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cacti-are-like-flamingos · 4 years ago

Note

oooh requests are open!! <3 i looove your writing so much! can you do headcanons for aizawa, fat gum, & hawks with a chubby/plus size/thiccc reader? like how the relationship would look & how they would reassure their partner when they were being insecure about their weight/looks! -🍃 (tysm btw!! i love reading everything you write!!)

Aizawa, Fat Gum, and Hawks w/ plus size!reader...

Aizawa Shouta

ahh Aizawa

the first person i simped for from MHA

the memories *wipes away tear from eye*

let us commence

a relationship with this man is, in all honesty, quite frustrating

Aizawa is the pure embodiment, or at least almost a pure embodiment, of logic and practicality

so if you’re a person who’s on the more emotional side, there will be clashes every now and then

however, i can somewhat see him with a spontaneous lover --- it’s 3 in the morning, darkness blankets the apartment. The only source of light is the warm golden glow of the city lights that shines ever-so elegantly through the small openings of the window curtains. Aizawa is taking a short nap beside you, laying on his stomach with his arms folded underneath his head. Inky-black locks cascading down the naked muscles of his back, contrasting with the paleness of his skin.

he’s a masterpiece --- well, err. A masterpiece that runs on the love of cats and unsweetened black coffee

with small kisses, you run a trail of love up from his bicep. With each kiss, you breathe soft positive affirmations into the skin; your honeyed voice and kisses stirring him from his sleep. And as you near closer to his cheek, he can feel a smile tugging at the ends of his lips. With your body so close, he wraps one of his previously folded arms around your waist, his hands squishing your lovely love handles

“Shouta~,” you would sing out in a whisper, ghosting your lips over his eyelids. Humming in acknowledgment, he grunts out a quiet, “What is it now?”

“Let’s go get some Panda Express,” you can feel his body stiffen. A bashful smile on your lips as his eyes finally open, a full-on glare on display.

“I have work soon,” “Yeah, but we can have Panda Express sooner,” “N-,” “We can feed the strays in front of it,” “...okay.”

now as for when you’re having those moments of insecurity

as I’ve stated before, Aizawa is a man of common sense and logic. So in his head, there’s no reason for you to feel down when there’s nothing wrong with you; however, he will recognize the emotional aspect of it and so he’ll do his best to comfort you

while on one hand he’ll just straight-up bully the love into you with words like, “It makes no sense to doubt yourself. Doubting yourself does nothing but harm you so why the hell would you willingly do that?” or “Stop being stupid, you’re fine just as you are, idiot.”

other times he’ll prove his love to you with actions

sometimes, when he sees that unsure expression painted on your face, he’ll stop whatever it is he’s doing and goes to grab a book. When he comes back, he’ll tell you to scoot over on the sofa before laying himself down in between your legs. Making sure to wrap your legs under his neck, he’ll snuggle himself into the pillows that were your thigh. And as he read, he would place gentle kisses into them.

he won’t talk or anything, he’ll just settle there and read his little book

idk for some reason, I can see him doing this

Taishiro Toyomitsu

HHHHHHHHHH

I love this man so much

can I just have a hug, please?

although, that is one of the things you should expect if you’re in a relationship with this sweetheart

he loves being close to you in whatever way possible. Hugs, cuddles --- he’ll even carry you if that is what you so desire

a relationship with him is filled with so much laughter and joy that it’s almost sickeningly sweet

ngl i canon the sex to be full of laughs and giggles

Ooo he’s incredibly polite like uhh lol whenever you tell him to do something for you, he’ll say, “Yes ma’am,” like you know what I’m trying to say?

another thing

he completely understands how you’re feeling when societies standards become too overwhelming and you find yourself drowning in self-doubt and self-loathe

he’s gone through it himself

and so, when he finds you standing before your mirror, your hands gripping at your tummy and a frown on your face, that is when he tells you words of truth

also expect lots of food-related pet names

“Now, now buttercup. You know how much it pains me to see you so sad. Makes my heart ache so bad--- I need you to understand that you are beautiful no matter what. There is nothing wrong with how you are and how you look. Now, how about we go and eat some Takoyakis? Heard they’re half the price right now.”

another thing he does involves you laying on top of him

if he’s laying on the couch and you suddenly are nearby, he’ll stretch his arms and do the little “come here” gesture. Upon arriving, he’ll pull you on top of him, while always making sure that his grip on you is proper and that you’re comfortable

we’re gonna have to admit that with him being a big man no matter what form he is in, he will always be an actual mattress to you

to you, he is your pillow and blanket

and once he has you in his arms, he’s not even gonna let you go until you genuinely have to leave

ugh he’s just so cute

Hawks

before i write anything, I would like to point out that this is how HAWKS is in a relationship

this is not KEIGO TAKAMI

this is his alter-ego and that’s that

anygays,,,

being in a relationship with Hawks is an adventure for many, many reasons. Because, not only does he loves to absolutely love to ruffle your feathers, but he’s just so full of energy

he loves to tease you in any way possible. Maybe he’ll say a dirty little thing into your ear or maybe he’ll command one of his feathers so hide stuff from you. Such as that one time where you thought you had dropped that an earring and as you searched for it for a whole literal hour, he watched you.

CAN YOU IMAGINE THE UTTER AUDACITY THIS MAN HAD

LIKE HE HAD THE FUCKING FEATHER FLOATING RIGHT BEHIND YOUR HEAD, THE EARRING JUST DANGLING THERE

WOW

but i must admit that he mainly does stuff like this to get a better view of your ass

he’s just so fascinated by its jiggliness

even when you walk he can see it jiggle

also please do buy him chicken related items

ngl he most likely has a drumstick little keychain thing

now then

how would Hawks comfort you?

hmm

tbh I don’t see him being of the vocal sort in either side of his personality--- he’s more of an action-based person, or at least that’s how I perceive him to be

whenever you’re feeling down, he sits behind you and pulls in between his legs. Wrapping his arms ever-so-gently around your waist before pulling you closer, his face burying itself into the crook of your neck as he in-take your scent. To him, you smell like home To him, you represent everything good in his life

and then, when he feels the tension in your muscles lighten, he’ll spread his wings as far as they can go before wrapping them around you. Enveloping you in a cocoon of sunset-hued feathers, their touch soft like silk on the skin.

it’s absolutely divine

...

(A/N): I’m not good at comforting whatsoever so apologies if it’s somewhat shitty, I really did try.

Feel free to request, just read the rules.

Hope you enjoyed!

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junkartie · 3 years ago

Note

The resin pyramid is the worst commodity, we have hit rock bottom, we must accept the science of Marxist Leninism, they would never make resin pyramids.

I dont get them at all. Where do you put it? Theyre huge? I mean yeah ig you could put gems into it thats cool but i also would like to NOT have them in a huge pyramid of solidified goo? Also i cannot imagine theyre good for the environment. If they were keychain sized or something then id get it maybe or if they were a different shape but why a pyramid. Why is it so big. My only exception are the ones that look like they have a lil forest or some trees in them but even then i feel like theyd lose their “ooo shiney pretty item must buy” appeal really fast? Idk man i really just hate those resin pyramids frfr

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booksonablog · 4 years ago

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Self-Defense - Johnny Lawrence Imagine Part 2

Summary: After getting jumped the other night, Johnny spends the day with you in hopes of making you feel better, instead, making you feel more like a damsel in distress. Meanhwile, you finish the day off with a moment of vulnerability while Johnny gets into a situation of his own.

The morning after the incident, you awoke in Johnny’s bed. The sun peeked through the shades behind his bed, his blonde locks glimmered in the rays. You rested your head back on his tummy. The movement gently shook his chest. He inhaled deeply, tilting his head down slightly to see you resting in the same spot you feel asleep in. He smiled, head resting back on the pillow. He caressed your hair, watching your shoulder relax.

“Good morning.” He smiled, voice gravily.

Your fingers were playing with the end of his shirt, the cut on your fingertip brought back the memory of last night.

Johnny’s finger poked at your head, a smile sneaked its way across your face. You slowly moved your head just enough for Johnny to see your eyes.

“Hey? Why are you ignoring my good morning wish, I don’t hand those out to just anyone.” He joked, stroking your bruised cheek carefully.

“Good morning.” You mumbled into his tummy.

He gave you a sympathetic smile and shifted his weight so you couldn’t hide your face anymore.

“C’mere.” He tugged you up closer to him.

You leaned on your elbow and faced him, eyes on his bed sheets, picking at the lint.

He lifted your chin, “Hey, you okay?”

You nodded.

