#like imagine him finding you in the library late and night when he’s patrolling

[kingkatsuki]

IMAGINE!!! You’re a Princess from a neighbouring kingdom hand picked by the Midoriya dynasty to marry the young Prince Izuku. A man who has riches far beyond your own city, and it’s a marriage that could unite the two kingdoms to forge an even stronger bond.

Except, while you’re living in the castle and preparing for your marriage to Prince Deku— you end up falling for the King’s bodyguard, Bakugou Katsuki.

[aangelinakii]

FLOORPLAN.

— he's a librarian, he'll understand... right ?

summary : on your patrol night, your bag with all your books got absolutely demolished. including the books you'd taken out from the library. now all you have to do is find a way to tell the cute librarian...

not proofread !!

fuck.

well, one good thing came of this, and it was that you'd prevented your favourite delicatessen from being broken into (although the food was good, you couldn't imagine why a group of grown men would try to break in), but that was probably the only thing.

for one, that guy with the crowbar had beat the interiors of your bag to bits when he tried to whack you round the back, any horrible injuries muffled by its contents.

you'd had a late night studying for an end-of-term, and was walking to the train station when you found them, the bastard with the crowbar trying to pry open the metal shutter.

your suit was in your bag, often kept there specially for times like these — good thing you planned ahead.

after the ordeal, after deciding you could save some money on a ticket by leaping over rooftops home, you finally unzipped your backpack and spilled out its contents on your bedroom floor.

paper flew into the air, either crumbled or ripped, some words completely illegible; crushed pens and pencils rolled out, the gooey ink staining the bottom of the bag, and now partly your floor. you could buy new pens, print new papers, but the worst part had to be the creased-to-no-redemption library books you'd checked out last week.

the helpless pages stared back up at you, almost in disappointment, and you knew you were fucked. like, how could a book make you feel guilty?

ah, here's why: you'd have to eventually either return it in its state, or explain to the cute guy at the library why you can't return your checked-out books, and either option seemed to possibly end up with you losing your library card and being banned from ever showing your face.

god, what would jason say?

he already had that whole bad boy kind of look down, and he seemed like he could land a swift punch in the face if anything had happened to his books. the odds did not seem to be in your favour.

the next day, you stopped by the library on your way to the station. your class was later, which had given you time to prepare to face jason; it was better to get it over and done with, right?

when you pushed open the doors, jason glanced up from his desk, from the pages of the book in his hand, and his eyebrows rose slightly. he turned his book over on the countertop, still open on his page.

"what can i do you for?" he hummed as you approached.

really trying to lay it on thick, you lean your arms against the counter, smiling as you did.

"so..." you began, eyes wandering the library space. when they met jason's for a moment, his pale green gaze looked up at you expectantly. "you know those books i took out last week?"

for a moment he was quiet, letting out a stiff sigh. he probably got told this at least once a day. "yeah, i suppose i do. what about them?"

your fingers found each other, prodding against the pads of your finger tips, doing something to try to calm your nerves. "i dunno... i guess maybe i can't bring them back to you..."

finally, you willingly met his gaze, which was filled with exasperation. his jaw hung slightly, and his head had cocked to the side as he watched you stumble over your words. yeah, you were done for.

with another sigh, this one more gruff than the other, jason leaned away from you, a hand coming up to rub at his temple.

"what happened?" he asked after a moment, tone impatient, although it was like he was trying to find an ounce of patience.

air brushed through your nostrils, your teeth coming to each other in a clench. although you didn't want to tell him the truth, as that would compromise your secret identity, you also didn't know how to come up with something on the spot to save your ass.

it would sound crazy, anyway. what more did you have to lose than your library card?

"some guy with a crowbar tried smashing up my bag, and the books were kind of inside," you admitted quickly, pulling your backpack off your shoulder and unzipping it, readying to pull out your evidence.

but jason only looked on at you in disbelief; you could only imagine he was thinking, 'who does this kid think they're fooling?'

his eyelids closed over his eyes, and he shook his head lightly. "i'm not an idiot, okay?" he began, resting an arm on the counter top, fingers unconsciously tapping a rhythm on the wood. for a moment he was quiet, allowing the tapping of his fingers to be the only dialogue between you.

"but i guess i can let you off with a warning."

completely taken aback by his reply, a smile plastered itself on your face, cheeks somewhat ablaze. slowly you began to zip your bag shut again; the books were beyond redemption, perhaps it would be better to throw the whole bag in the trash.

"consider yourself lucky," he hummed, reaching out to take his upturned book back in his hands. "normally i'd revoke your library card. but i was feeling nice today."

if you hadn't been so preoccupied by your gratitude you may have even said the corner of his lip quirked up in a soft smile.

"oh, thank you so much!" you gasped, hands on your chest, over your beating heart. "i swear i'll find a way to make it up to you. i'll do anything, really! i could – i don't know – donate some books i don't read anymore, or volunteer, or even do coffee runs!"

jason glanced up from his page for a moment, that charming half-smile of his ever-present. "i'll just do you a favour and not tell my manager, but maybe we could do a coffee run together some time."

[johnstock17]

"Amortentia Overdose" part 1

Romilda.

That was the thought that reigned in his head as he woke up. It was the only thought, really.

The full moon cast its silvery glow upon the darkened Gryffindor dormitory, illuminating Harry Potter’s restless form as he sat abruptly on his bed. His heart pounded with a primal rhythm, each beat sending waves of desire coursing through his body.

He was consumed by lustful thoughts of Romilda Vane, whose seductive smile and bewitching eyes had ensnared him. As beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, Harry knew that mere dreams could not quench his thirst for Romilda. He needed to find her. To touch her. To taste her.

"Let's see where you are," he whispered hoarsely to himself.

He reached to grab the Marauder’s Map from his trunk. He usually used it for emergencies. Which is why it felt right in this situation. With a deft flick of his wrist, he tapped his wand and muttered, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." He really meant it.

The map sprang to life, revealing the intricate layout of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the whereabouts of every soul within its walls.

"Romilda Vane," Harry breathed, his eyes scanning the parchment hungrily. His pulse quickened when he finally located her name. She was in the library, accompanied by Parvati Patil. "Of course," he murmured, recalling how studious both girls were known to be. "Late-night study session."

With trembling hands, he reached for his invisibility cloak, hidden not far away. The soft fabric slid over his skin like a lover's caress, fueling his anticipation. Donning the cloak, Harry vanished from sight, leaving only a gentle rustle of fabric in his wake. He crept out of the dormitory, every fiber of his being focused on Romilda. The castle's cold stone floors beneath his feet did little to cool the fire that burned within him.

As he walked stealthily, thoughts of her reigned in his mind. Her coy smile, her playful freckles… her figure. The mandatory robes and garments from the school were usually a teenage boy’s enemy, but as Harry began to recall, Romilda always looked more than splendid. The way her school uniform hugged her body, flowy in some spots yet restrictive in all the right places. Back then, Harry played dumb, but he did notice how the curve of her butt made her skirt slightly shorter, or how her breasts defined the front of her shirt.

Another thing that he chose to ignore at the time, but now couldn’t keep out of his mind was all the signs Romilda had thrown his way. The lingering looks, the hearty laughs. Even those times where she deliberately went up the stairs in front of him, giving him a front row seat to watch her backside as her hips swayed with each step.

The castle's corridors seemed to stretch on forever, winding and dimly lit by the flickering torches. Harry's heart pounded in his chest like a wild animal as he looked for his prey. His breathing was labored, his eyes focused.

"Romilda," he whispered into the darkness, her name a salve to his aching soul. "I’m coming for you."

He couldn't help but be consumed by thoughts of her, the way her dark curls framed her face, her eyes sparking like embers in the firelight. Each memory of Romilda fanned the flames of his yearning, leaving him hungry for her touch.

"Damn it, focus, Potter," he chided himself, realizing he'd nearly missed a turn that would have taken him far from the library. With renewed purpose, he pressed on.

"Who's there?" a familiar voice called out suddenly, stopping Harry dead in his tracks. He held his breath, his heart leaping into his throat.

Professor McGonagall stood in the middle of the passageway, lamp in one hand and wand in the other. Harry remained still, not moving a muscle. The older woman inspected her surroundings with caution. After not detecting anything, she calmed down and whispered, "Must've been my imagination." After that, she carried on with her patrol down a separate hallway.

Harry exhaled slowly, cursing his carelessness. If she had caught him, his quest to find Romilda would have ended before it even began.

Too close, he thought to himself, forcing his limbs back into motion. I need to be more vigilant.

As he neared the library, the scent of old parchment and leather-bound books wafted through the air, a subtle reminder of the countless secrets these walls had borne witness to throughout the centuries. It was fitting, then, that tonight would hold yet another secret – one he and Romilda would share, their connection forged in the shadows of these hallowed halls.

Almost there, Harry thought, his pulse quickening. Soon, she'll know how much I need her.

With every step closer to the library, the thrumming of his heart grew louder, drowning out all other sounds. He could almost taste the intoxicating mix of power and vulnerability that awaited him just beyond the door.

When the heavy oak doors finally swung open before him, revealing the dimly lit room where Romilda sat, he stepped in with resolve.

"Romilda," he whispered under his breath, "I'm here."

[goldenxglyphs]

edrick-rolling​:

The swinging really did help. It gave him something else to concentrate on as he made up nonsense patterns, and worked at calming himself down.

This wasn’t bad, this wasn’t the end of the world, it was going to be ok. Hunter wasn’t upset with him, and this wasn’t going to ruin their relationship. The blonde’s words only further reassured him of this, even making him chuckle.

“Finally, something that makes sense.” He nodded, nuzzling the ex guard softly.

“I couldn’t imagine a life without you in it either, you’re my best friend, my biggest fan when I wasn’t ready to be myself yet, we’ve stuck it through hell and back. No matter what, I know I wanna spend every day having new adventures with you~. Even if those adventures are as mundane as going to the market.” He wanted to keep making Hunter lunches, keep sharing midnight snacks, keep watching cartoons, and sharing his music, the new spells he learned, hang out while Hunter carved, or crafted handmade books. Doesn’t matter what their relationship is, as long as they stay the best of friends.

Then Hunter asked a new question, that had red lingering in his cheeks. “Oh gosh, that’s a tough one….but at the same time, it’s not?” He replied sheepishly. He could list hundreds of reasons in his mind, but to actually put it into words for Hunter himself?

“…But I do have the attention of the person I like. Though he’s no witch or demon, he’s better~. It….it wasn’t a fast thing though, a quick crush. It happened slowly, and built up if that makes sense? It was all the little things, the things I saw as I got to know Hunter. Not the Golden guard. The first time I made you laugh so hard you snorted and I could see the gap in your teeth, the days you’d sneak up on me if you saw me at the market, or the library, when you first started picking the lock to my balcony doors, and I’d sometimes find you asleep in my bed with Snowball, or on the floor, or just wanted to hang out, how excited and flustered you’d get when I’d always have something yummy waiting for you when you did….it was cute, and it made me feel special. That someone wanted to see me that much, that someone felt safe enough to come to me and my space if something was wrong, or even if you wanted to spend hours telling me about the new things you learned. When Flapjack first chose you, and when you could finally understand him~. My 17th birthday, when you didn’t really know much about birthdays. But you still went out of your way to get me a present. Or when you started hand making me books, and filling them with bard magic from the special castle texts. I still have every one~. But most of all? When I got to see this awkward, silly, nerdy, boy thrive!!” He laughed, swinging gaining excitement and ears wiggling as a grin grew on his face.

“No Belos to hold you back, no more patrols, or overbearing responsibilities. I get to see you finally live the dreams we talked about late at night, see you make friends that think you’re as amazing as I do~, see those scars become signs that you won, and he didn’t, walk with you to school, stay up late studying together, have sleepovers as much as we want, see you get into therapy, see you carve, and play sports, see you study wild magic to your heart’s content, see you cover everyone’s clothing in cool patches, see those eyebags fade away, and hear your latest Cosmic Frontier theories. I got a front row seat in watching you become you, and I can’t wait to see what’s next~. That’s the boy I got this big goofy crush on.”

He was happy to see Edrick starting to calm down. The last thing he wanted was to cause one of his favorite people any type of distress. He nuzzled the bard back lightly and chuckled when he mentioned adventures. 

“As far as I’m concerned, I think I’m fine with mundane adventures for a while. Even if its something as small as looking for more sheet music for you.”  

Hunter didn’t really expect much of an answer from Edrick in regards to his last question. In all honesty he expected something along the lines of no answer at all. That the bard didn’t know why he would chose the ex-coven official, he just did. He was already prepared to accept that as an answer, it didn’t hurt his feelings.  After all this was a bit of a complicated situation with a lot of complicated feelings. But then Edrick started speaking....and oh Titan he had a lot to say. 

All of those little moments, he remembered them too. It was those moments that made his coven life so much more bearable so he could push through to the next day. Of course he wanted to see Eddy so much when he was one of the first witch to ever showed him what it was like to just be a kid. Someone he didn’t have to prove something to or act in some kind of way to impress because just being himself was impressive enough. The more he listened the more he couldn’t help but squeeze Eddy’s hands as tears started flowing before he even had time to acknowledge them, much less stop them. 

Hunter knew Eddy very well, and he could tell very well that he meant every single word. It was almost overwhelming but for once he didn’t want to run away like he did whenever the prospect of someone caring about him. Being hurt so much before, there was always some lingering fear that he would be left behind again. And he never wanted to feel that way again. But after knowing what it was like to actually be wanted and to deserve that sort of care, he didn’t want to keep running. He shifted to press his face in the other’s shoulder to hide and give him a moment to just get his thoughts together as they started swirling all over in his head again. 

There he sat for a moment just mulling over every little thing Eddy told him, vaguely aware he was crying right onto his bare shoulder knowing his adoration of sleeveless tops. But he still had a tight grip on Eddy’s hands to show he wasn’t trying to pull away. After a while of trying to calm himself down after working himself up, he sat up and let go of one of Eddy’s hands to wipe his face with his sleeves. 

“S-Sorry. I just-- I don’t think anyone has ever said anything like that to me before.” He said with a teary smile. “I think I need to sit down for a moment, and here I thought you were going to say something silly or that you didn’t know why.”

@goldenxglyphs asked:

FIRST FIVE ASKS GET A KISS

2/5 kisses claimed 💋

"Pfft, you goof~! Why am I not surprised to see you in line?" He snorted. Ears fluttering as he scooped his best friend into his arms, spinning them both around in circles. Intent to get the blonde to smile and laugh with silly behavior!

Never ashamed or shy when it came to affection around his favorite people, and not one to keep someone waiting, he leaned in to fulfill that kiss~. Only to end up planting one right against Hunter's lips.

[masterofmunson]

our paths

Andrew!Peter Parker x Reader

Summary: Peter was always meant to find you. Sequel to leave no trace. 

Warnings: VIOLENCE, TORTURE, blood, puking, near death experiences, angst, language

Word Count: 3.4k+

Author’s Note: I was inspired (again) so I wrote this follow up piece to leave no trace! go read that and then come back and read this. enjoy xoxo

There was something off the moment Peter slid through your bedroom window. It was quiet… too quiet. It wasn’t even that late, considering he was out most nights patrolling until two in the morning. It was just past midnight, and you told him that you couldn’t go on patrol with him for at least another week. You had a massive exam coming up that you needed to study and outline for. New York could deal without Rogue for at least a week. After all, it had been years of just Spider-Man protecting the city until you came along.

You texted him earlier telling him that you would be at the library with your study group until 10:30. You should be home now. You would’ve updated him if your plans had changed, and he hasn’t heard from you in several hours.

The apartment lights are off and there’s no sign of you in the kitchen or bathroom. Peter’s heart starts to race and he frantically starts turning on the lights in the apartment. He shouts your name and tears through your apartment in a weak attempt to find you. He grabs at his hair and spins around the living room.

He walks near the door and notices how it’s left slightly ajar. In the time that he’s known you, you’ve never left your apartment door open or unlocked. He notices your worn-out backpack immediately. There’s no reason why your backpack would be here without you. You’re never without your bag. It has your laptop and suit inside.

Peter drops to his knees and rips the bag open. Your bag is untouched with everything still inside. It doesn’t look like you’ve touched your things in hours. Your wallet is still inside but your phone is gone.

Peter frantically grabs his phone and dials your number. It rings and rings and rings before it clicks on the other side. “Y/N? Are you there?” he asked.

There’s a heavy pause before your voice rings through his ear. “I’m here,” you answered. He listens closely. Your voice echoes in the background and he hears rustling too. You sound like you’re struggling to breathe. You sound hurt, and it breaks Peter.

“Where are you?”

The rustling grows louder and the connection breaks up momentarily. Peter holds his breath, grasping tightly at his phone. He hears voices in the background. A deep voice fills the space in his ear. It sends a chill down Peter’s spine. “Hello, Peter Parker. I was wondering when we would get the chance to meet.”

Kingpin.

Peter’s heart drops deep into the pit of his stomach. It had been a team effort between the two of you to track and trail King Pin for the better part of six weeks. He’d been exporting a new illicit drug and you tried to intercept and stop a shipment a few weeks ago, but the ship exploded before either of you had the chance to gather evidence tying it to Kingpin’s operations.

“You and your girlfriend have been a real thorn in my side, Peter.”

