#just them at the epilogue party don't mind me i'm crying

[steamclouds]

When your soon-to-be husband is a (lore-accurately sized) drow

[louellaby]

FORGET-ME-NOT

REPLACED!MC AU

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

W A R N I N G

May contain bad grammar, limited vocabulary, and OOC characters. Please mind that English is not my first language, and it takes a lot of courage for me to post due to my anxiety and paranoia.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

taglist: @books-and-catears @owl778 @yourlocalgrass @kaiserkisser

PROLOGUE | CHAPTER I | CHAPTER II | CHAPTER III | LOUE'S LETTER | CHAPTER IV | CHAPTER V | LOUE'S LETTER | CHAPTER VI | CHAPTER VII | CHAPTER VIII | CHAPTER IX | CHAPTER X | LOUE'S LETTER | EPILOGUE

C H A P T E R V I

「 A Chat Under the Stars 」

A beautiful night sky blessed the grand ball being held at the Demon Lord's Castle. The sky had a darker colour, mixed with purple and blue hues as if it were painted by the most skilled painter. The stars did their best to outshine the beautiful glow of the moon, illuminating the whole realm. It was certainly a wonderful sight to behold.

After the prince's and his butler's welcoming speeches, everyone was left to their own enjoyment. Chatter filled the room as everyone met up with the people they knew. But you? You stayed in place; back against the wall, and an empty glass in hand. It was previously filled with the most exquisite Demonus, but before you knew it, you already chugged it down. Not one drop remaining. You thought you would enjoy the party, maybe even get the chance to talk to your demons again, but somehow Soley was always there to take them away just before they could even notice your presence.

You previously arrived at the castle with three angels and one sorcerer, but they got swept away from you by their adoring crowd. You watched as Solomon laughed along with other sorcerers and witches. Simeon was with Luke, discussing Devildom food with the other angels who were invited, and Cassiel was nowhere on the floor to be found. The more you watched, the more lonely you felt. You already tried hard enough to catch everyone's attention, but enough was enough. To calm your aching head, you stepped outside for a while and into the quiet gardens you ventured. You were hoping to be alone, to do some thinking, but there you found Cassiel, along with Leviathan. They seemed to be in the middle of a conversation, something you didn't mean to listen to.

"I already told you multiple times, Levi. You don't need to act like that around me just because we technically aren't brothers anymore."

"A-Are you sure...? I just th-thought that you would be disappointed with me. I know it was a long time ago, but I... I did fall..."

"... Are you saying all this because you feel guilty falling with your brothers?"

"What? O-Of course not! No matter where they go, I'm always there to follow them!"

"Then stop acting all sad whenever you see me. That's not the look I want to see whenever we meet, you know. No matter what you become, Levi, you'll always be my brother. You and your brothers will always be family to me, and I'm proud of all of you."

"C-C-Cassiel...!"

"Wh-Whoa, hey, don't cry!"

A smile slowly appeared on your face as you watched the Avatar of Envy cling onto the angel in front of him. He sobbed so loudly that you couldn't hear what Cassiel was telling him, but you know that he was trying to comfort the demon. The moonlight illuminated both of them in their embrace. It was a beautiful view. Until Leviathan's D.D.D. rang, and he answered the call immediately upon seeing the ID.

"I-I'll be right there...!" With him only saying that in return, the caller hung up on him. You already had a feeling who it was, and apparently Cassiel did, too.

"Let me guess... the little princess wants you to pick up the toy she purposely dropped?"

"Cassiel... th-that's..."

"I'm sorry, Levi, don't mind me. Go on ahead and help her. I'll be staying here."

"Thanks...! I'll see you again later!"

As soon as Leviathan ran off back inside the castle, Cassiel cleared his throat and turned your way, looking at you straight in the eye. "It's quite rude to eavesdrop, you know." Despite him saying that, he had a gentle smile on his face. "Step into the light with me, MC. You'll be able to feel its warmth."

"Does the moon emit warmth?" You questioned with an innocent twinkle in your eyes, heading towards him and taking his outstretched hand. He was slightly taken aback and chuckled at your question, covering his mouth with the back of his free hand as he looked at you.

"Well, no, I don’t think so. But tonight's special, so it might? Maybe you can stay here with me long enough until we feel it. What do you say?" He was looking at you with gentle eyes. With his question, you felt like he was holding his hand out for you to take even when you were already holding it, so in return, you gave his hand a light squeeze, which he appreciated. The two of you found a place in the garden where the moon shone the brightest. Cassiel pulled out a blanket out of thin air and laid it on the grass before ushering you to sit down next to him.

"How did you do that, Cassiel?"

"Someone I know has always been fond of picnics since he was a child, so I taught myself how to conjure up objects such as this. It's quite handy for such occasions, isn't it?"

"Yeah, that's amazing!"

"Oh, it's hardly that. You're a sorcerer yourself, MC. Surely, something like this is elementary for you."

"I, well, I didn't learn something like that yet... Oh, but I can summon my pact demons whenever I want!"

Cassiel raised his eyebrow at you before slightly nodding to himself. "You mean the seven brothers, right? You must have a lot of power and influence on them to be able to summon them whenever it suits you. I'm glad that it's you who has that power over them and not..." He trailed off, eyes wandering to the lake that rested in front of you both. He watched as the water rippled with every leaf and flower petal that fell onto its surface. You already knew what he was trying to say.

It looked like Cassiel didn't like Soley. Maybe he still didn't get over the girl's first impression on everyone. But your first impression of Cassiel himself wasn't a nice one either.

"To be frank, and I mean no offence to you, Prince Diavolo, but I never wanted to attend this school. A place crawling with demons is not a pretty sight for me, but I have a duty to uphold. It is the very reason for my presence here.

Please do not misunderstand anything."

You laughed at the thought, wondering how Cassiel changed in only a few months. Whenever you saw him at school, talking with demons, he had a smile on his face. It wasn't a forced smile out of politeness, no. It was genuine. He really was enjoying himself.

"You must be wondering what changed me, mustn't you?" As if he could read your mind, Cassiel gazed at you with a slight smirk. His head rested on the back of his hand that lay on his bent knee. Your surprised face made him laugh before he sighed and turned his head back to the water, adjusting his glasses and resting his chin on his hand. "To be honest, I didn't actually change. I was just lying when I said I didn't want to attend this school. In fact, it was me who begged Michael to let me participate as an exchange student for the new school year."

"Then why did you lie on the first meeting?"

"Well, I... I was scared." You felt the angel's hand twitch as he spoke. He chuckled to himself before shaking his head. "But it turns out I had nothing to be afraid of. The brothers still treated me the same way they did before the war, so I thought that I could stop pretending and just be honest with them. I still love them as my family, even when most of the angels don't anymore."

"Did you... Did you wish you fell with them?"

Silence met both of you as the angel wandered in his thoughts. He tried to pick the right words to say, but what exactly were the right words for that question?

Yes, he wished that it was different. He wished to have followed the brothers down into the Devildom, but fear stopped him from taking that first step. And because of that fear, he kept regretting it to this very day.

"That's enough about me," he said with a shaky sigh before fidgeting with his glasses a little and taking you in his sight once again. "Tell me how you've been, MC. I'm sorry I haven't been able to spend time with you at all, but you always seemed so busy with the others."

Was he jealous? But why would he be? You two haven't even exchanged many words until tonight. You averted your gaze and tilted your head up, admiring the shine of the stars out of your reach.

"Have you..." You paused to think, trying to gather your thoughts into clear sentences. "What would you do if... if you don't feel welcome at a certain place anymore? Like, I mean, what if that place was something you love because your, uhm, family was in it?"

Was that too obvious?

As you hoped he wouldn't understand the meaning behind your words— or maybe you did, you kept staring at the night sky, which turned out to be embarrassing to keep your face visible, so instead, you hung your head low. You couldn't see Cassiel's expression, so you didn't know that he actually got your message. He stared at you, wide-eyed as he was surprised. He already saw how close Soley was getting to the brothers. He didn't like it either, but the fact that they were pushing you aside just for her? He was furious. How could they?

In the Celestial Realm, they kept receiving news about how you were making the brothers' lives better; how you were helping them see the light in that deep, dark pit they dug themselves into. So to see you in this state, arms wrapped around your legs and face buried in your knees while you tried to keep yourself from crying; Cassiel was fuming. But because you tried your best to hide your feelings, he felt like he needed to respect that. He knew you didn't deserve any of what the brothers were doing to you, so he said something that he thought might be better than the current treatment you were getting.

"Why don't you leave the Devildom?"

"MC! There you are!"

You just entered the ballroom when someone called out to you. You turned your head to the side and found Soley running your way. When she looked at what you're wearing, she paused for a moment, the clear hatred on her face showed before it disappeared within the blink of an eye. She clearly wasn't good at hiding how she felt. At least not at first.

"Soley? Do you need something?" You asked, your voice pulling her back from her thoughts, and she shook her head in response.

"I'm just looking for Cassiel. Have you seen him?"

You studied the girl's face and movements, barely processing her words as you remembered what you talked to the angel about.

"You don't like Soley, do you? You always seem upset whenever she's in the conversation."

"Ahaha, you're quite perceptive, aren’t you, MC? Well, you're right. I'm not really fond of her even when she's a human. I try my best to avoid seeing her."

"MC?"

"Oh uhh, n-no, sorry. I haven't seen him. He disappeared as soon as the ball began."

Soley looked at you in disbelief as if she knew something that you were clearly hiding. You became curious at what that look meant, but she brushed it aside and went off on her own way. Where to? Right, back to the demon brothers.

You took another glass full of Demonus, hiding yourself in the lounge that Diavolo and Barbatos prepared specially for you just in case you needed it. You plopped yourself on the soft couch and let your shoulders release the tension they built up. You let your mind wander until it reached that very question once more.

"Why don't you leave the Devildom?"

「 LOUE'S LETTER | CHAPTER VII 」

[k-s-morgan]

I just wanted to say that I just finished WHGTB and I love everything so much, that fic ended with me crying during the last chapter, I never thought that tomarry would become one of my ships fav but here I am!

Second ask: Hi again, I was wondering if you had read these two works and your opinion on them, Either must die at the hand of the other by Metalomagnetic and Train no Nowhere, the latter is my fav de tomarry I have many scenes etched forever in my mind!