He could tell something was wrong but sensed you wouldn’t be opening up about it quite yet. He hated to see you like this, hurt, physically and emotionally. If he could give you everything you wished for he would.

“Well how bout’ some breakfast?”

Your eyebrow furrowed, “You’re gonna make breakfast?”

He scoffed, “Yeah I’m gonna make breakfast. You don’t like my cookin princess?” He teased, poking your side. You let out a giggle. His cooking wasn’t gourmet, but it wasn’t terrible either. Nor did he cook very often, which is why you were so surprised.

***

Johnny had ended up making scrambled eggs with toast and fresh-cut oranges. Meanwhile, you were fixing yourself up in the bathroom, brushing your teeth and showering. You wiped the mirror, scanning your face. You definitely looked better than you did last night, but still not great. The cut on your forehead wasn't too bad as blood had stopped gushing out of it. The scratches on your cheek from hitting the pavement were starting to heel, but the cut on your lip and the big bruise on your cheek were still humiliating to look at. You threw Johnny’s Zebra shirt back on, none of his pants fit you so you kept your underwear on for bottoms, you were positive he wouldn’t mind. You walked out to the kitchen where he was scooping eggs onto a plate. You couldn’t help but smile.

“Ooo. I like that.” He referred to your “outfit,” glancing over at you and making his way to the stove. You walked over to the table and eyed the picture perfect breakfast he had served. You pulled back the chair - Johnny had quickly snuck his arm under yours and gave you a gentle squeeze, kissing the top of your head.

“Beautiful.” He whispered, removing his arm and making his way to the chair beside you. You loved the little intimate moments like this, but you just couldn’t help but still feel embarrassed about last night, not to mention how terrible you felt you looked.

The two of you had ate breakfast in peace, enjoying every bite of food in the company of the other. You happened to glance at the clock on the stove. It was two o’clock in the afternoon, both of you had woken up late, with good reason however.

“Babe, don’t you have to start getting ready?” You asked, swishing the eggs around in your mouth.

“Nah I’m taking the day off.” He said, grouping his eggs together before attacking them with his fork.

“Why?”

“What do you mean why?”

“Cuz’ I wanted to spend time with my girl.” He winked at you. You smiled and continued eating. Part of you was flattered, but the other part felt like a baby. Of course you enjoyed his company and yes it made you feel better with him around, but if you had just been able to protect yourself, maybe you wouldn’t be such a burden, you thought.

***

The two of you had spent the remainder of the day watching some 80s hit films till you decided it was time to head home. He invited you to stay, and when you declined he asked if you wanted him to stay at your place tonight, even if it was just till you fell asleep, but you declined that offer as well. You would have accepted otherwise, had you not felt so much like a damsel in distress. You thanked him nonetheless, telling him that you just wanted to sit in the bath for a while and get some rest. He didn’t press on, walking you to your door and planting a kiss before leaving you. Even as he left, he still wondered what was going on in that head of yours. He respected your need for space, but he wished he could do something to make you feel better.

***

The ring of the door to the mini-mart sounded as Johnny swung it open. He went straight for the beers, digging into the back of the fridge. The door rang again, two men walking in. Johnny did a double-take, glancing at the men. He scanned them from head to toe. The men were purchasing two cartons of cigarettes and a pack of gum, handing their money to the clerk. Johnny’s hand balled into a fist, recognizing that both men seemed to fit the description of the men that jumped you, with the exception of their clothes. The men grabbed their change before leaving the store. Johnny placed his beer back, closing the door of the fridge before following the men outside.

Outside, the men had their trunk open, placing their bags in the back. Johnny managed to catch a glimpse of the belongings in the trunk and there it was - your purse. No doubt about it that it was yours - he had given you a Cobra Kai patch which you turned into a keychain, and there it was dangling in the thief's trunk.

The men were in mid-conversation when Johnny interrupted them.

“Hey assholes!” He said with a kick to the man’s face. The man dropped to the ground, the other was in a state of shock before he attempted to throw a punch which Johnny blocked.

It took a less than a minute for Johnny to knock these men out. He grabbed one of the men that remained conscious, pulling them up by the collar.

“You two jumped that woman last night? The one with the black purse?” He grunted

“No no man - I-”

“DON’T LIE TO ME ASSHOLE!!”

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry - yes - we - we did - please man -”

“You stole her phone and her purse?!”

“Y-yes - it’s in the trunk.”

“Listen to me now asshole -” he shook the trembling man, “If you ever so much as cross the opposite side of the road as her, I will fucking kill you.” He hissed.

“IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!?”

“Y-yes yes!”

“Good.” Johnny threw the man to the ground.

***

With your purse and phone in hand, Johnny knocked on your door. He heard fumbling on the other side, furrowing his brows at the commotion.

“Hi.” You hiccupped. It took one look at you for Johnny to understand that you’ve been drinking.

“C’mon - I mean, come in.” You sniffled, stumbling backwards towards the living room.

“You alright?” Johnny asked rhetorically, closing the door behind him. He spotted half an empty bottle of wine laying sideways on the floor. You weren’t much of a drinker, at least not compared to him, the most he’s ever seen you drink was about two beers max.

You nodded, grabbing your wine glass. Johnny placed your purse on the table. He walked over to you, placing a hand on your hip and the other over your glass.

“What do you say we put this down.” He said, slipping his fingers under yours, grabbing hold of the glass. You frowned, walking away from him. He placed the glass on the kitchen counter. He looked back at you to see you sitting on the couch, your head in your hands. He heard your faint whimpers. Johnny walked over to you, bending at the knees so he could look up at you.

He placed his hands on your knees, giving them a squeeze. “Baby, what’s going on?” His voice was sincere.

You sniffled and looked down at your boyfriend. Tears streamed down your face. “Look at me. I look like a fucking rag doll.” You cried again.

He rubbed the knee of his drunken sweetheart. “It doesn’t look so bad babe.” He said, referring to your scratched up, bruised face.

“You don’t think it’s that bad?! Are you looking at it?!”

“Hey, relax, do you know how many facial bruises I had? It makes you look badass.”

You shook your head. “I don’t wanna look badass - I wanna be badass.” You slurred.

He stifled a laugh. “Babe, you are a badass. You’re one of the most badass women I know.”

You shook your head again, eyes closed. “No I’m not - you’re lying.” You whimpered.

“Babe-”

“I’m soft - ” you interrupted with a sniffle, “I don’t want to be soft anymore. I want to be bloody knuckles and glass shards - I want people to be afraid of hurting me.”

He felt bad about finding this side of you humorous. “Well, maybe your boyfriend can help with that.”

You opened your eyes to look down at his mischievous smirk. “I’m not saying it’ll make the pain go away, but it’ll make you strong and confident, and I think it could make you feel better.”

You stared at him, looking in both eyes to see that he was serious. “You’re gonna teach me karate - Sensei?”

He chuckled at the nickname. “Yes ma’am.”

Stay tuned for Part 3 where Johnny teaches the reader karate 👀

Hope you enjoyed this one!

(Also I am very proud of how well the gifs fit into the story, do you guys think the gifs add a good visual to the storyline? Would love to hear your thoughts!) 💕

#johnny lawrence imagine #Johnny Lawrence fanfic #william zabka imagine #billy zabka imagine #cobra kai imagine #cobra kai fanfic #cobra kai headcanon #fanfiction blog #imagine blog #fanfic #imagine #headcanon

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aliencowboyqueen · 5 years ago

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FIC: The Rules of Accidental Dating (12)

Pairing: Alex/Kyle

Summary: In which Kyle and Alex accidentally pretend-date their way to love.

Rating: Teen+

Find Chapter 1 here. | Find previous chapter here. | Fic Masterlist.

Chapter 12

"What's that?" Rosa asks.

Oddly, she isn't talking about the Kevlar vest Kyle is wearing under his shirt. It's uncomfortable, but it makes him feel better about Alex's brothers' existence.

Rosa is talking about the item he's just handed to her. It lies in her palm, shiny and new. A little basic. He should have gotten her a keychain to go with it.

"A key. I know for a fact these were around in the late Noughties." Kyle shrugs. "I thought if something happened to me, you could water my cactus." Unnervingly, it's much more likely than he'd like to think. He could very easily end up lying in a hospital bed right next to Jesse Manes.

"Do you own a cactus?"

"No, but I'm thinking of getting one."

Rosa shakes her head. She holds the key as if it was a toad sitting in her palm. "What is this really about? Don't you have a mother? A boyfriend? Maybe even a friendly neighbor. I'm sure there's someone who can water your imaginary plants."

"We're family," Kyle says. He takes Rosa's hand and closes her fingers around the key. "I thought I'd make that, I don't know, more tangible." It sounds silly now and he is trying to repress the embarrassment. It's the last thing he needs Rosa to see.