“If you hurt her—”

“You’ll do what, Parker? You’re already too late. Why shouldn’t I kill her? I would have one less problem to deal with.”

Peter grits his teeth and grasps at your abandoned suit. He swallows the lump in his throat before asking. “What do you want?”

“Come to the harbor. We can discuss it when you’ve arrived.”

The call ends and Peter screams in frustration. He tugs his mask on over his head and races out of your apartment through the back window. He swings through downtown all the way down to the harbor. His heart races with anticipation as he tries to imagine the state that you’re in.

You’re a fighter. It’s one of the reasons Peter loves you, but he knows that Kingpin won’t show you mercy, and it’s not because you’re Spider-Man’s girlfriend. It’s because you’re Rogue and you’re just as much of a problem for his business as Spider-Man is. It only makes it worse because you’re both Spider-Man’s girlfriend and Rogue, two things that won’t work in your favor.

The thought of your death terrifies him. He couldn’t lose you. He hadn’t even told you he loved you yet. He couldn’t find the right moment to express his love for you when he had the chance to. If you died not knowing how much Peter loved you, it would haunt him for the rest of his life. He had to tell you.

It takes Peter just under 20 minutes to get to the harbor. He feels like he’s going to pass out and throw up at the same time. He can’t lose you. He can’t handle another loss. He should’ve done a better job protecting you. You should’ve been more careful snooping around Kingpin’s operations. You were stupid to think that he wouldn’t find out who either of you were. He has spies and resources all over the city.

Peter carefully walks through a number of empty makeshift corridors of shipment crates. He listens closely, picking up on the whispers of Kingpin’s men and the soft crash of waves against the nearest loading dock.

“I find it really hard to believe that the two heroes this city has have no knowledge on my business. You’ve been sniffing around my stuff for weeks,” Kingpin’s voice echoes through the boat shed and Peter peers his head inside.

He sees you instantly. You’re tied to a chair on the edge of the dock. Your gloves are off, but Kingpin and his men are all wearing the same kind of black leather gloves. Your hands are pinned down on the table in front of you. There’s a series of cuts and bruises on your face. The fingers on your right hand are swollen and bent at awkward angles.

“Go to hell,” you spat through gritted teeth as you struggled against the chair.

Kingpin lets out a deep laugh and reaches for your pinky finger on your right hand. Your breath catches in your throat and he pulls your finger back. It breaks with a harsh crack and your screams fill the boat shed. Your head falls forward and collapses against the table.

“Stop it!” Peter shouted, jumping on top of the nearest boat. He bends down, ready to attack Kingpin and his men instantly.

The man turns around and grins menacingly at Peter. He grabs the back of your head and drags you up by your hair. Even though you’re beside yourself with pain, you don’t yelp or whimper in pain. You even move your head in a weak attempt to get out of Kingpin’s grasp.

“Y’know, Peter, I really respect your choice in women,” Kingpin stated as his free hand came down to brush at the cut on your temple. “First it was the valedictorian of your class Gwen Stacy and now it’s the beautiful and brave Rogue. It’s a shame that you couldn’t save Gwen. How can you have Spider-Man as a boyfriend and he can’t even protect you?”

“Shut up!” Peter screamed, jumping off the boat. He takes a step towards you and Kingpin’s men raise their guns in his direction.

Kingpin laughs again and with his brute strength, tears your hands off the table and holds you by the throat. His eyes meet yours and you struggle in his grasp. “You know what you need to ask him.”

“Go to hell,” you repeated, spitting in his face. The blood that gathered in your mouth sprays over Kingpin’s face and his grasps tightens even more. You choke and struggle to breathe. Your fingers dig into his hand but with the leather gloves on his hands, your powers are useless against him.

“What do you want?” Peter screamed desperately, foregoing his mask. He throws it to the side and takes another step towards you and Kingpin. “Let her go. It’s me that you want.”

Kingpin shrugs and tosses you in the empty space between him and Peter. You groan as you hit the floor. Your head spins and you don’t have the strength to get up. As much as Peter wants to run up to you, he remains in his spot and Kingpin’s laugh fills the shed.

“You and I both know that you can’t take me and my men on at the same time. You need Y/N and she can’t help you. She’s weak, pathetic, useless. I should just get rid of her for you. After all, she is no Gwen Stacy,” Kingpin said.

He takes two large steps towards you and takes a gun from one of his men. He cocks it back and presses the barrel of the gun to the back of your head.

“No! No! Stop it!” Peter screamed desperately. He holds his hands up in surrender and takes a careful step towards you and Kingpin. Tears threaten to spill over his cheeks and his heart races in his throat. He can’t lose you, not when you have so much ahead of you. “What do you want?”

“Ask your girlfriend, Peter. She’s the one preparing her own funeral. Ask the question.”

For the first time all night, your eyes find Peter’s. Silent tears and blood coat your cheeks and the pain pulsing through your body is throbbing. The looming threat of the gun at the back of your skull makes you swallow the lump in your throat. You let out a careful breath before looking at Peter again.

“Will you ever love me the way you loved Gwen?”  

The question hung in the air. The sound of the waves crashing against the dock and the low hum of the boats in the harbor filled the room as you waited for his answer. Peter’s brows pinch together in confusion. He doesn’t understand why Kingpin forced you to ask that kind of a question. What kind of game was he playing at?

“I don’t understand,” Peter said, looking at you then at Kingpin. “What kind of game are you playing?”

Kingpin laughs again and throws you against the floor again. He steps over your frail and broken body and pulls your head up by your hair so you’re forced to look at Peter as Kingpin holds your life in his hands. Your tears blur your vision and you struggle to breathe.

“If you had to choose, would you choose Gwen, or would you choose Y/N?”

Peter’s brows pinch together as he stares at Kingpin. “What kind of fucked up hypothetical is that? Gwen’s gone. There’s nothing I can do to change that.” Peter starts walking around in circles frantically.

“I lost my first love too,” Kingpin stated. “She was also killed, but it wasn’t my fault. I killed the son of a bitch responsible and it made me a better man as a result. Were you able to avenge Gwen? Do you think of Gwen every time you’re with Y/N, wondering what could’ve been if she was still alive?”

“No,” Peter snapped. He doesn’t owe Kingpin an answer, but he knows he’s not in a position to say anything that would potentially make him snap and kill you. He has to get you out of the harbor alive and it one piece.

Kingpin clicks his tongue disapprovingly and brandishes the gun in his hand again. “I don’t tolerate liars, Peter.”

“I’m not lying!” Peter shouted in frustration. “I mourn her, but I moved on. That’s how grief works. Gwen would have wanted me to find someone after she died. She only wanted me to me happy.”

Peter couldn’t believe he was talking about love to Kingpin of all people. It made him want to puke. Kingpin was playing games with him and he just wanted to pull you out of harms way.  

He waves his hand away, brushing off Peter’s words. There’s a long, looming silence that fills the shed. Peter stares at the mobster, carefully watching his moments and behavior. Peter doesn’t know what to say before Kingpin sighs, “I’m generally not a merciful person, Peter. I’m giving you one chance to walk away. I won’t hesitate to kill either of you next time.”

The thought of owing your life to Kingpin makes your skin crawl. Whether you liked it or not, you would be indebted to him. He would cash in on the favor you owed him for sparring your life sooner rather than later. He would own you in the same way that he owns the rest of the city.

“I’d think long and hard before you decide not to take my offer.”

“Fine,” Peter conceded, nodding his head. “Fine.”

“Peter, no,” you gasped out. You did not want Kingpin to control you the way he had the rest of the city. You rather die with your morals in tact instead of being forced to work for Kingpin when the time came. You knew the risks when you put on your suit. You choose to put your life at risk every time you put it on.

“We’ll stay out of your way. Just let her go.”

The grip Kingpin has on your throat only tightens. He forces you to look up at him and he grins. “I want to hear you say it.” You huff out a breath of air instead. You won’t cave, even if it’ll kill you. You glare at him in the harsh light of the boat shed. His grasp makes you choke for air. “Say it.”

“Just say it!” Peter begged you. “Y/N, please.”

“I’ll stay out of your way,” you chocked out.

“See? That wasn’t so hard,” Kingpin tutted before letting go of you. You fall to the ground and Kingpin turns his back to you and looks at Peter. “Get out of my harbor.”

Peter drops to his knees in front of you and helps you to your feet. “My gloves, Pete,” you mumbled just loud enough for him to hear. With the state that you’re in, the slightest touch could hurt him.

He ignores you completely, wrapping his arm around your waist and your injured arm over his shoulder. He doesn’t say anything and neither do you. Guns are still pointed at the two of you and Kingpin’s eyes burn at the back of your head. He guides the two of you out of the boat shed and you try your best not to open your hands against his shoulders as Peter swings the two of you away from the harbor back to your apartment building.

Peter carefully opens the window to his apartment and guides you inside. He quickly turns on the lights in his apartment and tears through his bathroom to find the first aid kit. You watch him carefully and clutch your mangled hand against your chest. At this point, you had lost all feeling in your hand and fingers.

“Peter,” you said. Your voice is soft and broken as you called for him. He hurries out of the bathroom with the first aid kit in his hands and guides you to the couch. His hands shake as he tries to open the box to get the materials he needed to take care of you. “Peter.”

He looks at you and tears fill his eyes. His lip trembles as he looks at you. You’re bruised and bloodied. He should’ve done a better job looking after you and taking care of you. It doesn’t matter to him that you’re Rogue. You’re his girl first and foremost. He needs to protect you.

You rest your forehead against his and your own tears and sniffles fill the air. You take a deep breath and lean into him. “This wasn’t your fault, Peter.”

“If only I had—”

“No. Don’t do that. I know the risks every time I put on the suit just as much as you do. This wasn’t your fault, okay?”

He swallows the lump in his throat and nods silently. You lean in far enough so that your lips brush against his. It’s soft and tender, like Peter is afraid you’re going to break if he does anything else. It’s gentle and warm. Peter is afraid to hurt you.

He pulls away and takes a deep breath before opening the first aid kit. He works quickly and quietly. He carefully wipes away the dried blood from your fingers and as gently as he can, tapes your fingers into place. You know you’ll have to go to the hospital in the morning, but the tape would have to do for now. You can’t help but cry out from the throbbing pain of your fingers straightening out. You bite so hard on your lip that you start to taste blood.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” you whimpered. “I’ll be okay.”

Peter rips open a pack of gauze and wipes away the blood on your face. You wince and he mumbles another quiet apology. He dabs Neosporin on to the cuts before placing band aids on you. He stands up and washes his hands before grabbing you a glass of water and some Tylenol. You take them quietly before Peter rejoins you on the couch and you rest your head against his shoulder.

You sit in silence for a while, staring at the blank TV screen. You listen to Peter’s heavy breathing and the softness of his hand in yours. “The thought of dying because of Kingpin didn’t scare me,” you confessed softly.

“Y/N, don’t say that,” Peter chastised you quietly.

Your eyes meet and there’s fear evident in his gaze. You know how terrified he is of losing you. He can’t lose you, not when he’s already lost Gwen. You think of your next words carefully. You don’t want him to feel the pressure and weight, but you had to tell him. You had to tell him that you loved him.

“The thing that scared me the most was dying without telling you that I love you.”

The weight in your chest falls and the butterflies flutter deep in your stomach. You stare at him as you wait for a response. You had originally planned on telling him after he did it himself, but you couldn’t wait, not when you almost died. You were willing to wait and be patient, but you couldn’t anymore. Your life flashed before your eyes and you had to tell him.

You had been holding it in for a while. He needed to know your true feelings for him. You let out a careful breath and sip at your water. “I didn’t want to put the pressure on you, and I was going to wait until you said it, but I can’t wait, not when my life flashed before my eyes. I love you, Peter.”

He turns his head to look at you and a tear falls down his face. He smiles softly and leans in to rest his forehead against yours. His warm brown eyes look to yours and he whispers, “I love you.”

You smile through your pain at his reply. You didn’t expect him to say it back, but you knew that he loved you. He showed it every day. He didn’t have to say it to prove that he loved you. Your mouths meet. The kiss is intimate and slow. It’s a kiss you’ve never had before. You pour your heart and soul into him and you know he feels the same. Despite the pain and the fear, you would always have him, you would always have each other.

Peter pulls away and brushes a strand of hair behind your ear. You preen at the gesture and lean into him again. “I want you to know that you never have to doubt my love for you,” he said. “I know that loving me is hard and difficult, especially if someone brings up the relationship I had with Gwen.”

“—Peter.”

“I lost Gwen and that’s always going to stay with me. I told her once that she was my path, and I meant it. She led me to you, and I’m forever grateful. I know that the situation that we’re in is scary, but as long as we have each other, we can get through this. We’re in this together and I will do everything I can to keep you safe. We’ll figure it out.”

Your tears continue to fall and Peter kisses your forehead. You nod at his words, holding them close to your heart like a warm blanket. “We’ll figure it out.”

You know your future is uncertain, especially now with the debt you owe to Kingpin, but you don’t care. Peter will always be there for you, through thick and thin. You love him completely and entirely and he feels the same for you. He’s your person. He’s your path, and you’ll be forever grateful to Gwen Stacy for putting you in hers.

[attempted--eloquence]

thoughts on theo falling in love with liam first and loving liam more than liam loves him?

Ok listen I rambled aloud to myself about this on my drive home and scrambled to make my thoughts coherent so IMAGINE THIS: (cw mentions of blood)

There’s a blade called love pressed against Theo’s neck and its knife tip sinks deeper into the delicate flesh of his throat with every breath.

In—After the war Liam asks where are you going, what are you doing, stay, stay, stay and his voice carries no undercurrent of obligation, of responsibility. He says stay and it sounds like need.

Out—So Theo does. Stays. He does.

It’s a gradual thing, the way he bleeds out a decade of defenses. Watches all his vulnerability gather into a puddle beneath Liam’s feet. He’s liquid, he’s leaking, he’s powerless to this.

In—Sometimes it’s a drip.

Pack movie night gone late, Liam cuts heavy-lidded eyes over toward Theo. It’s a look that makes him woozy.

Out—Sometimes, a trickle.

Liam whispers his favorite four letter word again. S-T-A-Y.

In—Backseat of his truck, pressed shoulder-to-shoulder staring out opposite windows searching for enemies that haven’t surfaced yet. Maybe they’ve invented them. Or maybe these self-imposed patrol shifts are quality time. Liam smells warm and resinous. Tree sap and aged leather. He asks if Theo trusts the silence that’s settled over the town since Monroe fled. He’d say no, not yet, but the words get lodged in his throat. They taste like iron.

Out—Liam nods like he understands anyway.

In—The library’s a good place for them because it’s quiet in a way they can trust. Liam checks out a book on the Greek Magical Papyri. His brow’s furrowed in concentration, fingers gliding across the page and lingering on the pictures. Theo reads about bloodletting.

Out—Or, he tries. He does. Can’t quite help the way his eyes roll up and over, back toward Liam. Something about the way he scoots closer to let Theo read the most interesting bits makes Theo feel faint in a good way.

In the Middle Ages phlebotomy served as a cure for humoral imbalances, love sickness.

In—Another late night. Theo untangles himself from the lump of limbs on the couch to sneak to the kitchen for a glass of tap water. Liam’s all sleep-rumbled and squinting through dark lashes when he pads across the tiled floor moments later. Turns on the sink and sips straight from the faucet like he’d been dying of thirst.

He moves towards Theo like a magnet pull. His fingers skirt against the edge of Theo’s throat, tracing the skin beneath his fingertips like the pictures in his library books.

Out—

Tired smile; more amusement than fondness. Liam says, “Think you fell asleep on the remote.”

He presses the tip of his index finger firmly against one of the indentations on Theo’s neck, a button press. He draws his hand away, turns on his heel and shuffles back into the den.

The sensation lingers longer than Theo does in the kitchen.

The sight of Liam’s throat—unblemished, unpuctured—even more so.

In—

In—

In—

So there’s a blade called love that they each hold to each other’s neck; it’s a habit, you know, the way they share danger.

Sometimes Liam stares at Theo like he’s bracing himself for the thrust of knife through his own back. Like he hates himself for being wary and hates himself even more for not being so.

Theo presses a little harder on those days, makes himself extra good in a silent entreaty for skin to break and expel a year’s worth of distrust. But Theo’s still the only one bleeding. He tells himself he’s okay with this, that he doesn’t want his existence to leave any more scars. Stays on the knife’s edge, finds a home in the sting.

Yah so those are my thots on that thank u hope that helps <3

[lilyrachelcassidy]

Moonlight

Draco x Reader One-Shot

Summary: This is based off the song ‘Moonlight’ by Ariana Grande. During the bad times of War, not everything has to be so black-and-white. Both Y/N and Draco know it just too well.

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: language 

tags: @drawlfoy @eltanin-malfoy

Composing yourself had been more than a hard thing to ask for lately.

The Death Eater had finally taken Hogwarts under their control; famous Harry Potter, who was allegedly supposed to play a hero, disappeared in the depth of the unknown; the plan of escaping the school turned out to be an utter failure since the Dementors encircled and blocked every passage of absconding, escalating the disappointment over students.

Yet you hadn't thought of the plan B as an alternative solution, but you were sure, even if you managed to find one, it might take a few more months to figure things out. And you had to admit that increasing anxiety about your parents made you cry yourself to sleep at night. Despite your insistent pleads of the letters to contact you, you hadn't received any response or other sign of life ever since over two months of a constant worry.

