight and pulled you into something hard. Screaming out, the oldest Winchester chuckled. "An' just what do you think you're doing, princess."

You kept your back to him and started to fan the treats left on the table, keeping your mind off of the nickname and the thought of what hard thing you actually hit. With Dean pushing you further into the counter by his hips you couldn't help but cave in. He's lips kissed at the side of your neck and to your cheek, while his hands slid from your hips to tease and pull your nipples. "I've missed you so much. That hunt was too damn long," his whispered in your ear. His voice cracked at the end when you responded to his touch and it made the hair on your neck stand.

After winding you up, he let one hand slip through your shorts and over your panties. "Dean," you growled. Your mind swirled with ideas for him. Where you wanted him. How much you wanted him. By the way his hands were working, you could guess he felt the same way.

You rocked against the feeling of him pulling your panties to the side. His knuckles dragging along the inside of your thigh. "What do you say we go to my room and we'll both get a sweet treat," your boyfriend suggested while running two fingers through your wet folds. The motion of his wet fingers making you lean your head back on his shoulder. They were just thick enough you could compare how they made you wet the same way his cock did.

You ran your hands up through his soft hair and looked at him over your shoulder, before leaving a small peck on his cheek. You couldn't help but blush and you nodded your head yes. "Yes, but I have an idea," you smiled from in front of him. The thought of licking the icing off his body was a thought that could easily be a reality. You felt his touch leave your body and instantly regretted moving.

He's eyebrows raised but encouraged you. Grabbing for the icing that would go on the cookies later, you turned to face him. You couldn't help but meet Dean's smile that was growing on his lips as he pulled you closer. "Did I ever mention I love the way you think?"

You stood on your tiptoes to reach his lips. "Maybe once or twice," you answered kissing him softly. "Now, Santa baby, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Dean's figure slouched enough so he was looking you in the eye. The lines around his eyes smiling before his mouth could."That all depends, sweetheart," he smirked and kissed the corner of your lips. He drew you in again. One hand running through your hair, and the other on your right ass cheek. Dean rolled your hair through his fingers, distracting you from his hand raising behind you and the sting left on your ass had you jumping further into his touch. "Have you been nice, or have you been naughty?"

♤♡◇♧

Okay, I probably could have went way more into this, but I'm excited about a new project I'm working on. 😉 Please forgive my nerdiness here, but I've always loved Christmas in July. Lol! Let me know what ya think.

@waywardbaby @imperiusimpala @leatherandapplepies @ain-t-bovvered @idreamofplaid @plaid-lover-bay25 @waywardnerd67 @sammyimpala-67 @oldfreakything @maddiepants @idabbleincrazy @the-magic-rabbit-99 @tumbler-tidbits

[kimnamjooonz]

Blank Space - Chapter 15

New Romantics

Songs Used In This Chapter:

New Romantics - Taylor Swift

I Want To Break Free - Queen

Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy - Queen

Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen

'We are bored, we are so tired of everything, we wait for trains that just aren't coming. We show off or different scarlet letters, trust me, mine is better. We are young, but we're one the way to ruin, we play dumb but we know exactly what we're doing. We cry tears of mascara in the bathroom, honey, life is just a classroom.''

Los Angeles

Morgan's time in L.A went in a completely unexpected way as what she had imagined but for the better, and she was thrilled about it.

She and Taylor were on the terrace of a trendy coffee shop informing everything that had happened to an astounded Lucas.

''There was no audition. They literally went ahead and offered me the role. One of the casting directors basically begged me to do it.''

''And did you accept it?'' Lucas asked with eyes wide open.

''Of course! This is my dream come true, Lucas!''

He looked confused for a moment as he had no idea what dream role Morgan had got. And only God knew how many dream roles Morgan had.

''And may I know that dream role of yours you just got?''

''I can’t say it out loud.''

Lucas almost laughed. He knew it was not Morgan's fault. She was probably told not to say a word to any living soul. He wondered if she was cast to Game of Thrones or Marvel. Those guys were known to be secretive as hell. Or maybe she had landed a role in Star Wars or the DCEU.

''Who are you playing? Lord Voldemort? I swear that if you have Sebastian Stan as co star again, my head is going to snap in half.''

''Ha, ha, very funny'' she said with sarcasm. ''But I admit it'd be fun to play Voldemort. Okay, I can't say it out loud but I'm going to write it down.''

She grabbed a napkin and a pen that she had in her purse and started writing something. Taylor rolled her eyes at how silly Morgan could be.

''Here it is'' she handed the napkin to Lucas who read it, his face slowly turning from sarcasm to amazement.

''Oh. My. God. No wonder they are secretive.''

''Destroy the evidence.'' Morgan insisted, making Taylor laugh at how extra she was.

Lucas tore the napkin in little pieces.

''How did you got that role without even auditioning?''

''I don't really know.'' she was genuinely honest about that. ''But I'm not complaining. Well, we have two days for us in L.A. We have to do something.''

