#maybe i can drag my sister shopping tomorrow

[vodika-vibes]

Until The Stars Go Cold

Summary: You thought that you and Kixx had something special with how he kissed you, how he held you, how he looked at you. But one day, he and all of his brothers vanished, and you were left behind with nothing more than one of his shirts to remember him by.

Pairing: Clone Medic Kix x F!Reader

Word Count: 1873

Warnings: Angst, but there's a happy ending

A/N: So, I was in a Kix mood, and so this was born. The AU here is that the clones figured out that they were created as weapons against the Jedi and fled the Republic, down to the youngest Tubie, without telling anyone.

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You pull your knees up to your chest and lay your cheek on your knees as you stare, unfocused, out the window at the lights of Coruscant.

It has been one year and three months since the clones vanished.

A year and three months since the last time that you saw Kix.

Since the last time you felt his warm hands on your face, saw his broad smile, and heard his comforting voice.

You curl the sleeves of the shirt you’re wearing into your fists and bury your face in the collar. Your shirt, Kix’s shirt, no longer smells like him. Hasn’t smelled like him in months. But if you close your eyes and pretend, you can almost smell his body wash on the material of the shirt.

You thought, with time, the hurt of being left behind would fade.

But it hasn’t.

Every day is harder than the one before. And, at this point, you don’t leave your house anymore. You have your groceries delivered, and you work from home. Only your oldest friends still visit, though you insist on cooking for them rather than going out.

Hell, even your parents don’t visit anymore.

Your mother claims that you depress her, and she can’t deal with it.

That’s fair, you suppose. You depress yourself at times.

A lot of the time.

You wish you knew where he was, where he went. You wish you knew if he was safe. If he was happy.

You wish a lot of things, these days.

A heavy sigh falls from you and you slowly uncurl from the couch when your alarm goes off. It’s gotten to the point where you have to remind yourself to eat, and to go to bed.

You’re pathetic.

No wonder no one wants to spend time with you.

You drag your feet as you head into the kitchen and absently grab a box of noodles. If you make enough, you’ll have enough leftovers for several nights worth of dinner.

Sure, eating the same meal several nights in a row can’t be the best for you, but so long as you’re eating something, you don’t think anyone will give you too hard of a time.

You grab a pot from the dishwasher, fill it with water, and set it on the burner to wait for the water to boil.

While you wait, you lean against the counter and pluck a picture off the fridge.

It’s a photo of you and Kix.

He was your plus one to your sister’s wedding. Your brother-in-law bought him a nice outfit to wear to the wedding, one that matched your bridesmaid dress.

And, while the pair of you were dancing, your mother snapped a quick picture of the pair of you. In the photo, Kix is staring at you with a bright grin on his handsome face, and you’re laughing at something he said.

The both of you look happy.

In your darkest moments, late at night when you’re tossing and turning in bed, you can’t help but wonder if Kix was just pretending. If you were just a placeholder for someone better.

Something better.

And the more time that passes, the harder it is to ignore those thoughts.

You place the picture back on the fridge, next to the other pictures that decorate it, and focus your attention back on the pot of water.

It’s not boiling yet, but you reach out and turn off the burner anyway.

You don’t feel like eating anymore. 

You don’t feel like doing anything.

You just want to sleep.

Maybe tomorrow will be better.

“Not a bad place to set up shop,” Kix glances at his older brother, who isn’t looking at him, but rather peering out the window to look out across the decently sized city that is swiftly growing outside the clinic that they, and all of their other medic brothers, run.

“It’s not half bad,” Kix agrees, his fingers gliding over the pale blue ribbon wrapped around his wrist for a moment before he focuses his attention back on the files he’s meant to be organizing.

“Meaning it’s not half good, either?” his brother asks with a wry twist of his lips, “Come on, even you have to admit that this is a better setup than we ever would have gotten with the GAR or the Jedi.”

Kix rolls his eyes, “The Jedi did their best with what they were given.”

“You can’t tell me that you miss Coruscant.”

Kix leans back in his chair and finally looks at his brother, “No. I don’t miss Coruscant.” His gaze slides away from his brother and settles on the simple picture frame sitting on his desk.

It was taken at a park, his beautiful cyare’s head tucked under his chin, and his arm secure around her shoulders, while he snapped a selfie of them. They’re both drenched in the picture, a sudden storm surprising them both, but she made the best of it and danced with him in the rain while laughing.

Kix reaches out and picks the picture up, a small smile crossing his face as his thumb brushes her face, “No. I don’t miss Coruscant at all.” He repeats, a pang of loneliness making his grip tighten around the picture.

“You know,” His brother leans over his shoulder and plucks the frame from his hand, “You can call her.”

The laugh that falls from Kix is surprisingly bitter, “Yeah? And say what? Hey babe, sorry for up and vanishing on you and not telling you where I was going, but I’m here now.” He snatches the picture from his hand and sets it back on his desk, “No. She probably hates me now. And I don’t blame her for it in the slightest.”

“So…what? You’re going to just sit here and pine over her?”

Kix scowls at him, “Go and get yourself a girlfriend, and then we can talk about pining. Jerk.”

“Hm…what’s her name?”

“...what?”

“Her name? What’s her name?”

“I’m not answering that.”

His brother eyes him for a moment, and then he smirks, “I bet Jesse knows. I’m going to go ask him.” He pulls away from Kix and heads towards the door, “I’m going. Here I go—”

“Di’kut!” Kix flings a datapad at him, “Why do you want to know her name anyway?”

“Uh, so I can call her and get her to tell you to stop being pathetic.”

“Well, now I’m definitely not telling you.” Kix counters dryly, “Don’t you have paperwork to do?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah. Probably. I’ll be back in a bit.”

And then he’s gone, and Kix is left alone with a pile of datapads that still need to be sorted and filed. A loud string of curses falls from him as he realizes that he’s been left alone with all of this work.

Several hours later, he gets word that Rex and several other Captains have left New Mandalore (working name in progress), though Kix doesn’t think much about it.

Rex has a good head on his shoulders, and if he’s leaving their new home it’s probably for a good reason.

Besides, it’s the end of the workday and he just wants to go home and talk to his picture of his cyare and tell her about his day, and about New Mandalore.

Force, he wishes she was here. He wishes he could hear her voice, and feel her gentle fingers against his skin. 

He’d sell his arm for the ability to pull her into his arms and kiss her until she’s giggling and breathless.

He just…he misses her.

But he made his choice, and there’s no walking that back.

As he flops back on his bed, his gaze locked on her blinding smile, Kix feels his heartbreak.

He’s probably lost her forever…and the only person he can blame is himself.

Slowly Kix lowers the picture so that it’s pressed against his forehead, regret burning in his chest, “I’m so sorry, mesh’la.” He whispers to the empty room.

Three weeks later, Rex’s ship returns.

Kix isn’t there to greet them, he’s too busy. It’s easy to forget his heartbreak when he’s working, after all.

However that all changes when there’s a knock on his office door, and then Rex opens the door. He has a small smirk on his face, and Kix can’t help but lean back and eye him suspiciously.

“What did you do?”

“Me? Nothing. I’m innocent.” Rex replies with a growing grin, “Although, you do have a visitor.”

“A visitor? Did someone get hurt on your mission?”

“Not quite.” Rex moves to the side and motions to someone in the hallway.

And then Kix stops, his breath catching in his throat.

His cyare is standing in the doorway. Her hair is shorter, barely brushing her chin, and she’s nervously rubbing the back of her neck and she won’t look at him properly.

Ironically, the first two coherent thoughts that run through Kix’s mind are “she’s stunning” and “what is she doing here?”

“Cyare—” Her gaze lifts from the carpeted floor, and it’s like a punch to the gut. Her face is thinner than it should be, and she has dark circles under her eyes.

She looks about as tired as he feels.

She smiles at him, but it’s a weak, uncertain, smile, “Kix,”

He stands and crosses his office in two large steps. Kix presses a hand to Rex’s shoulder and shoves him out of his office, “Get out.” And then he tugs his cyare further into the room, his hands immediately moving to cup her face after he smacks the button that will lock the door behind them.

“Cyare,” His thumbs lightly caress her cheeks under her eyes, “You’re here. You’re actually here.” His sounds almost breathless, and he really should get ahold of himself, but he had convinced himself that he was never going to be able to touch her again, so he’s giving himself a pass.

“Rex insisted,” She murmurs as she leans into his touch, “Kix, I missed you.”

He leans in and presses his forehead against hers, “I missed you too. I’m…so, so sorry for leaving without saying anything. I should have warned you.”

She shakes her head, her eyes closed, “Rex explained. The safety of you and your brothers is so much more important than my hurt feelings.”

“What did Rex say?”

“That there was something inside you all that would force you to turn against the Republic,” She opens her eyes, “He wouldn’t go into detail, but he did make sure that I knew that you were all safe to be around.”

Well, thank the maker for small mercies, Kix thinks as he leans, heavily, against her.

“I am. We are.”

Her hands, so much smaller and so much softer than his own, come up and brush against his cheeks, “I would like to stay with you…if you’ll have me?”

Kix doesn’t dignify her question with an answer right away. He doesn’t have to, as his lips crash against hers. “Of course, you can stay,” He mumbles in between frantic presses of his lips against hers, “Please stay.”

She leans heavily against him, “Always. For as long as you want me.”

“Forever. Until the stars go cold.”

@imabeautifulbutterfly @n0vqni @bad4amficideas @justiceandwar98 @Mira-Loves-Star-Wars

@tiredbi-peach @dukeoftheblackstar @trixie2023 @kimiheartblade @padawancat97

@falconfeather23435 @etod @bb8-99 @kiss-anon @continous-mistakes

@yoitsjay @liz-stat @cc--2224

[siolixz]

~ Veils of Crimson ~

Chapter 2

Pairings: oz cobb x reader (Carmine Falcone's daughter)

Reader is the daughter of Carmine Falcone and upon her late father's demise, she is obligated to return home after 5 years to face her past. I edited some things, like Sofia being in Arkham only 5 years instead of 10. Hopefully y'all like it, again no smut, remember, good things come to those who wait (not for too long bcs im obsessed with writing about this man ughbhghgy)

Again, I took my inspo from Driving Miss Falcone by (https://www.tumblr.com/genevievedarcygranger here on tumblr), check out the story if you can.

Enjoy, give feeback if u want xoxo.

<chapter1>

<chapter3>

<chapter4>

Warnings: mature language, smut (not in this chapter sorry AGAIN), general horniness.

“I wanted to tell you that tomorrow night I will be unavailable from 4 PM to 7 PM; your sister has requested me.”

Sofia was a very kind person; that much you knew. Your sister rarely did anything to hurt you or anyone else for that matter. So why on earth would she take Oz away for a few hours? Was she planning on telling him about your feelings? She wouldn’t. Maybe your smartass remarks finally caught up to her, maybe she wanted to teach you a lesson.

No, it’s okay, you’re going to be okay. Oz is a trustworthy guy, someone your dad depends on to take care of one of his most special treasures: you.

“Why?” you asked. You didn’t mean to make it sound so sharp; you weren’t mad, really, just curious.

“I’m sorry, but she said I couldn’t tell anyone.” He kept his eyes on the road ahead but glanced at you in the rearview mirror; his gaze was soft.

“Okay, if that’s what she said, it seems I’ll have to ask her.” You hated things not going your way, especially if Oz was hiding things from you. You two were supposed to be close, even if you were acting like a spoiled brat right now. If any other member of the staff had acted like this with you- it would have been a different story.

The next day, from morning until late evening, you tried to shake the uneasy feeling that your sister was gone to do something she was not supposed to. Either way, it was something very important. When you asked her, she quickly said it was none of your business and that you shouldn’t worry; she would get your driver back as soon as possible.

Something was definitely up. She took Oz with her when she had two other drivers. Maybe it was because Oz was intimidating; that huge scar on his face couldn’t have appeared there because he was a nice guy, and he wasn’t going to hesitate if push came to shove.

Tomorrow was your dad’s birthday party, and you had the most beautiful dress prepared: a gorgeous, short, white dress paired with the most stunning custom-made Louboutin heels, also white—a gift from your dad on your 18th birthday.

You knew tomorrow was going to be full of remarks like, “Oh my God, I haven’t seen you in SUCH a long time!” “I cradled you when you were just a widdle baby!” “How beautiful you have become!” Being the center of attention wasn’t so bad now; I mean, you were the baby of the family, and everyone doted on you.

The Falcone mansion was a very, very big house, full of rooms and bathrooms, and it was sometimes hard to figure out who came and went. As you rested on your family sofa in the living room, waiting to be welcomed in by your father in his office, you heard those familiar footsteps you knew so well. 

It was hard not to know who he was; that leg of his became harder to move late in the evening. You discovered this by literally dragging him with you into every shop that piqued your curiosity. From early afternoon until late evening, you were on the “prowl,” as your sister liked to say at family dinners—from meeting the daughter of X and Y in I-don’t-know-what shop to trying on a multitude of dresses, shoes, and accessories. He never told you, but you were sure it hurt him as well; still, Oz never showed any signs of discomfort or pain. He was always ready with a smile or a funny remark.

When you saw him, he had his jacket removed, and you noticed the way his belly pushed against his dress shirt. A few buttons were undone at the upper part of his torso, giving you a full look at the hair there. His tie was gone as well. You knew his shift was done; clearly, Sofia had dismissed him.

You immediately jumped off the sofa and went to say hi to him. He was clearly surprised to see you, especially in your pajamas. You also forgot about the attitude you were supposed to have. What was all that about anyway?

“Hi Oz, what are you doing here?”

He said he wanted to talk to your dad. What was up with all this secrecy? Did they think you were too stupid or naive to have a say or an opinion? When you asked what it was about, he said it was just some business stuff, nothing too important. You two could talk outside if you wanted; he wasn’t allowed inside the house after all.

“Okay, whatever.” It was hard not to get annoyed at both of them. You hadn’t even seen or talked to your sister. Did she even come home?

He must have been in there for about thirty minutes, but finally, he came out. Outside, he lit a cigarette and asked if you were cold, he could get you his jacket-forever the gentleman. You said no, the last thing you wanted to do was push him like that. You asked again about your sister and he didn’t want to tell you, again, saying it wasn’t right to your sister. Ok, now you really had to find out and with your heart beating a thousand beats per minute, you got even closer to him. The smell of his cologne, the one he always wore, left a trail wherever he went—a sort of flamboyance he allowed himself- the only one he was allowed in the chains of his current position. The smell of the cigarette mixed with it wasn’t the most pleasant, but whatever; it smelled like him.

“Please, Oz, I just want to know. Everyone always keeps me in the dark. You’re my friend—well, I consider you my friend—just tell me. Don’t be like the rest of them because you aren’t.” You looked at him with the most pained expression you could muster at that hour, your voice breaking-low enough to be a whisper

 “Doll, I—listen—” he started.

“Please, Oz, you're my driver, and you’re supposed to be by my side. I was kind to you; I always told you everything. I made sure my dad gave you all those bonuses for walking around with me.” You paused. “Please?” He looked at you like you were in hospice before saying:

“Okay, Jesus, um, your sister went to a journalist, that lady who came after her when you were off sulking in the car. She met up with her today—”

“What?” you interjected.

He inhaled deeply before continuing, “Something about your dad and some hookers at the club. Apparently, they died or something. Your sister was interested in whatever that woman had to say, nothing more.”

“Oh—”

“Oh, exactly. Now don’t go telling your brother or something—”

“Dad has hookers at the club?”

He looked at you, dumbfounded. “Y-yeah, I guess. Anyway, it is nothing you should concern yourself with, ya know?” You didn’t respond, lost in thought. How could she have been so stupid?

“Hey, hey—” he lowered his head to catch your big eyes, so full of things to say, a million thoughts running behind them. “Look at me. It’s going to be okay. Where do you want to go tomorrow?”

“I don’t know,” you said.

“C’mon, you gotta think about something. Until your dad’s birthday in the evening, we gotta go somewhere. There’s this new restaurant that opened up; I heard only good things about it—” How could she have been so careless? “Something with C—ugh, I can’t remember right now.”

“Okay, tomorrow we go. You have a nice night, Oz,” you said. “Take care of yourself.”

“Alright, you too. Sleep tight,” he said, a bit surprised at your quick dismissal of him. You knew that, but you had to think.

This was huge, like actually huge. If your dad found ou—Why was Oz visiting your dad?