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

Hello! Thank you so much, I'm thrilled you liked the ending! I myself fell for Tomarry pretty late. I was mostly interested in Snape/Harry and Voldemort/Bellatrix. Took me ages to figure out which ship would give me double satisfaction :D

I did read both fics you mentioned! Spoilers ahead.

Either Must Die at the Hand of the Other is a very… interesting story. It's beautifully written, deeply engaging, with detailed and fascinating character development, and yet I ended up finding it frustrating and unsatisfying on a personal level, through no fault of the author. What amazed me most was that I realized it too late. Usually, I figure out whether the story works for me quickly - if it doesn't, I stop reading. Here, I was in love; I read without stopping for the entire day, discarding my work and my own writing… only to reach Voldemort's POV and understand that I'm not going to get what I wanted.

Believe me, this is not a negative review. Either Must Die at the Hand of the Other is brilliant. Mind-blowingly so. The author is fantastically talented - they made me love the majority of the story even despite it featuring a child, which I normally don't like (and a child herself too, she was lovely); and while yes, I ended up frustrated, I can only admire such skills and vision. I cannot question any of the writer's choices - everything makes sense. Everything is believable. It's just, I prefer to read mutual romances, and this wasn't one.

I thought Voldemort would fall in love with Harry back and he never did. He felt fond of him, he felt some affection and attraction, but that's it. He expressed more emotions for Bella, and this, too, makes perfect sense. He idolized her because she is dead; he felt stronger for her because she was actually giving him what he liked and put him first. She never questioned him, never sided against him, was fiercely, mindlessly loyal. Harry wasn't - he argued, he fought, he refused to free him. Voldemort hated this, so it's surprising that he got attached to Harry at all.

The author did a genius move by breaking a pattern: most people who start reading yet another Harrymort or Tomarry expect that both characters will fall in love. It didn't happen here. And this is actually realistic - I can see the events of this story taking place after DH (minus the epilogue): I can absolutely believe that Harry would be this broken; I can absolutely believe that Voldemort, upon survival, would be this cold and incapable of love. But I just don't like it, and through Harry's POV, I thought Voldemort feels more than he really did. The ending crippled me: it's sort of happy, but also not really. It's a tragedy, and this is the rare case where I would prefer Harry to die or just find the strength to leave and start anew because he locked himself in a relationship with a man who will never love him the way he wants and needs.

I'm sure those who don't have the same problem and expectations as me will love this story because it's grand, captivating, and very engaging. It evoked a lot of feelings in me, to the point where I spent a whole day discussing and arguing about it with myself, voicing my frustrations and immediately refuting them :D

Train no Nowhere is among my favorites! I love it to bits and consider it one of the best works in the fandom. If it ever gets complete, I'll throw a party :D I love how completely clueless Voldemort is when it comes to emotions; Harry, with his mind and gifts, is extraordinary. I adore him. Their banter is brilliant from start to finish, and this story has one of the most impressive Triwizard Tournament tasks I've ever seen. Every time I re-read it, I'm absorbed, I can't get enough. Voldemort arguing with a 11 yo kid will forever be hilarious, and watching how Harry grows and matures is such a detailed journey that I always feel like I undertake it by his side.

[jeonginshaelmoni]

Love is a curse : Jihan/JiWoo

Joshua X Jeonghan, Joshua X Wonwoo

'I shouldn't be feeling like this.' Joshua thought. 'Hes my best friend.'

You see, Joshua has loved Jeonghan for the past three years.

"Shua, Shua Hyung! I'm talking to you!" Vernon yelled, waving his hand in front of Joshua and then sighing. "You're thinking about him again, aren't you?"

"No." Joshua said, in a monotone voice. Hoshi sighed. He and Vernon had been trying to get the elders attention for fifteen minutes.

"Are you okay, Hyung?"

"Yeah." Joshua got up and left, making Jeonghan look up from where he was with Scoups.

"Where's he going?"

"Not sure." Vernon replied.

"I'm going after him." Hoshi said. He got up, and so did Wonwoo.

"I'll come with." The taller offered, grabbing his bag. Hoshi nodded and they hurried off onto the distance, desperate to find the boy who needed them just as desperately.

"Joshua!" Hoshi stumbled into view, Wonwoo next to him, looking like they'd run a marathon. "Josh- hey, are you crying."

"No I'm not." Joshua felt his mouth speak to him. He wanted to scream to the world that yes, he was crying. But he knew deep down, he was too proud to admit it, even though tears were freely rolling down his face, his eyes puffy, and nose red.

"Shua..." Hoshi sat on the pavement beside him, Wonwoo on the other side. "It hurts to see your loved one love someone else doesn't it?"

"What would you know?" Joshua spat bitterly, eyes widening when he realized what he'd said. "I'm sorry-"

"No, don't be." Hoshi said soothingly. "I've been in your position before. Before I met Seungkwan, I was in love with a girl. A girl named Sara. But she didn't love me. She even apologized for not liking me. She was too nice. But then, Kwannie came along. He helped me get over Sara."

"Sniff* that was b-beautiful, Hyung." A voice fake cried. The ylooked up to see Dino.

"Yah, Dino! Come join us!" Wonwoo cheered.

"Why are you having a pity party on the streets?" Dino asked. Hoshi smiled a little.

"Well, our friend here." He patted Joshua on the back. "Is having a lovelife crisis and we thought maybe we could help."

____________________

"Beomgyu, I'm worried about Shua Hyung." Taehyun said, cuddling up to his boyfriend on the sofa. "He's been silent, and I'm pretty sure it's cause' he's in love with someone. Who doesn't love him back."

"What are you, a mind reader?" Someone joked. Taehyub and Beomgyu turned to see Joshua and his friends.

"Hyung!" Taehyun sprang up. "You had us so worried!"

"Yeah, well." Joshua's smile disappeared, and for a moment, Taehyun could see that Joshua was just a shell of his old self. The jumpy, loud boy was no more.

"Are you sure you're okay? Did you eat yet." Taehyun asked. Joshua let out a small laugh.

"Don't worry about me. And yes, I've eaten."

"Good." Taehyun scowled. "Because if I remember correctly-"

"Stop right there." Joshua said. "If you say ANYTHING Ng you're dead."

"No, tell me." Wonwoo said interestedly.

"The last time I saw him, he hadn't eaten for 3 days."

"Shua!"

Joshua laughed awkwardly.

____________________

"You have to tell him, Hyung." Minghao begged. "If you keep it inside you forever, it will slowly kill your soul."

"I'm moving on." Minghao looked up, shocked. Joshua smiled sadly. "I'm going to find the person who's been with me since day one. The one who loved me, and the one I should have loved since the beginning. Jeon Wonwoo."

"Oh shit." Minghao gasped. "Hyung, that's the right choice."

"I know." Joshua's smile turned bittersweet. "He's been there for me since I realized I liked Hannie. I always knew he loved me, even though he never confessed.

____________________

Epilogue

"Hey, Wonwoo."

"Hyung?"

"You, me, couple?" Joshua asked. Wonwoo smiled.

"Hyung, we've been dating for three years."

"It must have slipped my mind." Joshua laughed.

From a distance, Jeonghan watched with a bright smile on his face, hand in hand with Seungcheol. After the couple confessed to dating, Joshua had pulled Jeonghan aside, and told him that he used to have a crush on him.

Jeonghan, knowing that the boys feelings were now all directed towards Wonwoo, smiled. He was happy his best friend was happy. He was happy with his own boyfriend.

[eiimeixi]

i hope no one minds if i yap, so i'll share my story

i didn't start out writing fanfiction specifically because of one person, but multiple people. i got inspired by the amount of people who put effort and dedication into their love and passion for the hobby and the characters

but there definitely was some fanfiction that completely altered my brain chemistry, forever. THAT I WILL NEVER GET TO REVISIT BECAUSE THEY'RE COMPLETELY GONE FROM THE INTERNET, ONLY BURNED INTO MY MEMORIES AND I'LL CARRY THEM ON TO MY GRAVE WITH NO ONE TO TELL BUT THE EARTH MIXED INTO MY ROTTING FLESH-- or ashes, depends

the first was a wattpad bokuaka fic i randomly found linked while looking at fanarts on google (please it was years ago)

the title was "Doctor's Orders" and the plot was basically bokuto was in a mental hospital? or asylum? or rehab im pretty sure for anger issues if i remember correctly, and his new doctor was akaashi. obviously, doctors and patients arent allowed to be involved in relationships with each other, but despite that they began slowly falling in love, helping bokuto overcome his anger issues. oh, of course they never acted upon their romantic feelings for each other in ways other than caring for each other. but they would get into small accidents that make it seem like they did something. WHICH IS IMPORTANT FOR THE PLOT. WHY? because shirabu finally released bokuto after deeming that he has healed, and so akaashi and bokuto can finally allow themselves to be in an official relationship!! so happy happy!! yeah, totally, until the cops came and arrested akaashi for grooming a patient that was "not yet released". yep. shirabu didn't actually sign the papers for releasing bokuto. he faked them! tricked them! tricked akaashi into getting arrested (there were cameras in the rehab facility that captured all of those little accidents AND THEY WERE ALL PLANNED BY SHIRABU) and tricked bokuto into thinking he was free for GOD KNOWS WHY??? I THINK I WAS TOO SHOCKED TO EVEN COMPREHEND WHY THE HELL SHIRABU DID THAT OR IT JUST GENUINELY WASNT STATED BUT DUDE I'M STILL NOT OVER IT. ESPECIALLY NOT WHEN YEARS PASSED AND BOKUTO WAS FINALLY RELEASE FOR REAL (dude he was actually healthy already when shirabu faked signing the release papers but idk that guy has a screw loose) AND DECIDED TO PAY A VISIT TO AKAASHI, ONLY TO FIND HIM ABSOLUTELY WRECKED. HE ADMITTED HE FORCED ALL OF THE GUYS TO HAVE SEX WITH HIM EVEN IF THEY DIDN'T WANT TO, ALL BECAUSE HE COULDN'T GET HIS AND BOKUTO'S FIRST TIME OUT OF HIS HEAD. HE WAS THAT WRECKED. AND HE MENTIONED ABOUT HOW HURT HE WAS THAT BOKUTO NEVER VISITED HIM IN ALL THOSE YEARS. I WAS IN TEARS?? EVEN MORE SO IN THE EPILOGUE THAT SHOWED WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPENED IF AKAASHI WASN'T ARRESTED AND THEY NAMED THEIR CHILD AFTER YACHI.