''First of all, there's something else...'' Taylor started and Morgan's spirits fell.

Maybe Sebastian was in L.A and she had to meet him for something she didn't know, completely ruining the 'let's be apart from each other challenge' Morgan had invented without his knowledge. And make him wonder where she was and what she was doing was giving results.

''If Damien wants to send Sebastian and I to go to Disneyland to kiss with fireworks at the background, he can save it because I'm not going to do it.''

''It's not that but it's admirable how fast you thought about Sebastian Stan.'' Taylor teased and Morgan rolled her eyes.

''Very funny. I'm used to his plots to get us together so nothing surprises me anymore.''

''Whatever'' Taylor rolled her eyes this time. ''It's not that what I wanted to tell you. IMG Models called me this morning.''

Morgan's face lit up.

''Please tell me that they want me to cover British Vogue.''

''Yes, they called me while you were in Toronto. I think I forgot to call you after everything that's happened.'' Morgan's face was really ridiculous at that moment. ''They want you to cover the January 2019 edition and they want you to be an snow angel or an snow queen for the photoshoot.'' Morgan looked elated, even though that wasn't what Taylor wanted to say to her. ''But... why they called was because apparently Victoria's Secret has been hearing your fans demands and now they want you to walk in the show.''

''WHAT?'' shouted Lucas, almost chocking with his coffee.

''Are they on drugs?'' asked Morgan. ''They are really going downhill if the want to hire an actress that doesn't know anything about walking on the runway, only for views.'' Morgan rolled her eyes, not taking the Victoria's Secret proposal really seriously.

''Well, they have Kendall Jenner who has less facial expressions than a rock. Without counting that you, me and Sebastian Stan in The Winter Soldier movie have better walks than her'' said Lucas with all honesty.

''And that's correct'' said Taylor who seemed to want Morgan to walk in that show. ''You should totally do this''

But Morgan had already taken a decision.

''No.'' she simply said.

''WHAT'' Lucas shouted again.

''Morgan, please'' begged Taylor.

''No. I don't want to. I'll have to work out and go on a diet and believe me, I don't want to do that.'' she bit the croissant that she was eating that was delicious. The thought of not eating them for a while made her heart ache. ''They should hire a real model instead of me. They are hundreds of them lining up to be the next Victoria's Secret angel.''

''PLEASE, MORGAN!'' shouted Lucas and Taylor at the same time.

''You can be the next Angel. Alessandra Ambrosio retired. Adriana Lima is retiring this year. Only Candice is left from the good old days. You can be the next iconic Angel because you have charisma, elegance and fierceness.'' said Lucas.

Morgan still looked impassive, eating her croissant with all the calm in the world.

''No.'' she simply said. ''Being a Victoria's Secret Angel was never among my dreams. But... maybe I'll do it next year, if I want and if they have Taylor Swift performing at the show.''

Taylor was desperate.

''I'm sure that if you say yes they'll get you Taylor Swift, the fantasy bra, the Swarowsky outfit, a crown, you opening and closing... anything you want. Morgan, please, just imagine Sebastian's reaction''.

Morgan almost choked with the croissant.

''And now I'm even more convinced that I shouldn't do this. You're dead wrong if you think I'm doing something only to please Sebastian.''

In a very bad temper, she stood up and left.

Annoyed, she walked towards the coffee shop's bar only to find non other than Chris Evans there. It was almost funny.

''How little is the world'' he mumbled when he saw her.

''In L.A do you find random celebrities in coffee shops?'' she asked with her eyebrows raised. ''Because in New York I haven't met any in a normal environment. Well, maybe Sebastian. But... I don't really want to mention Sebastian'' she sat beside him.

''Yes. You meet random celebrities in the streets here. Once I met James Franco in the bathroom of a McDonalds. But in my case I just left Dodger for a grooming at the vet in the front.'' he pointed to a vet shop at the front of the cafe. ''I'm just waiting for him and then I found you. And how are you? What are you doing in L.A?''

''I got offered a project. I can't tell you about it if I don't want to be fired from it''

''I know all about secret projects. You're talking to Captain America.'' Chris doubted if he should ask the next question but he did it anyway. ''And... how is Sebastian?''

Morgan just shrugged her shoulders.

''It's been messy, I'm not going to lie.'' she could talk to Chris with honesty as he knew that there was funny business between she and Sebastian. ''I'm sure for him this is pretty confusing to. I think I've messed up his world.''

''You totally did. And not only his world but the whole world''

Morgan had to admit that he was right. And she actually liked that. She was only scared that the whole fame think could backfire someday.

''Victoria's Secret contacted me to walk in their show'' she suddenly said.

Chris muttered a small 'wow'.

''And... what did you say?''

''No. I don't think I'd be any good. Not this year, at least. If they ask me again next year, which I doubt, maybe I'll think about it.''

''I think you'd be good. I watched that show a couple of years ago and the models were beautiful but the lacked charisma, something that you have in great quantities. And I think you'd enjoy it.''