And yet, it wasn't the worst part.

The Carrows, who unwarrantedly preferred to call themselves professors Carrows from now on, had decided to introduce their new methods of teaching everyone. And punishing for any triviality.

Once, for example, in Charms class -- which was the worst nightmare of a week -- you had been asked to stand up in front of the class and demonstrate a Crucio curse on the First Year who happened to accidentally bump into Alecto in the corridor. Obviously, you hadn't obeyed an imposed task to which Carrows only reacted with unrestrained rage. Instead of punishing the eleven-year-old boy, the lesson had turned out to be your disciplining session of torture for not being submissive enough. Although the feat had brought you more renown later on, which served to make Carrows more flustered, you still couldn't get out of the Hospital Wing for whole three days.

All of that also led your Occulumency to suffer, which was doubling the struggle. There was for sure no doubt it was an important skill to have, not only to create a mental barrier protecting yourself from uninvited intruders; but also preventing others' thoughts from leaking into your head. It was already enough of bearing the non-stopping suspense in the air. So, the idea of accumulating more emotions on your account would probably navigate to an outburst.  

One thing, however, surprised you. You had found out that people who outwardly seemed to have quite a reputation of cruel tossers were actually more decent and human than you could think. In particular, certain Draco Malfoy, who had been selected as a Head Boy in terms of this year.

Wandering around the school and doing the night patrols, he had happened to find you sitting hunched over, face buried in your knees, and sobbing brokenly at the fate the Wizarding World was faced to deal with. He had flumped next to you, without question, silently accompanying and comforting you in moments of solitude.

Two other times of your encounter had been in the library: spotting you among the crowd of students, he would come over and take a nearby place. You didn't know whether it was a matter of pride or disposition, but he had never spoken up, which you, in fact, didn't mind. At first, you had been a little bit dubious about his sudden influx of approachability. However, as to mute your suspicions down, you tried not pondering about it too much.

Funny, how the real nature of the boy who you had known for a nonchalant sneer and teasing remarks, could suddenly become so interesting and mysterious.

It was on a Thursday late that you were strolling up to The Astronomy Tower to see the Thestrals soaring in the air. Normally, it was around the time when you would be putting yourself to the bed, but too many thoughts were buzzing in your mind, and you knew it wouldn't give you much space to sleep anyways. The only optimum, instead of staring aimlessly at the ceiling and flipping from one to the other side of the mattress, was busying yourself with something else. The lack of sleep was due to nothing else than today's lesson with Carrows. They had thought up an idea of having some practice with a Confrigo spell which, rather unfortunately, was presented on a living phantom. As always, a whole hour of torments was disastrous, to say at least, and even after classes, you couldn't shake off the echo of troubled screams and beggings, which carried over the petrified room of students. That's why you were thinking you could swallow your emotions down, quietly and undisturbedly, in the only place you could wish for some private space. Besides, it was the only spot resembling the old Hogwarts you had known from the previous years, showing the calming extent of green grounds.

However to your surprise, when you pushed the door to The Astronomy Tower, noiselessly, you could notice a silhouette of a man already standing at the barrier, which made you momentarily flabbergasted suddenly considering an option of running upon a teacher. To save yourself from much too unwanted detention, you decided to change your track, rushing straight into your dormitory. But almost as you succeeded doing so, in the last moment, a person shifted in their place and spoke up before you had room to move.

"Pretty late for a casual stroll, huh?" At once, a feeling of dread ebbed away, and you exhaled deeply air you didn't know you were holding as you recognized none other than Draco with his back turned towards you. His tone was as usually taunting, but something in a timbre of sadness was hitched to it as well. "Shouldn't be sneaking out of the room on the patroling hours, you know? I'm the least of who you could come upon today."

Your dignity told you to say something in order to defend your harmless saunter to calm down your nerves, which benefited only your mental account. However, he made a point -- you could have been caught not only by some random teacher but Currows themselves who, you were inexorably aware, wouldn't let a chance of dehumanizing others slip away. And besides, you were a little too dumbstruck to speak, realizing it must be the first time Draco fucking prince Malfoy had uttered more than a word to you. What was a coincidence of meeting up with him just on the same day as you had been wondering about your atypical relationship formed within this school year?

Before your contemplation ended, Draco's voice carried on with a conversation, echoing off the walls. "Care to join? Seeing as you're already here."

Frowning to yourself at how surreal the situation can become, you stepped off the stairs with no more hesitation. You truly wouldn't have suspected the things would turn out that way -- embracing his Head Boy position, you thought he would send you off back to the Hufflepuff Tower with his dismissive attitude as it usually was. Inviting you over to company him was a top cherry you hadn't even considered. Truthfully, it made you feel a little thrilled to accept this offer.

As you walked over to him, his facial features became much sharper than from afar. Now, as you looked at him closely, you could define the contours of his face were even more angelic yet still masculine than in daily light. The platonic hair glinted accordingly to the moon above; his blue eyes were focused on a black void in the sky, clearly pondering more than concentrating on a particular object; a mouth pursed into a line, not a mocking expression he was usually carrying himself with. Eyeing him like that and still not being capable of deciphering him suggested he must be someone between a completely unemotional git or an excellent master of Occulumency. You preferred to presume the second one.

Quickly, realizing you were staring, you turned your head to behold a collection of vivid stars hovering above your head. You knew it was only in the Wizarding World that sky flickered so brightly -- your father was a muggle, and a whole family dwelled among a non-magical society, which you didn't mind at all. And that's why you were able to recognize... differences existing between those two worlds.

"Why are you here?" you asked curiously, not quite capable of restraining yourself from doing so. You were standing close enough to him to smell his sandalwood cologne.

He gave you a perfunctory smile, and although it was a three-second gesture, it somehow made you lighter on the chest to know he was convenient with a conversation. "Needed someplace to think," he explained, not darting his eyes away from where he was looking. He took a pause there. "You?"

"The same reason," you answered simply, shrugging. "My roommates can be too loud sometimes, and I needed some silence to sort out...stuff."

Draco nodded in understanding, not interfering any further into the topic. Brushing your hair habitually with fingers, you scolded yourself for coming up here in the first place. How could you act so irresponsibly to think you could smoothly break a regulations' rule and without anyone finding out? Although you were desperate to hide it, the presence of Draco made you inexplicably nervous, and even though you tried to gulp it down, your stomach was churning when he was around. Time proved his intentions weren't bad after all, and you confronted with the truth ever since he first happened to find you at the moment of your meltdown in the corridor, clutching to him as if he was your sanity. But that didn't dispel your doubts about him becoming a fully active Death Eater, who praised with a Dark Mark on the left forearm like with a reward for some kind of acrobatic stunt.

Your gaze swept briefly over the rolled-up sleeves of his snow-white shirt only to assure yourself the mark didn't disappear off his arm with some help of the power of your imagination. Yet it was still there -- as always, tinted coal-black, scary and blood-curdling every time you looked at it.

That evidently didn't escape Draco's notice who, as though reading your mind, started. "You know, I didn't want this." He didn't have to show what he meant by saying so because you instantly figured it out. You looked up at him, and almost invisibly, his skin pale as it already was, changed even to the whiter shade. "He has bait on me. All of this: assassinating Dumbledore; obeying his will -- it's not because I want that."

The sudden shock welled up at these words, and you gawked at him stupidly, not quite able to process what he had just told you. Swallowing with some difficulty, you coerced yourself to a mutter. "Why... why are you telling me this?"

For the first time this night, his steely stare landed at you, scanning your face to detect signs of emotion. You attempted to conceal it, but he could see you were thunderstruck by his unexpected confession. Without preamble, he smiled slightly at you. "I thought you ought to know."

Ignoring the clenching in your chest, you did your best to not break eye contact with Draco when his eyes were intently locked on yours now. You could swear, something on the verge of interest and sympathy flickered in them for a second. "Why?"

"Because you're the only person who doesn't freak out when I'm around," he explained carefully. "Every time I go to the library or appear in any other public place, you're the only one who doesn't glare."

He closed his eyes, clearly relived with the fact he could confide the worries he had been carrying for a long time. Breathing out through the nose and his lips flinching a little, his head spun again to the blank of the sky.

It was a depressing sight to see him in such dejection, and the images of him being cast aside by his former group of friends with who he had been laughing merely a year ago rolled into your head, try as might to suppress it. You could only imagine what it must feel like to be rejected by everyone around; to play the main role in something you never wished to participate in.

For a moment, you thought he was going to continue because he grunted enigmatically, but the silence remained. Unable to restrain the urge to offer physical comfort, you affectionately grabbed his palm, squeezing it in the reassurance that you were there for him. He didn't attempt to break himself out of the grip, which presumably was a good indication.

"I believe you," you stated, for some reason, satisfied with the fact you're the one to comfort him. "You are a good person, Draco."

This time, it was he who clasped your hand, and he glimpsed at you once more, towering over you with his long legs. "No. In the past, things happened, and to say, I'm not proud of them. Jeering, mocking, insulting -- that wasn't fa-."

"Past is a past, Draco," you cut him off, knowing where it all was leading, and you wanted to bring it to an abrupt end. It was the least adequate moment for apologies. "You can't fix it. Good that you understand your mistakes by now."

He hummed in comprehension, smiling, and his grasp tightened around your palm as if you were about to run off from him, which he couldn't be more wrong about. Admitting to yourself, you loved his smile -- though it was seldom, it much differed from a smirk you were accustomed to at that point -- and you secretly hoped he could do it more often. You also loved that even if he didn't talk much, he was very successful in lifting you up.

Therefore, there you were: standing arm-to-arm with your ex-bully who you had happened to run across; observing the moon in its full exposure; holding hands in reassurance. Both of you clearly enjoyed this gratifying moment and were lingering towards it not to end.

"Thank you," Draco finally choked out. "Thank you for...everything."

Ultimately, smashing the wall of uncertainty down, he wrapped his arms around your neck, hunching a little to adjust to your height, and buried his face in the crook of your neck. At first, your body stiffened at the sudden touch and a skip of the boundary, but as not to agitate him, you adapted yourself soon enough by reciprocating the hug. You started to rub the slow, steady circles on his back, and little by little, he began stroking your hair, softly grazing your scalp.

How long you stood clinging to each other like this, you didn't know. Hearing Draco sigh quietly, feel the rise and fall of it against your hands. Your heart sunk when you heard him breathe out, and you prepared yourself for him to mix out of the embrace because of sudden consciousness he was cuddling with a half-blood Hufflepuff he had been mocking for half of a decade ('I should get going'; 'I didn't mean what I said earlier; 'leave me be, Y/S'). But none of this happened, and he was only murmuring into your ear.

"I presume I should escort you to the dormitory. I could tell you were the whole time with me so no one would get any suspicion if we run into...anyone," he offered, yet you felt him almost grimacing at the thought of ending a moment you were two having.

"Mhm..." you agreed with no more opposition. "But let's give it one more minute."

____________

A/N: This is so typical of me to do something other than what's necessary lmao ;) The second chapter of Summer Nights is almost up if anyone interested. As I think of it now, this one-shot gives me such a vibe of Loud Places/Turn. However, I hope you enjoyed it :) Oh, and I'm explaining the sudden change of schedule with posting: 1. I'm very irresposible; 2. I got the super inspo to scribble this one-shot. Hah, sorry...

[prose-for-hire]

Clueless

Pairing: Angel x reader

Request: As I said, Spike will always be my favorite, but every now and then you gotta mix it up. 😅 So here comes my Angel request! 😀 The scoobies find out he has a human girlfriend. And when they meet you they get the impression that you have no idea of the supernatural. So they try to subtly prod if you're aware of what Angel is. You on the other hand are enjoying to play with them. Pretending to be clueless as hell even though you're well aware. 😂 Thank you Darling! 💞

Requested by: @kind-wolf​

A/N: I really enjoyed this one !! Reader is older than the Scoobies and works in the school library. The timescale is reaaally made up. Giles left to open the Magic Box while the Scoobies are still in high school.

[Also i know the gif has nothing to do with anything but it makes me giggle every time so I had to use it !!]

You were the new School librarian. Giles had left to open the Magic Box but still always managed to be in your library when you turned around. The excuse at the moment was that his personal collection had been left behind, but you new there was something more going on. You had a boyfriend that told you of the real side of Sunnydale.

His name was Angel. You had met him after dark, a shining ember amongst all of the despair. He was kind to you and you had kept running into each other until he decided it must be fate. So he asked you on a date. It was the Bronze and you both stuck out like a sore thumb – him for his dark clothing and because you were both slightly older than the regular clientele. You and Angel had been going steady for a while now. He was heavy into courting and doing everything properly. He wanted to keep you happy and ensure you felt safe with him at all times.

He called you his sunshine. You were the one thing that made his un-life worth living. The brightness in the centuries of black. The fiery flame of passion that could never be put out. You were his light. A kind of salvation he didn’t know he needed. All of his guilt. The doubt. The brooding about whether he was enough for you, for the world. For any of it. You filled in these cracks with light. With love and the most important thing: hope.

He knew that he needed to limit the amount of people that knew about you together to a minimum. You hadn’t understood why at first, but one evening when you had been wrapped around each other in bed, he confided in you. His relationships were not destined to last. Literally. He told you everything, almost reducing the both of you to an emotional mess. You laid there, underneath the sheets as you both recounted the worst moments of your lives. The secrets, the fears. Everything.

“Are you embarrassed about dating a human? Is it frowned upon in vampire… culture?” You asked, half embarrassed and half fascinated. He shook his head as you were still speaking, clasping a hand to yours and brought it to his unbeating heart.

“I, uh, just want this for us. You’re too special to me, y/n. I don’t want anyone else to ruin it. I love you more than you can imagine”

“You love me?” You ask, eyes shining with emotion. He nodded, pulling you into him as you told him how much you loved him back. Your voice muffled as you rested in the crook of his neck. He held you to him so delicately as if he was scared that you would break. That if he didn’t hold tight enough, you would disappear into nothing.

The Scoobies had caught glimpses of you around school and sometimes after school when you popped into the magic Box to ask to speak with Giles. Just to ask for tips on your new job in the library (and to check if he had stolen any of the dusty occult books you had started to lock away in case he was snooping again). You didn’t really know the Scoobies, you just recognised their faces from around school and now obviously you had heard the lowdown from Angel. But you weren’t so familiar that you could tell which one the slayer was if you were asked to pick her out of a line up.

One afternoon after you called your goodbyes to Giles and nodded at the teenagers on your way out of the store, talk quickly turned to you. Anya, Xander, Willow, Buffy and Cordelia were all whispering before the door had even closed properly behind you. The Scoobies loved to gossip. And each of them had their own titbit of information that they had heard from someone who had heard from someone else about you. Even Giles had become involved in the discussion as he had started to become aware you were making his life difficult and

“I heard they mastered kung-fu judo which is the most lethal form of martial arts”

“Apparently they were fired from their last school for literally throwing students out for talking too loud in the library”

“Well, they’re apparently an undercover agent planted by the CIA to monitor the supernatural”

“I heard that one – but they’re FBI, not CIA”

The piece of information they found most interesting was that you were human. Despite being the coolest librarian like, ever. Most of the librarians the student body had come across were positively fossils, most recent librarians not included. Suspected kung fu martial arts hybrid training aside, you didn’t have any supernatural powers to speak of. As far as anyone was aware. So, this became the most interesting thing about you, until Cordelia told all.

“They’re totally sleeping with Angel!” Cordelia said, as everyone looked extremely interested in this news, “I saw him open a door for them as if they were in some period drama! Way over the top but their eyes said everything! They’re having sex”

“You can’t tell that from a look”

“You can!” Anya insisted as Cordelia nodded along.

“Yeah, I can tell from hot librarian and the salty goodness that is Angel” Cordelia replied matter-of-factly.

“Do you think they know he’s-” Xander mimed fangs and held his hands up to imitate a vampire, “They can’t know. Why would anyone want to do that with Angel?” Xander insisted as the women of the room, and Giles, stayed silent. He looked around looking for some support for his statement but got nothing.

But now the fact was, they were concerned that Angel hadn’t told you about himself. The vampirism. The soul. The curse. So, the meddling kids decided it was their duty to make sure that they were acquainted with you and made sure you knew who Angel really was. Which was exactly what Angel presumed was going to happen. They were convinced that they were worried about how clueless you obviously were, but also it was their duty is seemed to get involved in other people’s personal lives.

This had been the plan, but it appeared that you were a very busy. You never stayed long hours after the school day ended like Giles used to. Nobody could follow you home because you always sped off in a shiny car. Plus, you often wore headphones in the corridors so you didn’t have to talk to the students.

It had been a while after their plans to befriend you and they had almost given up seeing you in your private time. They wanted to make sure the rumours weren’t true. That Angel wasn’t taking advantage of some clueless human.

Unfortunately, the whole gang stumble into you both while they’re on patrol. On date night. their eyes widen, it looks so normal. You’re both sat in the restaurant in the window seat and they all just stopped and very obviously stared. As if you were zoo animals. They noticed that Angel had ordered human food and had been moving it around the plate a little for appearances. This confirmed it. they decided they needed to save you. Who knew what horrible bad luck would befall you if you kept dating a vampire. 

