#made them for luna but i am blanked out

[isoobie]

i have won texts collecting dust

[starlightdreaming]

Lucifer Morningstar x Reader!

Fandom: Hazbin Hotel!

Content Warning: Angst! (neglect, arguments and No comfort(?)) yeah no lol. and LONG chapter also, your name is Luna (for the plot) at first but it goes to Y/n on like the next chapter (trust)

Synopsis: You were Lucifers best friend! You were stuck together like glue until someone else came along…

Further note: I’d like to ramble on how excited i am to release this series I have like 66 pages written down in a notebook and it’s still going! this is also my first attempt at trying to ACTUALLY write something and angst specifically! so bare with me if its not good (i tried my best) Also this series is going to be called LuluLuna! I HOPE YOU ENJOYY!! :> - ✨Lolo💫

Chapters!: Chapter 1 (you are here) •<•)b ✧ Chapter 2 ✧ Chapter 3 ✧ Chapter 4 ✧ Chapter 5

(to further improve reading I recommend listening to Øneheart! (It helped me write this))

｡･:*:･ﾟMy Luna･ﾟ:｡*:･｡

To you, he was the sun.

He had always had a smile on his face, his demeanor was always so bright and he was so full of hope and dreams.

He was such a troublemaker and that’s why you exist.

from the cosmic and star dust, a little bit of the universe was made and into the Heavens, a new being was formed, you are the first and the last of your kind, it was an accidental creation they had made while creating the universe and they tried making more after such beauty you withheld, They decided to call you ‘Luna.’ Named after the moon, because you came along after they created the moon. After many failed attempts to try and make more of your kind, they gave up and moved on, focusing more on their project of creating life.

Not knowing what to do with you, they left you with the wild child of Heaven, Lucifer. After training and teaching you the ways and laws of Heaven, they tasked you to watch over and take care of Lucifer.

Lucifer was light in your eyes, he showed you all his bright ideas and dreams, his beliefs and creations, it was all so amazing to you but was also too much as your little mind couldn’t wrap much around his ideals, it was a little overwhelming to you.

“this one is named quackers! he was my first ever duck I had ever made,” He says, showing you a duck that looks a little.. unique, “So, y’know he looks a little ehhh, uhhh… deformed- but! I promise they get a LOT better.” he smiles, giving you the duck to hold as he digs in his room full of ducks in containers and chests, you just stared at the duck before squeezing it slightly as it quacks that didn’t sound like it what it should have but it made you smile nonetheless!

“So!” Lucifer says, jumping out of his duck pile, showing you his next duck, “After him, we have count ‘quack’ula or should I say, ‘qount’ ‘quack’ula,” Lucifer puns, making you giggle a little, “I made him based off my idea of a holiday called ‘Halloween!’ and I was hoping maybe they could add that in the universe of creation they’re making!” he rambles, you looked at him with your starry eyes as you listened, not a thought behind your big ol’ eyes.

“Can I maek one?” you asked, stumbling on your new language that you were trying to adjust to, “Of course! i’ll show you!” He smiled, using his alluring magic to help you begin.

all throughout both your childhood, you had both grown together and were always together through thick and thin, when he was in trouble, you were always there by his side, when he got into arguments, you were always there to comfort him and when he was in the dark, you were always there to light his way. His dreams were always seen as dangerous but to you, you thought that was what made they them more beautiful, a splash of color on a blank slate, when no one believed in his dreams, you did. Eventually, one thing led to another, his dreams were now yours too, you added onto his dreams, setting the flame all the more significantly bigger.

in your teenage years, your friendship grew into something more… you couldn’t place your finger on it but whenever you were together it all just felt… right. When you both smile at each other, there’s just something in the air that just couldn’t be explained, it was so full and warm, a fuzzy feeling that you craved more when you both held hands in the garden you both had spent time together in everything you both did. There was a tree you both napped together under, full of stars and ducks you and Lucifer had both made over the years, created for birthdays and events of such that had taken place in Heaven, even apology gifts from when you both have argued and bickers over small nontrivial matters that were long in the past.

You both had done everything you could together as kids up to your age as a young adult, centuries or eons, you never grew apart, you both were stuck to each other like glue. Now when you both brushed fingers under that same tree, admiring the scenery and the wind that rustled the leaves in the bushes and trees, you looked at each other and there was just something in both your eyes that only you both could see, you both looked away from each other, turning slightly red, there was a feeling in your stomach, like butterflies. You didn’t know what that feeling was but he did, he knew what he was feeling and he knew what he had to do.

You both shared touches and hugs that seemingly got more clingier, more intimate, that sparkle in your eyes that you both shared together made you feel so fuzzy and light, you were overwhelmed with feelings you couldn’t understand until one day by yourself, you saw into a distance, a couple sharing the same things you had with Lucifer, hand holding and close cuddles, after watching them for a while, they shared a kiss, ‘but kisses are only shared with lovers?’ you thought and that was your ticket, you were in love with Lucifer. That further proved itself when you thought of brushing your lips against his own, your face turning completely red as you scrambled and flew away to the garden. The Garden of Eden.

“Lucifer? Lucifer!” You called out to him, wanting to tell him what you had discovered from within your own heart. “I’m over here Luna!” He answered as he waved to you, signaling for you to come over, you flew towards him and landed gracefully on your feet, “Luci, I have something to tell you-“ you say brightly before being cut off, “Just wait- I have someone you should meet!” Lucifer says before he gestures a woman to come out from hiding behind a tree, her beauty was graceful and perfect, “Oh, hello.” You say more calmly. Lucifer smiled to you, “This is Lilith,” He says as he reaches his hand out for her to take, and she did, “She’s the first woman on Earth!” He says as she waves to you, you waving back with a warm smile. “The first woman?” you ask, “meaning that they finally began divine creations on Earth??” you smiled in excitement, Lucifer nodded, still holding her hand in his, “It’s so nice to meet you Lilith, my name is Luna!” You jumped as you shook her hand enthusiastically as she smiled at you awkwardly. You completely forgot about your confession when it came to meeting a new person.

You three spent so much time together, as a trio, you were more of the energetic part of the group, Lilith the calm one and Lucifer as the air-head. It was amazing at first, to finally have a new person to share interests and ideas with, you all shared laughs together under that same tree you and Lucifer had grown with, showing Lilith your stellar abilities, making stars and sentient ones too, they all danced around you as you watch Lilith’s smile grow in awe, Lucifer also showing his ideas and dreams in which you and Lucifer grew up fully believing in, Lilith now joining the same boat as you both, you all laid on the grass as you looked at the starry night sky, pointing at constellations and lining them up for Lucifer and Lilith to see them better, You all fell asleep together under that oak tree of memories.

You awaken to see both Lucifer and Lilith were gone, you got up to find them as they giggled and laughed in a distance, you yawn and rubbed your eye, “Good morning.” you say with a groggy smile, Lucifer and Lilith were leaning towards each other before facing you, “Good morning, Luna.” Lucifer says with a smile before facing Lilith again, ‘huh, usually he says mornings with hugs,’ you thought but you shrugged it off as you joined them.

Today.. was different. Usually as the three, they included you in everything but lately, you felt like you were being excluded, when you walked from place to place, Lucifer would take you by the hand but instead of you, it was Lilith, it made you feel a pit in your stomach, not one that was pleasant at all, you were always trying to catch up to them as they ran together, watching animals from the distance and giggling together, they were sharing whispers and always ignored you when you tried talking to them in your usual energetic mood, this kept happening more and more often as you felt more and more of a burden than a friend. ‘What happened to never growing apart?’ You thought as you leaned on the oak tree that held so many memories. You looked up to see Lucifer holding Lilith as he flew in the air, throwing her up gently and catching her gracefully with adoration in his eyes, the same eyes he used to look at you with, you sigh as you watch, losing motivation to try and follow along anymore, you hugged yourself as you looked at your surroundings, the tree was surrounded with stars you made and the ducks Lucifer made, now growing with flowers that blossomed pure white lilies.

Whenever you tried to invite Lucifer to hangout, he would at first but then the entire time he would just talk about Lilith, asking if she’d like this or whatnot but sooner comes to later when you would invite him to hangout and make more silly ducks with you, he declined, he actually declined for once and that- bothered you. You were dumbfounded but you got your answer when, “I’m hanging out with Lilith today.” He says with a smile before waving you off and flying away, it was always her, he chose her and never you anymore and that made you so upset, it filled you with spite and envy but, none of that mattered since you smiled at your birthday coming around the corner, he would definitely have his attention on you then! the thought made you smile as you awaited the day, sitting under the oak tree, seeing it grow more with vines and lilies, your stars seemed to have fallen on the ground as you saw the ducks were placed on the vines, your smile falling again, you didn’t bother to pick then up as you sat alone under the tree once again, waiting for the days to come and go.

✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧

You jumped out of bed after your alarm had went off, you were so excited you accidentally threw your alarm out the window, no one knows why you did that so don’t ask. Today was the day! It was your birthday but more importantly, Lucifer would finally spend time with you! You tidied yourself up with a smile plastered on your face before leaving your home, you waved and smiled at other people down the streets of Heaven, flying to the bakery to get you a cake you were eagerly waiting to share with Luci, after you had gotten everything you needed, you warped to the oak tree, setting down a picnic, hoping he would be away from Lilith for once, when you finished your set up, you could hear Luci and Lilith approaching with laughter, you turned to see them as Lucifer turned from looking at Lilith to see you, “woah is this for us?” Lucifer questioned before walking up to you, Lilith following, “yes, it’s for-“ you say trying to point out it was your birthday, “This is awesome Luna! Hey, wait! Lilith, have you ever tried cake?” He says, ignoring what you were trying to say, “oh..” you say rather quietly, thinking for a moment, ‘did he forget what was today..?’

When you pulled out the cake, he took it from you, you looked up to see neither of then facing you, you felt hurt from his actions but it looked like he didn’t seem to bother or care, you sat quietly as you watched him open the box, giving Lilith a piece of the cake to feed her with a spoon he used his ability to make it appear, you watched her eat it with a joyous smile as he spoke to her with such brightness, you couldn’t bare to watch this anymore, you snapped after you saw the sparkle in his eyes that showed so much love toward her, you stood up angrily with your wings stretched out, “What the fuck is wrong with you?” You cursed at him as they both looked at you with shock, “Do you even know what today is?” you say more saddened and hurt after he gave you a confused look, “uh, no? why?” Lucifer said, tilting his head, looking at you like you were going crazy.

“You’re so!- You’re such a-!” you stumbled upon words as you basked in anger, before flying away- away from both of them, crying your way back home, “Luna wait!” he shouted to you but hesitated to catch up to you because of Lilith.

Usually when you flew away from him after an argument or small bicker, he would have caught up to you and held you close but seeing as he didn’t for once, it showed how much he didn’t love you anymore, you cried as you hugged yourself that night, leaning against your door, the hurt you bottled up pouring and crashing out of you like the high tides of the oceans you had seen before on Earth.

✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧

You awoke late in the night, your eyes felt heavy as you sat up. You looked at your surroundings and tried to process where you were, you cried yourself to sleep on the floor… on your door. that’s new.

Seeing that it was dark, meaning that you had slept the day away, Lucifer didn’t even try to come over and see if you’re okay and that hurt. You felt so lonely and neglected you just couldn’t stand it anymore, so if he wasn’t going to go to you, then you were going to go to him, you were going to make yourself feel seen.

You got up, not even bothering to tidy yourself, you immediately warped to the garden, at the oak tree and too be expected, they were there together, smiling and ogling one another, it made you sick at this point, when saw the empty box that used to be where the cake once was, you felt rage rile up within you, THIS was supposed to be YOUR day and once again, she took it away.

“So, did you talk to your friend? is she okay?” Lilith asked, “I didn’t talk to her, this happens all the time, she will be okay, she’ll be back tomorrow,” Lucifer waved the topic off, “I’ll apologize tomorrow, i’m just letting her cool off.” He says while you stood in the distance, listening to him as you wallowed in anger the more he spoke, you walked up to both him and Lilith, “Lucifer,” You say in a upset tone, “We need to talk,” you say standing in front of him, “now.” You finished while crossing your arms as he started blankly at you, “Of course, what is it?” He asks, standing up, trying to gesture his hand to help Lilith up but you slapped his hand away, glaring at him, “Alone.” You incensed, walking away to a distance.

Lucifer looked at Lilith as she nodded in understanding, letting Lucifer follow you to a far distance, after you were far enough, you turned to him with your arms crossed again, “Could you tell me what’s wrong, Luna?” Lucifer asked before you could say anything, “I’ll tell you what’s wrong,” You spoke rather aggressively, “Today was supposed to be about me! It was supposed to MY day!” “How is today yours? you don’t have any day unless- ohhh.” Lucifer trailed off, realizing it was none other than your birthday, “Luna, I-“ He tries to speak again, “Shut it,” You say unenthusiastically, “Ever since we met Lilith, it’s all been about her! you forgot about me! do I not matter to you anymore?” You rambled, “Guess so cause you didn’t even bother to remember my birthday,” you say as you waved your hands in the air, “and on top of that, you ate my fucking cake! in front of me!? great job Lucifer, you’re the universe’s greatest friend!” You snarked, gritting your teeth.

Lucifer, who had felt pity at first, began to feel upset as well, “Well, sorry,” he waved his hands back at you sarcastically, “maybe you should have told me, Instead of being such an attention seeker.” Lucifer imputed, “Attention seeker?!” You shouted fully offended, “Ever since that Lilith bitch came along, you threw me to the side! Sorry I wanted to see my friend for one fucking day, specifically- My Birthday!” You fumed. Lucifer was angry, rolling his eyes, “First of all Lilith isn’t the bitch, YOU are being a bitch right now,” He shouted, pointing at you as your face flashed from hurt to more anger, “and besides, birthdays aren’t even special,” he said crossing his arms, “So get over yourself.” He finished before beginning to walking away, “So you’re walking away just like that?!” You laughed in pain, seeing that he wasn’t going to bother fixing the problem, “What’s next? you never see me again?” You taunted.

“Maybe I don’t want to!” Lucifer turned to you angrily, taking your words rather personally, “All you have ever been was just a fucking nuisance on my back,” he snarled, pointing angelic spears at you as he marched toward you, “so why don’t you go and fucking disappear yeah? save us both the trouble.” He says behind blinded rage, “Lilith has and will always be better than you.” he finished, adding the finishing touch to your broken heart, you looked at him with tears in your eyes, making him lose his aggressive demeanor, “Hey.. I didn’t mean that-“ he tried to explain but you pushed him down as you flew away quickly before he could process, “Luna wait! I’m sorry!” he now quickly tried to apologize, chasing after you.

‘Since it seems you meant nothing, guess that means all the memories you shared were meant nothing right? so what happens if it just all… burned. What would happen if it was all just gone??’ You thought in blind rage, flying towards the oak tree, seeing Lilith there, you pushed Lilith away from the tree, not wanting her to get her from the biggest mistake you were ever going to make, with little to no power, you used your power and blasted the tree to bits, smiling slightly with tears, all the memories and flowers, scattered everywhere, broken or burned.

“Luna! what the fuck is wrong with you?” Lucifer shouted, tending to Lilith’s aid, making sure she wasn’t hurt. “What the fuck is wrong with me? What the fuck do you think? If I don’t matter to you, then why bother having this?!” You pointed to the destroyed tree, “I did you a favor, say goodbye to our friendship you pathetic bastard!” You shouted, not caring Lilith was listening, Lucifer picked up Lilith before facing you, “Good, I never wanted you as a fucking friend anyway, you were only ordered to.” Lucifer stated before marching toward you, “I never want to see you again,” He snapped, “And I fucking mean it.” He says as he looked at you with pure hatred in his eyes, the eyes that used to hold so much love and adoration for you, turned into spite and detestation, his eyes made you at a loss from all the built up anger, seeing that you destroyed everything behind blind rage, you cowered in guilt but that didn’t stop Lucifer from pushing you down, “disappear from my sight, Luna.” He glared at you one last time before walking away, leaving you alone with you, yourself and the mistake you had made.

Lucifer picked up Lilith, not even batting a second glance, all you wanted was for him to look your way, just one last time.. You sat in front of the oak tree in guilt, trying to use your stellar energy to fix your mistake but to no avail, nothing worked, you cried in heartbreak and frustration, betrayal and guilt, all those years, centuries and eons, they all meant nothing now. Nothing but a burning memory. You used stars to keep the tree connected from falling apart, using every bit of power you could to make it back to what it originally used to be, with little to no experience, it took hours to fix it, you did the best you could before leaning against the tree, hoping to find comfort in it but all you felt was emptiness, Lucifer never tried to contact you again and neither had you, you didn’t want him to look at you with those eyes ever again, you couldn’t bare it.

You spent weeks, months and years in your bed, unmotivated to get out and do something, you covered your room with sentient stars, finding only comfort in the little creations you had made, they did everything for you when you couldn’t do anything for yourself, your room was just full of piles and piles of stars, they were becoming too much that you threw some out your window so you could just make more, so it was just a daily routine to make many stars and just throw them out the window and everything had consequences but you didn’t care anymore, everything just felt so hopeless now after the only friend you had, never wanted to see you again.

after repetitively doing your routine, there was a knock at your door, you grumbled to get up, weak in your legs as you stumbled to open the door, your hair a mess and clothes wrinkled, you opened your door with unenthusiastically, expecting a cherub to send you your daily mail or something but when you saw a higher up seraphim at your door, your eyes widened in shock, “Greetings daughter of the universe,” the seraphim began, “My name is Sera and this is my sister, Emily.” she says before the Emily girl bounced and waved, “Hiii, we just wanted to ask some questions!” she piqued before walking closer to you before getting something out her pocket, “are these yours?” She asks, showing you a sentient star that began bouncing around in front of you both, ‘oh shit…’ you thought, seeing as your bed-rotting seemed to have affected life outside that made THE SERAPHIMS come after you, “Oh, sorry yeah those are mine.” you try to say calmly, “did something happen?” you asked, worriedly.

Emily smiled to you, “Those stars have been wandering all around Halo city! They actually have been helping around a lot, they are really useful and we tracked them where they came from to here!” Emily chimed, Sera speaking after, “We found them quite useful and we decided to come and ask if you wanted to work with us? Your stars can help our people live more at ease and even the Heaven born.” she says leaning closer to you, “Oh!” You seemed to been shocked, “well I- I dunno, this is so sudden, I-“ you stuttered, thinking, “Don’t worry, we don’t need an answer now,” Emily comforted with a smile, “We have a lot to offer, you know,” Sera informed, “If you join us, you can become one of the higher seraphim’s because your stars would be helping our people,” she says with a comforting smile as well, “and thats what we are all about.” she finishes with caring eyes, you thought for a moment, you could use your potential to help others? and not only that, this could probably distract you from the very thing you were trying to forget, Lucifer.

“Yeah, maybe.. maybe I will take you up on that offer, Seraphim.” You smiled, “please, call me Sera.” she smiled, “And call me Emily or Emmy!” she smiled more brightly as she took your hand, “Woah, wait I haven’t showered or cleaned myself!-“ you stumbled, “Don’t worry, we’ll get that covered!” Emily says as she drags you out your house gently and soothingly, Sera teleporting you three to the sanctuary of their home, you could barely process as you frog blinked as your only reaction with shock.

Maybe this was a good thing though, a new world had awaited you for once and that alone, made you smile for once in decades.

✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧

imma stop here cause its already WAY too long, lmk if you want pt. 2! (it motivates me to write more)

[silentmagi]

Rising Star

Main Page

Welcome back, I hope that you’re still enjoying this story, and hope that you continue to participate. Last time, Star had her dreams hijacked, and given vague visions, and she had to decide her next steps.

The votes were cast, and the result for what she should do next is:

2: Tell Luna

This should be interesting…

Hunting down the bard was surprisingly easy, yet being able to tell about the dream was strangely hard. First she wanted to make sure that Star sat down and ate with her as they spoke, then she asked for more details, after that it was to borrow the notes that Star had made. Finally, she started making her own notes, but at least she didn’t keep asking for more details about the dream.

“Could you tell me more about what the voice that spoke to you sounded like?”

Well at least she was waiting for her to finish first. Trying to recall the voice, she found herself unable to recall the details. Was it a man? A woman? Children? Was there one? Many? Was there music? Was it silent?

“I uh… I can’t…” she finally admitted, as she found herself questioning if the voice had actually been there, or if it was just her mind filling in the scenes she was seeing.

“I know that I heard it, but I can’t say… no, I can say I recognize the voice, it is one I’d heard before, but I can’t say from where. Does that make any sense?” Star finished as she found herself drawing an absolute blank on explaining what it was she had heard.

“It does… I have heard tales about something similar at least,” the bard mused as she looked over the notes. “The Star and Moon in the reflected pool is possibly due to the common imagery relating to magic.”

Musing on the images of the star and the moon, two key emblems in magic’s development, she found herself remembering the tale of the origins of magic involving a fallen star, which was often thought to be a piece of the moon that came to Earth. Could it be something to do with the source of magic then? Wait, what was that last part…

“It’s curious that the voice knew you well enough to know that your search for magic is more than just that,” Luna’s voice cut through the thoughts, reigning the studious one in from her wild thoughts. “I wish I could say that your purpose is filled, but I believe that this may have been a sent message to one that is most loyal to magic, one wholly devoted to it.”

“What do you me-” she stared, her eyes widening as she shook her head. “No, I can’t do that.”

“I’m sure that your aunt would understand, and your notes show you think it is in that mountain overlooking the northern end of the campus.”

“You also heard that she thinks I am in danger, right? That my father may be after me?”

“They do not care,” the bard stated calmly as she locked her eyes with Star, trying to broach this gently. “The gods, the source of magic, fate, whatever is reaching out to you? They do not care. They want you to do what they want, and if something comes in your way, such as your father, that will not stop them from pushing you towards what they have deemed as your destiny. The only choice now is-”

Luna sighed and shook her head, laying down the notes. “The choice is yours, I cannot make it for you. But you can either choose to fight the gods, fight fate, and try to force your duty onto another,” she started, lifting one hand, before lowering it, bringing up the other. “Or you could see it through, with your eyes wide open to the dangers ahead.

“Either way, this is your story, and I am with you, whatever you choose.”

Star looked at the hands, in her mind’s eye, she could see the two choices, as clearly as if they were weights for her to pick. Both were with their pros, and both had their cons, yet she knew that she knew that the truth was that there was no choice.

She knew that the die had been cast, and could see where it laid.

Taking the first hand, she folded the fingers back. “I cannot fight against this one Luna, but… I think we have an option here to do this smartly…”

“What do you mean?”

Star smiled to herself, as a plan began to form. “Well fate has decreed that I should meet the voice at that place, but they did not say I had to be alone. While I think a small squad would be the best option. Going alone is out of the question. Come on, let’s go find the Headmistress, it’s time for a field trip.”

[basicallyjaywalker]

For the ask game >:3 ✂️❤️

🎨 I know you have OC’s but I know embarrassingly little for being a mutual this long. Hand them over rook :)

Edit: I forgot to say hi 😭 sorry I saw you mentioned OCs and literally just. mind blank got the zoomies started stimming forgot my manners. Anyways

Hello Oli :DDD

One thing I would change: I mean. I would rewrite a lot of the series but mainly I would wanna give Nya a more prominent and starring role early on. Let her have more Samurai X moments and quit putting her on the sidelines while the boys do things!!

Favorite ship? Canonically Pixane ngl. I love Jaya but Pixane is soulmate coded for me I break Jaya up at the drop of a hat for funsies I feel bad breaking up Pixane.

Do I have OCs? You're goddamn right I do I have wayyyyyy too many. I'm working on character sheets for the main ones now but until those are uploaded have a taste!

Nataly Chumsworth: Master of Love, half Serpentine, menace to society. If the name did not clue you in she's Pythor's daughter and they have. A relationship.

Roxie Andrews: Master of Peace, local stressed out mom friend, former student at Marty Oppenheimer's! Old friend of Cole's and someone i imagine Nya being besties with.

Jasmine Bucket/Julien: Master of Nature (secondary: Ice), engineer at Borg Industries, made before Bolobo I swear. Zane's half sister but neither has any clue about that yet

Jackie Fei: Master of Magic (I have a whole system set up for this), chronically tired and depressed but gets to have a glow-up, chaotic good incarnate. My favoritest little blorbo ngl

Hannah Stone: Master of Music (different from sound and again swear she was pre-S4), punk rock girl, Chen's former... student is not the right term. Embodiment of that one audio: "they got their weapon, I got cheated out of my childhood)

Kyle Stone: not an elemental master but a former member of Chen's cult kinda (born into it), instead of masking his trauma with anger like Hannah he masks it with bubbliness, chronic overprotective disease. He and Hannah aren't blood related but they're also the closest thing to family each other has

Master Twyla: Master of Light, the teacher of these fucking kids, trying her best to keep the memory of the former EMs alive. Bops her on the head this bad girl can fit soooooo much trauma she's trying to overcome in her, goddamn

Ivy Crest: Master of Wind except not fully until S5 (thanks Morro), Morro's bio daughter and Ronin's adopted daughter (bet you can't guess who she prefers), expert in forgery and shit at mechanics. She and Nya form a close bond in S5 and Nya continues to try and teach her mechanical stuff (it does not work)

Luna McCallister/Garmadon: Master of Dreams, long lost Garmadon daughter who?, big fucking nerd. I have no idea when she and Lloyd realize their related but it makes their interactions at the comic store beforehand a lot funnier (for reference: she is about 2 years older than him)

Jonathan Borg: heir to Borg Industries, curious about the supernatural elements of Ninjago, knows about something he probably shouldn't. His place is not fully figured out yet but I feel like he's gonna start wanting to prove more useful after S7 to mixed results, esp bc his sister is way cooler than him

Willow Whispernight: yeah check back later chief I am reworking her ENTIRE lore lmao. Currently also connected with nature in some way and Jasmine's step-sister

Ahahaha that isn't even all of them. it's been over a decade I am soooo normal. I do not have *checks notes* approximately 20 OCs, named and unnamed, with various places in stories and development

[thegreatestshowfan]

I finished @the-passenger-if this morning and first of all OH MY GOD IT'S SO GOOD I'M BEGGING EVERYONE TO GO PLAY. Second of all, I have some thoughts on how my Newman would respond to a certain phrase (which I will not say here for spoiler reasons). So here it is bc I'm back on my shit for The Passenger.

Nash hadn't been paying much attention to Roach as he blabbed on behind them. They had promised Johnny that they would drop Roach off at his place before heading home for the night. Things had gotten out of hand back at Luna Ridge and they wanted to let him rest easy knowing he didn't have anything else to worry about. They'd take care of Roach.

The pair hopped off the bike once they arrived and Roach turned to Nash. Though he had been talking their ear off the entire way, there was a sudden silence that fell over the two of them. This was the first time they had been alone together since everything happened, this was the first time either of them could really face the realities of what they did.

"Newman..." Roach started.

"Roach..." Nash responded.

"I'm....sorry."

They blinked at him.

"I shouldn't have sold you out to that... Thing..." he sighed. "You've changed and I should have changed to... I'd been holding onto that... Hatred? Grief? I don't know... and I just wanted some sort of vengeance for what you did."

"I ate your entire family. Not surprising you didn't get over it," Nash said.

"Family is such a human way of putting it," he laughed.

"But that's what they were to you, weren't they?"

"Right... Just... Sorry..."

"You don't need to be sorry," they said, leaning against their propped up bike. "I should be sorry."

Roach looked up at them with surprise and they averted their gaze. They had given him a brief apology back in the cabin but they felt they owed him more.

"Look, I made a super fucked up decision and I'm really sorry. I hurt you. Sure, that's kind of the way of our world but I still did it... And I still feel bad."

"You couldn't really help it you were just kinda... How'd Johnny put it?" he paused. "Ah! Space abomination!"

"Abomination..." that word stung, "yeah..."

Roach studied their face. Most of the time Nash was able to keep it blank. They were wildly successful at keeping things hidden but right now, under the bright moon of little St. George's, they seemed... Hurt? Ashamed? Both? He gulped and looked away, leaving both of them in silence yet again. Acting human, no, BEING human had changed both of them in ways they hadn't expected. Things from the old days, when they were still in their true form, they made sense to them still. The hunt was how things functioned and they were still able to remember that, know what it felt like to live in that world, but being human on the other hand let them feel things much greater than just that. Remorse, kindness, pain... Love.

"I... I didn't mean it like that," Roach mumbled. "That's not what I meant... You're not..."

"I am," they finished. "Part of me will always be that... that THING that ate your kind. I'll always be an... An-"

"Abomination."

"Right..."

Nash looked at Roach for a second. He was staring off at passing cars on the nearby road. He seemed to be thinking, reminiscing, something about that word seemed familiar to him.

"Humans tend to think in absolutes," he finally said. "If you're not all good, then you're all evil. Don't let yourself think like that Newman."

It was unspoken. He cared. They placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze as if to say they knew. Those things were behind them now and from here on out they were going to move forward. They didn't have to say anything to know they forgave each other.

Nash threw their leg over their bike and shared one last look with Roach.

Neither of them were absolute. They were not good or evil, human or otherworldly.

Nash smiled a bit and sighed.

"There's one thing that's an absolute actually..." They said.

"And what is that?" he asked, rolling his eyes. Of course they had to have something to nit-pick him on.

"We're..." they trailed off.

He knew.

He raised his hand as they tried to speak again. A gesture to signal they didn't need to speak anything else. He knew.

They smiled and started their bike up, giving one last look to Roach before heading home. It wasn't a long drive, but they knew it would feel like forever with the way their body ached.

Roach made his way up to his place and looked out the window in the direction of Nash's house. He smiled.

Friends.

That's what they were and that's what they would always be. That was the one thing that was absolute.

[rjalker]

Took me way too long to realize this was one picture that had gotten split into two, one for each page of the original magazine. I reconnected them!

[Image description start: A black and white illustration from the story The Ray of Madness, by Sterner St. Paul Meek. The left half of the illustration shows only the foreground, with a blank white background, showing two characters standing near a bed. The right half of the drawing shows the background, revealing that the ceiling of the room is made of curved glass like a greenhouse. Carnes, also in a military uniform, is standing on a ladder, holding one of the panes of glass, while Bolton, the assistant, stands at the base holding the ladder steady with one hand. Dr. Bird, in a suit, stands at the head of the bed, with a suitcase and box of tools at his feet as he leans over the pillow, upon which rests a shining square of glass. Admiral Clay, in a long military uniform, stands at the foot of the bed, and has his hands in his pockets as he watches Dr. Bird. Image description end.]

This image, and these characters, and the story they're from, are all public domain! You can read it here on project gutenberg....or just click the read more lol.

A knock sounded at the door of Dr. Bird's private laboratory in the Bureau of Standards. The famous scientist paid no attention to the interruption but bent his head lower over the spectroscope with which he was working. The knock was repeated with a quality of quiet insistence upon recognition. The Doctor smothered an exclamation of impatience and strode over to the door and threw it open to the knocker.

"Oh, hello, Carnes," he exclaimed as he recognized his visitor. "Come in and sit down and keep your mouth shut for a few minutes. I am busy just now but I'll be at liberty in a little while."

"There's no hurry, Doctor," replied Operative Carnes of the United States Secret Service as he entered the room and sat on the edge of the Doctor's desk. "I haven't got a case up my sleeve this time; I just came in for a little chat."