''Really?'' Morgan was intrigued why Chris thought that she'd liked to walk around in underwear and a pair of wings.

''Yeah. People looking at you, the camera fixed on you, the flashes, the felling like you own the world... yeah, I associate these kind of stuff with you.''

''So, you're saying that I like attention?'' she asked with raised eyebrows but not at all offended.

''Yes. But you're not desperate for it. You like getting the attention you deserve. That's why you turned Victoria's Secret down. Because you think that a real model should have been called instead of you.''

''How are you so good at reading people?'' she asked. ''Do you have a superpower? Dammit.''

Chris laughed, with his typical movement of placing his hand on his chest that she had seen so many times before, in her fangirl days.

''No, but you're easy to read. Just like Sebastian. You two are soulmates, I'm not joking.''

Morgan rolled her eyes.

''I bet you are, Evans''

Chris was about to laugh when an alarm on his phone sounded.

''Gosh, I have to pick Dodger up. Will you come with me? Then we can just walk around, have some fun. What do you say?''

Morgan liked the idea but she was totally sure that they were going to be pictured together and dating rumous would fly. And she wasn't interested in being romantically linked with Chris Evans even though she knew it was inevitable if she wanted to spend some time with the guy.

And it was all fun and games to hide from Sebastian but being romantically linked to someone else wasn't the best idea. She wasn't interested in making Sebastian jealous as she knew that it was a stupid move.

Her brain was working at full speed and she almost jumped when she got the solution. She slowly caressed the chain of the necklace Sebastian had given to her. She always wore it under her shirt but this time she took it out to make visible to everyone to see.

It was inevitable that there were going to be pictures of her with Chris but she also wanted to send a message to Sebastian. Something like 'Hey, I'm wearing your necklace in public. You're the only one that I want.' She just hoped that Sebastian got the hint. If he didn't, he was an idiot.

''Let's go. To be honest, I don't really want to spend my evening with my team trying to talk me into walking at that goddamned fashion show. And I also want to meet Dodger.''

Chris opened the door for her and together they stepped outside.

New York

Sebastian was spending his evening

 with Florence and for once, it was actually being kind of fun. It was as if the absence of Morgan from New York had lifted a weight from his shoulders.

For Florence, it was as if the sun was shining again, without the stormy presence of that woman. She was praying that somehow Morgan fell in love with Los Angeles and decided to stay there forever. However, she still had some more months in New York, at least until she finished filming with Sebastian.

''I can't cook, so we should ask for take out.'' said Sebastian, who was rumbling into the almost empty cupboards of his kitchen. He seemed to only have bread, that looked as it was there since his Gossip Girl days, and a almost empty pot of Nutella. Classy.

''Chinese?'' she proposed.

''I was thinking about Italian.''

As none of them could agree in what to eat, they ended up eating some fast food from McDonalds.

For some reason that Sebastian didn't know, Morgan was back into his head. He was wondering what was she doing in L.A and even considering calling her. That was probably useless because she was not going to answer.

They were watching some random movie and that was the only thing that was interrupting the silence. However, none of them were very into the movie.

Sebastian was thinking about Morgan and Florence was glancing around Sebastian's living room with her eyes fixed on a picture of him sandwiched between Nicole Kidman and Morgan Llewellyn in the last Toronto Film Festival.

''Do you want tea? That's something I have and I know how to prepare''

Florence appreciated the enthusiasm with he was saying those words.

''Do you have honey? Or milk?''

The smile on Sebastian's face fell.

''Well... no... but I can do a quick shopping at the shop across the road.'' he kept fumbling in the cupboards. ''Hell, I don't even have sugar...just, please give me five minutes.''' and he left the apartment running.

Once Sebastian left, Florence was free to fulfill her own curiosity. She grabbed her phone and searched for Morgan's Instagram account. It wasn't as if she cared about her life but she needed to know to what extent she publicly cared about Sebastian.

It seemed that nothing at all. She scrolled throughout her feed only to find selfies, photoshoots and pictures with her famous friends. She had even cropped out Sebastian from almost all of the pictures taken in Toronto, except the one with him and Nicole Kidman, the same one that Sebastian had hung on his wall.

She couldn't resist talking a look at her tagged pictures and she didn't know how she ended up at the Morgan Llewellyn Updates account.

The first update was about Morgan being considered for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. What did the Victoria's Secret executives had in their minds at considering Morgan? Did they want to turn it into the Morgan Llewellyn Fashion Show? They basically wanted to sell their souls to the devil (Morgan) for views.

But Morgan had rejected the offer with the excuse of having 'scheduling conflicts'. However, she had left the door opened for next year. So, if the show's rating flopped, Morgan was still there.

Florence looked at the next update and almost dropped her phone to the floor. There she was, as beautiful as always, rocking a chill and simple outfit with high heels and walking round the streets of Los Angeles with no other than Chris Evans and his dog.

Florence wanted to sing and dance. She could swear that a victory song was playing in her head.