THAT WAS LIKE 2,3 YEARS AGO AND THE WOUND IS STILL VERY. VERY FRESH. I WILL NOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME GET OVER THAT FANFIC. i still mourn it every waking morning. because im very sure it's deleted and i don't even remember the author.

(please guys if you know what im talking about, cry with me)

the other fanfics were all written by melqiiuvi on ao3, an ex-skephalo writer that i GREATLY LOOK UP TO. THEIR WRITING STYLE IS SO GODLY AND ALL OF THEIR FICS COMPLETELY HAUNT ME.

THE ONE WHERE BAD WAS ALWAYS A TIME-TAKING FREAK WHO'D ALWAYS JOLT DOWN IMPORTANT DATES, DOWN TO THE EXACT TIME THINGS HAPPENED. UNTIL ONE NIGHT WHERE HE GOES TO A PARTY WHERE HIS SCHOOL YEAR-LONG CRUSH SKEPPY GOES AND THEY'RE DRUNK, AND END UP KISSING. AND KISSING. AND MAKING OUT. AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN BAD'S LIFE, HE THINKS SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF NOT NEEDING TO WRITE DOWN THE EXACT AMOUNT OF TIMES THEY KISSED, WHEN EACH KISS HAPPENED, ECT ECT. AND JUST LEARN TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT

THE ONE WHERE SKEPPY HATES VALENTINES AND DOESN'T SEE THE POINT IN IT BUT HE LEARNS IT'S IMPORTANCE WHEN HE SEES HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR BAD

THE ONE WHERE SKEPPY WORKS AT A CAFE AND HE'S ONE OF THE BEST EMPLOYEES BUT WHENEVER BAD'S AROUND HE ACTS ALL CLUMSY AND SHIT TO GET HIS ATTENTION

THE ONE WHERE SKEPPY'S IN AN UNHAPPY RELATIONSHIP BUT HE KEEPS HER AROUND BECAUSE-- actually i dont remember, BUT WHEN HE FINDS OUT BAD HAS A CRUSH ON HIM HE TRIES HIS ABSOLUTE BEST TO PREVENT BAD INTO FALLING ANY FURTHER FOR HIM, TO SAVE HIM FROM HIMSELF. ONLY FOR SKEPPY TO FALL FOR BAD. LIKE. THE SCENE WHERE HIS GIRLFRIEND'S SITTING ON HIS LAP IN THE CAFETERIA AND TALKING TO HIM BUT SKEPPY CATCHES A GLANCE OF BAD SMILING FROM TABLES AWAY AND HE CAN'T STOP THE WIDE, GENUINE SMILE FROM TAKING OVER HIS FACE AND QUICKLY LOOKS TO HIS GIRLFRIEND TO MAKE IT SEEM LIKE HE WAS SMILING AT HER INSTEAD. THE LINE WHERE THE GIRL SWEARS SHE'S NEVER SEEN HIM SMILE SO GENUINE WITH HER. AND IT WASNT EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE DIRECTED AT HER. GRJAJHWA

MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE ONE WHERE BAD HAS SYNESTHESIA AND SKEPPY'S A GUITARIST IM PRETTY SURE AND EVERYTIME HE STRUMS THE GUITAR, BAD SEES BLUE. at least i think.. i'm not very sure the memories i have of the plot are pretty vague BUT I DO VIVIDLY VIVIDLY REMEMBER EVERYTIME SKEPPY TALKED, BAD SAW YELLOW. AND A LINE ABOUT HOW BAD'S FAVORITE COLOR'S YELLOW NOW TOO.

ALL OF THEM. ALL OF THEM ARE DELETED BUT THEY'RE ON MEMENTOARCHIVE . ORG BUT I DONT FUCKING KNOW HOW TO DOWNLOAD THEM BECAUSE I KEEP GETTING REDIRECTED INTO A TIME-WASTER SCAM OF A WEBSITE

anyways yeah that's my story of anguish and endless mourning, please never delete your fics no matter how cringe they might seem to you, because some people might actually take comfort in them or it's their favorite fic and idk you may or may not have killed someone by deleting it, or have prevented a death by posting a fic you think's trashy, WHO KNOWS. they always say one man's trash is another man's treasure. always keep that in mind!

for everytime you feel your fic's cringe, remember you might've changed someone's life for uploading it.

just pls pls never delete. post them anonymously or orphan them, but pls never delete them. :((

the way I have heard so many talented fanfic writers say they started writing because they read someone else's fanfics that are so good they inspired them into becoming writers too? just proved my point that your writing is never 'in vain', even if you dislike it and think it could've been better, it's still good enough for someone out there that it becomes their source of inspiration and perhaps happiness. you'll never know.

but don't ever, ever belittle your own works. just because you don't like them, doesn't mean other people dislike them too. again, you'll never know. there could be someone out there who reread your works every day because those fics you wrote helped them escape reality for a while, they could be reading your works as a way to help get them through a hard time in their life. you'll never know.

your writing may have saved someone's life.

your writing may have inspired someone into pursuing their career and changing their life for the better.

several best selling authors started as fanfic writers, and the majority of fanfic writers started writing because they were inspired by someone's fanfics. you do the math.

your "silly fics" have permanent impact on this world, even if you think they're not good (they actually are good, I promise you, don't let your mind lie to you).

I mean ***I*** personally started writing my first fanfic about 7 years ago, and have been writing ever since, because I was inspired by my favorite fanfic writers. I still remember all the lines I like from those fics I read 7-8 years ago, I still think about those fics I read from 7-8 years ago and still remember the stories very well in my heart. I started writing because of them.

this blog would never have been created at all, if it weren't because of those fanfic writers whose works I read 7-8 years ago.

I wouldn't have so far written about 130,000 words this year alone, if it weren't because of those fanfic writers whose works I read 7-8 years ago.

to all the fanfic writers out there; your works inspired someone, your writing made a difference to someone's life.

[youbloodymadgenius]

Ivarello (Modern!Ivar x reader) Chapter 4

Moodboard by @quantumlocked310

Ivarello’s masterpost here

A/N: This is my entry for @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie 500 Followers Fairy Tale Challenge. It's a retelling of Cinderella. Congrats again, darling 💖

A huge thank you to @mrsalwayswrite , who's a great beta reader and an even greater cheerleader 😂

A massive thank you to @quantumlocked310 , @vikingstrash and @serasvictoria . Thank you for agreeing to collaborate and for sharing your talent with me. Your moodboards are beyond amazing 🤩

In this story, Sigurd is alive. Ragnar and Aslaug are dead, but Lagertha didn't kill her. I took a lot of liberties with the show, I hope you won't mind.

Unlike the tale, there will be no magic involved. Not everything will be realistic, however. It's a fayritale, after all!

Let me know if you want to be tagged 😊

Summary: Orphaned five years ago, Ivar and his brothers have been living with Lagertha ever since. Now 16 years old, he wants to attend Harald's traditional Midsummer party, but obstacles stand in his way.

Warnings: description of car crash; orphaned kids; Sigurd being Sigurd; OOC characters.

Words: 2877

Additional note: This is the final chapter. There'll be an epilogue, but you'll have to wait a bit because there are a lot of challenges I've signed up for and I'm way behind schedule.

Enjoy 🙂

🛡⚔️🛡

Devastated and angry at the world. That's how Ivar is feeling.

Holed up in his room since the night before, and despite Lagertha incessant requests, he doesn’t plan to come out, not now at least. Come to think of it, he might as well decide never to leave his room again.

He can't stand the idea of facing his brothers. He doesn't want to have to tell them about his failure. He doesn't want to endure Ubbe's pity and condescendence. He doesn't want to see the look of triumph on Sigurd's face. The thought makes his stomach lurch while at the same time a murderous urge creeps into his mind. No, he definitely can't see his brothers.

Surprisingly, and unlike Lagertha, his brothers have left him alone, as if sensing that entering his room would be as moving into a minefield. Only Hvitserk had taken a chance earlier, cautiously poking his head through the door. His disapproving look obvious when his eyes had taken in the scene before him, Ivar's belongings scattered on the floor, some of them smashed into pieces.

"I got you a chocolate muffin from the kitchen, baby bro," he had explained, putting it on a nearby shelf, and it had almost brought a smile to Ivar's face. To Hvitserk, there's no predicament that can't be improved with comfort food.

"Look, Ivar," scratching his neck, Hvitserk had then said, "I don't know what happened and I don't want to pressure you. You tell me when you're ready, if you are. But I'm here, okay? Whatever the time of day or night, you don't have to be alone if you don't want to. If I'm upstairs, just call me, okay?" With these words, he was gone, the door closed.

Ivar can't get the events of the previous evening out of his mind. Like a waking nightmare, they are playing over and over in his head: how he had freaked out when he heard the beeps; the confused and then so disappointed look you had given him when he sputtered his need to leave; finally, his shameful escape into the night.

What could he have done? What should he have done?

He does know the answer. He should have been more cautious. He should have checked the time, asked for your number and just walked away.

On the other hand, what difference would it have made? He would still have no future with you, right? He would still be a cripple, and you would still be... you... perfect... too good for him.

So yeah, he had run away like a coward. He lets out a bitter chuckle to himself. Run away? Who is he kidding? He hadn't run away, that would have been too easy. Cripples don't run away. Without his cane – why the fuck did he leave it behind?? – he had pathetically limped away, stumbling, his feet sinking into the sand. He had still been on the beach when the battery had died. He had had no other choice but to crawl like a worm the rest of the way, silently praying to the gods that the darkness of the night would prevent you from seeing him like this.

Tears of despair run down his cheeks for the umpteenth time. He's used to feeling humiliated, but feeling humiliated and heartbroken simultaneously is really too much to take. He feels like he's dying from the inside over and over again, cursing himself for wanting to attend the party, for wanting to see you again. He should never have let his walls down, he should never have dared to hope. What was he thinking? He may have walked, and even danced with you, but at the end of the day, he still is a pitiable cripple with stupid, crooked legs, in love with a girl way out of his league.

If he's being honest, that's what hurts the most. He now realizes how delusional he had been. Holding on to a dead dream for years, he had not forseen the painful yet unavoidable reality check. And now, it's like he's been hit by a train. Because there's no denying it, dreaming of a life with you is no longer an option, not after last night. And even though it's almost unbearable, he knows now he has to let go of you, of the idea of you and him being together. As much as this mere thought is devastating, he has no other choice. He has to stop fooling himself, for his own sanity, if nothing else.