"All right, glad to see you. Read that latest volume of the Zeitschrift for a while. That article of Von Beyer's has got me guessing, all right."

Carnes picked up the indicated volume and settled himself to read. The Doctor bent over his apparatus. Time and again he made minute adjustments and gave vent to muttered exclamations of annoyance at the results he obtained. Half an hour later he rose from his chair with a sigh and turned to his visitor.

"What do you think of Von Beyer's alleged discovery?" he asked the operative.

"It's too deep for me, Doctor," replied the operative. "All that I can make out of it is that he claims to have discovered a new element named 'lunium,' but hasn't been able to isolate it yet. Is there anything remarkable about that? It seems to me that I have read of other new elements being discovered from time to time."

"There is nothing remarkable about the discovery of a new element by the spectroscopic method," replied Dr. Bird. "We know from Mendeleff's table that there are a number of elements which we have not discovered as yet, and several of the ones we know were first detected by the spectroscope. The thing which puzzles me is that so brilliant a man as Von Beyer claims to have discovered it in the spectra of the moon. His name, lunium, is taken from Luna, the moon."

"Why not the moon? Haven't several elements been first discovered in the spectra of stars?"

"Certainly. The classic example is Lockyer's discovery of an orange line in the spectra of the sun in 1868. No known terrestrial element gave such a line and he named the new element which he deduced helium, from Helos, the sun. The element helium was first isolated by Ramsey some twenty-seven years later. Other elements have been found in the spectra of stars, but the point I am making is that the sun and the stars are incandescent bodies and could be logically expected to show the characteristic lines of their constituent elements in their spectra. But the moon is a cold body without an atmosphere and is visible only by reflected light. The element, lunium, may exist in the moon, but the manifestations which Von Beyer has observed must be, not from the moon, but from the source of the reflected light which he spectro-analyzed."

"You are over my depth, Doctor."

"I'm over my own. I have tried to follow Von Beyer's reasoning and I have tried to check his findings. Twice this evening I thought that I caught a momentary glimpse on the screen of my fluoroscope of the ultra-violet line which he reports as characteristic of lunium, but I am not certain. I haven't been able to photograph it yet. He notes in his article that the line seems to be quite impermanent and fades so rapidly that an accurate measurement of its wave-length is almost impossible. However, let's drop the subject. How do you like your new assignment?"

"Oh, it's all right. I would rather be back on my old work."

"I haven't seen you since you were assigned to the Presidential detail. I suppose that you fellows are pretty busy getting ready for Premier McDougal's visit?"

"I doubt if he will come," replied Carnes soberly. "Things are not exactly propitious for a visit of that sort just now."

Dr. Bird sat back in his chair in surprise.

"I thought that the whole thing is arranged. The press seems to think so, at any rate."

"Everything is arranged, but arrangements may be cancelled. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they were."

"Carnes," replied Dr. Bird gravely, "you have either said too much or too little. There is something more to this than appears on the surface. If it is none of my business, don't hesitate to tell me so and I'll forget what you have said, but if I can help you any, speak up."

Carnes puffed meditatively at his pipe for a few minutes before replying.

"It's really none of your business. Doctor," he said at length, "and yet I know that a corpse is a chatterbox compared to you when you are told anything in confidence, and I really need to unload my mind. It has been kept from the press so far; but I don't know how long it can be kept muzzled. In strict confidence, the President of the United State acts as though he were crazy."

"Quite a section of the press has claimed that for a long time," replied Dr. Bird, with a twinkle in his eye.

"I don't mean crazy in that way, Doctor, I mean really crazy. Bugs! Nuts! Bats in his belfry!"

Dr. Bird whistled softly.

"Are you sure, Carnes?" he asked.

"As sure as may be. Both of his physicians think so. They were non-committal for a while, especially as the first attack waned and he seemed to recover, but when his second attack came on more violently than the first and the President began to act queerly, they had to take the Presidential detail into their confidence. He has been quietly examined by some of the greatest psychiatrists in the country, but none of them have ventured on a positive verdict as to the nature of the malady. They admit, of course, that it exists, but they won't classify it. The fact that it is intermittent seems to have them stopped. He was bad a month ago but he recovered and became, to all appearances, normal for a time. About a week ago he began to show queer symptoms again and now he is getting worse daily. If he goes on getting worse for another week, it will have to be announced so that the Vice-President can take over the duties of the head of the government."

"What are the symptoms?"

"The first we noticed was a failing of his memory. Coupled with this was a restlessness and a habit of nocturnal prowling. He tosses continually on his bed and mutters and at times leaps up and rages back and forth in his bedchamber, howling and raging. Then he will calm down and compose himself and go to sleep, only to wake in half an hour and go through the same performance. It is pretty ghastly for the men on night guard."

"How does he act in the daytime?"

"Heavy and lethargic. His memory becomes a complete blank at times and he talks wildly. Those are the times we must guard against."

"Overwork?" queried the Doctor.

"Not according to his physicians. His physical health is splendid and his appetite unusually keen. He takes his exercise regularly and suffers no ill health except for a little eye trouble."

Dr. Bird leaped to his feet.

"Tell me more about this eye trouble, Carnes," he demanded.

"Why, I don't know much about it, Doctor. Admiral Clay told me that it was nothing but a mild opthalmia which should yield readily to treatment. That was when he told me to see that the shades of the President's study were partially drawn to keep the direct sunlight out."

"Opthalmia be sugared! What do his eyes look like?"

"They are rather red and swollen and a little bloodshot. He has a tendency to shut them while he is talking and he avoids light as much as possible. I hadn't noticed anything peculiar about it."

"Carnes, did you ever see a case of snow blindness?"

The operative looked up in surprise.

"Yes, I have. I had it myself once in Maine. Now that you mention it, his case does look like snow blindness, but such a thing is absurd in Washington in August."

Dr. Bird rummaged in his desk and drew out a book, which he consulted for a moment.

"Now, Carnes," he said, "I want some dates from you and I want them accurately. Don't guess, for a great deal may depend on the accuracy of your answers. When was this mental disability on the part of the President first noticed?"

Carnes drew a pocket diary from his coat and consulted it.

"The seventeenth of July," he replied. "That is, we are sure, in view of later developments, that that was the date it first came on. We didn't realize that anything was wrong until the twentieth. On the night of the nineteenth the President slept very poorly, getting up and creating a disturbance twice, and on the twentieth he acted so queerly that it was necessary to cancel three conferences."

Dr. Bird checked off the dates on the book before him and nodded.

"Go on," he said, "and describe the progress of the malady by days."

"It got progressively worse until the night of the twenty-third. The twenty-fourth he was no worse, and on the twenty-fifth a slight improvement was noticed. He got steadily better until, by the third or fourth of August, he was apparently normal. About the twelfth he began to show signs of restlessness which have increased daily during the past week. Last night, the nineteenth, he slept only a few minutes and Brady, who was on guard, says that his howls were terrible. His memory has been almost a total blank today and all of his appointments were cancelled, ostensibly because of his eye trouble. If he gets any worse, it probably will be necessary to inform the country as to his true condition."

When Carnes had finished, Dr. Bird sat for a time in concentrated thought.

"You did exactly right in coming to me, Carnes," he said presently. "I don't think that this is a job for a doctor at all—I believe that it needs a physicist and a chemist and possibly a detective to cure him. We'll get busy."

"What do you mean, Doctor?" demanded Carnes. "Do you think that some exterior force is causing the President's disability?"

"I think nothing, Carnes," replied the Doctor grimly, "but I intend to know something before I am through. Don't ask for explanations: this is not the time for talk, it is the time for action. Can you get me into the White House to-night?"

"I doubt it, Doctor, but I'll try. What excuse shall I give? I am not supposed to have told you anything about the President's illness."

"Get Bolton, your chief, on the phone and tell him that you have talked to me when you shouldn't have. He'll blow up, but after he is through exploding, tell him that I smell a rat and that I want him down here at once with carte blanche authority to do as I see fit in the White House. If he makes any fuss about it, remind him of the fact that he has considered me crazy several times in the past when events showed that I was right. If he won't play after that, let me talk to him."

"All right, Doctor," replied Carnes as he picked up the scientist's telephone and gave the number of the home of the Chief of the Secret Service. "I'll try to bully him out of it. He has a good deal of confidence in your ability."

Half an hour later the door of Dr. Bird's laboratory opened suddenly to admit Bolton.

"Hello, Doctor," exclaimed the Chief, "what the dickens have you got on your mind now? I ought to skin Carnes alive for talking out of turn, but if you really have an idea, I'll forgive him. What do you suspect?"

"I suspect several things, Bolton, but I haven't time to tell you what they are. I want to get quietly into the White House as promptly as possible."

"That's easy," replied Bolton, "but first I want to know what the object of the visit is."

"The object is to see what I can find out. My ideas are entirely too nebulous to attempt to lay them out before you just now. You've never worked directly with me on a case before, but Carnes can tell you that I have my own methods of working and that I won't spill my ideas until I have something more definite to go on than I have at present."

"The Doctor is right, Chief," said Carnes. "He has an idea all right, but wild horses won't drag it out of him until he's ready to talk. You'll have to take him on faith, as I always do."

Bolton hesitated a moment and then shrugged his shoulders.

"Have it your own way, Doctor," he said. "Your reputation, both as a scientist and as an unraveller of tangled skeins, is too good for me to boggle about your methods. Tell me what you want and I'll try to get it."

"I want to get into the White House without undue prominence being given to my movements, and listen outside the President's door for a short time. Later I will want to examine his sleeping quarters carefully and to make a few tests. I may be entirely wrong in my assumptions, but I believe that there is something there that requires my attention."

"Come along," said Bolton. "I'll get you in and let you listen, but the rest we'll have to trust to luck on. You may have to wait until morning."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," replied the Doctor. "I'll get a little stuff together that we may need."

In a few moments he had packed some apparatus in a bag and, taking up it and an instrument case, he followed Bolton and Carnes down the stairs and out onto the grounds of the Bureau of Standards.

"It's a beautiful moon, isn't it?" he observed.

Carnes assented absently to the Doctor's remark, but Bolton paid no attention to the luminous disc overhead, which was flooding the landscape with its mellow light.

"My car is waiting," he announced.

"All right, old man, but stop for a moment and admire this moon," protested the Doctor. "Have you ever seen a finer one?"

"Come on and let the moon alone," snorted Bolton.

"My dear man, I absolutely refuse to move a step until you pause in your headlong devotion to duty and pay the homage due to Lady Luna. Don't you realize, you benighted Christian, that you are gazing upon what has been held to be a deity, or at least the visible manifestation of deity, for ages immemorial? Haven't you ever had time to study the history of the moon-worshipping cults? They are as old as mankind, you know. The worship of Isis was really only an exalted type of moon worship. The crescent moon, you may remember, was one of her most sacred emblems."

Bolton paused and looked at the Doctor suspiciously.

"What are you doing—pulling my leg?" he demanded.

"Not at all, my dear fellow. Carnes, doesn't the sight of the glowing orb of night influence you to pious meditation upon the frailty of human life and the insignificance of human ambition?"

"Not to any very great degree," replied Carnes dryly.

"Carnesy, old dear, I fear that you are a crass materialist. I am beginning to despair of ever inculcating in you any respect for the finer and subtler things of life. I must try Bolton. Bolton, have you ever seen a finer moon? Remember that I won't move a step until you have carefully considered the matter and fully answered my question."

Bolton looked first at the Doctor, then at Carnes, and finally he looked reluctantly at the moon.

"It's a fine one," he admitted, "but all full moons look large on clear nights at this time of the year."

"Then you have studied the moon?" cried Dr. Bird with delight. "I was sure—"

He broke off his speech suddenly and listened. From a distance came the mournful howl of a dog. It was answered in a moment by another howl from a different direction. Dog after dog took up the chorus until the air was filled with the melancholy wailing of the animals.

"See, Bolton," remarked the Doctor, "even the dogs feel the chastening influence of the Lady of Night and repent of the sins of their youth and the follies of their manhood, or should one say doghood? Come along. I feel that the call of duty must tear us away from the contemplation of the beauties of nature."

He led the way to Bolton's car and got in without further words. A half-hour later, Bolton led the way into the White House. A word to the secret service operative on guard at the door admitted him and his party, and he led the way to the newly constructed solarium where the President slept. An operative stood outside the door.

"What word, Brady?" asked Bolton in a whisper.

"He seems worse, sir. I doubt if he has slept at all. Admiral Clay has been in several times, but he didn't do much good. There, listen! The President is getting up again."

From behind the closed door which confronted them came sounds of a person rising from a bed and pacing the floor, slowly at first, and then more and more rapidly, until it was almost a run. A series of groans came to the watchers and then a long drawn out howl. Bolton shuddered.

"Poor devil!" he muttered.

Dr. Bird shot a quick glance around.

"Where is Admiral Clay?" he asked.

"He is sleeping upstairs. Shall I call him?"

"No. Take me to his room."

The President's naval physician opened the door in response to Bolton's knock.

"Is he worse?" he demanded anxiously.

"I don't think so, Admiral," replied Bolton. "I want to introduce you to Dr. Bird of the Bureau of Standards. He wants to talk with you about the case."

"I am honored, Doctor," said the physician as he grasped the scientist's outstretched hand. "Come in. Pardon my appearance, but I was startled out of a doze when you knocked. Have a chair and tell me how I can serve you."

Dr. Bird drew a notebook from his pocket.

"I have received certain dates in connection with the President's malady from Operative Carnes," he said, "and I wish you to verify them."

"Pardon me a moment, Doctor," interrupted the Admiral, "but may I ask what is your connection with the matter? I was not aware that you were a physician or surgeon."

"Dr. Bird is here by the authority of the secret service," replied Bolton. "He has no connection with the medical treatment of the President, but permit me to remind you that the secret service is responsible for the safety of the President and so have a right to demand such details about him as are necessary for his proper protection."

"I have no intention in obstructing you in the proper performance of your duties, Mr. Bolton," began the Admiral stiffly.

"Pardon me, Admiral," broke in Dr. Bird, "it seems to me that we are getting started wrong. I suspect that certain exterior forces are more or less concerned in this case and I have communicated my suspicions to Mr. Bolton. He in turn brought me here in order to request from you your cooperation in the matter. We have no idea of demanding anything and are really seeking help which we believe that you can give us."

"Pardon me, Admiral," said Bolton. "I had no intention of angering you."

"I am at your service, gentlemen," replied Admiral Clay. "What information did you wish, Doctor?"

"At first merely a verification of the history of the case as I have it."

Dr. Bird read the notes he had taken down from Carnes and the Admiral nodded agreement.

"Those dates are correct," he said.

"Now, Admiral, there are two further points on which I wish enlightenment. The first is the opthalmia which is troubling the patient."

"It is nothing to be alarmed about as far as symptoms go, Doctor," replied the Admiral. "It is a rather mild case of irritation, somewhat analogous to granuloma, but rather stubborn. He had an attack several weeks ago and while it did not yield to treatment as readily as I could have wished, it did clear up nicely in a couple of weeks and I was quite surprised at this recurrent attack. His sight is in no danger."

"Have you tried to connect this opthalmia with his mental aberrations?"

"Why no, Doctor, there is no connection."

"Are you sure?"

"I am certain. The slight pain which his eyes give him could never have such an effect upon the mind of so able and energetic a man as he is."

"Well, we'll let that pass for the moment. The other question is this: has he any form of skin trouble?"

The Admiral looked up in surprise.

"Yes, he has," he admitted. "I had mentioned it to no one, for it really amounts to nothing, but he has a slight attack of some obscure form of dermatitis which I am treating. It is affecting only his face and hands."

"Please describe it."

"It has taken the form of a brown pigmentation on the hands. On the face it causes a slight itching and subsequent peeling of the affected areas."

"In other words, it is acting like sunburn?"

"Why, yes, somewhat. It is not that, however, for he has been exposed to the sun very little lately, on account of his eyes."

"I notice that he is sleeping in the new solarium which was added last winter to the executive mansion. Can you tell me with what type of glass it is equipped?"

"Yes. It is not equipped with glass at all, but with fused quartz."

"When did he start to sleep there?"

"As soon as it was completed."

"And all the time the windows have been of fused quartz?"

"No. They were glazed at first, but the glass was removed and the fused quartz substituted at my suggestion about two months ago, just before this trouble started."

"Thank you, Admiral. You have given me several things to think about. My ideas are a little too nebulous to share as yet but I think that I can give you one piece of very sound advice. The President is spending a very restless night. If you would remove him from the solarium and get him to lie down in a room which is glazed with ordinary glass, and pull down the shades so that he will be in the dark, I think that he will pass a better night."

Admiral Clay looked keenly into the piercing black eyes of the Doctor.

"I know something of you by reputation, Bird," he said slowly, "and I will follow your advice. Will you tell me why you make this particular suggestion?"

"So that I can work in that solarium to-night without interruption," replied Dr. Bird. "I have some tests which I wish to carry out while it is still dark. If my results are negative, forget what I have told you. If they yield any information, I will be glad to share it with you at the proper time. Now get the President out of that solarium and tell me when the coast is clear."

The Admiral donned a dressing gown and stepped out of the room. He returned in fifteen minutes.

"The solarium is at your disposal, Doctor," he announced. "Shall I accompany you?"

"If you wish," assented Dr. Bird as he picked up his apparatus and strode out of the room.

In the solarium he glanced quickly around, noting the position of each of the articles of furniture.

"I presume that the President always sleeps with his head in this direction?" he remarked, pointing to the pillow on the disturbed bed.

The Admiral nodded assent. Dr. Bird opened the bag which he had packed in his laboratory, took out a sheet of cardboard covered with a metallic looking substance, and placed it on the pillow. He stepped back and donned a pair of smoked glasses, watching it intently. Without a word he took off the glasses and handed them to the Admiral. The Admiral donned them and looked at the pillow. As he did so an exclamation broke from his lips.

"That plate seems to glow," he said in an astonished voice.

Dr. Bird stepped forward and laid his hand on the pillow. He was wearing a wrist watch with a radiolite dial. The substance suddenly increased its luminescence and began to glow fiercely, long luminous streamers seeming to come from the dial. The Doctor took away his hand and substituted a bottle of liquid for the plate on the pillow. Immediately the bottle began to glow with a phosphorescent light.

"What on earth is it?" gasped Carnes.

"Excitation of a radioactive fluid," replied the Doctor. "The question is, what is exciting it. Somebody get a stepladder."

While Bolton was gone after the ladder, the Doctor took from his bag what looked like an ordinary pane of glass.

"Take this, Carnes," he directed, "and start holding it over each of those panes of quartz which you can reach. Stop when I tell you to."

The operative held the glass over each of the panes in succession, but the Doctor, who kept his eyes covered with the smoked glasses and fastened on the plate which he had replaced on the pillow, said nothing. When Bolton arrived with the ladder, the process went on. One end and most of the front of the solarium had been covered before an exclamation from the Doctor halted the work.

"That's the one," he exclaimed. "Hold the glass there for a moment."

Hurriedly he removed the plate from the pillow and replaced the phial of liquid. There was only a very feeble glow.

"Good enough," he cried. "Take away the glass, but mark that pane, and be ready to replace it when I give the word."

From the instrument case he had brought he took out a spectroscope. He turned back the mattress and mounted it on the bedstead.

"Cover that pane," he directed.

Carnes did so, and the Doctor swung the receiving tube of the instrument until it pointed at the covered pane. He glanced into the eyepiece, and then held a tiny flashlight for an instant opposite the third tube.

"Uncover that pane," he said.

Carnes took down the glass plate and the Doctor gazed into the instrument. He made some adjustments.

"Are you familiar with spectroscopy, Admiral?" he asked.

"Somewhat."

"Take a squint in here and tell me what you see."

The Admiral applied his eye to the instrument and looked long and earnestly.

"There are some lines there, Doctor," he said, "but your instrument is badly out of adjustment. They are in what should be the ultra-violet sector, according to your scale."

"I forgot to tell you that this is a fluoroscopic spectroscope designed for the detection of ultra-violet lines," replied Dr. Bird. "Those lines you see are ultra-violet, made visible to the eye by activation of a radioactive compound whose rays in turn impinge on a zinc blende sheet. Do you recognize the lines?"

"No, I don't."

"Small wonder; I doubt whether there are a dozen people who would. I have never seen them before, although I recognize them from descriptions I have read. Bolton, come here. Sight along this instrument and through that plate of glass which Carnes is holding and tell me what office that window belongs to."

Bolton sighted as directed up at the side of the State, War and Navy Building.

"I can't tell exactly at this time of night, Doctor," he said, "but I'll go into the building and find out."

"Do so. Have you a flashlight?"

"Yes."

"Flash it momentarily out of each of the suspected windows in turn until you get an answering flash from here. When you do, flash it out of each pane of glass in the window until you get another flash from here. Then come back and tell me what office it is. Mark the pane so that we can locate it again in the morning."

"It is the office of the Assistant to the Adjutant General of the Army," reported Bolton ten minutes later.

"What is there in the room?"

"Nothing but the usual desks and chairs."

"I suspected as much. The window is merely a reflector. That is all that we can do for to-night, gentlemen. Admiral, keep your patient quiet and in a room with glass windows, preferably with the shades drawn, until further notice. Bolton, meet me here with Carnes at sunrise. Have a picked detail of ten men standing by where we can get hold of them in a hurry. In the mean time, get the Chief of Air Service out of bed and have him order a plane at Langley Field to be ready to take off at 6 A. M. He is not to take off, however, until I give him orders to do so. Do you understand?"

"Everything will be ready for you, Doctor, but I confess that I don't know what it is all about."

"It's the biggest case you ever tackled, old man, and I hope that we can pull it off successfully. I'd like to go over it with you now, but I'll be busy at the Bureau for the rest of the night. Drop me off there, will you?"

At sunrise the next morning, Bolton met Dr. Bird at the entrance to the White House grounds.

"Where is your detail?" he asked.

"In the State, War and Navy Building."

"Good. I want to go to the solarium, put a light on the place where the President's pillow was last night, and mark that pane of quartz we were looking through. Then we'll join the detail."

Dr. Bird placed the light and walked with Carnes across the White House grounds. Bolton's badge secured admission to the State, War and Navy Building for the party and they made their way to the office of the Assistant to the Adjutant General.

"Did you mark the pane of glass through which you flashed your light last night, Bolton?" asked the Doctor.

The detective touched one of the panes.

"Good," exclaimed the Doctor. "I notice that this window has hooks for a window washer's belt. Get a life belt, will you?"

When the belt was brought, the Doctor turned to Carnes.

"Carnes," he said, "hook on this life saver and climb out on the window ledge. Take this piece of apparatus with you."

He handed Carnes a piece of apparatus which looked like two telescopes fastened to a base, with a screw adjustment for altering the angles of the barrels.

Carnes took it and looked at it inquiringly.

"That is what I was making at the Bureau last night," explained Dr. Bird. "It is a device which will enable me to locate the source of the beam which was reflected from this pane of glass onto the President's pillow. I'll show you how to work it. You know that when light is reflected the angle of reflection always equals the angle of incidence? Well, you place these three feet against the pane of glass, thus putting the base of the instrument in a plane parallel to the pane of glass. By turning these two knobs, one of which gives lateral and the other vertical adjustment, you will manipulate the instrument until the first telescope is pointing directly toward the President's pillow. Now notice that the two telescope barrels are fastened together and are connected to the knobs, so that when the knobs are turned, the scopes are turned in equal and opposite amounts. When one is turned from its present position five degrees to the west, the other automatically turns five degrees to the east. When one is elevated, the other is correspondingly depressed. Thus, when the first tube points toward the pillow, the other will point toward the source of the reflected beam."

"Clever!" ejaculated Bolton.

"It is rather crude and may not be accurate enough to locate the source exactly, but at least it will give us a pretty good idea of where to look. Given time, a much more accurate instrument could have been made, but two telescopic rifle sights and a theodolite base were all the materials I could find to work with. Climb out, Carnesy, and do your stuff."

Carnes climbed out on the window and fastened the hooks of the life saver to the rings set in the window casings. He sat the base of the instrument against the pane of glass and manipulated the telescope knobs as Dr. Bird signalled from the inside. The scientist was hard to please with the adjustment, but at last the cross hairs of the first telescope were centered on the light in the solarium. He changed his position and stared through the second tube.

"The angle is too acute and the distance too great for accuracy," he said with an air of disappointment. "The beam comes from the roof of a house down along Pennsylvania Avenue, but I can't tell from here which one it is. Take a look, Bolton."

The Chief of the Secret Service stared through the telescope.

"I couldn't be sure, Doctor," he replied. "I can see something on the roof of one of the houses, but I can't tell what it is and I couldn't tell the house when I got in front of it."

"It won't do to make a false move," said the Doctor. "Did you arrange for that plane?"

"It is waiting your orders at the field, Doctor."

"Good. I'll go up to the office of the Chief of Air Service and get in touch with the pilot over the Chief's private line. There are some orders that I wish to give him and some signals to be arranged."

Dr. Bird returned in a few minutes.

"The plane is taking off now and will be over the city soon," he announced. "We'll take a stroll down the Avenue until we are in the vicinity of the house, and then wait for the plane. Carnes will take five of your men and go down behind the house and the rest of us will go in front. Which building do you think it is, Bolton?"

"About the fourth from the corner."

"All right, the men going down the back will take station behind the house next to the corner and the rest of us will get in front of the same building. When the plane comes over, watch it. If you receive no signal, go to the next house and wait for him to make a loop and come over you again. Continue this until the pilot throws a white parachute over. That is the signal that we are covering the right house. When you get that signal, Carnes, leave two men outside and break in with the other three. Get that apparatus on the roof and the men who are operating it. Bolton and I will attack the front door at the same time. Does everybody understand?"

Murmurs of assent came from the detail.

"All right, let's go. Carnes, lead out with your men and go half a block ahead so that the two parties will arrive in position at about the same time."

Carnes left the building with five of the operatives. Dr. Bird and Bolton waited for a few minutes and then started down Pennsylvania Avenue, the five men of their squad following at intervals. For three-quarters of a mile they sauntered down the street.

"This should be it, Doctor," said Bolton.

"I think so, and here comes our plane."

They watched the swift scout plane from Langley Field swing down low over the house and then swoop up into the sky again without making a signal. The party walked down the street one house and paused. Again the plane swept over them without sign. As they stopped in front of the next house a white parachute flew from the cockpit of the plane and the aircraft, its mission accomplished, veered off to the south toward its hangar.

"This is the place," cried Bolton. "Haggerty and Johnson, you two cover the street. Bemis, take the lower door. The rest come with me."

Followed closely by Dr. Bird and two operatives, Bolton sprinted across the street and up the steps leading to the main entrance of the house. The door was barred, and he hurled his weight against it without result.

"One side, Bolton," snapped Dr. Bird.

The diminutive Chief drew aside and Dr. Bird's two hundred pounds of bone and muscle crashed against the door. The lock gave and the Doctor barely saved himself from sprawling headlong on the hall floor. A woman's scream rang out, and the Doctor swore under his breath.

"Upstairs! To the roof!" he cried.

Followed by the rest of the party, he sprinted up the stairway which opened before him. Just as he reached the top his way was barred by an Amazonian figure in a green bathrobe.

"Who th' divil arre yer?" demanded an outraged voice.

"Police," snapped Bolton. "One side!"

"Wan side, is it?" demanded the fiery haired Amazon. "The divil a stip ye go until ye till me ye'er bizness. Phwat th' divil arre yer doin' in th' house uv a rayspictable female at this hour uv th' marnin'?"

"One side, I tell you!" cried Bolton as he strove to push past the figure that barred the way.

"Oh, ye wud, wud yer, little mann?" demanded the Irishwoman as she grasped Bolton by the collar and shook him as a terrier does a rat. Dr. Bird stifled his laughter with difficulty and seized her by the arm. With a heave on Bolton's collar she raised him from the ground and swung him against the Doctor, knocking him off his feet.

"Hilp! P'lice! Murther!" she screamed at the top of her voice.

"Damn it, woman, we're on—"

Dr. Bird's voice was cut short by the sound of a pistol shot from the roof, followed by two others. The Irishwoman dropped Bolton and slumped into a sitting position and screamed lustily. Bolton and Dr. Bird, with the two operatives at their heels, raced for the roof. Before they reached it another volley of shots rang out, these sounding from the rear of the building. They made their way to the upper floor and found a ladder running to a skylight in the roof. At the foot of the ladder stood one of Carnes' party.

"What is it, Williams?" demanded Bolton.

"I don't know, Chief. Carnes and the other two went up there, and then I heard shooting. My orders were to let no one come down the ladder."

As he spoke, Carnes' head appeared at the skylight.

"It's the right place, all right, Doctor," he called. "Come on up, the shooting is all over."

Dr. Bird mounted the ladder and stepped out on the roof. Set on one edge was a large piece of apparatus, toward which the scientist eagerly hastened. He bent over it for a few moments and then straightened up.

"Where is the operator?" he asked.

Carnes silently led the way to the edge of the roof and pointed down. Dr. Bird leaned over. At the foot of the fire escape he saw a crumpled dark heap, with a secret service operative bending over it.

"Is he dead, Olmstead?" called Carnes.

"Dead as a mackerel," came the reply. "Richards got him through the head on his first shot."

"Good business," said Dr. Bird. "We probably could never have secured a conviction and the matter is best hushed up anyway. Bolton, have two of your men help me get this apparatus up to the Bureau. I want to examine it a little. Have the body taken to the morgue and shut up the press. Find out which room the chap occupied and search it, and bring all his papers to me. From a criminal standpoint, this case is settled, but I want to look into the scientific end of it a little more."

"I'd like to know what it was all about, Doctor," protested Bolton. "I have followed your lead blindly, and now I have a housebreaking without search-warrant and a killing to explain, and still I am about as much in the dark as I was at the beginning."

"Excuse me, Bolton," said Dr. Bird contritely; "I didn't mean to slight you. Admiral Clay wants to know about it and so does Carnes, although he knows me too well to say so. As soon as I have digested the case I'll let you know and I'll go over the whole thing with you."

A week later Dr. Bird sat in conference with the President in the executive office of the White House. Beside him sat Admiral Clay, Carnes and Bolton.

"I have told the President as much as I know, Doctor," said the Admiral, "and he would like to hear the details from your lips. He has fully recovered from his malady and there is no danger of exciting him."

"I cannot read Russian," said Dr. Bird slowly, "and so was forced to depend on one of my assistants to translate the papers which Mr. Bolton found in Stokowsky's room. There is nothing in them to definitely connect him with the Russian Union of Soviet Republics, but there is little doubt in my mind that he was a Red agent and that Russia supplied the money which he spent. It would be disastrous to Russia's plans to have too close an accord between this country and the British Empire, and I have no doubt that the coming visit of Premier McDougal was the underlying cause of the attempt. So much for the reason.

"As to how I came to suspect what was happening, the explanation is very simple. When Carnes first told me of your malady, Mr. President, I happened to be checking Von Beyer's results in the alleged discovery of a new element, lunium. In the article describing his experiments, Von Beyer mentions that when he tried to observe the spectra, he encountered a mild form of opthalmia which was quite stubborn to treatment. He also mentions a peculiar mental unbalance and intense exhilaration which the rays seemed to cause both in himself and in his assistants. The analogy between his observations and your case struck me at once.