The birthday party was the same as every year: all the family got together to have material for gossip later on in the day and hate each other just as much as they did when they were away. You never went with Oz to that restaurant because, frankly speaking, you were scared shitless. Your dad loved you and your siblings you knew that, in his own way, and he would never endanger any of you.

When your dad called Sofia into his office and she got all excited to give him his birthday present, you never would have thought in a million years that the night would end with her being picked up by the police. Alberto called you in a frenzy that night, his voice shaking with anger. You knew—your dad let this happen. This arrest was made on his grounds, on his territory—why? How?

When you visited your sweet sister, everyone still believed she was going to go home. This was just Dad’s way of scaring her, maybe to teach her a lesson—the most important one he had been repeating all your lives: DO NOT SPEAK TO THE PRESS.

Her lawyer was very, very expensive, and yet not even she could save her. You thought she was going to jail. No, she was going to Arkham for six months until she would be judged. Based on the false accusations that she hanged those sex workers at your dad’s club. What? Now that was actual insanity. She started yelling that Dad set her up, that he killed all those women—he killed their mom too. This was a lot to process. Your heart was beating out of your chest seeing the person who you thought was the most calm and collected person freak out, and rightfully so, because police officers took her away in like five minutes.

It all happened too fast, way too fast for this to be okay.

What sort of judge allows this to happen?

You knew it was his fault. He did this. Upon arriving back home, you were a wreck. How could you look your dad in the eye again?

One thing you knew for sure: you never wanted to see Oz again.

And your wish came true! Because your darling sweet daddy sent you far, far away, abroad, because he didn’t want to deal with you either, you presumed. He sent you to France, where a large part of your mom’s family lived.

You never learned French, but now was apparently the time. Your aunt and uncle lived quite well over there and even if they didn’t really keep in touch with you over the years, they accepted you with open arms. They had a large villa in the south, a pool outside, the beach was one hour away, two dogs that would run around and make your days better.

 But how could your days be good when your sister was in a looney bin, thrown in there like a rag, used and discarded? Your days were spent calling Alberto, asking about Sofia. You made sure he told her you loved her, that you asked about her, and that you two were going to get her out of there. Every year, Al told you she started losing herself more and more each day.

Oz, on the other hand, apparently thought he was a big man now; he ran the Iceberg Lounge, a funny name association, given that he hated being called “Penguin.” You knew he asked about you too, but Alberto said he told him to fuck off every time.

You weren’t allowed to go back home, at least that’s what you understood from your dad. He said you and your sister both lost yourselves a bit, maybe the money and the fame got to your head and that it was best you stayed there; the weather would do you wonders.

On the bright side, it had been five long years, and Alberto said he was 100% sure he was going to get Sofia out of that shithole, finally.

And when you thought that things were finally looking up for you, everything was going to be okay after such a long time of everything being shit—your dad died.

Your ears started ringing, like a train was passing in your head, when Alberto yelled out that he was gone over the phone. Your knees felt weak, like someone had transformed them into play-doh. I need to get home now.

Your dad wasn’t even cold in the grave when Alberto went AWOL—gone, no word from him since yesterday evening. Both you and Sofia were worried. Where was he?

You knew Oz was called to the house that day after your brother stopped responding to your texts. You could hear that loud voice of his, muffled but still loud enough to hear everything they said.

You hadn’t been here for quite some time—five years. Still, nothing changed. Sofia’s uncle Johnny and Milos filled your brother’s spot while he was gone; however, when he comes back-he’s going to be the boss, that's for sure.

Women weren’t allowed inside when the men were planning and talking business, but you weren’t inside. Plus, it wasn’t your fault Oz had a voice loud enough to hear from down the hall. Oz. Oz’s voice. Your heart skipped a beat whenever he spoke. This stupid attraction—you hoped in the years that passed it would go away, but apparently, it had not. In fact, it seemed to have grown alongside you. Maybe now he could have more courage; maybe this newly acquired upgrade made him the man you only saw glimpses of. You were a grown woman; surely now he had no reservations about you. Surely.

You didn't even hear your sister walk by with her bodyguards near your spot, attached to the door, too busy in your daydream.

“Am I interrupting you?” she asked, making you jump and curse under your breath. Her manner of speaking changed; so did her walk, her style, and her hair. But you knew the love you guys had for one another hadn’t changed.

“Fuck, Sofia, why are you sneaking up on me like that?” you whispered.

“Can you please move? I want to go inside,” she said, smiling, but the smile never reached her eyes. You moved, and the doors were opened.

“—in fact, it’s big. It has the potential to revolutionize the drug business,” you heard from inside. Huh? Is he referring to Al's plan?How does he know what Alberto wanted to do? You didn’t even know the whole story—of course you didn’t.

You decided to leave. You didn’t want Oz to see you, and you didn’t want to see him either. What was wrong with you?

On your way out, passing the exit, you saw this gorgeous purple car. Now there was only ONE man you knew who could possess something as flashy and in-your-face as a purple fucking car.

It wasn’t Milos, by the way. Then you heard his footsteps, and they were coming-fast, like really fucking fast.

Shit, okay, I’m leaving—go up the stairs now. Before you could hide yourself in one of the upper rooms, you heard Sofia yell out your name.

“Oz, you remember my little sister, right? She had such a fondness for you and you of her, from what I remember. You two haven’t seen each other for such a long time.” Okay, you couldn’t hide, so just put on a brave face and go say hi. “Hi, Oz, you ruined my life, but don’t worry, I would still ride you.” You wished you were back in Europe.

Turning the corner was the easy part; looking at him was the hard part. He looked different, yes—but still the same. His clothing had definitely changed; his black suit was now replaced with a purple one, like the car. Jesus. While you descended the staircase in your short flowery dress, it felt like your date was waiting for you downstairs to take you to prom. Those seven seconds you spent getting down the staircase felt like seven hours. Please, ground, swallow me whole now.

Once you got down and saw him again for the first time in five years, up close, he looked somehow more handsome. His scar was more pronounced, yes, but it added to his allure. Oh God, he’s smiling. Not only did he have a purple car and a purple suit, but this man had golden teeth as well. On a lighter note, he smelled like cologne, cigarettes, and aftershave—just like you remembered him smelling. Oh, that brings you back.

“Hi, Oz,” you said, smiling ear to ear.

He looked you up and down, still smiling. “Wow, you’re just as gorgeous as I remember.”

[thestormynobody]

Turnabout Timeloop Chapter 1

“I’ve heard enough. It’s time to declare my verdict.”

(This is bad.) Apollo didn’t have the evidence needed to turn this around. (What should I do???) He was out of options, wasn’t he? (That doesn’t matter!! I can come up with a good reason why. For now, I just need to ob-)

“Guilty.”

(….ject)

Almost instantly, a voice rings out across the courtroom. “NO!!!!! Frin would never do something like that!! Let them go!!!” Bonnie struggles helplessly in Odile’s arms. They must have found a way to sneak into the courtroom after all. Odile’s expression is unreadable as she tries to usher them back out of the courtroom. None of them had wanted Bonnie to see this.

Apollo’s client, Sifferin, nomiddlename nolastname (Still can’t believe that was allowed), stares in horror at the commotion. “Bonbon….”  They look shattered. Understandably so, considering they were just declared guilty of murder, and in front of Bonnie, no less. 

“This wasn’t supposed to happen. I didn’t- I just- wanted to-I’m sorry.” Their voice is small. Practically drowned out by the scuffle happening in the back of the room.

(What do they mean?) Was there something he missed? There had to have been. It just didn’t add up. (I wish I had more time to investigate, maybe I could’ve-)

Apollo

Feels 

A 

Tug 

On 

His 

Stomach 

Apollo wakes up at his desk in the Wright Anything Agency. (A dream? Man. I must be really stressed about this case if I’m dreaming about losing it huh? That dream was weirdly detailed though….weird.) 

He tilts his head back and forth to try and deal with his stiff neck. It pops unpleasantly.

“You’re going to end up with back problems like me, you know.” A familiar voice calls out.

Phoenix. Wright. His boss. Didn’t he say something like this before? Apollo had just kind of responded noncommittally in the dream, something about not doing it again. It was pretty passive, and he’d felt weird about it after. Like he was a kid getting scolded by his dad. (Gross.) 

“Dunno, Mr. Wright. You sure you’re not just old?” 

“HA. I guess you don’t want this coffee then. More for me.”

“Wait, no I was just joking-” he wanted that coffee.

“Yeah, yeah I know-” He pauses and with a devious smirk adds “....kiddo.” and ruffles Apollo’s hair.

(Eugh.) Apollo nabs the coffee from Phoenix’s hand and downs it. He’s not sure how long he slept but he needs to get to work. There was lots to do. Meet with the client, investigate the crime scene, interview the witnesses…the sooner he got started the better. He didn’t want a repeat performance of his dream.

“Alright, you know Trucy and I are going to be out of town for her next show. Gonna have to get your own coffee for a few days. “

“I’m sure I’ll manage.” It was kind of a shame. Mr. Wright did make weirdly good coffee. Maybe he worked at a coffee shop at some point when he was disbarred? Who knows. Wasn’t like he’d tell Apollo if he had.

“Good luck on your case. I know Prosecutor Von Karma can be intimidating but she’s mellowed out a lot since I faced her in court. You got this!”

Prosecutor Von Karma…she had been practicing law abroad for some time now and had only just recently returned to Ka Bue. The daughter of Manfred Von Karma, the prosecutor with one of the longest win streaks known in the law world as well as the adoptive sister of the head prosecutor Miles Edgeworth. Family legacy aside, she was well known to be very good at what she did and to take very little nonsense in the courtroom. He’d have to be at the top of his game if he was going to be facing her. In his dream she’d been as formidable as he’d imagined… Perhaps it was some sort of subconscious warning against complacency? Sure. He’d go with that.

“Athena’s out of the office today but should be able to assist you in the trial tomorrow if you need back up.” He knew she’d been enjoying some down time after her last big case and didn’t want to drag her into his own workload. Still, her skills were invaluable in many past cases so he should consider his options carefully.  

“Water Charley for me, won’t you?”

Oh, he’d been in his own head about the case and not responding to Mr. Wright, oops. “Of course. I’ve got things here Mr. Wright. Go enjoy Trucy’s show”

“I know you’ve got this, I just gotta do my job as your boss, heh. See ya in a few days.”

“Don’t forget to take a few videos of the show for me!”

“‘Course.” He says as he leaves the room with a small wave.

 He fixes his signature spikes and pulls on his suit pinning his badge to the lapel. 

His pretrial nerves were starting to get to him as well as lingering weirdness from the dream. Well. No one was here to judge him for doing his cords of steel warm ups as he got ready sooo-

“APOLLO JUSTICE IS DOING FINE!!”

“APOLLO! JUSTICE! IS DOING FINE!”

“I'M FINE!”

“I! AM! FINE!”

(Alright!! All warmed up! It's go time, Apollo!)

He hops on his bike and pedals away to the detention center. He vaguely remembers how there had been a traffic jam in his dream so he takes an alternative route where he could stick to side streets more. Silly maybe but hey if his subconscious was trying to protect him from being late who was he to argue?

  A woman is waiting for him outside the building. She is technically the one who hired him. (Odile if I remember correctly. She’s a Ka Buan citizen but has been abroad up until recently. She was part of a group that saved the country of Vaugarde.) 

This case was somewhat of a diplomatic nightmare. Despite the distance, Vauguarde and Ka Bue were in pretty good standing with one another. Convicting one the saviors of Vauguarde carried steep political implications. A citizen of Ka Bue had been murdered though and the law was clear that justice must be served regardless of the circumstances of the accused. It was his job to prove his client innocent and possibly prevent an international incident. (No pressure!)

“Mr. Justice.” She says it more as a statement than a question. HIs defense badge must have given him away.

“Yes, ma'am! At your service!”  He realizes he sounds a bit too over eager and tones it back a bit. “You must be madame Odile?”

“That’s correct.” She gives him an appraising look. Her expression does not give away any conclusions she may have drawn. “Thank you for coming out on such short notice.”

“Of course.” (Short notice is kind of the norm in my experience…) 

“Siffrin is inside. They wouldn’t let me inside to talk to them but they should let you in as his lawyer.” 

(She seems calm for someone whose friend is currently being held on suspicion of murder. She’s either one tough lady or she’s convinced they didn’t do it.)

“I’ll see if I can get you visitation privileges after I talk to them.” 

She gives him a small nod. “Thank you.”

Apollo enters the detention center trying not to think too hard about how Odile had appeared so accurately in his dream. It was probably just his brain mixing up memory with dreams after all. She just looks similar enough that his brain THINKS it's the same! (....yeah that’s gotta be it)

His client looks very distraught. Understandable considering the circumstances but they look like they’re on the verge of a panic attack. (I should do something to calm them down.)

In Vauguardian he says: “Hey, breathe for a second alright?” When their attention snaps to him he hesitates for a moment then: “Here um. LIke this?” He breathes in. Then out. 

They follow his lead and after a bit seem to have centered themself a bit. A realization seems to dawn on them a moment later however. “How did you know to do that?”

“A breathing exercise? I mean. It's a pretty common calming technique isn’t it?”

“No- You…did it differently before” 

“Before…?” (I did do it differently in the dream didn’t I? This way seemed to work better for them in the dream so I guess I just led with it? But that was just a dream. Wasn’t it???)

They seem to be deep in thought for a long moment then they fix an intense look on him. “Something of mine was found on the victim. What was it?”

“A coin.”

The answer was so automatic he surprises himself. That wasn’t right. He hadn’t even been to the crime scene yet. Sure in his dream there’d been a coin but that was just-

“Stars. You remember.”

[bohobooks]

Sebastian sallow one shot: Sebastian breaks a rule just to make reader smile

I love this idea!

○●○●○♡○●○●○

Request: Sebastian sallow one shot: Sebastian breaks a rule just to make reader smile.

Description: Y/N has been having a rough time after the death of Professor Fig. They just go through the motions and fake smiles. Sebastian notices this, and decides he's gotta get to you to make you smile- rules be damned.

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

"Honestly, yes. I think they need that." Poppy smiled at the idea Sebastian presented, "It should be easy to actually get you into our dorms, but we need you to go unnoticed by the others. I don't want anyone turning you in because they have a thorn in their side."

Sebastian hummed in thought, the idea coming to him, "I got it! Y/n has a stash of Polyjuice potion! You distract them for the day, and I can disguise myself as you! Although I'm sure I'll need help decorating..."

Poppy thought for a second, munching on the honey bun that Sebastian had brought her to butter her up. "Whats Anne up to? I know she's feeling better, and I feel like she'd love this. She can disguise herself as y/n."

Sebastian grins, "Poppy, you genius little creature. Maybe you should have been in Ravenclaw."

Poppy laughs, "Maybe, Sallow. Maybe. I'll get y/n out of the castle tomorrow... and I'll sneak you our hair tonight at dinner. I'll tuck it into a book and act like you let me borrow it."

Sebastian hopped up in excitement, "Wonderful, I'll write to Anne right away. Thank you, Poppy."

Poppy watched the boy begin to strut away, laughing to herself. That kid was so head over heels for y/n.

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

"Poppy. I love you, I really do. But please tell me where it is you're dragging me?" You force a laugh as your friend pulls you through the back alley of some small hamlet you've surprisingly never been too.

"Just wait-" she pulls you through the narrow exit of the alley, straight into a street out of a fairytale. A cobblestone road, lined on either sides with shops with thatched roofs. Beautiful jack o lanterns  line the walkways, and leaves flutter through the air like butterflies.  You can't help but take a deep breath, amazed.

"Oh, Poppy." You breathe out, looking at the scene infront of you. There's a flower shop, a bakery, a book store, a clothing store... it's all amazing.

"I thought you could use a nice, calm day. So I brought you to my favorite place." Poppy smiles at you proudly.

"Let's go, we've got lots of shopping to do!"

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

Meanwhile, the Sallow twins stood in the detention room, knowing there was no way they'd get caught in there.

"Poppy's Polyjuice looks like sunshine." Anne watched in amazement as sebastian swirled the bottle.

Her eyes fell back to the bottle in her hand, in which a gossamer liquid swirled, so deeply amber that in certain lights it appeared black. Sebastian looked up from under his brows at his sister, laughing at the apprehensive look in her eyes, "Y/n drank a Polyjuice potion that turned them into Professor Black. They said it looked like someone bottled vomit. you'll be just fine." He held out the bottle and clicked it against Anne's, "Slàinte."