She was crossing fingers for Evans and Llewellyn to fall in love, get married and live happily ever after in his big Los Angeles home with her cat and his dog. They for sure made a beautiful couple.

But deep inside she knew that this was never going to happen. Morgan Llewellyn seemed to like ruining people's lives and she had many months ahead of filming with Sebastian. And the whole world was rooting for them to be together. And Morgan liked to please her people.

''Why do you look so happy?'' Sebastian asked when he got back with the groceries.

''Found some good news. You'll like them too.''

She handed Sebastian the phone with a big smile on her face.

It took Sebastian a couple of seconds to recognize the people on the picture, but when he did he felt a ugly sensation in his stomach, something that felt like a pang in his chest and for a moment he felt as if he was breathing shattered glass.

So Morgan and Chris, eh?

He just wanted to fly right then to L.A and interrupt this whole sham or at least call Chris to stop doing whatever he was doing with Morgan. But then he noted something he hadn't before. He zoomed on the picture and could clearly see the star necklace he had given to Morgan hanging from her neck.

He stated laughing, leaving Florence utterly confused. But Sebastian was just admiring Morgan and being thankful to Lucas Williams.

Morgan knew what she was doing. Yes, she was having fun with Evans but at the end of the day, she was wearing his necklace in public, and she knew perfectly well that it was going to mean a lot to Sebastian. It wasn't a coincidence. Maybe to the general public it was a little detail about Morgan Llewellyn having a necklace. For Sebastian the gesture shouted 'Hey, I'm with Evans now but, it doesn't mean anything.'' Or that was what he hoped.

''You minx'' he mumbled looking at the picture. ''I know exactly what you're doing and I love you for that''

''Excuse me?''

Sebastian had absolutely forgotten about Florence's presence.

''Ummm... this doesn't mean anything. It's just a bet between Morgan and I about who gets to sleep with Evans first''

He felt that somehow he was making things worse.

''WHAT?''

''It's just a joke'' he explained. ''We all know that Morgan is going to get it first.'' he prayed, with all his heart, to be wrong with his statement.

''So you want to sleep with Chris Evans?''

''Who doesn't...''

Sebastian was just absentmindedly answering because all his attention was on the comments of the picture.

He could read stuff like 'Chris and Morgan outsold.', 'I'm all about MorganStan but Chris and Morgan are also hot as hell', 'Chris, I love you but I need you to get away like right now', 'Chris Evans, stop making holes in my ship!', 'If Seb and Morgan become another case of Kate and Leo and they never date and she marries Evans instead I'm flying myself off a cliff' (same, girl, same, Sebastian thought), 'Why is everyone blaming Chris Evans for wanting to sink the MorganStan ship when Florence is literally right there', there was even a reply to that comment that went by the very harsh words of: 'Because Chris Evans is actually relevant.'

Those people were nuts but Sebastian found himself agreeing with many of them.

''So are you going to say something?'' Florence demanded.

''Don't worry, it's just a joke between actors, nothing serious, I was juts me... WHAT THE HELL''

''What now?''

But Sebastian wasn't listening anymore. If he though he had never worn that necklace in public... well, he was wrong. he was just finding out that he had let everyone see it at a Comic Con in Houston, not long ago. And someone else had noticed and posted his picture next to Morgan's with the caption 'If this is the same necklace I'm fainting.'

And people had got on board with it. 'Morgan and Seb wearing matching jewellery, I'm living for it.' and 'This reminds me of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles paper airplane necklace situation in 2013 and I'm having an stroke right now.'

Yeah, and he was too living for it. He sent a text to Morgan saying 'I got your message.' And for the first time in days Morgan replied with a simple winking emoji.

Los Angeles

Morgan and Chris had made it to his beautiful house without any inconvenience apart from a couple of paparazzis. She knew that the pictures were all over the Internet, thanks to Sebastian's message. She was happy that everything had worked out in the end.

''What do you want to eat?'' he asked her.

''If you're ordering food, always Italian.''

''I was planning to cook, but I guess I can make pasta.''

So he could cook too. And Chris Evans was right there demonstrating how much better than Sebastian he was. And Morgan was cursing herself because instead of choosing Chris, who was a dreamboat, she wanted Sebastian, who probably couldn't place a bowl of instant soup into the microwave.

''And I guess I'd sit there and watch because I can't cook.''

''I imagined that for some reason.'' he looked at her with a mischievous smile and she looked back at him with raised eyebrows. ''What I mean is that... I've been working with Sebastian for almost ten years and you're very similar to him. What is more, I've never meet anyone as similar to him as you are.''

''Really?'' Morgan looked at him with a confused expression.

''Yeah. I've seen that face before, believe me.''

It was not the first time that she heard that comparison. Taylor said it all the time (and she didn't see their similarities under a positive light) and even Damien Chazelle had mentioned it.

''Whatever you say'' she rolled her eyes playfully sat in the counter, facing Chris, who was taking the ingredients for the pasta from the cupboards. ''Let me put some music, please, to motivate you, so you can make a good pasta.''