Angel looked a little embarrassed when he sensed being watched and looked up to see none other than the people he had wanted to keep this from. Buffy had scowled at him, shaking her head. She wasn’t impressed that he would do this. Especially if you didn’t know – it wasn’t fair she decided. You noticed his look but didn’t comment until the group had walked past with their wooden stakes badly concealed under their jackets.

After your meal, you walk back together (he always insists on walking you to your car) and you softly ask why he was embarrassed. You wondered if it was because you were a librarian. You tell him you know people don’t think it’s a great job, but you really enjoy it.

“They just don’t think us being together is a great idea” He said and you nodded along. You understood. There was a history there. The Slayer obviously is the only one that makes and breaks the rules.

“Well lets introduce them to me properly?” You offer, trying to soothe him. Reduce the fretting. He had wanted just one thing. One good thing that was yours and his. “I know they’ve been trying to talk to me all week. I’ll make some lemonade and you can invite them over” You offer. He nodded, curling an arm around you as you walk together both in thought.

It had been a week and the day was finally here. You were meeting the... friends? Weird kind-of family? Annoying brats that were always under both of your feet? 

Angel had gone out to pick up some blood from the butchers before it closed now that the sun was down. This left you hosting solo for the moment. You showed them to Angel’s living room and started to offer them lemonade and snacks. They start dropping hints instantly to try and gauge whether you know about Slayers or vampires. For some reason, you decide to play dumb.

“Have you, uh, ever seen Angel’s teeth up close?” Willow asked, barely above a whisper.

“Yes, we do kiss if that’s what you’re asking sweetie. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll have your first kiss soon” You smiled at her mock-sympathetically as you turned to the rest of the room.

“What about, ah, those specialist books I told you about, y/n? Have you read them as of late?” Giles questioned, his hint much craftier than the younger members of the group. The books had been vampire history and very specifically passages were highlighted about Angels past.

“Oh yes, Angel said he would give me the overview - he’s read them before” You smile as Giles shook his head and started to clean his glasses. This wasn’t a lie, Angel had told you instead of reading through that book he would tell you anything that yo uwanted to ask. Every gruesome detail if that was what you needed. But you had told him you cared for the person you knew now instead. “Isn’t he just the perfect man?” You continue, smiling dreamily (which if you’re honest isn’t even an act). 

“Man isn’t the word I’d use” Xander muttered and Buffy had to elbow him to make him be quiet. You frowned, but they didn’t realise that you had caught onto what they were doing. Angel entered and the room quietened. He nodded at everyone but came straight to sit beside you.

You sat comfortably, leaning against Angel as chatter started to warm up a little again. After a while, there was a bit of doubt from some in the room whether meddling was the right thing to do or not. You appeared friendly and you definitely cared about Angel. And he definitely cared for you. His eye was always on you and he had kissed your forehead more than once when he thought the others were wrapped up in conversation.

“Do you like Halloween? What about vam-” Cordelia was cut off as she yelped and scowled as someone had stepped on her toes to get her to be quiet. Especially after he had already said something himself that could have made things obvious. You and Angel shared a look and then a shrug as conversation started up again.

You excused yourself to make more lemonade after three more not-so-subtle-hints about your man’s true identity and Angel followed you. Meanwhile, they were whispering about how clueless you appeared and how familiar you both were in front of them – as if you were going to hide that you were in a committed relationship. You knew this as Angel was telling you everything that they said, between light kisses he was pressing against your neck. From your position pressed between his body and the kitchen counter you were grinning as you rested a hand against his side and used the other to lock your hand with his. He hummed softly, only able to get through this strange indirect interrogation was that he knew he always had you.

When you returned and offered everyone refills, one of them asked while you were pouring, “Does, uh, Angel like garlic bread?”

“You might have to ask him on that one, we’re still getting to know each other” you smile sweetly before catching Angel’s eye. He raised his eyes at you but didn’t say anything to ruin the fun. In fact, he had a glint in his eye too. This was the reason he loved you, you turned even a potentially serious situation with the Slayer into something that you could make fun.

 “Uh, have you ever seen Angel in the light?” the questioning continued.

“Have you seen his face? He’s beautiful in any lighting” You smiled sweetly, looking over at him again. He shook his head at you and you knew he’d be blushing if he had any circulation.

“Yeah but- in the daylight?”

“No, he has a sun allergy, isn’t that right sweetie?” You smiled around the room at their horrified faces. They knew it! They knew Angel had been lying, they just needed to find a way to break the news to you. Or warn him away from you.

When asked about his (and your) sleeping habits, you replied, “Some nights he’s dead to the world” You smile, “He sleeps really deep, sometimes I have to check on him – it looks like he isn’t breathing” You have to stifle a laugh at this one as Angel snorts out loud. It was awkwardly covered by a cough and he had to leave the room to hide his laughter.

He was happy with you, the only sunshine he wasn’t allergic to apparently. He was so happy in this relationship he was often worried that Angelus was only around the corner. You caught him stuck in his head, worrying about the what-ifs but you always offered your comfort any way you could. He was glad of you being there for him. Willow and Giles had been talking of working on a way to lift the curse, or at least make it so that it wasn’t so simple for him to change back into Angelus. That was the last thing any of them needed.

The evening started to darken further and conversation had started to lull. You were trying to think of a way to politely hint yourself that maybe it was time for them to go (your hints a lot more subtle and well-practiced than theirs). But before you had chance to open your mouth, you were interrupted, “Demons. Thoughts?” Anya asked bluntly. Nobody cut in this time, they wanted to hear your response now they suspected Angel was lying.

“The ones that creep in late at night when you’re trying to sleep? I try and just ignore them, or get a book to read if I really can’t sleep” You say smiling as you knew Angel had heard that one too when some plates clattered in the other room. You knew him inside out and, although rare, when something like this tickled him it really made him smile. You just wished he had been in the room so you could see his expression. His face lightened when he smiled and you told him all the time his smile was your favourite feature of his. He would also probably be shaking his head at you, trying to discourage you from getting into too much trouble with them.

Angel returned to the room and you couldn’t help yourself. You stood up and instantly closed the space between you. You looped your arms around his neck and kissed him softly on the lips. It was only a lingering peck, nothing too scandalous as these were students at your job. You always missed him when he wasn’t close by. You felt like a lovestruck teenager when he was around and admittedly, so did he. Giles saw the way you both looked at each other. Moved around each other, anticipating  and saw how real it was. It was the same he had with Jenny. He couldn’t let the rest of the group ruin this kind of love. It was rare and he wouldn’t wish it on anyone to lose it (not even the man with the face that tore his from him).

Giles shook his head as Buffy was about to shout something to break you both apart. Something about demons and vampires. About Angel and evil. His apparent lying. To try and warn you. She closed her mouth, rolling her eyes.

 “We need to go patrol- uh, not patrolling, just – walking. At night” She muttered instead, taking her jacket and giving Angel a hard stare.

“Make sure you watch out for vampires. There’s a couple extra stakes in the weapon’s closet if you’d like to take them” You smile sweetly, “You can never be too careful, some bite” you teased before kissing Angel on the cheek and reluctantly moving from his arms which were loosely looped around your waist still. You started walking over to clear the coffee table from the glasses everyone had used when they visited. Leaving the others wide-eyed and eventually laughing at the way you had kept up the pretence so well.

[liquid-luck-00]

Little!Mari

Bio!Dad Bruce

Day 12: Little!Mari

@biodad-bruce-month

Ao3 ~~~ First ~~~ Previous ~~~ Next

Sorry this is late I’ll be late for a bit as I try and catch back up, hopefully.

~~~~~~~~~~

Marinette was back in Wayne Manor for the winter holidays. And just like every morning she was awake before almost everyone else. Granted she just came back from patrol and it was already too late to fall sleep.

She had noticed she was running low on transformation macaroons for Tikki, so she decided to make a batch. And she did but she may have fallen asleep after placing the Macarons in Tikki‘s designated cookie jar, accidentally leaving out a couple of the potions.

Jason was the one to find her and noticed that she was asleep so he moved her to her room. So that got the boys to talking. They wanted to make sure that this was the best Christmas break ever, as it was their first Christmas together, so what better way to make their youngest sibling smile like the little sunshine she is, than to surprised her with baked goods like she always does with them.

Surprisingly it was Bruce who stepped up to the plate. Granted everyone kind of just stared at him. Alfred’s expression was a mix of shock and horror. Shock because Bruce was in the kitchen and asking Alfred where a list of ingredients were. Horror because Bruce was in the kitchen and it seemed as if he was going to cook. By the time it seemed he had all his ingredients in front of him Bruce looked up and noticed them all staring.

“Is something wrong” Bruce asked with a completely straight face.

“Yes!!!” Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian all yelled..

Alfred, oh poor Alfred, seemed to be close to fainting as he was probably imagining the mess that was going to be occurring. “ Master Bruce what are you about to make.” Alfred asked.

“Brownies”

“Sir where did you learn of the recipe you are to be using?”

“From Mini”

Once they all knew that the recipe was from Mari, they begin to work, still eyeing him warily.

"Vanilla has anyone seen it?"

"There it is Little Bat must have left it out" Dick handed Bruce the vid that was labeled with the letter 'V' and had a violet cap from a line of vials.

They finished the batter and Alfred set it in the oven.

"That went better than the last time" Bruce sighed as they left the kitchen.

"Now I need to know" Jason stopped Bruce looking straight at him. "When the hell have you baked, and what happened the last time ?"

"same occasion, the same day I met Marinette, she took out the ingredients left and I started making the recipe." He looked at his boys and they were silent for once, giving him their undivided, attention. "And I ended up covered in flour." With that he left.

---

Mari woke up a couple of hours later and heard a knock on the door.

"Breakfast will be served soon Miss" Alfred called.

"Thank you Alfred" she returned rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She got dressed and went down. Everyone was already at the table and they all ate relatively peacefully.

"And finally the masters have made you brownies Miss Mari" Alfred stated setting a plate of brownies in front of her.

"You guys. Thank you." I took two from the plate and handed one to Tikki. "Yummy" that was when there were two flashes.

---

"Mari" several voices shouted looking where she was previously sitting.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no" they heard Tikki but could not see her.

"Tikki, what is going on?" Bruce finally asked.

"Humans aren't..." that was when she began to grow in front of them. "humans shouldn't have transformation potions" She looked around, and so did everyone else. That was when they saw the blue eyes and black hair peeking over the table at them.

"Mini are you okay" Bruce tried asking softly.

"Dad" she called out running over to him. At least she still remembers we are family.

"Mari what is the last thing you remember" he asked her, she was curled up in his lap.

She shook her head. "I don't know everything is fuzzy"

"Hey there Bluebell" she turned to face Jason, who sounded to be the calmest at the table. "Do you remember us?"

She seemed to study them all. "Jay or Red" she faced Jason.

"Bluebell" he responded with a smile.

"Dick or Blue" she faced Dick.

"Little Bat" he smiled and she giggled.

"Tim or Genius" she was now smiling at Tim.

"That's right Bean" he gave a nod and yawn but she laughed at his actions.

"Damian or Qamri" she was now looking at Damian.

"Correct mon Sol" His second youngest said giving her a rare smile.

She then turned towards Alfred "Grandpa Alfie" she was now smiling and bubbly, while Alfred seemed close to loosing his composure at being called Grandpa. He simply nodded his head and gave her a smile.

"Tikki how long do you think this will last?" Bruce asked.

"I'm not completely sure" she responded.

"Fairy!" Mari cried looking at Tikki smiling. Tikki giggled.

"Well there is only one thing to do then" Dick clapped his hands a large smile spread on his face.

Tim seemed to suddenly wake up completely, Damian was eyeing him suspiciously a scowl now on his lips, and Jason well "I'm out, I am not getting caught up in any of your insane plans." he started to rise out of his seat.

"Come on Jay let's have a family fun day. We didn't know Mari when she was, how old are you right now little bat."

She scrunched her nose and furrowed her brows "Um nine if think" she finally responded.

"See we need to be with her" Dick began to plead, giving him puppy eyes.

"Please Red" Marinette looked at him giving him her own puppy eyes.

"Ugh how can I say no to those puppy eyes"

"Works every time" Dick answered.

"Not yours" Jason responded, Dick appeared hurt. "so what's first?"

"Puppies" Mari cooed as Titus and Ace entered the room.

"let's go outside then" Damian stated reaching out for Mari's hand. She readily took it and they walked out, the rest of the family following soon after.

---

The majority of the morning was spent playing with Ace and Titus as well as a very difficult game of hide and seek within the manor.

By lunch she was in the kitchen alongside Alfred. After which, everyone had to deal with an Arkham breakout. So Mari wandered the cave while Alfred manned the comms. She ended up on Dick's gymnastic equipment. Once everyone was back they found out she was on the trapeze.

"Blue your back!" she yelled in mid flight. As she landed she turned and again yelled. "Come and fly with me Azur"

Dick began to move towards the ladder when Bruce grabbed his shoulder.

"I think it's best you come down" he called up to her.

"But"

"She's a natural B just a few minutes" Dick stated as he climbed the ladder.

A few minutes turned into two hours. After a bath she was curled up in the library next to Jason as he gave a dramatic reading of the Odyssey.

That was where they stayed all afternoon until Alfred called them for dinner. After which Mari dragged Tim to the living room to make a blanket fort to end all forts. Where she proceeded to tuck her brother under several blankets to get him to sleep.

All five of them ended up watching Disney Movies all night. Where they all fell asleep in the fort.

---

"Why are we in a blanket fort?" Marinette questioned the next morning.

"Mari go back to sleep" Jason grumbled next to her.

"Jay?" she asked out finally waking up. "Dick? Tim? Damian? What how?"

"Breakfast will be ready shortly" Alfred called from outside the fort.

A chorus of ‘Ok Alfred's’ were heard from inside the blankets.

Her and her brothers all got up and went to prepare for the day, and when they sat for breakfast she was still confuse Id.

"What happened yesterday?” she asked. Everyone shared a look and began to laugh.

"Would you prefer the photos or the videos?" Alfred asked and everyone seemed to laugh even harder.

Next

~~~~~~~~~~

Taglist:

@mochinek0 @justafanwarrior @abrx2002 @ranger-gothamite @fantasiame @moonystars14 @mochegato @bigbeautifulandfullofsugar @maribat-is-lifeblood @iglowinggemma28 @miraculous-ninja @talutah0 @vixen-uchiha @danielslilangel @witchsblackfox @pawsitivelymiraculous @lizziejay @marinettepotterandplagg @colorfulmongerpsychicranch @dast218 @sassakitty @miyla-lokidottir @lilkymilky @tazanna-blythe @tired-butterfly @lozzybowe @smolplantmum @queencommonsense @loopingtangent @chez-pezeater @paintedhope7 @technicallyburninggarden @meme991001 @wannajointhecrabcult @melicmusicmagic @trippingovermyfeet @greatcatblaze @fidget-eep @miraculouslydumb @iamablinkmarvelarmy @laurcad123 @hauntedwintersweets @fc-studios @fusser90 @madking-warqueen @buginetye @little-lady-bird @thebooki3h @iamabrownfox 

[kingkatsuki]

Just me dropping a thirst hope that’s ok but can’t stop thinking about how perfect bakugo with a shy librarian reader is. Everyone is an adult here, and he’s a pro-hero.

Like imagine him sulking in a library because of some reason (maybe he’s avoiding someone or the press?? Idk) and thinks he’s being inconspicuous but it’s bakugo he’s NEVER inconspicuous. Soon he actually likes the place bc it’s chill and the librarian is kinda cute. He keeps stealing glances thinking he’s being subtle but to the readers perspective he’s kind of terrifying? Like she thinks he’s shooting her death glares and that he hates her for some reason.

He does try to talk to her in his gruff voice by asking what books she’d recommend and she blinks nervously and squeaks out “if you’re interested, sir, we have a books of the month list posted on that wall over th—“ and he cuts her off by growling frustratedly and says, “no, what would you—“ before cutting himself off and yelling angrily at himself (attracting a few annoyed glares from the other patrons which only makes you shrink even further).

Ofc Kirishima wants to know where his Bakubro is always going during lunch breaks and he finds out that it’s because of the pretty librarian (bakugo does not have experience with feelings especially feelings of attraction so he’s not subtle).

He tries to be a wing man because he sees his buddy crash and burn, so he just casually strolls to reader’s desk, propping his elbow onto it; and gives what he thinks is a winning smile—to the reader’s perspective though, this entire situation is very confusing. She’s not very invested in heroes so she doesn’t know who bakugo and Kirishima are. She’s heard of their hero names but she doesn’t know their faces. For all she knows these are two oddly dressed weirdos, one of whom seems to have a grudge against her.

Ofc kiri doesn’t know this, he assumes that she knows who they are, so he spouts off facts about Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight and how STRONG he is and did you know that he has the most amount of confirmed high level capture and arrests of the year? Narrowly beating out Deku, the number one hero? And he heard from friends that he’s apparently super manly and handsome up close.

He starts doing this every time he visits, with Bakugo glaring and seething at you both from a distance. Eventually, after the 7th day of Kiri giving facts about this hero, you try to direct him to the shelves with hero biographies, suggesting he may like to look there if he’s so interested in this hero. Kirishima stops his spiel on how Dynamight was ranked #1 on the “top 50 greatest pro hero biceps” to look at you in disbelief. Before he can say anything, however, bakugo snatches his arm away and drags him off, and you can hear some snippets of their conversation, like “you fucking BASTARD, what are you doing?” and “bro, you should totally ask her out!” You assume they’re talking about someone else—why would this terrifying but admittedly handsome weirdo like a mousy girl like yourself?