"For ages the moon has been an object of worship by various religious sects, and some of the most obscene orgies of which we have record occurred in the moonlight. The full moon seems to affect dogs to a state of partial hypnosis with consequent howling and evident pain in the eyes. Certain feeble minded persons have been known to be adversely affected by moonlight as well as some cases of complete mental aberration. In other words, while moonlight has no practical effect on the normal human in its usual concentration, it does have an adverse effect on certain types of mentality and, despite the laughter of medical science, there seems to be something in the theory of 'moon madness.' This effect Von Beyer attributed to the emanations of lunium, which element he detected in the spectra of the moon, in the form of a wide band in the ultra-violet region.

"I obtained from Carnes a history of your case, and when I found that your attacks grew violent with the full moon and subsided with the new moon, I was sure that I was on the right track, although I had at that time no way of knowing whether it was from natural or artificial causes that the effect was being produced. I interviewed Admiral Clay and found that you were suffering from a form of dermititis resembling sunburn, and that convinced me that an attack was being made on your sanity, for an excess of ultra-violet light will always tend to produce sunburn. I inquired about the windows of your solarium, for ultra-violet light will not pass through a lead glass. When the Admiral told me that the glass had been replaced with fused quartz, which is quite permeable to ultra-violet and that the change had been almost coincident with the start of your malady, I asked him to get you out of the solarium and let me examine it.

"By means of certain fluorescent substances which I used, I found that your pillow was being bathed in a flood of ultra-violet light, and the fluoro-spectroscope soon told me that lunium emanations were present in large quantities. These rays were not coming to you directly from their source, but one of the windows of the State, War and Navy Building was being used as a reflector. I located the approximate source of the ray by means of an improvised apparatus, and we surrounded the place. Stokowsky was killed while attempting to escape. I guess that is about all there is to it."

"Thank you, Doctor," said the President. "I would be interested in a description of the apparatus which he used to produce this effect."

"The apparatus was quite simple, Sir. It was merely a large collector of moonlight, which was thrown after collection onto a lunium plate. The resultant emanations were turned into a parallel beam by a parabolic reflector and focused, through a rock crystal lens with an extremely long focal length, onto your pillow."

"Then Stokowsky had isolated Von Beyer's new element?" asked the President.

"I am still in doubt whether it is a new element or merely an allotropic modification of the common element, cadmium. The plate which he used has a very peculiar property. When moonlight, or any other reflected light of the same composition falls on it, it acts on the ray much as the button of a Roentgen tube acts on a cathode ray. As the cathode ray is absorbed and an entirely new ray, the X-ray, is given off by the button, just so is the reflected moonlight absorbed and a new ray of ultra-violet given off. This is the ray which Von Beyer detected. I thought that I could catch traces of Von Beyer's lines in my spectroscope, and I think now that it is due to a trace of lunium in the cadmium plating of the barrels. Von Beyer could have easily made the same mistake. Von Beyer's work, together with Stokowsky's opens up an entirely new field of spectroscopic research. I would give a good deal to go over to Baden and go into the matter with Von Beyer and make some plans for the exploitation of the new field, but I'm afraid that my pocketbook wouldn't stand the trip."

"I think that the United States owes you that trip, Dr. Bird," said the Chief Executive with a smile. "Make your plans to go as soon as you get your data together. I think that the Treasury will be able to take care of the expense without raising the income tax next year."

[brittleskyblue]

I’m crashing the party with angst again bc that bit of dialogue from that lost sector hit me with feels.

(Set after the angst fic I’m working on but I’m too impatient to wait till that’s done. Nelan and Ivo return to Neomuna, and it’s been a few weeks since the incident at the Veil)

* * *

The archivist, Quinn, had called this place an arcade and that these rectangle things are machines that people play games on. It was quite popular to the people of Neomuna. She can’t remember off the top of her head if such things exist in the City. She feels like they should.

Nelan studies one of these machines, wondering why the Vex had been so transfixed by it. These weren’t like the “music boxes” they had once encountered on Io years ago. The machines were colorful and made noise sometimes, but that was about it.

They tilt their head and press one of the buttons of the machine. It beeps at them. It startles her a little, but still she smiles. It was a curious thing.

She turns to make a comment to her Ghost, who apparently was absolutely baffled by the concept of arcades, but she finds him sort of staring off into space. Well, actually just at a nearby arcade machine that seemed to be reflecting his image off the blank screen. Come to think of it, he’s been pretty quiet instead of the normally chatty Ghost he is. Nelan knows that when he goes quiet like this there’s something on his mind. Given recent events…

“What’s wrong?” They ask.

Ivo looks over at the call of her voice, holds her gaze for a moment, but then casts his eye downward, the points of his shell drooping slightly. Yeah, he’s definitely got something on his mind, and Nelan can only hazard a guess as to what it is. They had a fairly good idea of it.

“I worry, Nelan, that I’m nothing more than another machine, like these games.” He tells her. “I haven’t just switched off, like during the Red War.”

‘You mean because you lost your connection to the Traveler and not Light itself?’ She thinks but holds herself back from saying. It’s still a bitter memory whenever he mentioned the Red War, and she counted herself fortunate Ivo didn’t die that day, remembering how battered he looked when they had found each other again. 

“Is that because I’m a person?” He continues, even as they hold out their hand for him and he goes to them. “Or am I just plugged into something else now? But I suppose a game machine can’t feel the absence of its creator…”

Nelan knows he means the Traveler, how it feels so distant from him since the incident at the Veil. It was widely reported among Ghosts that the presence of the Traveler for them was diminished, and yet they still had the Light it had given them; that which had given them life. Some said it was “gone” or “dead” or “silent”, even though it was still there physically above Earth. It’s “gone” and yet somehow they were still here. Ivo was still here.

They also wondered if by “plugged into something else” he means the instances of possession at the hands of the Witness. They recall that after the first time it had happened at the Luna Pyramid, he told them that he was worried that a piece of Darkness resided within himself now. He’d been afraid it would happen again. She hated to think that maybe he’d been right and neither of them knew it then; that if it had been done once it could be done again.

Nelan knew Ivo was still struggling with what happened at the Veil, how the Witness had used him as the catalyst to make the link and he couldn’t do anything to stop it. She too was still struggling with how she hadn’t noticed what was going on until it was too late; how she had been unable to protect Ivo from that dark force taking hold of him. They were both a little better now, but even a few weeks out from the convergence, neither of them were fully okay.

But it was a good thing they still had each other.

Nelan brought Ivo in close, bowed her head, and whispered to him, almost reverently.

“This unit has a soul.”

Ivo makes a confused electronic noise at them. “What?”

They raise their head peer down at their Ghost. “Something I heard in passing. I think Temperance might have said it? Don’t know where xey got it from. I just know xey said it to Fynch once.”

Ivo makes a noise that sounds like a laugh, but he goes quiet once again.

“…Do you think I have a soul?” He says at last, his voice sounding so small.

“I do.”

No hesitation. Not when it’s something she’s always firmly believed. It was true that Ghosts were beings created from the Traveler, commonly referring to them as A.I.s, but she’s always seen Ghosts as being so full of life. They were alive. They were existing. They were bits of stardust that experienced thought and feeling and were worthy of existing in this world.

“Though the Traveler is distant, and we don’t know what’s happened to it, you’re alive. You were still alive back then when the Light got taken too. Light or not, Traveler or not, nothing has changed that. You’re not- you’ve never been just a machine to me, not when you exist as your own self. Your own person. You are the person- the wandering soul- that found me. You’re alive.”

Ivo stares up at her, and then after a moment he hovers up from her hands to her eye level. He then floats forward and nudges her head.

“You know, you can be very philosophical when you want to be. Gonna make me mistake you for a Warlock.”

They chuckle. “Just because I can be philosophical does not mean I’m a Warlock. Besides, have you seen Temperance?”

“Fair point.”

She smiles and turns on her heel. Ivo follows as she makes to leave the arcade. Their bond holds steady.

“We should probably head back before Nimbus starts trying to place bets on whether the Vex got us or something.”

“Yeah.” They sense him dematerialize, his voice comes clearer in their headspace. “And… thanks.”

They smile and hope he can feel their sincerity and love through their bond.

“Anytime. We’re in this together.”

[luna-redamancy]

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My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Hi could i request the following prompts by @imaginexhobbit please.

Imagine Haldir being shocked that you have an interest in him, because he's nothing like other elves.

Imagine comforting Haldir after he is taunted for having a bulkier build than most elves

Ehe...Look at me, writing at 11pm when I should be getting ready for bed cause I have my stinky stupid office job tomorrow to go do office job things at.

For proper credit for the idea- Prompts by @imaginexhobbit

I hope you enjoy it, Nonnie!

The sun left the atmosphere sweltering, sweat beading down the back of your neck as you put away your training sword. Hearing a commotion, you raised a brow, head lifting and turning to look behind you to see the new recruits still in the training pit, laughing and making mocking gestures. 

“What the hell..” You muttered, leaning over the railing to watch them closer. 

“I am captain Haldir, a bulky dwarf,” You could faintly hear one say, your breath hitching as you saw Haldir coming up the steps you just came up. 

“More like an orc!”

If you heard it, then surely he must have as well. 

“Alright new recruits, that’s enough!” You shouted down, glaring at them. “If you want to stay on the guard then you will learn to respect your captain!” 

“Haldir-” You turned to talk to him, to give him encouragement. 

But your words were too late, as Haldir didn’t even acknowledge them, instead choosing to brush passed you to put his own sword away and exiting the training area without so much as a murmur slipping out of his lips. 

“Damn it,” You huffed under your breath, ignoring the urge to go bathe and instead followed after him. 

“Haldir, wait,” You called after him, jogging to catch up to him. 

“Leave me alone, please,” Haldir muttered, not stopping to look at you but his pace did slow to allow you to walk next to him, contradicting his words. 

“Unfortunately, I can’t do that,” Your words made him pause, a furrow in his brow as he turned to look at you. Not quite glaring, definitely not smiling either. 

“Why?”

“Because I care.”

“You are dismissed, (Y/n),” Haldir rolled his eyes, moving to keep walking. Reaching out, you grasped him by his upper arm and pulled him back. 

“Not as a captain, Haldir,” You made your intentions clear. 

“What they said was rude, and hurtful, I want to make sure you’re alright,” You stated, watching the way he analyzed your face. 

“You shouldn’t care, after all, they were right.” Haldir sounded resigned, expression blank, but his eyes- oh his eyes. They swirled with the hurt and the pain at the words of his underlings.

“No they weren’t, don’t say that,” You nearly begged, grabbing him by the hand.  “They aren’t right, Haldir, you are not some bulky orc-ish creature. You are handsome, yes you are slightly larger but that is simply more to love and to treasure.”

Haldir scoffed, shaking his head, and pulled his hand out of your grasp. You tried to ignore the sting in your chest as he did so, watching as he clenched his fist.

“To love? To treasure?” He laughed, a bitter and dark one deep in his chest. “There’s nothing to be treasured about me.” He glared at the ground. “Nor to love.” 

“I think there is,” You gently coaxed, reaching for his hand again.

“Tell me, then, tell me who would care for me the way I so strongly desire?” He snapped his eyes to yours, angry tears forming on his face. 

You remained silent, heart aching at the way he began to break down in front of you. 

See the full post

305 notes - Posted August 11, 2022

#4

Headcanons: Kili as a lover...

Literally no one asked for these, but I’m sick and daydreaming is my coping mechanism so here ya go- I’m soft rn..

Kili is the type to... Pick up on your moods very easily, in tune with your emotions and how you interact with the world with each one going through you.

Kili is the type to... Soundlessly pull you into his embrace, hand cupping the back of your head as he envelops you into him- knowing that you’ve had a bad day and knowing you don’t wish to speak of it, needing the comfort without the questions.

Kili is the type to... Stroke his fingertips almost absentmindedly over your flesh, seeming as if an unconscious way to make sure you’re by his side and safe.

Kili is the type to... Urge you to sit in between his legs as he helps you with your hair, no matter the texture or length, grinning like a mad man when you lean into his touch. 

Kili is the type to... Always make sure to get two of everything, whether it be food or drink or more meaningful things like jewelry or hair decorations. 

Kili is the type to... Fight for you no matter what, you are his beloved. Even if this means getting into a brawl at the local tavern whenever a son of men looks at you a little too long... 

Please note that if your tag is in Bold, Tumblr won’t let me tag you!

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312 notes - Posted April 25, 2022

#3

Hi beautiful! I hope you like my commission:

Thorin's little daughter coloring or painting and adding sparkles and ribbons to the orcrist, in the end it kinda looks like cartoon kitty kissy face with ribbons hanging on the handle and her only explanation is: it looked boring before! Now it at least looks pretty.

Reader (thorin's wife, who's been with him since the quest) can't help but laugh and agree. Just family fluff moments :) - Irene <3

Ohmygoodness Irene, I loved writing this so much! I hope you love it as much as I do:

It was quiet, oddly quiet, you noted as you looked up from your papers, your eyes narrowing as you listened in for the sound of giggles or little feet running on the floor. It was just before high noon, and your daughter was nowhere to be found. 

“Thorin,” You caught your husband’s attention, who looked up from his adjacent desk, looking at you with a concerned expression. 

“What is it?” 

“Where’s kurkarukê (my little raven)?” You stood from your desk, brows furrowing. It was too quiet. Normally she would have been running in and out, demanding to be in your lap, playing with your desk supplies, then running to Thorin and playing with his hair before then loudly exclaiming how hungry she was for the three of you to go enjoy lunch together. 

“I haven’t seen her since this morning and she isn’t due for nap time until later this afternoon, after lunch,” You explained, rounding your desk. This was not like her. She was not a quiet child, no, she was loud and boisterous and craved excitement, much like her cousin, Kili. 

“Didn’t Balin agree to look after her since we had our council meeting this morning?” 

Pausing in your strides, you ran through your memory as you began to bite at your lip. “Yes, he did, but that was hours ago…” 

“Surely he would have brought her back after they were done with their activities,” Thorin reassured, knowing how worried and protective you get over your little child. 

 “Right…” You mumbled, looking at the door with your furrowed expression remaining. 

Chuckling amusedly to himself, Thorin shook his head. “Go check on her, you know you want to.” 

“I think I will,” You agreed, walking to his desk to press a kiss to his cheek. 

“Don’t work too hard while I’m gone,” You teased, a grin forming on your face as he leaned upwards to press a kiss to your own cheek. 

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” He grumbled, looking to the stack of letters he had yet to formally address. 

Exiting the Royal Office, you headed straight to Balin’s office. Maybe he had her set up to do some arts and crafts while her father and yourself worked. 

“Kurkarukê? Balin?” You called as you rapped your knuckles on the door, a grin growing on your face as you heard her begin to squeal with giggles. 

“What’s going on, hm?” You spoke out loud as you entered the office. She was laying on her stomach by herself on the floor, Balin nowhere in sight as she poured what appeared to be “stardust” that you two bought in the market a few days ago.

“Make pretty!” She giggled with glee as her little legs kicked in the air, amusement clear in her voice as she sat up to grab bright pink and green ribbon. 

“Oh?” You inquired, walking forward, expecting to see a piece of paper or maybe a wooden toy Bofur had crafted for her–

“Is that… Your father’s sword?” You did your best to keep your composure as you knelt beside her, watching as she began to wrap the handle in the green ribbon. 

“Mhm!” She nodded, tongue sticking out as she carefully turned the sword to wrap underneath it. The blade’s shiny reflective surface was soon covered beneath wrappings of thick vibrant green. Only now did you notice the gold detailing on it.

“What’re you doing now?” You couldn’t help but ask, realizing she’s taking away room to pour more of her glitter. 

“Gotta wrap it, amad (mother),” She said simply, not really paying you any mind. “Why do we have to wrap it?” 

“So no ouchies,” She said in a tone that reflected how silly she thought your question was, almost as if the word “duh” was lingering on her tongue but out of respect she chose to not say it. 

“Ah, silly me,” You pretended to smack your forehead as you sat down properly. 

“And this?” You held up the roll of pink ribbon. 

“Bows!” She cheered, gluing down the rest of the green ribbon so it would hold in place before launching into action. 

See the full post

318 notes - Posted July 13, 2022

#2

Hello (*ﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ here to request some thorin x reader where the reader is a dragon trainer ? She lived with dragons since young and Smaug was actually her familiar/partner before, now she is trying to help the Dwarves get their home

Hello!! This is such a cool idea and it makes me want to watch How to Train Your Dragon...

Edit: I just now realized this was supposed to be a Thorin x reader... And I wrote just a Company x reader.. I’m so sorry!

Anywho, I hope you enjoy it!

“So you work with…Dragons,” Balin was carefully wording his sentences, in hopes of not offending you, nor his kin that he knew were listening very closely as he sat across from you. The fire crackled in the background and it reminded you of teaching the young drakes to control their fire in terms of intensity and range.

You had yet to sign the contract, wanting to read every bit of it thoroughly. As you told Gandalf, if there were any bits of information regarding killing or hurting Smaug, you would not sign it and you wouldn’t join in on their mission. 

Looking up from the parchment, you gave him a smile. “I do,” You encouraged, putting a finger where you were last reading so you could continue in a moment. 

“Do you know of Dragon Trainers, Sir Balin?” You inquired, tilting your head. 

“I’m afraid I do not,” Balin chuckled nervously to which you nodded in understanding. 

“I know Smaug had hurt you all severely, and for that, I am forever sorry,” You began, “But please know, that not all dragons are like him. He lost his way,” You sighed, looking back down at the paper. 

“How do you know he lost his way?” 

“I once worked with him, when he was younger.” You realized you now had an audience. The entire Company now hovering in the doorway, trying to not look so suspicious. 

“His former trainer died from old age, and he was heartbroken, he barely got up to hunt or make a small hoard, so they gave him to me to work with,” You began to tell his story, remembering play fighting with the small drake, taking him to get treats whenever he did exceptionally well during training. 

He transformed in front of your eyes. No longer was he the depressed dragon that he came to you as, he was kind and playful, courteous and passionate. Not this greedy, murderous, vicious beast that the world saw him as.

“And what happened?” Balin seemed very interested, wanting to know how he went from being in something akin to a dragon’s camp to rampaging his home. 

“We aren’t entirely sure,” You shook your head, “But the elder trainers think that it had to do with the unearthing of the Dragon Stone, or what most called it, the Arkenstone.” 

It felt like the world was put on pause as Balin stared at you in horror. 

“It’s a magnificent jewel, yes,” You nodded, “Beautiful and vibrant, glowing on its own. But it also has magic within it,” You explained. Pausing to put the quill where your finger was so you could grab your book out of your bag. 

“See here,�� You flipped the pages rapidly to get to where you had put a placeholder before. The Arkenstone was drawn in the center, glowing bright, with dragons lined up behind it. 

“For some reason, the magic within it causes unfathomable greed in mankind, but for dragons, it sparks undeniable rage that is only calmed whenever the dragons are near it. Like some sort of drug,” You explained, “We haven’t ever been able to have a dragon near one without it causing them to go feral.”

“So you think when the Arkenstone was found and put in King Thror’s throne-”

“It was a beacon to dragons to come take it,” You finished Kili’s sentence as he approached the two of you.

“I don’t know if that’s the exact reason he did what he did, and nothing can excuse the hell he rained down on you all,” You looked over to them. 

“What Smaug did was terrible, and I understand that you want his head on a pedestal,” You focused on Thorin, eyes pleading. 

“Just let me help get you your homeland back. I can get him out safely and take him so he can go back to the far north so our elders can work with him.” 

“How do you know he’ll go with you?” Ori piped in, looking concerned. 

“I am a dragon trainer, and since he has left and done this, well, we’ve trained in how to deal with dragons that are falling to Dragon Stone magic.” 

“Bilbo can help me get the stone away from Smaug,” You looked at the newly contracted burglar with a grin, “And once it’s out of sight and covered, the magic effects should wear off and he should come to his senses.” 

Thorin sighed deeply through his nose before approaching. 

“We will trust what you can do, Lady Dragon Trainer.” 

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344 notes - Posted August 14, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Hey could I have a Kili x Reader where the reader is someone Gandalf recruited early on the adventure. She spends all her time in the woods and can even converse with animals as well as being an adept hunter and survivalist? Kili just becomes infatuated then and there

Hello!! I'm so sorry this took so long to complete, but I hope you enjoy:

“I thought you said you had another person attending, Gandalf, your apprentice?” Thorin’s words floated above the murmur of the company members as they feasted on poor Bilbo’s pantry. 

“I do, however, unfortunately, they were caught up in other matters. Do not fret, Thorin, they will meet us along the way.” 

“What matters were so important to have missed a vital meeting before we set off on this journey?” Thorin’s tone was criticizing as he imagined a young lad trying to drink himself into a stupor- 

“Medical ones,” Gandalf’s cheery disposition turned into a frown as he gazed upon the dwarf. 

“They are providing medical guidance for a town riddled with disease. I say a sobbing child with a fever needs their attention more than a group of rowdy, but otherwise healthy, dwarves.” 

“My apologies,” Thorin tilted his head to Gandalf who responded in kind. 

“I know you are anxious to meet the final member of your Company, Thorin, trust me when I say everything will fall together- in due time.” 

And that was the last they discussed the missing apprentice, your absence not being brought up again. 

The next morning, after a night of feasting and somber singing, the Company set out on their journey. 

The trees were lush and soon the rolling hills of the Shire had all but disappeared behind the horizon. Coin was shared upon the arrival of Bilbo, but the final member of the Company had still yet to arrive. 

“Gandalf,” Thorin addressed as he fell to the middle of the line where Gandalf was atop of his horse. 

“Do you know when your apprentice will be arriving?” 

“I would say–”

“Right now,” You called out, popping up next to Gandalf as you stared at the bird in your hand. It was a small old-world sparrow, happily chirping as you nodded. 

“You are-” Kili almost interrupted, the Company now halted as they stared at you awaiting introduction. 

“One moment,” You held up a finger, keeping your gaze trained on the bird, pausing in your steps. 

“Thank you,” You said after a moment, smiling at the small creature. You watched as the bird then took off, flying into the trees. 

“You’re Gandalf’s apprentice?” Balin tried this time, your gaze returning to the Company. 

“Yes, I am,” You bowed your head, “My name is (Y/n),” You greeted, your grin widening as each dwarf gave their name. 

“And you?” You stared at Kili who seemed to be starstruck, eyes wide and round as the wind shifted the leaves of the trees, making the sunlight highlight different areas of your face. Dipped in golden light. 

Fili chuckled, turning into a cough as Kili elbowed him harshly in the gut. “Kili, at your service,” he bowed his head. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” You turned to Gandalf, “There may be trouble along the old road,” You explained, “The sparrows have seen trolls taking livestock from farmers, they recommend to stay away.”

“Sparrows?” Bilbo questioned and before you could explain, Gandalf was quick to boast. 

“(Y/n) holds many abilities, but one of them is animal conversing, birds are her favorite.”

“They know so much,” You shrugged, as the company resumed traveling. Walking alongside Gandalf, you failed to notice the eyes trained on your form and drinking in your appearance. 

“Also, they say the population of rabbits has increased, especially towards the winding trees further north, we’re likely to be able to catch a few for supper come time to set up camp,” You were already planning your hunt in your head.

Kili felt like he was going to swoon. He was most certainly in deep, and you’ve only said a few sentences. 

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356 notes - Posted September 29, 2022

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[burgers-and-french-fries]

Taking Chances: Chapter Forty Nine.

Note: This is the penultimate chapter and I’m beyond thrilled to say that because I am so ready to move on with Taron and Nicola’s story.

That being said, this chapter is only half edited so keep that in mind when reading. Also keep in mind that this chapter mentions the use of drugs and alcohol. it also mentions suicide and other forms of abuse; and last but certainly not least, this mentions adoption.

I think that covers it. Enjoy!

===

Laying in bed wide awake was nothing new for Nicola but with her mind going a million miles per milli-second with the events that led up to this point, it was no wonder why she couldn’t seem to settle herself.

“Are you awake?” Nicola asked just above a whisper. When no reply came, she continued to lay there until she grew annoyed with her brain and gently got out of bed.

She quietly walked down to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea before sitting on the sofa and turning on the tv in the hopes that whatever was on would help lull her into a sense of tiredness and she’d be able to finally fall asleep.

*Flashback*

After saying her goodbyes and giving her well wishes to Edna, Nicola sat on the ground with her bags next her in the airport baggage claim. She honestly had no clue what to do.

She sat there with a blank look on her face as she picked at the skin around her fingers, deciding what her next move would be. Did she really want to leave the protection of the airport building and face reality or did she just want to stay in her current spot and let the world pass her by. She didn’t know. She felt lost.

Sure she talked to Edna on the plane and told her certain things, but it didn’t help like she had hoped. Instead she felt fried, like her brain was a hamster running on its hamster wheel with no end in sight.

Nicola pulled out her phone and saw that she had a few missed calls from Brenna and a couple texts from her as well. Nicola had no energy to reply but the one thing she had the energy for was talking to Taron. As much as he had made her mad and pissed her off at times, he felt like her rock, her safe place. She knew it didn’t make much sense but now that they were on the same page of moving on for the better, she felt like she really needed him in this moment.

She was about to press his contact name but when Brenna called, Nicola stopped and thought better of it. She knew it wasn’t smart to do until she and Taron could talk face to face.

Nicola took a deep breath and answered the call, but one thing was for sure, she could really use one of Taron’s comforting hugs right about now.

=

Meanwhile back in Cannes, Taron sat on the bed taking a small break from packing. He scrolled through his phone and looked at the pictures from the previous night.

 He still felt like he was on cloud nine with everything. Not only had the movie been well received but he and Nicola had finally taken a step forward to repair their relationship and he was hopeful that they’d end up together. Though in saying that, Nicola had disappeared again, which at this point was par for the course. Taron would show his vulnerability to her and then she’d run. This time though, he knew something larger was keeping them apart, he just wasn’t aware of what it was yet.

Clicking on an image taken of him and Luna, Taron smiled but jumped when a knock sounded at the door.

“Taron, it’s Guy.” Guy prudently said through the door.

Taron frowned to himself. He felt the worry flood over him. He thought it was about one of the kids, but nothing could have prepared him for what Guy was about to say.

“What is it? What’s wrong? Are the kids ok?” Taron asked as he opened the door, revealing Guys concerned expression.

“The kids are fine, but I don’t think Nicola is.” Guy replied.

Taron’s face paled and his heart started racing.

“Go on.” Taron said cautiously.

Guy took a deep breath and played the voice message for Taron that was left before Nicola was notified.

‘Hello, my name is detective Fellows with Scotland Yard. I’m looking for Nicola Ryan. We have tried contacting her but are unable to do so. If you are able to reach her, please tell her that we need to speak as soon as possible as this is a family matter. Thank you for your time, have a good afternoon.’

Taron stood in his spot feeling even more concerned.

“What was the family matter?” Taron asked.

Guy didn’t reply, instead, he played another voice message.

‘Hi, this is Amanda Robinson with Chilton family services. I have made attempts to contact Nicola Ryan in regard to the passing of her parents, Carolyn Henrik and Greg Owens but have been unsuccessful at this time. She has listed you as her emergency contact, so if you do hear from her, please let her know that she is to contact me as soon as possible. Thank you.’

“Are you ok?” Guy said after he pocketed his phone and looked at Taron who was unmoving. He knew something was wrong and this confirmed his suspicions. He had to get to her now.

“She needs me.” Taron said as his body put itself on autopilot.

=

Sitting on the train, Nicola replayed the conversation she had with Brenna on the phone.

*Mini Flashback*

“Is everything ok Nic, you’ve not answered me at all.” Brenna asked. She wasn’t mad at all, she just wanted to make sure that her friend was ok after Nicola told her about the events of the premiere.

“I left early.” Nicola replied numbly.

Brenna’s brows furrowed.

“What happened?” Brenna questioned.

“My parents.” Nicola said.

Brenna could hear the silent tears in Nicola’s tone. She could sense that her friend was in more distress than she was letting on.

“Do you want to talk about it, or do you want me just to stay on the phone with you?” Brenna asked.

“Stay on the phone.” Nicola said, closing her exhausted eyes to stop the tears she felt building.

“Ok. I’m here when and if you are ready.” Brenna answered.

Nicola stayed on the phone with her friend for a while longer until she felt her tailbone screaming for relief.

Nicola stood up and went outside to hail a taxi to the train station.

“I’m staying on with you but if I randomly hang up on you, I’m getting in a taxi.” Nicola explained.

“Ok.” Brenna said, taking a drink of her coffee.

“Can I ask you something?” Nicola questioned and Brenna chuckled.

“You just did.” She replied, trying to make light of everything. It didn’t work.

“Bren.” Nicola simply said.

“Sorry. Go on.” Brenna responded, feeling bad.

Nicola bit her lower lip.

“How did you deal with the emotions when your father passed away?” Nicola asked, feeling her heart shatter all over again.

Brenna’s heart sank and she closed her eyes.

“Oh god Nic. When did it happen?” Brenna asked, putting two and two together.

“Last night while we were watching the movie.” Nicola told Brenna softly.

“Oh honey, I’m so sorry.” Brenna said.

They talked for a while longer before the taxi arrived.

*End of Mini Flashback*

Again, Nicola should have felt better after having told someone, but she didn’t, and she was beginning to wonder if she’d ever feel relief after talking about all of this.

=

While Taron was on the way to the airport, he googled to see what the cheapest flight back to London was. He needed to find the next available one but to his dismay, he couldn’t find any for the life of him.

He groaned to himself and called Lindsay to see if she had anymore luck on her end. Unsurprisingly, she was able to find exactly what he needed. She gave him the details and as soon as the car pulled up, Taron jumped out, grabbed his bags and ran to where his airline section was.

“Passport please.” The lady behind the desk asked.

Taron handed the id over and waited anxiously as she checked him in.

“Perfect. Just put your bag on here and we’ll be set.” She told him as she gave him the passport back and printed the necessary luggage tags.

“Look, I’m kind of in a rush so could you hurry up.” Taron said feeling his anxiety rise.

He really had no clue why it was rising but he knew Nicola and knew that she did irrational things when she was upset and/or had her walls up.

“I’m going as fast as I can, sir.” The lady replied firmly, not appreciating his tone.

Taron sighed and tapped his fingers on the counter they were resting on.

“Have a good flight.” The woman said as she finally passed him everything he needed.

Taron didn’t say anything, he just ran to where security was. He could only pray that nothing would hold him up any longer than necessary.

=

Being on planes made Taron uncomfortable at best. He hated being trapped in a tin can that could down at any time should it decide to. He hated the idea of feeling so small and invisible. He was someone who thrived on attention, even if he did hate the lime light at times.

He especially hated being trapped on a plane when someone he loved and cared about needed him.

While sitting in his seat, Taron’s knee kept bouncing up and down and no matter how many times he willed himself to stop, it kept doing it.

“Can I get you anything?” The young flight attendant asked, stopping at Taron with the bar cart.

Taron looked at him and gave him a tight-lipped smile.

“Rum and coke.” Taron replied, needing something to calm himself.

The flight attendant nodding his head and got to work making Taron’s drink. When he was done, he handed Taron the cup and went on his way.

Taron took a drink and allowed the liquid to fill his body and calm his brain. It worked a little bit, but it wasn’t by much.

“What’re you having?” An elderly gentleman asked Taron, making him jump.