''Believe me, Llewellyn. My pasta is the best.''

''We'll see.''

Queen was playing around the house and both of them were moving to the music. Chris almost burned himself for being way too into the song.

It was so incredibly domestic that Morgan was quite confused. They were dancing in the kitchen while he cooked (like in that awesome scene between Harry Osborn and Mary Jane Watson in Spiderman 3) and she could even see Dodger running in the backyard.

Morgan knew that she could have all of that if she wanted, with very little effort. But that was the thing, she didn't want to. She wanted the angry dumpster prince that couldn't cook to save his life, couldn't put his life together and had the special ability of making very dumb decisions.

Maybe it was because behind her beauty, talent and glamour, she was exactly the same. A hot mess.

Domestically numb? Check.

Didn't have a life plan apart from acting, being famous, popular and pretty? Double check.

Made stupid ass decisions that made no absolute sense? Triple check.

For a moment she was so caught in her own thoughts that she didn't notice that Chris was talking to her, thankfully about something that wasn't related to Sebastian in any way.

The day went by in a pretty easy going mood. Chris not only made really awesome pasta but he could also bake. He was a real life Prince Charming. And somehow Morgan still craved for Sebastian sassy remarks while eating pizza under a tree in a park wearing their expensive clothes. Why would she want that, it was a mystery. If Chris Evans couldn't take Sebastian out of her mind, she doubted that she could get over him someday.

They spent a very nice evening, talking about everything and everyone, eating cake and even playing with Dodger. It was perfect.

As the evening was turning into the night, they comfortably settled in Chris's comfortable sitting room, eating popcorn and watching Leonardo DiCaprio movies, with Dodger in the middle of them.

At some point while watching Titanic, that both of them had watched countless of times, they went back to the Sebastian topic. It had started with Chris commenting a funny anecdote on the set of The First Avenger.

''...I swear that he's the sweetest person on earth but that doesn't make him perfect'' said Chris. ''No one is, that's the truth. Sometimes he make that choices that leave anyone around him, speechless. Me included. Like dating that Florence girl for example... it's just... stupid. They have nothing in common. She's supposed of nice and everything but...' it seemed like Chris disagreed with Florence being nice. '...she's one of those persons that wants every person in the world to be nice to them, when we all know that life's not like that. She's the kind of person that complains to the manager when the Starbucks barista doesn't have pumpkin spice to her latte and ruining the poor kid's day''

Morgan wasn't even trying to hide her satisfaction. She had thought that Florence was a goody two shoes local like her sister in law Lila but no, she was one of those annoying persons who couldn't let other people live. No wonder Sebastian's fans disliked her, even though they didn't know what Chris had just told her. For now. She was going to find a way for them to know. Not directly, of course.

Yes, Morgan could be devious, selfish, a drama queen and even a snake, but she tried to treat people with kindness.

''That is... yikes.'' Morgan looked outraged and Chris smiled.

''Yeah. I met her twice and I didn't like her. And judging by your face, she's not your favourite person in the world and I sort of know the reason why.''

She didn't need to explain anything to Chris. She knew that he knew.

''Oh God, this is so messed up.'' he said. ''With this material I can write a romcom and you and Seb can act in it. Let's sum this up: you've loved him for five years without knowing him, then you meet him and you dislike him, then you love him again but this time you love the real person, but he has a girlfriend who you discovered just now that she's kind of asshat, and now, apparently he's in love with you too and if you two get together, the media storm may damage your careers. It's a mess.''

''When you say it like that, it sounds like chaos. Why is this happening? I don't understand.''

''Because both of you are chaotic. You are... well, you. And Sebastian relationship history is pitiful. If you two get together there will be even greater chaos or you two will finally settle down with each other. I'm quite inclined for the second option. I think you two are soulmates.''

That was the moment Dodger chose to get tired of the conversation and left the coach, leaving Chris and Morgan alone. If he could talk he would have cursed them.

''I'm going to get us more popcorn.''

While he was gone she had enough time to think about all the information Chris had given her. Her mind was already making plans. For a moment she had forgotten that she was relaxing on Chris Evans's wonderful sofa. It was like a dream.

''Earth to Morgan'' he suddenly said. ''I know you have a lot of information inside that head of yours but... calm down for a moment.'' he placed the popcorn bowl on her lap, leaving his hand resting on her arm. Morgan hadn't miss that detail, let alone when he placed his whole arm softy around her shoulders.

After an exhausting week, full of emotional turmoil and running away from the person she wanted the most to be near, she found herself craving this touch.

Yeah, it wasn't Sebastian (and to be honest, nothing compared to him) but... it was the best option after him, at least for the moment. Damn it, it was Chris Evans, prince charming in person, gorgeous and sexy as hell... but he also deserved better. He deserved someone with their head in its right place and that certainly wasn't Morgan.

''Are you up for a little distraction?'' he asked, with a cheeky smile but also blushing intensely.

Of course she was. Who wouldn't. But she needed to state the rules clearly before. Not for her sake but for his.