Basically, you’re both dense and kirishima and the bakusquad have their work cut out for them.

Sorry this is so long lol I got overly excited.

Ahhh I absolutely adore this! I would read the heck out of a multichap of this honestly🥺

Can you just imagine noticing him in there more frequently? Smiling to yourself when he settles down on one of the worn leather armchairs as he begins reading one of the books that you’d recommended to him- one of your favourites.

And one evening he’s come in for his break on a late night patrol, and the library is closing and he’s the only patron still in there so you have to come over and tell him that you’re closing and he waits for you as you lock up and offers to walk you home?

Or imagine some asshole coming in off the street to argue with you and not realising that the Dynamight is in the building and nearly shitting themselves when the angry people comes up behind him.

And after Kirishima tries (and fails) to be a wingman for Bakugou you find him standing in the quiet building as you’re preparing to close, apologising for his friend being so strange as you ready yourself to leave.

And imagine Bakugou starts coming in on his days off too? Baseball cap on and a coffee in hand as he settles down in the same chair he always picks when he comes in. Maybe he picks up a coffee for you too? Wordlessly placing it down on your desk before you can object as he moves to grab a book. You think it’s because he’s apologising for Kirishima the day before, but then he keeps doing it?🥺

And after he’s finished the book you recommended he talks to you about it, talking about his favourite parts and you sharing yours? And suddenly he’s asking if you might wanna grab coffee outside the library?

[lizzy-williams]

𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦.

∘◦ ☆ ◦∘Warnings: Angst, sad peter, a little bit of fluff but not much.

∘◦ ☆ ◦∘Masterlist

∘◦ ☆ ◦∘A/N: Apparently in the recent Marvel universe, MJ’s name is actually Michelle Jones, not Mary Jane like in the comics and other Spiderman movies. And I couldn’t help but think about the song by Sir Chloe that explains my most recent breakup perfectly, so this may or may not get ~p e r s o n a l~. BTW, there’s gonna be a part 2.

❝𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭...❞

✧ : – 𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦, 𝘴𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘭𝘰𝘦 – : ✧

You couldn’t help but feel your heart clench as you looked at the state of Peter Parker in front of you. He was a stuffed up, red-faced, crying mess. He had let you wrap your arms around him, holding him as he cried violently, his body shaking so much almost to the point of vibrating. 

He felt as if tears made a permanent river down his face, his body clutching tightly to yours. You knew this was completely platonic, but you also knew that he found comfort in you, he always had, ever since middle school. 

And yet you couldn’t help the feelings that developed for your best friend. The more time went on, the more your feelings grew into something almost consuming. 

When he got with MJ, you were nothing but sweet and supportive of them both. They were almost glued to the hip. They did everything. Not to mention, Peter had confided in you for advice on... other things. And although it stung, you helped. And the relationships thrived partly thanks to you.

But now it was gone. All gone. 

You knew that the couple would have their fights. Peter would panic and apologize, and MJ would usually accept it, but it wouldn’t go without a few snarky comments. And even when it seemed like the problem was other with, it would always end with Peter going home and screaming into his pillow in anger. 

But this time, it didn’t seem like they were coming back from this one. You didn’t even know what id was about. Peter just showed up at your front door in tears, so you didn’t have much time to ask any questions accept for “What happened?”

So now, there you two sat, the broken boy practically on top of you, wishing this was all just a bad dream.

After what felt like an eternity, Peter was the first one to break the silence, which caught you completely off guard. 

“I’m sorry you have to see me like this...,” 

His voice was sad and soft, muffled in the fabric of your shirt. You lifted his head up while rubbing his back gently.

“Don’t be. I’m your best friend. I’m glad you came to me, actually,” you said as-a-matter-of-factly, giving him a cheeky smile, where he smirked in response. 

“You’re always so good to me, [ y / n ],”

“What do you mean, Pete?” you questioned, his head going back onto your shoulder.

“You’re always there. And on trip to Europe when you and Ned did everything to protect my identity. Or that one time I was working late at Mr. Stark’s lab and you brought me food and you talked to me while I worked,” he paused to sniffle, “And I’ll never forget the time when you decided to do all my homework when I was swamped with patrolling. I got an A on every single assignment you did for me,”

It was no secret you were smart, almost as smart as Peter, and you took pride in that, and you were willing to bet money that you two could take over the world if you really wanted to.

“Well, that’s what friends do.”

“[ y / n ], not even my Aunt May would do half the things you do for me,” he sighed, “You mean a lot to me, is what I’m trying to say.”

Your heart fluttered, his tone all the more driving the point home that he truly meant it. 

“Thanks, Pete,” you gave him a small squeeze, and he gave one in return, trying to think of anything else to distract him from the burning ache that rested in his chest. 

He knew he was going to miss everything with MJ. The study sessions in the library, the movie nights watching old black and white films, and the sneaking onto the tops of roofs and just laying down and talking about anything and everything. 

“She said she hated me.” 

Peter’s voice was small and heartbroken, and he could feel his tears threaten to spill again.

“You know she didn’t mean that, you-”

“She did, I know she did,” Peter gritted his teeth, “because I said I hated her too.”

Your eyes widened as you leaned away slightly, “Why would you say that?”

“I dunno, it was the heat of the moment, and I was angry and I didn’t know what I was saying.” Peter’s words spilled out as his tears did as well. 

“What could this fight possibly been about where you would say you hated her?” you were almost in shock, not wanting to imagine Peter even saying those words. 

“You.”

You felt your throat go dry and guilt sink into your gut. You didn’t even know why they were talking about you, and yet you still couldn’t help but feel almost sick.

“Why would-”

Suddenly, Peter reached up and grabbed your face, latching his lips onto yours. Your eyes widened, a jolt of adrenaline shooting through you, and you pushed him back, Peter immediately obliging, a concerned expression on his face. 

You wiggled out and away from him, standing up and off the bed, not wanting to believe what had just happened. 

“Pete, what- Why would you-” you took labored breaths, feeling as if you were on verge of a panic attack. You probably were. 

“I told her how I felt... about you,” Peter was panicking on what to say next, “ I just- god, my feelings towards you... and she said I was seeing you too much, and we argued. She was jealous of the time we spend together, and then I told her how I really felt about you. She said she hated me, she thought that I lead her on, and I did, but that’s not the point. It’s been you, [ y / n ], it’s always been you.”

“No. No, I’m not going to be the reason someone breaks up, You need to go back to her, Peter.” you felt tears threaten to fall, your hand running though your hair, “Pete, I can’t-”

“Yes you can,” he breathed, standing up, taking your hands gently in his, “Please, I’ve had these feelings for as long as I can remember, and I can’t continue to be with someone that I’m losing feelings for. I love MJ, but I can’t stop my feelings towards you, [ n / n ].”

“Pete, I need you to leave...,” you whispered. 

You felt so guilty, so wrong, you felt as if you were selfish and kept him to yourself, even though you had no idea that neither MJ or Peter felt this way. You felt like you were going to throw up, scream even, but instead your throat went dry.

Peter’s breath hitched as he swallowed, hard, “No, no please, we can just talk about this, please don’t put this off. Losing you terrifies me, [ y / n ], it terrifies me to no end. Please, let’s just forget I said that.”

“I can’t, Peter. Because I feel the same. God I’ve loved you for so fucking long. And finding out that I was the reason you broke it off with your girlfriend for me?” You paused to take a breath, “I need space. Just please go.”

“Okay.” he simply said, walking over to the door and opening it, “Don’t let this conversation be over, [ y / n ].”

You avoided eye contact with him as he looked at the ground, gently closing the door. 

And that was the first time that Peter Parker had ever had two heartbreaks in one night. 

[with-love-anu]

I’m an idiot

Pairing: Sirius Black x Slytherin!Reader

Summary: Sirius stops talking to you, his childhood bestfriend when you get sorted in Slytherin.

Warnings: Insecurities, mentions of blood and passing out.

Word Count: 2,830

You were patrolling through the corridors on your nightly duties when you heard shouts. You hasted along the path trying to find the source. Avery, Mulciber and Snape were dueling Remus. He was terribly outnumbered but you could still see how good he was. Mulciber cast a stinging hex that finally send him to his knees.

“Expelliamus!” you shouted, catching all their wands.

“Going against your own house, (Y/l/n)?” Avery sneered.

“I think everyone very well knows I am not big on house disparity. You’ll get your wands back from Slughorn. So, go before I decide to blame this thing entirely on you.”

Mulciber was going to protest, but Snape put an arm around him taking them away. You turned to see Remus bleeding profusely. You quickly performed some basic first aid healing procedures.

“Are you okay?” you tried to ask him. He was dizzy, and mumbled something incoherent. “I am going to take you to the hospital wing, hmm? Just try to stay with me.”

You performed some charms and carried him to the nurse. She took one look at him and made you immediately lay him on a bed. You were thankful she didn’t fuss a lot.

“What happened?” she asked after patching him up.

“Some bullies. I saw him and bought him to you. I don’t know everything.” You said as you watched Remus slowly gain conscious. Just then, Sirius and Potter who you knew to be his friends entered the room.

“Moony are you alright? Shit! Those are bad wounds.” Potter said sitting near his bed.

“You should give him some time, he’s barely awake.” You said softly.

Sirius watched you intensely making you gulp. Turning to the nurse, you told her you needed to leave soon and got out of the infirmary ignoring his gaze. You were used to it by now. He hated you. He hated you for being a pureblood and a Slytherin. As if that warranted enough to judge your character.

The two of you used to be best friends. Your parents were highly trained aurors, one of the very best and highly esteemed in the ministry. They had come from a long line of wizards from several parts of the world. As a result, they were invited to every party or ball held by the important households of the wizarding society. It was known that your family did not support the pureblood mania. Still, they were welcomed warmly or people pretended to be pleased to meet them at every gathering. They always took you too, refusing to keep a nanny to look over you. As a result, you met the very regal Black brothers.

You three soon became very good friends telling each other everything. You’d seen Sirius and Regulus grow up along with you. You remembered chasing each other around the Black manor.

“Sirius stoppppp!!” you said as you rolled out laughing making you both fall in the progress.

“(Y/n)! come on we can’t let him win” Regulus tried to pick you up as Sirius snorted and tickled you to death.

You had become as close as family. Sirius, Regulus and you would tell each other your deepest secrets. They would tell you about the tortures they went through at home and you remembered begging your parents to take them with you. Your parents could only provide much help against the renowned Black family. You and Sirius had sat together and discussed how you would be best friends throughout your years at Hogwarts stepping up against people like his parents, becoming aurors. The two of you thought that you would never part ways, but looking back you knew you were the only one who thought as such. Because the moment you were sorted into Slytherin was the moment he stopped talking to you. You remembered chasing after him, writing him letters only for him to tear them apart before your own eyes. Somewhere between him pranking you in the Great Hall, embarrassing you making you cry yourself into the night; you had come to the conclusion you should have long ago. He was not your friend. Never was.

This hadn’t come along easily, because every time you would see him; you would remember the time you both spent together and your resolve would break. You would sometimes see him in classes with his newfound, loud friends and your heart would overcome with jealousy. He laughed and joked around with them not even sparing you a glance. It felt like there was some big hole in your heart and you missed it, terribly. You used to think, he’s so happy without me. He doesn’t need me anymore. And every single time, when you walked through the corridors alone seeing him ahead somewhere in his own world; all you could think was did what was it you did wrong. What was so wrong with you that he could no longer stand being next to you. Did he only ever talk to you because he had no one else?

It took you months to make friends because all you could think about was your childhood bestie. About 2 years to dull the throb that took your heart whenever you saw him, because how do you ever forget a person you once loved? During summer, Sirius never saw you. He either ignored your presence or remained stuck up in his room. Regulus and you having exchanged letters throughout your first year was just as perplexed as you were. He told you how Sirius hadn’t even talked to him properly once he returned. You had tried, really really tried to stop the threatening tears but Regulus sat beside you in a second and said- “Hey I’m not my brother. I would never leave you. I promise, even if my parents send me to a different school.” And you had cried. For the first time in your life you had cried in front of someone. You sat there weeping as Regulus held you.

Years passed and you found your own little group. Regulus stayed true to his word. He was the best friend you needed when you were at your worst. Your other best friend, (Y/f/n) was there for you through the light and dark times. You found yourself being content, even though the hole Sirius left was never filled, you almost never found yourself craving it. It was simple. Sirius did not talk to you and you didn’t him.

***

You were sitting in the library going through some books for homework when you heard a cough behind you. You turned to see Remus awkwardly smiling at you.

“I-er wanted to thank you for yesterday.” Remus said.

“It was my duty, but okay you are welcome.” You said off-handedly as you continued your work.

“I didn’t even say it.” Remus said smiling.

“Well,” you said finally looking at him. “I understand that you were going to. I just thought your friend wouldn’t like you talking to a Slytherin.”

“Oh. He won’t come here. He is busy with some prank.” Remus said.

You raised your eyebrow and Remus's eyes widened.

“I- mean I don’t – I-“ Remus stuttered. You sighed.

“It’s okay Remus. We all break rules. Even though we are prefects.” You said making Remus relax.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Runes essay. God! This one’s tough.” You said rubbing your temple.

“Oh I completed that long ago. Let me help.” Remus said plopping down beside you.

“Why would you want to help me?” you asked.

“Consider it a payback.”

You spent hours in the library with Remus. He was intelligent and funny. He helped you with runes; the one subject you loved but had problems with. You found your walls breaking easily around him. you joked, you laughed and you completed all your work. You were brought to reality when Sirius and Potter came around. He was Sirius’s best friend. You would never be friends with him. Sirius frowned as he saw you. Of course! He wants you to be away from his friends.

“Oh hey guys! I was just leaving!” Remus said picking up his things. You smiled at him.

“It was nice studying with you.” He said turning.

“You too.” You said as you tried really hard not to look at Sirius who was watching your every move.

As you got to your dorm, you shook yourself. Why was it so damn hard to forget him? His eyes, his laugh that attracted you like a magnet? Why couldn’t you stop wishing for him to talk to you if only it was for a moment?

Over the next few weeks, Remus surprised you. He studied with you in the library when he wasn’t tutoring people. There was something about him that made you comfortable. You joked around easily becoming friends with him; even though you thought it could never happen. You met James sometimes; and loved his goofy personality. You had also seen Peter; whom you couldn’t get much. Everyone basically, except him. The boy who had made you go through the most extremist of emotions.The one boy who you thought knew you like no other.

***

It was hard. It was really hard. Sirius saw (Y/n) almost every other day chattering with Remus or James or Peter. Just not him. He wanted to talk to her. But he did not know how. What would he say? The guilt of treating her like shit ate him alive. He was an idiot for letting his best friend go. He could only imagine how much (Y/n) must hate him. He was stupid. So stupid. All he remembered was her happily hopping towards the Slytherin table and shaking hands with Malfoy. The same Malfoy he hated the guts of. He had thought then that she was just like his family, forgetting every single moment he spent with her. Every single thing she told him about herself.

When he realized his mistake, he was too late. He did not know how to go to talk to her, tell her how sorry he was. It became a habit. Pretending to ignore (Y/n). Even though his heart crushed every single time she walked by. He wanted one chance. Just one more letter. Just one more attempt by her to talk to him. Just one sign that she hadn’t lost hope on him. He whispered into the depths of the night for her not to lose hope on him . Wished upon every single power of earth, remembering how (Y/n) believed in energies and spirits. But it didn’t happen. She forgot about him. The thought made his insides churn and he cried himself into the night thinking about it.

It was like being so close to her yet so far away. He would hear Remus or James talking about her, and all he could think was she hasn’t changed. He craved it, craved her. He would see her in the great hall with him brother and his stomach would twist. He would be transported back to his childhood, when he held her soft hand telling her how she was the greatest friend he could wish for. Running after (Y/n) and Regulus, promising himself to protect them with his life. A promise he broke. And he would never forget himself for it.

***

It was a study session. You, Remus, James, Peter and Sirius were sitting together chattering away. Sirius didn’t know why his heart raced. He was hyper-aware of sitting so close to you for the first time in years. It was a cursed blessing. He got to hear you, remember how you used to be like; but you didn’t so much look at him. 

Peter had gone to get some snacks along with Remus. James had seen Lily and went to *charm* her. He was alone with her for the first time since he didn’t remember how long. Sirius looked at you. Were you always this beautiful? He wanted to say something. But what should he?

You picked up your bag and tried to leave. Sirius’s heart twisted.

“You cannot be alone with me even for a moment?” he said in a small voice.

(Y/n)’s head whipped towards him and her eyes widened.

“What?”

“Do you hate me so much that you cannot stand me even for a minute?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking this?” you snapped. It felt like everything you had buried long ago would spill. So, you stayed silent. Even though there were a whirlwind of questions that passed your minds. None of you said anything. You sucked in a deep breath.

“Why, Sirius? Why did you stop talking to me?” You said at last.

“Because I was an idiot. And stupid. I thought you would end up just like my parents.” Sirius said letting out a bitter laugh. You opened and closed your mouth several times not knowing what to say.