"Maybe I'll sneak in and remodel the place," Rosa suggests. "Does Alex have a key?"

ooo ooo ooo

Kyle's life has definitely changed. He has a spread of desserts sitting on his coffee table and in the middle of it all, a key on a tray hidden under a lid.

He doesn't start wondering if it's too much until it's too late to change his mind.

But Alex deserves… He deserves. Romance. Someone going all out for him. Something sweet and light-hearted.

Even if it's just pretend.

And Kyle isn't sure if his dinner of desserts is romantic and it might be too out there to be light-hearted but it's definitely sweet.

His heart jumps when the doorbell rings.

Alex's eyes grow huge at the sight. "Are you expecting company?" he asks. He glances at Bailey at the end of her leash as if he is wondering whether she won't get in the way of Kyle's dessert party.

"Just you," Kyle assures him. "And this girl." He bends down to scratch behind Bailey's ears.

His words don't seem to lessen the concern in Alex's gaze at all. "So why all this?" he asks. He keeps Bailey leashed even as he takes a seat on the sofa where he's used to sleep before they figured out sharing a bed was easier.

"You can let her go. Just make sure she doesn't get into the chocolate ones," Kyle says. "I'll get her water."

He picks up the bowl he's brought for her, proudly.

Alex watches him with disbelief.

"I wanted to do something nice for you, alright?" Kyle says. "And you didn't get to try the mousse and I wanted to try some desserts myself and I wasn't sure what would be best for Bailey."

"So you got everything?" Alex is clearly stunned but a brief hint of a smile crosses his face. "Did you leave the restaurant anything to serve?"

"The ice cream," Kyle replies. He bites the tip of his tongue before he can stick it out at Alex. "And the crème brulee, because they want to flambé that on your table in front of you. The ones on the edge are Bailey-friendly. But maybe don't let her grab anything herself."

Kyle makes himself comfortable next to Alex while Alex unleashes Bailey. As expected, the dog examines the offer on the table enthusiastically. She obeys Alex, however. He feeds her from her fingers but doesn't let her near the desserts on her own.

For long minutes, Alex is quiet, his expression still stunned. Even while Kyle nudges the chocolate mousse towards him.

"Did I… Have I done the wrong thing?" Kyle asks when he can't stand the silence anymore.

Alex blinks and shakes his head rapidly. "What? No." He is staring at his chocolate mousse, a little spoon in one hand as his free one pats Bailey's body. "It's just… No one has ever done something like this for me," he explains in a rush of hushed words.

Oh. Kyle shouldn't be surprised. It makes sense. Of course, Alex has never had something like this done for him – he's admitted it himself before that he's never dated much. There hasn't been much opportunity for gestures like this for him. He's had other things – epic, life-altering experiences involving aliens and near-death experiences – but not someone simply trying to spoil him.

It makes Kyle's heart ache.

Alex deserves experiences like this to be real.

Except… This is real. Their relationship might not be what everyone thinks, but this gesture is genuine. There's no one to see. This is just for the two of them.

"I'm not usually this over the top," Kyle says and ignores the disbelieving glance Alex rewards him with. He picks up a plate of chocolate cake. "No, really. Can you imagine how much time I'd have to spend in the gym if I did this regularly? I thought we could both use something like this. I thought, go big or go home. And I wanted to see your expression when you saw it." Normally, Kyle Valenti needs no one's approval. He is confident in who he is and in his choices; he knows he makes the best decisions when he doesn't dwell on what anyone might thing. Trying to fit into other people's – and the wrong people's, on top of that – expectations was what made his teenage self an asshole.

Yet, all he wants in this moment is for Alex to let him know that he did well. That he made the right choice. And more than that, he wants Alex to have a good time.

When Alex smiles at him and digs into his dessert, Kyle grins back. It's been a long time since he was truly happy, but this moment comes close to it.

They get through one dessert each with relative ease. They chat about light topics – changes to the Crashdown menu and upcoming movies and Roswell event schedule – and Kyle is glad to have an evening with Alex that's not about aliens or their families.

"You know we're never going to get through all of this," Alex says when he gives up halfway through a pie. Even Bailey has reached her limits and is asleep under the table.

"We'll have to play Tetris with the fridge. Or feed the homeless. Or invite all over friends and force them to eat," Kyle suggests. Not that he really wants to deal with any of that, though. He's comfortably on the edge of a food coma and he has settled himself in the corner of the sofa; he doesn't want to move.

"Hmm. What's this?" Alex asks and reaches for the lid that's hiding the key.

"Oh." Kyle instantly sits up straighter. "That's the main course I guess."

Alex gives him a curious look. Then he lifts the lid and freezes for a split second. "That's not what I expected," he says when he begins to move again. He takes the key and puts the lid back.

"You gave me yours," Kyle points out. Desperately, he hopes his returning nerves don't show. "I cleaned out a drawer for you, too."

"You're ridiculous," Alex says. Fondly. He stares at the key for a moment longer before he pockets it in one decisive motion and turns fully towards Kyle.

"You like it," Kyle states. He hopes more than believes his words are true.

"Do I?" Alex tilts his head. A corner of his lips quirks up.

"Yup." He is more certain of it with every passing second. He knows when Alex is upset and this is not that.

"Jury's still out," Alex says. He leans his shoulder against the backrest. There's a lot of distance between them, but their eyes are locked and it feels intimate and comfortable regardless.

Kyle feels lightheaded, though he didn't drink even a single glass of alcohol.

Maybe he should have.

It'd definitely prepared him better for Alex's hand reaching for his face.

Alex's index finger curls under Kyle's chin and his thumb brushes the corner of Kyle's lips. Kyle's breath catches in his throat. Kissing! flashes a neon light inside his mind. He hasn't planned for that, but suddenly he's sure that's what's happening. It makes perfect sense. He wishes he'd had an opportunity to check his breath. His gaze wanders down to Alex's mouth. He'd thought before, briefly, about kissing Alex, but never in detail. He's never fantasized about the taste of Alex's lips or the feeling of his stubble. And yet suddenly, he wants to know.

He lets his body lean forward.

Alex's hand drops away from his face.

"Sorry," Alex chuckles. His cheeks appear pinker than usual. "Chocolate." He grabs a napkin and wipes away the chocolate he's brushed away from Kyle's skin.

Kyle's tongue darts to the corner of his mouth. He can taste the chocolate cake. He can't taste Alex's touch.

His heart is hammering.

↳ Next Chapter

#kylex #kylex fic #kyle valenti #alex manes #rnm fic #myfic

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bellatrixobsessed1 · 5 years ago

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Mutilated Mannequin (Part 5)

Azula still feels out of it, for the better part of her Saturday, she remains in bed, curled up and trying not to think too much. She doesn’t know what she is going to say when she gets back to school with a bandaged nose. She could say that she had fallen or run into something but she isn’t known to be clumsy, quite the opposite. Even if she were, the alteration isn’t subtle. I

She resists the urge to touch her nose, she can’t feel it at all, not even a throb. It is as numb as she was promised.

When she finally pulls herself up, she feels sick. There is some feeling in her nose and it is the sensation of blood. She is glad for the nasal drip pads. She wanders her way to the bathroom, she knows very well that she shouldn’t. That she is only going to bring herself distress.

No less, Azula opens the door, she has to brush her teeth and comb her hair anyhow. She can’t let her hygiene got to shit because of this. Though she doesn’t plan on changing out of her pajamas; she needs at least some degree of comfort.

Her reflection looks tired and weary. Her eyes are as puffy and purple as promised, she can’t wait for that to go away. Beneath the bandages, she can’t see the exact damage that her nose sustains but it does look quite swollen. She swallows and begins brushing her teeth. She doesn’t feel beautiful at all.

She wanders into the kitchen, normally the smell of pancakes would draw her, she no longer has that pleasure. She slides into her chair.

“What happened?” Zuko asks.

Azula only shrugs.

“Your sister is getting surgery.” Ozai cuts in. “The kind that you ought to be getting.”

“I already got rid of the scars.” Zuko argues.

“Not the ones on your ear.”

“I have hair to cover that.” Zuko grumbles, he untucks his hair from behind his ear and moves it to the front. “See.” He crosses his arms. “I said I was done with that cosmetic surgery shit.”

Ozai sets his fork down with a false gentleness. “If you keep talking to me like that you will be in need of it.”

Azula silently cringes on his behalf.

“Your sister knows what needs to be done, she isn’t crying about it.”