''I am. But only as a distraction.'' he smiled sadly at her words, perfectly understanding what she was trying to say. ''You don't deserve me, Chris. That's the sad truth. You deserve better than me. Someone who's not in love with your co-star, for example.''

With all the tenderness in the world, he traced her cheekbone with her thumb.

''You deserve the world. But... you don't want what you deserve. I don't know what will happen in the future with you and Seb, I totally understand that your heart is with him, and it will be there for a long time. I won't try to convince you otherwise. I'm just offering a distraction and some fun. Everyone needs it from time to time.''

His playful smile was really something else. And not even in her wildest dreams she had imagined that Chris Evans was, someday, going to offer himself so openly to her. She'd better take that goddamn chance.

New York

The day after the Chris Evans-Morgan storm, Sebastian was in a coffee shop, drinking a latte and reading the last number of Vogue, the one that Morgan had covered. A very old Taylor Swift song was playing in the background, back from the days when that girl sang country music. Wow, the past was weird. Back then hardly anyone knew him (people confused him with Chace all of the time), Marvel wasn't even a thing, Chris Evans was the last failed Human Torch, Morgan Llewellyn was a teenager who wanted to act, was stuck on a farm somewhere in Wales with another name and Taylor Swift sang country music.

Now the world was a crazy place. He was famous (even more than Chace), Marvel was the biggest franchise in the world, Chris Evans was Captain America and also a superstar, Morgan Llewellyn was everywhere, from covering Vogue to being the face of Chanel, and she was also getting a mysterious acting project. And she had shaken his world so hard that he doubted that he could ever be who he was before meeting her. And Taylor Swift sang pop.

He kept passing the pages of Vogue and reading some parts of Morgan's interview, the most interesting bits and the parts that he didn't know. And whoever that had shot the pictures had done a damn good job highlighting Morgan's spectacular eyes. Now every time he closed his eyes he had those purple-blue eyes engraved in his brain.

''Earth to Sebastian!'' it was his friend Charlie, the person he was waiting for and the only one of his friends who had agreed to meet him. Toby and Chace were working in some project he didn't know about, Will was tired of him after his latest Morgan related tantrum, Joe was in England having his superstar moment, Anthony was filming something somewhere and Chris was roaming the streets of L.A with Morgan Llewellyn.

''Sorry, I was... distracted.'' he didn't have enough time to push the magazine away from him.

''I can see that. She's pretty... distracting.''

''Wait, how do you know about Morgan? You've never met her.''

Charlie looked at him as if he was a five year old.

''Because, the only thing that everyone's talking about lately is her. Chace is his fan, Joe is about to tattoo her name on his forehead, Toby can't care less about you two and Will thinks that she's a life ruiner. Florence probably agrees with him.''

Sebastian knew all of that already. And, surprisingly, he didn't care about what his friends thought of Morgan.

''Who cares. She's just my co-star. Like any other co-star I had before.''

He didn't believe that himself and he knew that Charlie was not going to believe him.

''Wrong. You didn't fall in love with Margot Robbie or Nicole Kidman. Well, maybe with Chris Evans but... who wouldn't, man. That guy's a dreamboat.''

''I'm not in love with Morgan''

''And that is... wrong. Again.'' Sebastian blushed but didn't say anything. ''By the way, Toby texted me asking where we were. He says he has important news..''

''Wasn't he in Brooklyn auditioning to some mysterious project?''

''Ask him yourself...'' before he could say anything else, Toby was crossing the coffee shop, looking happy and full of life.

He was glowing for some reason Sebastian didn't know. And he was more surprised when he grabbed the Vogue magazine, that was still on the table, and kissed Morgan's picture.

''What the hell does this mean?'' Sebastian took the magazine from Toby's hands and looked at him with an angry frown.

''That your girl got me a role in a TV show''.

''What?'' Sebastian and Charlie asked at the same time.

They were both intrigued as to how Morgan had helped Toby and since when she cared about his acting career.

''Let me start... yesterday Morgan liked one of my pictures in Instagram because she follows me.'' he looked too cocky about that fact for someone that two days earlier wasn't very enthusiastic about her. ''So, today I showed up to the audition, I said my name and the Casting Director immediately asked me if I knew Morgan because she was liking my stuff on Insta. I said yes and they gave me the role, without having to do anything.''

That story didn't make any sense. The only thing Sebastian could recollect was that Toby had got the role only because she had met Morgan once.

''So you got the role only because you have met Morgan once and she follows you on Instagram?'' Sebastian questioned him and Toby just smiled, not ashamed at all. ''Nice display of your talent there. You could totally suck but they didn't care as long as you keep Morgan's follow.''

''Hey, I don't suck! And I'm also not a superstar like you are. I don't have Damien Chazelle offering me roles while I'm in the bathroom at the airport! If I can get roles thanks to Morgan, I'm going to do it.''

''Okay, that makes you a fame leech.''

Nor Charlie or Toby knew why Sebastian looked so mad.