“I realized when it was too late. I- I didn’t know how to come up to you and apologise. For ignoring you. For treating you like a stranger. For tearing the letters you sent.” Sirius let out a shaky breath as tears prickled his eyes. “You loved writing letters. You always forgot something or the other you wanted to say and you wrote beautifully. I am sorry.” He sniffed.

“What are you talking about? Huh? You were the one who played that prank on me. You were-“

“The prank was on Snivellous. Not on you. You got at the place in the last moment. I wanted to tell you but you didn’t come out of your dorm for days.”

“You could have written me a letter.” you stated angrily.

“Never said I wasn’t an idiot.”

“What about Reg?” you demanded.

“My parents. They didn’t like me at all when I returned. Not that they did before. They punished me. If I talked to him, they would have done the same to him. It was better being the model child than a rebel like me.”

You both fell silent again.

“Why?” (Y/n) asked.

“I- I- It“ Sirius began, but was interrupted as Remus and Peter came back.

“Where’s James?” Remus asked.

“Chasing after Lily” he said with a forced smile.

***

Your head pounded when you reached your dorm. Sirius was sorry? It just felt to much. Just as you were ready to plop in and sleep you noticed a letter on your nightstand. Curious you opened it.

Dear (Y/n),

I never got to finish. I just want to tell you that this is in no way a plea for you to forgive me. I don’t deserve that. I am sorry. For everything. For acting like a asshole, even though you were the greatest friend I could ever have. For breaking god knows how many promises I made to you. I sometimes feel like if I wouldn’t say these things to you soon, I would burst. Because I wronged the one person who loved me like no other. God! I don’t even know whether you’ll read this. But if you are, I’m a pathetic person, you shouldn’t have had to go through me. I’m sorry you did.

Sirius.

You sighed.

***

Over the next few week, Sirius plucked courage to talk to you. Not much, neither of you dared to mention the beautiful forgotten friendship. He asked you how your day was, whether you ate. And that somehow was enough. Enough to make the two of you smile. You were confused, and still didn’t trust him. Sirius knew it and tried his best to mend things. You were awed at the little things he did for you. Saving you some food, when you were late to class; helping you with your week subjects, leaving random flowers pressed in your books. And you slowly started to give in.

***

It was Christmas eve and you had decided to stay back since your parents were travelling. You got up early to open your presents. Your parents had gifted you some paints from their tour. Reg and Remus a huge collection of sweets. James a huge bottle of firewhiskey which made you laugh. Sirius- Sirius had given you a book. Not just any book. Your favourite book. The very first edition and signed by the author. You grasped opening it. You could only imagine what must he have gone through to get it for you. How could he remember it? Your favourite book from when you were merely 10.

You ran. You ran overwhelmed with emotions that crushed you. You couldn’t bring yourself to care that this was the same person who ignored you. You knocked on the boys dorm. They muttered Christmas greetings but all you could see was Sirius. Standing there oblivious of torture he was making you go through. You pulled him into a bone crushing hug. Sirius’s heart paced. You were hugging him! He held onto you as his only lifeline.

“You’re an idiot.” You sniffed.

“I am an idiot.” Sirius repeated.

A/N: Let me know what you think!

[klaus-is-the-real-number-1]

The day we caught the train (Slytherin!Five x Hufflepuff!Reader)

 missvifdor said:  It would be for Five Slytherins with a Hufflepuff reader 🤗 they are very opposite in personality but they complement each other. I love Harry Potter and the umbrella academy, so i'm glad you write about both 😄 thank you,

A/N: this was like kinda vauge so i made up like a story line i guess?? Its kinda a mess and really long?? hope this is ok!! I really like these because i used to be obsessed with HP, in this i imagine Five would be from the really posh part of london where, the reader being opposites to him would be from a northern town and theyre both in sixth year which is age 16-17, i had to do so much research for this lol

Words: 2711

Footsteps echoed through the long empty halls as curfew rolled around, the sounds of students rushing to get back to their dormitories after a long night of studying and hushed whispering of passwords was not an unfamiliar sound at this time of night. Pictures were left empty as their residents wandered away out of frame and the castle slowly went to sleep, except for the prefects. As the sun went down, the prefects got up to do nightly patrols to make sure no students were up past curfew, each house prefect patrolled their own areas around their relative commonrooms to catch any wrong doers, not that they were many.

Tonight was your turn, patrolling the basement level and the kitchen corridor around the Hufflepuff dorm room, waiting for anything exciting to happen yet you knew it never would. Hufflepuffs always had a strong moral code and a clear right from wrong, every single patrol you carried out during Fifth year when you were appointed prefect you never caught a single person, now part way into sixth year still not once incident had occurred.

Yet, for some reason, every patrol you had ended up with a certain Slytherin prefect following you around, Five. Five was unusual to say the least, he was a well respected and slightly feared student, cunning and determined, he had a close knit clique of fellow pure blood slytherins, yet for some reason out of everyone in the whole of the castle, he had a soft spot for you. Even though he’d never show it in front of others, during the light of the day he’d sneak in side glances and small smiles, especially in the first few years making sure no comments came your way about your muggle parents or your upbringing.

Exactly on queue, a familiar sound of footsteps echoed down the staircase leading to you corridor only to stop short at the last step. A small ‘lumos’ echoed throughout the quiet hallway before Fives head pops into view, checking it was actually you there before a large smile breaking on his face as he walked into view. “Hey.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be on patrol?” You smile to him as he got closer, crossing your arms over your chest.

“They know it’s me on, no one would dare try anything.” He smirks knowing he was right, striking fear into everybody, except you. His eyes soften and his tone became gentle when he was speaking with you. He’d always been like that, from your first journey on the Hogwarts express, talking the entire train journey up, secret library meeting when you both realised things weren’t as simple as just being friends. Things got difficult when blood ‘purity’ came into play, when suddenly you couldn’t be friends, which hurt.

The dimly lit hallways excentrated his features, his sharp jaw and high cheekbones cast shadows on his face and neck, yet his dimples still shone through when he smiles and breaks up the harsh exterior that he puts on. Stepping closer, you lifted your hand to run it through his hair, watching his face break out into a smile and wrap his hand around your waist. Small displays of affection weren’t uncommon between the two of you, only increasing through the years of being at Hogwarts. “I’m so glad you stopped gelling your hair back.”

“Don’t remind me.” He rolled his eyes, remembering his poor style choices of his past. You move your hand and run it down the side of his face and across his jaw, taking a second to admire him before dropping your hand.

“I’ve gotta go, my shifts nearly over.” A sad looking smile broke over his face as he slowly lowered his hand from your waist. “I’ll see you tomorrow though.” You say as you lock eyes with him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He repeated back to you. He smiled and started walking towards the stairs, just before his foot touched the first step he turned back to you. “Goodnight, y/n.”

Dueling was always one of the most exciting parts of Hogwarts, it was a welcome break from the immense workload that sixth years had to deal with. In sixth year you were expected to be able to cast non-verbal spells, a mentally challenging task where some were better than others. Over the past month your defence class had been working tirelessly on being able to cast successful non-verbal spells with the promise of having a period where you would be duelling, which was exciting for everyone involved, a chance to show your abilities and represent your house.

“I’m going to be pairing you up today,” Your teacher spoke to you all as he was stood on the dueling table, met with a grumble from the students. “With student of the same ability.” He continued, seemingly unaffected by the disappointed sounds of the sixth years. “When I call you out, both of you will come to the stage.”

Cheers and boo’s echoes throughout the room as students from different houses duled, light flying from wands as students desperately tried to conjure spells without speaking, some pulling through well where others barely being able to produce anything at all. Tension rose throughout the room as more people slowly got paired off, everyone wondering who would be the next pair.

“Y/n and Five.”

Smiling, you walk up to the stage and face Five, seeing a small smile emerge from his stern expression. Wands at the ready, you wait for the call to start from the teacher, already knowing your strategy. The air turned heavy and the room turned quite as everyone was ready to watch the duel, you were both the highest achieving students in the class and people were eager to see who would be the best.

Then it started, Five casting the first spell only to have you deflect it, causing a gasp to echo through the room. You knew it would be a risky move to cast a spell that hadn’t been taught, a spell that wasn’t even in the curriculum. It was the only way you had ever found deflecting a spell without having the spell hit your opponent, Five was stunned for a second before hitting back with another spell, only for you to deflect it again and again and again. Waiting for a hesitation from Five to strike and then you got it, a gap in his relentless spell casting when he took a second too long to think about his next spell. 

Before he could blink, he was thrown to the floor with his wand flying out of his hand as you hit him with expelliarmus. Cheers erupted from students interspersed with nasty comments from the Slytherin students, you walk over to Five who was winded from his fall on the floor. Offering your hand he goes to take it before hesitating, under the watchful eyes of his Slytherin clique he lowered his hand and picked himself up, brushing down his robes. 

“Right!” Your teacher stood up on the stage with you and Five. “Class is dismissed, remember to keep practicing these non-verbal spells.” Your eyes never left Five as your teacher spoke, you felt a stinging sensation wash over your eyes accompanied by a throbbing in your chest at his actions. You shook your head and turned away, unable to keep looking at him without bursting into tears. 

“I need you to stay behind.” He turned to you, giving you a stern look only to soften when he saw you in near tears. Slowly, everyone left the room, either going to the library or commonrooms to await their next lesson due to the early finish. Closing your eyes, you gently tapping the lids with your fingertips to try and ease the stinging feeling, you take a deep breath before re-opening your eyes.

“Am I in trouble?” You say as you sit on the side of the duelling stage, legs swinging as you play with your hands.

“Not exactly,” He sighs, sitting in a chair facing you. “Where did you learn that?”

So you start to explain, lying as you went, as you explained you started to immediately regret even casting the spell in the first place. In fourth year you were spending a late night in the library, trying to find any books to help you excel in your classes, you had piles of books in front of you and then one book you opened had sheets of parchment paper interspersed with the other pages filled with spells that weren’t on the curriculum. It was filled with defence spells, jinxes, curses and more, it had been your guide ever since you found it. This, however, was not what you explained to him, simply saying you were doing some reading and found it and were unable to find the book again.

You could tell he didn’t believe you, but sensed that he wouldn’t delve too far into your story. “You can’t pull anything like that again,” He looked at you for a response so you just nodded. “I won’t go any further with this, you can go.”

The rest of the day went slowly, doing everything in your might to avoid Five, you had been patient with him all these years and him not even wanting to let you pull him up because of his little gang looking at him hurt, it stung. You know he’s loyal to his house but after 6 years of always hiding and sneaking around you just couldn’t bare it anymore, couldn’t bare the fact that Five had let this wizarding class war consume him.

Post day was always fun, hundreds of owls flying into the great hall and dropping off post from friends and family at home, some received letters while others got large packages sent in. Bruce was your barn owl, he was large, brown and robust, he would usually reside on your parents farm, being well loved and looked after by your whole family whilst you were away but always knew when you needed him in the castle.

In he came, swooping down with a letter tied to him and landing elegantly in front of you. Petting him with one hand while the other unties the letter, excited chatter filled the room as most other people were doing the exact same thing, wondering what their loved ones had sent them. Carefully opening the letter, trying not to tear the envelope, your eyes scan over the hand-written letter, smiling at all the information that was written in great detail.

At the very bottom they’d attached a photograph of them all together smiling, along with your dog and a few other animals they all looked after. As you were smiling and showing your friends you felt it get pulled out of your hand; turning around, you were met with one of Fives Slytherin friends waving your photo around, calling on his friends.

“Ere’ give it back.” Getting up, you try and swipe it from his hands only for him to hold it higher, scrunching it as he did.

“What are you going to do about it, mudblood-” Before he could finish his sentence the photo was snatched out of his hand by Five, lightly tapping it with his wand and the photo returned to pristine condition before handing it back to you with a small smile.

“Behave.” Five said to him, pulling him away from your table and back to theirs. A smile snuck onto your face as you sat back down, Five had never done anything like that outside the darkness of the library or the nightly patrols, let alone in front of his friends. 

Then, very slowly, he started to actively integrate himself into your life, talking to you in class, helping each other with homework after classes and even sitting with you at lunch on a regular basis. Building up your trust for him again, building up your friendship publically even with all the snide comments other people gave him, he ignored them all for you.

As winter rolled round, snow dusted the castle and surrounding areas as if it was a cake getting doused in icing sugar about to be presented for a meal. Cold nipped at your noses as you made the trek into Hogsmeade, students rushing to buy last minute presents for loved ones before christmas break as well as a stream of students flocking to the Three Broomsticks to get their last sips of butterbeer before the train journey home.

The Three Broomsticks was so full that students were being turned away, it was bursting at the brim with some students even even sharing chairs. The atmosphere was buzzing with excited students, conversations so loud that you couldn’t even hear yourself think. Five and yourself had been lucky, opting to come to the pub first thing then doing your christmas shopping, finding a small booth hid in the corner.

“So are you excited to go home?” He was wrapped up in a hoodie and jacket, a discarded hat and scarf lying on the table, leaving him with flushed cheeks and tousled hair. 

“I ain’t going home,” You say, taking a sip of butterbeer. “I never have, I’d have to get the muggle train back north, costs around 100 quid each way.” You tap your fingers against the half empty glass. “Canny afford it.” 

“You’ve never gone home for christmas?” Sadness was present in his eyes as he locked them with yours but you just shrugged.

“It’s not that bad, it’s like, my sixth year staying so everyone is just used to me now, I get to phone home and they basically give me access to the kitchen and all the teachers who stay put on interest lessons and such.” A breeze caused you to shiver, wrapping you jacket tighter around you. “I also help with the animals.”

Upon seeing you shiver Five leant over the table to wrap his scarf around your neck before gently tucking a strand of hair behind your ear; the small display of public affection causing you to blush. Once you’d finished your drinks you head into town, looking down the alleys for all the little shops you could find, looking for the perfect gifts for your family, asking a slightly unenthusiastic Five for a second opinion and just receiving a series of raised eyebrows or nods of his head. 

Taking your time to walk back to the campus, Fives hand had found its way into yours, swinging your entwined fingers as you went. As the large castle came into view a bittersweet feeling washed over you, knowing that Five and everyone else would be leaving for the holidays tomorrow while you stayed at the castle. Even if the empty hallways felt like home there was always a pang in your chest on christmas morning, even if it did ease off during the day whilst sat round with friends and teachers, it still made your chest throb.

Joy was evident in the great hall, everyone talking loudly and laughing with their friends knowing they won’t be seen for the next two weeks, an exchange of gifts and cards being passed around. Slowly, everyone faded out to the dining hall, getting ready to get on the Hogwarts express home, you passed around hugs and goodbyes as your friends left the common room, all of them leaving cards and parcels by your bed and made you swear not to open them until christmas day. 

All morning you were looking around for Five but were never able to see him and as everyone left for the station you were convinced he had gone. Defeated, you walk through the empty hallways to the great hall for the regular meeting where the staff discuss the rules with the rest of you who had stayed behind. You heard a voice call your name behind you, quickly turning around, you see him. “Five?”

“They needed a male prefect to stay on campus,” He says as he gets closer, grin covering his face. “So I volunteered.” Instead of answering you just throw yourself at him, embracing him in your arms. His arms instantly wrap around your figure, resting his chin on the top of your head.

“Thank you, Five.”

[snakebites-22]

My Favorite Color is You

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A/N: This is my first Peter Parker fic and first fic on this site. I really hope you like it and feedback is welcome but don’t be a bully please. Thank you @dreamofaprilsblog​ for the prompts “Do you need to go to the hospital?” and soulmate AU. Sorry for this being a day late, but I hope you still enjoy it anyways. 

Warnings: fire, almost mugging, burns, hospitals, slight angst, petty teenagers, mentions of a person being followed (comment if there’s anything else I should add)

Word Count: 3175

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Summary: Peter Parker is very desperate to find you, his soulmate. He’s looked for you in every person he makes eye contact with. Guys, girls, he’s looked for you in everyone. Well, one fateful patrol leads him to discover his new favorite color. 

Side note: I tried to make this as gender inclusive as possible so I used “they” to describe the reader’s pronouns, but just imagine your own whenever “they” is used if it isn’t your pronoun. Peter is bi in this story. If there is a point where I accidentally specify a gender please let me know so I can fix it. Enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter knew about soulmates. He’s read about them in books, learned about famous soulmates in class, and even heard about them in real time from people lucky enough to find theirs. He, of course, was not that lucky. Stupid Parker luck. He knew from what he’s heard and learned that the world actually isn’t dull shades of gray with black and white, but it actually had color. Real vibrant colors like red and purple and green, things his brain didn’t have the capacity to imagine. He knew that all it took was eye contact with the right person to change his world. Too bad he hadn’t found those eyes just yet. 

He was sitting on top of a random apartment building while on his usual nightly patrol bored out of his freaking mind. There just wasn’t anything good tonight. He helped a little girl get her kite down from a tree and one man needed help catching his dog who had gotten off his leash, and yeah he was a cute dog, but he could be doing something better. He could be finding you. Of course, he didn’t know who you were yet. Just a bright, beautiful figment of his imagination, and his heart ached for you. Was that even possible? To long for someone he wasn’t even sure existed? Well, guess it is because he’s living proof of the pitiful feeling. 

A loud yell shook him from his depressing thoughts and he jumped up quickly. 