As far as Taron could recall, no one was sitting next to him when he boarded the plane but then again he was in his head so maybe there was someone there and he didn’t notice till now.

“Rum and coke.” Taron replied cautiously.

“Sounds good. I’ll have what he’s having.” The man spoke. Taron looked at him and swore he had seen him before. He just couldn’t remember where.

“George is the name.” George said as he shook Taron’s hand.

“Taron.” Taron replied.

“Where are you headed?” George asked, taking a sip of his own drink.

“Home to Wales.” Taron answered simply, not wanting to give too much away. He didn’t know George at all; or at least that he could think of.

“Hmm, I love Wales. My wife loved it too.” George replied, closing his eyes as if remembering the good old days.

“Married my Edna there too.” George said, opening his eyes.

Taron smiled at him.

“That’s nice.” Taron replied.

He and George talked for a long while and it made Taron feel calmer. It was nice to have some company to help pass the time.

“This Nicola sounds like a Goodin.” George told Taron.

“It took me a while to see it but yes, she’s a very good one.” Taron answered, feeling his heart skip a beat at the thought of her.

“Make sure to hang on to that.” George warned.

“I intend to.” Taron told him as everyone disembarked the aircraft.

=

With the sun now setting and painting the sky in a beautiful mix of oranges and pinks, the birds chirped happily in the trees as the warm sea breeze rustled the leaves of the tree in Nicola’s front yard.

It was a beautiful sight but now being home and having the harsh reality slap her in the face, Nicola felt like an imposter. She felt like she didn’t belong here. She felt as though she was in a nightmare and no matter how hard she tried; nothing was waking her.

Nicola stood there looking over the grandeur that was the house. She remembered the first time that she and Jasmine saw it. They were both so excited for the new adventures that would be had in it. Little did Nicola know that a lot of momentous milestones would be reached there.

Tina realized that Nicola was pregnant in that house, Taron found out that he was going to be a father again in that house (even though it didn’t go the way Nicola had hoped), Luna was brought home to that house, Taron and Nicola had many ups and downs in that house, Luna had her first smile in this house. Everything was made in this house and now, Nicola was coming home to this house knowing that her mother was gone. That was it, there was no more hope of her mother coming to her asking for forgiveness, no more chance at having a proper relationship with her mother.

Nothing was ever going to be the same again and the thought of that made something in Nicola snap. She felt enraged, betrayed, disappointed, heartbroken, alone, invisible, small, like a child again discovering the cruelty the world held.

She hated feeling this way and she hated that she officially had more than the world placed on her shoulders and that she’d be facing all of this alone, or so she thought.

=

Driving at night was something that Taron loved doing, especially when it came to driving around Aber at night. People milled around laughing and chatting among themselves but the bar dwellers, they were easy to spot most of the time because they’d be stumbling around trying to walk straight. Some drunk people though had others escorting them out of the pubs and helping them into taxis so they could home safely.

The lights on the prom were enchantingly lit, giving off a romantic glow to the prom’s surroundings. In the distance, you could always hear the last little chirpings of the birds in far off trees as they settled in for the night. Not to mention the calming sea breeze that would pick up now and then, carrying the smell of the ocean as it flitted by. It was pure magic to Taron and one of the many reasons he loved Aber so much.

As the music in Taron’s car drifted through the spears of the radio system softly, Taron took a drink of his now cold coffee that he had made back at the London flat before he made the long journey home.

The entire way back to Wales, Taron’s mind was on Nicola and what had happened to her in the last few hours. His heart ached for the woman. He could remember when the Police knocked on his front door to tell him that Kate had passed. He recalled feeling like the wind had been sucked from his body while his mind went blank. His world stopped that day and faded into grey, as cliché as that may sound. It wasn’t until Nicola came into his life that he felt alive again, like his world had colour again, like his life had meaning again. All of this combined made him wonder how Nicola was holding up.

Taron got his answer when he took a little de tour past Nicolas house.

The first thing that caught his eye was the fact that the front door was wide open. It wasn’t like Nicola at all to do that. She was very particular about that, especially as she had two small children in her care. Seeing the door open made his insides sink. The next thing he noticed was the kitchen lamp that had been turned on, which casted light on a taller dark silhouette in the living room. At this time of night, he assumed Nicola would be in bed, so these two things were adding to his already heavy concerns.

Taron parked the car immediately and cautiously made his way to the front door; of course having his phone at the ready in case he needed to ring 999.

The closer Taron got to the house, the more that he could hear items being broken. When he got to the front door, he saw the house keys still in the lock. He walked in and took careful steps when he noticed Nicola’s carry-on bag and luggage laying vicariously on the floor in the foyer.

“Nicola.” Taron said softly, not wanting to draw any attention to himself in case this was in fact an emergency.

No answer came and Taron continued on to where he heard the smashing sounds coming from.

There he saw Nicola in the middle of the living room surrounded by bits of broken glass and various other materials of things that were once whole but now lied destroyed around her.

“What are you doing?” Taron asked incredulously as his eyes grew wide. Nicola was holding a glass vase above her head ready to throw it at the ground.

Nicola whipped around and instead of answering him, she angrily chucked it at him. Thankfully Taron ducked out of the way and the vase hit the wall behind him, shattering into a million tiny pieces.

“Nic, calm down.” Taron tried as he looked at her, holding his hands out in surrender.

Taron could see the darkness in her eyes and knew that she was far too in her emotional outburst to stop now. He knew very well that nothing was going to stop her, but he was damn well going to try.

His words did absolutely nothing to stop Nicola, in fact, they only spurred her on.

“FUCK YOU!” Nicola shouted louder than she ever had, continuing to throw things at him.

Taron had never seen her this upset, and they had had their fair share of arguments.

“I know that you’re upset but you need to stop before you hurt yourself.” Taron told her, moving closer to her to try and grab the last breakable thing in the living room.

Nicola didn’t reply to him and as he got closer, she felt her blood boil even more. Didn’t he care that she was hurting? Didn’t he know that this was helping her feel better? Didn’t he know that this was allowing her to release the pent-up rage she had collected over the years?

The woman didn’t hesitate in throwing the item in her hand at him.

Once that item was shattered, she looked around for more ammo, but she realized that she was out fragile things in the living room. Nicola forcefully wiped her tears away, growled and screamed, storming to the kitchen for more. Unfortunately for her, Taron was much faster this time and was able to get to her before she could destroy anything else.

Him blocking her way made her feel violent all of a sudden and it scared her. Sure she had strong feelings toward Taron, but she would never go as far as hitting him or hurting him physically, until now that is.

Nicola mustered all the strength she had left, balled her fists and started hitting Taron as hard as she could. She couldn’t explain why but hitting him felt so good. Hitting him was a long time coming.

Taron stood there and took it at first but then his chest started hurting from where she was brutally pounding him.

“Nicola, stop!” Taron said firmly as he grabbed her in the hopes that it would stop her. It didn’t work. It only made her flail her arms around as she tried to remove her hands from his grasp.

“Let me go!” Nicola shouted back as more tears fell.

“Not until you stop.” Taron told her, not realizing there was a fist heading straight for his jaw.

BANG!

Nicola got him square in the face.

Taron stumbled back a little bit as he held his jaw. He was part shocked, part impressed at her determination and part in pain.

“Jesus fuck woman!” Taron hollered at her.

Nicola stopped and looked at him as he pulled his hand away. She hadn’t meant to hit him in the face. He was just in the way. I mean after all; didn’t he know that you never stand in an angry woman’s way. Especially one that had just lost any chance of truly knowing her mother.

“I told you to let me go.” Nicola snapped.

Taron just looked at her, took a large breath and walked over to her.

“Put me down you idiot.” Nicola screeched as Taron wrapped his arm around her waist and picked her up, carrying her outside and to where his car was parked.

“Stay here.” Taron warned her and she knew he meant business. Part of her was grateful that he had come for her but part of her was still annoyed at him for ruining her tirade.

Nicola watched as Taron went back into the house, turned the light off, got her bags and locked the front door, concealing the mess at least for now.

“What are you doing?” Nicola asked when Taron opened the back door and threw her luggage inside.

“Get in the car.” He replied simply. Nicola did as she was told but she wasn’t thrilled about it.

When she was in the car, Taron made sure to lock the doors so that she could escape before he looked at her, his jaw throbbing something awful.

“We’re going back to mine.” He said. Nicola just turned her head and looked out her window, choosing to ignore him.

As they drove, she thought back to the last time she was in this seat. She and Taron had come home from Anglesea and fought about whose daughter Luna was. Nicola was adamant that Luna was hers but then again, so was Taron.

“You’re going to be fine.” Taron said, a lot softer this time.

Nicola did look at him, she couldn’t. Her heart hurt way too much, and she knew that if she looked at him, she’d break down and cry, even more than she already had been.

When she didn’t reply, Taron spoke up again.

“I know about what happened.” He said simply, letting his words hang in the air.

Nicola didn’t know what to say. If she was being honest, all she’d rather do is be in Taron’s arms as he held her close, this time without the punches she was giving him.

=

Once they got back to Taron’s, he told Nicola that she could clean up if she wanted to and offered for her to shower or take a bath if she really wanted while he made them some tea and took her bags to the guest room.

Nicola gave him a small smile and nodded as she went into the bathroom that Mikey mainly used.

She started her shower and instead of really cleaning herself up, she allowed the hot water to wash away all the anger she felt from before. She allowed the water to wash away all the tension she felt from the long journey home, and she allowed it to wash away all the anguished sobs that wracked her body.

From where Taron was in the kitchen, he could hear Nicola’s pain filled cries and wanted so badly to comfort her, but he knew better than that. He knew that everybody had their way of grieving and sometimes it was best to let the one in mourning be so that they could process their emotions in any way they needed to. Which reminded him that he needed to ice his jaw before bed.

=

By the time that Nicola had gotten out of the shower, her body ached, and her eyes were begging for a rest. Her stomach thought, that felt as though it could use food and lucky for her, Taron was in the kitchen putting some Oreos onto a plate for them to have before bed. Was it the healthiest? Not in the slightest but it was something comforting and nostalgic and right now they both needed that.

“Hey.” Nicola said quietly as she perched herself on a bar stool.

Taron looked at her and nodded. He wasn’t mad or upset, just extremely tired.

“Want some Oreos?” Taron offered, putting the plate off to the side of her but within easy reach. Nicola shook her head lightly.

“No.” Nicola said as she leaned forward and rested her head on the counter. She couldn’t keep it up any longer.

“Tired?” he asked her, knowing the answer already.

“Yeah.” Nicola replied as a yawn escape her lips.

“I’ll show you to your room.” Taron said, walking out of the kitchen and past Nicola.

“I don’t want to be alone.” Nicola told him, taking hold of his arm, looking at him with sadness and vulnerability. Taron felt his heart rate pick up.

He didn’t say anything to her, he simply let his fingers sip in between hers as he led her to his room.

=

Laying down in his bed, Nicola felt better knowing that she wasn’t by herself and that she was with the one she loved, even if she wasn’t ready to admit it just yet.

“You all good?” Taron asked he got in beside Nicola.

Nicola looked at him and took in how he looked. His eyes were tired and red, his hair was disheveled, and his face had slight covering of scruff while his attire was comfy and laid back. A simple old band shirt with a pair of sweatpants. He was the epitome of lazy but casual.

“I think so.” She replied as she itched the tip of her nose.

Taron looked at her and nodded.

“Good.” He replied as he turned over and turned off the light.

Nicola turned over so that her back was to him did her best to cocoon herself in his blankets, the smell of them lulling her into a sense of safety and security.

“Night Taron.” Nicola said as she closed her eyes.

He didn’t answer her though, he was trying to quietly go through his nightstand.

Nicola’s brows furrowed as she listened to what he was doing. When she heard the drawer shut, she turned so that she could kind of see him.

“What are you doing?” Nicola asked, scaring the shit out of Taron. So much so that he quickly hid the item he was looking for under the blankets.

“What? Nothing.” He replied a little to quickly. Nicola quired a brow at him.

“It wasn’t nothing Taron. What were you getting?” Nicola asked again.

Taron wasn’t budging in his answer. It remained adamant that he wasn’t doing anything.

“Ok fine. Have it your way.” Nicola said, beginning to turn back but as she was doing that, Taron pulled the item out of it’s hiding spot.

“What the hell is that?” Nicola asked, now sitting up and turning on her lamp.

Taron felt defeated.

“It’s my sleeping mask ok.” Taron replied, looking down at the ratty old thing.

“A sleeping mask?” Nicola asked with amusement evident in her voice.

“Yeah, alright. Poke fun all you want but it helps me.” Taron told her.

Nicola chuckled as she held her hands up.

“It’s so ratty.” Nicola said as she saw it clearly.

“If you’re going to keep this up, you can sleep in the guest room.” Taron said, feeling defensive.

“Taron relax, I’m only teasing you.” Nicola said as she smiled at him. He just looked at her with slight annoyance in his eyes.

“If it helps you, that’s good.” She told him honestly as she moved down, turned the lamp off again and cocooned herself in the blankets once more.

“That’s it? No other remark?” Taron asked, not believing that she was going to leave it there.

“Nope. Night.” Nicola replied, sleep now evident in her voice. Or at least that’s what Taron thought.

He remained skeptical but put his mask on anyway.

“Night.” He replied, slipping the material over his eyes and laying down.

=

After some time, Nicola was still wide awake and finding her brain off on one with all sorts of things. She tried to will herself to sleep but with each attempt made, it proved useless.

Eventually Nicola turned over so that she faced Taron in the hopes that the new potion would help but it wasn’t. Nothing she was trying was helping.

*End of Flashback*

Nicola flicked through the tv channels until she concluded that no show was helping her either, so with that realization, Nicola turned the tv off and went back to the kitchen to put her cup in the sink.

As she passed the counter, her eyes landed on a paper pad and a pen conveniently sitting in front of her eyes. Nicola grabbed them and went to sit at the dining table to write down everything that she was feeling.

=

Once she was finished writing everything down, she went back to Taron’s room and laid down next to him. She was facing him and as her eyes adjusted to the dark, she could make out the mark on his jaw where she had accidentally punched him.

She felt her eyes well up with tears again and before she knew what she was doing, she reached out for Taron and gently caressed the forming bruise. She let her fingers feel the stubble on his face, let them feel the warmth of his skin.

The more she did that, the more her heart burst into pieces all over again. She attempted to stop her crying but the more that she did that, the more she felt her body betray her. She felt the tears fall from her eyes and as they did, she leaned forward and hovered over Taron’s lips.

“I’m so sorry.” She whispered as she connected her lips with his in a small kiss.

What she didn’t know was that Taron was awake, he felt her come back to bed, he felt her caress his face and he felt the pain and anguish radiate from her body as she kissed him.

Nicola pulled away and sniffed.

Taron ripped his mask off and captured her lips with his again, pouring every ounce of love into it. He wanted to show her that it was ok, that she was safe and that he would do anything and everything to protect her. He wanted to show her that she was his whole world, besides the kids of course.

Nicola continued to let her tears fall as they kissed and held each other tightly, as though they were afraid that they’d be taken from one another.

Eventually they pulled apart as they desperately needed air. Nicola took this opportunity to look Taron in the eye.

“Make love to me.” Nicola whispered and Tarn just looked at her, unsure if she was being serious or not. He looked at her questioningly.

“Yes.” Nicola replied, pulling Taron close to her again, needing to feel him pressed against her.

Taron kissed her lips hungrily before slowly moving down to kiss her neck.

Nicola let her body give into the pleasure Taron was giving her. She allowed her mind to fully relax and to live in this moment. She let her fingers tangle themselves in Taron’s hair as the craving for him intensified.

She had forgotten just how much he set her body on fire with a passion she had never known before. With a desire to please him, with the desire to love him fully and completely.

Taron allowed his body to feel the same. He allowed his body to feel the gentle touches Nicola offered him as he kissed down her body, as he let his fingers trace every curve and dip of her body, as her moans filled the air in erotic ecstasy. As her melodic cries of pure euphoria hit him in the places of his body he forgot were there. As her body writhed and reacted to his touches. As she grasped the sheets beneath her as if trying to ground herself. As they became one. As they fell asleep in the arms of each other after the blissful sensuality of love making.

=

The next morning, the sun shone through the curtains as the sounds of the outside world roused her from her sleep. She felt like she was on cloud nine. She felt lighter and she felt happier but the thought of having to talk things through with Taron terrified her. She didn’t know how the conversation was going to go but with her feelings written down, she decided to hope for the absolute best.

“Morning.” Taron greeted as he emerged from the bathroom.

Nicola turned to face him and took in the water droplets that sat on his skin and clung to his chest hair. She took in how sexy he looked as he walked over to his closet. How tempting he looked with the towel hung that low on his hips, giving her a little peek at the hair that traveled down from his navel and sat neatly groomed around his penis.

“Fuck.” Nicola muttered to herself, but Taron heard it and grew intrigued.

“You ok?” Taron asked, walking out of the closet now dressed in a long-sleeved shirt, which had it’s sleeves pushed half way up his arms, and shorts.

Sat down next to her and brushed strands of her hair away from her face while smiling down at her warmly.

“I’m ok baby.” Nicola replied warily, almost scared of his reaction.

Her words warmed his heart and set off more butterflies within his belly. Taron leaned down and kissed her lips tenderly, humming at the contact of their mouths.

“You sure?” He asked genuinely.

Nicola’s cheeks reddened as she tried to move again, feeling the same stiffness pull at her muscles.

“Sore.” She replied, feeling coy all of a sudden.

“Shall I carry you downstairs and we can talk?” Taron offered, making Nicola chuckle.

She lifted her arms toward him and allowed him to carry her but not before she asked him to get the folded piece of paper she had written on the night before.

With the paper now securely between her teeth, Taron gently picked her up and carried her to the sofa, gently her placed her on it, making sure she was comfortable and went to make them some tea.

=

Sitting on the sofa, Nicola realized that she was in the spot she was in the first time she entered this house and what led to it.

*Mini Flashback*

Taron got his son settled in his car seat before getting in the car himself and heading in the direction of the park.

Unfortunately for him, he saw 'the woman' sitting at a picnic table keeping an eye on Jasmine.

"Right, go play." Taron said to Mikey as he took him out of his car seat and set him down on the ground.

Mikey ran off and started playing.

Taron locked the car and took a deep breath.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Nicola snapped harshly when she saw who was approaching.

"It's none of your damn business." Taron spat back.

"Well if your moody ass is going to be here then yes, it is my business." Nicola sassed.

Taron scoffed and sat down on the same seat as she and removed his sunglasses.

Nicola glanced at him and really took him in. He wasn't bad looking, he had nice eyes and a sharp jaw. He was pretty cute.

"Take a fucking picture." Taron seethed, making Nicola jump.

"Excuse me?" She questioned.

"Stop staring." Taron said, locking eyes with her.

Nicola swallowed harshly. His eyes had turned an almost black shade and he looked like he was thirsty for blood.

"Staring and trying to figure someone out are two very different things." Nicola replied with a raised brow.

"And what exactly are you trying to figure out?" He said dangerously low.

"What an asshole like you gets out of hanging around parks like this. I'll call the police you know." She said, not realizing that he had come here with Mikey.

"You're a bitch, you know that." Taron countered before turning to look at Mikey, who was happily playing with Jasmine.

"Yup, definitely a Taz." Nicola smirked.

Taron's heart stopped. No one besides Kate had called him that, not even his mum. Only Kate was allowed to call him that.

"Shut the fuck up." The man said, slamming his fists on the table.

"Since I met you, all you've done is piss me off. You've insulted me and I think it's my turn to insult you. Why is a woman like you in a park like this anyway? Is it because no one wants a self centered, condescending slag like you? You feel better surrounding yourself with others like you? Or is it because no one wants to get between those legs, and this is where you come to sulk to yourself about it?" Taron said, eerily calm.

This didn't phase Nicola in the slightest as all she was focused on were his lips, which is funny because normally she'd slap the shit out of him but there was just something about him that spoke to her.

Before she could think of what she was doing, her hand went to the back of his neck and she pulled him forward, crashing her lips onto Taron's.

His lips were soft, and the kiss was magical but for Taron, he felt awful. How could something feel so right and so wrong at the same time?

Meanwhile from the top of the play fort, Mikey watched as the two adults kissed.

The little boy crouched down so that he was hidden and started crying.

"What's wrong?" Jasmine asked as she finally looked up from her rock collection.

"I hate my dad." Mikey whimpered.

Jasmine looked toward Taron, covered her mouth and started giggling.

"They're kissing." She said through her giggles.

Mikey hid his face, making Jasmin stop giggling.

The little girl attempted to hug her friend, but Mikey got up and ran over to his father.

"Mikey stop!" Jasmin called but Mikey wasn't listening.

Mikey quickly reached his father.

"That's my daddy!" Mikey shouted as he pushed Nicola away from Taron.

Despite the fact that Taron had massively hurt his son, Mikey wasn't willing to share Taron just yet.

Nicola looked at the man she'd just kissed and saw the hurt, confusion and sadness in his eyes.

Taron sat frozen in place as Mikey climbed up into his father's lap.

Absentmindedly, Taron wrapped his right arm around his son and held him protectively.

"Mine." Mikey said as he wrapped his small arms around Taron's neck and glared daggers at the woman.

It was evident to Nicola that Mikey was definitely this man's son and that she had just made a huge mistake.

Her cheeks went bright red, and she bit her lower lip in embarrassment.

Taron finally rejoined reality and realized what had just happened.

"Kate." He whispered as he touched his lips with his left hand, displaying the fact that he was wearing a ring.

Nicola's eyes landed on the gold band on his ring finger, and she sucked in a breath. Of course he was married, and she'd just kissed a married man. Fuck!

The next day, Nicola was sitting in her car trying to think of what to get Taron as an apology for treating him so poorly.

"What do I get for him!" Nicola groaned out loud.

"KFC's always a good choice." Kate said from the backseat.

Nicola hit her steering wheel a couple times before agreeing with her inner voice and went to KFC.

"At a girl." Kate praised with a wide smile.

It didn't take Nicola long to get everything she needed for the apology but then it dawned on her, where in the actual hell did this man live?

Just as she stepped out of the food place, two women walked past her talking about a house with blossoming rain lilies out front.

"They were always my favorite." Kate replied.

Nicola smiled to herself. She remembered driving past that house once as she took a shortcut to work one morning.

"He's not long home but he'd appreciate the chicken. Save him from almost burning the house down again." Kate giggled.

Because there was hardly any traffic, Nicola made it to the house quicker than she thought she would.

"Here goes nothing." She said as she set the food down and knocked on the door.

Nicola took a step back and waited for an answer.

"Can I-" Taron began before realizing that no one was there.

As he went to close the door, a gentle breeze picked up and rustled the plastic bag.

Taron looked down and saw the take away bag.

He smiled to himself as he bent down to grab the food.

"Thanks mam." Taron said, loud enough for Nicola to hear.

She coyly stepped forward and Taron's smile immediately fell from his face.

"Before you say anything, please hear me out?" She asked, nervously fiddling with her fingers.

Taron could hear the genuine tone in her voice.

"I was making tea." He replied.

Nicola shrugged.

"No, it's ok. I don't want to interrupt. I just wanted to drop that off as an apology for how I've treated you." The woman responded.

Taron nodded friendly.

"Come in." He said, standing to the side.

The woman slowly walked into the house and stood in the entryway awkwardly. "Ok." She said.

"Can I take your jacket?" Taron asked as he came back from the kitchen.

"Yeah s-sure." Nicola stuttered.

Taron hung up her jacket and led her to the living room.

"I'll be back with the tea." He said.

Nicola smiled in response.

"Take a seat, I'll only be a minute." He continued before walking away.

Sitting down, Nicola felt nervous and on edge, not knowing what his response would be to what she had to say.

She wanted to offer her help but with not knowing his name and knowing that the name Taz pissed him off, Nicola decided it was best if she just stayed quiet and tried to get her thoughts in order before he came back.

"Thank you for being willing to hear me out. I really do appreciate it." Nicola said as Taron placed the tray of tea down on the coffee table.

He gave Nicola a tight-lipped smile.

"Be strong Nicola, you've got this." Kate whispered as she watched from the other end of the room.

"How do you take your tea?" Taron asked as he doctored up his own cup.

"Same as you." She said with a smile.

When he was done making up her tea, he passed her a cup and sat down.

"So, the real reason I came here was to hopefully start over." Nicola admitted.

"Go on." Taron said, waiting for her to continue.

"Can I be honest with you?" Nicola questioned.

Taron shrugged defensively.

"You were right, I have been a bitch but-" She began before Taron rolled his eyes.

"There's always an excuse, isn't there?" He sassed.

Nicola looked down and bit her lower lip.

"I know there isn't a reason for you to believe anything I say, but I'm trying to explain myself. I know that I was awful." Nicola replied, looking up at him.

"The first time I met you, I had literally just been granted custody of my little sister and it was a really rough morning. I was annoyed and I took that anger out on you." She explained.

Taron quirked his brow.

"And that's the truth is it?" He replied.

Nicola lightly scoffed.

"Why would I lie, I'm not like that." She answered.

"When I was 3, my grandparents were granted custody of me because my mother was and still is a drug addict and would sleep around almost all the time. It got so bad, and she'd leave me on my own for long periods of time." She explained, running the tip of her thumb around the rim of the cup.

Watching her, it became clear that she was being truthful. Taron still remained defensive but respected her for opening up to him.

"When I heard that my mother was doing that again to my little sister, I knew I had to give Jasmine a chance at a better life but to do that I had to move from my one-bedroom flat to a two bedroom and then had to fight my mother on everything." She finished.

Taron closed his eyes and sighed.

"I'm sorry." He said.

"I know I've acted like a bitch but I'm really not. I know I've been awful to you and there is no excuse for that. I guess I just wanted you to know that I'm a nice person under all of that." She explained.

Taron nodded.

"And I know that the way that I handled our last meeting wasn't right and I feel so guilty. I had no idea that you were married and had I been in my right mind, I would have just slapped you and walked away." She chuckled slightly.

"I'm not married." He said, shocking himself as well.

"But you're wearing a ring." Nicola pointed out.

"I mean I was married but not anymore. She died." Taron answered.

"Shit, I feel even worse now." Nicola said.

Taron surprised himself by laying a hand on top of Nicola's.

"Please don't feel bad. To be honest, you calling me Taz took me by surprise. My wife used to call me that and I hadn't expected to hear anyone else use the name." He explained.

"Right, I get you. I'll make sure I don't do it again. Sorry." She promised.

"Don't be sorry. You couldn't have known." Taron replied, slightly warming to her.

Before either of them could say anything else, Pickles took his chance and climbed up Taron's leg.

"Hello you." Taron greeted, scooping up and petting the furball.

"Who's this cutie?" Nicola asked.

"This is Pickles." Taron introduced.

Nicola giggled.

"Pickles. Cute name." She said.

"My son picked the name." Taron stated.

"Does he like pickles?" Nicola questioned.

"His favorite tv show is the Rugrats." The man said with amusement

"Let me guess, he likes someone from the pickles family?" Nicola wondered out loud.

"Yeah, Stu apparently reminds him of me." Taron answered sadly.

"You can say no but you look like you could use a hug." Nicola noted carefully, really not wanting to undo her apology and make him feel uncomfortable again.

"How about we just start with names." Taron replied, not feeling quite ready for any kind of intimacy from another woman.

Nicola smiled.

"Sounds good. I'm Nicola." She said warmly.

"Taron." He replied.

"Nice to meet you Taron." Nicola said.

"Nice job Pickles. You're a good ice breaker." Kate said as the feline walked past her and toward his food bowl.

*End of Mini Flashback*

“Where’d you go?” Taron asked as he walked into the living room holding the same tray he did when they first talked properly.

“I was thinking about the first time I sat in this spot.” Nicola said as she watched Taron make up her tea. She smiled to herself.

“I brought you KFC.” Nicola said, looking around at the décor Taron had up.

She saw that Luna’s picture still sat up next to the one Taron had of Mikey and Kate when Mikey was freshly born.

“I remember.” Taron told her as he passed her a cup.

“Thank you.” She said, taking a sip.

“You’re welcome.” Taron replied, sitting on the ground by Nicola’s feet.

Nicola looked at him questioningly.

“Why are you down there?” Nicola asked and Taron shrugged at her, keeping his reasoning to himself for now.

Nicola ran her thumb around the rim of the cup just as she did at least a year prior.

“It was the first time I met Pickles too.” Nicola mused, looking at the coffee table where the letter sat.

“He took a real shine to you.” Taron added, making nod in agreement.

“Taron?” Nicola voiced, looking down at him.

“Yes?” He replied, keeping his eyes locked on hers.

“This is for you.” Nicola said as she reached for the paper and passed it to him.

Taron placed his mug down and took the folded paper from her.

“What is it?” He wondered out loud.

Nicola bit her lower lip in anticipation.

“I couldn’t sleep last night so I came down here for tea and to watch tv, but it didn’t work. When I was coming back from the kitchen, I saw the pen and aper pad you had on the counter.” Nicola explained.

“What is it though?” He asked. He could probably guess but he wanted to her it from her.

“It’s a letter. I thought it’d be better if you read what I wanted to say to you. That way we don’t fight, and I can get all my words out the way I want to.” Nicola explained further.

Taron nodded and proceeded to open it.

‘Dear Taron,

You are asleep right now and seem to be sleeping deeply which I’m glad for, but I can’t sleep. My mind feels so clouded and heavy with everything that has happened between us as well as things that have happened in the past few hours. I know that we have had our fair share of ups and downs but for right now, I don’t want to talk about that. I’d rather talk about is my past, if that’s ok.

You already know that my grandparents got full custody of me when I was 3 because my mother left me home alone for long periods of time while she was off on benders but what I didn’t tell you was that my grandparents actually adopted me. It was so hard for them to see their only daughter constantly abusing her body with drugs, alcohol and various other harmful acts but it pained them even more to see their very young granddaughter ignored by the one person she should have been able to rely on.

Things with them were fantastic. I had them all to myself and they gave me a safe place to be. A safe place to grow up. Unfortunately, my grandmother got sick and sadly passed away. I was only 6. It was very sad but somehow grandpa and I handled it well. We decided that we were going to move out of London for a fresh start but then my mother got herself into some trouble with the law and it took a toll on my grandpa. So much so, he ended up committing suicide. I had no idea how bad his depression had gotten and to this day, part of me wishes that I would have paid more attention to that rather than chasing my friends around London and getting into all sorts of shit. Shit I never want either of the kids getting into.

Anyway, it wasn’t long after he passed that I learned that my mother was pregnant with Jasmine. When I heard that, I got angry. I felt like she had let me down so much, ignored me for way too long that I didn’t care. She tried to reach out, but I was having non of it. I refused to get tangled up with her.

That went on for a while but then when one of my friends, who works with addicts, caught wind that Jasmine was going through the same shit I was, I knew that I had to do something. I felt like I needed to protect her from the evil that was my mother’s world. From there, we moved to Aber, I officially got custody of her, met you and as they say, the rest is history.

The rest is history….

That’s such a weird thing to say, especially now.

What pains me even more than my past etc. is knowing that my mother is history. That my chances of having my mother come to me apologizing for everything she’s put me and Jasmine through is history. The chances of Luna knowing her grandmother is history. My chances of having a proper mother is history.

The one thing I know for certain is that I don’t want us to be history. I want us to be the future. I want us to raise the kids to be strong, brave and courageous individuals who see that world for all wonders it holds.