''Stop, okay?'' Toby looked at him with a hard expression. ''No one is taking advantage of your girl. You can tell her what I did, if you want. She probably won't mind.''

''She's not my girl'' he groaned. ''And of course I'm going to tell her.''

Toby rolled her eyes and decided to change the topic.

''Have any of you heard about Joe lately?''

''Isn't he in London?'' asked Sebastian, who had been way too focused on himself and Morgan to care about his friend's whereabouts.

''Yes. Now he's hanging out with Rami Malek, who'll probably win an Oscar before you, Seb'' Charlie teased him. ''I think he changed us for Malek and some guys named Ben and Gwil or whatever is pronounced.''

''He'll be back when the buzz over his movie dies. And Malek may win an Oscar but at least I wasn't in Twilight like he was.''

''You're a pain in the ass today, Sebastian.'' Toby threw a napkin at Sebastian's face. ''I get that you're a bit cranky because your great friend Chris is probably having a very good time with Morgan right now. Or at least he had it last night, I'm sure of it.''

Charlie almost chocked with the muffin he was eating and Sebastian got so red that it looked as if he was going to catch fire at any moment.

''And I'm sure that what you just said didn't happen''.

Los Angeles.

Lucas and Morgan were eating some pizza in a simple Pizza Hut somewhere in L.A alone. This was not a conversation that they wanted to have in front of Taylor.

''Now, tell me because I swear I'm dying of the intrigue... did you slept with him or not?''

It wasn't hard to Lucas to draw that conclusion. Morgan had came back to the hotel at ten in the morning making a stupid excuse of staying at Chris's watching Titanic. Taylor believed her but Lucas didn't.

''Of course I did.'' she didn't even blush with that revelation. ''He was offering himself and I just said yes.''

''Just that? Are you two dating or something?''

''Of course not. He knows that... we're not for each other. He deserves better. At least someone who's not in love with Sebastian Stan. It was just a fun night, nothing else.''

Lucas was surprised that Morgan was speaking with such lightness. She had slept with bloody Captain America and she was acting like it was not a big deal at all.

''I'm tempted not to throw my diet coke at your face, Morgan. How can you? He's literally the perfect man, a hopeless romantic, a beauty, a generous, good man... and you're going to give him up for... what? Sebastian Stan? Who's not even single? Whose mind is literally a mess? Oh, please God, no. Tell me you're not doing this.''

''It seems like...I am.. Chris deserves better. I'm the worst thing that can happen to him at this point and he knows it. He really likes me as a friend but as a girlfriend he'd get tired of me in two months and I can't blame him. Sometimes I'm tired of myself too, believe me.''

Morgan looked sad for a couple of seconds but regained her composure.

''So, do you think that it will be different with Sebastian?''

''Who knows... but I'm beautiful trash and he's beautiful trash so... we kind of match. But now you have to help me investigate something that Chris told me about Florence.''

Lucas winced. That couldn't be good news.

''What are you planning to do now?''

''I'm going to tell the truth to the world.''

Lucas didn't know what Morgan really wanted but he was sure it was nothing good.

Graphic description of this episode:

Tag list:  @iamsebastianstab @bloodyvalentine93 @void-imaginations@dmn-dmn @euphoricbuckys @bluewavesx @lamamery @morrocanlovey @korysdiops @galaxydragonxx @ridingthedevil@exotericbarnes @heartsbeatingfortheworld @stuckinthemiddlewithyou@carmsfiorenzanoc @superheroesaremytea @torntaltos @massati@lesbiiionest @naffeesaa @ming3015 @earthtodevon@imdiegohargreeves @heidi4499 @bluediamondsevie@randomandfandoms1967 @goldvirago @paz22 @peterpxrkerlove@derekxsammy @leonardo-capulet @bellaire312006 @awinterloveuniverse @silverreading @mkirby93 @becksly9 @emilie1993 @dmn-dmn @kmaydayy 

[manikrege]

I never thought I'd write about "love" again but here I am

You ever been with someone you can never "be with?" A friendship that you know has much more to offer but also too much to lose?

Crap, it's that cheesy romcom cliché from Christmas 2008. My Jai has fallen for an Aditi. And I'm mulling about whether we should have that "talk" when we Zoom tonight.

Maybe they'll explain that they don't see me that way and this would complicate things. Heck, maybe they'll point out how we're from different backgrounds, countries, jobs, and religions - and I'll have to clarify that it's these differences I love the most. It's starting to feel like a Toastmaster's debate.

If I have to be both realistic and happy, I'm hoping that they'll smile, appreciate me for sharing my feelings, and promise to help me get over it eventually. Such mature discussion. Much wow.

Scenarios. Scenarios. Scenarios. As I'm slinging through the multiverse created by my anxiety-ridden, 23-year-old brain, I have to say that there's something different about this person that's keeping me awake. There has to be.

Because I thought I left behind this topic in my emo teen phase. With poems that I took the effort to rhyme lmaoooo. But its almost after an entire decade that I'm finding myself chirping down this path again. Spring in my step and all. So the writer in me is definitely curious.