“Finally,” he muttered with a small grin as he shot a web in the direction the yell had come from. He swung as quickly as his agile body allowed and soon landed down on the pavement in front of an alleyway. He looked around cautiously and could feel the prickling sensation that was his Peter t- Spider Sense. It was his Spider Sense. He shook his head a bit and tried to remain focused as he crept down the dark passage. 

 “I don’t want any trouble, lady,” Peter heard a low voice hiss from the gloom. “Just want whatever cash and shit you got on ya. Don’t be a bitch about it.” 

Peter scowled and kept walking until he was able to make out two figures in the dim light the street lamps provided. A young woman, maybe late teens or early twenties, was pinned up against a wall while a man who was obviously older stood before her, a small knife in his right hand. 

Peter sighed softly. “Y’know,” he started as the criminal dude jumped. “If you want money you should probably just get a job like a normal person. I hear the Burger King down the street is hiring.” 

The guy quickly turned around and tried to slash at Spider-Man with the knife which the boy effortlessly ducked and grabbed his assailant's arm, twisting just enough that he dropped his knife. The man grunted in pain and swung at him again, but Spider-Man dodged and countered with a kick to the man’s abdomen. The force of the kick sent him flying back into the opposite alley wall and before he had time to even look up, the young hero webbed him to the dirty brick. 

“Karen?” Peter whispered softly.

“The police are on their way Peter. Good job,” the AI responded.

Peter smiled beneath the mask. “Hey, thanks.” 

The boy turned around to see the girl still standing against the wall, breathing deeply. His heart jumped a bit as he realized that she was about his age, and also very pretty. Try as he might to keep it down, hope surged in his chest as he made his way over to her. 

“Excuse me, miss? Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?” He asked quickly as he did a small glance over her.

“No, I believe I’m alright. Thank you Spider-Man,” she breathed out. 

She slowly looked up at him and Peter looked into her eyes and-

Nothing… they remained a light grey color just like the rest of his surroundings. He couldn’t help the small disappointed sigh that left his lips before he forced himself into a smile. 

“That’s good. I’m glad. Um… do you live far from here? I could walk you home if you want.” 

The girl shook her head and gave him a tiny, hesitant smile. “My car is right down the street. I was walking there so that I could get to the library where my girlfriend is probably waiting for me when that guy grabbed me. Speaking of her, I should probably get going. Thank you again.” She smiled hesitantly and waved to him before walking away and taking out her phone, probably to call this girlfriend. 

Peter sighed again and watched her to make sure she got to her car before looking back at the man webbed to the wall. “Does everyone have a soulmate except for me?” he questioned without really expecting an answer. Nevertheless, the almost mugger shrugged anyway. 

Peter scowled before jumping up and climbing the alley wall. He stood on the roof and waited there until the police arrived to take the guy into custody, and once they were gone so was Spider-Man. 

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

Peter entered his bedroom through the open window and crawled along his ceiling until he was over top of his loft bed. Looking over his shoulder to make sure he didn’t accidentally fall onto the floor, which definitely didn’t happen a lot, he let go and flopped onto the bed with a huff. He tugged his mask off of his head and tossed it over the side in a fit of petty anger. 

May, who must have heard him come in, opened the door and gazed up at him. “Long night?” she asked softly to which Peter just shrugged, not in the mood to really talk to anyone. 

“Well, I got us some Chinese food if you’d like it.” Peter heard the door creak behind her as she turned around and walked back towards the rest of the house. He would have preferred to stay in bed, but the incessant growling of his stomach said no, causing him to get up. After changing out of his suit annoyedly, he went out and joined his aunt. 

Aunt May was sitting at their small dinner table with a plate of chow mein, glancing at the TV which was playing the news report of the latest Spidey save. Peter walked over and sat down in his usual seat across from her. When she looked up at him, she smiled sadly.

“I got you some dumplings and noodles. Also they gave me, like, a ton of fortune cookies. I don’t know who needs sixteen fortune cookies, but apparently it’s us.”

“You counted?” Peter asked with a little chuckle.

“Hey. That many fortune cookies needs to be counted,” May retorted with a smile as she saw her nephew laugh. 

They both began eating, Peter slow at first but then diving in once he realized exactly how hungry he was. 

Once they finished eating, Peter helped pack up the leftovers and clean the dishes. As he loaded the dishwasher, Aunt May asked softly, “what’s on your mind tonight? The guy you fought?” 

Peter shook his head and sighed. He finished loading the dishwasher before turning to Aunt May to answer. “No I just… how old were you when you met Uncle Ben? And found out he was your soulmate?” 

Aunt May looked slightly taken aback by this question and pursed her lips a little. She always did that whenever Ben was brought up. “I was 23, I think. Yeah… yeah somewhere around that age. We met at this resort one summer. That’s also where your mom and dad met.” She smiled a little at the memory and Peter watched her with slight pain behind his eyes. “God, when all four of us saw color for the first time, well, we were so surprised of course, but it was really, really amazing. Why do you ask?” 

“I just… nothing. Just curious,” Peter answered with a tight smile. “I think I’m gonna head to bed now. Tired. From the fight.” 

Aunt May nodded and Peter trotted back to his room. Before he reached the door, he heard her call to him from the kitchen. “You’ll find your soulmate Peter. I know it feels like forever and you just want to meet them now, but I promise you’ll find them soon.” Peter glanced back at her before walking into his room without saying another word. 

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

The next couple of days were a consistent and normal blur. Peter had school, then patrol, then repeat the next day. Everywhere he went he looked around for his soulmate. At one point, this really cute curly haired boy walked past him and he felt his heart skip a beat as he looked into his dark eyes, but nothing again. He sighed in disappointment as the taller boy walked away from him, leaving him to continue his stupid quest. 

That had happened two days ago. Now, Spider-Man was patrolling the city, swinging between buildings. It was a relatively quiet night. He helped this one kid find his mom when he got separated from at a park, and he also walked a young woman back to her apartment because she thought she was being followed. After double checking, it didn’t look like she was, but then again that was probably because the shithead saw Spider-Man and turned around. But all-in-all, it was very quiet and chill. That is, until the explosion happened.

Spider-Man quickly started swinging in the direction the loud sound came from, wondering what the hell that was about. It didn’t take him long to find it. A restaurant he happened to pass by a lot was burning up in giant, pale flames. He jumped down and quickly ran inside the burning building. 

There was fire everywhere. The heat crashed against him like a ferocious wave. It reminded him so much of his fight with the Vulture that he hesitated a second before continuing to run inside. It looked like most of the people had already gotten out or were running for the exits. 

“That way over there,” Spidey yelled to the people running past him. “Is anyone else still in here?” He called out as he ran further into the building. Weak coughing came as a reply. Someone ran up to him and grabbed him while coughing viciously into their arm. 

“Spider-Man,” the person said in harsh breaths. “Please you, you have to help. The back room. My friend－” 

“I’ll get to them. Get yourself to safety.”

They nodded and ran out the building while the young hero ran in the direction the person had gestured to. He could still hear the weak coughing from earlier, but now he was hearing a tiny “help” and “please” that made his heart ache. He dodged out of the way of falling debris and hissed in pain when he backed into a burning metal rod from an overturned table. Still, he pressed on until he reached the backroom. 

The smoke was immense. From the damage it looked like this was the epicenter of the explosion. 

“Hello?” he yelled over the roar of the fire. He wasn’t sure if he could even be heard over everything, but a weak call answered him. 

“O-over here.”

Spider-Man jumped over more burning debris as he frantically looked around. His eyes widened when he finally saw them. A figure lay trapped beneath a large chunk of wood that had once been the ceiling. They looked badly burned and were coughing harshly and breathing in rough, raspy breaths. 

He ran over to them and started to lift up the wood despite the burning in his hands, causing the person below to cry out. Spidey yelled in pain as he managed to lift the debris off of them and throw it to the side. 

He quickly crouched down to look at the person he just rescued, and he was met with the most beautiful pair of e/c orbs to ever exist. His jaw dropped as he quickly ripped off his mask, his mask that was now the most vibrant and bright shade of a color he had only ever heard about. He looked back at you, your eyes impossibly wide as you choked out a small, “you?”

Peter nodded. “Me..let me lift you up okay?” You nodded a tiny bit and whimpered loudly as Peter gently wrapped his arms underneath your battered body, lifting you up into his chest. He winced a little from the pain in his hands and his back, but he pulled his mask back on before running out of the now rapidly collapsing building. 

The fire was so much brighter now. Reds and oranges and yellows. He could see the burning blue curtains hanging in the window. The shades of green and brown and the colorful painting on the wall that were all turning to black and grey ash. How horrifyingly beautiful.

He ran over to where the ambulances were parked and looked around frantically as he saw the EMTs and paramedics treating people and getting the most badly hurt people on stretchers and into the vehicles. 

“Do you need to go to the hospital?” He heard from behind him. He turned around and saw a paramedic looking at him. 

“N-No no but they do,” Spidey stated as he held you tightly to his chest. Your eyelids were nearly closed and your breathing was ragged. 

The paramedic quickly called her team over and they gently took you from his arms. They laid you out on the stretcher and got to work on getting you on a breathing mask and looking at your wounds. His breath caught in his throat as he began to clearly see how bad your wounds were. Harsh red burns covered your skin, especially your lower body where the wood had pinned you down. 

For a moment it was so hard to focus, the sirens and yelling was overwhelming, the bright lights were blinding him, the heat was still so immense, he could hear your heart and your breath so impossibly loud, and just all the colors－

It was all so much he almost didn’t notice the team taking the stretcher you were on away into an ambulance. Taking you away into the ambulance. Away from him. He was not having any of that. They were not taking you away when he just finally found you. Your gorgeous eyes looked at him with fear and desperation as they rolled you away. 

“Wait!” he cried as he followed after them. “Wait please you have to let me come with you. I have to go with them.” 

“Are you family?” an EMT asked him with a puzzled expression. 

“No no I-I’m not but－”

“We’re only allowing family to－”

“I’m their soulmate!” He shouted. “Please. Please don’t take them from me.” 

After a moment, just one single moment where Peter could feel his chest constricting and he could sense your eyes on him and his heart was beating way too fast, the EMT nodded and Spidey joined them in the ambulance. 

He sat down beside your stretcher and gently took your hand. He stared into your eyes that had started to fill with tears, and he very lightly gave your fingers a squeeze despite the sting in his own hand. You offered him the tiniest smile, and then the ambulance drove off, taking both of you with it. 

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

It had been several hours. You were now laying in a hospital bed with all of your burns bandaged and your wounds attended to as Peter sat in a chair beside you, his own burns taken care of as well. 

Aunt May had stopped by earlier to check on him and also see you. They talked a bit about all of the colors. How bright they were or how dull they were and how your eyes were his new favorite color because, God, how could one thing be so beautiful? However, he couldn’t see your eyes now as you slept peacefully. Instead, he was staring in fascination at the Spider-Man suit. He really went around in such a bright red and blue suit? How has he not been shot and killed yet?

He was shaken out of these thoughts by the sound of the bed sheets rustling. He quickly looked up and was met by his favorite color. He smiled widely and sat up straighter as you offered him a tiny smile. 

“Hi,” he breathed out. 

“Hi,” you whispered back. 

You both stared at one another for a moment that was both awkward and yet somehow comforting. You cleared your throat a tiny bit before murmuring, “Can I have a drink?”

“Drink? Oh uh yeah of course, sorry.” Peter quickly sprang up to get you a glass of water from the water dispenser over in the corner. He walked back over and carefully raised the glass to your lips, your hand coming up to gently rest over his and he would be a huge liar if he said he didn’t blush as red as his suit. 

He set the empty glass down on the bedside table and sat back down in his seat, pulling it a tiny bit closer to your bed. 

“So,” you began softly. “Spider-Man is my soulmate?”

“Yeah, I guess so,” he laughed softly. “My name’s Peter. Parker.”

“Y/n,” you answered. 

He smiled one of the biggest smiles that he’s ever smiled before. It was one of those where it leaves your cheeks aching afterwards. 

“What?” you asked, an eyebrow raised.

He shook his head quickly, his curls bouncing along his hairline. “Nothing just… your name is so perfect. You’re perfect.” 

“You found me in the pits of hell and you’re going to call me perfect? You’re an angel.”

He definitely did not blush at that statement. Nope. Not Peter Parker. 

He laughed a little and looked at you adoringly. He could already tell he was the luckiest guy alive. 

“So, uh, I should probably ask this just to um make it official and all of that,” Peter mumbled after a moment. “Would you like to go out sometime? I mean, obviously once we’re both healed and everything. And… afterwards maybe be my significant other?” 

You laughed a little and Peter felt his face fall and his inside twist up in nervousness. Did he do something wrong? What was happening?

“Yeah, of course. I’d love to go out with you Peter Parker.” 

He beamed widely at you as you smiled back. You both sat for a few minutes in silence and at some point Peter had taken your hand and was gently rubbing circles into it and you both were talking about absolutely anything, but mostly about all the new colors when a nurse walked in. 

“Excuse me, your parents are here. Shall I send them in?”

Peter’s eyes widened as you turned to look at him with a smirk.

“Ready to meet my parents?”

Fuck. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tagging some people who will hopefully like this: @soft-petey​ @quaksvn @itslokes @tommysparker @greenorangevioletgrass @lxilahm @holland-mendes-always-forever @thespydersargon @angel-spidey @angel-holland @th0ttie4tommy @tonguetiedholland @follow-tom-holland-is-spiderman @tcny-stcrks @spideyyeet​ @spider-starry​ @bitchass-slytheriny-snake​ @dreamofaprilsblog

(Redid the tags cuz apparently they didn’t work)

If you want to be added to my taglist or removed just comment and I’d be happy to do so <3

[imherongraystairstrash]

The Broken Hearts Part 5!!

I feel like I publish a new chapter once a millennia, so I don’t think many people are going to read it, but if you’re still here, I thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ BUT, because I never publish, I made sure that this chapter was extra long! Happy New Year!!

“ELLIE!” 

Ella felt her entire body jolt awake. 

“Lucie? What are you doing here?”

“I came as soon as I heard! How could I stay in Idris when there is trouble here?”

“What about your children,” Ella said, blinking away sleep. “Did you bring them?”

“I wanted to, but Jesse said it was ‘unsafe’ for them to be here. So we left them with Gideon and Sophie.”

Ella sat up and tried to blink away her sleepiness. 

“What time is it?”

“It’s almost noon, you lazy bum. You must get up.”

“We stayed up late.”

“Everyone else is awake.” 

Ella grunted. “I’ll be down in a minute.”

...

Ella walked into the breakfast parlor and slumped down next to James, who was reading over some papers. His daughter, Caspara, was on his lap, gurgling and talking to James, even though she hasn’t said her first words yet. Caspara always seemed to be talking either to herself or others, though what she was trying to say, no one will ever know. 

“Hulloooo!” Ella said, crossing her eyes at Caspara. “How’s my favorite Herondale niece?”

Caspara giggled and stretched her hands out to her. Ella gave her one of her fingers and Caspara was quiet, leaning back against James’ chest and holding Ella’s finger in her hand. 

“There she is! Our Sleeping Beauty!” Lucie said, fake swooning as she strolled into the parlor.

“Honestly Lu, couldn’t you wake me normally?” Ella said referring to her morning scare. 

“Normal? I refuse to be associated with that vulgar word.”

“Lucie, stop terrorizing your poor sister.” Jesse said, coming from behind Lucie.

“Thank you, Jesse.” Ella said, grabbing a piece of toast.

Lucie slumped into the nearest chair. “You are no fun.”

Jesse rolled his eyes. “You should have thought of that before you brought me back from the dead.”

“Please do not discuss your resurrection this early in the morning.” James said, his face in his hands.

Ella looked at him and then at Lucie. She shrugged and gave her a face that suggested she thought James was being dramatic. Ella giggled.

“Are you two staying here long?” She asked Lucie and Jesse, who no doubt portaled in from Idris this morning.

“We don’t think so.” Lucie said. “Eva and Adeline should not be left in Gideon and Sophie’s home for extended periods of time for they might get too comfortable with them and begin acting out.”

“They take after their mother.” Jesse said.

Lucie glared at him. “As they should. Imagine having children like Jesse. What an absolute bore.”

Had Lucie and Jesse’s relationship not thrived on their bickering, Ella would have called a decorum. Instead she enjoyed the show for a while longer before turning to her brother. 

“What are you reading, Jamie?” Ella asked, looking over his shoulder. 

“He won’t tell us.” Lucie said.

Ella frowned. “Why not?”

“Because Sherlock Holmes likes to work alone.” Lucie said, conveying her annoyance with her tone of voice. 

James glared at Lucie. “I’ll tell you, Ella.” Lucie gasped and up a hand to her chest. James continued speaking as though she’d done nothing. “I’m reading over the institute records. Maybe we are all overreacting and last night was just a power outage.”

Ella nodded and looked at her cereal. She didn’t want to remind James of the cruel voice that haunted her dreams last night, the one that spoke before the power went out. James and Cordelia were clearly worried enough. 

So instead, she had breakfast with her siblings and niece. She’d figure it out later.

…

“Hullo Ben!” Jesper Carstairs said cheerfully, “We’re going to the institute and were told to pick you up.”

Ben looked at him through squinted eyes. “That sounds oddly vague. You are not going to abduct me, are you?” 

“Of course not.”