Giving a guttural cry, much like that of a wounded animal, Ivar doesn't hear when the front doorbell rings. Not that he would have reacted even if he had heard it, too busy wallowing in self-pity.

***

"Thank you for having us here on such short notice, my dear." Your uncle states joyfully, his eyes sparkling, as Lagertha greets him with a handshake and a tight-lipped smile. Even though you don't know why, it's obvious that she's not his biggest fan.

Your uncle, who doesn't seem to notice – or doesn't care, you're not sure – keeps giving her a beaming smile. "My niece here," he turns his head toward you for a short moment, "has a weird request. She met a boy yesterday, during the party. He lost something and my sweet Y/N has been adamant since this morning that she wants to find him and personally return it to him. We were wondering," he turns his gaze in the direction of the couch, "if it could be one of your wards."

There are indeed three young men, half sprawled on the couch, who get up as one when Lagertha gives them a stern look. If you vaguely remember having seen them before, a single glance is enough for you to know that the one you're looking for is not among them.

You're on the verge of saying so but your uncle doesn't give you a chance to. "See boys," he unceremoniously grabs the cane you're holding behind your back, "here is the lost item. A cane! Fairly uncommon, if you ask me. Anyway... Does this... thing belong to any of you?"

Since you know it doesn't, you're surprised when two of the guys both take a step forward. "Actually, it's mine," they say in unison, each of them only then becoming aware that the other is speaking.

Dumbstruck, you look at one then the other successively. They've got a lot of nerve! You know they're lying, and you would have known it even if these two idiots hadn't spoken at the same time. They just look nothing like your handsome stranger – if he's a stranger.

"Sigurd, you know it's mine!"

"Don't play dumb, you never use a cane, Ubbe! Whereas me, I do sometimes. Everyone knows artists tend to be eccentric, right?"

The blondest one – Sigurd if you heard right – points his finger at a guitar leaning against the wall and then winks at you, "I'm a musician, you know?" You don't even have time to roll your eyes as the other one – Ubbe? – yells, his nostrils flaring.

"Shut up Sig, you're so full of shit! You know I've got a sprained ankle!"

"A sprained ankle, no kidding? Who did a ten-kilometer run today, huh? It's not me! So, you are the one going to shut up, you fucking douchebag!"

It's almost funny to watch them arguing back and forth. If you weren't so pissed off, you'd laugh. But right now, you're mostly mad at them. Their blatant lies make your blood boil with anger.

Are they really thinking you're a complete idiot? That you can be fooled so easily? Who do they think they are? Who do they think you are? Some stupid chick ready to fall for their good looks? If they think that, they're kidding themselves.

"You're the fucking douchebag, Sig!! Don’t forget I'm the oldest!"

"And what's the difference, huh? You can't have all the girls, Ubbe! Keep fucking Margrethe and just let me be! Stop being a controlling asshole!"

"STOP!!!! BOTH OF YOU!!!"

Lagertha's shout is deafening and if looks could kill, these two morons would be lying dead on the floor right here, right now.

"Y/N, my dear," Lagertha gives you an apologetic smile, "I'm so sorry for that. I swear they usually know how to behave, better than that at least. Guess they don't know how to handle your striking beauty. Now sweetheart, tell me, is one of these two knuckleheads the one you were with last night?"

The silence that falls on the room after her question is so complete that you could hear a pin drop. Acutely aware that all eyes are on you, you shyly lower your gaze, shaking your head slightly, as you clasp your hands over your belly. You eventually speak, your eyes meeting Lagertha's, and you can see she knows what you're going to say. "No, the guy I was with last night is not one of them."

"How can you be so sure?" Sigurd's voice is soft and tentative now, and Ubbe adds, seemingly for once in agreement with his younger brother, "yeah, how can you? It was pretty dark after all."

You give them a smile. "How can I be so sure? You mean beside the fact that you obviously don't need a cane? Neither of you?" The third brother, who still hasn't opened his mouth, chuckles, giving you a thumbs up. "Look, I appreciate your interest, I really do, but neither of you are the one I am looking for. Therefore," you look at your uncle, "we should leave, don't you think?" Checking the time on your watch, you shrug. "What about the Eyvindsson family? Didn't you tell me about three brothers? We may have time to go and see them tonight if we hurry."

Your uncle nods, handing you back the cane. "You're right, Y/N, we should leave." Taking two steps forward, he grabs Lagertha's hand. "Sorry dear, we will waste no more of your time."

You're about to thank her when one of the boys clears his throat. "Ahem..."

Turning your head, you're surprised to see the third brother, the silent one, raising his hand. "I think I might know who this cane belongs to." Frowning, he glances at his brothers. "And you both know it too."

"Shut up, Hvitserk!" Sigurd spits, clenching his hands into fists. "Don't bring the fucking cripple into the conversation."

"Sigurd! Keep your mouth shut!" Lagertha glares at him for several long seconds then her face softens as she looks at Hvitserk, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What are you trying to say, Hvitserk? Do you think this cane belongs to your baby brother?"

Hvitserk nods. "I know it does, actually."

"Come on, Hvit, you're talking nonsense. It cannot be, it just cannot. That guy was standing. It wasn't our brother. Our brother wasn't there last night." Ubbe stubbornly insists, but Hvitserk just shakes his head.

"Of course, he was. I saw him. And don't bullshit me, Ubbe, you saw him too. With Y/N." Hvitserk states. That's when you realize that your palms are sweating and your pulse is racing.

Hvitserk keeps going, now speaking to his guardian. "I know what I saw, Lagertha. It was him. I don't know how, but he was standing, Ubbe is right. He was even walking. It may sound weird but I swear, it was him."

Lagertha nods. "I believe you, Hvitserk." A beaming smile spreads across her lips and she tilts her head. "I wouldn't be surprised if Floki had something to do with such a miracle. Go get your brother, Hvitserk, please."

Your heart leaps at these words, you're barely able to contain your excitement and as you let out a nervous chuckle, you cannot help but jump for joy. Needless to say, Ubbe and Sigurd seem much less enthusiastic than you.

***

Reluctantly following his brother, Ivar mutters under his breath, "you're pissing me off, Hvit. I'm fucking not in the mood for whatever you have in mind."

Hvitserk pays him no mind though, a small smile dancing on his lips. "Trust me, baby bro, you'll be in the mood."

Ivar wants to protest, or maybe just turn around and wheel back to his room but all at once the sound of your voice reaches his ears and he stops, frozen in place, his eyes wide open. He may have stopped breathing.

Patting his shoulder reassuringly, Hvitserk whispers, "It's Y/N, baby bro, but I have a feeling you already know. She's here for you, she was looking for you, Ivar. Go..." before giving a single push to his brother's wheelchair, his right hand on the backrest.

Ivar honestly doesn't know how he manages to wheel himself into the living room. What he does know, however, is that you're suddenly standing right in front of him. The heart stopping smile you flash him blows all the air out of his lungs, his heart pounding wildly in his chest, and the outside world – Lagertha, his brothers, Harald – ceases to exist.

A little voice tells him he should be feeling self-conscious with his hair all messy and wearing worn sweatpants, but he can't bring himself to care, not when you kneel in front of him with stars in your eyes.

"Here you are, finally," you breathe, gently placing a hand on his knee. Ivar didn't know until now that one could die of happiness, but that's exactly what he's feeling and he wouldn't trade it for anything.

Swallowing, he blinks several times. When he speaks, his voice trembles, his bottom lip quivering. "Hello Y/N, you were... looking for... for me?" He has trouble getting the words out, his nervous fingers fidgeting on his lap.

Grabbing both his hands in yours, you nod, your thumbs stroking his knuckles tenderly. "I was, yes, and for a very long time."

Shyly lowering his head, Ivar, almost feeling dizzy, can't wrap his head around your words. They're just too good to be true. "But... why?"

"Why?" You giggle, your laughing eyes lighting up your face, and he's positive, you're even more beautiful like this. "Isn't it obvious? I want to know more about you, what's your favorite color, what you eat for breakfast, where you see yourself in ten years. I just want to spend time with you, Ivar."

'Ivar' You've just said his name and it's like the sweetest music to his ears. He can't believe it. Wow. "You... You recognized me?" There's so much hope and joy in his voice, he cringes.

You shrug, your smile never leaving your lips. "I wasn't sure at first. You've changed a lot." Your hand cups his cheek. The sensation on his skin is so overwhelming he has to hold back the tears threatening to gush. Yet, he can't help but think you're speaking about his legs.

He grits his teeth. "Yeah... Standing tall can change a man."

"No! no, no, no," you retort without missing a beat, "That's not what I meant. In my memory you still looked like you did when we were ten, but look at you now, all grown up! Your hair was so short back then." Reaching out, you brush a strand of hair back and tuck it behind his ear before letting your fingers run slowly down and up his bulging biceps, your hand finally lingering on his forearm, "Plus, you clearly work out a lot. So, yeah, I thought it was you, but I wasn't sure. When we were dancing last night, I thought I'd ask you right after, but then you left and... well... I didn't have a chance..."

Ivar wraps his fingers around yours, a frown creasing his forehead. "About that, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left like–"

You shush him, holding a finger to his lips. "It doesn't matter, Ivar. You don't have to explain. All that matters is that I found you." Standing up, you lean forward and gently kiss his cheek and he feels like he's floating. Intertwining his fingers with yours, you whisper in his ear, "I reckon we got some lost time to make up, you and me. Can we go stargazing now?"

Hearing this makes Ivar's insides turn to jelly. Barely able to think, he is on cloud nine and wishes with all his heart never to come back down to earth again. But despite the daze, despite the fog in his head, despite the blinding happiness, he knows one thing: no matter how many stars he sees, you'll be the brightest one.

"Yes, Y/N, you're right," bringing your hand to his mouth, he gives it a kiss, "let's go stargazing."

And as he leaves the room, you walking alongside him with your hand on his shoulder, his heart filled with joy and wonder, he doesn't miss the thumbs up Hvitserk gives him, nor the scowl on Ubbe's and Sigurd's faces.

For a fleeting second, he thinks he should – he could – taunt them. They deserve to be laughed at, don't they? But then, he realizes he doesn't have time for that. The time for happiness has come, and it's far more important.