I want us….’

Taron folded the paper back up and looked at Nicola who had tears in her eyes. He could tell that she was nervous, and he could see that at any moment she was going to cry, whether from relief or from grief, he didn’t know. The one thing he was certain of though, Nicola required reassurance.

Taron got up onto his knees in front of Nicola, took her face between his hands gently and tenderly kissed her lips before pulling her into hug.

“I want us too.” He breathed into her ear.

Nicola chuckled with relief, bursting into tears. Finally able to let her walls come tumbling down, never again to keep them apart for as long as they both shall live……

 ===

Tag List:

@geo-winchester

 @elizami11s

 @stilessbaseballbat

[lusciakoushiro]

November Part 2

My drawing continued and once again I decided to go over a piece I did the previous year.

I did this originally to test out the graphite method of transferring an image to another canvas. I still haven't colored the transferred image so I figured this would be a good time to and look how cute Kosmo is!!!!

Upon doing this I also decided to just do a full shot of puppy Kosmo as well as color the PGSM Luna.

Not quite sure what I did to make Luna so purple, but I'll go over her again later. At this point though I was running out of things to go over and practice coloring and once again YouTube decided to teach me something and that's that ibis has base poses you can use. Intrigued, I loaded one of them up and made this.

It was an interesting experience to go over the base pose and fill in the blank. So naturally I did it again with my other OCs.

Now I am pleased with both of these for one reason or another, but there is something about the bases that are weird. So on the one of Luscia I had to edit the chest down as the base seemed to have quite the large booba and her booty became odd once I added her skirt. On the one of Sora and Tracey, I had to fix Tracey's jaw as it was too long. Both of those changes got made after I started to fill in the blanks as it were. Tracey's hand also looks fugly (I also forgot his wedding ring...) and this was witb going over the lines the program provided and it didn't look like that on the raw base. So werid, but overall a welcome experience for when I can't find a reference or just want quick practice.

Though I am still uncertain about what happened with my snowglobe and the resin, I still wanted to do a giveaway for the Sheith fam and I remembered seeing another way of doing charms with the shrink plastic by using printable vinyl. So what am I to do? Test out the vinyl and my printer to make stickers of course.

I am so happy with how these turned out! (Excuse the rough cuts) In all seriousness, I was not expecting these to come out to vibrant and professional looking. Knowing that my printer could handle the vinyl I tucked that knowledge away for later.

Since binging art YouTube I had become quite intrigued by the squishy makeovers, however finding any in stores near me was like a needle in a haystack. And where as I normally don't mind spending a little extra on art supplies, the fact that I don't know what I am dealing with as a canvas made me not want to drop $20 on a small lot. Luckily my Dollar Tree had a few so I only dropped $5 for this experiment (excluding the cost of my fabric paint)

Can you guess what I am making?

And to round out the month, my Facebook memories showed a drawing I did years ago (10 years to be exact). This picture is what really hooked me with the desire to draw. So when it came up I made the comment that I kind of wanted to go over it on the tablet, to which my friend was very encouraging of it. So I did.

I'm overall happy with it, the filtering to make it more shaded for night time really is a nice touch. I could have done better with the leaf brushes though lol.

With that, we are coming to the end of the year...

[my-reality-my-rules]

technical details i added into my HP script

the original one is very extensive bc im a paranoid bitch but im on my phone rn and my ipad is deader than cedric and i can't find the charger for that. so bear with me as imma improvise rn :')

also!!! the things I've listed below were made with consideration of my own circumstances, so it wouldn't always apply to everyone!! you don't have to script some of the things i did if you're uncomfortable with them :)

CR+DR self

I can remember everything that happens/happened in my DR every time I wake up in my CR

I am immune to carrying any bad habits from my original reality to my desired one

all the memories I made or have in my DR will immediately come to me upon waking up

muscle memory also come to me immediately as I wake up in my DR

I possess excellent situational awareness

I think faster than most of the geniuses alive (my thought process is comparable to that of the Flash in the DC comics)

I am immune to legilimency probes, I have natural and powerful occlumency

no one can read my mind; not Dumbledore, not Snape, not Voldemort, not Ollivander, not even the Sorting Hat itself; therefore not a single being knows that I shifted

no prophet or seer can ever know about this reality, not Luna Lovegood nor Sybill Trelawney, not even the centaurs

I am immune to horcrux possession

I have a photographic memory, and am immune to ever forgetting anything

one day in my DR = 7 minutes in my CR

if there's anything else I've missed, my subconscious will fill out the blanks I've missed

I am the most powerful witch to have ever lived, becoming greater than even Dumbledore and Voldemort combined when I graduate Hogwarts; possibly surpassing even that of Morgana

I am excellent at wandless and wordless magic

appearance

I always have clean teeth—they are always white—no matter where or when, no matter what I have consumed

I always have good breath, no matter where or when, even after just waking up

I always manage to look graceful

I always smell good, all over my body

I am always beautiful, even with my wounds

I am always physically fit, no matter how much I eat

I am considered physically attractive

I am considered very photogenic

I am immune to drooling or snoring when I sleep; my mouth is always closed and my features look even more angelic when I do sleep

I am immune to forming a double chin

I am immune to hairfall and dull hair

I am immune to having any dirt in my eyes

I am immune to having split ends in my hair

I am immune to having snot when crying

I am immune to oil, sweat, and acne breakouts on my skin

I am immune to slouching, my posture is always straight

I have a pale but healthy, glowing complexion

I have good bone structure

I have zero pubic hair (which includes my nose, my armpits, my legs, my vagina, and my ass), so it is unnecessary for me to shave; the only hair I have on my body are the ones on my head

I manage to look attractive even while asleep

I manage to look beautiful even when I cry

I manage to look good in every angle, and every view

I manage to yawn cutely

i also added some physical flaws to my DR self:

(usually) bruised knuckles

split skin on my knuckles

a split bottom lip

(usually) bruised knees

slightly heavy bags around my eyes due to the lack of sleep, making the colour of my eyes more pronounced

here's a picture of my DR self for reference: (made with artbreeder)

so yes. i know that based on some of the details I've listed my DR self comes off as too much, in a sense, but it's called a desired reality for a reason

other than that, go wild with your script! have the fun that you can't find here.

[update: putting this here so i don't have to go back and forth on my page tryna look for posts]

[pawfulsofmischief]

drarry #11 (if you make it sad i will cut u)💚💖

oh but making it sad would be so fuuuun ;) But just for you, I'll do a sweet one

11: things you said when you were drunk

"You're drunk, Potter." Draco glared at the messy haired, bright eyed teen in front of him. Potter was ridiculous, stumbling through the school halls drunk off his ass in the middle of the night. "That I am," Potter replied cheerily, his dark cheeks dimpling as he grinned widely. Draco did his best not to focus on them, or the way Potter effortlessly leaned against the wall's corner and made it somehow look good. Despite the mess he presented himself as currently, outfit a mess, tie loose and shirt partly unbuttoned, cloak over his elbow instead of being worn. "I was looking for you though," Potter continued, words only a little slurred. "Me?" Draco furrowed his brows, crossing his arms defensively. "Why would you be looking for me while you're drunk off your arse? Where's that little Weaslette of yours." Potter snorted, undignified and obnoxious, shaking his head. "She's with Luna n' Neville," he replied, "I had somethin' to tell you though." Curiosity and caution warred in Draco for a moment before curiosity won out, "what? Another insult that you just couldn't wait to throw at me?" He didn't mean to let his voice sound bitter, he didn't mean to say that at all, but it slipped out. So used to exchanging barbs back and forth with Potter ever since they met at a young age. Draco's mum and Potter's godfather decided to patch things up and so Draco had to grow up pretending to be polite with Potter while they quarreled away from prying eyes. The retort must've surprised Potter, given his momentary silence and the deep frown that graced his lips. "No..." Potter trailed off for a second before shaking his head again, a little harder than before, only to waver on his feet even with the wall's support. Draco forced himself not to leap out to steady him. "No, I wanted to tell you-" Potter was cut off by a sudden hiccup, which made him huff, "I wanted to tell you, that your eyes..." He lifted a hand to point at Draco, almost accusingly given the intensity of his gaze, "your eyes are like a storm, I could get lost in 'em." Draco blinked a couple times, confusion blanking out his mind for a moment. Potter didn't give him time to process and reply however, letting himself step- or really stumble- back from the wall and vanish behind it. It took Draco a second to get his feet to move, darting froward to look down the hall Potter had disappeared in, but saw nothing. When Potter acted no different the next day, Draco brushed it off as an extremely weird dream. --- "Ten years and you still don't know how to hold your liqour." Draco rolled his eyes as he pulled Harry up from the couch. Their house warming party had just ended, the floo still warm from friends leaving. Draco had been careful not to drink to much, both because he had work in the morning and he knew he'd be the one cleaning up. Harry on the other hand, had gotten sloshed. Harry whined as Draco pulled him away from the comfy cushioned, but didn't otherwise protest. Had he really wanted, he could've dragged Draco down with him instead. Five years as a professor and still Harry had the arms of a quidditch player. "Come on, let's get you to bed," Draco chuckled, wrapping his arm around Harry's waist and leading him slowly up the stairs of their small, but cozy new house. They'd been together ten years now, since Harry had kissed him at graduation, and this was the second home they were living in together. First Draco had moved into Grimmauld with Harry barely three years after they got together, and now they had a little house in Hogsmeade. "I love you," Harry mumbled, head dropped lazily against Draco's shoulder. "I love you, too," Draco responded automatically as he pushed open their bedroom door. "But you really need to stop drinking so much, so often." "I like it though," Harry replied, pouting. He allowed Draco to help strip him down to just his boxers, and then openly ogled Draco as he did the same. "And you like the things I say while drunk." Draco laughed loudly, smiling fondly at Harry as he gently pushed his boyfriend down onto the bed. "The

things you say while drunk are salacious and hardly for good company," Draco replied, not bothering to admit that Harry already knew. Though Draco was often repulsed by sex more than he was interested in it, the numerous comments and jokes Harry came up with, attempting to flirt while drunk, were highly amusing. "But you like it," Harry replied bluntly, blinking slowly as he worked his way under the blankets with sluggish movements. Draco crawled in once Harry has moved aside. "No comment," Draco evaded, waving a hand at the light to cast them into darkness. Harry reached over to pull Draco close as soon as the lights were out, tightening his hold around Draco's torso like an octopus. Draco rolled his eyes, used to Harry's clingyness while drunk, and snuggled in against him, resting his head on Harry's broad shoulder. "Hey Draco? I have somethin' to tell you." Harry said after a few moments of silence, both of them beginning to drift off already. Draco hummed to show he was listening. "Your eyes," Harry's voice was beginning to fade as he pressed his cheek against Draco's hair, "are like a.. a storm, that I could get lost in." Harry was asleep before Draco could question him on it, having continued to think for years that it had been an odd dream. Not once had Harry ever brought it up, or even said anything similar to it for twelve years now. Draco wondered if Harry would remember it in the morning, but maybe he'd leave it alone and save it for quiet nights and look forward to the next time Harry might mention it. With a small sigh, Draco threw a leg over Harry's, careful not to wake him, and allowed himself to finally fall asleep.

prompt list

[teeztheflag]

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Wolf!Ateez Reaction to when they accidentally hurt their mate

warnings: strong language, fighting, injuries, mentions of blood, mentions of bullying

a/n: ok ok I am really sorry I had to change the request a little bit so it doesn’t become repeating <3

general taglist: @latte-fairytaekwoon @little-precious-baby @yunhobabygurl @multidreams-and-desires

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k i m  h o n g  j o o n g

Usually the alpha was the most caring person with you. Bringing you flowers and spending as much time with you as possible. When the fights between several packs reached his land he knew dangerous times were coming.

Instead of talking to you and taking you to the meetings he decided it would be safer for you to stay in your house guarded when the attacks began.

Little did he know that you were tired of not being included and as the luna of the pack it was time to use your own power to help. Hong Joong was in a full fighting and killing mode when you were circled by five other werewolves who tried to kill you without mercy.

Hong Joong‘s senses were blended when he launched at the intruders and absentmindedly also accidentally bit your leg earning him a painful cry from your wolf.

Immediately he felt like his heart shuttered to pieces not knowing you would be out here in the battlefield. You limp away from your mate and run back to your mansion. Hong Joong changes back into his human and sags to the ground.

He still cannot fully control himself. That’s why he didn’t want you to help. He cries out and lays down on the grass not knowing if he could get under your eyes again.

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p a r k  s e o n g  h w a

Running away from a horde of big - way too big - wolves wasn’t what you planned for your camping trip. It was easy the third time you stumbled over your own feet hearing the low growls behind you. Your blood seems to freeze when you emerge a wide meadow where the only source of light is given by the full moon.

Tears escape your eyes when another whimper leaves you - they circled you. Was this a normal behavior for wolves? What should you do in a situation like this?

You’re only in a light see-through gown because of the hot temperatures these days. It feels like the wolves are strategizing at how they share gazes and let out noises that could be mistaken as chuckling.

Suddenly one of them jumps on you pinning you down to the ground. The animal is flashing it’s dangerous canines at your shaking form. You cannot help yourself to frantically scream and try to push it off you.

It seems to lower itself only more and out of instinct you bare your neck fearing this would be the end for you. The wolf sniffles and licks the spot under your ear. A tear runs down you cheek when you can feel a sharp pain where he draws a little bit of blood.

Suddenly it is pushed off you with force and a much stronger growl leaves a completely black wolf that’s is standing in front of you. You follow the scene in front of you with interested eyes when the other wolves seem to bow down in submission and quickly vanish out of the scene.

Great. The big bad wolf wants you for himself.

It really confuses you when the wolf slowly turns around eying you for a while. You try to get away from it when it nears your form and leans down to lick away the blood that is running down your neck. Again a sound of pain leaves your form to which the wolf backs away in an instant.

A huff can be heard and with conflicted eyes it turns around to escape the scene.

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j e o n g  y u n  h o

„Why are you running away from me?“ No answer.

„Do you like being chased?“ You still don’t answer.

„Okay, (y/n). We know it since three days so why are you not recognizing our bond?“

A tear escapes you which you’re quick to wipe away with the back of your shaking hand. You stop abruptly staring into the depths of the forest. Your gaze turns to the ground when you can sense Yun Ho moving to stand in front of you.

„My little mate. Why aren’t you talking to me? Did I do something wrong?“

„Wrong?“ You look up your hands turning into fists out of anger. Your chest rises with your breaths and you can feel your body heating up.

Yun Ho‘s playful smile soon vanishes and he starts to look concerned. „My love, why are you so sad?“

Of course your souls are already starting to form a connection and he feels your emotions.

„You’re asking if you did something wrong? How about hanging out with all the people that have nothing but bad comments about me left? Laughing at me? Hurting me whenever they can?“

Yun Ho starts to realize what you’re talking about.

„You’ve hurt me, so much already. That is not easy to accept.“

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k a n g  y e o  s a n g

You can feel his eyes burning on your back since half an hour. The beta next to you shamelessly flirts around although he knows your mate is sitting back with his friends.

Yeo Sang was one of the more roguish wolves in your pack always tending to not listen to any orders or picking a fight. Finding out about your bond was actually really shocking to you. You’re probably one of the nicest girls in the pack - according to folks. Always dressed in some pretty dress or blouse and never a too low neckline.

Your connection was still fresh and so far you managed to have the minimum contact with the trouble maker. Just to the point of tonight where the younger people of your pack met up for a campfire and some drinks.

„Wanna take a swim?“ You blush at his words but take his hand anyway letting him guide you through the trees. Standing in front of the lake and seeing that the beta ist already getting rid of his clothes makes you feel bad. He’s smirking at you.

„I don’t know if this is ok...“ Suddenly the beta gets a blow into the face by one of Yeo Sang‘s friends and two of them start to secure the beta in his holds. You’re overwhelmed with the situation immediately and Yeo Sang‘s eyes are dangerously yellow. He gets a painful hold on your wrist screaming at you but you’re not in the position to answer him.

„Y - you’re hurting me.“ Yeo Sang‘s mouth twitches at your words and with a hiss he let’s go of your arm ordering his friends to take you to his home.

The beta spits out blood laughing at the remaining guys and Yeo Sang.

„Great. Now she fears you even more.“ Yeo Sang punches him again knowing he’s right. He lets out a frustrated sigh condemning his short temper.

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c h o i  s a n

It was San‘s highest priority to keep the daughter of their alpha safe. Naturally he was always by your side following you around sometimes to your dismay.

This night you were able to shake the boy off and visit a club with your friends in the town nearby. Mostly humans could be seen here and you finally were able to let loose.

Shaking your body from left to the right you can feel a pair of arms sneaking around your waist to move you to the rhythm with him. Your head falls back landing on the shoulder of your dance partner a permanent smirk on his face.

It all happens to fast when you can feel someone ripping you out of the grip of the stranger. You fall down to the ground hurting your knee in the process. Hissing out you can see your friends immediately rushing to your side while you give the intruder a deadly glare.

San doesn’t stop to give the beautiful man punches when you’re quick to stand up and pry him off the man. San‘s eyes turn into a dangerous color when he eyes you an you know you better get out off here before he looses himself fully.

Outside he has a strong grip on your arm and ushers you into his car. The night flys by while a soft tune is humming. You’re so pissed at him that you decide to better not say anything. Suddenly he speaks up: „You’re letting vampires touch you now? Yeah? The daughter of the alpha is getting it on with vampires!“

„I - I didn’t know he was a - “

„Of course you didn’t! You are so young and literally know nothing!“

After a while of silence you turn to him a sigh escaping you. „I am sorry, San. Thank you for rescuing me...“

His gaze is fixed on the street and he can feel his heart and soul pulling on a bond that is still not touchable for you.

„It is my job to look after you. I failed...“

„No! You didn’t! I promise I won’t ever run away from you again!“ Silence follows but with a last glance San frowns deeply.

„Your knee... this will be a problem when we’re back.“

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s o n g  m i n  g i

„Yes, Min Gi! Just a little bit - closer!“ The wolf under you grunts while balancing you on his shoulders.

Your fingers are close to the fruit that is considered very rare in the realm. Your fingers are close to touching the fruit when suddenly your self made latter shakes and both of you fall down with a low thud.

„Ouch! Min Gi!“ The wolf‘s head hurts and his vision blurrs but hearing your crying he quickly stands up on his paws and howls out.

His tail is wiggling excited while he licks your face and tries to comfort you.

„I - I think my wrist is twisted.“ Tears are running down your cheeks while Min Gi suddenly changes back into his human form a frown on his face.

„Oh my god, I am so sorry!“ He frantically turns from left to right gripping his hair out of frustration. „What should I do what should I do!“

„Min Gi!“ You say through gritted teeth trying to hold in the pain. „Calm down and take me back to the pack!“

Min Gi wears a blank face hurt because he hurt you.

„Min Gi!“

He shakes his head to get a clear mind and sends you a firm nod. „Right. Back to the pack!“

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j u n g  w o o  y o u n g

You and Woo Young often played around in your wolf form chasing each other in the forest. Of course your animal instinct pushed you to little fights from time to time doesn’t matter if it is your mate.

Usually the fights always ended in the two of you changing back into your human body and starting a heated session.

This time unfortunately Woo Young pushed you a little bit to hard against the tree earning him a painful howl out of you. First you can hear him jumping around snickering for winning the battle but when you’re still lying down not moving much he slowly emerges your side tilting his head confused.

„(y/n)?“ He nudges your side with his snout trying to get a response from you but you keep breathing hard letting out little whimpers.

„(y/n)?! Are you hurt?“ Immediately his playful demeanor is gone and he changes back into his human form to search your body for any injuries.

„Oh shit! Change back! Come on!“ He’s totally devastated by now trying to caress you and encourage you with slow motions. You’re a crying mess when you’re back in your naked form.

„Woo Young... my b-back...“ He’s quick to pick you up bridal style and carry you past the trees in a lightning speed.

„Hold on a little bit longer, sweetheart.“ His firm voice and determined gaze really does it‘s wonders and you try to hang on to it until you reach the hospital.

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c h o i  j o n g  h o

Jong Ho could only snicker how you always managed to get out of his way. The campus was big and you really thought the handsome male that just happened to cross your way out of pure coincidence. Of course Jong Ho made sure to follow your every step because he just couldn’t help himself.

Finally finding his mate filled his body with adrenaline and having you not in the eye sight drove him crazy. The only problem that stopped him from immediately getting to you: you’re human. Probably not knowing about the world of magic and their creatures.

It was just the problem that you happened to have a boyfriend and one day it was too late for self control when he had the boy pinned to the wall in one of the cafeterias of the campus.

„Stay away from her!“ Your boyfriend shuddered at the low growl that came from the boy in front of him not knowing the slightest what he did wrong when he just gave a you peck on the cheek.

You screamed and kicked at him not knowing what happened a few seconds ago. When he suddenly turns around leaving you dumbfounded and all the others in the location you decide you wouldn’t let him go this easily.

You follow him and don’t even recognize that he’s going into the woods. He stops in his tracks when you don’t stop talking and you can see him breathing hard. Jong Ho tries to control his feelings but the frustration is taking over and when you try to turn him around by his shoulder he accidentally pushes you.

Your head collides with a stone and blood can be seen leaving the desperate wolf speechless. He runs to your side trying to wake you up but he’s getting no reaction out of your form. With tears pricking his eyes he’s quick to carry you to his pack to help you knowing it is now to late for you to turn back.

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↺ back to navi

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[plant-flwrs]

Can I request a ilvermorny transfer x one of the twins? I think it'll be cool if she wore roller skates to school (charmed by yours truly) since it's the 90s and she's cool but super sweet and caring - maybe when they invite her over to the burrow for the summer or their birthday she can give them a pair? Thanks ily!!!

roller skates // fred weasley 

masterlist!

a/n: ok i always feel bad when my fics take so long to set up and theres barely any like actual romance and i am trying to work on it. i think its hard for me to go into a fic where a relationship is already established, so i like writing them coming together and the immersion of it. but i hate reading fics where it takes forever to get to the good parts so just know that i will be trying to work on that flaw in my writing! thanks so much for reading! (i made the reader from florida just because my mind blanked on any other places that don’t have snow lol, but it’s not really relevant in any other situations so ignore it if u please) also just realizing all of my summaries sound scary and ominous also just realizing how i say way too much in these author notes im so sorry bye

summary: The American transfer student draws attention to herself with her accent, but Fred is drawn to something else about her.

(10.4k hehe sorry :D)

-----

Looking around at the students bustling past you, the only word you could think of was “proper”.

Looking down at your muggle clothes, loose and mismatched, your hair resting naturally, the only word you could think to describe yourself with was “improper”.

A boy with a permanent scowl and striking blond hair glanced your way, and the taller adults behind him followed his eye line. The three of them looked you up and down and their mouths all distorted into nasty grimaces. You felt your father’s comforting hand clasp over your shoulder, trying to help you remember everything he had said to you before arriving at King Cross Station.

“They aren’t that different from us,” he repeated, and you could tell he was doubting himself as he glanced at the uptight children and their matching parents.

He guided you forwards, and you pushed your large cart in front of you, navigating through the crowd. It started to separate around you, and even more odd glances were thrown your way. You supposed you should have felt a little insecure- you looked quite out of place- but the feeling could not overwhelm the excitement you felt. You had read all about Hogwarts, its history, its architecture, and you even picked up a few books about muggle London.

You were stood in your father's embrace, about to board. Your things were stored away, and you heard the train roaring louder and louder. You glanced around, the fathers in their dress shirts and ties, mothers in long skirts and blouses. Their children wore sweaters and jeans, or suit jackets and dress pants.

Something caught your eyes, though; a few feet away there was a large family, mingling in embraces. They all had flaming red hair, and their clothes looked like yours. In fact, your clothes resembled the oldest woman’s clothes, mismatched and colorful. Her eyes watered, and she smoothed down the hair on a fidgeting boy.

“Ronald, hold still!” she shouted at him, and he reluctantly allowed his mother to soothe his red hair down into a part on the side.

Once the woman had moved onto another child, Ronald roughed his hair back to the mess it was before. The woman now clutched a smaller boy, who looked like he was Ronald’s age, by the shoulders. She moved a hand to soothe his unruly hair off his forehead. Your eyes widened when you saw the lightning bolt on his forehead.

The books you had bought about the English Wizarding World did not neglect to mention the boy who lived. Elbowing your father, you both cast glances at the family. Your father nodded his head, looking impressed at the sight of Harry Potter.

“Thanks again Mrs. Weasley,” Harry said, and it sounded like he had said it millions of times before.

Mrs. Weasley waved off the two boys, who went to gather a girl with large bushy hair.

“Come on ‘Mione! We’ve got to get a good compartment,” Ronald said impatiently, tugging the girl's arm onto the train.

Mrs. Weasley was left with four other children. One of them looked like all the other proper British people you had seen at the station, a permanent sneer on his face. He shook his head stiffly at his mother and shook his father’s hand. You thought it was quite odd, and two identical boys standing with the family couldn’t contain their laughter.

“Yes,” one of them started, doubling over in a bow, “good day, mother,” he said pompously, imitating his brother.

“May you have a wonderful few months,” the other started, moving to shake his father’s hand as his brother had moments ago, “I’ll be looking for your owl,” he said, sounding incredibly posh.

The younger girl, with the same fiery hair, began to giggle, earning a scowl from the eldest brother as he boarded the train.

The girl pulled her mother in for a hug, and then her father, and waved to them fervently as she followed after her brother.

“You boys, stay out of trouble!” Mrs. Weasley said to the remaining twins, waving a finger at them.

“We always do, mum,” one said, and it was obvious by his tone that they didn’t often stay out of trouble.

They waved to their parents at the same time, stepping onto the train with a certain enthusiasm.

You averted your gaze, looking anywhere but at the family you had been staring at. You looked up at your father, hugging him one last time. When you pulled back, you heard his name being called.

“Mr. Y/n?” the voice called out, approaching the two of you.

It was Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Mr. Weasley already had his hand stuck out to your father.

“I’m Arthur Weasley, I’ve been the one to hire you at the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office at the Ministry. This is my wife, Molly. Funny to meet you here,” he said politely, looking at you and your father in a nicer way than any other wizard had during your time at the station. His eyes didn’t wander down to your brightly colored shoes, or your patterned pants, and he didn’t even cast a second glance at your oversized, offensively colored sweater. You beamed at him.

“Oh! Yes, it’s great to meet you,” your father said, shaking his hand. He squeezed your shoulder, jostling you a bit, “This is my daughter, Y/n.”

“Oh, would you hear that accent, Arthur!” Molly gasped, smiling as if she was astonished. Your father chuckled at her reaction. You supposed it would happen to you a lot at Hogwarts.

They both smiled at you, and Arthur offered you his hand to shake. You held your hand out, but the sleeve of your sweater swallowed the limb. You shook the extra clothing away, and Molly chuckled. Finally shaking his hand, you held it out to Molly. She bypassed your hand and began to roll up the sleeves of your sweater.

“Thank you,” you said, and she nodded, accomplished, at you.

“Better get her going,” your father said, and the Weasleys nodded at you.

“Have a good term, dear,” Molly said to you, patting your shoulders the way she had done to Harry.

“Thank you,” you repeated, moving past them and heading onto the train.

You waved one last time at your father, and the door closed behind you.

You wandered down the isles, looking for an empty place to sit. You pretended to look like you knew where you were going, hoping fewer people would stare at you if you did. Your plan didn’t work, and you caught the eyes of almost everyone you passed.

You had made it to the end of the train, and your eyes peered into the last cabin. It was empty except for a girl and a boy. They seemed friendly enough, so you slid open the door.

“Mind if I sit with you guys?” you asked, and the boy looked at you quizzically when he heard your voice.

“Not at all,” the girl said.

She had strikingly blonde hair and gray eyes that poured deeply into you. She had a faint smile on her lips, and her head was cocked to the side.

“I’m Luna Lovegood,” she said, and her voice was light and airy, “This is Neville Longbottom.”

The boy shifted in his seat, casting a shy glance at you. He raised a shaky hand and gave you a curt wave.

You smiled widely at the two of them, glad you seemed to have picked the right place to sit.

The train ride went fast enough. Luna asked you all sorts of questions about America, and you asked her all sorts of questions about England. When Neville warmed up to you, he asked some questions about Ilvermorny. They asked what house you had been in there, and you told him you were a Thunderbird, the soul of the witch.

“Where do you reckon she’ll be sorted into here?” Neville asked Luna. You leaned forwards, curious for the answer.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said, peering into a magazine she had balanced into her lap, “but if I’m lucky, it’ll be Ravenclaw.”

“Which one is Ravenclaw?” you asked, trying to remember what you had read.

“The wise and witty,” Luna said, moving her robes to show the crest on it. It was blue with a bird over it.

“A raven, clever,” you said, looking closer at Neville’s red-trimmed robes.

“You’d think,” he said, “but it’s an eagle. I’m a Gryffindor, we’re meant to be brave but,” he trailed off, and Luna placed a comforting hand on his arm.

“Oh, stop it, Neville,” she said gently, her gaze back onto you, “there's Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.”

You nodded, recalling what little you read.

“My dad said he figured I would be a Hufflepuff. The Ministry told him he was a Ravenclaw, he had to do the silly sorting hat and everything,” you said, and Neville smiled at you.

“Hufflepuff? They’re quite nice, I suppose,” he said, sounding disappointed that you weren’t in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw.

“Well, we won’t know for sure,” Luna said, closing her magazine, “until-” but the train’s brakes began to screech.

Her smiled widened, and you looked down at your robes you had changed into. Maybe now people would be less inclined to stare, you thought.

You were right, but only briefly. Once you had gotten to the Great Hall, you were shuffled in with the first years. Your face burned a slight red the whole time, your larger and older stature standing out amongst the sea of younger students. Your name was called, and you heard a faint whooping coming from the table of red.

You glanced at it, seeing Neville lowering a cheering fist from the air. He looked around nervously, and you saw one of the Weasley twins glancing at his quizzically. You smiled at Neville’s support and sat in the stool.

An old and tattered hat was lowered onto your head, and suddenly it began speaking in your ear.

“Hm, very interesting. You’re not from here, that’s obvious,” it spoke quickly, echoing in your skull, “but I think the choice is simple. I’d say,”

Suddenly the voice left your skull and boomed into the room, for everyone to hear.

“Hufflepuff!”

Cheers from a table full of yellow sounded off, some raising from their seats and clapping for you. You beamed, moving off the stool and skipping cheerfully towards the table. You walked down the aisle between the red and yellow, and Neville’s hand stuck out at you.

“Congratulations!” he said excitedly, holding his hand up for a high five.

You hit his hand, and he waved you off.

A girl with a yellow tie and dark hair waved you over. She inched over, giving you room to sit with her.

“I’m Sarah, happy to have you in Hufflepuff!” she beamed, and you didn’t think you would ever get used to the British accents.

“It’s nice to meet you,” you watched her eyes widen at the sound of your voice, “I’m Y/n.”

“You’re American! You must have come from that American school, what’s it called, Ilmorny?” she asked, ducking her head and whispering as the sorting continued.

“Ilvemorny,” you corrected her, still smiling.

Sarah asked you a lot of the same questions Neville and Luna had asked, but you didn’t mind answering them. She had even offered to give you a tour of the school tomorrow, with the promise that you would choose the bed next to her’s in the dorm.