Had the idea of Jesper Carstairs abducting Benjamin Penhallow—who was a good five centimeters taller than the former— not been so absurd, Ben probably would not have taken Jesper’s word.

But it was, so Ben obliged.

“Who’s ‘we’re’” Ben asked, referring to Jesper’s earlier statement. 

“Oh, right. The Fairchilds are meeting us coming with us.” Jesper smiled. “Look, they’re right there about to cross that street. TILDY!” He called.

Matilda whirled around. “Stop calling me that!” 

Jesper smiled. “She loves that pet name.”

…

“What does it mean?!” Ella exclaimed, slamming her head against her open book on the table. Said book was on demon attacks in the past.

Alex was sprawled upside-down from the edge of the sofa, bouncing a rubber ball on the wall and catching it with fluid expertise. 

“Will you stop bouncing that bloody ball?” Ella said, after what felt like the fiftieth time he’d chucked it against the wall.

“You kiss your mother with that mouth?”

“I am trying to think, Alex. Something you have no experience with.”

Ella caught his ball before Alex could and sat on it. Alex stuck his tongue out at her.

“You are both children.” Said Jesper from where he sat on the floor entertaining baby Caspara, who Ella had taken with her to the library after breakfast. 

“Oh, the irony.” Jocelyn said, not looking up from her book.

“Should we be concerned about this? The blackout, I mean.” Alex asked, sliding down to the floor. Caspara laughed and stretched out her hands for Alex to pick her up.

“I don’t know. It seems like a pathetic threat to me. But maybe that’s because we grew up around danger.”

“I think I agree with Ella, but I also don’t think we should ignore it. However unthreatening the message may have been, we shouldn’t just ignore it before we have a few answers.” Ben said.

The others nodded in agreement before they all fell silent again, reading or thinking.

“Wait a minute, look at this.” Matilda said from where she was seated. “There’s a demon that can supposedly ‘create’ darkness.”

Ella felt her eyes widen. She pushed past Alex and sat down next to Matilda. Soon, the six (well, seven if you counted Caspara, who was giggling in Alex’s arms) shadowhunters were all crowded around her, peering at the book. 

“In Islam, they use this expression: Iblīs al-Qadīm. It translates to ‘The Ancient Iblis.”

“Iblis. Like, the common Iblis demon? Yes, they do leave darkness where they go, but enough to immerse the entire institute?”

“Perhaps this is a different type of Iblis. From a different realm; a distant cousin of the standard Iblis demon we would find on patrol.”

“We should ask an inside source.” Ella said.

Suddenly, all of the shadowhunters were staring at Alex Lightwood. 

Alex furrowed his eyebrows before he realized why they were staring.

“Hell no.”

“Alex, come on.”

“How do we know they have the same tastes in men?”

“You have a dark charm.”

“No.” Alex said, scooting away. “My brother, Christopher, has a dark charm.”

“Alex, Iblis demons love you.”

“They begged for you to be the one to kill them last year, when we cornered them.” Jesper said.

“Those Iblis demons love them some Lightwood-Herondale boys.”

Alex looked exasperated. “Let me get this straight, you want me to seduce these ‘new’ Iblis demons to get information on what happened?”

“Precisely.” Ella said. 

Alex sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to win the argument. “Even if I did agree to this, which I do not, how would we even go about attracting their attention?”

“You might want to leave that to be.” Jocelyn said with a devil’s smirk.

…

“I hate this.” Alex said. 

“You’re doing great, darling.” Ella called from above.

“I hate this.” He repeated.

“Alex.” Alex looked up at where Jesper was calling him from. “Do it for the ladies.”

“Shut your face, Carstairs.”

“They’re coming! Everybody hide.”

Alex turned to a pillar in the empty warehouse. 

“Not you, Alex!” Ella hissed. “Get back on your mark.”

Alex frowned and stood on the “X” Ella had drawn on the floor of the abandoned building. 

At that moment, Matilda came in sprinting and jumping along the walls, tailed by an Iblis demon.

“You’re dead, little girl. You have no idea what kind of enemy you get ma— Oh, what have we here?”

Alex cleared his throat. He tried to lean against a pillar casually. “Hello there.” He said, trying and failing to sound seductive. 

“How is this boy Anna Lightwood’s brother?” Jocelyn whispered, her face in her hands.

The Iblis demon, however, looked closer at Alex before swooning. “A Lightwood.”

“It said Lightwood with pure…I-bliss.” Jesper said, laughing silently at his joke.

“Idiot,” Ella said with a smirk.

“Lightwood boy, what brings you to these parts?” The Iblis demon inquired.

“I’ve come in hopes for a favor.”

The Iblis demon looked delighted. “What will you give me in return? A kiss?!”

Alex cringed, “No, not a kiss. That’s how my grandfather Benedict killed my grandmother and got turned into a worm.”

“Oh, of course, I’ve seemed to have forgotten about that bloody demon pox.” The lblis demon said. 

“Consider yourself lucky.” Ella mumbled under her breath. Her father never let her forget it. She shuddered at the lecture he had given her, Alex and Jesper when they were thirteen. Ella had seen brighter days than those. 

Alex cleared his throat. “In return, I grace you with my presence.”

The Iblis demon licked it’s lips, “Sounds good to me.”

Alex shifted uncomfortably. 

“I was wondering… Erm, do I call you Iblis?”

“Call me ‘darling’.”

“I think I’ll call you Iris.”

The demon gushed. “My very own pet name! My sisters will be dead with jealousy!”

Alex looked at Ella, confused. Ella gestured at him to keep talking. 

“Erm, alright then. I was wondering if you knew of any other Iblises?”

“Ibli”

“Right. Ibli coming into this dimension?”

“Hm, I can’t say I do.”

“Oh.” Alex said, making a show of looking disappointed.

“Wait!” The Iblis called. “I think I may know something about a distant relative of us Ibli coming a couple of days back.”

Alex smiled uneasily. “Fascinating!” By the Angel, he’s a horrendous actor. Ella thought.

“And, do you by any chance, know if they’re powerful?”

The Iblis hissed, “that they are. But my species of Iblis is much better. We are more civilized. Why, these Ibli are so easily manipulated and would do just about anything to please their master.”

Master?

“Is it always the same master?” Alex asked.

“No, it can be anyone.”

“Interesting. And do you think these Ibli, theoretically, could make all of the lights of the institute, let’s say, go out?”

“Of course.”

“Even if demons aren’t allowed to enter hallowed grounds?”

“These Ibli can do it from a distance.”

That was all the information Ella needed. She got up from her crouched position along the ceiling beams and unsheathed her seraph blade. She stepped forward, only to get pulled backwards.

“What the heck, Carstairs?”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to kill the Iblis.”

“You can’t kill Iris.”

“Who?”

“The Iblis.”

“Well, I’m not going to let her kill my parabatai.”

“Hey,” Ben said. “Don’t assume Iris's gender.” 

“I’m not going to let Iris kill my parabatai.” Ella mended and jumped off the ceiling beam.

“Say, where’s that purple-eyed brother of yours?” The Iblis demon asked Alex, seconds before Ella’s blade plunged into it’s heart.

…

“That was a bit ruthless.”

“Would you rather it kidnap you and make you it’s husband?”

“We could have reached a level of compromise.”

“Alright then,” Ella said, wiping her blade on the grass. “Next time, you handle the situation as you deem fit.”

“I will.”

“Fine.”

“Fine.”

The other’s heads whipped back and forth as the parabatai brawled. 

Ella stared at them, “don’t you have something better to do?”

“No, we really don’t.” Said Jesper.

Alex rolled his eyes. “Let’s just get out of here and figure out what we’re going to do next. I don’t like the feeling of this place.”

Jesper made a joke about what Alex had just said while Ella fell into the back of the line with Ben and Matty.

“What do you make of this?”

Ella shrugged, “I’m not one for solving riddles.”

Ben furrowed his eyebrows. “Iris said that it shouldn’t have been a spontaneous attack; though you may not like it, Ella, I can’t help but think that Owen disappearing was more than a mere coincidence.”

“I’ll have to agree with Ben.” Matty said, “It’s not like Owen to run off like that.”

Ella didn’t want to think about what had taken her nephew, not one bit.

“Who would do such a thing?” Ella asked.

“Somebody with a grudge against your family.”

Jesper, Alex and Jocelyn stopped joking around and laughing and turned to the others.

“A grudge against the Herondales?” Jocelyn asked.

Ben shook his head. “A grudge against the Grays.”

“Belial.” Ella whispered.

“Why would they attack Ella’s family and not Belial himself? No offense to your family, El, but why bother attacking the Herondales when Belial has made it clear he doesn’t care about them?” Jesper said.

“Because they are important to him. Don’t you remember?  He could have possessed James, and walked earth again, had he let him.” Matty said.

Ben nodded. “The Herondales have the ability to grant him freedom.”

“Well, this is just wonderful.” Jesper’s tone dripped sarcasm. “How many enemies must Belial have? A thousand? A million? How will we ever find who's behind this?”

They were all silent for a moment.

“Oh,” Alex said, more to himself than anyone else. “It might not be that hard.”

“What do you mean?” Matilda asked. 

“Lesser demons don’t have the mental capacity to orchestrate something like this. What happened yesterday night, that wasn't an attack; it was a threat. Why else would someone go to the lengths of kidnapping the direct descendant of Belial, just to leave him somewhere in the institute unharmed and easily found? Moreover, why not attack all of the Nephilim? All lesser demons think about is feeding; they’re not evolved enough to feel things such as revenge. This is the work of a greater demon.”

Alex’s realization was left in the air. Nobody wanted to voice the possibility that this could be the work of a Prince of Hell. Ella exhaled. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t talk about it.

“Does anybody know of the Princes of Hell? Which ones could potentially have contact with our earth?”

Jocelyn nodded. “It can’t be Sammael, Lucifer or Lilith. They’ve been banished and will continue to be banished for many years to come.”

“We’ve collectively decided it can’t be Belial.” Jesper said.

“Mammon hasn’t come in contact with Belial for years. Azazel doesn’t really care; he’s not one to start drama. Astaroth— ” Jocelyn said. 

“What about Belphegor?” Ella interrupted quietly. 

Jocelyn furrowed her eyebrows, “There haven’t been sightings of him in over a century.”

“But is it possible for him to come back now?”

“Yes, I would think so. Why do you ask, Ella?”

Ella swallowed. “Belial met James in a realm he stole for Belphegor. Belial is the reason he hasn’t been seen in so long; he’s the one that wounded him greatly enough that he hasn’t come back yet.”

They all looked at her gravely.

“Well,” Ben said at last. “I think we have our suspect.”

Tagging: @celias @lightlady599

[vixenpen]

Caged Hearts

(((Hawks x Miku (OC)))

(Chap. 16 Prey)

Keigo and Tokoyami were perched on the roof of the large library right across from the Quirk Research Institute. Keigo was settled on the ledge while Tokoyami was leaning against the wall.

They had been there for almost an hour, and Keigo could tell the teen was growing antsy. Unfortunately, they couldn’t leave. Not yet. Keigo had a feeling he would find a missing piece to the puzzle there today.

What piece exactly? He wasn’t sure. It was just a hunch, but he needed to see it through. So the kid would just have to be bored a little while longer.

Keigo sighed, pulling his knee up to rest his cheek against and shot the avian teen a smile. Tokoyami’s keen eyes were zeroed in on the civilians below.

Keigo detached a feather and sent it to poke the teen’s beak, causing him to startle slightly.

He chuckled.

“How’s school been, kid?” Keigo asked. “Feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“It’s been good—but I must admit, nothing compares being back on the field.”

“That’s cuz it’s the best way to learn, kid. Plus you’re learnin’ from the best,” Keigo shrugged, flippantly. “Can’t beat that kind of experience.”

“Humble as always, I see.” Tokoyami rolled his eyes, the beginnings of a smile forming on his beak.

“Hey, if you got it flaunt it.” Keigo winked.

Tokoyami regarded his mentor, thoughtfully for a moment before he spoke up again.

“Hawks, I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you seem...different.”

“Different?”

“Yeah. More...vibrant. I mean, you were always an upbeat person, but I don’t know...you just seem more...invigorated.”

“Hmm...”

Did he?

A contemplative silence settled between them before Keigo finally began to speak, making sure to chose his words carefully.

“After everything that went down with MLA and the league, I sort of fell into a...” He mentally searched for a way to clean it up for his mentee.

“A dark episode?” Tokoyami offered.

“Exactly that. Without going into too much detail; even though we had won the war, I had lost a personal battle.”

Thinking about it, made Keigo’s heart ache and his head spin With regret.

“I didn’t handle it the best and isolated myself from the people who could have helped me through it. Like you, Rumi, and Yu-chan, but lately, things have been better than ever—great actually.”

Keigo thought back to his decision to go to the jazz club with his friends that night. How it had been one of the best decisions he had made in awhile. How it still felt surreal at times...to have free time to hang out with friends. Hell to even have friends...

“These past few months of my life have been some of the happiest—and the most exciting.” He confessed with an almost sheepish shrug. “So, I guess if I seem more invigorated, kid, it’s because I am.”

There was a full smile on Tokoyami’s face now.

“Well, whatever you’re doing that’s making you so happy, I hope you keep it up.”

Keigo’s mind wandered to Miku for a moment. He smiled.

“I will, kid.”

That’s when he saw it—the missing piece he was looking for.

Keigo nodded towards the young man below, expression hardening in concentration.

Tokoyami glanced in that same direction.

Keigo recognized the thin, mousy young man as Chiba Chidori, a former intern at the Quirk Research Institute.

Chiba was glancing nervously between the front doors of the lab and his surroundings—almost expectantly.

“Who is that?” Tokoyami asked, never taking his eyes off the man.

“That’s who we’ve been waiting for,” Keigo replied. “Here’s what you need to know about that guy, Tsukuyomi, his name is; Chiba Chidori. He’s in his second year at the university a few blocks away, and he used to intern at the QRI.”

“Used to?”

Keigo nodded. “Dismissed from the position.”

“So what is he doing here?”

“Lets find out, shall we?” Keigo jumped to his feet and stretched his wings, taking off towards Chiba with Tokoyami right on his tail.

“Heya Chiba-San!” Keigo exclaimed as he landed behind the fidgety young man.

“H-Hawks!” Chiba whipped around, his beady eyes widening in shock. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, you know, just patrolling the area.” Keigo shrugged, grinning back at the nervous collegiate. “Gotta give my intern here the full experience. Speakin of, this is my intern, Tsukuyomi.” He nodded to the teen.

“Oh, nice to meet you.” Chiba smiled.

Tokoyami nodded, without returning the gesture.

“I was just Uh...hoping to see Professor Horikoshi.” Chiba explained, scratching the back of his head. “I wanted to check up on everybody. Ya know, since the attack?”

He offered the information unprovoked; phrasing it as a question—almost as if he were asking for Keigo’s confirmation.

“I see,” Keigo stroked his chin. “Well did you make an appointment? Horikoshi’s a busy man, ya know? Can’t just pop up on the guy.”

Chiba’s eyes widened a bit, and he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

“Oh, yeah, I suppose your right. I should have thought about that. Guess I’ll just head back to campus, and try again some other time.”

“The university isn’t too far from here is it? We’ll walk you, we’re heading that way anyway.” Keigo offered, not leaving any room for protest.

Chiba looked uncertain, casting another glance at the door of the labs.

“Oh, um, ok.” He finally conceded.

Keigo and Tokoyami flanked Chiba on either side as they made their way down the street. Civilians did double takes to wave and gawk at the home town hero, but his gaze remained focused on Chiba.

“So Chiba-San, are you gonna be interning at the QRI again this summer?”

“Ah, n-no. I-I don’t think so—it would interfere with my studies.” Chiba explained.

“Right, right,” Keigo nodded. “I guess that’s why I thought you were at the lab, maybe inquiring about internship positions. You worked in the file bank last year didn’t you?”

“Um, yes, th-that’s right.”

“Hmm, I could imagine for a smart guy like you, that wouldn’t be the most stimulating position. Have you thought about applying to the ASR institute?”

Chiba brightened.

“I have actually! I would love to get into their program, but uh..it’s super competitive.”

“Hey man, you shouldn’t give up on it. I mean you definitely have the smarts to get in to the program. Besides, something tells me you’ll find what you’re looking for there.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the Nomu samples for one thing.” Keigo casually tossed out. He could feel Chiba’s stomach drop the minute the suggestion left his mouth.

“Wha! Why would I care about the Nomu samples?!” Chiba exclaimed, halting in his tracks to gawk at Keigo.

“I don’t know, Chiba,” Keigo stopped as well, cocking his head at the nervous young man. “Why would you?”

Keigo’s feathers thrummed with the pounding of the man’s heart. He had merely been edgy before when the two heroes first approached him, now he was scared. Cornered.

“I-I don’t know what you mean, Hawks.”

“Don’t you?”

“I-I. No! I had nothing to do with those attacks!”

“Attacks? What other attack has there been, Chiba-San? I was only referring to the one at the lab. What were you thinking about?”

Keigo had him. He cracked like an egg the minute the winged hero caught the fumble.

Chiba’s eyes darted around as if searching for an escape. Tokoyami seemed to catch on to this too, because he moved closer to the fidgeting man and so did Keigo.

His amber eyes narrowed as he placed a hand on the young man’s arm.

“I think we need to have a talk.”

Pt.17