Giving you a beaming smile, Ivar inhales deeply before releasing a sigh of satisfaction. Yeah. Happiness. Happiness sounds good.

🛡⚔️🛡

Ivar’s taglist: @waiting4inspiration @honestsycrets @lisinfleur @saldelys @gearhead66 @inforapound @readsalot73 @milkkygirls @xbellaxcarolinax @shannygoatgruff @zuxiezendler @hecohansen31 @lonewolf471 @fuckindiva @tgrrose @didiintheblog @peachyboneless @pieces-by-me @funmadnessandbadassvikings @ethereallysimple @destynelseclipsa @cocovikings23 @xceafh @mrsalwayswrite @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie @pomegranates-and-blood @jadelynlace @grimeundglow @quantumlocked310 @alexhandersen-marcoilsoe-fandom @adrille88

Ivarello's taglist: @not-another-viking-fanfic-blog @hashimily @prepare4trouble @supernaturalvikingwhore @funmadnessandbadassvikings @heavenly1927 @dini73

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS | EPILOGUE

💖 story masterlist 💖

This is it. This is the happy ending they deserve. Fluff. Fem!Loki, because we don't get enough of Loki's female form. Some musings about relationships in general, I think. Guys, I'm crying as I'm posting this.

note: I've got two posts of outtakes coming out sometime this week. Snippets that didn't fit in the story but that have the needed vibe, y kno? As well as a new story is coming out soon... Be sure to check out my main masterlist and taglist if you like my writing <3

I want to thank all my readers for this amazing journey. I love all of you, really, like- I haven't figured out how to produce serotonin on my own ever since I hit puberty, and you guys, you are an amazing source for it. I appreciate the time and the patience that it took to read this 120k word thing and I hope you found a little something for yourself in my writing. A comfort, maybe, because everyone deserves to be happy. I love you all 3000.

"You suck," I grumbled in Peter's direction. Luckily, the little shit was out of my immediate eyesight and I couldn't just pelt him with the assorted items that were scattered around me; luckily for him - after enduring hours of non-stop rambling from the spider boy, I was ready to bargain with Stephen for the sorcerer to put a temporary mute ban on Pete. His nervousness was becoming contagious.

"And you swallow," Pietro replied with a snicker as I heard him wrestle with Peter's tie over the pathetic noises of whining and grumbling coming from the younger man.

"I'm lady, ladies don't spit," I rolled my eyes into the skies, catching Loki's appreciative snicker. She - and yes, Loki was in her female form for this event - carefully combed and did my hair, something completely out of this world, all puns intended. I supposed she was feeling generous, because her female form generally made Loki even more moody and unapproachable. But in a hot way. I hope she didn't notice me ogling her like some kind of gallery painting. "You're a goddess, I can't believe you're friends with me," I addressed Loki, watching the careful movements of her slender hands in the mirror.

A small smirk and a dusting of pink over her pale cheeks was what I got, but the silence was so, so loud.

"Stop flirting," Wanda remarked from her spot by the window where she was doing Natasha's make-up with surgical precision. "You already have three boyfriends, leave some for us, Jesus," Her tone was playful.

"Oh my God, like you didn't brainfreeze and run into the fucking wall, forehead-first, when you saw Loki walk in," I scoffed as Loki's blush deepened.

My witchy friend grumbled something rude in Sokovian under her breath but refrained from any more comments, choosing to simp in defiant silence. Well, good for her, because I was about a hundred and five percent sure that Loki was as equally as smitten with her. It's just that neither of them knew how to approach the other. What can I say, idiots in love...

And yes, yes, I can say that because it takes one to know one. My own idiots were somewhere on the upper floors - getting ready in their own rooms, pulling out their brand new suits and ties for the annual Stark gala. It was supposed to be a charity fundraiser but as all of us were quite disillusioned, we knew it was nothing but a pissing contest between people with small PP syndrome. Even Tony himself said so.

Which is why I had assembled all the girls and theys in my room for a mission debrief. My own personal pride wouldn't let me be anything but a star, and to be completely honest, I just wanted to show off my family to the world - even if the delicate parts of our relationship were hidden from the general public, it filled me with immense amount of joy to be surrounded by my very own at their absolute best.

As for Pietro and Peter, they arrived not too long after me, Wanda, Natasha and Loki made camp in the biggest room with the most amount of natural light, surrounded by make-up and other assorted tools. Both boys were bickering but it was obvious that some of the older men had gotten on their nerves, forcing the youngsters seek solace with their peers.

"You know, Vanity Fair better be talking about us for at least a week," I grouched as Wanda helped me into my dress before I returned the favour. "The amount of people I had to actually, physically talk to, to get us these fucking gowns, is frankly disgusting."

"Agreed," Loki admired herself in the mirror, smoothing out invisible creases in her gown. "Although I must say, the dressmakers on Midgard are far more patient and open-minded than on Asgard." Truly, Loki had nearly driven the poor lady crazy. But on the upside, Loki looked like a living doll. Pristine, perfect.

"Our whims are their wages," Natasha piped up with a chuckle.

We stepped out into the main room, taking note of the men scattered on the couches, all of them wearing an almost identical expression of being already done with the formal event - which, I didn't blame them. Having gotten used to the informal, communal-living atmosphere, I wasn't overly keen on being surrounded by random rich douchebags either; as it was unavoidable, I was going to be miserable - but at least I was going to be miserable in style.

Predictably, the menfolk froze and hurried to pelt us with compliments as they surveyed our ensemble - all of our dresses had a distinct vibe despite carrying a sense of individuality to each gown. That was my idea, actually, to present the team as a family - both to satisfy my own need for one and to present a good public image for the press. Call it getting good cookie from the public - in advance.

"Stunning, absolutely beautiful," Tony chastely kissed my cheek, leading my by the arm towards the limo, Stephen and Bruce a pace behind us. "I'm the luckiest man in the world."

"We are," Bruce corrected him mutely. Stephen's smirk was a mile wide. "It'll be hard to keep my hands to myself for four hours but I'll manage," The scientist added, eyes briefly flashing a fluorescent green.

"There are children here," Peter interjected, nervously waving a hand. I gently elbowed Tony, speaking with my eyes rather than words, that Pete was in dire need of emotional support for his first big public event. With a sigh, the engineer relocated to sit next to the spider boy, both of them talking in hushed tones.

"Now, Bruce," I smiled innocently. "Why would I refuse a dance or five to my favourite lab partner in crime?" I winked at him as giggles erupted all around us. "And I'm sure there's a point somewhere about wizards sweeping princesses off their feet," I kept up the banter in hopes that any remaining tension would evaporate before we arrive to the venue.

I, however, couldn't lose all of it for we were absolutely assaulted by the photographers and press as we arrived to the red carpet; it was only sheer luck that me and Wanda didn't stumble ass over heels out of the limo. That luck's name was Loki: her magic delicately helped us to exit the car with grace despite our large gowns. Mental note to buy Loki all the chocolate: add to priority list.

It went about as good as it could. Peter was introduced as a trainee - and nearly had an aneurysm when Tony none-too-kindly corrected the host, calling Peter his protégée and successor. As for little old me? Rising star of biochemical engineering. No titles, no direct titles, but it was heavily implied we were involved.

I could fell the old, white rich men leering at me despite the layers of silk and tulle. Nobody was commenting on my champagne intake so I downed one after the other until I had a comfortable buzz going on. I could absolutely see why female scientists became either reclusive or brash.

Bruce's eyes followed me wherever I went. I had encountered some people I vaguely knew from all the socialite events I had to attend with my mother, so it wasn't as if I was a fish out of the water; it's just that every time I strayed further than ten feet from out group, I instantly grew a tail in the form of one of the Avengers.

"Sam, quit being creepy," I exited the ladies room, immediately spying the handsome man just 'casually' hanging out by a potted plant, glued to his smartphone and pretending to be very busy.

He looked up guiltily, shutting down Minesweeper and pocketing the phone. "Not taking any risks this time 'round, Princess," He offered me his arm, leading us back to our table. "Tony would have my head."

I rolled my eyes, falling into the chair next to Stephen. "My tracker implant is still in and the bracelets Natasha loaned me are actually tasers. Bird, chill," My hand snuck under the tablecloth, blindly groping for Stephen's hand. It didn't take much time for him to respond, cradling my smaller palm in his larger one, offering the small comfort with a tiny tilt to his lips. Both my large skirt and the fabric covering the table aided the secrecy; I felt like a middle schooler sneaking a kiss from my first crush behind the bleachers.

Coupled with the bubbles in my champagne, it made me giddy.

"Sam is just being careful, Princess," Stephen rumbled patiently. "This ball will be over soon."

I snorted, "But Stephen, I love balls," Causing the whole table erupt in bashful snickers.

"Yeah, think to me about it," Wanda downed the remnants of her wine glass, eyes wide, looking to the side. The giggling became a full belly-laugh as I didn't have the decency to play coy. I just smirked because, yeah, I did love me some...

The final hour dragged on forever. My feet hurt from the dancing. I had my suspicions that time would pass faster if I actually move around so I didn't waste the chance and cajoled Bruce into several slow dances with me. The energy between us was electric; I hoped my wife eyes and the red crawling up his neck would be attributed to alcohol. We spoke in hushed tones, about nothing in particular, the words being like sticks we threw into our fire.

Tony wasn't around much, way too busy to do much more than stop by our table every now and then. I both envied and admired him; he handled everything with grace and serendipity. Tony was right there next to Thor and Loki - literal royalty - and I had to pinch myself to prevent myself from ogling him, sighing in lovesickness every goddamn minute.

"If you ever stop looking at him like that, I don't think he'll survive," Stephen's tone was cheeky; his eyes were intense as he looked down at me as we danced. My sorcerer was rarely sappy, but when he found the words to describe his feelings... It was serious.

I met his eyes slowly, letting him soak in the very same admiration and awe I felt when I was with him. I felt his shudder, I heard the hitch in his breath. He wasn't jealous, no, he simply observed. I wanted him to see what I saw. "The day that I stop looking at you all like that is the day that I need to get my head screwed on straight." I wasn't a poet but neither was this a romance novel. "As far as I'm concerned, I won the lottery, the grand prize and the fucking life."

He chuckled. "You have way too much faith in us, Princess," Twirling me as to avoid the out of habit embrace.