She huffed a small laugh, returning the cheers before downing the bottle. For a moment, the twins felt nothing- then all at once, their bones began shifting. Muscles and skin stretched and shrank, hair growing and changing color. 

Before they knew it, they both stood there staring at each other... well. Sort of.

"I never realized how much smaller Poppy is than me," Sebastian chuckled, looking around at his now small frame basically swimming in his clothes.

Anne laughed, but it came out as y/n musical laugh that Sebastian had grown to love so much... the laugh he hadn't heard in ages, "Seb, I'm really hoping you brought their uniforms to change into?"

Sebastian laughed, taken aback by the girlish sound, "Yeah, here. In my bag."

They quickly changed, Sebastian keeping his eyes glued to the ceiling to he didn't see any part of Poppy that she wouldn't want.

"Seb, really. You didn't even put on the stockings?" Anne laughed.

"No way. Those things are like sausage casinos, and if anyone is eyeing Poppy- well, me- close enough to notice I'll punch them in the nose."

"Fair enough, let's go."

The two managed to make it to the Hufflepuff common room entrance unnoticed, and paused staring at the barrels.

"Well, go ahead." Sebastian gestures to the barrels.

"What? Me? Absolutely not!" Anne scoffed.

"I am NOT about to be squirted by this evil thing."

"This was your idea. Besides, you shouldn't get squirted." Anne rocked back on her heels, and took a few steps back, "Assuming you get it right."

Sebastian huffed, approaching the barrels apprehensivly. He brought his fist to the one that Poppy had indicated, took a deep breath and began the knock.

Hel-ga Huff-le-puff

There was a split second where Sebastian winced, completely sure that he was about to get drenched in the foul smelling liquid, but then the door opened.

"Oh thank Merlin," and let out a sigh of relief, "I was afraid you'd be strayed and I'd have to listen to you whine all day."

Sebastian followed his sister, ducking through the enterance, "Very funny."

Entering the Hufflepuff common room, the twins had to keep the look of awe off of their faces. Where Slytherins common room was dark and elegant, Hufflepuff's was cozy and warm. Plants seemed to grow out of every nook and cranny, and the smell of sweets pervaded the air.

Sebastian and Anne could've explored for hours, if it wasn't for the voice that rang out from a couch a few meters away.

"Oh Poppy! There you are!" Adelaide Oaks scurried over, a huge smile on her face, "I was hoping you could help  me out a bit with this Magical Creatures essay, I've really been struggling with-"

Sebastian cut her off, "No- uh," he cleared his throat attempting to copy Poppy's way of speaking, "I'm sorry, I mean I can't right now. How about later this evening? Y/n will be on a date with Sebastian. But don't tell her that when you see her, it's a surprise."

Adelaide eyes flickered behind Sebastian, to where Anne was standing, "Oh goodness, I guess she knows now! Don't mind me, I didn't get nearly enough sleep. You know me, mind always on puffskiens. Hehe. Well anyways, got to go. See you this evening byee!" Sebastian grabbed his sister's hand, dragging her towards the dorms and away from a befuddled Adelaide.

Anne giggled, "Did you really just say hehe? What the bloody hell was that, Seb?"

Not letting go of her arm, Sebastian continued scurrying down the hallway to the dorm he knew to be Y/n and Poppy's, "I don't know Anne! I panicked, okay? I don't know what girls say!"

"Well, it's definitely not 'hehe'. Atleast in that tone anyway. You're lucky Poppy is known to be an odd ball."

Sebastian rolled his eyes, "Whatever, come on. Get in here."

The twins closed the door behind them, and turned to inspect the room they were working with.

"This is so cozy!" Anne squealed a bit, looking around. She found her way over to what she knew to be Y/n's bed, picking up a picture frame from the nightstand. Encased behind the glass was a moving picture of y/n, Ominis, and Sebastian. In the center, Ominis is stood with his arms crossed, his face feigning annoyance as y/n pinches his cheeks and throws her head back in laughter. On the other side, Sebastian throws his head back in laughter, then looks at the hufflepuff with such adoration.

"Man Seb," Anne giggles, "You really have it bad for them, huh?"

Sebastian rolls his eyes, "Yes. I do. Now please help me decorate, nosey.

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

Poppy and MC finally returned to the castle later than evening, no longer wearing the school robes they had left in. Poppy had forced y/n to buy a new outfit, telling them that retail therapy is the best therapy. Sweeting then proceeded to drag MC to the flower shop where she proceeded to weave all sorts of matching flowers into her hair.

Y/n had to admit, they felt rather attractive for the first time in a long time. Approaching the barrels, they waited for Poppy to knock, complaining, "I still don't understand why you wouldn't let me get any food from the tavern. I'm starving, Poppy!"

Poppy chuckled stepping towards the door as it opens, "How about this; you go put the stuff we bought in out dorm and I'll start working on my homework for a bit. If you're still hungry we will go to the kitchens."

"Ugh," Y/n groaned dramatically, "Fiiiine."

The trek to Y/n and Poppy's dorm was short, and Y/n didn't see anyone. She figured they were all at dinner, where she wished she was. Opening the door, she is assaulted by the smell of sweets.

Entering the room, Y/n is beyond surprised at the scene infront of her. The beds, desks and normal furniture were missing. Instead, the outside of the room was lined with large, soft pillows and blankets, and in the center of the room were short- almost ground level- tables overflowing with all sorts of foods and drinks. The air was warm and inviting, filled with twinkling lights that y/n quickly realized were fire flies. Fairylights covered the walls, and convering the ceiling was a golden shimmering enchantment, unlike anything they had seen before. Their eyes fell to the figure that quickly stood up from the cushions.

Sebastian.

Their voice was light with awe and wonder, "Seb, what is all of this?"

He walked forward, taking her hand and leading them to the cushions near the food, "Well y/n," Sebastian began, "Since everything that's happened, you've been depressed. Rightfully so, of course. But I missed seeing you smile and laugh. Genuinely smile and laugh, not that show you've been putting on for everyone."

MC sat on the floor, Sebastian taking his place beside them as he continued speaking, "So, I thought to myself: what makes y/n smile? Breaking rules, sweets, the stars, and these freaky little twinkling bugs. It took me a bit, but I managed to put them all together."

The cheesy grin full of pride that sat on Sebastians face was enough to make MC laugh, and the though of someone going through all of this, doing all of this, just for them made them tear up.

"Oh Seb, this is amazing." Y/n threw their arms around Sebastian, pulling away after a moment to look at his face. His eyes flickered to Y/n's lips, then scanned their face.

His voice came breathlessly as he tucked a strand of hair behind their ear, "You look breathtaking, by the way."

Sebastian leaned in, pressing his lips lightly to theirs. In a moment, they pull away just enough, their foreheads still touching and smile on their face, "Seb, if you wanted to make me smile all you had to do was kiss me."

___________________________________

[itonashi]

Hiii can I request a Reo x reader who’s nagis sister like the last fic

YOU'RE KIDDING, RIGHT?

pairing: reo mikage x fem!reader

warning: reader is nagi's older sister, one-sided crush (lol), reo tried to flirt.

note: tbh, idk how to do these types of fics but trying even though i love these types of trope.

reo didn't expected for these to happened. having a crush on your own best friend's older sister? reo could still remembered the day he met her when he visited nagi's house.

now that nagi was playing soccer, reo planned on visiting nagi's house because of the rumours that nagi had a perfect sister and she used to school in hakuho. maybe he could meet the famous nagi's sister.

"your sister will never be like this!"

that's when he knew that nagi had a sister. seeing how the teachers keep comparing nagi with his sister — it must be that she was an amazing person at school. was she a student council president? maybe he should check the record.

"nagi, you really don't care when they compared you?"

"hmm? i don't care. my sister is amazing anyway."

"what's she like?"

"find out yourself. it's a hassle talking about it."

so this is nagi's house, it was quite big but smaller than reo's mansion. judging by the appearance, it was a clean house. following nagi to entered the house — first impression of the interior design, it was empty but comfortable.

"my sister is not home, yet."

reo could wait. he would do anything to received the things he want. "let's go to your room!" he was excited to see nagi's sister soon enough.

while playing some games nagi and reo could heard a motorcycle vroooommm nearing the house. nagi went and paused the game and got out of the room to greet his sister. 'is it his sister?' nagi wouldn't got up for no reason so reo soon went and followed and saw nagi's sister for the first time.

nagi's sister was patting nagi head and reo swore he could see bunny ears on nagi. nagi seishiro's older sister was very pretty. reo could understand the rumours on why they said that she was perfect. she was so cool, riding a motorcycle too?

"that is reo mikage, right?"

"mhm."

first eye contact with her and reo already knew he liked her.

this was the first time reo felt frustrated because you wouldn't even looked at his way! you were always so busy with other things. nagi had once mentioned before that your type was a basketball player but he already quit it! he felt like life was cruel to him.

he knew you were still single but he doesn't know if you have a crush on someone. reo want to bang his head onto a wall. reo had everything, why won't you look his way?

is it because he's younger than you...?

bang

nagi jumped because of the sudden noise that happened because reo punched a wall. 'what the hell is wrong with him..' reo was keeping his crush a secret from nagi because who knows what would nagi think of him now. nagi might even quit soccer after that and he loses all his chances to win world cup!

shrugging his shoulders nagi continues his grind on games at lunch time. reo was mumbling things but nagi couldn't careless, it doesn't bother him — ofc, it was weird for reo to lose his composure for some reason but he won't ask why.

nee-san: sei, do you want to go shopping tomorrow?

nagi: 50 minutes. i won't accept more than that.

nee-san: i will buy you games for your ps5. 1 hour and 30 minutes.

nagi: grrrrrr, fine :x

"reo, nee-san want me to go shopping tomorrow. you coming?"

reo turned his head to nagi slowly. wait what, shopping? you will be there? reo won't miss this chances.

"yes."

"uhhh... ok." nagi was getting suspicious of reo.

sending a text to you — you replied with 'the more the merrier :p' lunch break was over and reo started to drag nagi to the classroom. he will make sure tomorrow you look at his way.

today's the day. reo is determined to do this. he will make sure he pays for everything the nagi's siblings want. he's kinda like their unofficial money wallet. spending more times with you means knowing more about you.

arriving at the mall with nagi, you already saw reo there 'fast'. you greeted reo with a wave and a smile, and reo was resisting himself — nagi simply just nod his head at reo's presence.

you tug nagi's hand to drag him and nagi went ahhhhh. reo wished it was him that you were dragging — shopping with you was fun (any moments with you is fun) even though nagi and reo became the victim to hold the bags.

reo offered to pay everything and you weren't sure about it. you kept asking him if it was really okay and he just replied with 'im a billionaire.' and nagi agreed with reo. (nagi wanted reo to pay for everything because nagi doesn't want you to spend money on him.)

throughout the journey of you finding a clothes for yourself and nagi. reo was the only responsive through all your questions and remarks. nagi was basically just observing the you and reo at this point.

"nee-san, im gonna melttttt..." nagi was already slouching at this point. reo was practically holding nagi now with the bags and you felt bad.

"20 minutes left, sei. please keep on going." you said in a nonchalant voice because it was a normal occurrence to you by now.

"haha, nagi keep yourself up!"

nagi groan — he's feeling so lazy right now. why did he agreed to go with you? he could've just stay at home and reo wasn't helping either. whatever, anything for his overworked sister.

everytime yours fingers accidentally brushed against reo's hands, he couldn't hold out the excitement. your hands was soft. ahhhhh, he just want to hold it.

you kept on calling reo's name but he won't respond so you tap on his shoulder to get his attention. reo jumped at the sudden touch from you — "reo, what do you think of these dress?" you were showing the sky blue dress to him twirling around and reo thought that you were a princess (you are).

"[name], i think blue suits you the most. that dress is perfect for you. well, everything on you is perfect since you are beautiful."

"is that so? haha! thank you for the compliment, reo."

"do you want me to buy it?"

"thank you, reo."

nagi slouch on you, putting his head on your shoulder. he is attached to you like a koala. reo side glances to the both of you — he noticed how you two were actually very similar to eachother. your face, the way you talk too. the rumours about you being different from nagi was all wrong. you were basically nagi without the laziness. nagi could achieved it if he wanted too but he doesn't do it.

the two of you were talented.

"i have a question for you two.."

the both of you looked at reo. reo feels like he is the prey for some reason...

"what will you do to achieve the things you want?"

"isn't it obvious? with hard work. of course, there's some people out there that could achieved it with their talents but everything needs hard work."

"i haven't thought of it. i just go with the flow."

two different answers. your answer was the logical one and nagi being nagi. maybe, he should try to ask you out but would you reject him?

"nagi, i like your sister."

"huh."

nagi widen his eyes. ain't no way reo just said that to his face. nagi is not the type of guy to judge someone but this involved you. nagi cared for you.

"you're kidding, right?"

reo is staring at nagi's eyes so hard.

"ok, you're not."

nagi doesn't know what to do with this information. was he supposed to help reo ask you out or something. he doesn't know shit about love. his parents ain't even home most of the time only his sister was. how would he knows what love is?

should he tell reo the truth?

"reo, i don't think you're a match for her."

now this time it was reo to be shocked now. nagi was telling him that he's out of your league. blinking his eyes at nagi — nagi was looking at him with unreadable expression. did reo fuck up?

"why?"

"ehhh, no reason."

it seems like nagi is actually protective of you. he understands, he would also be protective of you if you were his and he was yours. maybe it wasn't his luck this time.

"whatever, no time wasting! nagi, let's go practice!"

reo was desperately trying to hide his sadness.

nagi was laying on the couch with his phone on his chest. you were on the other side and nagi called out to you.

"nee-san, what do you think of reo?"

"he's a good person."

he knew you would give short answer. you don't know how reo really is so you don't really have any opinion on him. if you know that person well, you would give essay of answers. nagi closed his eyes and suddenly he fell into a deep slumber.

'sleep already?'

note: LMAOO IM SO SORRY FOR DOING THIS TO REO 💀 forgive me.

[sunshine-overload]

[BSTS] Main Story Season 5 Finale ‘Owner’s Order’ - Part 4

Part 3

Chapter 12

-secluded street-

sotetsu: Oh, you got here before me. My bad for being late.

kasumi: I don't mind, it's only natural for a background character like me to arrive first. Though, for you to want to meet me out here must mean it's about something you can't say at Starless, right?

sotetsu: It's about your private life. Not exactly something I can just spring on you in front of other people. I mean, you don’t want anyone else to know about your little sister, do you?

kasumi: …!

sotetsu: I may have obtained some information on her. She's alive, that much is for certain. However I don't know her location.

kasumi: …Where did you obtain this information?

sotetsu: I get that you can’t trust me. That's why I’m just relaying the info to you, I don't care either way and I’m not planning to look into it any further. But just keeping it to myself would leave a bad taste in my mouth, we're both work colleagues who joined at the same time after all. I got in contact with a new information broker after winning a little bet. They’re involved in that field if you catch my drift.

kasumi: That field, huh…

sotetsu: It's not an information pipeline I can use often, but it's a trustworthy source, I swear.

kasumi: What do you want me to do?

sotetsu: For now, nothing. When the time comes I’ll contact you.

kasumi: Fine. I’ll be ready for whenever that is then.

sotetsu: Another successful deal done and dusted.

–end

(note: after sotetsu mentions his sister, kasumi speaks seriously and without his usual speech quirks)

-

Chapter 12 SideA

-rehearsal room-

akira: Wh– What do you want? Don't just drag me around! Oi, Mokuren!

mokuren: ……

-mokuren releases him-

akira: Woah! 