Not that he can see, Azula thinks. But she is, she absolutely is. This first operation is already hard to swallow and he has three more lined up for her. She takes a deep breath and tries to remind herself that she wants this, that it is for the best. That if it goes well, she will finally have a date to homecoming.

.oOo.

“You need to relax, Sokka.” Katara sighs as they near her locker. “The first major debate isn’t until tomorrow.”

“Kat, I don’t have any dialogue prepared! Azula probably has a novella of points ready.”

“She can have as many points as she wants, that doesn’t make her any less cold. People want a friendly class president, someone that they can approach.” Katara pauses. “She might be really organized and extremely smart. But she’s really intimidating and hard to talk to.”

Sokka nods, “then why is she…” he lifts his hand, “and I’m down here.” He holds his other hand beneath the first.

Katara rolls her eyes, “because she scares people. And because her good friends Chan and Yue are up there.” She sighs as she pulls out an armful of textbooks. “You’re going to do fine, Sokka. You may not be the brightest, you’re kind of an annoying idiot, actually.”

“Hey!” He nudges her bicep with his shoulder.

“But you’re really funny and your easy to talk to. People like that.” She glances at the clock. “Oh, crap! I’ll talk to you at home, Sokka!” She wishes that she had more time to let him respond. Such isn’t the case, she sprints down the hall and into her first class of the day. Heaven knows that Zhao is a stickler about people being late for algebra. She certainly doesn’t want to have to solve one of his challenge equations in front of the class.

“Running late?” Yue steps in front of Katara.

“Yeah, so…” she gestures for Yue to move.

“I’ll move if you give me that dorky keychain.”

Katara looks at the adorable rubber duck dangling on her backpack. It is blue in color with a teal beak and a teal hibiscus on its head. “No way!”

“Hmmm...then I guess that you don’t want to get to class that badly.”

“Yue, you know that this keychain is…”

“Important to you? That mommy gave it to you after your first swim meet? You didn’t even win.”

“She never cared about that.” Katara mutters.

“Yeah she seemed nice, it’s too bad that she had cancer.”

Katara balls her fist. She is already going to be late, she might as well add attacking another student to her detention slip. She steps forward.

“Don’t do it Katty.” Toph calls. “I know garbage cans that are worth fighting more than she is.” Before Katara can make the decision to end her flawless record, Toph has her hand and is pulling her down the hallway. “Besides, you only have thirty seconds, maybe forty, if you’re lucky, to keep your perfect attendance certificate.

Katara sighs, but decides that Toph is ultimately right. She bursts through the door just as the bell rings.

Zhao seems to frown and tucks his stack of tardy slips back into his desk draw. “And here I thought that I’d get the honor of giving you your first strike.”

Katara, panting lightly and with a half smirk says, “not this time, Zhao.”

.oOo.

“Oh. My. God.” Yue gasps.

Azula, taking care to avoid hurting herself, buries her face in her hands, partly in embarrassment and partly in aggravation.

“You got a nose job, didn’t you?”

“And what if I did?” Azula grumbles. She feels the table dip as Chan seats himself.

“Holy shit, dude.” He mutters. “Who did you fight?”

“Don’t worry about it.” Azula replies, her voice sounds as awful as face must look. The bruising has faded some, but her eyes still appear purple and yellow in some spots.

“I got you something.” TyLee smiles. She sets an icepack in Azula’s palm.

“Thank you, Ty.” She holds it lightly over her nose.

“Does it hurt?” Mai asks.”

“Not yet.” Azula frowns. She wonders if she should just tell them exactly what had happened. She supposes that it is better for her to do so than for Yue to make a scene of it. She doesn’t have to be wholly truthful. “Look, I was helping Zuzu move some stuff around in his room and he accidently hit me in the face with one of those long wall shelves.”

Yue rolls her eyes. “Did he punch both of your eyes too? I know what plastic surgery looks like.”

“You can’t even spot the difference between your mashed potatoes and your corn.” Azula gestures to her lunch tray.

“But I can spot a nose job when I see one.” Yue crosses her arms.

“Why’d you want surgery?” Mai tilts her head.

“My father wanted me to get it, okay?” She huffs, it isn’t entirely untrue.

“Didn’t he do the same thing to Zuko?” TyLee asks.

Azula nods as Mai mutters, “I had to hold his hand the whole time. But he was extra nice that week.”

“What’s it going to look like?”

“I don’t know, Chan. Can we just eat?” She takes a sporkful of mashed potatoes.

.oOo.

Katara sends Sokka a text, asking him to pick her up from astronomy at around 4:00. She is pretty sure that he doesn’t mind, he’s been itching for any excuse to drive since he got his licence. Even though his pickup truck is a complete beater, he’s been showing it off at every opportunity.

She can’t wait until they actually begin stargazing, she already knows how to use a telescope. Being outside would grant her the freedom to distance herself from Yue. Evidently, Yue is plenty occupied for the time being and from the look of it, Azula isn’t getting any pleasure from her company this evening. Katara observes Azula collecting her belongings and moving to a different table. She can’t tell if Yue and her cluster of ditzy friends have kicked her out or if the girl had simply had enough of that nerve grating voice. Either way around, Azula looks rather isolated.

For a moment, Katara considers sitting by her, she doesn’t really have friends in the club either. But she has little trust for the girl. Her father routinely makes things difficult for Hakoda and Azula herself is ridiculously stand-offish. Besides, she can’t betray Sokka like that. She can’t see herself getting along with someone like Azula anyhow. The last time she’d tried to bond with a member of that family it ended with Zuko trying to steal Aang from her in the most pathetic breakup rebound that Katara had ever seen. No, that family is off limits, she can’t imagine that Azula is a friendly sort of person anyhow.

.oOo.

Azula taps her fingers on the desk, she just wants to look at stars and take her mind off of things. She wishes with all of her heart and soul that Yue hadn’t tagged along. She ruffles through her bag and pulls out her ice pack. She holds it to her nose and ignores Yue’s girlish giggles.

God, she is already giving her a hard time and she still thinks that this whole thing is all Ozai’s idea. She supposes that, at this point, it mostly is. She inhales deeply, she really needs to figure out how to tell her father that she doesn’t want to go through with the next three procedures.

A few droplets of blood spatter on her hand and she remembers that she needs to change the pads. She exucses herself and wanders into the bathroom. She takes another deep breath, feeling wholly uncomfortable doing this by herself. But she’d rather be alone than ask Yue for help. She brings her fingers to her nose, they are shaking. She wonders what would happen if she did this wrong. She doesn’t want to find out.

She bites her lip and returns to the classroom, lingering in the doorway and scanning the classroom for someone approachable. Yue and her cluster of fools are eliminated right away. The only other familiar face is Katara’s, though she doesn’t know the girl that well at all.

Yet, Katara is alone and away from snooping ears. Azula holds her head high and approaches the girl with a stiff, “come with me.” It rests somewhere between a command and a request. Due to her nature, Azula suspects that it sounds more so like a demand.

Katara crinkles her brow. “What for.”

This time she sounds less certain, “I-I need help with something.”

“Ask Yue?”

Azula begins to crinkle her nose and hisses in pain. “No!” She whispers through gritted teeth. “Yue is...not helpful.”

“What do you need help with?”

Azula begins walking away, hoping that curiosity will compel the other girl. She lingers by the mirror, looking down at the pads. There is a thin trail of blood leaking into her mouth. She dabs it away with one of those scratchy school bathroom napkins.

She hears a shuffle behind her. “What do you need help with?”

She motions to the nasal drip pads. “I need to swap them out.”

“How am I supposed to help?”

"I." She pauses. "I don't know, I guess that I just want someone to be here if I do it wrong. I think that you can handle this job."

"Do you want my help or not." Katara replies with a roll of her eyes.

"I wouldn't have dragged you here if I didn't."

"Then, maybe, act like you want me here. Or I'll..."

"No, don't leave." She says a little softer.

"Let's just do this thing and get back to reviewing the functions of a telescope."

Azula nods and exhales in relief.

#Avatar #Azula #Katara #Zuko #Sokka #Toph #Mai #TyLee #Aang #Fanfiction

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the-sapphiresky · 7 years ago

Text

Possibilities

He stood outside the door, staring down at the key in his palm. A single, innocuous silver key, the sole occupant of the keychain. Never before had it seemed so heavy, burdened with possibilities and uncertainty. It had been a gift, a token of trust; he had never needed a key to enter before, using his skills to gain entrance in whichever way was most convenient at the time. But she had insisted, saying that even if he didn’t need it, he would have it and would always be welcome in her home.