Did I, though? I was inclined to disagree. Sure, we had our spits and arguments and sometimes Stephen would stick his cold ass feet under my blankets, Bruce's love for curry was a crime against anyone who slept in the same room as he and Tony routinely flirted with everyone and everything that had a pulse. I had days where my mother's temper surfaced.

Sometimes, one of us would inadvertently hog the other person and the remaining two would pout, roll their eyes or pitch a fit.

I just didn't see it as a big deal. All of those parts were normal - what couldn't be said about the rest of our situation. Compared to couples I've seen around, I thought we're happy. My boyfriends seemed to be happy, too, and if they weren't, it usually was pretty obvious.

So - okay, perhaps we definitely should be working on verbalizing our feelings. That would definitely solve if not world hunger, then at least the world war three that occasionally erupted in Tony's penthouse. And the ups and downs - not the steep kind, but ones not too different from waves rolling ashore - was what held us together. Because, well, our world was hectic and fast-paced and sometimes we needed that gentle rocking motion to sway us back to peace.

Tony's arm on my waist pulled me back to reality, steering me towards the balcony. Bruce and Stephen followed, all four of us power-walking through the inebriated crowd.

"Just so you know, I'm on board with whatever crazy shit you're planning," Stephen raised a palm towards a smirking Tony.

His mouth immediately dropped into a pout I could barely resist kissing. "But... I had a whole speech prepared," The engineer retorted indignantly, discreetly attempting to swat the sorcerer on the ass.

"And I'm sure it was amazing, honey," Bruce placated the upset Tony with a laugh, causing the latter to intensify his pout, eyeing us with mirth over the rim of his glasses, his stupid, lovely face more kissable than ever.

@another-stark-sub @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit @littlegasps @pilloclock @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads @hermione-grangers-wife @individualistfem @sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway @softie-socks @schemefrenzy @letsby @romeo-the-cactus @jelly-fishy-babie @mikariell95 @gladiosamicitias @warrior1-19 @toomanyrobins

[caye-otome-translations]

100 Days Princess Event - Secret Valentine Premier End (Translated)

Quick Links:

Events Page 

Prologue 

Previous: Episode 02 

Next: Epilogue 

Byron Wagner’s Route Premier End Part 01/05 

Byron: “‘MC… what’s wrong?’” 

MC: “‘It’s nothing...’” 

Byron: “‘It doesn’t look like nothing.’” 

MC: “...!” 

Byron Sensei put his hand on my cheek and gazed at me… 

Byron: “Today's lesson will be put on hold until you tell me what is bothering you.” (Top Left Picture)

My heart beat violently at the close distance, our breaths touching. 

(What should I do…? I have to say something...)

The more I tried to think of something, the more my head hurt and came up blank. 

When I tried to choke something out, Byron Sensei suddenly frowned in a mysterious manner.

Byron: “This smell…” 

MC: “...Ah!” 

His face was drawn to my neck and my body was subconsciously trembling.

(What…?)

Byron: “...Did you make chocolate again?” 

MC: “Uh…” 

Byron: “Today you have the same sweet scent as before.” (Top Right Picture)

MC: “...” 

(The scent of chocolate can’t deceive him…) 

Byron: “Did something go wrong?” 

(Besides, I had told Byron Sensei myself…) 

-flashback-

MC: “‘I was practicing baking chocolate for Valentine's Day coming up.’” 

Byron: “‘Oh, are you giving chocolate to the count of the neighboring country?’”

MC: “...” 

Byron: “‘I heard that this was a marriage you wanted... Is it not like that?’” 

MC: “‘...No. It’s true.’” 

-flashback ends-

(...I’ve always lied to him and myself for years.) 

I kept lying to Byron Sensei about my feelings. 

It was all half-hearted. 

-flashback-

Noah: “I don't think it's a bad thing to convey your feelings.” 

Noah: “Why don't you give the chocolate to Byron Sensei so that you won't regret it later?” 

-flashback ends- 

(I can’t live with this regret for the rest of my life...)

MC: “I’m sorry, Sensei…” 

My feelings that could not be held back down anymore spilled from my lips.

MC: “Actually, I wanted to give the chocolate to Byron Sensei, not the count.” 

Byron: “To me…?” 

Byron Wagner’s Route Premier End Part 02/05

Byron Sensei widened his eyes slightly and looked at me.

MC: “But... there were so many things that happened and now I can’t give it to you.” 

Byron: “...Does this gift you were trying to give me have any meaning behind it?” 

MC: “...Yes.” 

(I have admitted it now. There’s no going back…) 

MC: “I’ve always loved Byron Sensei.” (1st Middle Left Picture)

Feeling guilty about the count, I told him everything clearly…

Byron: “...Really?” 

(Ah…!) 

I was hugged by Byron Sensei, who gently wrapped his whole body around mine. 

Byron: “So that’s why you've been troubled lately.” 

Byron: “...But I thought you said the engagement was what you wanted?” 

MC: “It's actually an arranged marriage ordered by my family, but I didn’t want to worry Sensei…” 

MC: “I’m sorry I had to lie...” 

Byron: “You don’t have to apologize.” 

MC: “...” 

His soft, heated breath touched my ears. A small, sweet sound was made as he kissed my ear. 

(...Sensei…?) 

I raised my head to an unexpected kiss, our lips quickly coming together.

MC: “Huh…” 

Byron: “I feel the same way.” (1st Middle Right Picture)

MC: “...The same?” 

As my heartbeat thudded violently, Byron Sensei dropped another light kiss on my lips. 

Byron: “I’m glad you don’t actually want to get engaged to him…” 

Byron: “Because I don’t just think of you as my student.” 

(That’s…)

When I widened my eyes, his face was drawn to my neck, which smelled like chocolate…

*princess check* 

Byron Wagner’s Route Premier End Part 03/05

Byron: “I’m glad you don’t actually want to get engaged to him…” 

Byron: “Because I don’t just think of you as my student.” 

(That’s…)

When I widened my eyes, his face was drawn to my neck, which smelled like chocolate…

MC: “Ah…” 

Just like with my ear and lips, he branded me with a soft kiss on my neck.

Byron: “I was so jealous at the thought of you giving chocolate to another man.” (2nd Middle Left Picture)

(...I was so occupied with my own feelings that I never noticed.) 

The joy of him having reciprocated my feelings filled my heart at once.

(But… We can’t go any further with this.) 

I put my hand on top of Byron Sensei’s and dropped a short kiss on it. 

MC: “Finally, I am happy to know my sensei’s feelings.” 

Byron: “...” 

MC: “When I get engaged, I will never forget about Sensei.” 

MC: “Your feelings are important to me, and I will continue to cherish and live with them forever.”

Byron: “...You really have grown up.” (2nd Middle Right Picture)

Sighing and squealing, my lips were kissed even deeper than before.

(...Sensei…) 

We kissed each other repeatedly, kisses that we have craved from each other for so long. We kissed for such a long time and enjoyed it so much that we forgot about the time. 

The lesson for the day passed in a blink of an eye.

***

—...The next day, Valentine’s Day. 

When Noah called me to the living room, there was a man with glasses I didn't know.

Albert: “My name is Albert. I have come to pick you up on behalf of my master.”

MC: “I’m MC… Thank you very much.” 

(It was finally time for the count’s messenger to come pick me up.) 

I was officially getting engaged to the count tonight, with no turning back.

Noah: “Glasses-kun, it seems that yesterday there was a lot of trouble, but are you ready now?” 

Albert: “Yes, for the time being. You know how my master is.” 

Noah: “Well, then. I wonder if we can actually entrust MC to him with confidence.” 

(...What are they talking about?) 

I leaned forward to listen to the conversation, trying to make sense of what they were saying. 

Noah smiled softly and gently pushed me back.

Noah: “Go, MC.” 

...By the time we arrived at the mansion in the neighboring country, it was already dark. 

Upon arriving at the mansion, Albert-san guided me in front of a room.

Albert: “Here, my master is waiting.” 

Byron Wagner’s Route Premier End Part 04/05

Albert: “Here, my master is waiting.” 

Albert: “I'm sorry it’s like this. He wanted to talk to you alone.” 

MC: “Oh… Thank you.” 

Albert-san gave me a stiff bow and left.

I knocked on the door after he left, and the person inside opened it…

Byron: “Oh, you’ve arrived.” 

MC: “What…?” 

Inside was Byron Sensei, who was dressed differently than usual.

Byron: “You should sit on the sofa. You must be tired.” 

MC: “...Why...?” 

(Wasn’t I in the count’s home…?) 

When I just stood still, unable to move, Byron Sensei looked into my eyes.

Byron: “Your face is full of questions.” 

MC: “...I’m supposed to be at my engagement party with the count...” 

Byron: “I talked to the count yesterday.” 

Byron: “I used my influence so that I could break it off at once.” (3rd Middle Left Picture)

MC: “You broke it off? Sensei, you used your influence…?” 

Byron: “Yes. I've always had a friendship of sorts with the count’s family.”

(That's not something within a normal tutor’s capability.)

MC: “Who exactly is Byron Sensei…?” 

Byron: “Didn’t your brother tell you?” 

Byron: “I am the duke of this country.” (3rd Middle Right Picture)

It took me a while to register the words that were said and put into the light.

MC: “...I didn’t know that.” 

(He is so high-ranked…) 

MC: “Why would such a person of your status want to be my tutor?” 

Byron: “Back then, the dukedom had been in danger due to its predecessor.” 

Byron: “With the help of your brother and family, I was able to rebuild the dukedom. I was asked to tutor you as repayment.” 

(...It was Noah who had brought me to Sensei.) 

Gradually understanding the situation, several emotions came to my mind and in my heart. 

Byron Sensei pulled my hand and let me sit on the sofa. 

Byron: “I don't want an engagement that makes my student cry.” 

Byron: “...But you are not just my student.” 

MC: “Sensei…” 

Byron Sensei sat next to me. 

He picked one of the chocolates on the nearby low table…

Byron: “MC, can I give this to you?” 

*princess check*

Byron Wagner’s Route Premier End Part 05/05

Byron: “I don't want an engagement that makes my student cry.” 

MC: “Sensei…” 

Byron Sensei sat next to me. 

He picked one of the chocolates on the nearby low table…

Byron: “MC, can I give this to you?” 

MC: “...” 