-akira falls over-

akira: Ouch… Don't just throw me on the floor like garbage.

mokuren: Sing.

akira: I have been. My vocal chords are tired following a performance, give me a break here~ Aren't you being a bit too violent? Saki-chan looked pretty shocked seeing me being dragged by in the hallway before.

mokuren: I told you to sing, Akira.

akira: Haa… The hell is up with you? You want me to sing here? Now? To practice with you? I’m not interested in practicing again right after a show.

mokuren: No. I’m telling you to sing like you mean it. Both of us aren't the smartest and we both know that.

akira: What kind of new and original diss is that? Is it supposed to take us both down?

mokuren: I’m not the smartest and that's why I dance. In order to rid myself of what annoys me or gets in my way.

akira: So you're saying I should sing to rid myself of annoyances? What are you talking about? Are you trying to give me a pep talk? Cause I’ve already been given enough of those.

mokuren: I see, is it encouragement that you need then? Want me to pet your head like a child?

akira: Gross!

mokuren: If you need to be consoled in order to sing then I’ll call Princess over and have her take pity on you. You said she was in the hallway earlier right? I’ll go get her.

akira: Don’t.

mokuren: Princess is so kind, I’m sure she’ll hear you out and sympathise with you.

akira: Quit it already! I’m not that pathetic.

mokuren: Right? Sorry, I went too far with my joke.

akira: Huh? Wait no, you're scary when you actually apologise.

mokuren: However, if you won't sing properly then I won't waver. Because I’ve discovered that provoking you like this is effective.

akira: You really are demonic, it's scary!

–end

-

Chapter 12 SideB

-starless hallway-

sinju: Sorry for making you look for him with me, Saki-chan.

saki: It's fine. I wonder where Kasumi-san went though.

sinju: Doesn't seem like he's at Starless. Maybe he went out shopping? If that's the case, I wonder if he'll be back soon…

-kasumi walks by-

sinju: Ah, there he is! Kasumi!

-sinju walks over to put a hand on kasumi’s shoulder-

sinju: Kasumi, we’ve been looking for you. I need to talk to you about a shift tomorrow–

-kasumi slaps his hand away-

sinju: Woah…?

saki: Kasumi-san…?

sinju: My bad. Were you busy thinking about something? I’m sorry if you're busy!

kasumi: Ah… (realises what he did)

kasumi: S-sorry about that~ I’m just stressing because the stock order we need to submit today wasn't where it should be.

sinju: Is that so? Do you want me to help you find it?

kasumi: No no, it's fine. Nevermind that, what did you want to talk to me about?

sinju: It's about tomorrow's shift. Maica won't be able to make it so he asked if he could swap with you.

kasumi: Got it, just text me the details.

sinju: Sorry for the trouble, and thanks.

kasumi: If that's all, then please excuse me~!

-kasumi walks off-

sinju: Maybe I shouldn't have done that…

saki: Kasumi-san looked like a lot was on his mind, didn't he?

sinju: That's true. He must be really busy! And then I went ahead and burdened him with more without thinking. I’ll try and have his shift changed to me instead. We can't make it a habit to always just rely on Kasumi.

saki: That's true. I’ll try and help out where I can too. Let’s do our best, Sinju-san.

sinju: Thanks, Saki-chan!

–end

-

Chapter 13

-rehearsal room-

qu: Good morning, Mokuren. You're here early today.

mokuren: I happened to wake up early, and thanks to that the rehearsal room was free for me to use.

qu: I see, it's a lovely morning.

mokuren: Did you run here?

qu: Yeah. It’s nice to go for a bit of a longer run on mornings like this.

mokuren: Yeah, I can concentrate best in the morning. Want to use half of the room?

qu: Yes please. Thanks. Have you been staying hydrated? It looks like you’ve been laser focused on your dancing.

mokuren: …Good point. I didn't realise what time it was.

-time pass-

qu: How’s your team going?

mokuren: Not bad. It's fun when the centre is double casted. Kei and Kokuyou are completely different.

qu: I figured you'd say that. You always dance like you're at war. You're always fighting against whatever it is that you consider to be unfair.

mokuren: If something pisses me off and gets in my way then I just have to destroy it. I’ve gotten smarter and realised you can't just kick it all away.

qu: Hahah, I know.

mokuren: …….

qu: Mokuren? Is something the matter?

mokuren: What do you mean?

qu: No, it's just… You seem a little different from usual.

mokuren: What a strange thing to say. I’m the same as I always am.

qu: True. You're just dancing as you always have. That's why you kept searching for this place.

mokuren: Is something the matter, Qu?

qu: No, it's nothing. I was just thinking is all. Why are we using the story of ‘Paradise Lost’ now?

mokuren: Angels, Devils, Adam and Eve. They're all pretty overused characters.

qu: If we ignore that you're on different teams. You, Rindou and Mizuki are all playing the same role, aren't you? You're Satan, the enemy of the angels, whilst Rindou and Mizuki are Satan as the protagonist.

mokuren: Hmph, I’m well aware. I’ve already learnt how to dance their part. Join me in my practice, Qu. I’ll be your Satan.

qu: You’ve changed your interpretation again. Sounds like fun– I’ll join you then.

mokuren: I’m always ready to dance. Let's get started.

–end

-

Chapter 13 SideA

-starless office-

unei: Understood. Then I’ll book you in for the second rehearsal room on that day.

mokuren: Don't go forgetting it again.

unei: Of course not, leave it to me~! I’ll book it as soon as I finish up with these urgent documents. Oh, you can eat those cookies if you’d like. I bought them for you.

mokuren: Oh? How thoughtful of you. Were you planning to bribe me with cookies in exchange for making me wait?

unei: N-no I wa– Actually… Yes I was, please accept the cookies.

mokuren: You’ve gotten smarter too.

unei: Eheheh, why thank you. I’ll try and be even more helpful from now on!

mokuren: Hm.

unei: Hey! What kind of reaction is that? Isn’t this where you should say ‘do your best’ or ‘thanks for all the hard work’?

mokuren (mouth full of food): Dwo your best, fanks fwor all the hard work.

unei: You sound like you're reading a script! I booked the second room for you, ok?

mokuren: …… (finishes eating)

mokuren: Do your best. You’re always helping us out.

unei: Mokuren-san…! Is… Something the matter? Were the cookies no good?

mokuren: Just take the compliment. You're hard to deal with.

–end

-

Chapter 13 SideB

-rehearsal room-

saki: Hello–

rindou: Please, just give me ten, no, just five more minutes.

qu: Even if you say that, your allotted time is over. Plus, you're looking pale, I think it's best you go rest.

rindou: I’m fine. So for just a little longer– Oh, Saki-san, I didn't notice you there. Sorry for causing a fuss.

saki: Oh no, it's fine. Sorry for intruding.

qu: Don't worry about it, we're done here anyways. I’ll be taking the rehearsal room now, Rindou. Go and rest, ok? Oh I know, how about you get Saki to lend you her lap as a pillow? You can go lay down in the break room.

saki: Wha? A lap pillow? In the break room no less??

rindou: Huh? No, I couldn't ask for that… 

rindou: I’m sorry for the trouble. I’ll go and cool my head.

-rindou leaves-

qu: Jeez, what a handful. Thanks for showing up, I couldn't get him to listen to me. I know he has a lot on his plate concerning the show but he seems way too stressed.

saki: I wonder if something happened.

qu: Ah, sorry, my bad. I shouldn't be talking to you about this. I think the nerves are just getting to him, he's the centre of his team after all. Mizuki is too of course, but he's not really someone that works cooperatively.

Next time you see Rindou looking tired or like he's pushing himself too much, could you stop him for me? Even if you have to do it by offering a lap pillow.

saki: Ok! Wait I mean, I’m not sure if I can follow through with the lap pillow but I’ll make sure to keep an eye on him.

qu: Thank you. I’ll leave it to you.

–end

-

Chapter 14

-outside starless, early morning-

saki: Oh, Gui-san. Hello–

-gui steps away-

saki: (Hm? Did he not hear me?)

sinju: Something the matter, Saki-chan? Oh, Gui’s here too. Hey Gui! Good morning!

-gui steps away-

sinju: Ah, he kept walking! Let's follow him!

saki: O-ok!

-time pass, alleyway-

sinju: He went that way. Can you keep running, Saki-chan?

saki: Yeah, I’m fine– Ah.

-saki trips-

sinju: Crap!

-gui appears and catches her-

gui: Watch your step, Saki.

saki: Thank you…

sinju: Sorry, Saki-chan. I made you overdo it.

saki: It’s ok, I’m sorry for tripping.

sinju: So then, um…

gui: ……..

saki: ……..

sinju: Wait, why were even running after Gui in the first place?

saki: Um well, I called out to Gui-san but I thought he mustn't have heard me.

gui: …I heard you. But I didn't know how to greet you.

sinju: Why not?

gui: I disobeyed Kei’s orders, so… I’m not sure what to do.

saki: I see, you must be feeling a bit lost.

sinju: I get it! That kind of thing happens all the time. It's not good to ignore someone when they greet you though. Did you not want to say anything?

gui: I wanted to greet her.

sinju: Then you should do it. So, does Kei already know that you disobeyed him?

gui: He knows.

sinju: Then he's probably already forgiven you, I wouldn't worry about it.

gui: But I… I didn't…

sinju: I don't really understand what's going on, but I think that there are times when you don't have to listen to someone’s orders. If you think that it isn't right, then you don't have to do it. Right, Saki-chan? We're all only human after all.

saki: I agree. Sometimes we just need to listen to our hearts.

gui: Listen to… our hearts?

sinju: You wanted to greet us, right? So you should.

gui: I wanted to… Yeah, I did. So I should? Ok. Saki, um, hello. Sinju too, hello.

–end

-

Chapter 14 SideA

-alleyway-

master: Kei.

kei: …Master. Why are you here– No, what is it that you want?

master: You owe me a favour, you haven't forgotten have you?

-flashback, alleyway-

kei: It's me. Why are you calling?

master: Kokuyou is traveling with the young woman.

kei: I'm not happy about it, but not knowing Kokuyou's location is the only way to protect her. It's only for a few days, I can put up with leaving Saki to him for that long.

master: They're getting pretty close to that laboratory, are you still going to say you don't care?

kei: What? Close to that place... Why would he go there, of all places… No, for now it is still safer than her being here. Understood, I'm grateful for the update.

master: You owe me for this.

-end flashback-

kei: I have not forgotten. Thanks to you I was able to deal with the situation before it reached her. So, let me hear it. What is it that you wish for me to do in return?

master: Nothing for now. You don't have the power to do anything right now. You're aware of it too aren't you? You’ve spread yourself too thin. You're a performer. Not a supervisor or commanding officer. Your goal– Your aim should be just that. It shouldn't be anything else.

kei: …I am aware.

master: You haven't changed. That really is your fatal flaw as a performer. It's because you couldn't rid yourself of it that you're walking down your current path.

kei: I cannot walk the same path as you, and I do not intend to.

master: I know.

kei: I am grateful to you, Master. You taught me how to survive. The time I spent looking up to you as my teacher has made me the man that I am today.

master: You were an awful student. You acted cocky and always tried your best to take advantage of me. But worst of all, you never knew when to give up. Even now, that aspect of you is the same. People who possess a goal cannot live for anything other than fulfilling it. You were like that from the start, you really haven't changed at all from back then.

master: Prepare yourself, Kei. And remember what your goal is. That is all you are able to do right now. –I will ask that favour of you soon.

-master leaves-

kei: To think I’ve made enough of a blunder to make him scold me face to face again. My only goal– My wish… No, I’m still far too lacking to be able to obtain this desire of mine.

–end

-

Chapter 14 SideB

-park, evening-

zakuro: My oh my, a familiar face has appeared before me. Looking up to the sky whilst deep in thought.

rindou: Zakuro…

zakuro: Is something on your mind?

rindou: Yes… I mean, no, it's nothing. What a coincidence it is to see you here. Are you on a walk as well?

zakuro: I suppose I am. If you consider wandering around with no destination in mind going for a stroll then yes.

rindou: I think it counts.

zakuro: I’ve seen you with this expression once before. Your brows were deeply knit together and your complexion as pale as a ghost. 

rindou: …When was this?

zakuro: That time I saw you at old Starless. Right, it's something I only remembered recently too.

rindou: That's a strange way of phrasing that. Are you saying you only remembered it now?

zakuro: I remember at the time you told me that you had a headache. Do you have one now too?

rindou: Well, I just got news that someone I knew passed away…

zakuro: Oh my, the passing of a friend. I am most sorry to hear that, my condolences. Were they someone close to you?

rindou: No, they were nothing more than an acquaintance. They were a journalist that worked for some magazine. Honestly I wasn't fond of him, I found him annoying and didn't want him to contact me anymore… But I still…

rindou: …… (sad sigh)

zakuro: This is just my personal opinion here, but isn't that a good thing then? He wasn't someone close, rather it sounds like he was nothing but a nuisance to you. In that case I think it's fine for you to think ‘I’m glad he’s gone.’

rindou: That's– There's no way I could think about it like that. A person has lost their life.

zakuro: Yes, indeed indeed, very true. That right there is one of your good points, Rindou. By the way, do you happen to know what the cause of death was?

rindou: He was involved in an accident. I heard from his magazine company that it happened in November of last year. The last time I spoke with him was in October, and then, not long after that he…

rindou: Ugh…

zakuro: You’ll give yourself a headache if you think about it too much. Your face has grown even paler too. There's no need for you to think about it that deeply. If it was an accident that killed him then there's nothing we could've done anyway.

rindou: That may be true… I’m going to head back to Starless. I need to perform today.

–end

(to be continued)

[aemonds-little-belle]

Feelings Sold Separately

CHAPTER FOUR (THE CHAT)

(An Edit of A Previous Chapter Four)

Modern!Aemond Targaryen x Reader

TAGS - (REPOSTED FROM AO3)

Alternate Universe - Sugar DaddySugar BabySugar Baby AUAUokay this is a whole ass story that's just one long ass brain fartliterally i am just coming up with this on the spotlow key really love it thoughSugar Baby/Sugar Daddyobviouslytalks of class issuesaemonds been hurt in the pasti think there will be some sexy stuff eventuallywait fuck i didn't mention this is a modern!aumodern!AUAlternate Universe - Modern Setting<3Aemond "One-Eye" Targaryen is Bad at Feelingsstop that was recommended but so accurateI don't know how to do tagsI'm SorryI promise it's goodAnd no one diesand it's just so classically a sugar baby/ sugar daddy au it hurtsreader works at a cafe ... obviouslythis will follow a similar storyline to the show just modern and also not at allFamily Issueswait probably dom/sub vibes tooDom/subLight Dom/subclearly i don't know where this is going yetmy readers are always written fat because i am fatso keep that in mind

+ + + + + +

The waffles were placed on the table, syrups, butters, and whip creams of different flavors, scattered around the main dishe’s plates, empty coffee mugs waiting to be picked up. “What do you do in your free time?” Y/n asked, taking a bite of her own waffles, her cheeks puffing out as she chewed.

“I read sometimes.” Aemond answered, putting his fork down, wiping his mouth with a napkin, letting out a low hum before continuing. “I hope to fill my free time with you though.” Y/n froze, her mouth still full, as she felt her body heat up, her heart beat quicker, sure she knew he wanted to spend his time with her, that was the whole point, but him saying the words made it all more real, all more personal. “Speaking of, I have a business event coming up on Wednesday, I will need you to be my plus one.”

“I work Wednesday.” Y/n pouted back.

“I know.” Aemond crossed his arms, his plate empty, him now waiting for Y/n to be finished. “The event doesn’t start until 8pm, I’ll pick you up from work and you can get ready with me.”

“Oh, okay.”

“We’ll have to go shopping this weekend, find you a dress, and me a suit to match.” He pulled out his phone, his calendar opened, his eye scanning to make sure he was still free. “Are you free tomorrow?”

“I have a few errands to run, but yes, I’m free.”

“We can do those together then, does nine am sound good?” He began typing the plans into the calendar.

‘So much for sleeping in.’ “Sure, but my errands are boring, Aemond.” She smiled. “I don’t want to drag you along grocery shopping.”

“I enjoy the mundane things, Y/n, I would much rather take you grocery shopping than to a fancy party.” He leaned forward, his hands clasped and sat on the table. “I want to spend real time with you, doing boring things.” His tone left no room for argument, no space to talk back, though Y/n wasn’t sure she even wanted to. “So I will pick you up at nine, and we will go grocery shopping.”

“Okay.”

The table fell silent for a few seconds, Aemond still on his phone, before Y/n spoke, filling the silence with much needed noise once again. “Were you the one that posted the ads?”

“Yes, with the help of my sister.” Aemond answered, finally turning his phone off and placing it on the table face down, fully in the conversation.

“Why did you post them in Flea Bottom? Why not ask people in your own world?” She asked, taking a sip of water, resting her head on her hands, the exhaustion of the day finally hitting.