Now, as he remained rooted to the doormat, he wondered if he had broken that trust once and for all. If this symbol of trust from the one person he had always counted on to believe in him, to love him, would be revoked. He swallowed hard and closed his eyes, fisting the key as his hand started to tremble.

oOo

“Sherlock!”

A laughing voice sounded behind him and he spun around.

“Slow down, you numpty! Your legs are twice as long as mine!”

On the pavement, hurrying along beside a different, happier, version of himself, was Molly, in his favourite cherry cardigan and smiling, no sign of any lingering shadows of pain or sadness. His other self slowed down and waited while she jogged to catch up.

“Apologies,” the other Sherlock said.

Molly simple rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand, inserting her fingers between his own as if she had done so a hundred times. The other Sherlock sighed as if put upon, but Sherlock saw the way his thumb brushed Molly’s and the pleased smile that teased the corner of his mouth.

“Anyway, as I was saying, she had a green liver! We had all of the interns come in and watch as we worked. One of them fainted, though, and three others turned as green as the liver…” Their conversation faded as they passed by and Sherlock stared after them until they faded into the nothingness they had come from.

oOo

A longing filled him and he clenched his fist at the phantom feeling of Molly’s hand in his. His heart was split between the hope of a future with Molly at his side, forgiven and beloved, and fear that the future he was imagining was slipping away, leaving him alone to suffer his regrets.

oOo

“Come on!”

Behind him the door opened and he turned to see a little girl in a pink raincoat and yellow wellies just before she ran through him and up onto the street, where phantom raindrops splattered on the ground.

“Hurry up!” She shouted excitedly, jumping from puddle to puddle. Her twin brown braids were flailed around her cherubic cheeks as she leaped about.

“Young lady, where is your brolly?”

Sherlock looked back and down to see his other self, a little grayer around the temples, yet somehow younger, kneeling and buttoning up the coat of a wriggling little curly-haired boy in a pirate’s hat who was trying to escape to follow his sister.

“I don’t like it!” The little girl replied as if that was the logical answer. “It’s got flowers on it.”

The other Sherlock sighed. “That was the one you picked out!”

“It’s a baby’s brolly!” She declared. “I want one like Uncle Myc’s! His has got a sword in it!”

The other Sherlock grimaced. “Absolutely not!”

“Oh, I’m sure we can find one that looks like his, minus the sword and pistol, of course,” ever the voice of reason, Molly appeared, buttoning up a large coat that strained a bit over the swell of her very pregnant belly. “And who knows, twenty years from now, one of them might very well be taking after their Uncle anyway. They’ll have us outnumbered soon enough.”

“Over my dead body,” both Sherlocks snarled.

Molly simply raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Like that would stop them.”

Finally finagling his son into the proper outerwear, the other Sherlock released the boy to race outside. Standing, he eyed Molly with a mock serious frown and tugged her close, one hand resting reverently on her belly. “You, Mrs Holmes, are entirely too cheeky.”

“What you going to do about it?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled sweetly.

Just as the other Sherlock was about to kiss her, a chorus of shouts from the street interrupted them. “Mum, dad, hurry up!”

“This is all your fault,” the other Sherlock grumbled and rested his forehead against hers.

Molly swatted his chest. “Mine? If I recall, you were the one who insisted on ‘putting a baby in me’. And with those eyes of yours, who was I to say no?”

One quick kiss and they followed their children outside, hand in hand. Sherlock watched as the growing, happy family, slowly made their way, puddle by puddle, down the street toward the park, disappearing into the air.

oOo

Sherlock swallowed thickly and ignored the tears that flowed freely down his cheeks.

oOo

The door opened once again and this time, Molly stood on the other side. Her brown hair was liberally streaked with silver, but her face and eyes were as joyfully youthful as ever. Contentment radiated from her smile and she called over her shoulder in fond exasperation, “Sherlock, stop your pouting! They’ll be along any minute.”

When the other Sherlock appeared, silver-haired, scowling, and old, Sherlock nearly stumbled back a step. Years of case work had kept him fit, but age still had its way. A long scar lined his left cheek and more wrinkles lined his weathered face. He pouted and continued to fiddle with his hair, which had lost quite a bit of its curly bounce over the years.

“Come here, you,” Molly reached out for him and he shuffled over to her, gaze fixed firmly on the floor. She ran her hands up his cheeks, the light catching on the well-loved wedding band, and brushed her thumbs against his still-prominent cheekbones. At her loving touch, the other Sherlock relaxed and his face lightened until a chagrined smile tugged on his lips. “There’s my Sherlock,” she whispered.

He tried to pout, but the reluctant smile won out, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Even if he’s no longer tall, dark, and handsome?”

Molly frowned slightly. “I never asked for tall, dark, and handsome. I only ever wanted you, you silly clot. You just happened to be all tall, dark, and handsome. And now, well,” she drew out the word and looked up at him with a twinkle in her eye, “Tall, silver-haired, and drop dead gorgeous is just fine with me.”

The other Sherlock preened and cupped her cheek, shaking his head in disbelief. “How did I get so lucky as to be your husband?”

“Maybe because you say the sweetest things,” Molly teased and tugged him down into a sweet kiss.

“Nana! Granddad!” The shouts of children broke them apart and, with one last loving look, they left the flat, walking up hand-in-hand to greet the gaggle of children running down the street toward them, their parents following at a more sedate pace. As the other Sherlock hugged his daughter and lifted up one of the children, smiling widely, they faded from sight, leaving nothing but an empty street.

oOo

“Sherlock?”

It took a moment for Sherlock to realise the voice wasn’t his imagination again and he spun around. Peering through the crack in her doorway, Molly stared up at him. Her eyes were red and swollen and she had clearly not slept well for some nights.

He looked down at the key still in his hand. Then back up at her in silent question.

She chewed on her lip, clearly debating whether to let him in. Or close the door on him once and for all. He prayed fervently that he had not lost her, that she would give him a chance to explain, to show her that the words torn from him in desperation were true. Oh, god, they were true.

She had every right to shut him out of her life. He had done nothing to deserve her love, her forgiveness, her trust.

He swallowed hard, bracing himself to be turned away.

But then. Oh, but then, she did what she had always done better than anyone else. She saw him. And so she stepped back and swung the door open, inviting him inside.

oOo

In that little garden flat, on that quiet London street, they would build a life together from the rubble of what they had come through, filling it with laughter and forgiveness, but most of all with love. And it was in that little garden flat where Sherlock would hear the words that would change his life all over again.

“Sherlock Holmes. You’re going to be a daddy.”

#sherlolly #post-tfp #angst with a happy ending #because it's me #:)

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seriestrash · 7 years ago

Text

You Me Her

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 ||

Epilogue

Word Count: 3403

↠ ♥ ↞

...Two Months Later...

Riley arrives home from her summer trip to Europe just after lunch. The jet lagged brunette is welcomed home with balloons and embraces. Riley is ecstatic to find Kai amongst the welcoming committee. The boy in glasses had left not too long after Riley did to settle in with Noah at Notre Dame. After two months apart - not to mention being in two different timezones - Kai had to make the effort to see his best friend and Riley was very happy he did.

After Riley tells a bunch of stories about her European escapades for her parents she retreats to her bedroom with Kai. He flops down on her bed stomach first and flips through the photographs on Riley’s phone that she took whilst she was away. Riley sits on the floor with her back pressed up comfortably against the bay window. Kai ‘oo’s and ah’s’ at Riley’s touristy snaps.

“Look out Cait, looks like there’s a new photographer in town.” Kai chuckles.

Riley laughs at his over exaggerated statement. “I’m quite content becoming a playwright actually.”

“I’m just saying,” Kai looks up from the phone with a smirk.

Riley playfully rolls her eyes and quietly starts fiddling with the sequins on one of her bay window cushions.

“So are we going to talk about it?” Kai sits the phone down and rests his chin in his hands, the weight balanced off his elbows.

Riley lets out a groan. “I’ve been home all of an hour.”

“I’m sorry. What do you want to talk about then?” Kai gives Riley a look. “How boringly loved up Noah and I are in our new domestic life?”

“I’d like that very much actually.” Riley nods in a challenging way.

Kai makes an incorrect buzzer noise. “Sorry wrong answer. The one we’re looking for is the Lucas of it all.”

Another groan from Riley. “I’m over him. Completely.” Riley says very dramatically.

“I’m sorry is there a French boy you met and didn’t tell me about?” Kai raises a brow.

“No.” Riley scoffs.

“Italian?” Kai makes goofy suggestive faces and Riley chuckles embarrased as she shakes her head. “Swiss? German? Dutch?”

“No European boys of any kind.” Riley laughs.

Kai gasps dramatically and edges forward slightly, “A European girl?”