The moment the chocolate touched my lips, the emotions I had suppressed overflowed at once.

(I thought it had been enough to just convey my feelings to him, but even that's not enough anymore…) 

(...Because yesterday I had come to know the happiness of being in Sensei’s warmth.)

MC: “...Yes.” 

I opened my lips and the chocolate was put on my tongue. 

The sweet taste was mixed with his heat. 

MC: “...Mm…” 

The heat that was given by his lips on me. 

The chocolate gradually melted. 

(...Very sweet…) 

The sweetness that passed down my throat was replaced by the sensation of his tongue entering my mouth, and my body naturally sank into the sofa.

Byron: “...It’s a very sweet chocolate.” (Bottom Left Picture)

MC: “...I think it's so sweet because it's the chocolate Sensei gave me.”

(Because the sweets you get for Valentine's Day should be full of feelings…) 

Byron Sensei laughed and closed the distance between us sweetly again. 

Receiving a kiss that gradually got deeper, I was pushed down into the sofa even more. 

Byron: “By the way, I still didn’t get my chocolate from you.” 

MC: “Ah…” 

He bit the skin on my neck, and I couldn't control my moans...

Byron: “How about I eat something else instead?” (Bottom Right Picture)

[cocastyle]

The In-Between - Prologue

Stranger Things x It Crossover

with some Bill Denbrough x reader

Word Count - 3,967

Warning - cursing? (if people don’t like that kind of stuff), some Stranger Things Season 3 spoilers? (don’t know if they would still be spoilers or not)

A/N - this is officially the beginning of my The In-Between series! I’m so excited to get this thing started and wanted to have a prologue so you could see how Y/N meets the Losers’ Club and what her relationship with The Party is like.

reminder that this series will take place in 1987 where the kids are all 17. however, in this prologue, the year is 1985 which means they are all 15 and the events of Stranger Things season 3 just occurred (I switched some things up like I’m not having Hopper die that way Eleven and Will stay in Hawkins).

since the year is 1985, that means the events of It are going to have taken place the year before in 1984. to have Beverly in the group, I basically had her move back with her aunt in the earlier half of 1985 and her and Bill have decided to stay friends (this allows the Bill Denbrough x reader part of the series). anyways, I hope you all enjoy!

also, since Mike Hanlon is homeschooled, he will not be in this prologue. Y/N meets the Losers’ Club at school which is why he will not be mentioned at first. he will be in upcoming chapters though!

if you would like to be added to the tag list, let me know!

T H E I N - B E T W E E N

Intro The Losers’ Club The Party Prologue 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Epilogue

August 1985

Hawkins, Indiana, the one place Y/N thought she would stay forever. Having been born and raised in the town, it was hard to imagine a life where she didn't live there. But then the events that had taken place during the summer of 1985 had occurred and the unimaginable suddenly became reality.

Fright was the main reason they were moving. Not that Y/N was scared or anything. It was her parents who were scared, scared that the unusual events that occurred in Hawkins would harm their family and ruin their lives.

After all, their daughter had barely been able to escape the forces of the Upside Down the previous couple of times, so when she came home with blood stained clothes and news of the death of Billy Hargrove, her parents were convinced that the only thing they could do was move away.

Y/N did not agree with her parents' decision in any way, shape, or form. Her life was in Hawkins. Her friends were in Hawkins.

Her family was in Hawkins.

However, her parents' minds were already made up and within two weeks their house was already sold and they were packing up their final things as they prepared for the journey to their new home in Derry, Maine.

The sky was filled with grey clouds on the day Y/N was supposed to leave Hawkins, a gloomy atmosphere falling over the town as if it could sense the girl was leaving and was genuinely upset about it. Y/N hardly noticed the weather seeing as her own gloominess was worse than that outside.

She almost didn't want to put the last of her things into the giant cardboard box that sat on the floor in front of her. Everything was already out of her room, leaving it so barren that she felt as if she were in a completely different place.

The only thing left had been her pictures that had decorated the walls with her memories throughout the years. It physically pained her when she had to take down the last picture—one of her with all of her friends where they were all laughing and looking at each other instead of the camera.

Now she held fast onto that picture, her hands shaking as she looked down at it with an almost longing expression on her face. Knowing it would only hurt more the longer she took, Y/N quickly looked away and set the picture in the box before closing it up. She only let out a shaky breath when the deed was done.

Y/N then picked up the box that held the last pieces of her life and began to make her way to her bedroom door. It was when she was about to grab onto the door handle that the door suddenly slammed shut, causing her to jump back in surprise. She hesitated for a second before going to open the door. However, it quickly slammed shut again before it was even half way opened.

This continued for a few more tries before Y/N let out a small sigh and turned to look behind her where her friends were all sitting on the floor looking upset. Her eyes flickered over the group that liked to call themselves 'The Party' and she stopped on Jane Hopper, otherwise known as Eleven, who had blood trickling from her nose.

The young girl wiped the blood away and stared at Y/N with wide eyes as she tried to act innocent. Y/N gave the girl a sad smile before looking around at her other friends who were all visibly upset. "I have to go," Y/N announced, the words earning a few head drops and shakes of heads.

Y/N kept her eyes on Eleven as she went to open the door again. "I have to go," she repeated as she began to pull the door open. However, Eleven wasn't having it and quickly shook her head and slammed the door shut again with her abilities.

Y/N let out a small sigh and dropped her head slightly. This was just as hard on her as it was on them. "El-" she began in a whisper, but before she could even get the words out, Eleven had jumped onto her feet and was throwing her arms around her.

The cardboard box fell from her grip and onto the floor and Y/N silently thanked herself for having only put pictures and posters in there. Her arms were quick to wrap around her friend while she dug her face into Eleven's shoulder, tears filling her eyes as she realized this was pretty much going to be their goodbye.

"Don't go," Eleven whimpered. "Please, don't go."

Y/N squeezed her eyes shut and tears rolled down her face as she hugged Eleven harder. Her body began to shake as she started to cry, but she hardly noticed it because Eleven had begun to cry as well. Arms began to wrap around the two and Y/N looked up slightly to see that her other friends—Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, Will Byers, and Max Mayfield— had all joined in on the hug.

Y/N closed her eyes again and leaned into her friends' embraces, trying to enjoy this moment where she was with them. She didn't know when she was going to be able to see them next, but she knew she would never lose them. They had been through too much to allow that to happen.

It took a minute, but Y/N eventually got them all to let go so that she could look at them. They didn't mean to, but they had ended up forming a small circle and Y/N looked around at each of her friends before letting out a shaky laugh.

"I love you all, you know that, right?" she whispered. The Party was quick to nod their heads and Y/N smiled softly. "Good. Never forget it."

There was a silence before Y/N said, "You all stick together and take care of each other, okay? And if you all are ever in any sort of trouble, you get Dustin on his radio and have him contact me, okay? Cause you can bet your ass I'll be back here in a heartbeat."

"We don't doubt it for a minute," Max replied, the others all nodding their heads in agreement.

"I know you're going to Maine, but if anything happens and you need us, just know the same thing applies. We've got your back," the young Wheeler boy said.

"Got it, Wheeler," Y/N said with a small smile as she sniffled and wiped away her tears.

"Y/N! It's time to go!"

A look of dread washed on each of the kids' faces and Y/N reached down to pick up the box she had dropped before saying, "That's my cue."

The group was silent, but when Y/N opened the door that time, no one stopped her. Together, the Party all walked out of the girl's bedroom and made their way outside where Y/N's parents were waiting by their car.

Y/N furrowed her eyebrows in confusion when she saw someone talking to them, but her eyes instantly lit up once she recognized the person to be Steve Harrington. His parents and Y/N's parents had been close in college, so Steve and Y/N had practically grown up together despite the five year age gap between the two. He was like the older brother she never had and it was only in that moment that she realized saying goodbye to him was probably going to be the hardest goodbye she would have to face.

Trying not to dwell on the fact, Y/N smiled and called out, "Harrington, is that you?"

Steve instantly perked up at the sound of her voice and muttered something to her parents before looking over at the girl, taking his sunglasses off in the process. "Yeah, it's me. Don't cream your pants," Steve jokingly told her.

Y/N chuckled and walked over to where he stood by the car before quickly putting the box she was carrying in the back seat. She glanced over at her parents and gave them a sad smile before asking, "Can I have a moment to say goodbye?" Her parents nodded and began to get in the car, but not before her father nodded at Steve and her mother patted him on the shoulder.

Once the car doors had closed, Y/N hesitated for a moment before turning her head to look at Steve. He was already looking at her with an unreadable expression while his hands were placed on his hips. He stood there in silence before saying, "The day is finally here."

Y/N's smile disappeared and she looked down at her feet as she nodded. Steve titled his head slightly and watched her for a second before reaching out and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Listen, squirt. You're going to do great things, okay? Hawkins. . .all it's doing is holding you back," he told her.

"I'm moving to Maine," Y/N pointed out as she gave Steve a look that told him all he needed to know.

"You never know, maybe Maine is going to have just what you're looking for," Steve said as he gave her shoulder a light shake.

Y/N looked over her shoulder and at her friends who were all standing at the bottom of the staircase watching her with sad eyes. They gave her shaky smiles which she returned before looking back at Steve. She studied him in silence for a moment before lightly shaking her head as she stared at him fondly. "I don't think so," she told him, knowing that Maine would never be able to replace the people she loved so dearly.

Steve flinched slightly at her words and his face contorted in pain for a second as he looked as if he were about to cry. However, it quickly disappeared and he inhaled sharply as he tried to put on a brave face for the girl in front of him.

"Okay, L/N, serious talk right now, okay? I know this whole move is tough on you. Trust me when I say it's going to be tough on all of us. But you got to make the most of it, you hear? You go to Maine and you show those shit heads just who the hell moved to their town," Steve told her. He then reached out and poked her shoulder as he pointed at her. "Cause they have no idea how lucky they are to have you."

The tears that she had been trying to suppress since she walked outside began to fill her eyes and she couldn't stop herself from launching herself into Steve's arms as she started to cry. Her grip was tight and she balled her hand into fists around his shirt as she tucked her face into his neck.

Steve stumbled back slightly, but didn't hesitate to hug her back as he felt tears began to fill his eyes. He was going to miss her a hell of a lot more than he thought he would. She was practically his sister and one of his best friends. Age had never mattered to them, only the friendship they created had.