“Because I’ve done that before, and I am sick of not being needed, never actually helping anyone.” He admitted, his grasp on his own hands tightening, his jaw clenched. “Their fathers pay their rent, grandparents indulge them in their shopping habits.” His tone hardened. “I was just a powerful elbow to hold, a prize to be won.” Even though his words felt heavy, his eye seemed to soften. “Maybe I’m just selfish, but I want someone to need me, really need me.”

“I don’t think that’s selfish.” Y/n smiled, her eyes meeting his. “I think it’s sweet.”

Aemond cleared his throat, conflicted with the pure vulnerability of the moment. “Why did you answer the ad?” He questioned, deciding to fight the urge to run, instead leaning into the intimate conversation. “The real reason.” He added, recalling her half assed excuse the first time around.

Y/n’s face dropped slightly. “Um.” She whispered, her spine straightening, hands falling to her lap to fiddle with one another as anxiety washed over her. “I guess, I don’t know, I could use the money.” Her eyebrows furrowed, as if she was debating something within the walls of her own head.

“Hmm.” Aemond hummed, the gesture telling, as if he knew she was lying, withholding the truth to an extent. “I don’t believe you.” He admitted, a playful yet malicious smirk making its way onto his face.

“I, I guess I’ve just spent my whole life being told that I’m unwanted, so having someone enjoy my company so much they're willing to pay for it was, exciting. I don’t know, it sounds stupid now that I’ve said it aloud.” She gave a small chuckle, trying to dismiss the emotion behind the answer, taking another bite of her waffle to subconsciously silence herself.

“I don’t think it’s stupid.” He practically stole her previous words, but before he could add on his own, Daris came back to the table, picking up the coffee mugs, offering a warm smile to each of his patrons.

“Would either of you like desert?” He asked, Y/n’s eyes lighting up like a childs before slowly dimming again.

“Y/n?” Aemond asked, turning his attention to her, her cheeks warming under the sudden attention of two people.

“No thank you.” She smiled politely, placing her fork and knife on the plate, signaling she was done. “I should really get home.” She turned to Aemond, checking his watch before nodding his head.

“The check please, Daris.” Aemond cleared his throat, his fork and knife now placed on his plate too as Daris walked away.

“Thank you for dinner Aemond, I really enjoyed it.” Y/n genuinely smiled, grabbing her coat, placing her things into the pockets before putting it back on.

“You’re welcome, Little Dragon.” Aemond hummed, checking his phone once again before putting his coat on too. “Just wait here while I pay the bill.” He said, walking away, his suit jacket making his shoulders look broader than before.

Y/n stood up, stacking the dishes nicer, making the table as neat as possible before beginning to take a few steps, noticing a dark blob on Aemond’s seat. Y/n picked it up, Aemond’s trench coat much heavier than it looked, the heavy duty wool warm and sturdy. She began folding it, smiling when she looked closer at the buttons, High Valyrian words engraved into each button.

“Y/n?” Aemond called out, a few steps ahead of her, just in front of the doors. “Do you have everything?” He asked, willing his amused smile away, the sight of her smiling at his coat buttons, the thing he loved so dearly in her hands, made his heart beat faster, and he wasn’t sure he was ready to admit that.

“Mhm!” She smiled, walking towards him and handing him his coat. “What do the buttons say?” She asked, looking at him with wonder in her eyes, his looking back at her with confusion, almost anger. “Sorry, you don’t have to tell me, I shouldn’t have asked.” ‘Fuck’.

“I’ll tell you someday.” He hummed, looking at the buttons himself, Y/n just nodding back with a sympathetic smile. “Ready to go home?”

“Yes, and again thank you for dinner!” Y/n stood still, unsure if she could, ‘should’, hug him, or if maybe a handshake was in order. “I’ll see you tomorrow then!” She called out, walking towards the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Aemond chuckled behind her, causing her to turn around.

“The bus station?” She asked, as if her answer was a question, around him she felt like everything she said was being graded, hoping her lack of confidence in the answer would lessen the blow if it was the wrong one.

“That’s not going to happen.” Aemond sent an unamused smile her way as he put his trench coat on, pulling his long locks from their trapped spot under it. “Do you even know where we are?” He questioned her.

‘Oh … No I do not.’ “No.” She admitted, though she knew how to take bus stops, she realized that she had no idea where the closest one was, or if it would even include Flea Bottom in it’s route.

“I enjoyed your little show there, little dragon.” He walked closer to her, his breath fanning over her face. “But you have someone to rely on now, and I have someone to spoil.” The last few words were whispered, like he couldn’t believe them himself. “So if you start walking to the car now, I’ll even let you pick the music.”

Y/n stood still and silent, Aemond shockingly close, his words heavy yet kind. “Right.” She whispered, looking up at his lilac eye, his pupil dilated slightly, his sly smile still growing. She turned around happily, trying to think of what music Aemond might enjoy, though she did realize this would be a fun opportunity to see how much pain, horrible songs she could play, he could take until he would cave, how far would he go for her. A smile lit up on her face, her almost skipping out the door as Aemond walked behind her. It was going to be a fun arrangement, they could both feel it.

[fitrahgolden]

Should You Need Me: 5 - No one gets to come in

"Didi, please open the door," Edwina asked after the third unanswered knock. "It's just me. No mums."

Kate dragged herself off the couch and made slow progress towards the door. Eventually, she reached her destination, and opened the door to see the concern that was already etched on her sister's face immediately intensify as she took in Kate's appearance. Kate was well aware that her eyes were red beyond belief from all the crying she'd been doing. She needed to wash her hair. She'd barely been eating.

"Oh, Kate." Edwina crossed the threshold and hugged her sister. Kate was surprised by how much she needed this, some small comfort from someone who understood her. She'd been avoiding her family since she got home from Tom's that night, and being held by Edwina made her regret it. She needed her family right now.

Kate and Edwina moved into the living room and Edwina turned on a light, which made Kate react like a vampire. Edwina started straightening up as Kate flopped back down on the couch. A stubby loaf of bread immediately hopped up into her lap.

"Um… You got a dog, I guess?" Edwina peered at the corgi nuzzling Kate's hand.

"Yep. I call him Newton."

"He's cute," Edwina sounded cheery and Kate appreciated the effort.

"He is."

"Didi, have you been here all week?"

"I tried to be. I requested a week off from work but I had to come in for two days until they secured a substitute."

"And that's it?"

"Yeah. I mean, I've been walking around the block for Newton’s sake. I picked him up from a pet rescue on the way home after the second day and we've been getting well acquainted. I think I'm disappointing him. I'm not very good company right now."

Edwina moved to sit next to Kate on the couch.

"Have you heard from Tom?"

Kate scoffed. "Of course I haven't, Bon. And I never will."

Edwina tsked. "Don't say never, Kate. He just needs time."

"Well, I may as well think it will be never, then I can't get my hopes up." Too late.

"Do you want to hang out tonight? Do you want me to stay?" Edwina offered.

"Yes, but I meant it when I said I'm not good company right now. Just a warning."

"That's OK. We don't have to do anything. I just don't want you to be alone."

Kate wrapped her arms around her sister. "I don't want me to be alone, either."

—

Edwina stayed until the evening of the following day. She made Kate promise to respond to her family's text messages and let them know the second she needed one of them. Or all of them. Kate also promised to wash her hair, which she did as soon as Edwina left. It felt good. It made Kate want to do something productive.

As much as she hated thinking about it, she really did need to cancel the few things that she and Tom had already booked for the wedding.

Like the dress. Shit. 

Kate resisted talking herself out of it. It needed to be done, and the less she left for Tom to deal with, the better. And something about Tom potentially speaking with Anthony felt… wrong.

Kate had Anthony's phone number, but thought better of using it, and opted to call the boutique instead. That way, maybe she could talk to Alice or Genevieve. She suddenly remembered the store had closed hours ago as the line rang and was preparing to leave a message when–

"Bridgerton Formal. This is Anthony."

Damn. It. Dammit, dammit, dammit. Just fucking forge ahead, I guess. 

"Um, hi. Sorry to call so late. This is–"

"Kate."

"Yes," she breathed.

"Hey. What do you need?"

"Actually, I realised before you picked up that you guys are closed. I can come in tomorrow, if you, any of you, have time."

"Um, tomorrow is pretty packed. I'll actually be here a few hours still, in the studio, if you do want to come by."

Kate and Anthony, in the back of his shop, after hours? What could go wrong?

"Yeah, OK. I'll be there in about half an hour."

—

Anthony was waiting for Kate at the front of his shop and when he saw her coming down the sidewalk, he unlocked the door and opened it for her.

"Hey."

"Hi," Kate responded, but she didn't stop walking until she crossed the threshold and moved further into the showroom, back near the hallway that led to the back of the boutique. Once she stopped, Anthony got a good look at her. He always noticed her eyes first. They were puffy and it looked like she'd been crying so much that she had broken capillaries.

"Jesus, are you OK?"

"No, not at all. I just need to, um, cancel the dress order and settle up my account."

Oh?

"Right." Anthony turned to walk back to the door so he could lock it back, but stopped himself. "Um, we're closed, so I had the door locked. But if you don't want it to be locked, I'll leave it. Up to you."

Kate shrugged, clearly having other things on her mind. "Lock it, it's fine."

Anthony approached Kate after securing the door.

"So, you want to cancel your dress?"

"Yes," she sighed, seemingly already exasperated.

"OK. Can I get you some water or something? You look–"

"Like shit, I know."

"I was going to say 'upset.' I'm fairly certain it's not possible for you to look like shit, actually."

A warm expression crept across Kate's face for a brief moment before it was reset to something harder.

"Look, yes, the wedding is cancelled, OK? I don't want to talk about it. I just need to cancel the order. I'm gonna pay for everything. Is there a way for you to just refund Tom's card? I just… I don't want to have to send him money. He doesn't want to see me. Why won't he? And this way, he can't reject it. Because he probably would. He's a really good guy."

Kate took a huge breath. Anthony moved forward and held her by the shoulders.

"Take a second before you pass out, please."

They looked at each other as Kate's breathing slowed. She stepped out of Anthony's grip. He hesitated a moment before putting his arms down.

"Yes, to answer your question, I can refund Tom. You don't have to do anything. He'll get his money back, whether he wants it or not. And don't worry about paying anything. I'm forgiving the balance."

"What do you mean, you're 'forgiving the balance'?" Kate looked indignant. Anthony knew she was insulted. "You do that for all your cancellations?"

"No."

"So, you're making an exception for me?"

"Yes."

"Out of pity?"

"Out of liking you and wanting to do something nice for you." His answer had an edge to it.

Kate shook her head and started pacing. She suddenly looked at Anthony accusingly.

"Why have we never chatted about the wedding? Hm? You've never asked me about how Tom and I met or anything like that. Isn't that odd for someone in your line of work?"

"Yes, it is. But I could ask you the very same question, couldn’t I, Kate? If we've never talked about it, that must mean you've never brought it up either, right?"

Kate faltered, and he couldn't help but smile at leaving her speechless, which he knew only served to make her angrier.

"But if you want to know the reason on my end, it's because, unlike Tom, I'm not that good of a guy. As asinine as it is considering I was making your fucking wedding dress, those few times I was with you, I wanted to pretend that part of your life didn't exist. Because I've wanted you since the first day you walked in here. Because I want you even more now. Because all I've been able to think about since you came here and told me you called off the wedding is how much I've been wanting to kiss you and if you'll let me do that tonight."

"What?"

"You heard me."

Kate crossed her arms over her chest. "You can't be serious."

"Why not? You're unattached." Anthony shrugged.

"Barely! It's been days."

"Forgive me. I must not be up to date on the official protocols. How long after you've broken up with someone are you allowed to behave as if you've broken up with them?"

"Arsehole."

"Not an answer. When will you let me kiss you, Kate? When will you let me hold you?"

Kate seemed to lose herself for a few moments as her eyes travelled down to Anthony's lips and back. "I didn't leave him for you."

Anthony took a single step closer to her. Kate raised a cautious eyebrow as she looked down at the distance between them reducing just a little bit. She said nothing, and her mouth remained hard set.

"Good. I wouldn't want that on my conscience. Though, if I'm being honest, I'd take you however I could get you. "

Anthony chose this path of brutal honesty purposefully, and was determined to stay the course.

"I didn't leave him at all, actually. We aren't together anymore, but he's my best friend." Kate raised her head higher, but her confidence came across as false.

"Still?"

"Oh, fuck you." She laughed mirthlessly.

"Oh, let's put a pin in that. What I mean is, if it were me, only being your friend would never suffice, especially if I already knew what it was like to have you, to belong to you. I simply cannot imagine how anyone could stand to be around you and not want you, let alone an ex."

Kate scoffed. "Don't reduce him to being an 'ex.' You don't know anything about our relationship, what we've been through together."

It was Anthony's turn to cross his arms. 

"Fine. Let's talk about what I do know. I know Tom isn't your fiance anymore, or even your boyfriend. I know you've never talked to me about him. And I know that you're here right now when this business could have been handled over the phone, especially considering the state you're in."

Kate shook her head vigorously. "You're reading into things."

Fuck this. Anthony moved in on her.

"I sure as hell am, Kate. Because you won't just fucking say it. Do you want me?"

Kate looked dazed at the question. Anthony was feeling brave. He grabbed Kate's hand and held it over his heart.

"Are you aching the way I am?"

Kate swallowed as her expression softened again, this time without going back. Anthony watched the movement of her throat before he slid his cheek against hers as his mouth moved up to her ear.

"I wonder, Kate. Do you think I could make you wet for me right now?"

Kate's lips parted as she gasped at his boldness. Anthony chuckled darkly. His lips brushed against her earlobe. "Won't you let me try, Kate?"

And that was it. That was as far as Anthony was going to go. He’d made his intentions exceedingly clear. Anything more was up to Kate.

—

Kate leaned her temple against Anthony’s. She tried to steady her breath. This was a lot. Who was she fooling? She didn’t have to take care of this tonight. And Anthony was right, she didn’t have to physically be in the shop to do it. She wanted to see Anthony, and he knew it. So, she was here. She saw him. Now what?

Kate touched Anthony cheek and turned his face towards hers so their lips could meet. For all of Anthony’s aggressive posturing, the kiss actually started quite gently. Too gently, if Kate was being honest about what she wanted–what she needed–in the moment. So, she worked her hands into Anthony’s hair and pulled. His groan let her know he was taking the hint, as did him grabbing her hips and pulling her toward him in one hard jerk. She glided her tongue across his lips only to find he was already attempting access into her own mouth.

“Fuck.” He whispered without breaking contact. His hands went under the hem of her shirt as Kate desperately moved a leg over so she was straddling one of his. When Anthony moved to her neck and bit down, Kate whimpered. But something was off. She wanted this. She was sure of that. But not yet.

Not yet, not yet, not yet.

Kate moaned as she pushed Anthony back, taking a few steps back herself. They stared each other down as their chests heaved.

Kate shook her head and resumed pacing.

"Do you know how I found your boutique? Why I picked you to make my dress?"

It appeared Anthony hadn’t fully recovered. He took a few beats to respond. His jaw ticked before he said, "No, Kate, I don't."

"Tom. He spent ages researching dressmakers. And he found you. Isn't that fucked up?"

Anthony opened his mouth, but Kate continued.

"'You deserve the best, Kate.’ That’s what he said. ‘I know it’s a lot, but I want you to have the best because that’s what the love of my life deserves.'" The last word ended on a choked sob. Kate shoved the heels of her hands against her eyes.

“Ugh!” Kate looked up at the ceiling. “The love of his fucking life. And I broke his heart, and before a week has even passed, I’m here. What for what? All you can talk about is how much you want to fuck me. Am I supposed to be swooning?"

The change in Anthony's eyes, his whole face, was immediate. "You think that's all I want?" He asked, affronted.

Kate answered quickly before she could think about it. "Yes."

"Liar. This is more than that, and you fucking know it." His gaze was boring into hers and she couldn’t take it.

“I…” Kate held the tears back as she found herself speechless for the second time tonight. This was a bad idea. She wasn’t ready for this conversation. She wasn’t ready for him. Wants and needs be damned.

“I need to go. I shouldn’t be here. Can you, um… Can you unlock the door, please?”

Anthony did so without hesitating. He waited at the threshold for her. Walking past him was going to be hard, but she had to do it. For now. Kate got one foot onto the sidewalk before Anthony gently cupped her hand.