Riley tosses a cushion from the bay window and it clips Kai across the side of his head.

“Well you never know.” Kai giggles and then their attention is drawn towards Riley’s text tone sounding.

“Who’s that?” Riley questions.

“Uh, it’s from Tammy.” Kai glances at the screen.

“Read it to me please?” Riley gives Kai an innocent grin, happy that the subject was changing.

“Hi Sweetie just heard you got back. Someone left a letter here at the bakery for you, I didn’t get a chance to give it to you before you left, I’m sorry. Cant wait to see pictures.” Kai reads out the text at Riley’s request. “Ooo, a letter.” He sets her phone down again.

“It’s probably just a graduation card.” Riley dismisses it. “I’ll swing by later.”

“Okay then...” Kai sits up on the bed, shuffling himself into a comfy cross legged position. “...Let’s talk about Lucas.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Riley shrugs casually. “I haven’t heard from him since he left the bakery that afternoon.”

“Yeah but I don’t understand.” Kai breaks his collected composure with a sigh. “Can you run me through it one more time?”

“Kai, you made me tell you the story twelve times before I left for the airport?” Riley is confused as to why it matters so much.

“It just doesn’t make sense.” Kai says. “Humour me?”

Riley lets out a heavy sigh but obliges, “I saw Lucas leaving the bakery and I asked him why he was leaving without saying goodbye. Lucas tells me it’s not goodbye if he doesn’t say it aloud, then he leaves and I don’t hear from him... At all...”

“He didn’t give you anything?” Kai questions.

“No, what would he give me?” Riley knits her brows in confusion.

“I don’t know...” Kai has crinkled brows too. “But why did he leave and then come back if he wasn’t going to say anything to you before he left again?” Kai is just thinking aloud at this point.

“I don’t know.” Riley sighs. “Boys are stupid.”

“That boy is.” Kai nods. “To think I was rooting for him in the end.”

“You’re not helping.” Riley frowns.

“I’m sorry.” Kai says defensively. “I just don't understand.”

“Yeah, neither do I.” Riley huffs.

Kai softens after noticing Riley’s flustered state, “How are you?” he asks . “I know when we did talk whilst you were away we weren't allowed to talk about him and I can’t imagine the confusing silence was fun for you...”

“I’m fine.” Riley nods a little too eagerly. “Europe was healing for me. Totally over.. what’s his name?

“Ri?” Kai coaxes his head.

Riley deflates knowing they’d have to talk about it sooner or later. “I constantly told Lucas no. I have no right to be upset because he finally listened.”

“But you are upset.” Kai highlights.

“Yes.” Riley frowns. “But it’s too late.”

“Why is it too late?” Kai questions. “From what I’ve heard Lucas is still in New York. What’s stopping you from going over to his apartment right now and telling him how you truly feel?”

“My common sense, my brain, the universe. Everything.” Riley huffs.

“What about your heart?” Kai asks knowing he’s teetering on cheesy.

“That’s the only thing I’m truly thinking about right now.” Riley states. “ I feel like I’m in a place where I won't be devastated that we can’t be together but if I let him in and I own some bigger feelings I might not recover if things don’t work out. Caitlin said it best, I’m all or nothing and I just don’t think I can afford to let myself be all in with Lucas... Not again.”

“I can’t sit here and promise you that everything with Lucas will be peachy.” Kai says softly. “But I can promise you that no matter what happens you will be fine.”

“How can you be so sure?” Riley questions.

“Because you’re strong.” Kai smiles. “You’ve spent years proving that fact. Oh and there is of course the added bonus of having me for a best friend to hold your hand and cry should we need to.” Kai finishes his sweet sentiment on a joking note.

Riley’s mouth half curls into a smile but it drops again. “It doesn’t matter. I think Lucas thinks it’s over now too.”

“You could go over and finally lay it all out for him.” Kai says. “A take it or leave it deal and then at least you can go on without having to ask yourself ‘what if?’”

“I think I’d just rather take a nap.” Riley yawns, her jet lag was kicking into full gear.

“Ri?” Kai drags out her nickname.

“Tired.” Riley remains stubborn as she groggily stretches.

“You’ll have trouble sleeping tonight.” Kai surrenders to the subject matter being closed.

“I’ll risk it.” Riley sleepily gets up from her place on the floor and climbs on top of her bed covers.

Kai grabs a blanket and throws it over Riley’s legs. “Come by mine for breakfast tomorrow, my sisters miss you.”

“I can give them their keychains.” Riley mumbles into her pillow. Kai smiles at his best friend once more before he exits but she’s already sleep.

Later, Riley awakes after a dream. She dreamt of Lucas, it was such bliss that she woke up feeling disappointed it was’t real. Riley sits up in bed and notices it’s still light out. Surely she couldn’t have been sleeping that long. Riley finds her phone and notices it’s almost 5pm. The low battery on her phone stared back at her.

Riley could have easily rested her head back on her pillow and fallen asleep, hopefully into another sweet dream of Lucas but she knew if she did then she definitely would be awake at some obscene hour of the morning. Riley forces herself out of bed and decides she should walk to the bakery and collect that letter Tammy mentioned, it might help keep her awake.

With her phone dying along the way Riley makes her way to the bakery. One of the college students that works there part time is starting her shift. Riley gives the girl a small wave as she heads out back for her letter. In the back room Riley spots Maya hanging up her apron.

“Hey, I heard you were back.” Maya greets her with a smile, a smile that grew wider when she noticed the silver band sitting on Riley’s index finger the same friendship ring that had Maya smiling to see in Riley’s Europe photos posted on instagram.

“Yeah a couple hours ago.” Riley nods and part of her felt the urge to hug Maya but she didn’t want to seem weird for it. “I’m glad to see you’re settling into the job nicely.”

“You don’t want it back do you?” Maya jokes.

“I think I’m going to have to wait tables closer to campus.” Riley chuckles along amused. “Hey do you know if there’s a card or something here for me?” Riley asks, “Tammy said she had it.”

“It’s probably in her mess of a pigeon hole.” Maya chuckles. The blonde steps back and quickly riffles through Tammys collection of notices she always forgets to take home. “Oh.” Maya says as she finds the letter Riley was referring to.

“Oh?” Riley crinkles her brows.

“This is from Lucas.” Maya hands it to her. “You were supposed to get it before you left for Europe.”

“Maybe this explains why he tried to leave without saying goodbye.” Riley looks at her name written neatly on the envelope, “Or why I haven’t heard from him all summer.”

Maya looks panicked for a moment, she didn’t want to interfere but she also really wanted things to work out for the couple. “Lucas has been distant with everyone this summer not just you.. At first I thought maybe it had something to do with you but I couldn’t be sure...”

Riley quietly looks at the unopened letter before flicking her gaze back up to Maya. “Maybe it’s the goodbye he couldn’t give me in person..”

“There’s only one way to find out.” Maya says softly.

Riley nods sheepishly and Maya goes to leave but Riley grips at her wrist tightly. “Wait, please.” Maya nods and stands by as Riley opens the letter.

As Riley pulls out the folded piece of paper something else slips out and floats down to the ground. Maya crouches to pick it up and with a perplexed look she hands it to Riley. “Uh, this fell out?”

Riley sucks back a breath once she notices what Maya’s holding. Could it be? Riley thinks to herself, surely it isn’t... Riley gently grips the fragile object in one hand. A dried out leaf, it looked as though it had been pressed between the pages of a book for years. Riley twirls the familiar looking leaf by the stem, it was nowhere near as reddish as when it first fell into her lap but still a beautiful orangey colour. Still gripping the leaf Riley turns her attention to the paper and she reads;

Riley,

During our freshman year I watched as your eyes sparkled talking about a single leaf. Then a day later I watched you drop that same leaf out the window of the bus. Maybe it was my wonder boy ego but part of me thought it was my fault, that the leaf was me and you were letting it go because I hadn’t chosen you...

I picked it up with the intentions of one day giving it back to you and as time went on I just held onto it for myself and I wasn’t sure why. Not until today that is. Today I was going to give it back to you with some speech about how we can be together now but then I saw you talking about your pending trip and I realised that the leaf was never me, it’s you. You’re the leaf blowing in the wind, you’re the one who's ready for change and I held onto it - onto you - because I wasn’t ready to let go.

I still want to give you the leaf but I felt like writing this letter was more fitting than a last ditch attempt to win you back. You’re about to go on this big amazing adventure and I don’t want to hold you back from that. I want you to blow through Europe, Riley, changing the world and the people you meet without the weight of whatever we are on your mind.