So the fact that he was going to have to go through a good chunk of his life without her? Yeah, it was going to be hell.

Y/N tucked Steve's shoulder under her chin as she hugged him and let her eyes flicker over to her friends who were all watching the two with tears in their eyes.

Max was leaning against Lucas who had an arm around her as both struggled to keep it together. Then there was Eleven who was holding hands with Wheeler as she hugged his arm with tears streaming down her face, Wheeler looking pretty much in the same state. Finally there was Dustin who had a hand on Will's shoulder as the two looked to each other for support seeing as the couples were busy comforting each other.

Steve eventually pulled away from the young girl, knowing that it would only be harder on both of them if they didn't end the hug now. He used his shirt to wipe his tears away before he gave Y/N a shaky smile and reached out to swiftly wipe her tears away with his thumbs.

"You'll be okay," Steve assured her. "You're going to be just fine."

Y/N gave the boy a smile, her lips quivering slightly as she forced herself to hold back a sob. "I love you, Harrington," she whispered as she stared at the boy in admiration.

Steve softened slightly at those words and leaned forward to kiss the top of her head. "I love you too, squirt," he told her.

Then, before either of them could start crying, Y/N went over to the car door and opened it up. She hesitated and turned to look back at all of her friends, her eyes scanning over each of them. It was in that moment that she realized just how much she was going to miss them.

She was going to miss Lucas who had been her first friend back in elementary school and the one who had introduced her to the other members of the Party. She would miss Wheeler and the times they would spend in the record shop looking for the right music to play at the karaoke nights they hosted for the group.

She would miss Dustin and being able to talk science with him as they worked on creating their high-range radio from scratch. She would miss Will and playing D&D together when no one else would play.

She would miss Eleven and how the two would have sleepovers and stay up all night giggling before making Eggo waffles in the morning. She would miss Max and the girls days they would have at the mall as they tried every flavor possible at Scoops Ahoy.

And she would miss Steve and the moments she knew would never get to happen. She would miss the times when they would have contests to see who could eat the most ice cream without puking and when they would team up and pull pranks on the others.

She would miss the arcade trips, the late night adventures they would have, and the times they spent together. She would miss each of them. She would miss their friendships. She would miss her family.

Y/N knew they were all thinking the same thing just from the tears that were in their eyes. Steve was the first to raise a hand and wave goodbye, everyone else quickly following suit. She let out a breathy laugh before waving back.

Then, with a heavy heart, Y/N stepped into the car and closed the door. She had just buckled up when the car began to pull away and she was quick to look out the back window at her house and her friends who were all walking out into the middle of the road to watch her go.

Her father glanced back at her in the rear view mirror, but she didn't notice, her attention on her friends who were getting further and further away. As for her mother, she grabbed ahold of her father's hand and kissed it lovingly before saying in an almost excited and slightly saddened voice, "Goodbye Hawkins, Indiana. Hello Derry, Maine."

Y/N didn't look away until her friends' figures had disappeared in the distance.

- - -

"I'm bored," Richie Tozier announced for what had to be the tenth time in the last five minutes. He looked between his friends who were all obviously ignoring him as they ate their lunch and tried to talk about other things. He momentarily saw Beverly Marsh glance his way, but she looked away and turned her attention back to Ben.

Richie had been surprised when Beverly moved back to Derry with her aunt only a year after moving away. But what had surprised him even more was that Bill and Beverly had decided they were better off as friends and Beverly had since grown closer to Ben of all people.

Richie shook away his thoughts and let out a loud sigh before he turned to Eddie Kaspbrak who was sitting beside him. "Eds," Richie whispered. When Eddie didn't respond, the boy poked him not so lightly in the arm. "Pssst. Eds, I'm bored," Richie whispered.

Eddie clenched his jaw and gave the boy a sharp look. "I know. I've heard you the other twenty times you've said it. And don't call me Eds," he said.

"Fine, Eddie Spaghetti," Richie told him with a small smirk. "But it's not my fault I'm bored. It's this shitty town! There is literally nothing to do around here!"

"Weren't you just complaining the other day about how you felt like you never had time to just do nothing?" Stanley Uris asked with a raised eyebrow as he looked at his friend.

"That was the other day, this is now!" Richie exclaimed. "And right now, I'm bored."

"S-s-shut up, Richie," Bill Denbrough muttered in annoyance as he stared blankly at the ham sandwich in his hands.

Richie rolled his eyes and let out a groan as he smacked his head against the table. "But I'm so-"

Before Richie could get that sentence out, the noise in the cafeteria virtually disappeared causing the boy to stop mid sentence. He furrowed his eyebrows and sat up before following everyone's gaze to where the cafeteria doors had just opened up. His mouth dropped open a little and the others all looked to their friend confused as to why he had actually shut up for once.

Seeing his shocked state, the group followed his gaze and their eyes landed on a girl around their age who had just walked into the cafeteria. Her eyes were wide due to the sudden attention and Bill could see the small blush creeping onto her cheeks as she nervously brushed a strand of h/c hair behind her ear.

Bill blinked in surprise as he stared at her, instantly stunned by her beauty just like all the other kids were. He could practically sense the jealously radiating off of all the girls except for Beverly and the boys were practically drooling at the sight of her.

The girl then began to walk forward and her shoes clicking against the ground seemed to echo throughout the whole cafeteria. It was only when she had taken a few steps that everyone seemed to snap out of their spell and go back to whatever they were doing. Well, everyone except for the Losers’ Club.

"Who is that?" Ben Hanscom asked, none of the boys taking their eyes off of the girl while Beverly just shook her head and laughed quietly to herself.

"She must be that new girl I heard Jane Greenwood talking about in math class," Eddie suggested.

"You knew there was a new girl and didn't tell me?" Richie asked as he looked at his friend in shock. "Come on, man. I could've been working my Richie charm on her already."

"Yeah, you won't be doing that," Beverly Marsh told him as she rolled her eyes at the boy. "Let the poor girl have a chance to breathe before you annoy her to death."

Richie made a face at Beverly which Bill barely noticed for he was too busy watching Y/N who was trying to find a seat. He watched as she attempted to sit down at a few tables, but each one either had girls that were too jealous of her to let her sit there or guys that were too stuck up to allow a girl to sit with them. It was only when he saw her passing their table without even trying that Bill called out to her.

"You can s-s-sit with us."

The Losers’ Club all froze and glanced over at Bill in surprise while the young girl paused in her tracks and turned to look at who had talked to her. Her eyes locked with Bill's and she gave him a breathtaking smile that had him blushing a little under her gaze.

"Thanks," she said as she walked over to the only empty seat that happened to be in between Bill and Richie. "Seriously, thank you. I was afraid I would have to sit by the trash cans. It's kind of hard trying to find a seat when you're new and know literally no one."

She was rambling a little, but Bill couldn't help but smile as she talked. "N-n-no problem. I-I-I'm Bill. B-B-Bill Denbrough," he introduced himself, stuttering a little more than usual due to the fact that a pretty girl was sitting next to him. He then gave the rest of the group looks that told them to introduce themselves as well.

"Beverly Marsh."

"Ben Hanscom."

"Eddie Kaspbrak."

"Stanley Uris, but people call me Stan."

"Richie Tozier, but you can call me the man of your dreams."

"Don't call him that," Beverly instantly said as she sent a small glare towards Richie. However, the girl had turned her gaze on Richie and was staring at him with wide eyes.

"Look guys. I'm so handsome she can't even speak," Richie smirked, but it disappeared when the girl poked his cheek and moved his face so she could look at him better.

"Incredible," she whispered. "You look exactly like one of my friends back home! You two could be twins!"

Richie frowned at that and muttered, "There is no one like me, but me!"

The girl just shook her head in amazement and stared at Richie for a moment longer before looking away with a blink of her eyes and looking to the rest of the group. "Sorry. I'm Y/N L/N," she introduced herself.

"Where did you move from?" Ben asked while Richie sat muttering something about he was unique and there was no one someone looked like him.

Y/N's smile made Bill's heart flutter a little and he mentally cursed himself for being affected by her smile when he had just met her. "Hawkins, Indiana," she replied.

"Hawkins?" Stan questioned as he scrunched up his nose. He then shrugged and looked down at his food before saying, "Never heard of it."

"Most people haven't," Y/N chuckled. "Which is probably a good thing now that I think about it."

"Why's t-t-that?" Bill asked, genuinely curious.

Y/N let out a nervous laugh as she almost seemed to be recalling some memory, "It can be a pretty weird place."

"Well you obviously haven't been in Derry long," Eddie muttered.

"Trust me. Nothing can be weirder than Hawkins," Y/N assured them. "It's like a shit show on steroids."

Richie rolled his eyes. "Trust me. Derry can and is," Richie argued.

Y/N raised an eyebrow as the corner of her lips turned up in a small smirk. "Want to bet?" she asked as if she knew something they didn't.

Richie glanced at his friends and Bill chuckled softly to himself knowing that nothing could beat what they had been through. It wouldn't be until after Y/N explained her whole story that he would realize he was wrong.

"You sure you want to do this, L/N?" Richie asked. "We wouldn't want to scare you away."

Y/N smirked and set her backpack on the ground and her lunchbox on the table.

"Try me, Tozier."

* * *

Tag List-

@witch-of-all-things-soft

@nightbu-g

[vera-king-hrfl]

Reblogging for teeny drow and beautiful art! Yay 🥰

I think Drizz’t is canonically 5'4" (1.62)

Mine is 5'7" (1.70) but his future hubby is Cal who I make 6'1" (1.85) so same energy.

(Don’t worry @meanbossart, DU drow is still the Best Thing Ever™ 😁)

I really need to rob a bank or something so I have money for a good commission of him.

@crowwolf I was thinking like a "paint me like one of your French girls" Ryldinn. It's something Cal would do.

We love our fun-sized murder twinks in this space.

When your soon-to-be husband is a (lore-accurately sized) drow

[crowwolf]

@vera-king-hrfl Cal would barely be able to paint, his excitement over Ryldinn draping himself on that chesterfield just NNGHGHGHGNN Ryl is in trouble when it's all over LOL!

I love the tippy toes - beautiful art. I so wish I could draw them all! :(

*snort* trademarking Best Thing Ever LOL! DU Drow, DU Drow, DU Drow *cheers*

When your soon-to-be husband is a (lore-accurately sized) drow