“Just–just…” He looked at their joined hands, then up at her. “Wait.” It was a soft plea.

They locked eyes. Neither could say for how long. It could have been seconds. It could have been hours. Either way, Kate was the one to break the spell. She wrenched her hand away from his.

“Good-bye, Anthony.”

And then, she was gone.

[calypso-finale]

Hundred Eleven. Part 7

Tianna keep giving me the side eye and I don’t know, maybe it’s because I just wanted to go to Houston and then be there for a few days, but I guess she wants to do this, but she is taking forever in the bathroom “Cench, come here bro” YB said, getting up from the seat “does that mean we staying here in Kansas?” Rimz asked and I just shrugged nothing I can do with that, I guess we are really “we need to go, what you mean staying here bro?” licking my top lip “erm Rylee wants to erm, take me out” I shrugged “ok but she can do that in Houston, bro we have time and a place. The bus is waiting we need to go, we got to keep to the schedule” I don’t know what he want me to do “grow some balls and just say it” I laughed “I did say it, but I saw the look on her face, look just go, you and everyone else go, I will meet you in Houston and whatever, just go” what else can I say “you really just going to stay behind? I hope you get your dick wet for this, Rimz!” YB walked around “Tianna and YB come, we going leaving these two here, unless you staying behind Tianna?” I mean I wish that she could have done it in Houston but it’s not that deep really, I will catch a flight to Houston “ok bro, talk to me and make sure you tell me when you coming” dapping him “Tianna is staying behind, she crashing your meal” I chuckled, my eyes bulged out “what is this?” I pointed at Rylee “oh” Rimz said “we going to eat” Rylee said but she is dressed, like I mean dressed with the high waist split, oh she showing legs, dragging my eyes down. Licking my bottom lip and dragging my eyes back up, peeping Rimz just rubbing his chin “why are you still here bro?” he laughed “nah, nah I am going. I was just telling you look amazing; I mean no I mean. Have an amazing time” rolling my eyes “bro just fuck off” pushing him as he left “yes sister” Ti said that dress went to places, she looks amazing “you should have said?” she never told me anything, I am stood here with a tee and cut offs, she ain’t said shit, I look lame now “tell you what, I said we going for a meal. And Oakley, this is you. So I accept that, I am going to get my bag be back” smiling at her as she walked off, oh Rylee look too good “she looks good doesn’t she, have fun” Ti smiled “are you staying behind?” I pointed “yep, see you tomorrow, have fun” that smirk alone is giving something, she knows something I don’t.

I look so odd, I mean I don’t care but she could have said, I would have worn some jeans instead but the whole staff is looking at me like I do not deserve but I guess whatever “it’s weird” I said looking at the menu “what you mean weird? Because it isn’t a chicken shop” I chuckled “erm maybe, just very upper class but I could have put on some jeans, my stuff is on the bus, I have no clothes? Wait, that just hit me, now I have no clothes. I have to get a hotel now too to leave in the morning for Houston” now I have to plan it all myself “why you sat there just planning, just relax. Everything will be fine, I promise you let’s just have fun and eat this lovely seafood, ok?” I grinned “yeah” the waiter came back over “can I have another water please and thank you” Rylee grinned “we in a fancy place and you still having water, I am paying you know” I pulled a face “why? Let me pay, I don’t mind you know?” Rylee shook her head “I took you out, so shut up. So you like my dress? I bought that when I went out with my sister” she looks so proud of it “so you bought that for me?” I pointed at myself “well, who else” my smile grew “nah, I am just, I don’t know. But you look amazing, like wow. This whole fit, I mean dress. I look at you and I think what the fuck am I doing with you, like how. Shit is wild, and I don’t know. But you look amazing, I don’t deserve you” Rylee put her head down, she is blushing “no Oakley, I do not deserve you. The way you have forgiven me for what I have been like, I do not actually deserve such a good man, you have a good heart and I really want us to start a new chapter. The both of us, you know like you was saying” rubbing my face “I have said a lot” I laughed “so you was joking” furrowing my eyebrows “nah, not saying that” I think she got offended by that “I need the bathroom” I huffed out.

She is banging, her body is fucking amazing and them boobs, my god “why did you go to the bathroom, I wasn’t joking with what I said. I do remember it, I think it’s hard when you think you don’t deserve me, and it sounds weird but like, they don’t know what happened really but me Lee, I do forgive you so if like you want us to move then it has to be fully, you cannot be tracking back to what happened, or anything. Same with me like shit can’t be about what happened to you, but you already know that, like physically Rylee, you look so fucking bomb. Like shit, me compared to you, man I am lucky to have you. I love you, and when I look at you my heart skips a beat sometimes, and shit sounds corny but it’s true, when I see you, any time. When I pick up Aziel, when I just see you any day, any time. I get shy, it’s weird but I fucking just have feelings that I still can’t explain, I erm, I love you a lot and out of my love for you I would do anything for you, and that don’t mean I accept anything, but I know, like in my heart I know that you are sorry, and I see you have been working on you a lot, and I appreciate it and it doesn’t go unnoticed. You have grown a lot, I see it” she has become a woman, I see it “thank you, I appreciate that you see that because it’s only you that I want to care about me like that, and Oakley you say you have these feelings, so do I. I always wanted a man like my dad and” she is smiling “he is right here, you are what I want, and I want it, what can I say, I can’t lie and say it’s just friends because it isn’t, you fit into my family so much and my parents treat you like their son, and I love to see it. I think my parents would disown me if I ever hurt you and I respect that because you deserve to be loved” putting my head down “you deserve it Oakley” I swallowed hard “not easy though” I mumbled.

Rylee is a baddie, that thigh split is giving and I want it bad “I have sorted it” she said walking back over to me, her body is the one “hey” she waved in my face “yeah, you get the room” she nodded her head “I will walk you to your room” nodding my head “I feel like a bitch, I am supposed to walk you to your room, you go first” I gestures “so you can see my ass” I chuckled not denying it, I want that badly but we being good. Pressing the elevator button “what floor? Since you paying for everything, better be penthouse with your tight ass” walking into the room “trust me, it is” seeing that she pressed the top floor “oh so you got me top floor? All to myself” she shrugged “maybe, maybe not” smirking at her “cool” pressing my lips into a hard thin line, her body looks so good “you really look beautiful Rylee, wow” I said again, and she got so shy “stop it, embrace it, you are beautiful. And you deserve the world, whoever that lucky man is” she is so cute “this is me then” the doors opened but it’s already on the floor “woah?” I said and then peeping the roses “huh” looking at Rylee “after you” she just said, “I am confused” she shushed me “please, let me do this for you” staring into her eyes “me?” I pointed; this is not what happens to me “for me?” I said again the elevator door about to close “just get out!” Rylee spat “for you” she added, I am shocked like what the fuck is happening, roses for me.

I am in shock, it’s something I didn’t think would be happening to me, who does this for a guy though “what” I said seeing the bed “Rylee what is this?” I said pointing seeing the bed is just filled with flowers, there is champagne, and then a photo frame with both of us on there, looking behind me “really?” She just smiled at me “I wanted to surprise” I am stumped, I don’t know what to say “wow” holding my hands out and she placed her hands in mine “I am shocked, I don’t know what to say you know” pulling her into me as I hugged her “you deserve to be loved too, men deserve it too” this is so weird to see, I don’t even know what to say. She is too romantic for me sometimes “this is, a lot” moving back from the hug “in a good way?” Nodding my head, she tried to move back “I’ll be back” she said to me “where you going” leaning down to peck her lips but she moved her head back “I need the bathroom, I’ll be back” nodding my head “alright” nodding my head as she walked off, she turned back to me smiling, she is driving me crazy “wow��� walking around the bed, this is crazy. Picking the photo up of Rylee and I “this picture, was this just after you had Aziel?” I am sure I am right “yeah, how do you know” I grinned “observant like that” I grinned, that is cute. Turning around to place the frame on side “my clothes?” I said, I didn’t even peep that “I didn’t want you complaining about clothes” she has planned all this “wow” nodding my head smiling, she thought ahead. I sighed out “what you doing?” She taking ages “that seafood backing up on you” I laughed “Oakley, shut up!” She spat; I can’t believe how she planned this out. Getting my phone out, YB has messaged me, but he’s just said that he’s booked my flight tickets, he’s a good guy for that. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, answering Wadz call “bro” I said, “I woke up and you ain’t here” I chuckled “I don’t know you know, Lee kidnapped me and I’m in a room with rose petals and shit” Wadz snorted laughing “she proposing to you!?” I shrugged “bro I don’t even know, but yeah. Maybe” Wadz sniggered “you going to say yeah?” Wadz is stupid “be quiet, that is so dumb, but I feel like a shy bride right now. This is crazy, you wouldn’t believe it, a guy like me though. Come on, just sat on the bed full of rose petals” Wadz is laughing at me “you’re full on being proposed too, she knows you the bitch in the relationship” he’s got jokes “aye, rumour has it you know. Juke and Imani been getting close” I groaned “I beg please make sure you don’t allow it, you be on their ass. You get him, he’s a dumbass” Juke fucking up my vibe with Rylee with this shit “can you get off the phone!” Rylee spat “uh damn I’ve been told to come off; I’ll speak to you soon bro” Wadz ain’t even speaking he’s laughing so hard right now so I just disconnected the call “why?” I asked, she is crazy “because” she said as she came from around the corner, my eyes bulged out in shock.

Morning call with Damson is the sweetest thing, the way he always sends the morning messages or if he is on set like today he is still talking to me or he just has me on the phone while he works and I just listen “I am so tired peaches” I am going to kill him “why do you keep calling me peaches, please stop” I sound awful in the morning, I hate it but he loves it “why don’t you go to sleep, I am sure they are done now on set right?” I am sure they are done now “I am waiting for the SUV but yeah I am done, so what did you decide, are you staying behind now? Come on set and see the real peaches” I scoffed “yeah whatever but I have decided to stay in LA now, also Oakley is staying in LA for a while too so I am staying at my sister home and he will be there” he let out an oh “is your crazy ex still on your case, if you need me to protect you I got Jerome for you, Jerome Saint” he knows damn well “I need a real man please” I said “I promise you now that is not Oakley” we both laughed “hey, leave him. He is so sweet, he said he would protect me, one second” answering the call from Rylee “are you awake?” she asked but of course I am, I answered did I not “yeah I am, why?” I wonder what happened now “I will come down to you” she put the phone down “I have to go now, but text me when you get back to your place. And I cannot wait to meet your onset family, it’s cute that you want them to see me though” he is really adamant “I have a plan Tianna, but I shall text you and speak to you soon, take care” I would speak to him longer but Rylee will be here any moment “take care, bye” disconnecting the call, that was so nice.

Opening the door to my sister and I just raised an eyebrow as soon as I saw her, oh she gave me a giggle “I’m guessing good news” she walked into me and just hugged me “oh this is extra good news Rylee” hugging her back and walking into the room with her “you come to drop details, where is he?” She is skipping, this girl is too happy so it went well, she fell onto my bed “he’s asleep, like he isn’t waking up I fear, that man is knocked out. I fear he is gone, I mean he is asleep but I tried waking him but he’s asleep, like a deep one” I cackled sitting down “so what happened; you’re happy. I did worry, I was waiting on your call” crossing my legs Indian style “so when he entered the room he was like what the fuck is this shit, I don’t get it and he was very much thrown back by it, I was like oh shit, this is like a honeymoon suite, I was sweating at that point, so I said wait there I’ll be back, he was still bewildered, he was weirded out by it, so I put on the lingerie. Sprayed a little something and walked out” Rylee is giggling “shut up bitch, keep going!” I spat “so I walked out, his mouth fell open like he wasn’t ready at all, he dropped his phone and he didn’t even bother to pick it up, so I thought let me do a little slut drop, I did and erm, yeah I picked it up, placed it on the side, he was so quiet Ti. So I’m like I need to play this shit out, my hands on his legs I just pushed them open, his eyes widened and I just thought, I need to do this” she covered her face “oh my god, I can’t believe I did that. Face to face, I did that, I controlled him. Me” I fist pumped and then gave her high five “he was the bitch wasn’t he?” She nodded her head “he was under my spell like he was well and truly just was doing anything I say, he was shocked and he got hard so quick” I snorted “but then he wouldn’t stop, I got tired so he then went on top of me instead but he was giving me eye contract, like it was deep” I clapped my hands together “and that’s how you do it, you ran the show. You’re glowing, your happiness is radiating” she stifled out a yawn “I need to brush my teeth” I pulled a face “girl, take your ass somewhere else. But now, you know what to do, hear me out. He’s asleep, get room service. Bring breakfast in, wake him. Feed him and then send him on his way by giving him a little goodbye sex” waving her off to go “how do you know this shit?” She asked “keeping men is easy Rylee, you both at that stage anyways, you know him, he knows you. Just this is going to get you married, I am helping. But sorry if you get pregnant” Rylee scoffed “never” she walked off, least it worked for them both, I mean really she was ready and he was ready.

I was not waiting for them, I needed lunch, I had to do late checkout and pay that fee so I went to the cafe down the road and waiting for them really, Damson messaged that he got back safely. Rolling my eyes, my to do list is my number change when I get back to LA, I can’t be dealing with this because Taylan is too much, he is begging me back and saying I know you’re in America, of course he knows it was posted but still, I can’t live my life hiding from him because I refuse, he was a lesson in my life and it was lesson learnt from him “you want anything?” Dragging my eyes up seeing Oakley and Rylee are here hand in hand too “erm, get me another Latte please” a small smile played on my face watching Oakley lean to Rylee and kissed her cheek, oh it’s worked. She sat down across from me “I am sore now, officially. I wasn’t before” I snorted laughing “you got him sister, you have him. You got him, listen to me. Don’t fuck it up now, please. He doesn’t deserve to be hurt either” Rylee shook her head “no never, I won’t. I want him, I am sad I’m going but Grace said Aziel is not well but he’s said that I’m not there, I don’t want that either. I feel so close to him, he held my hand I didn’t hold his” I grinned “imagine it, if Damson and I make it, we could be neighbours” Rylee clapped her hands laughing “I pray” Oakley made his way back over to us “she will bring it over to us” he sat down “don’t tell me you’re sore too” he looked at me laughing “be quiet, you know everything don’t look at me like that” I shrugged smiling “I don’t actually” Oakley placed his hand on the back of Rylee chair, tilting my head to the side “less heavy now?” He shrugged “you’re silly” he shook his head “well we will be dealing with each other with me staying” he rolled his eyes “awww Oakley looks so good, happiness is beaming through” this man is too happy “how many times” I asked “a few” I chuckled “well isn’t this the reunion we needed” I am glad really “need it official soon, so my mother can put her guns down, at this point she will have you in makeup next” my mother don’t give up “you seen what lingerie she had?” Nodding my head “of course, she got a good body” that smirk from Oakley, it made me laugh out “you are whipped, my god. Good girl Rylee” she did herself proud “that mouth do more then just talk” he sighed out smirking to himself “baby number two on the way” Rylee groaned out “bitch shut up” I grinned “TT baby number two” I just know it, I sense it, it’s in the air “I didn’t expect to be a dad to one so that would be crazy to think” Rylee shushed him “this is why you don’t think pookie” laughing at Rylee, she better hope those swimmers don’t work at all, I know she bought no condoms.

[nebulousneuroticism]

I had intense dreams last night. There was a haunted house, or something... I had to drag myself out of bed for my family call.

The family call was fine. I was pretty quiet, and my sister seemed tired. I heard about everyone's thanksgivings. It was good to see them all, even if I didn't have much to say.

Afterwards, I set about doing my laundry. While it was running, I took a walk and visited my favorite sandwich shop. Laundry sure is exhausting; probably because I leave it for like three weeks at a time, and also because I have to haul all my clothes back and forth to the communal laundry room. Alas, I just can't justify the expense of a personal washing machine.

So I was pretty tired when I finished all that. I sat back and relaxed for the rest of the night. I played some more Dwarf Fortress. I think I'm starting to get a handle on the core systems, so I'm able to see what the hardcore fans see in it--there's a lot of depth to it, and a lot you can do, but you really have to set your own goals. I'm enjoying it. My fortress keeps growing larger, and I'm looking forward to whatever catastrophe finally brings it crashing down.

I feel fine tonight. It's been a nice holiday weekend. I'm not really looking forward to work tomorrow, especially since I don't have anything to show for my time last week--I kinda slacked off since no one was around. But that's okay.