Sarah had lived up to her promise. You walked with your head permanently tilted upwards, admiring the greatness of the castle. Sarah ate with you at every meal and even insisted on walking you to your classes until you knew the way on your own. She had been so nice to you, and when Luna told you about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip, you knew you had to ask her to go with you.

The two of you walked through the snow, wrapped up in matching yellow and black scarves. She had linked her arm with yours and pulled along to all her favorite shops.

The two of you ducked into The Three Broomsticks, sick of the ice sticking to your face.

You saw a red scarf and a blue scarf sitting at a table, and when you saw the flow of blonde hair peeking from the blue one, you knew who it was. You pulled Sarah over to Luna and Neville, and Neville told you to pull up two chairs. You introduced Sarah to Luna and Neville.

“We’re just waiting for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to meet us,” Neville said, smiling cheerfully.

“Oh, should we go?” you asked, offering to free up your chair.

“No, no, stay,” Luna urged you, pulling your arm back down, “I’ll introduce you.”

This was how you were going to meet Harry Potter, you thought, huddled up at a small table, drinking a foamy beverage that left a little white mustache on your upper lip.

Harry was just like every other kid, and he was with the people you had seen at the station that day.

“What did you say your last name was?” Ron asked, leaning over the table so you could hear him.

“Y/l/n,” you said.

“Does your dad work for the Ministry?” he asked, and you nodded, “Our dads work together!” he said, elbowing Harry.

“Her dad is the bloke my dad was raving about all summer, the guy from America,” Ron said to Harry, and Harry nodded at you.

“What a coincidence,” you said, dipping your head to take another sip of the drink Sarah had ordered you.

You all fell into a natural conversation, and Hermione asked to switch seats with Sarah at one point. Sarah had no protests, filing easily into the seat next to Harry, glancing at him dreamily.

“Will you tell me about America? I’ve been to other parts of Europe for holidays, but never America. What’s it like? How different are the wizards?" Hermione sounded off questions like she had them rehearsed, but you were happy to answer them.

You and she were in a fit of laughter after she had told you about her parents’ reaction to her letter. Your eyes were shut, brimming with tears, as Hermione recounted her mother’s jumping up and down.

You were so involved with your conversation with Hermione, you hadn’t noticed Ron’s brothers come into the restaurant.

“Hello, Ickle Ronniekins,” one of them teased, messing a hand through Ron’s overgrown hair, “when are you gettin’ a hair cut?”

“Mum’s gonna cut it all off the second you get home,” the other said, pulling a chair in between Luna and Ron. The other pulled a chair in between Harry and Sarah, and you didn’t miss Sarah’s annoyed sigh at the interruption.

You and Hermione were recovering from your laughter, clutching your stomachs and breathing heavily.

“What’s so funny ladies?” one of them said, shoving Ron aside so he could rest his elbows on the table.

“Just telling Y/n about how my parents reacted to my letter from Hogwarts,” Hermione sighed, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

“You’re the famous Y/n?”

“The American?”

Ron elbowed each of his brothers in their sides, frowning at them.

“That’s me,” you answered cheerfully, smiling at them, “Are you Ron’s brothers?”

“More like,” one of them started.

“Best friends,” the other finished.

“He really would be nowhere if it weren’t for us,” they said at the same time.

A smile slid across your face; it was easy to smile around your new friends, you found.

Hogwarts was better than you could have ever hoped. You wrote to your father nearly every week, recounting the amazing things you had done with Sarah, Luna, Neville, Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The seven of you were becoming inseparable.

Luna’s blue tie dangled over your face as you lay on her lap, she was trying this odd head charm she had read about in the Quibbler. Your head rested in between her legs, back on the ground. Her skinny fingers were pressed to your temple, and they hesitantly pressed into your skin.

“Is that right?” she asked, consulting the cartoon pictures that moved on the Quibbler laying next to her.

“I don’t reckon, it doesn’t feel like anything’s happening,” you said, sitting up and rubbing where Luna’s fingers had been.

“Neville,” Luna said, motioning him over. His face grew white as she pulled him into him, moving to where you had been. Luna’s fingers pressed against Neville’s head, and his eyes fluttered closed. Luna began to hum to herself, and Neville smiled.

You crawled over to sit by Ron under the tree. Sarah was talking to Harry, her eyes dazed over as he gently brushed off a leaf that had fallen on her shoulder. Hermione was near, her head resting on her bag, laying on her back with his legs crossed. She was deep into a muggle book you recognized, and you couldn’t blame her for not wanting to put it down.

“Hi, Ron,” you snapped him out of his thoughts, ending his obvious staring at Hermione, “enjoying the weather?”

“Yeah, it’s just about my favorite time of year,” he said, twisting a blade of grass in his fingers.

The snow had melted, winter break had ended. Ron was able to shed his mother's heavy knitted sweaters and wear some of his more comfortable shirts.

“I quite liked the winter,” you said, your head leaning against the tree, “it was my first time seeing snow.”

“Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell us that?” Ron asked, seeming bewildered.

“Don’t know,” you shrugged, smiling at him.

“Hermione! Oi, Hermione! Y/n had never seen snow before she came here,” Ron said, calling out to Hermione.

“I know, she’s from Florida,” Hermione said, uninterested, head still buried in her book.

“Florida? Why didn’t I know that?” Ron asked, feeling out of the loop.

“Don’t know,” you repeated, shrugging again.

“Because you don’t ask, Ron,” Hermione said, sounding unpleased with Ron’s loud volume.

You stifled a laugh, but Ron looked at you, feeling guilty.

“Hermione’s right, I guess,” Ron said, casting a sad glance at you.

“It’s alight, Ron, I won’t hold it against you,” you reassured, and Ron perked up a little.

“Tell me one thing no one else here knows about you,” Ron said urgently. To this, Hermione closed her book and lay it on her chest, interested in what you were going to say.

You thought about it. You didn’t have anything to hide from your friends, but you felt yourself blanking on even the littlest fact about yourself. You tried to think of any special abilities you had, besides being a wizard, or any life events that were significant. The only thing you thought of was the hesitance you had when packing your trunk for school, debating on whether or not to bring your roller skates with you. Ilvermorny had allowed them, and you skated to nearly all your classes. The school's cold granite floors were just begging to be skated across, you had thought, and it was ten times faster than walking.

You thought about your skates, you missed them more than you thought you would. The white boots with slick, black wheels and rainbow laces were one of your most prized possessions. You wondered now, again, if you would have gotten in trouble for bringing your roller skates to school.

“Oh, alright, I’ve thought of something,” you began, and Hermione sat up a little, resting on her elbows.

“I really like to roller skate,” you said proudly.

“Roller skate?” Hermione and Ron repeated at the same time. Ron sounded confused, but Hermione sounded entertained.

“Yeah.”

“Like from the 80′s?” Hermione asked, still sounding entertained.

“They’re making a comeback,” you defended.

“What’s roller skate?” Ron asked, looking between you and Hermione.

“It’s like shoes with wheels on them,” Hermione said, used to having to explain muggle inventions her friend, “You tie them up and you skate around.”

“What do you do that for? Do they go really fast?” Ron asked.

“They can,” you said, “but it’s really just for fun. I used to take them with me to Ilvermorny and go to my classes on them, but I didn't know if Hogwarts allowed them.”

“Why wouldn’t they?” Ron asked, “Are they dangerous?”

“They're not dangerous, I suppose you could fall on them, but it’s not as bad as that Quidditch game you guys play,” you explained, “I just didn’t know if Hogwarts allowed those kinds of muggle things.”

Ron and Hermione nodded, and Hermione looked to be in deep thought.

“I’m sure they would,” she said, returning back to her book.

“What do you reckon they’re doing down there?” Fred asked, looming over George’s shoulder as he held the Marauder’s Map in his hands.

“Do you think Ron’s finally gonna get a girlfriend?” George teased, looking at you and Ron sitting together under the tree.

Fred sneered at his brother. Ever since he had told George he thought you were cute, it seemed George wanted to push his buttons any way he could. He would make jokes about you and Ron flirting, and for some reason it made his blood boil. He hadn’t even spoken to you on more instances than he could count on a hand, but he was enticed by you.

Your eyes were always moving, and they were always wide with excitement. He thought you were beautiful, you were always wearing your muggle clothes when you didn’t have to wear your uniform. You dressed kind of like his mum, he realized one day, but in a cooler way. That’s the word, cool, he thought you were cool. You fit in easily with Ron’s friends, you could talk about anything, and you were always so sweet.

“Where are they going now?” George wondered out loud, watching the names on the map begin to move.

You got up and dusted off your pants, feeling the baggy jean material under your fingers. You helped Ron up, offering him a hand and pulling him off the ground. You, Ron, and Hermione trailed after Harry and Sarah, who trailed after Neville and Luna. You had all been feeling a bit warm outside, so you decided to go to the Gryffindor common room for the rest of the afternoon. You and Sarah were always excited to go to the Gryffindor common room, feeling it was a nice change from yours in the basement.

Fred’s eyes watched as you, Ron, and Hermione walked together towards the Gryffindor common room. He suddenly felt nervous, even though he was up in his dorm with George. He stood, and looked at himself in the mirror. He pulled down at the bottom of his shirt, tugging uncomfortably at the way it clung to his arms. He hadn’t been dressed to impress, and he usually didn’t, but at the sight of your name getting closer to his on the map, he ignored George’s torments and changed into nicer pants and a more flattering shirt.

Harry stepped passed Neville, who had forgotten the password, and held open the portrait for everyone as they stepped through. You, Sarah, Luna, and Hermione occupied the biggest couch in front of the fire, and Neville and Ron took the armchairs on either side of you. Harry sat on the floor in between Ron’s chair and where Sarah had sunk into the corner of the couch.

Sarah beamed at you, taking notice of the small action, and you wiggled your eyebrows back at her. She blushed and leaned over the side of the couch, resting her chin in her hand and starting a conversation with Harry.

Hermione pulled her book from her bag again, reading the pages eagerly. You and Luna sat shoulder to shoulder as Luna began to tell you about her plans for the summer.

“I think I’ll try to learn French,” she said, toying with some sunglasses she pulled from her pocket.

“You’re going to learn French?” you repeated, a smile pulling up your lips.

“I think so, might also help my dad with his plums,” Luna said, turning to you as she slipped on the sunglasses. They overcame her face, entirely oversized and wonderful. They were bright green and had purple lenses that were reflective. You could see your wide and amused smile in them.

“Your father grows plums?” you inquired, always enjoying conversation with Luna.

“Yes, they’re Dirigible Plums.”

“What are those?”

Luna pulled her hair back and showed you a pair of earrings she wore. They looked like little orange balloons, but leaves hung from them.

“Oh, those are very pretty, Luna,” you said, admiring them.

“My dad says they make you wiser,” she explained, “so he grows them in his garden.”

“And you wear them as earrings,” you said, smiling at her.

“Yes,” she nodded and gave you a crooked grin.

“What are your plans for the summer?” Luna asked.

“Oh, I don’t know. My father will be working, so I’ll probably be home all day,” you said, feeling a little lonely already, “I’ll have my roller skates though.”

Luna looked at you, confused, but you were more talking to Ron anyways, who you noticed was listening to your conversation.

“You should come to the Burrow this summer! Everyone does, even for just for a week,” Ron said, standing and moving over to sit on the coffee table in front of you.

“That sounds cool, I’d love to,” you said, grinning at Ron.

You looked around you and felt so lucky, lucky to have found such kind and accepting people at your new school.

Pacing upstairs, Fred smoothed down his hair before ruffling it again and then smoothing it. He knew you were downstairs, and he knew he wanted to talk to you, but you just made him so nervous. He never gets nervous.

George sat with his elbows on his knees, eyebrows raised, watching his brother obviously losing his mind.

“Just go down and talk to her,” he said, a little afraid his brother might explode, “you’re gonna wear a hole in the ground.”

Fred stopped where he stood, near the door. He sighed heavily and nodded.

“Yeah,” he said, swallowing hard, “I’ll just go talk to her.”

Fred recalled the day he had formally met you at the Three Broomsticks. He was smooth, able to mask the way your curious gaze had made his stomach flutter. He couldn’t very well go down there and make a fool of himself, could he?

“Oi Fred!” he heard Lee call from where he stood near Harry, which was also near you, “Come over here a minute.”

Fred sauntered over, forcing himself not to stare at you.

Hermione had put down her book, and Luna had left to go to her own common room to do some homework. You and Hermione sat cross-legged facing each other, playing a muggle card game.

“Yeah?” he asked, stuffing his hands in his pockets and leaning against the banister of the fireplace.

Harry and Lee sat at two wooden chairs near the fireplace, only a few feet away from the couch you were on. This angle allowed him to watch you as your head threw back in laughter as Hermione scowled at her losing the game. His eyes easily flickered back to Lee, who pulled him into the conversation he and Harry were having about Quidditch.

Ginny walked through the portrait hole, returning from some Quidditch training she had been doing. Ginny was taking Quidditch very seriously this year and had taken to exercising on the pitch with Angelina every weekend.

“Ginny!” Ron called out to her, putting down the newspaper he was reading. He waved her over with a hurried hand.

“What?” she said, plopping down on the empty space next to Hermione, “What game are you guys playing?”

You looked up from the deck of cards you had begun to shuffle as Hermione told her.

“Ginny,” Ron said again, pulling his sister’s attention back to him.

“Hm?” she said, and it was very obvious she was tired from her day's activities.

“Have you asked anyone over for the summer yet?” Ron asked, and his eyes flicked to you, “I just invited Y/n, so I don’t want it getting too crowded.”

Ginny looked over to you, her gaze becoming analytical. You raised a hand to wave and cast her a kind smile, and she returned it.

“I don’t have anything planned, it should be fine,” Ginny turned away from Ron and back towards you and Hermione, “When are you lot coming? At the same time?”

You looked towards Hermione, not knowing the answer.

“Oh, I didn’t have any specific ideas yet, Ron’s just asked me. Still have to write to my dad,” you said, and Hermione nodded.

“Yeah, I’m sure it’ll be the usual time for me, though,” Hermione said, and Ginny smiled.

“What’s the usual time?” you asked, beginning to deal the cards to you and Hermione.

“A few weeks before school starts, Mrs. Weasley takes us all to Diagon Alley for our school things,” Hermione said, speaking fondly of the memory.

“Should I ask my dad to come then, when Hermione does?” you looked towards Ron, “Unless I should come at a different time,” you said, not trying to intrude.

“That would be perfect! Harry comes ‘round that time too, so we’ll all see each other,” Ron said.

He looked over at Harry, and upon seeing his brother, he called Fred over the way he had done to Ginny.

“Fred, have you invited anyone home for summer yet?”

Fred’s gaze immediately went to you, and he found you looking at him too.

“Yeah,” he said, pushing himself off the wall and over to Ron.

“Who?” Ron said, curious because his brothers usually didn’t have people over to the Burrow during holidays.

“George,” he said, smirking.

“Git,” Ron mumbled under his breath.

“Why do you ask, Ickle Ronniekins?”

“I just wanted to make sure it wouldn’t get too crowded when Hermione, Harry, and Y/n come ‘round,” Ron said, squirming as Fred forced himself into Ron’s seat that was only big enough for one of them.

Fred’s cool demeanor dropped for a moment, his eyes widening. He quickly recovered, wrapping an arm around Ron.

“How considerate of you,” he said, giving his brother an unwanted side hug.

Ron got up from his seat, leaving Fred to sit by himself. He watched you with unblinking eyes as you listened to Ginny talk about her time with Angelina on the pitch.

Looking down at your packed to the brim suitcase, you glance to the corner of your room. Your pristine roller skates sat there, one on their side. They looked sad and forgotten, but you knew that wasn’t true. Ever since you had gotten home from Hogwarts, you had taken to skating around ‘muggle’ London. You had also just gotten used to saying ‘muggle’.

Your father left early and got home late, and part of you was jealous that he got to see a Weasley every day and you didn’t. To ease your envy, you took to your skates.

You weren’t sure if you should pack them with you for Ron’s house. You were leaving when your father got home for work, the two of you setting off just before dark. You shoved a sweater deeper into your bag, making room for the skates.

Your father was to eat dinner with the Weasleys, sleep on the couch, and set off with Mr. Weasley for work in the morning. No point in two trips, they figured.

You were traveling by Flu powder, and your father went first. He heaved your bag into the fireplace with him and erupted in green flames. You carried a backpack on your shoulder, filled with little things that couldn’t fit in your suitcase.

Fred was more nervous and excited than he had ever felt in his whole life. He was determined to chat you up this summer, at least do something to make sure you knew he existed. He had been pacing in he and George’s shared room, but George pulled him down to the kitchen and made him drink some tea, hoping to calm him down.

You twisted your fingers, looking nervously into the fireplace. You were extremely excited to spend the remaining weeks of your summer with the Weasleys, but a small part of you was scared. You were nervous that Ron’s parents wouldn’t like you as much as they did at the train station. You were nervous that Ron, and his siblings, would get sick of having you around. You were nervous that you would become a burden.

You had been writing with Hermione, and she ensured you of how kind the Weasleys were. She told you that you had nothing to worry about, and you felt a little relieved.

You had visited Sarah a couple of times during the summer. She lived fairly close, close enough for you to take muggle transportation. Her family was welcoming and all had wide eyes at your accent. Thinking of their kindness, you felt confident enough to finally step into the fireplace.

Green flames surrounded you, and within seconds, you were stood in a different fireplace. It was a little shorter, and you were glad you had hunched over a little. Mr. Weasley and your father were shaking hands off to the side, over by a large couch. Mrs. Weasley was looking into the fireplace and waving you out. Ron was trudging your suitcase upstairs already, and Hermione and Ginny stood by Mrs. Weasley smiling widely. You noticed Fred and George sat at a large wooden table near the kitchen both drinking some tea and eating.

You took a step from the fireplace, making sure to wipe off any ash that may have stained your clothes, and allowed Mrs. Weasley to pull you into a hug.

“Oh, so good to see you again, dear!” she said, rocking you back and forth in the suffocating hug.

You didn’t care if you couldn’t breathe, you decided at that moment that Molly Weasley gave the absolute best hugs. She released you, patting your shoulders and running a loving hand through your hair, tucking it behind your ear. You beamed at her, and she smiled back at you.

When she moved away, Hermione quickly replaced her. Hermione’s arms pulled you close, wrapping around your backpack.

“I missed you!” she said, smiling at you.

“I missed you too!” you said, nearly ‘awing’ at everyone’s kindness.

Ginny hugged you too, and when you stepped away, Ron had come back downstairs. You hugged him, and then Harry, and finally you were left to be able to breathe your own air.

The house around you was adorable. It was better than you could have ever imagined. Magic was everywhere, and everything just felt like home.

“You’ll be staying with me and Ginny,” Hermione said to you from her spot next to you at the table.

“Perfect,” you replied, the same awestruck smile plastered on your face since you had arrived.

Fred looked at you from across the table. He felt like his dinner was moving in his stomach, and his hands were sweating. He’d nearly dropped his fork three times. He breathed deep, and when the conversation lulled, he took his chance.

“How has your summer been, Y/n?” he asked, and you looked up from your plate to him.

He nearly died, your happy eyes looking at him.

“Great!” you said, wiping your hands on your napkin in your lap, “I’m glad to finally be here.”

He smiled back at you, and it took him a moment to realize he’d been staring for a little too long, and that you had asked him a question.

“My summer? Oh, my summer’s been good too,” he replied, nodding.

You looked to George, who was next to him and raised your eyebrows, inviting his answer.

“It’s been good,” he said casually, and then an evil grin spread across his face, “but I think Fred’s just about worn my ear off talking about you.”

Fred coughed, choking on his mashed potatoes. His face went red, and he looked at his twin with an anger George had never seen before. Fred quickly looked back at you, as if to gauge your reaction. Your head was tilted down, but a shy smile was on your face and a blush crept on your cheeks.

Fred’s anger subsided at the sight of it, but when George kicked him from under the table, he was reminded.

“What is wrong with you?” Fred asked, nearly yelling at his brother in the privacy of their own room.

“I gave you a push,” George answered, not looking up from the Zonko’s catalog in his hands.

Fred simmered, coming to the realization that George was right. He fell onto his bed, thinking back to the pink on your cheeks and the bashful curl of your lips.

He didn’t know how he was meant to sleep, painfully aware of the fact that you were asleep just a room away.

“Did you hear what George said to Y/n at dinner?” Hermione asked, pulling Ginny into the argument you were having once she got out of the shower.

Ginny shook her head, removing the towel from her hair, “No, what’d he say?”

You rolled your eyes at Hermione as she divulged into every little detail of what George had said.

“And Fred could not stop staring!” she finished, and you let out an exaggerated breath.

“He was not staring!”

“Yes, he was,” Ginny said cheekily, sitting down on her bed.

“Ginny!” you said, giving up hope of having her on your side.

“He totally fancies you,” Hermione said.

Your face twisted for two reasons: the word ‘fancies’, and the fact that she thought Fred Weasley might fancy you.

“He does not!”

Ginny sat on her bed, listening to you and Hermione go back and forth. She knew Fred fancied you, he had since they had been at school. She saw his longing looks, the way he looked at you first after he told a joke, and the pure admiration he had in his eyes any time he looked at you. It especially convinced her when Fred had been talking about you all summer. She came to a decision.

“He does,” she said, watching Hermione’s face change into the proud one she wore when she answered a question right in class. Your mouth hung open.

“What?” Hermione’s gaze turned towards you, and she smiled widely. You liked to think it was her infectious smile that made your mouth turn up, and not the idea of Fred liking you.

“He has been talking about you all summer, I’m surprised Ron didn’t tell you earlier,” Ginny said, bringing the towel to her hair again to catch some dripping water.

“He probably hasn’t even noticed,” Hermione said, the tone of annoyance dripping off her tongue.

Ginny flashed her a sympathetic look, but Hermione ignored it, continuing.

“Do you like him?” she pried, and the whole room felt like it was frozen.

They both looked at you expectantly, waiting for your answer.

You didn’t know. Fred was handsome, and funny, and clever, but you hardly knew him. You knew he was mischievous, and that he tormented Ron, but other than that you might as well have been strangers. You could not deny, however, that he was attractive.

“I don’t know,” you said, honestly.

“You don’t know?” Ginny repeated, confused.

“Yeah, I mean, I barely know him,” you answered, the obvious energy in the room shifting to something of deep thought.

“Do you fancy him, though?” Hermione asked, her eyebrows raised.

“I think he’s cute, yeah, but how can he fancy me? We’ve barely spoken to each other. Are you sure Ginny?” you asked again, still doubtful.

“I’m sure he’s noticed the little things more than you think he would, Fred can be pretty considerate when he wants to be,” Ginny said, and you breathed out loudly. You flopped on your back, the mound of blankets around you and Hermione soothing your landing.

“See? I wouldn’t know that!” you said.

You knew it was a little silly, to focus on something like this. You had an older, attractive, popular boy head over heels for you, but you were harping on the fact that you didn’t know whether or not he was considerate.

“You’re being ridiculous,” Hermione said harshly, “I mean it’s not like you’re forced to marry him. You go on dates with people to get to know them, after all.”

You were nearly offended by Hermione’s tone, but you figured she was just getting irritated on the subject of crushes.

“I know, ‘Mione, I’m just confused by it,” you reassured her.

“Well, test the waters tomorrow,” Ginny said suggestively, wiggling her eyebrows.

You cringed away from her, and swells of giggles were coming from Ginny’s room nearly all night.

The three of you slept late into the morning. The Burrow’s eventful noises were nothing compared to the sounds of muggle London, so you slept peacefully. It wasn’t until something began tapping on Ginny’s window, did the three of you wake up.

“What the-?” Ginny started but soon fell silent at the sound of a loud crashing noise. Shards of glass scattered around the room and Hermione was lucky that she had rolled away from the window in her sleep. You put your hand up, flinching at the noise, and when you dropped it, the warm summer air flooded into the room.

A small golden snitch was soaring around the room, averting every swipe of Ginny’s hands, and ducking behind her dresser.

Ginny slipped on some shoes, and carefully navigated through the glass. She leaned cautiously out of the window, and that's when the screaming started.

“Harry! Are you mental?! What on Earth-” her screams divulged into threats and insults, and you looked over her shoulder, watching Harry hover many feet away on his broom, his face looking quite guilty.

You found your shoes and moved over to the window. You then realized that Fred and George were hovering closer to Ginny’s window, silencing the snickers and amazed faces they wore. At the sight of Fred, your eyes widened, and his eyes met yours. He smiled kindly at you, and before you knew what you were doing, you ducked behind the window, crouching by Ginny’s feet.

You heard George’s laughter, and Ginny’s ramblings stilled.

“What are you doing on the floor?” she asked you, lowering herself to crouch with you.

“I don’t know,” you answered, whispering. Your cheeks were red and your eyes were wide. Ginny’s threatening look turned into a smile.

She began to giggle, and soon enough, Fred and George hovered just above the window, peering into Ginny’s room.

“What are you girls doing down there?” George asked, resting a hand on the part of the windowsill with no glass on it, peering into the room.

Ginny looked at you, her smile wide. You looked around and began to pick up large shards of glass.

“Cleaning up the glass,” you said casually, although you could still feel the distinct burn of blush on your cheeks.

You could only safely pick up two large shards of glass without cutting your hands, so you raised yourself from the ground, meeting Fred and George’s eyes. Ginny followed you, crossing her arms and smirking.

The boys wore their practice robes, their names and numbers on the backs. They both had discarded goggles hanging from their necks, and their hair was wild. You looked between the both of them, swallowing thickly.

“Could you keep it down?” Ginny finally said, trying to ease the situation, “We’re trying to sleep.”

George removed a hand from his broom and glanced at his watch, “It’s nearly 12 in the afternoon,” he said sarcastically.

“Really? Well, we need our beauty sleep,” Ginny said, and you noticed she nearly reached out to close the window.

George rolled his eyes and zipped away on his broom, leaving Fred.

“I’m gonna go get a broom, clean this up,” Ginny said, huffing as she navigated her way back through the glass on the floor.

You and Fred were left there, staring at anything but each other. Fred moved slightly up and down on his broom as he hovered. He finally cleared his throat and looked at you.

“Sleep well?” he asked, eyebrows raised.

You nodded and smiled, rocking back and forth on your feet, “You?”

He nodded too and looked away quickly.

“Oh, I think George, is calling me,” he said, and it was obvious George was not calling him. He flew away on his broom, and you closed your eyes, letting out a restrained breath.

You groaned and threw yourself on Ginny’s bed. Hermione rolled over, a large and entertained grin on her face. You covered your face with a pillow and ignored Ginny and Hermione’s imitations of the incident while they swept up the glass.

Mrs. Weasley was furious to see Ginny’s window. She had come in later in the day, a basket full of laundry on her hip.

“Hello girls,” she said pleasantly, “Do you have- what the bloody hell is that?”

Ginny’s eyes widened at the sound of her mother’s deep and serious tone.

“Mum! It wasn’t us,” Ginny leaped from her bed and ran to her dresser, she quickly caught the snitch from where it had been hiding behind her dresser, “It came through the window this morning when the boys were playing.”

Mrs. Weasley looked at you and Hermione, and you both nodded your heads furiously. She huffed out a breath and pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers.

Finally looking up, she set the laundry down and stood in Ginny’s doorway.

“BOYS!” she shouted, and you heard the sudden halting of George and Fred’s laughter, and Harry and Ron’s footsteps upstairs silenced.

The sound of four hesitant feet walking to Ginny’s room was the last thing you heard before Mrs. Weasley’s screams burst your eardrums.

The Burrow was crowded now that the boys had been banned from leaving the house. They had only briefly been allowed out of the house to de-gnome the garden, but Mrs. Weasley stood at the door, making sure they had absolutely no fun.

Your suitcase lay open in Ginny’s room, the three of you dressed and having absolutely no ideas as to what to do. You had all already ran through your spending money going to Diagon Alley on your first days there, and without the boys offering some entertainment, the three of you were idle.

Ginny paced, looking through her own things with interest. She twisted her broom in her hands, offering the idea of Quidditch, but Hermione wasn’t interested. Ginny was scanning her room, and her eyes fell on your bag. A pair of white shoes with wheels on them lay tucked away in the bag. She walked over to them and pulled them out hesitantly.

“What the bloody hell are those?” George said from the doorway.

The three of you girls turned, looking to the door. The four boys crowded in the hall, all peering into the room with interest. It seemed they were bored too.

“Are those the roll skates?” Ron asked, mispronouncing the word and shoving past George and taking the roller skate from Ginny.

“Yeah,” you said, your eyes flicking up over the top of your magazine.

The rest of the boys filed into the tiny room, nearly all of them shoulder to shoulder. Hermione rose from her spot next to you, picking up the other one from your bag.

“I remember seeing commercials for these things when I was a kid,” Hermione said, spinning the wheel in her hand.

“Commercials? What are you on about?” Ron said, and Harry caught your baffled look and smiled.

“What are they?” Fred asked, taking Hermione’s seat next to you on Ginny’s bed.

You lowered your magazine and looked at him, only to find him already looking at you. He gave you a crooked smile and nodded in greeting. You successfully fought a blush and smiled back at him.

“They’re roller skates. They’re like shoes with wheels,” you explained, taking the skate from Ron.

You rolled up your jeans a little and slipped on the skate. Fred watched your delicate fingers lacing up the shoe, noticing the way your hair fell into your face as you looked down at them.

Hermione handed you the other one, and you did the same to the other foot. You stood easily from the bed and nearly lost your balance. It was lucky that Fred’s strong shoulder was there for your hand to clasp onto, or else your feet would have slipped from under you.

You looked down at your hand still on Fred’s shoulder, even though you were standing fine. He slipped your hand off but kept it in his hand. You then became aware that you were just holding hands at this point. He stood with you and turned to face you. He pulled your other hand into his, and pushed you away from him, smiling widely as you rolled easily on the hardwood floors.

Everyone knew then that they had found their entertainment for the day.

The sound of joyful laughter flooded your ears as Fred pulled you around the limited space in Ginny’s room. Your hands fit together perfectly, and he walked backward as he pulled you, keeping his smiling eyes on you the whole time. Soon he was pulling you into the hallway, and everyone trailed after. You felt Ginny’s small hands pushing your back, and you began to gain speed. Fred hadn’t caught up, and you were coming closer and closer to him. You looked down but didn’t want to put your toes down to brake, in fear of scuffing up the floor. So, you let yourself fall into Fred’s arms.

The two of you stayed upright, but his long arms were wrapped around your waist. Your hands fell to his chest, and his chin pressed against his neck as he looked down at you. His hair fell into his eyes, and yours fell gracefully in its natural place. You smiled, and he smiled, and soon you erupted into giggles at the silence behind you. George catcalled, and you stuffed your giggles into Fred’s chest, tucking your head under his chin. You felt him take a sharp inhale, and his arms became a little tighter around you.

When Mr. Weasley got home, he was accosted by his children.

“Dad!” They said in unison, all waiting for him by the door.

He jumped at the sight of them all, then began taking off his coat.

“Look at these!” Ginny said, pointing to your feet.

You did a little spin, careful not to make any marks on the floor. Fred watched you spin elegantly, your arms coming out a little like a ballerina.

“Remarkable!” Mr. Wealsey cried, moving to look at them.

Questions came from his mouth faster then you could answer them, and you slid the wheels against the floor under the table while you ate dinner.