But with that being said I also wanted you to know, whenever you decided to read this - if you decided at all - that I’m still going to be around when you get back. (I have to have at least one last ditch effort to win you back don’t I?)

Riley pauses her reading to laugh as she imagined Lucas would have when he wrote it. She continues;

5pm on the evening you get back I’ll wait for you at the station we first met. The subway is weird I know but maybe we can have a do over. Even if it’s just as friends. I’ll be there and if you decide to not come then I understand and I’ll accept that as the goodbye I know I can’t say aloud.

I sincerely wish you the most amazing time in Europe.

Lucas.

“Maya, what’s the time?” Riley manages to peel her eyes away from the letter.

“Just after five thirty.” Maya assumes since her shift finished not long ago.

“Damn.” Riley mutters. “I’m too late.”

“Too late for what?” Maya questions.

“Lucas.” Riley frowns. “Presuming that he didn’t take my silence this summer as a pre rejection the fact that I'm over thirty minutes late to meet him probably speaks for itself..”

“Riles, I don’t understand.” Maya says staring at the leaf and letter in Riley’s hand and then back up at the brunette.

“I’m literally too late.” Riley stresses. “He was waiting for me at the subway station where we all first met.”

“Well if you hurry he might still be there.” Maya says encouragingly.

“What if this was the universes way of pushing us to get over each other?” Riley questions. “I didn’t get the letter in time... Maybe that means something-”

“Screw the universe.” Maya grips Riley by the shoulders and forces her gaze. “If you want Lucas go and get him.”

“What if he’s not there?” Riley asks.

"He’ll be there.” Maya insists.

“How can you be so sure?” Riley questions.

“Because I just am, Riley.” Maya exhales heavily. “You’re wasting time.”

“Right.” Riley nods her head.

“Go find Lucas and tell him you love him.” Maya says with a soft smile.

“Love him?” Riley’s eyes widen in panic.

“Just go and tell him how you feel.” Maya says wondering why she’s even still here.

“Come with me?” Riley asks on the verge of hyperventilating.

“What?” Maya lets out a nervous chuckle.

“My phones dead and all my money is in Euro’s,” Riley rambles nervously. Maya’s staring at Riley slightly confused. “This isn’t weird for you is it?” Riley asks, suddenly her urgency dissipates and she realises she’s asking Maya to come with her to see her ex-boyfriend.

“No.” Maya shakes her head and honestly in some bizarre way it felt right that she’d help get Riley to Lucas. “But we have to go. Now.”

With that the two girls lace their fingers together and literally run towards the subway station. Maya’s shorter legs are struggling to keep up with Riley’s and she ends up being partially dragged by the brunette.

“He’s not answering.” Maya says as they run. She had tried Lucas on the phone for the second time since they left the bakery. “Huckleberry is probably ignoring my calls.” Maya half laughs.

“Try him again.” Riley says as she tugs Maya along.

“Okay.” Maya hits redial again.

The two girls finally reach the subway station and bounce down the stairs with a purpose. As Maya’s fiddling around her bag for her metro pass Riley tries Lucas on the cell again.

He picks up. “Maya, I can’t really talk right now.”

“Lucas!” Riley says out of pure delight that he answered.

“Riley?” Lucas is surprised it’s the brunette on the other end of Maya’s caller I.D.

“I didn’t get your letter in time.” Riley says out of breath from her run there.

“What?” Lucas is struggling to hear Riley over the phone with the poor signal under ground.

“I didn’t get your letter in time!” Riley shouts into the phone.

“The letter?” Lucas repeats as that was all he could here.

“Where are you?” Riley asks.

“The station.” Lucas answers having understood her this time.

“Stay where you are.” Riley instructs and the urgency she feels transfers into her voice, “Lucas I don’t want to start over.”

“I understand, Riley.” Lucas says. “I just thought I should try one last time.”

“No you don’t understand.” Riley says feeling very overwhelmed. “I don’t want to go back, I want to go forward.”

“Where is my stupid metro card?” Maya huffs loudly as she desperately searches through her bag and other commuters push past the two girls at this busy hour.

“Riley what are you saying?” Lucas covers his free ear in attempt to block out the background noise.

“I got it!” Maya victoriously holds up her metro card. She buzzes it and ushers Riley through the turnstile.

“You’re not coming?” Riley turns to Maya who waits on the other side.

“You don't need me to push you this time.” Maya wears a small smile full of love and hope that this all works out for her friends.

“Riley?” Lucas’ voice echoes through the phone again. The brunette sends Maya an appreciative smile and tries to weave her way through the crowd. Lucas had heard Maya huffing about the card so he made his way towards the turnstile. It’s peak hours so bodies are moving quickly throughout the station. Riley only gets a few steps away from the turnstile when a man with a briefcase knocks into her and Riley stumbles forward into the arms of Lucas Friar. They both hang up their phone call to each other and giggle nervously about being in such close proximity to one another.

Riley flicks her gaze back to Maya who's still standing on the other side of the turnstile, a wide grin on the blonde girls face that they found each other. Riley turns back to Lucas with a smile of her own, "Hi, we were just talking about you." She can’t help but let out another nervous laugh.

"I love you." Lucas says holding Riley’s stare.

"That's not how it goes." Riley says with a small smile.

"For me it does. Always." Lucas says so sincerely. “I don’t want to start over either. I truly regret hurting you more than anything I’ve ever done but if you’d let me I’d really like to love this version of you and every version that’s to come.”

Riley holds his gaze for a moment. "You know every odd is stacked against us?"

"Yes." Lucas answers honestly.

"We're going to schools almost two thousand miles apart." Riley states.

"I know." Lucas nods.

"We'd be apart before we even got a chance to start." Riley continues, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.

"We'd make it work." Lucas says with a mix of certainty and hope.

Riley holds his gaze again as if the answer lay beyond his stare, as if she didn't already know the truth in her heart.

"Okay,” Riley takes a deep breath before softly saying, “I love you too."

A tooth exposing smile forms on Lucas' face.

"But I'm not ready to say it yet." Riley adds quickly in adorably bashful way.

Lucas rolls his head forward with a laugh, the way he had the first day they met and he settles upright with a smile. "Well I'm not going anywhere."

"Good." With that Riley leans forward and closes the distance between them with a kiss.

And that my friends is the end beginning.

END NOTES: (THEY LONG!!)

So I tried my absolute best to give Riley a deserving ending in this story. I strongly considered ending it with only friendship between Riley and Lucas but I felt like that would be dissatisfying for you guys whom have been on this journey pretty much expecting the romantic outcome. With this being said I am happy and confident with my decision to end things the way I did. I tried to give explanations for Lucas’ and Maya’s actions that might not make the situation okay but at least show that - even though misguided - they both genuinely cared for Riley. I also tried to communicate how they were just as lost on the inside of the relationship as Riley was on the outside.

I went through the process of Riley hearing everyone’s story and making judgements for herself, even calling people out, sticking up for herself etc. So I really hope you don’t think this is a weak ending in Riley’s personal growth. Riley has always been quick to forgive and forget. She’s also very prone to taking blame for things when she shouldn’t have to and is alright with lack of apologies for situations where they’re warranted. That’s why I hope you can see in this story is that even though Riley is still a very forgiving person and quite unbiased with her approach (like she takes the time to try and understand things from the other persons POV) that she’s strong enough to recognise when other people are negatively affecting her etc.

No one is perfect. Not Lucas, not Maya and not even Riley. Love isn’t perfect, it’s messy and confusing. I really hope that no one feels I’m doing Riley a disservice with this ending. Riley chooses herself, choosing to let Lucas back in doesn’t at all mean she’s letting herself down (in my opinion at least) opening herself up to love again is a risk and an important part in her growth as a person.

She has learnt to value her own self worth. She’s learnt to make decisions for herself that benefit herself (Yale) and even though she spent a lot of time on her own she finally, truly realises that she can shine on her own (prom).

Everybody got lost in the idea of ‘what the right thing to do is’. It’s just that Riley was the first amongst the triangle members to realise that doing the right thing for herself was the most important thing she could do. Riley recognised the pain she felt from the relationship was too much and for her own sake she needed to remove herself from the situation.

Lucas eventually (yes it took a while but I explained that!!!!) realised that he should have been honest from the beginning. He should have owned his feelings for Riley and worked on a way of being with her that didnt hurt anyone else.

Europe was supposed to be a turning point in Riley’s life. She believed that doing it on her own would prove something to herself and the universe. That she was strong enough to be on her own. What Riley realised at prom is that she’s been strong all along. She’s spent years opening herself up to new friends, new experiences, she’s overcome sadness and severe anxiety. Maybe she had help along the way but ultimately she herself has overcome a lot.