At some point, I need to think about what's next. I'm sick of my job, and I don't really see a future there... but doing anything else feels impossible. I need to find a way to escape this rut that I'm in. Maybe later...

[galacticgraffiti]

❈⤜ Vode Haran ⤛❈

Although this first chapter is SFT I will mention from the start that this story will eventually contain NSFW/18+ content. Minors, kindly take responsibility for yourselves and stay away from my blog and my content.

Biker!Boba Fett x f!reader

Rating: SFW/Teen Wordcount: 5k CW: None really, slight teasing, reader is a bit of a brat, flirting, explicit language, cursing

⋆ Mae’s Art ⋆ Gala's Masterlist ⋆❈⋆ Taglist Signup

Reminder that all artwork, including the dividers, was created by and belongs to @maygalodon. Please do not use without permission.

Chapter 1 - The Client

He walks in like he owns the place – and in a sense that may be true. But you are not about to hide in a corner. This repair shop may be part of his little empire, but this space within it is yours, and yours alone. If he wants to come in, he could have knocked.

“Fett,” you greet him. You have never met the man before, but it can only be him – from the aura of arrogant danger that surrounds him to the helmet he holds in his large hand, everything about him screams Leader.

“Glad my reputation seems to precede me,” he answers. His voice pours over you like warm honey, different from what you expected. It is rough and husky and it touches your insides in a way you are not used to. He speaks more quietly than you thought he would, but then again, a man with his presence probably does not need to raise his voice to be heard.

“And who might you be, little one?”

The pet name makes your spine tingle – and not in a pleasant way. Well- maybe in a pleasant way too. But you push that to the side, who the fuck does he think-

“Don’t call me that,” you say curtly. “And if you don’t know who I am then my sister does not seem to keep you as well informed as you should like.”

“Ah,” he grins, cocky to all hells and you grit your teeth in the face of his obnoxious arrogance. “You must be the armourer’s little sister.”

“If that’s what you want to call her. She has a name, you know?” You turn around and walk back to his bike, mumbling to yourself, “And so do I.”

He does not hear you – maybe he does not want to hear you. He saunters over to his motorcycle, carefully inspecting the new paintjob. You notice a faint hesitation when he bends down, the way his one leg drags after the other ever so slightly. A small detail that makes the unapproachable man somehow… a little more human.

“I’m not done yet,” you say, stretching the syllables so he knows you are not defending yourself but merely making a statement.

“I know. The armourer- well. Ilasaid I should come by tomorrow, but I was waiting for… for someone just around the corner and thought I’d swing by, get a look at the progress.” He stands back up. Boba is not particularly tall, though a little taller than you, but he is so broad his body seems to swallow you up entirely. It is not just his physical presence, either, it lies in the way he carries himself – cocksure to the point of arrogance, powerful and merciless. His aura washes over you, captures you, intrigues you although you try to resist the pull of his presence. You stare at him, a silent challenge in your eyes. I dare you, mudscuffer. Say something about my work. Criticise it and we’ll see what you walk out of here with. Maybe a brandnew candy pink bike? Bet you’d love a good shimmer with it too, some sparkly colours would brighten you right up-

“Looks good,” is all he rasps.

“She’ll look even better when I’m actually done,” you mumble and there is an amused sparkle in his eyes when he turns back to look at you.

“Oh, I don’t doubt it, sweetheart.”

“Wonderful, another nickname,” you mutter and huff, crouching in front of the bike and pretending to wipe away imaginary fingerprints he has left on the fresh paint. When you straighten up, Boba is suddenly much closer than you thought he would be, his hot breath fanning across the back your neck and you shiver when he speaks, the deep rumble of his voice reverberating throughout your entire body. Stop it.

“You don’t like the nicknames?”

“I don’t like feeling patronised,” you say icily. Maybe you should tone it down, maybe you should be a little more… polite. He is your sister’s employer in more than one regard, and not only that; he is the head of Vode Haran. He may well chop your fingers off if he doesn’t like your tone – or so you have heard. In spite of the gruesome tales, Boba seems to take your little quips with little to no reaction so far; maybe a corner of his mouth raises, maybe there is a sparkle of amusement in his eye, but no more. You tremble as his lips move against the shell of your ear when he speaks again, his broad chest so close to your back you can feel the heat radiating off of him. A sweet ache settles between your legs but you push it down – down, down, down, you don’t want this, you don’t want to like him, he seems dangerous and too arrogant for his own good-

“I can stop any time, pretty girl. But somehow I doubt you really want me to.” Boba’s voice is husky and dripping with filthy implication. Even though the innuendo is obvious, it does not feel icky as it often does, instead it feels like… like a promise. I’d make you feel so good.

“You’re so fucking-“ you stop yourself. Stepping forward to bring a bit of distance between the two of you, you turn around to face him. You have only just met the man, he is feared and adored alike, but he is not someone you should desire. Definitely not someone you should anger, either. Thinking of Ila to push down your annoyance – at him, at yourself, and at this strange situation, you cock your head and smile at Boba. Your tone shifts completely, sweetness dripping from your voice when you speak.

“She’ll be ready for you tomorrow, Sir. Please come by whenever you find the time. I know you’re a busy man, but I’ll be here all day.”

Boba tilts his head and squints at you like he is trying to figure out what you are playing at. You are not playing at anything, not really. But you were about to say a very fucking rude thing, and you are not going to cost your sister her hard-earned membership. So, you smile at Boba like nothing is wrong in the world. And nothing was wrong before he walked in and interrupted your painting time. You were just getting a good flow, the colours blended just right, the texture perfect, the vision so clear in your mind’s eye – and then he walked in and destroyed it all.

Boba takes a look around the room, gaze catching on the sketches you have hung up on the wall. He opens his mouth, but then seems to think better of it. Sarcastically saluting you, he steps out of your space and back into the main hangar, leaving the sliding doors wide open. Because of course he does.

“See you tomorrow, princess.”

You swear to the Gods you would throw your paint bucket after him if he was not already gone, only his scent lingering in the air. You take a deep breath – to steady yourself, not to try and figure out what he smells like, of course. And you get back to work.

*****

“You did what?” Ila gasps, eyes wide in horror. “You called him- you called Boba Fett a fucking-“

“Almost,” you remind her, snatching a fry from the pile on her plate. “Almost being the key word here. I stopped myself. I worked on my… customer service skills. I smiled at him, and I bid him goodbye even though he was being an obnoxious fucking nerfherder. You’re fine though, I promise.”

Your sister is too stunned to say another word, quietly shovelling fries into her mouth as you lean back and interlace your fingers behind your head, talking way too fast and telling yourself that you are not trying to defend yourself – just explain the situation.

“What can I say? I was in the zone, and he interrupted me. No one-“ you raise your finger and stab it in her direction. “No one, not even Boba kriffing Fett interrupts me while I’m in the zone.”

You sigh and tilt dangerously on your chair, careful to keep it in balance while Ila fixes you with a death glare that would have made you shrink in your seat in your younger years. You grin and let yourself fall forward to grab another fry from her plate, but she catches your hand mid-air and pushes it back to your side of the table before burying her face in her grease-smeared hands. Mo puts a calming hand on her shoulder but throws you are warning glance that says Don’t push it too far.

“You heard her, baby. It’s all good, and Fett said he’d swing by tomorrow, right? Maybe you can smooth it over then.” Ah. Good old Mo. They always know what to say, a calming presence in the face of the whirlwind that is you and your sister.

“Remind me again why I’m letting you do this,” Ila groans, her voice obscured by her hands, though she does move to grab Mo’s hand. You shrug and grin.

“Because I’m talented? Because it’s not every day you find an artist willing to paint bikes for practically no compensation and do a good job? Because the Vode don’t just trust anyone with their precious, precious motorcycles and I already have an in through you? Because-“

“Alright,” Ila mutters. “Kriffing hells, I should throw you out instead of feeding you. Make you a true starving artist.”

“I have my own flat now,” you remind her smugly. “I’m not dependent on you.”

“I liked it better when you were,” she mumbles. “You insufferable little shit.”

Your grin fades.

“You don’t mean that.”

“That you’re an insufferable little shit? Absolutely I do.” She pauses for a second, then reaches out her hand to squeeze yours that is laying limply on the table. “The rest… no. I’m proud of you, you know that. And if you hadn’t completely fucked up today you might have gained a valuable customer for your little start-up. And also not cost me my place among the Vode, you know how hard I had to fight to get in?”

“’m sorry,” you mumble. “But I promise, it’s fine. Boba didn’t seem mad, and you can always push the blame on me. I don’t care if he never lets me touch his starforsaken bike again.”

Ila’s eyes are serious when she fixates you.

“It’s not just that. Family means everything to them- to us. The Vode are family, but us two… we are blood. And I haven’t cut ties with you, so if I’m in, you’re in- but if you’re out, I’m out too.”

You can tell from her voice that she is serious, that this is not an exaggeration. She means it. Guilt gnaws at your conscience.

“I’m sorry,” you apologise again, properly this time. “I’ll try to smooth things over with Boba tomorrow, I promise. You don’t have to fix my mistakes, Ila.”

“I know,” she sighs. “And I shouldn’t have to. Remember that, though. And be polite. I know how you get. How you like to rile people up – you get a kick out of it.”

When you open your mouth to protest, she raises her hand to stop you.

“Don’t even. You do, and that’s that on that. Usually I don’t bother even trying to keep you in check. Your problems are yours, especially if your big fuckin’ mouth is the cause of them. But once it involves me, that’s where the fun stops. Understood?”

“Yep,” you nod and Ila seems satisfied with that answer.

“Good. Now stop stealing my fries, you little thief. You’ve had your fill, these are mine.”

Mo leans over to peck Ila’s cheek and you smile when Ila turns to the side to catch Mo’s lips instead. Those two truly have a good thing going and you are happy for them. They have found their little corner in the world and made it theirs, but sometimes… jealousy sneaks in when you least want it. You have been managing just fine on your own, thing is just- you don’t want to anymore. You want something more. And today, when Boba Fett stopped by the garage… you thought you just might risk it.

You stay for dessert and a cup of caf, but when Mo starts yawning in between words, you take that as your signal to leave. You hug Mo even though they are already half asleep, and Ila kisses your cheek.

“Text me when you get home,” she says and you nod before quietly sneaking out the door so you don’t disturb Mo’s peaceful slumber. When you get home, you dutifully text Ila, your screen illuminating your face as you stare into the darkness. And you should go to bed – you know you should. But you get up and take out your sketchbook instead, the good one, the one you made for yourself. And you let yourself remember Boba Fett’s face that is way too pretty for the things you know he has done.

*****

You are up early, driving the scrapheap you call a car over to Ila’s garage. As glad as you are to finally have your own flat, the way to work is not… ideal. Ila lives right beside the garage which is situated smackdab in the middle of the Empire, as you have dubbed it – the area in which the Vode Haran are in charge.

After Boba interrupted you yesterday, you couldn’t get anything quite right anymore, but now that you are in a better mood, you want to try and fix the details you may have missed yesterday. You want to do a good job – and no matter how much you tell yourself that it’s just because you want good business, you cannot deny that the thought of Boba liking and praising your work makes shivers run down your spine and has you clenching your thighs together. You shouldn’t need his approval; you shouldn’t want his approval but… Gods would it feel good.

The bike looks better than you had thought it would, your memory always worse than the actual state of the artwork – not that you are not glad about it right now. You have no idea when Boba is coming, and you really want to be finished before he shows up. Because what if he gets here and you are not done and he… lingers? What if he stands around and watches you work? The thought alone is enough to make your adrenaline spike, and you are not sure if that sensation is pleasant.

The tension lingers as you work, but only for a few moments. Soon, you are so immersed in the flow of the colours, scanning for lines and shading that need to be added, that you barely register anything happening outside your doors. Ila has given you the old office corner of the garage, because it is large, and she does not use it, and it has good lighting. Also because it can be closed off – so you can work in peace, safe from her watchful eyes, and she can work in peace, safe from your snide commentary whenever you are taking a break. Just when you step back and decide you are quite satisfied with your work, you hear the rumble of a familiar voice outside. You don’t know if it should alarm you that you already recognise the sound of Boba’s voice, the heavy steps, and the clinking of the spurs he wears. But that is not important right now. You finished in time, and you like what you have done – that is what counts. There is a knock, but before you can answer, the doors already slide open. You turn around with a sharp comment on the tip of your tongue, but the words die on your lips, wilting like forgotten flowers when you see the expression on Boba’s face.

He does not look the same as yesterday. You can not quite put your finger on it, but there is something about him – he seems more… imposing. Threatening, even. The playful air from yesterday is gone, replaced by an unreachable cold that emanates from him and cools even the warm, rich brown colour of his eyes. When yesterday, talking back to him seemed like fun – even if you knew it was definitely not a good idea – you are not sure you would dare to do the same today. His kutte is dark from the rain, dripping onto the floor. You hate watching the water pearl off of him, off of the leather and the marred skin of his skull, down onto your floor. Boba is in your space, again, and leaving marks of his presence, again. But today you don’t dare say anything, not when anger drips from his fingertips like crimson blood.

“She done?” he grunts, voice husky and so hoarse it is barely audible. You just nod. Boba doesn’t even look at you, just strides over to his bike and runs his hand along the dark leather of her seat. “Will the colour withstand the rain?”

“It should,” you say tentatively. “It’s already dry and I’ve sealed all the layers. If there is a problem, just bring her back and I’ll fix it.”

Boba nods, the look in his eyes so far away it seems like he is gazing right through you. He pulls the bike down from the platform and pushes it out the doors and into the hangar. You look after him, an odd sense of disappointment settling in your stomach when he swings his leg over the saddle. This is it; he is going to leave. Who knows if he’ll return while you are still here; you never planned to stay here even half as long as you already have. The engine roars to life between his thick legs, far too loud in the empty, open space of the hangar. Boba does not look back, he just weaves through the parts that lay strewn about the workshop, his bike purring like a kitten as he chugs out the door and drives off, without ever glancing back at you.

The thought of him does not leave you all day. He seemed so… different. You liked challenging him yesterday, you liked the banter and how his proximity got you excited. You may have denied it, may have forbidden yourself to think about it like that because you wanted to be angry at him. You did not plan to like Boba Fett, or to want to get to know him. Not from the second he stepped into your space, filling it with his presence and leaving reminders of him everywhere; from the outlines of dried rain droplets on the floor to his scent lingering in the air long after he is gone. You did not want him there, and you barely know him, yet still… now that he has gone without saying goodbye or even wasting another look at you, or giving you the opportunity to talk about what happened the day before, you are frustrated.

He sneaks into your mind as you sketch out some ideas, sat at the long desk that is left over from when your workspace was still an office. Your paint and pencils litter every square inch of the surface, dry paints – both for metal and canvas – scattered across the wood. You try to focus on an idea you had while working on Boba’s bike. Your art has evolved through the years, as has your medium. But now, finally, you feel like you are in a place you like with it. You still do classical paintings as well as some graffiti and airbrush work, a proclivity left over from your teenage years. Hence the reason you were confident you could paint the motive when your sister asked. “You can’t fuck this up,” she had said, and you had just rolled your eyes and promised you would practice. Boba’s bike is not the first you have painted – the first who requested something had actually been Fennec, who knows Ila through some complicated story you never quite grasped. You are pretty sure they maybe probably used to date. And once you got to know Fen, you know why it didn’t last. She is just as explosive as Ila is, and though she’s fun to hang around with and you like her a lot, you can see how those two would not mix well in a relationship.

Word had gotten around about your skills after Fennec inspected your artwork on her bike and declared it to be ‘amazing as hell’, and you had slowly gotten more and more customers, all of them Vode and all of them much more polite than you had thought they would be. You had been hit on more than once, but all of them had accepted your gently sarcastic rejections with no more than a shrug or maybe a theatrical grip of their broken heart. You like them, you like this family they have built for themselves. But Boba always seemed out of reach, until Ila one day told you that the big boss wanted his bike done. The sketch she showed you was surprisingly artful, but you never got to talk to Boba directly, instead he had communicated through your sister, until yesterday when he had simply strolled into your workshop.