“We had an idea, Dad,” Fred said, looking at you proudly.

“Yeah, think you’ll like it,” George added, glancing at you with a smirk and then looking back at his dad.

“We need you to conjure some sort of track outside,” Ron finished, talking with his mouth full.

“A track! That’s brilliant!” Mr. Weasley exclaimed, missing the worried look from his wife.

“It was Y/n’s idea, she’s brilliant,” Fred said, looking across the table at you.

You giggled as George made a gagging noise.

“With what? Stone?” Mrs. Weasley inquired, placing a hand on her hip.

“Oh no, they’re usually made of wood or asphalt,” you explained, “they have a whole building of them in the muggle world. People rent the skates and pay to skate on a big rink.”

Mr. Weasley's eyes widened with excitement, and Mrs. Weasley’s worry tamed.

“Let’s do it tonight.”

The eight of you walked to a clearing on the side of the house. It was where the boys usually played Quidditch, but it hadn’t been in use for days. Mrs. Weasley hadn’t stopped the boys from helping with the track, and you were grateful.

“Hold it higher, Ron!” Mr. Weasley called out, and Ron raised his father's wand with a bright orb of light coming from it.

The track was nearly done. It was huge, a large hoop secured to the ground. There was an enchanted orb of light in the center of the circle, and it illuminated the entire rink.

Your friends watched you blaze around the track, your hair whipping around behind your face, the sides of your cardigan flapping in the wind. You heard loud cheers when you successfully began skating backward.

The rest of your trip to The Burrow was spent out there. The boys were lifted from their punishments, and the rink became the one place you all went to when you woke up, and the last place you were before bed. Soon enough, though, your father appeared in the fireplace with your school trunk by his side. He quickly took back the bag you had been keeping at the Weasley's, and you went through your trunk one last time, making sure you had everything.

This year, walking through the train station, you were still stared at. But you didn’t care because an entire family surrounding you, and they all looked like you.

Your father gave you a lasting embrace before Fred followed you onto the train. He had waited for you, watching as you hugged your dad. He waved to your father, and his hand grazed your lower back as he walked behind you. The two of you found the compartment that had to be the most crowded of the lot.

Lee, Luna, Neville, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Sarah, George, and now you and Fred, packed into a compartment, the entire room filled with busy conversation the entire ride.

It was weird to be in the Hufflepuff common room, your bedroom devoid of Ginny’s huffs as she rolled over to get comfortable, or Hermione’s anxious mumbles she said in her sleep. You pulled your blankets off of you, your legs feeling sore from the constant skating you had been doing for weeks.

Speaking of, you had made the decision to bring your skates to Hogwarts. You slipped them on, tightening the rainbow laces. You pointed your wand at the wheels and cast a silencing charm, so the turn of the wheels would be silent.

You carefully climbed the stairs from the Hufflepuff basement and looked both ways before you skated towards your destination.

Fred had been sitting under his covers, looking over the map as he usually did before he snuck to the kitchens. Out of habit, he looked at the Hufflepuff common room for your familiar name. He was shocked to see you across the castle, in a long-abandoned classroom. He suddenly lost his appetite and slid into some slippers.

He rested his forearm in the crook of the door, leaning against it. He watched you illuminated by the candles lit on the wall. You easily glided between the desks, twisting and turning, spinning, and navigating between them. His eyes followed you, your body moving naturally. He watched the sway of your hips as your wait transferred from foot to foot, the skates rolling against the smooth stone. You moved to the open space in the room, skating backward, your back to him. You turned just a few feet in front of him, and when you saw Fred, your surprise ran through your body. Your feet faltered and you bumped into a desk, making a loud crash.

He jumped from his spot in the doorway, closing the door behind him. He moved to you in two long strides, crouching to reach you on the floor.

“Are you alright?”

“You scared the shit out of me, Fred!” you said, smiling up at him.

“Couldn’t help it, I had to come see you,” he said smoothly, bringing the map from his back pocket.

“What? How did you know I was here?”

He unfolded a piece of paper and held it out to you. You took it in your hands and realized what it was. Before you could look at it for long, Fred took it back, a worried expression on his face.

“Filch is coming, he must have heard the noise,” Fred folded the map and put it back in his pocket.

Suddenly, his hands were on your waist, and he was guiding you to your feet. He looked around the room and saw the door to the supply closet.

With a wave of his wand, the flames of the candles were extinguished and he was pulling your gliding figure to the closet. The door closed just in time, and Filch burst in. You and Fred were pressed together, his hands still on your waist. You opened your mouth to ask him about the map, and one of his hands covered your mouth. He felt your soft lips, and his eyes locked onto yours. You heard Filch’s heavy feet stomping around the room and the screech of the desk against the floor.

Your mind was occupied by the lack of space between you, your back pressed to the door, and Fred’s warm hand on your face. He looked deeply at you, and his face was inches from yours.

You thought back to the day Ginny told you about how Fred felt, and you realized that you no longer had any hesitations about Fred. Standing this close to him, his leg slid between yours, his chest against yours, you felt what he felt. You fancied Fred.

Fred felt your lips curl into a smile beneath his hand. It was dark, so he couldn’t see your face, but he wished more than anything that he could. He heard the door close, and Filch was gone, but neither of you moved. Fred’s hand retracted from your mouth, moving to your neck. His fingers slipped under your hair, and his thumb rested in your jaw.

“Why did you come here?” you whispered.

“I like to watch you skate,” he answered, his voice devoid of any laughter.

“You’ve watched me skate for weeks,” you said quickly, inching your face closer to his, craning your neck to look up at him.

“I like to watch you,” he said without thinking, “I like you.”

You closed the space between you two. His lips were slow, and so were yours. You arched your back against the door, anything to get closer to him. His face was warm, and yours was cold. His lips pressed hard against yours, and the kiss held everything he had felt since he talked to you in the Three Broomsticks. It was all the nights he had ranted to George about you, all the times he had mentioned what little time it was until you’d finally be at The Burrow, all the times he looked at the map just to see your name, all the times his stomach had flipped just at the thought of you.

You pulled away, breathless, and he lowered his head to rest on your shoulder. His breathing was heavy, and your eyes had fluttered closed. He reached for his wand and said “Lumos,” just so he could see your pretty face and swollen lips.

He walked you back to the basement, and you shared another slow kiss. He had almost followed you down the stairs, watching you leave with your skates hanging from around your neck.

The next morning in the courtyard, Ginny was the first to notice.

“What happened?” she said, skeptical of your dazed face and the constant flush you had from just being near Fred.

He sat a few feet away in his own world, avoiding George and Lee’s conversation about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip.

You smiled at Ginny, and she furrowed her brows at you. You were about to tell her, but Ron fell with a thud onto the ground next to you.

“It’s been three bloody weeks and Snape’s already assigned 100 pages of reading,” Ron groaned, pulling a heavy textbook from under his arm. Hermione and Harry trailed behind him, sitting with much more grace than Ron had.

Hermione also noticed your at peace look and looked at you analytically.

You were finally able to tell them in the hall, during an extended period between classes.

“He kissed me last night,” you said with a blush.

“I told you!”

“Finally!”

You hushed them, a bashful smile coming to your lips. Fred passed the three of you, his eyes locked on yours as he walked. Over his shoulder, he sent you a flirty wink. You felt weak at the knees and was glad that you were leaning against a wall.

“Maybe he’ll ask you to Hogsmeade,” Hermione said, tugging you off the wall and in the opposite way Fred was walking. You looked over your shoulder to see him walking backward, watching you walk away.

“Knowing Fred, he’ll probably pull some elaborate prank or get fireworks to spell your name out,” Ginny said, watching you look at her brother.

Fred did something like that, the two of you in the courtyard, laying in the grass. He had pulled you from dinner just after you were dismissed, and he led you to the courtyard. You both stared at the sky, and he looked at you. You met his gaze and then he pointed at the sky.

In huge, shining, red words read “Y/n, Hogsmeade this weekend?”.

You smiled at him and nodded. His hand snaked to cup your cheek still laying down. He pulled you towards him, and you moved to look down at him, propped up on your elbow. His lips met yours, and the sound of more bursting fireworks flooded the air around you.

It was nearly Christmas now. You and Fred have been dating for a few weeks, and he invited you back to the Burrow for the holidays.

You accepted, and you trudged your heavy bag into the fireplace. It was filled with gifts for the Weasley’s, and you were feeling quite confident about it.

Ron, Harry, and Hermione stayed at school for the holidays, leaving you, George, Fred, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat in front of a fire on Christmas eve.

You had called your father on your flip phone he had given you as an early Christmas present. He was coming over tomorrow for Christmas morning, and you felt incredibly content.

Coming back to the couch, tucking your phone into your pocket, you slipped back under Fred’s arm, curling into his side. Mr. Wealsey had already had a go at the device, and he just watched amazed at it fitting into your pocket so easily.

The next morning you were woken up by the sound of your father’s booming voice downstairs. You sat up, stretching, and looked over to Ginny’s bed. It was empty, the covers were thrown aside. You slipped on a large cardigan, pulling it around your cold arms and going downstairs.

You were met with what felt like a dream. All the Weasley’s sat around the table, eating a huge Christmas breakfast and drinking tea. They each wore matching sweaters with their initials on them, and your father was standing with Mr. Weasley by the couch.

“Happy Christmas!” they all beamed at you.

Ginny tugged you over to the couch, sitting on one side of you while Fred sat on the other. Your father stood behind you on the couch, and a pile of presents were stacked in the room. You had brought your presents for the Weasley’s down last night, and you saw them on the ground.

Wrapping paper was everywhere, and the sound of happiness flooded the room. It finally came time for everyone to open what you had gotten them, and Fred went first. He tore away the red paper and held the plain box in his hands. He shook it, holding it up to his ear and smiling at you.

“Careful!” you told him, and he tore away the tape holding the box shut.

Inside, a brand new pair of garnet roller skates. He gasped, his large hands holding a skate up.

“Oh, my-” Mrs. Weasley said, already thinking of the awful thing he and George could do with those.

“It’s amazing!” he exclaimed, wrapping his arms around you.

You returned the hug, and whispered in his ear, “Merry Christmas, Fred.”

Soon, all the Weasley’s were holding different colored skates, even Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

[dontcare77ghj]

On a Very Special Episode

Wanda x reader x Vision

The babies didn't want to sleep. It seemed as though they had all formed a pact to not sleep for as long as they could.

And this had led to three exhausted and cranky children.

"Sweet, sweet, Luna, don't you wanna sleep?" Wanda cooed, bouncing her daughter gently. "Mama wants to go to sleep." She sighed. "If you go to sleep, I promise, you will be my favorite daughter."

"By that logic, she's also your least favorite," Y/N said, entering from the kitchen with Tommy in her arms.

"Never!" Wanda gasped. "No luck with Tommy?" She asked her wife, who was rocking the crying boy.

"I tried feeding him, but he rejected the bottle. Maybe Vision's having better luck." Y/N said hopefully.

"No such luck, darlings." Vision said, descending the stairs, disguise free. "I tried reading to him, but for some reason, Charles Darwin's 'The Descent of Man' made him cry even harder."

"Oh." Wanda groaned. The married three stood in the living room, rocking three crying babies side to side.

"Care to dance, darlings?" Vision asked, moving closer to the women. 

Y/N let out a giggle as Wanda grinned boldly, and the two stepped closer to the man. 

"It's almost like we're on a date." Wanda chuckled.

"Keep it down kids, I was about to get my leg over." Vision joked. 

"Vis? Would you mind getting their binkies?" Wanda asked.

"Oh. 'Course not. Binkies all round, I think." Vision said, putting Billy into his crib.

"They're in the kitchen," Y/N told him. "And while you're in there, do you think you could-?"

"Put the coffee maker on? Of course, darling." Vision promised as Wanda and Y/N put the babies down.

"I love you!" Y/N exclaimed with a smile.

"Now I know parents aren't supposed to take shortcuts, but I think this situation calls for one, don't you?" Wanda asked, moving to stand between the cribs.

"If it means a break from this headache, then yes." Y/N agreed.

"So, go to sleep, my babies," Wanda said, snapping her fingers. But the kids continued to cry their little lungs out. "And go to sleep," Wanda repeated her actions, causing all three to laugh. "Well, I don't think it's very funny. Why won't you do what I want?" Wanda asked her hands on her hips.

"I think that's the definition of kids, sweetheart." Y/N joked. 

"What's that, dear?" Vision asked, entering the room with one binkie in his hand and the other two in his ears.

"That is not where those go." Wanda smiled, pulling them out of Vision's ears and wiping them on her pants.

"Noise cancelation is not their primary function?" Vision joked as Wanda gave the children their binkies. 

"Look, I think it's,"

"Shh! Don't jinx it!" Y/N hiss quietly, leaning into Vision's side.

All three of them held their breath, hoping the babies would settle, but when the kids all spat their binkies out, they let out sighs.

"Vis? Y/N?" Wanda started. "What are we doing wrong here?"

"Oh, don't worry, dear. We'll figure it out." Vision assured.

"It's just a learning curb," Y/N said, rocking the nearest crib to her.

"Exactly! Perhaps we all need more time to get to know one another." Vision suggested.

"Maybe. Or maybe we just need some help." Wanda told the two as the doorbell rang.

Vision rushed towards the couch right as Agnes barged into the house.

"Hiya, kids!" Agnes cheered, entering the house in her new Jazzercise gear.

"Oh, Agnes!" Wanda smiled at her friend.

"Hi, Agnes." Y/N waved, still gently rocking a crib.

"Agnes, I was just fluffing this pillow. With my face." Vision attempted to explain, now fully decked out in his human disguise.

"Oh, I was just on my way to Jazzercise when I heard your new little bundles of joy were on a sleep strike," Agnes explained boisterously.

"And which little birdie told you that?" Y/N wondered.

"A little birdie called my ears!" Agnes joked, causing the three to politely chuckle. "Anyway, Auntie Agnes is here, and I've got a couple tricks up my sleeve."

"Oh, Agnes, you are a lifesaver." Wanda sighed, taking the woman's hands into her own.

"Aw!"

"Very well. But be careful of the belly buttons and remember to support their heads, and when was the last time you washed your, actually you know what? It would be, just, maybe we better not." Vision stressed, moving to block Agnes from the cribs.

"Uh, do you want me to take that again?" Agnes asked, turning to face Wanda nervously.

"I'm sorry?" Wanda asked after exchanging looks with both her husband and wife.

"You want me to hold the babies," Agnes confirmed, staring at Wanda with scared eyes. "Should we just take it from the top?" She wondered, grabbing her bag.

"What?" Vision asked, staring at Agnes curiously.

"Agnes, are you on something?" Y/N questioned the neighbor.

"Oh, don't be silly." Wanda chuckled. "Darlings, let's, let's let Agnes give it a try." She suggested, giving both partners a look before turning back to Agnes.

Agnes stared at Wanda for several seconds before letting out a giggle.

"Fussy babies meet buns of steel. We dare you to stay awake." She joked, causing Wanda to laugh.

"Wanda." Vision gestured for her to join him and Y/N while Agnes kneeled between the cribs. "What was the about?" He wondered.

"What was what?" Wanda cocked her head.

"You're joking, right?" Y/N questioned the woman. "That thing with Agnes just now." She clarified.

"Well, I think she just got confused for a moment. She seems fine now." Wanda shrugged, watching as Agnes rocked the cribs.

"But what she said." Vision stuttered.

"The way she looked at you," Y/N added.

"How did she look at me?" Wanda wondered, looking between the two with a smile.

"Well, I don't know."

"I didn't. Oh." Vision gasped, staring at Agnes, causing both wives to turn.

"Lavender. It's supposed to have a calming effect. Ralph sprays it on me every night. But there's no taming this tiger. What?" Agnes chuckled, continuing to spray the perfume over the crying babies.

"It's so strange." Y/N shook her head.

"Undoubtedly." Vision agreed.

"That's not fair. It's not Agnes's fault that she has an unusually high libido." 

"Did you actually not see what we did?" Y/N wondered, tilting her head at Wanda before there was a thud in the kitchen. 

Once more, all three turned to now find Agnes searching through their cabinets.

"Oh, don't mind me. I'm just looking for your dark liquor." Agnes told them.

"Excuse me?" Y/N asked, staring at her in confusion.

"Not for me. For the kids. What kind of babysitter do you think I am?" Agnes asked, causing Wanda to chuckle while Y/N and Vision continued to stare. "I'm just gonna go and check in there."

"Vision, Y/N, the kids haven't slept in days. We all need a break, and Agnes is just being neighborly, that's all." Wanda told the two. 

"Do you hear that?" Vision whispered.

"Hear what?" Wanda asked in the same tone.

"Absolutely nothing." Vision grinned, moving over to the cribs.

"Oh, thank God. They finally fell asleep." Y/N sighed happily. 

"They're empty." Vision gasped.

"Where are the kids?" Wanda asked, throwing her hand over her mouth.

"They can't have gotten far. The kids can't even walk." Y/N attempted to soothe the two.

"Mama?"

"Mommy?"

"Daddy?"

The married three snapped around at the sound to notice three five years standing by the stairs. Two brunette boys and a blonde girl stood close together, watching the three adults closely.

"Ah, kids." Agnes sighed, now sitting on a kitchen counter with a glass of liquor. "You can't control 'em. No matter how hard you try." She laughed before raising her glass to no-one and taking a drink.

Wanda, Vision, and Y/N shared a confused look before turning back to their kids.

"Well, hi!"

"Hi!"

"Hi, sweetheart!"

The three cooed, leaning down and holding their arms out wide for the kids, who gladly ran into them.

"How are you doing, buddy?"

"You're so big."

"Aw, you're so sweet."

"What's the first thing you do remember?" Hayward asked. 

"Pain," Monica told him. "And then, Wanda's voice in my head."

"Did you try to resist?" Hayward questioned her.

"There was this feeling keeping me down. This hopeless feeling. Like drowning. It was grief."

Monica had been being examined by multiple doctors for hours now. Each had new tests they wanted her to take, and new things they wanted to check were working.

"You can sit up now." A female doctor told her.

"Great." Monica sighed, pushing herself up. "So am I cleared?" Monica asked with no real hope.

"Once I get a look at these." The woman said.

"Where's my uniform?" Monica questioned the doctor.

"In analysis." 

"Mighty glad to have you back, Captain." Jimmy smiled, entering the room with Darcy and Clint behind him. "How are you feeling?"

"Like myself," Monica said with a small smile.

"Well, thank heavens for that." Jimmy grinned.

"What's the latest?" Monica asked, glancing at the two beside Jimmy.

"There's a briefing in ten. Pants are encouraged." She said, holding out a pair.

"This is Dr. Darcy Lewis. She's the one who discovered the broadcast." Jimmy introduced.

"I'm," Monica started, holding a hand out.

"Monica, I know. Big fan." Darcy grinned, shaking her hand with two. 

"And this is,"

"Agent Clint Barton." Monica nodded, holding her hand out once more.

"Nice to meet you." Clint nodded, shaking her hand firmly once.

"We're going to need to do these again. There's something wrong with the machine." The doctor announced, walking back over.

"Those are blank," Darcy said, looking at the tablet in the doctor's hands.

"Like I said."

"Well, what about her labs?" Darcy asked.

"I need another blood draw." The doctor shrugged.

"No. No, we're done here." Monica denied, standing from the bed and walking away to change.

"She does that," Jimmy assured the doctor. "See you at the briefing." He called to Monica.

"Morning." Hayward greeted the assembled crowd. "We are now assessing a more clear picture of this crisis. And thanks to Captain Rambeau, we now have first-person intel from inside the Westview anomaly. Our initial theory had Wanda Maximoff as one of the many victims. We now know she is the principal victimizer." He said, causing Clint to grimace. "Jimmy."

"Quick history on our subject. Born in Sokovia in 1989 to Irina and Oleg Maximoff, both killed during an air raid when Maximoff and her brother were ten." Jimmy explained to the group.

"The twins were subsequently radicalized, volunteering at HYDRA," Hayward interjected.

"They were kids. The Maximoff's were tricked." Clint cut in.

"Either way, after unspecified experimentation with the Mind Stone, Maximoff somehow gained telekinetic and telepathic abilities," Jimmy said, trying to dissipate the room's tension.

"Barton, does Maximoff have an alias?" Hayward cut Jimmy off.

"No." Clint shook his head.

"No funny nickname, Hawkeye?"

"She wasn't interested in having an alias."

"And the earliest tracking had her using her powers against the Avengers. Is that correct?" Hayward pressed.

"She and her brother were scared kids who had been traumatized, beaten down, and manipulated for years. She made a mistake, and she fixed it." Clint defended his daughter's partner.

"And that's why Lagos and Germany turned out as they did." Hayward rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Jimmy," Hayward said, shooing Jimmy back into the group. "Now that we have the lay of the land, we can talk strategy."

"I try not to speak ill of people," Jimmy whispered to Darcy.

"Then allow me. Hayward's a dick." She said, causing Clint to smirk.

"Wanda is not a terrorist," Monica loudly said, drawing the three's attention back to the meeting.

"By your own account, you described the experience of being under mind-control as 'excruciating, terrifying, a violation.'" Hayward recited as the screens behind him began to play footage of her as Geraldine.

"My point is, I don't believe she has a political agenda," Monica said, swallowing harshly. "Or any inclination toward destruction."

"Monica, she basted you halfway across New Jersey," Hayward said, staring at her blankly.

"And I survived because she chose to protect me." Monica defended her on-screen friend.

"She's holding thousands of people hostage, including Agent Y/N Barton," Hayward said, nodding to Clint.

"And it could have been thousands more if she hadn't put up her own quartine." Monica snapped. "Listen, I don't believe this is a premeditated act of aggression." She told the room.

"You don't? Bring up the visual." Hayward told an agent beside him. All the screens lit up now playing SWORD security footage. "This morning, I received authorization to share this highly-sensitive material from SWORD headquarters. Until very recently, it was the top-secret location of the Vision's corpse." Hayward said as everyone watched Wanda storm in SWORD headquarters, blasting doors open and breaking glass windows.

"A corpse that was stolen from his grave on my property," Clint announced, rolling his eyes at the footage.

"We found it. And we weren't going to return it just for you to put billions of dollars worth of vibranium back in the ground." Hayward said as Clint glared at him.

"When was this?" Monica asked, watching the footage closely.

"Nine days ago. Maximoff stormed our facility, stole the Vision's body, and resurrected him." Hayward shrugged as he glanced over at a TV screen showing the current episode.

"But that's in direct violation of Section 36B of the Sokovia Accords," Jimmy said.

"And the Vision's own living will."

"He never wanted to a weapon."

"Maximoff, in her grief, disregarded his wishes. And possibly the wishes of Y/N Barton." Hayward told the assembled group. "All right, that's it for now. Let's work on the problem, people. Dismissed." He said, causing everyone to rush off.

"But how did she even do it?" Jimmy turned to Darcy. "Bring him back without the Mind Stone?"

"Who knows?" Darcy scoffed, shaking her head. "But she has the World's only vibranium synthezoid, playing Father-Knows-Best-In-Suburbia. What happens learns the truth? What happens when Y/N learns the truth?"

"I don't think he likes the water," Tommy said, staring at a sink filled with bubbles.

"But we have to get him clean, so Mama will let us keep him." Billy reasoned.

"I got Mommy's shampoo. It'll help him smell pretty," Luna said, pouring at least half the bottle into the already overflowing sink.

"Tommy! Billy! Luna!" 

"Oh no! Mama's coming!"

"You know I don't miss the crying, but jeez Louise, did you have to learn to walk? You three never stay put. Unless you're innocently forming a human wall in front of the kitchen sink." Wanda said, staring between the three kids as she approached them.

"Is there really any way to innocently form a human wall?" Y/N asked, entering the kitchen to lean against the kitchen counter. "What are you three up to?"

None of the kids knew what to say, and none of them had a chance to say anything as there was a quiet sneeze.

"Bless you." Y/N and Wanda said together.

"Thank you." The kids said in unison before there was a quiet bark.

"Now tell me which one of you just barked?" Wanda asked, tilting her head at the three. "Scoot." Wanda sighed, causing the children to move away from the sink.

Once the kids had moved away, it was revealed that a small dog was sitting in the kitchen sink.

"Oh, boy." Y/N chuckled. "Busted kiddos."

"Waiter, what's this canine doing in my kitchen sink?" Wanda asked, turning to the kids.

"The doggy paddle?" Billy innocently suggested.

"Can we keep him, Mama?" Tommy asked, giving Wanda his best puppy dog eyes. "Please, Mommy?" He repeated to Y/N when she moved to stand beside Wanda.

"We'll be the best owners ever, Mama!" Luna reasoned with wide eyes. "Pretty, pretty, please?"

"Well, I'm sure his owners his miss him very much," Wanda said, attempting to reason with the three as Y/N pulled the dog out of the sink.

"There's isn't a collar, Wand," Y/N told her wife.

"Really?" Wanda asked, checking just to be sure.

"Can we keep him?"

"He was outside. Crying, alone."

"We can't just abandon him."

"They're really good at blackmail, Wand," Y/N said, melting at the kids pleading. "I'm cracking."

"Kiddos, taking care of a living thing is a big responsibility," Wanda told the three.

"That's right. Dogs need food, exercise, and training." Y/N nodded as Wanda pulled the pup into her arms.

"And belly rubs, and cuddles. And kisses between their little ears." Wanda cooed, clutching the dog close.

"Morning wives! Morning kids!" Vision exclaimed, entering the kitchen in his disguise before stopping in his tracks. "Good morning, unfamiliar wet animal." He said, grabbing his newspaper. "Who's this?"

"We're not sure yet," Y/N said as Wanda handed the dog back to her. "Could be ours!" Y/N said in a sing-song.

"Why so formal, honey?" Wanda asked, staring at Vision in confusion.

"Oh, it's just a precaution, really. I had a hunch someone might pop over." He said as the back door opened and Agnes entered the house.

"Hi, kiddos!" Agnes grinned, holding a dog kennel in her hand.

"With exactly the item we require." Vision said, sharing a look with Y/N as she put the dog down.

"My kitchen window told me someone got a new pooch!" Agnes cooed, putting the kennel on the counter. "Did you name him yet?"

"How about Sniffy?" Tommy suggested, watching the tiny dog sniff around the kitchen.

"How 'bout Sparky?" Agnes joked after the dog had sniffed an electrical socket.

"Well, should we make it official?" Wanda smiled before making a collar appear in her hands to the shock of her partners.

"Wanda!" Y/N hissed, moving closer to the two.

"What?" Wanda asked in genuine confusion.

"Agnes was right there!" Vision whispered.

"She didn't notice," Wanda assured her partners. "She didn't even notice when the kids went from babies to five-year-olds." She joked.

"Oh, so I can send a tornado through the kitchen now,  and it's fine?" Y/N shook her head.

"This is not what we agreed upon," Vision told her. "You made no effort to conceal your abilities."

"I'm tired of hiding, Vis." Wanda shook her head. "And maybe the two of you don't have to either." She suggested, taking Y/N's hand and placing her other hand on Vision's face.

"Wanda, since we've moved here, it's been all about fitting in. How is this fitting in?" Y/N sighed.

"Usually, the three of us are so much of the same mind, but right now, what aren't you telling us?" Vision asked her.

"So is Sparky our dog, Daddy?" Luna asked, interrupting the three's conversation.

"Please, Mommy?" Billy and Tommy asked in unison.

"I've cracked." Y/N sighed. "I'm all for a dog." She told her husband and wife. The two turned to look at her, and the three had a silent conversation that ended with Y/N letting out a sigh.

"Kids, three of us don't think you're ready to properly care for an animal until you're at least,"

"Ten. Ten." Vision coughed.

"Ten years old." Wanda finished. The three kids looked sad for a moment before they shared a long silent look and smirked.

"Wait, no, no, no."

"Wait, now hang on a minute."

"Don't even think about what you're thinking about."

The three of you tried to scold the kids, but it was too late. The kids had made up their minds. 

Within seconds the kids were shooting up like beanstalks and were suddenly older. 

"Let's just hope this dog stays the same size." Agnes joked.

"I need a coffee." Y/N sighed, holding a hand to her head. 

"Can we have coffee too, Mom?" Luna asked as the boys nodded with her.

"No!" All three parents exclaimed, eyes wide.

"Okay. Okay, I've got it." Monica said, standing in front of the whiteboard with a texter in hand. "What I need is a ten thousand pound fallout shelter comprised of lead for photons, cadmium for neutrons, tantalum for seismic blasts, on wheels. And then, I would be able to safely re-enter Westview, right?" She asked the woman before her.

"Yes. Theoretically." Darcy nodded.

"I can work with theoretically."

"Better make sure that things a two-seater." Clint piped up from where he watched the TV, showcasing his daughter and her family. "Because you're not going in alone."

"What'd I miss?" Jimmy asked, entering the room with a tray of coffees.

"The kids aged up to ten," Darcy said as she and Clint quickly grabbed a coffee each.

"Holy Christmas. At this rate, they'll be empty nesters by dinnertime." Jimmy commented.

"I know an aerospace engineer who'd be up for the challenge." Monica smiled, looking away from the board.

"But I can't guarantee the Hex won't just mind-wipe you as you go in," Darcy warned the woman, causing the other three in the room to face her.

"The Hex?" Clint asked, raising a brow.

"Oh yeah, it's what I'm calling the anomaly because of its hexagonal shape. It's starting the catch on." Darcy said, causing Monica to look at the men who shook their heads. "You really want to go back in there? After everything you went through?"

"Yeah." Monica nodded. "Yeah, I do."

"Have we identified these minors yet? Or the newborns?"

"The kids aren't someone else's," Clint interjected. "Pay close attention to the hair, the eye colors, their faces. They look exactly like their parents," Clint said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"The kids are theirs." Monica agreed. "Everything might look fake on the TV, but everything is real."

"But Wanda manipulates people's perceptions, makes them hallucinate." Jimmy pointed out.

"Yeah, that's her whole bag. If all the sets and props and wardrobe were solid matter, that would mean she's wielding an insane amount of power." Darcy told him.

"Far exceeding anything she's displayed in the past."

"She could have taken out Thanos on her own," Clint said. "She was ripping apart his very being before he made that bitch move. No-one even came close to taking him down on their own."

"Well, I'd argue Captain Marvel came close." Jimmy shrugged.

"Her powers come from an infinity stone, too, right?" Darcy asked, looking at everyone for an answer.

"We are not talking about her. We are talking about Wanda." Monica said, moving over to the board filled with pictures. "Darcy? What was that you were saying about props and sets and," Monica trailed off, plucking the photo of the red helicopter from the sixties episode.

"Wardrobe?" 

"Where's the lab?" Monica asked her.

"Two tents away. Why?" Darcy asked, but she never got an answer as Monica rushed out of the room. Clint, Darcy, and Jimmy shared looks with one another before Jimmy and Darcy raced after Monica. Clint stayed in the room, intently watching the screen before him.

"What are we looking for?" Jimmy asked as Monica pushed the doors open.

"That," Monica said, staring at her seventies costume.

"Oh, man, are we being mind-controlled to see that right now?" Darcy gasped.

"Jeepers Creepers!" Jimmy cringed. 

"Oh no. It's real, all right." Monica grinned after reading off a computer screen. "Can I borrow this?" Monica asked, taking Jimmy's gun from his pocket.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Jimmy said, reaching out for the gun as Darcy covered her ears. Monica shot at her costume several times, causing absolutely no damage to the clothes.