Riley Matthews is finally, truly, completely, definitely and all other words for absolutely!!! the hero of her own story.

Kindness, forgiveness, strength, bravery, hope, the ability to love - they’re her superpowers.

I know this story was controversial, I saw some people throwing shade at me for exploring the option of Lucas choosing Maya then Riley but for all of the points mentioned above I’m happy I finished it. I have truly enjoyed writing a story about Riley’s growth.

And if you’re still here after my EXTREMELY long end notes I want to say thank you soooo much for sticking with me. I know this story took SO long for me to finish with weeks between chapters... You are the reason I finished though. So to you the readers; thank you for helping me write this story. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Until next time, E.

#rucas #rucas au #rucas fic #rucas fanfic #rucas imagine #ymh

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pristinepastel · 8 years ago

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5 Things About Me Meme!

Tagged by @awakaru ! This time i’ll tag the last few people in my activity- @robtari , @tavros-tardis , and @boundtoanandroid ! 5 Things You’ll Find In My Bag: -My sketchbooks(two of them. same kind but one is vertical and the other is horizontal) -My art supply box, which is pink and glittery and used to be a makeup box that i got for christmas one year -This probly counts as two things, but my plusle and minun plushies! i also have a plusle keychain. -I have a calligraphy pen w/ multiple nibs that I haven’t used very much yet. I’ll hopefully start using it and improving when i start college this fall! -And finally, my tablet with bluetooth keyboard. No mouse or pen for it but that’s fine for now. One day though… 5 Things You’ll Find in My Bedroom: Too many things;; -I have a book bag that I only use when I travel. When I’m at home though, it holds most of my plushies! Including a pachirisu that lost an ear. Which I. Kiiind of fixed? I tore off a scrap piece of a purple scarf and sewed it over the hole with yarn. Maybe I’ll take a pic later, lollo -I keep a cat cube on my bed near my feet. It’s purple and pink, with a leopard print. The outside is a kind of messy texture, while the inside has a soft carpet on the bottom. The cats don’t normally use it but when they do i try to take pictures! -My favorite blanket! I use it to stim. When I was at high school I’d usually take it with me in my bag, as well as my scarves. It was helpful for taking naps during commons, especially after a bad insomnia bout. Also helpful during my depressive episodes- even if I’d still end up going home early sometimes. -I have various posters put up in my room- including some prints from juicyink on youtube, a kingdom hearts 2 poster i got from when borders was still around, a print of Vincent Valentine that I got in the Artist Alley at colossalcon last year, a print i got from a caricature artist i got on my birthday as well as the caricature he made of me, and some old fashioned prints made on corkbord which kind of remind me of lowbrow fantasy art. I don’t know how old they are, I think my mom got them for me at a flea market? -I also have some old drawings of mine on my walls. I used to have a lot more of my older older pics, but i took them down because I wanted to start fresh. These were from my senior year i think? So far it’s just drawings of Osiria and Dahteste so far lollo -I lastly have my desktop computer! It’s a p big screen. My dad got me a new screen, keyboard, and pc box for my birthday, after I told him I wanted mass effect andromeda once it came out. For the specs he said. He’s very enthusiastic about that sort of thing;; 5 Things I’ve always wanted to do in life: -Become a concept artist/character designer -Write a story/Draw a comic about my characters(sadly my imagination is more abstract and my minds not v suited for concrete scripting lollo) -Somehow meet and help my characters in real life. I know that’s impossible, shoosh -Become a side character in someone else’s story/video game. Not physically of course- I mean I want to play as the sort of character that supports the protagonist and helps them get a good ending. -Become a voice actor! I really enjoy the thought of my voice bringing a character to life. I’ve tried auditioning before, but I’m not very confident in online auditions like that cus my mics not the best;; 5 Things That make me Happy: -Philadelphia roll with smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese! My fav sushi yums;; -My cat Molly! her purrs sound like a pigeon or a dove coping and she’s so soft -Comforting and emotional characters!! Like Cole, Sandal, and Dog from Dragon Age, Jaal from me:a, Legion from Mass Effect, Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, Lee from Naruto, Dogmeat from Fallout, etc. -My Mom gives really good hugs and she’s really good at emotional support! She understands what I go through cus she has depression and anxiety too. We even take some of the same prescription! I like her more than Dad cus he gets angry sometimes and I can’t really predict when that happens. He’s not hurting me or anything, he just gets loud and that makes me a lil nervous is all! -Conventions! I’m not really equipped for big social events usually, but these are usually the exception. You don’t really talk to people one on one, and you don’t have to be afraid of being the center of attention. Even buying stuff is easier cus no ones judging you for how much you’re buying or how long you’re at one booth! 5 Things I’m Currently Into: -My mutuals/followers may or may not have noticed the posts about witchcraft ehe;; It started with me researching stuff that one of my brain friends, Elisa, is into. She started out with just general tarot reading, which then developed into her actually being a witch, which led to me discovering i really enjoyed the subject lollo -Dungeons and Dragons podcasts like The Adventure Zone and Godsfall. that is too many capital letters;;; -Modern Girl In Thedas fanfics. I especially enjoy the ones where the protag discovers no one in thedas speaks english. Sometimes people write it so english is qunlaat, but my fav is that the protag has to work at learning common on their own. -I’ve gotten into playing more mobile games again, now that i have a phone that can support them;; I now have Love Live SIF, Fallen London, and the new ver of Kingdom Hearts X(fyi the x is pronounced cross in english- in japan its pronounce chi!) -I’ve been watching doodle videos lately. They’re vids where the artist just doodles random lines and patterns and shapes to fill an entire page. Sometimes there are mandalas too! Sometimes the artist talks quietly and motivationally during it like Bob Ross. if you’re curious one of the artists i’ve been watching recently is called Peter Draws on youtube! 5 Things on My To-Do List: -Finish prepping all the paperwork for starting college. I’ve been accepted, but there’s still financial paperwork to fill out lollo -Make a grimoire/book of shadows/book of mirrors. Atm, all my witchy notes are in my phone. I plan to make a cutesy decoden grimoire once i’m actually in school! -Start doing physical stuff like yoga and walking. School has a public yoga class available, and the campus has a lot of places where i can take breaks if i start feeling light headed due to the scoliosis. I’ve downloaded pokémon go preemptively to help w that -Prepare for june’s various activities! This year i’m not just going to colossalcon- I’m also going to volunteer at a convention in DC! ooo I’m so excited and i wanna pack immediately even tho i know it’s not for a month yet lollo;; my mom is also in this mood - Mmmaybe get a spirit companion? Dunno for sure yet. Not sure if my social anxiety also applies to the ethereal. A bit nervous about the constant-ness of the interaction. Need to research the subject a bit more lollo 5 Things People May Not Know About Me: -I’m really disorganized. So much so that i can’t close my closet door due to the clutter in front of it;;; -Physically speaking, I am only 5'6", I have a lazy eye, and mild scoliosis. My right canine tooth is broken as well.Im kind of self conscious about my teeth so my smiles are usually closed mouth. I also have problems with hygiene, for various reasons- for general cleanliness i just forget to shower sometimes/don’t have the motivation for it. As for the teeth, my sensory issues make it so i very much hate toothpaste. That’s why my teeth are so bad;; speaking of- -I have various mental issues. I have depression and anxiety, which has been clinically diagnosed. My psychiatrist also suspects i have mild autism or aspergers, but the test people never got back to us so heck if we know for sure. My mom, a couple of my friends, as well as me all agree i seem to have it. I also believe i have maladaptive daydreaming. This is a condition that makes it so I have very detailed imaginary worlds in my head- so detailed in fact that I get very attached to the characters in them, who I call brain friends. The daydreams get so detailed and involved that it’s sometimes hard for me to focus on stuff like reading or sleeping. Which exacerbates the insomnia i already have lollo. It’s easier for me to read fanfics than published stuff as a result, cus fanfics are basically written dreams in that sense? i’m also p bad at explaining myself with words lo l l,o;; -Despite most of my posts being happy ones, i tend to have p bad depressive episodes. I try not to vent on here though cus i’m self conscious about how others interpret that. It makes me feel manipulative. I also have trouble with asking my parents for stuff for the same reason;; -I started the positivity tag on election night. I was really shaky and anxious, but all of that was trapped inside and i couldn’t cry, so i just felt stuck there(i now suspect i was disasociating at the time?). I started reblogging all these happy posts to cheer myself up, and thanking all the people who were putting them on my dash. That’s why my positivity tag is ‘thank you’! :^)

#pristine did a meme #pristine did a personal #hoo wow so many words;;;

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