See first of all, there wasn't a love-at-first-sight moment. It wasn't full of butterflies and crazy adventures. In fact, I can't pinpoint a specific day when I understood that I wanted more. There weren't any explosive fireworks. The hunch grew more like five sips of chai. Normal, comforting, simple. Like how you move into a new house and then it eventually becomes your home for no good reason. And you get into a cozy routine.

I have spent so much time in their company doing jackshit. This one day we camped in our university's library. On our own laptops doing our own assignments. When the guards told us it was time to leave, we walked out talking about how well-spent the day was and we should definitely do it again.

It's not like we haven't had fun together. We've hung out, flown to new cities. We've eaten with forks at fancy brunches and also ravaged through banana leaf buffets like Savannah lions.

We've also had the craziest of talks. From junk gossips to deep philosophical musings at 3AM. They once looked down at the dimly lit highway and told me how every passing car must have people with complex lives and stories that we'll never hear. Trippy? Well, you should see our chats, you'd think we're in the stratosphere.

But floating in between all that noise are many blank pages that weigh just as much. Silences I never felt obligated to fill. Sometimes, we just lie around and chill.

Which tells me that this new kind of love I'm discovering ... this love isn't all shining and glamorous. After all that excitement fades away, there's a cozy blanket of silence that takes over. You don't have to go on extravagant holidays to relax. You don't have to buy each other costly gifts to feel special. You don't have to upload Stories of everything you do together. There's nothing to prove to the world, nothing to show off.

Instead, it's the simple gestures. They're both noticed and reciprocated. The person's company is more than enough. And you no longer have to do only wild things to feel like you had a good time.

If you can feel happy cutting a cupcake in the dark and call it a party, when its not even your birthday, that's when you realize they're the one.

Mind you, even if there's comfort, there's also discomfort. I like that we call each other out on our bullshit. They don't just pretend to agree with all my decisions or opinions because I'm their best friend. In fact, there are so many things we do openly disagree on and also furiously debate about.

We also hold each other accountable for our mistakes. I have a loud mouth and when I leak something in a public conversation that I shouldn't have, they will remind me that I can do better.

This could've been a toxic or abusive thing where we're constantly pushing each other's buttons. But its not the case because toxic relationships rely on fear. The fear of causing damage. But when we discuss our issues, we're not afraid of permanently ruining or breaking things.

We understand that we cannot realistically always like each other. Sometimes, I will hate her. And I'll say it. They'll say they hate me even more. Sometimes I'll be so pissed off at something silly they did. But I won't feel bad or guilty about it. We respect these negative emotions and agree that we can be imperfect and kinda off on some days. These fleeting currents and tiny problems don't threaten our bond. I speak for both of us when I say we have this unbreakable faith that we'll always be able to 'work it out together.'

When you call someone your 'loved one,' it means they're signing up for the whole package. Which occasionally includes confusion, misunderstandings, disappointment, and hurt.

If you can openly talk about all your feelings and problems without having to worry about losing them, that's when you realize they're the one.

But all that said, I think the most special thing about this special person is how they make me want to be better without ever having to push me ahead.

What I mean is that they're a forever fan. At gatherings, they'll take me around like I'm Barack Obama and introduce me to all their friends, raving about the 'cool projects' I'm working on this year. They're my biggest cheerleader, hyper-supporter, and meme-liker to the point of cringe. When I'm down and sobbing about how I suck, they'll tell me to shut up and refuse to believe that I'm anything less than the best.

I feel immensely relaxed knowing that I'll always be good enough for them, even when I'm not good enough for myself. See, it's not a conditional contract. There's this underlying assurance that they'll be cheering me for me even when I'm behind, even when I finish last. I don't have to constantly worry about proving myself to them or living up to their 'expectations.'

A relationship of any kind and degree shouldn't feel constantly challenging, uncomfortable, and stressful. That kind of bullshit is often sold under the guise of tough love or training. But you shouldn't feel like you're dragging yourself to please or impress the person.

Because love is safety. It's like a soft sandpit in which we can become kids again and build whatever the fuck we want to. And when we have no power left, it's a force that burns through every fiber of our soul and gives us that last bit of fire to hold on. "Hold on," it says, "We're almost there."

This safe zone my special person has created without even realizing it ... it just makes me want to push myself every day. Their fierce belief in me makes me want to fight, even when I don't want to do it for myself. In fact, it was this person who once told me that we can't always love ourselves and that's why we need friends who can remind us of how worthy we are.

If they make you feel empowered to chase your dreams fearlessly, you know they're the one.

Now that I've said these things out loud, I guess I know that they're really the one.

But I don't feel prepared to tell them yet so I'm going to wait for some more time. I'm not rushing into things. It's perfectly acceptable. And anyway, I'm not worried about being too late. I won't regret telling them right away.

You know how I'm so sure?

Because love is, above all, friendship. And I have it right here, right now.