"Whoa!" Darcy grinned.

"You had a bulletproof vest on when you went inside, didn't you?" Jimmy asked, picking up one of the flattened bullets.

"Those pants are 87% Kevlar," Monica explained. "It's not an illusion. Wanda is rewriting reality."

"Permanently?"

"If she can changes things as they go into the Hex,"

"Ah, you called it the Hex!" Darcy smirked.

"What happens if we send something in that requires no change?" Monica elaborated.

Computational Services had been upgraded into the 1980s. Vision and the rest of the Computational Services employees had spent much of the day setting up the new computing systems around the office.

"So you're telling me this is a typewriter, a Rolodex, and a calendar all in one? What else can it do? Find me a wife?" Norm joked, sitting at his desk staring amazedly at the new computer.

"Eventually, yes." Vision agreed as he sat down.

"It's a hell of a thing watching you work these computers, Vision. It's like you speak their language." Norm complimented.

"What do you think, Norm? Should we surf the Internet?" Vision asked, moving to stand beside the man.

"Cowabunga, dude." Norm grinned, giving his seat up to Vision."Hey, look, we got electronic mail already!" Norm cheered as Vision booted the computer up. 

"It's called an email, Norm." Vision gently corrected him. "What are you looking for?"

"Letter opener," Norm said after rifling through the draws.

"Ah, we don't need that. We're already cutting edge." Vision said, opening the email.

"SWORD. Top secret communique. Authenticate." Norm read aloud before Vision noticed the rest of the office reading the same email in unison.

"Doctor Darcy Lewis' findings regarding Maximoff's Anomaly. High levels of radiation present at the perimeter. Effect on Westview residents unknown. Please advise." The office chorused as Vision stared at his coworkers in shock and fear as the words of email sunk in. But no-one else was scared.

Everyone else was laughing.

"Well, come on, pal. What are we gonna write back?" Norm chuckled. "You're the office funny guy. It's a joke, can't you tell. None of it is real." He said as Vision tried to read the computer, but he felt nothing.

Vision turned to stare at his coworker as an idea formed, and without a word, he rose to his feet and pressed his fingers to Norm's temples.

Vision could sense a wall in Norm's mind. It was blocking Norm's memories, and it was strong but not stronger than Vision.

Norm transformed before Vision's eyes. His cheerful friend was suddenly reduced to a stammering panicked mess. 

"Please, please, help me," Norm begged, his hands grasping at Visions. "What day is it? How long has it been? Where's my phone? I have to call my sister." He gasped, letting go of Vision and shoving papers and objects on his desk aside as he searched for his phone.

"Norm." 

"She's taking care of our dad. He's sick." Norm rambled, tossing papers aside. "Where is my phone?"

"Calm yourself, Norm. I can't understand what you're trying to tell me." Vision whispered, leaning closer to the man.

"You have to stop her," Norm begged, fists clutching Vision's suit.

"Stop who?"

"She's in my head. None of it is my own. It hurts. It hurts so much. Just make her stop." Norm begged, clutching Vision's suit tighter. "Just make her stop!" Norm yelled before Vision touched his temples once more and restored the wall.

Norm shook his head slightly as his hands fell limply at his side before he smiles at Vision.

"Now tell me this, if I send an email, where would I put the stamp? Technology." Norm chuckled as Vision shakily walked back to his desk.

"I'm just going to go to the store," Y/N told her wife as she pulled on a jacket.

"Oh, I'll tell the kids to put their shoes on. We'll all go for a walk." Wanda nodded.

"No, it's okay. I want to go on my own." Y/N shook her head quickly.

"Are you sure, hon? Because whatever we need, I can, just make it appear." Wanda smiled at her own joke before frowning as Y/N grabbed her bag. "Why don't you want us to come?" Wanda questioned her.

"Because I need five minutes to think. And I think a walk would do me some good." Y/N sighed.

"What can't you think about here?" Wanda pressed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It's not here. I just need some time to mull things over." Y/N promised. 

"What's there to mull over?"

"Why are you pushing me on this? What's so hard to understand about this?" Y/N asked, turning to Wanda with a frown.

"It's hard for me to understand why you're acting like this. Did I do something? Did the kids?" Wanda wondered.

"No. Never," Y/N promised, taking Wanda's hand. "It just been a lot of changes recently, and I need just a second to comprehend them all," Y/N said, squeezing her wife's hand.

"Fine. Whatever. Go for your walk. We'll be here." Wanda shook her head, pulling her hand free.

"Look, we'll talk when I get back. I love you." Y/N said, leaning over to kiss Wanda quickly before leaving the house.

"Love you too," Wanda called.

What neither woman had noticed were the three spying kids, who'd heard everything and were now looking at each other worriedly.

"Sit, Sparky. Sit. Good boy!" Billy cheered.

Wanda had snapped out of her thoughts after several long minutes. And once she had snapped out of her head, she needed a distraction. And so, she had called the kids into the living room and asked them to show her the tricks they'd been teaching Sparky.

"Speak!" Billy commanded, causing the dog to let out a bark. "Nice, Sparky. Now spin. Good boy!" Billy said, feeding the dog a treat as his mother, sister and brother clapped.

"Oh! Bravo, Billy! You weren't so bad either, Sparky!" Wanda complimented, causing the boy to smile widely.

"That was radical!" Tommy exclaimed, jumping to his feet and pulling Luna to hers.

"Can we show Daddy?" Luna asked, turning to her mother.

"Oh, he's at work," Wanda told her daughter apologetically. 

"It's Saturday, Mama," Billy said as he and his siblings looked much more disappointed than a second ago.

"No, it's not. It's Monday." Wanda waved him off.

"This morning was Saturday," Tommy told her.

"There was an emergency at the office, and your father had to go in. End of story." Wanda said, causing the kids to look between one another. "Look, he just. He needed a distraction."

"Like Mom?" Billy frowned.

"What?"

"Dad and Mom needed a distraction from us?" Luna asked with a sad expression.

"No! No way! No!" Wanda denied, rushing over to the three. "Sometimes, your dad, your mom, and I aren't on the same page," Wanda said, wrapping her arms around her children. "But it's just temporary." She promised, leading the three over to the couch. "Like the three of you, you might fight over toys, but you're always going to be siblings. You're always going to be Luna's brothers, and she's always going to be your sister, and you boys will always be each other's twin. Because family is forever." Wanda assured the three.

"Do you have a sibling, Mama?" Tommy wondered.

"I do. Yeah, I have a brother." Wanda nodded. "He's far away from here, and that makes me sad sometimes." She said before Sparky began to bark loudly.

"Hey, Sparky, what's up, boy?" Billy asked after the dog jumped out of his arms and rushed to the door.

"Something's scaring him!" Tommy exclaimed as Sparky growled at the door.

"Mama?" Luna asked, watching as her mother's face became blank. 

"Stay here," Wanda said, standing from the couch.

Wanda moved towards the door and opened it, causing Sparky to bolt outside.

"Sparky!" The kids yelled, running off behind their mother.

"I know this tech is from the '80s, but can we sharpen the visuals?" Hayward asked, watching the screen intently over Monica's shoulder.

"Working on it," Monica told him. "Maximoff located." She said as she flew closer to the house.

"Well done." Hayward complimented with a blank face.

"We can't see the drone on the broadcast," Clint announced from behind.

"Wanda's framing it out of the shot." Jimmy deduced.

"Just like all the jump cuts. Wanda decides what makes it onto her show and what doesn't." Darcy added.

"And here we go. You're up." Hayward told Monica.

"Wanda, this is Captain Monica Rambeau. Can you hear me? I just want to talk, that's it." Monica said into the headpiece, staring at the black and white screen, a black and white screen that showed Wanda's glowing red eyes.

"No joy." Hayward sighed.

"Wait, my controls aren't working. Reconnect patch." Monica said as an alarm began to ding beside her.

"Disregard. Take the shot." Hayward shook his head before turning to a man to the side.

"What? No. The drone isn't armed." Monica shook her head, glancing at the man to her side as she desperately tried to take control back of the drone.

"Take the shot," Hayward commanded before the screen fritzed out and died.

"What did you do?" Clint demanded, rushing towards the director. "What did you do?"

 He repeated before several alarms began to blare.

"There's a breach, sir."

Everyone jumped to their feet and rushed outside as the alarms continued to blast.

Cars were loaded as everyone raced as close to the boundary line as they dared. When the agents jumped out of the car, Monica, Clint, Darcy, and Jimmy's noticed, much to their horror, that they were all armed.

The four and Hayward had just pushed their way to the front of the gathering when Wanda emerged from Westview.

Dragging behind her SWORD's drone.

"Is this yours?" Wanda asked, throwing the drone at Hayward's feet.

"The missile was just a precaution. You can hardly blame us, Wanda." Hayward tried to reason.

"Oh, I think I can. This will be your only warning. Stay out of my home." Wanda said, staring blankly at the director. "You don't bother me. I won't bother you."

"I wish it could be that simple. You've taken an entire town hostage." Hayward said, attempting to appeal to Wanda's moral compass.

"I'm not the one with the guns director," Wanda mentioned, staring at the weapons in disdain.

"But you are the one in control," Monica spoke up.

"You're still here." Wanda acknowledged, creating a ball of red energy in her hand.

"Wanda, I didn't know the drones were armed. But you know, don't you? A town full of civilians, and you, a telepath, brought a SWORD agent into your home. You trusted me to help deliver your babies. You trusted me with Y/N and Vision. On some level, Wanda, you know I'm an ally. I wanna help you." Monica told the woman.

"How? What could you possibly have to offer me?" Wanda questioned her.

"Well, what do you want, kiddo?" Clint asked, taking a step towards her. 

"I have what I want. And you, all of you, will stay from them," Wanda said, glaring at Clint. "No-one is ever going to take them from me or hurt them again," Wanda said before turning to Hayward as her hand glowed red. 

Every one of SWORD's agent's eyes burned a bright red as they turned their guns on Hayward.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Stand down!" Hayward exclaimed as Wanda turned away.

"Wanda!"

Wanda paid no attention to those calling her name or the chaos behind her as she neared the Hex.

Wanda appeared to almost rip the Hex apart as she entered it. 

And the shock of everyone watching, the entirety of the Hex changed from a cool blue to a bright burning red.

"Hey, stranger." Y/N grinned as her husband exited Computational Services. "Want to walk me home?"

"You know you should never walk anywhere with a stranger." Vision scolded as he walked closer to Y/N. "The likelihood in which,"

"Vis." Y/N cut him off, raising a brow, continuing to smile.

"Sorry." Vision blushed. "I'd love to walk with you, darling." He smiled, taking Y/N's hand as the two set off for home. 

"I told Wanda I was going for a walk." Y/N mentioned as she swung her's and Vision's hands. "I might have made her suspicious."

"Suspicious of what?" Vision wondered, turning his head to her. 

"What I can't tell her," Y/N said. "I hate doing it, but I lied to her so I could talk to you. Privately. Vis, there's something weird about this town."

"I know." Vision nodded. "I, too, have noticed abnormalities in the town. As well as with the people."

"You mean with Agnes this morning?" Y/N wondered, frowning as she thought back on their neighbor's behavior. 

"I mean with Agnes and Herb. Mr. and Mrs. Hart. Geraldine and her mysterious disappearance. And just recently with Norm."

"The guy in your office?"

"Darling, I have a confession." Vision sighed, pulling Y/N over to a bench. "We received an email about work regarding 'The Maximoff Anamoly.' Everyone disregarded it as a joke, but I had a feeling it meant something, so I looked into Norm's mind."

"Vis."

"I found a wall in his mind, and when I was able to breach it, he changed," Vision told her.

"Changed how?" Y/N asked, cocking her head slightly.

"He was scared, Y/N." Vision said. "And I believe he was scared of Wanda." He added.

"Wanda? Our wife?"

"Yes. Norm's memories seemed to have been blocked by Wanda, and so, I have to ask something of you." Vision said. Y/N caught onto his train of thought quickly and shook her head at the man.

"No Vis, we agreed," Y/N said, crossing her arms. "Even playing ground between the three of us."

"I understand that darling, but I don't remember anything before Westview." Vision revealed. "I have been through all my systems and processors, and nothing is stopping me from remembering. The memories just simply aren't there."

"And you want to see if Wanda has blocked my memories?" Y/N asked after a second of thought.

"Darling, I know how it sounds, but can you remember your family? Your parents? Where you grew up? Do you remember how we met? Because I don't." Vision told her.

"I can never remember our wedding," Y/N whispered as the pieces began to fall into place. 

Everything Vision was saying made sense. She couldn't remember any of those things and never had been able to. 

Y/N had always brushed the idea of not remembering anything to the side, scolding herself for being silly.

But maybe she wasn't.

"Okay. I trust you, Vis. You can break the rule just this once." Y/N said. Vision gave her a gentle smile before raising his fingers to her temples. Y/N's eyes closed as Vision entered her mind before he jumped back with a yelp.

"Ah!"

"Vis?" Y/N asked, eyes snapping open and staring at her husband in shock.

"There's something stronger than Wanda's wall blocking your memories," Vision told her, wriggling his fingers. "I'm sorry, darling, but I can't break it." He apologized.

"It's okay. You tried." Y/N smiled, grabbing his hand with hers. "I think we need to talk to Wanda." 

"I think you're right." Vision agreed, rising to his feet with Y/N following.

"Sparky!"

"Come here, Sparky!" 

"Sparky! Sparky!"

The four had been searching for the small dog for what felt like hours, but there was still no sign of Sparky.

"Hey, what's the trouble, kids?" Dennis, the mailman, asked as he walked past.

"We can't find our dog," Luna told the man.

"Ah, don't worry. He's sure to turn up. Your mom won't let him get far." Dennis promised. "Ma'am." He tipped his head. 

"I just don't know where he could've gone." Wanda sighed as the four continued down the street.

"Sparky!

"Sparky!"

"Sparky! Sparky!"

The kids made it to the end of the street when the bushes began to rustle. The kids let out excited gasps of 'Sparky' before Agnes stood, holding a small bundle with a remorseful face. 

Tommy let out a gasp as Wanda's face fell, and Luna clutched Billy's hand.

"I didn't want to come until I'd wrapped him up," Agnes said, staring at the four sadly.

"What happened to him?" Wanda demanded, moving closer to her friend.

"Found him in my azalea bushes. Don't know how many leaves he ate. I didn't find him until it was too late. Oh, Tommy, Billy, Luna, I'm so sorry." Agnes apologized. 

The kids turned to each other with teary eyes before nodding.

"Wait. Don't. Don't." Wanda said, catching onto their plan. 

"Don't what?" Tommy demanded.

"Don't age yourselves up," Wanda told the three as she bent in front of them. "The urge to run from this feeling is powerful, I know."

"It's too sad." Billy shook his head as Tommy took Luna's other hand.

"You can fix anything, Mama. Fix the dead." Tommy said.

"Please, Mama. Please fix this. Bring Sparky back." Luna begged, squeezing her brother's hands.

"What? No." Wanda shook her head as she pulled back.

"You can do that?" Agnes asked, staring at Wanda in wonder.

"I am trying to tell you that there are rules in life, okay?" Wanda said as she kneeled on the concert. "We can't rush aging just because it's convenient. And we can't reverse death. No matter how sad it makes us, okay? Some things are forever." Wanda told them.

"You said family is forever." Billy reminded her.

"He is family," Tommy said.

"Bring him back, Mama, please," Luna begged.

"Bring who back?" 

The four turned at the sound of Vision's voice to see him and Y/N standing behind them.

"Oh, sweethearts." Y/N sighed, glancing at the bundle in Agnes' arms.

"Come here." Vision said as he and Y/N pulled the kids into an embrace.

When the six had arrived home, the kids had rushed directly to their rooms, refusing even dinner.

Wanda had taken it upon herself to console the children while Y/N packed away Sparky's belongings and Vision buried the dog.

"How are the kids?" Vision asked, moving to wash his hands.

"A little heartbroken, but they'll be alright," Wanda told him.

"The kids are tough. Give them time." Y/N said, throwing a ball into the basket.

"It's not often you get a dog and bury them in the same day." Vision commented, scrubbing the dirt from beneath his fingernails.

"Well, life moves pretty fast out in the suburbs," Wanda commented, taking the basket of Sparky's toys as Y/N and Vision shared a look. 

"I spoke with Norm." Vision said, drying his hands on a tea towel.

"Oh?"

"I unearthed the man's suppressed personality and spoke to him free of your oversight. He was in pain, Wanda." Vision told her.

"Vision, listen, can we just,"

"Wanda, why is there a wall in my mind?" Y/N cut her off.

 "Excuse me?"

"Vision saw. There are two walls in my mind."

"Sweethearts, it's been a long day." Wanda shook her head. "Can we just,"

"What? Watch TV? Turn in for the night so you can change everything over again?" Vision scoffed.

"No, Wanda." Y/N shook her head. "You can't run away from this. You can't run away from us."

"You can't control us the way you do them." Vision said, moving to stand beside Y/N at the island.

"Can't I?" Wanda tilted her head. There was an air of finality to her tone as she turned her back on her wife and husband and walked to the door. "I'm going to bed."

"No, you're not!" Y/N snapped, walking around the island.

"What is the 'Maximoff Anomaly'?" Vision asked, following after Y/N.

"The what?"

"I have to believe that this, whatever this is, was subconscious at first and that you only recently became aware of it." Vision said, glancing around the kitchen.

"Aware of what?" Wanda asked before walking into the living room.

"Wanda, whatever you're doing to the rest of the town, is wrong!" Y/N said, following after her.

"Norm has a family, Wanda!" Vision exclaimed his anger so vast he lost control of his disguise. "He has a family, and he can't reach them because you won't let him reach them!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Wanda yelled.

"Stop lying!" Vision shouted as he began to float. 

"Wanda, what is happening here?" Y/N demanded as she and Wanda joined Vision in the air. "You can't deny what's happening in this town isn't normal." 

"This, all of this is for us," Wanda told the two. "So let me handle it."

"What is outside of Westview?" Vision demanded.

"You don't wanna know, I promise you." Wanda shook her head. 

"You're not allowed to make that choice for us, Wanda," Y/N told the woman.

"You've never talked to me like before. Neither of you has ever spoken to me like this before." Wanda shook her head sadly as she brought herself back to the ground.

"Before? Before what?" Y/N asked. 

"I don't remember before! I don't remember my life before Westview! I don't know who I am!" Vision yelled. "I'm scared!" He declared.

"You are my husband. You are Y/N's husband. You are Billy, Tommy and Luna's father." Wanda said as Vision and Y/N slowly lowered themselves to the ground. "Isn't that enough?"

"Wanda, why don't the kids have any grandparents?" Y/N asked her. "Why can't I remember the last time I saw my family? Why haven't I spoken to them since we moved here?"

"Why are there no other children in Westview?" Vision added.

"Will the two of you just stop?" Wanda asked, walking away from the two.

"No. We won't."

"The playground stands empty every time I walk past it. Why? Why have I never spoken to either of your parents? Where are mine?" Vision asked her.

"Do you two really think I am controlling everything? That I am somehow in charge of everybody in Westview? I'm walking their dogs, mowing their lawns, getting them to their dentist appointments on time? I mean." Wanda emotionlessly chuckled as she collapsed onto the couch. "I don't know how any of this started." Wanda finally admitted.

"Wanda, what you're doing here is wrong." Vision said, kneeling beside her.

"What you're doing to these people is wrong." Y/N tacked on, sitting on the coffee table before the doorbell rang.

At the sound, the three all perked up and looked over at the door.

"I didn't do that." Wanda shook her head at the noise. "I, you don't believe me." Wanda realized, shaking her head.

"I want to, but at this point, I'm ignoring statistics entirely," Vision told her.

"You still haven't answered any of our questions," Y/N said when Wanda looked over to her.

When the doorbell rang again, Wanda wiped the tears from her eyes and walked towards the door.

With a sigh, Y/N and Vision rose to their feet and stood behind Wanda to see her freeze at the man on the other side of the door.

"Wanda, who is it?" Vision asked, staring at the white-haired man.

"Long lost bro get to squeeze his stinkin' sister to death or what?" The man wondered. 

"Pietro?" Wanda whispered, staring at the man in confusion. "Oh." She happily sighed when he pulled her into his chest.

"Who's the popsicle and the broad?"

Taglist is open throughout the entirety of the series.

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[hjh-ceilo-monster]

Haunted house on the hill (BTS Ot7)

Summary : You are an explorer and a demonology nerd. For your new thesis, you want to unfold the mystery of the afterlife. What if your experiment has gone wrong? And you are stuck in the middle of a void.

One way ticket to the haunted house on the hill, your journey begins now.

A/n : This is going to be a bullet drabble(?)

Inspo : Hotel Transylvania x Hotel Del Luna

Visual idea :  You're invited to a Time traveler's house⏳ [Immersive ambience Experience] 

(•ᵥᵥ•) Happy Halloween 🎃

Author POV.

“Did she gone mad?”

“She is a freak.”

“No wonder no one join her team.”

People voice a lot of opinions when it comes to you. Whether you care about them or not, they appear in your head from time to time, like right now.

You are a peculiar girl who always has your head either into the books or somewhere outside reality. Your characteristics are ‘disturbing’ according to tons of people. You wonder what part of yours is and how it is disturbing, but you never ask it out.

You pick up the wire and connect it with the machine. The system starts running. The screen suddenly flashes different color ranges within the shade of blue and green.

*screech*

As if the machine screams to you, the screeching noise echoes inside your lab. You feel like someone is ripping your ears off. However, you are too determined to care.

You step into the block.

The room turns cold. So cold that you can see your breath.

Your body becomes numb with the sudden pain.

Your head gets dizzy.

And everything disappears in a blink of an eye.

† . . ----  /\(•ᵥᵥ•)/\  ---- . . †

“Where...am I?” 

You find yourself in front of a pair of rusty gates. The location is unknown to you, and perhaps, to the world too. The huge solid rock castle stands tall. It towers your body-making you feel small.

The scenery is beautiful yet mystique.

When you step closer to the gates, they slowly swing open. Your curiosity now takes over your mind; causing your body to act on it.

Even the unlivable vibe, you still believe someone must be in there. 

Heading inside the castle, the atmosphere suddenly changes. The interior are mostly made from pearls and gold-flashing glimpses of light into your eyes. You walk further into it until you meet a man, an owner you suppose, who looks busy with some lists.

“A busy day sir?” Your voice makes him startle.

“Sorry for inconvinience, but our hotel still cl-” When a receptionist look up, he stop his sentence.

“How did you get in here?” 

Kim Taehyung : Front office dept. | Front desk Manager

A guy who dress up elegantly and shower with jewellries.

He was checking the list of guests and trying to reach for Jimin. 

Then, his ordinary day was interrupted by you.  

He looks alarmed by the situation. First, it isn’t a service hour. Second, now you, a human, are in the hotel. The more he stares at you, the more his head becomes blank.

‘Gorge-’ And his sense kicks right in. His expression turns cold; trying his best to scare you.

“If you try to scare me, It is not working.” You speak. This time his face changes into confusion. He wonders how you can read his mind when actually what you do is guessing his face.

“What are you doing?” You shout at him. In a blink of an eye, he suddenly teleports himself and locks your arms from behind.

“You can’t do this. Where is the owner?” You keep asking more questions, but he don’t care them a bit. 

And before you do anything more, he locking you onto a chair inside the room full of other four strangers.

“I swear, the last time I check the security system was two days ago. I even wrote you a report.” The boy who looks around your age claims.

Jeon Jungkook : Security dept. | IT Manager

A boy with a green blazer whines. 

A rabbit face with deer eyes.

Taehyung starts reporting the situation. ‘This boy is Jungkook.’ You absorb the new information after pick it up from their conversation. 

Everyone gives him a disbelief look. Jungkook even laughs it off and thinks it is a joke. He doesn’t believe in Taehyung’s words until he pokes you a few times.

“Sh..she...a human!” The boy exclaims. Feeling human flesh for the first time, now the boy becomes petrified with the situation.

He then bombards you with questions. Between your answers, he keeps threaten you that if you lie, he will eat you. However, with his look, you can’t take this poor boy seriously. 

“The thing is how can she come here the first place.”

“I may or may not try to cross here...” His doe eyes are now widen to their extreme.

“YOU just ruin my system!” He puffes his cheeks. Just then, someone who he wish was the last to know about this appear.

“Oh no...he is coming.”

“We can’t just ler her in and stay. Our guests will freak out. Hell, some of them hate human to the core!” He looks at the others and exclaims. His voice reflects his frightened and eeriness feeling.

Park Jimin : Front office dept. | Hotel Concierge

“Why the hell I need to be here when I suppose to prepare that extravagance party of you, Taehyung...” He continues ranting until his gaze falls onto you.

“A human? You gotta be kidding right? You give me instructions and references just so you can surprise your wierd little hu-” Jimin seems to not realize what is going on until he nearly spit the word ‘human’ for a second time.

“Wait...Human? Why is this creature here? Jungkook, working hundreds of years here and you still didn’t remember the golden rule of this hotel? I’m so diappoint in you....”

And he continues until he threaten you to leave the place.  

“Jimin stop.” Another tall guy beside him drags Jimin back.

“That was rude.” You glare at him. However, he continues picking a fight with you.

“Even if you insist to come here without dying becase of your stupid work or not, we are not welcoming you in. Who the hell care...” He fires back at you and leading you both into a huge mess.

Taehyung and Jungkook need to seperate you from each other.

“Huh, I am out of here. Hyung, do whatever you want. I am going to get those two in here and continue my jobs.” 

And with that, Jimin leaves the room, fuming.

“♪ My house clean～  ♪ my pool warm～ ♪ Ju-” He stop immediately when all eyes on him.

“Oh hey..human? So this is not a normal report time? Anyone care to explain why we have a meeting now when it suppose to be next week?” He cluelessly looks around for answers.

Jung Hoseok : Front office dept. |  Housekeeping Manager

Another two guys walk into the room. One of them was singing until he noticed your appearance.

“A human just entered our place, hyung. Please be serious for a moment.” Jungkook states.

“Jungkook...” A guy who stopped Jimin minutes ago give him a stern look.

Swiftly, the guy stares blankly at his friend. You can feel that he is radiate such a depressing vibe out of nowhere. He becomes silent for a moment until asking someone to explain the situation.

“Then kindly enlighten me, who the fuck let a human into our estate?!” He pauses and looks around, then continues. “Is this the mood you want from me?”

Taehyung tell his report in summary. He gasps while the other one look furious and curse out. You start notice that there’s another guy behind.

“Well, this is serious. Is this why Jimin eyes turn bloody orange? I even sense hell fire circle around him.” His gaze then lay on you.

“My appology for not introduce my name. Even if you aren’t our guest, I still need to be polite.  I am Hoseok, a head of housekeepers.” He bows and explain a little details.

‘Sweat, someone still care my clueless presence.’ You think inside your head space.

“Idiots!, we have just gained back to our standard profit. Who is going to responsible for the drop this time?” He glares at you before shifting his eyes to his friends.

Min Yoongi :  Main headquarter | Marketing Manager

After listening a few conversation, he replaces Jimin with his fury state.

He gives the lecture on how hard he plan the strategy and other stuff for the hotel. That gives you a hint that he must be a marketing-related employee.

One point to you, you guess it right. You then apologize a few times and prepare to leave, completely guilty, though you don’t how your experiment went wrong. You seem to be a burden for them right now.

“Yoongi hyung, please don’t kill me.” Jungkook begs. 

“Namjoon, I don’t care what will going to happen. All I need is her responsible for this by seal the deal with us and work for us no matter alive or dead. I’m not going to be happy if my work turn into a waste because of this chunk of meat.”

“Sorry, but who know my experiment would gone wrong and put me here.” You now speak out of fear and regret.

“For you, I didn’t ask any opinion. That’s my final deal and you need to suck it up. Now learn your lesson, this isn’t an amusement park with a hotel that you can play, enjoy some rides and then relax. This is the bridge between life and death!”

“Please..don’t hurt me. I can help you. We can like negotiate for a better deal...right?” You reply.

“If you insist to work here, I can only provide bread and water. We haven’t had human for ages.” His voice is gentle, but his gaze isn’t.

Kim Seokjin : Food & Beverage dept. | Restaurant Manager

The guy finally speak after listening to everyone complaining and threatening you for who knows how long.

He looks like he is smiling.

Reading that sentence carefully, and you will get how tense this situation is. He looks warry. 

“I..huh.. I am sorry.” You give up. You are so disappoint in yourself, which you don’t even know why.

He becomes quiet again. Standing still, he keeps staring at you-judging every human fibers of yours.

“I agree with Yoongi, you must work for us.”  He proposes a deal. You feel scare after seeing two of them in anger like they want to burn you alive.

“There is no other choice for you, is there? I can’t garuntee your safety here nor our behave toward you human. However, until you figure how to get out of here by yourself, you need to blend in.” 

He smirks. You don’t know if it is on purpose or not, but it upset you even more. You feel tire of them treating you like this. Sometimes you wonder why you choose to study these things. Will it really help other people or the entities?

"I get it. This is a life-death portal. I am standing in the middle of the nowhere because of my stupidity. Yeah, I. get. it.” No one speak. 

“...But can you guys also understand that I  don’t want to cause any trouble. All I do was working for my new project  all alone and here I am. I promise I will get out. Until then, can I at least get any hospitality from here, just a tiny bit.  You can put me in the darkest smallest creepiest room ever in here with one meal per day, I don’t mind. Just please...don’t treat me like a monster.”

“Are you describing your kind?” Jin retorts. Finally, all of your insecurity sink deeply into your skin.

“Ok...kill me..for real.” Six boys look at each other, baffled.

“Huh...such a headache.” You look up and see a man on the balcony.

Kim Namjoon :  Main Headquarter | General Manager

He watches everything quietly for awhile after Jimin summon him into the place.

He was beyond furious. He wanted to just butt in and clear everything. However, seeing you handle his friends somehow makes him interested in you. 

You are shaking in sadness and fear, yet you didn’t show it until Jin pushes the button with how he mocked you. And, listening to your reply can only assure him one thing.

You are indeed very interesting.

“Namjoon hyung, I am sorry. Please don’t punish me.” Jungkook start begging him when the boy notices his presence at last.

“What’s your final decision?”  Yoongi, who knows he is there from the beginning, asks. He gently grips his nosebridge and sigh.

“I will let her work here if you guys are ok. For the hospitality, I will let Hoseok deal with it. It seems like Hoseok is the only one who is willing to warm up with her, right?”

“For sure, she’s already stepped here. Human or not, she is our guest.” Hoseok replies with a gentle smile.

“Hyung, you aren’t serious, are you?” Jimin eventually come back from his work.

“Iam am serious, and that’s final.” His voice is clear and firm. His order echoes loudly in the estate, leaving a chill down your spine.

“Treat our guest well.” Namjoon commands his worker/friends.  

“Welcome to ‘ the haunted house on the hill ’.”

† . . ----  /\(•ᵥᵥ•)/\  ---- . . †

And it’s done. Thank you for reading. I started it from a little idea, but end up spilling all my thought. 

Finally, happy halloween

Ps. BTS photos from : @comma_bts (twitter?) Idk since I got it from we heart it and it mentioned there. If wrong, sorry. And thanks for the photos.