Painting motorcycles had not been the original business plan. You finished your apprenticeship at a tattoo parlour before you moved here, but your style just seems to lend itself to painting bikes – classic, bold strokes, primary colours. Sailor tattoos, Ila had once called them. Your sketches still hang on the walls of your workspace even though it has been a while since you tattooed anybody. A quiet man, Din, you think his name was, asked you once. Dude never took off his helmet while he was in the workshop, and you did not see him since then. You heard his bike got blown up in some weird attack on the clan, but Ila said he was fine though, and you haven’t thought much about him since. Today, you remember Din though, because he saw the sketches on your wall and asked what they were for. Boba stared at those same sketches yesterday, but he never asked. You were hoping he would today, and he might have, if he had not been in such a foul mood.

You scoff, eyebrows drawn together as you trace the lines you have been practically etching into the paper. It is Boba’s face, even though you did not mean to draw him, but he does not leave you alone. He sneaks into your mind, the stern expression on his face, the insufferable grin when he called you sweetheart. His broad shoulders, his thick arms that you can’t help but wish would wrap around you. Ugh.

It is dark outside before you know it. You leave the sketches of the day laying on your desk and drive home to cook yourself something decent before falling asleep in front of the TV watching some documentary. The narrator’s voice almost reminds you of Boba’s, deep and dark and rough in all the right ways. Although he is not even close to the real thing, it is enough that you dream of him, sweat-slick shades of desire painting your dreams. You are so fucked.

****

You wander about the shop a bit aimlessly the next day, no immediate project in mind. Ila works from the pit with a car hanging above her head and you shiver. The thought of the car crashing down is too vivid. So, you sit down on some crates and sketch her at work. She was your earliest subject, and she has always taken your attempts with grace, if sometimes a bit of teasing and laughter. You let yourself sink into the scene, the tinkering a pleasant background noise as you focus on the way she stretches, at the proportions of her familiar face…

Someone clearing their throat next to you rips you out of the creative haze. Without even turning, you know who it is. There is only one person that would interrupt your workflow like that. Again.It’s starting to become a pattern, and not one you appreciate.

“Fett,” you say without looking up from your sketch.

“Princess,” he responds. You roll your eyes and look up at him. He is staring down into your sketchbook and an odd wave of shyness rolls over you. These are your creations. He has no business looking at them like he does, all fascinated. You don’t say anything about the nickname. It sounds too good rolling off his tongue.

“What are you doing here?” you say, and his eyes snap to you. You tilt your head up at him. “Something wrong with the paintjob?”

“Oh,” he seems lost for a second. It’s endearing, but then he straightens up and- yep, there is that confidence. “No, no you did well. I appreciate your work. I just came by to- I actually meant to ask you something yesterday.”

The tinkering behind Boba has stopped and you can practically feel Ila’s hawk-eyes burning into you through Boba’s broad body.

“I meant to apologise,” you say quickly before Boba goes on. “I am sorry I was so impolite. The day before yesterday, I mean. I… I wasn’t expecting you and it was going so well with the painting and you just… kinda barged in and interrupted my flow. Still, that’s no excuse for being rude, so I am sorry.”

Boba considers this for a second, then his eyes soften, and he waves his hand dismissively.

“Don’t worry about it, little one. You did not hurt my feelings.” He pauses and turns back to Ila, who quickly picks up a wrench and starts busying herself again. Boba bends down, so close he can whisper in your ear. “Your sister’s place with me is safe, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

You flinch, embarrassed at having been caught. The apology was not really for your own sake, nor for his. You did it for Ila, and he knows it. A smile tugs at the corner of Boba’s mouth when he sits down on the crate next to you, his arm barely grazing yours.

“As I was saying…” he continues while little shots of electricity prickle through you where he touches you. You pull your leg up and turn around to face him, your knee pressing into his thick thigh. He does not move but just continues speaking like his hand is not inching closer to your leg. “As I was saying. I actually wanted to ask you something.”

“Hm-hm?” you hum, eyes fixed on the way his lips move when he speaks. It’s stupid, but you want to paint him. You want to commit every single detail of his face to your memory so you can go home and let your desire flow from your fingertips. Maybe that will bring you some relief.

“Those sketches in your office,” Boba says, fingers carefully travelling up the side of your leg until his hand rests on your thigh, warm and full of promise. “They… they are not meant for bikes, are they?”

“No,” you breathe. Barely two encounters with this man and you are already head over heels. You are sure he can feel your desire, even confident he reciprocates it from the way his rough fingers draw little patterns on your leg as he continues to stare at you, unblinking. The slight tremble in your voice is barely audible when you continue, but you are sure Boba hears it. “I am… well. I’m an artist. But specifically, I am – or used to be – a tattoo artist. It’s what I did before I moved here and then I kinda just… fell into painting bikes.”

“Tattoo artist, huh?” Boba mutters. “And those sketches, those are your general style? Have you already done them on someone?”

“No, it’s been a while since I tattooed anybody,” you sigh. Your hand slips down to rest closer to his, fingertips almost touching, but not quite. Boba never looks away from your eyes, but you are certain he notices every move you make.

“Why’d you stop?” he asks gently, and for one heartbreaking second you think he means the movement of your hand towards his. And you can’t remember why, because you know it would feel so good to touch him, you can feel it in your bones-

“Stop tattooing?” you realise slowly. Boba nods and you flush under his intense gaze. “Oh. I thought- never mind. I… Stopping was not really a conscious choice, I just lost my customer base when I moved here, and before I could open anything up or try to advertise, that opportunity with the bikes arose, and that kept me busy enough.”

“But you would like to?” he inquires, genuine curiosity in his eyes. Your heart stumbles. I’d like to fuck you, yeah, your brain supplies very unhelpfully.

“I’d love to tattoo again,” you manage, in spite of your treacherous mind. “I really miss it. I like designing things, the kind of collaboration with customers that it has to be. I like the feeling of skin under my fingers, and how personal it is.”

“Hmm,” Boba hums, his finger tracing a line up your leg, and you shiver. “You like… close customer contact, then?”

“If the customer hit the right vibe with me, I would say yes,” you whisper. His eyes are on your lips and the air is thick with unspoken desire, but then Boba’s eyes flick to the pit where Ila is still working. He furrows his brow, then taps your leg. Only when he leans back do you realise how close he was to you, the warmth of his breath lingering on your face. He grins and your heart flutters.

“Then I’d like to make an appointment.”

Let's get this show on the road then! ❥

@ethenae @adancedivasmom @book-of-baba-fett @mando-amando @gotomarvelgal @elegantduckturtle @samanthacookieone @aerynwrites @thefact0rygirl @maybege @corrabell @msfett @ashotofspotchka @hayley-the-comet @ladykatakuri @deewithani @meabravo @fivesarctrooper @rowansparrow @solidago-sempervirens @bobaafetts @lackofhonor @imtryingmybeskar @clonecyare @djarrex @pinkiemme @equalityforcats @holding-on-to-starwars @nymphwriting @kotemorons @moonstrider9904 @kakashibabe02 @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @muffledgorillaviolence @darkrisedivine @twistedstitcher27 @thesithformerlyknownaskenobi @milfplo-koon @levi-llama @rescuethewretched @sharpbarnacle @tenderclio @possiblyexisting @asaucecoveredsomething @everythingyouwanted @spaceydragons @damerondala @cyarbika

[h-cx]

George Weasley X reader

Fluff!!

Warnings: Little bits of swearing

I’m actually so tired so this probably isn’t very coherent, i’ll come and fix it up at some point <3

I threw myself on my bed after another day of watching Angelina hopelessly flirt with Fred, it was really starting to get to me. It started off with her just shamelessly laughing at one of his jokes, her always having her hands in his hair or always having her arm around him. She really doesn't get the message when Fred's trying to shake her off too either, he constantly gave her the hard shoulder, ignoring her slight touches to his arms or her looks to him from under her lashes. She knew he wasn't available, but she kept on with her not so subtle flirting.

It wasn't fair, I'd liked Fred since the first time i met him, my 2nd year at Hogwarts when I had temporarily replaced Angelina as a chaser after she had an accident on the pitch. I'd been friends with Ron, Harry and Hermione since first year, so it wasn't unusual for us all to be at the burrow the week before school started so we could all get our supplies together. You can imagine how I felt when arriving at the burrow the week before this school year to find Draco Malfoy's older sister hanging onto Fred's arm like a lost puppy. 

"Come on Y/n, it's not that bad." I heard Hermione's voice cut across the silence from the other side of the room. "It's clear that he doesn't like her, if he did he wouldn't be snogging that Malfoy's older sister?"

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks Hermione that makes me feel loads better."

Hermione scoffed and threw a pillow at me. "Stop sulking, the yule balls coming up and you can't just wait around hoping that he'll ask you, tomorrow's the hogsmeade trip so we'll go up and look for dresses for you ok? Maybe we can get you stop moping around about it if we get you a nice dress and make you look like a bad bitch.  Anyway I don't know why you're sulking over him, when there's rumors that Diggory's going to ask you." She whispered the last bit but it was still loud enough to hear.

Diggory likes Cho, everyone knows that, and I know Fred would never go for someone two years younger than him, I just wish he would look at me the way he looks at Malfoy. With that thought I shut the curtains on my 4-poster and got comfy, from the other side I heard Hermione sigh as she did the same. I closed my eyes and slipped off into dreams of wishful thinking.

**

Hermione dragged me into the 4th dress shop of the day, she sat me down on a poof as she had a look round at the mass of dresses.

"Is there anything I could do for you dears?" A rather elderly woman came out of beaded doorway in the corner of the room.

Hermione looked her happily." The Yule Balls coming up soon, I was hoping that you could help find a dress for my friend here?" She gestured towards me.

The woman looked me sternly up and down an after looking at me for a few more seconds before speaking "I have just the thing." The woman walked through the beaded door and I sent Hermione a confused look which she returned.

The woman came back with a black lump of cloth in her hand, she gave it to me and pointed towards the dressing room as both her and Hermione looked at me expectantly. I sighed and went into the cramped room that looked like it was used more as a broom closet than a changing room. I slipped on the dress that fit comfortably on my body.

I stepped out of the cupboard, Hermione gasped and the Lady just simply looked at me triumphantly.

The dress was gorgeous, it was all black, the bottom of it was a long flowy skirt that fell into small bundles around my feet. The top of it had a white underlayer with a black sheen lace with flower patterns covering it, it was long sleeve but the material wasn't so restrictive as to make me turn into a pool of sweat the second I even make it into the hall. The neckline sat as a very low cut v-line allowing a canal that slightly showed the sides of my boobs. Wearing a bra with this would be a pain in the ass, but it was going to be worth it. Hermione looked at me. "Perfect." I sent her a massive smile which she returned.

**

"So you still haven't told me who you're going with" I started, we had just gotten to The Three Broomsticks and both of us where casually sipping on our butterbeer

Hermione bashfully looked down at the floor before looking around to see if anyone was listening, she leaned into me and whispered in my ear.

"Krum."

"Krum?!" I whisper-yelled back to her, she giggled and went back to sipping on her drink.

“How? What? When?” I stumbled with my words in disbelief.

I suddenly felt like I was being watched, I looked up to where I felt it from, and from the corner of the room I noticed two bunches of red hair, it was Fred and George. The second I looked over there George seemed to look over at something quickly. 'Weird' I thought, 'why would George be looking at me?'

"Oh god here we go. I’ll tell you everything later I promise, but look behind you" I heard Hermione sigh to herself, I moved my sight away from the twins to the direction that Hermione was looking. I locked eyes with the first triwizard Hogwarts champion.

‘Please don't come over here please don't come over here please don't come over here please don't come over here’ I started to repeat in my head, and to my dismay Cedric started to walk over, as he did I noticed a girl that I couldn't recognize sat at one of the tables next to me's face drop.

"Hey Y/N" Cedric smiled down at me.

"Hey Cedric, how are you?" I smiled back at him, I felt like I was being watched again.

"Hey Y/N I'll be back in a second I need to go do something." Hermione said whilst collecting her stuff and putting on her coat, I glared at her and she winked at me before walking off and exiting the pub. 

"It looks like it's just the two of us now then?" Cedric grinned whilst sitting in Hermione's place.

"Yeah it looks like that."

We sat silently together until Cedric started again," So you bought your dress I see?" He gestured towards the bags that sat by my feet.

"Yes I have, it only took me 50 tries to find the perfect one." I joked and he laughed.

"What does it look like?" He tilt his head to the side slightly.

"That, Diggory, is a secret." Cedric blushed slightly at the use of his last name.

"You seemed to have finished your drink, do you want another one?" He asked.

"Yes please Cedric." He smiled, took our glasses, and got up to head toward to counter.

I looked around the room again only to see both of the twins staring at me, I furrowed my brows and waved at them. Awkwardly George started to wave back with Fred laughing at him for whatever reason. I averted my gaze away from them and snuck a glance at that girl from earlier only to be surprised to find she was nowhere to be found.

'Well I'd be damned' I thought 'the bitch can evaporate.'

Soon enough Cedric came back over with two fresh butter-beers in his hands, he out one down for him and the other for me.

"Thank you," I smiled at him making sure to bat my eyelids a few times. "What do I owe you?"

Without missing a beat he replied," Maybe a date to the Yule ball?"

Cedric looked at me expectantly, i could see the expectation in his eyes.

"If you insist." I grinned up at him.

He smiled ear to ear, "I'll get you at the stairs? Oh and hurry when you do because remember, we have to do the walk in." Cedric placed a kiss to my forehead before walking off.

'The dumbass forgot his drink, oh well, more for me I guess.'

My eyes once again found the twins, Fred's eyebrows were furrowed, almost in disappointment and George looked at me, seemingly upset. A pang went off in my chest, why the fuck am I feeling guilty? I did nothing wrong.

'Nope remember we are getting over Fred.' I sighed and put my head down. I downed my butter-beer and collected my stuff up to go and meet Hermione.

**

"Come on Y/N you can't get cold feet now! You have to go." Hermione dragged me. I huffed and let her lead me down to the top of the steps.

“I’ll go first so you can pluck up your courage.” Hermione held my hands tightly before letting go and making her way to the top of the steps.

I nodded. "Good luck!! Don't trip. You look gorgeous, go kill em'." She wished me the same and started to descend the stairs, I could hear people lose their breath seeing her, I mean damn right she's beautiful.

Once I knew she had gone with Krum I made my way out there. The second I had I wished I hadn't everyone was looking at me. At the bottom of the stairs I saw Cedric, his face bright red and his breath seemingly caught in his throat.

"Come on Diggory breathe if you don't soon you'll pass out."

"You can't blame me when you look as ethereal as Aphrodite herself." He winked at me, I giggled. Cedric smirked and held out his arm and, gladly, I took it. “That dress is gorgeous, i mean all of you is but, damn. Everyone’s looking at just how gorgeous you look.”

I blushed at Cedric’s words and looked around as we cued up for the first dance. As I guessed Fred had come with Malfoy's older sister, I looked around for George to see who he came with only to find him staring at me mouth agape, his date -a girl i didn’t recognise i assumed was in his year- looked up at him jealously, I winked at him and his face went as red as a tomato, I took my attention back and put it onto the fact that we had started to move towards the hall.

As soon as the music had started the time felt like it was flying, cedric wasn't as bad of a dancer then I had thought he was before and for what felt like forever he was twirling me around and I was trying not to step on his feet, though soon enough it seemed that the hall was half empty and I was off getting drinks.

"You know," A voice started from behind me. "You do look quite gorgeous tonight." I turned around to find Fred leaned up on the table.

I blushed, "Thank you Fred, you don't look to bad yourself." He chuckled and walked off.

WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED? DID I HEAR HIM RIGHT? WAS HE TALKING TO ME? WHY NOW? The voices in my head started to race in panic but somehow I still managed to take the drinks to Cedric, who just so happened to be snogging the face off Cho when I got there, Knew it.

I cleared my throat and they jumped apart.

"Refreshments" I handed them both a drink and walked away. I noticed Harry and Ron sat alone, staring at everyone else who was dancing, so I decided to go join them.

"So we all out here lonely hmm." Harry sent me a nod and a small smile whilst Ron looked ready to explode.

"Did you know?" Ron asked angrily?

"What?"

"About Hermione and Krum?"

"Well time to go then." Harry hid his grin with his hand, and with that I walked out of the great hall, deciding to not get involved with Ron whilst he was drunk on the atmosphere and jealousy. I decided I needed a bit of fresh air, the great hall had become stuffy and it was difficult to breathe in the heat, so I decided to head out.

I crossed the courtyard, headed out the gate and traveled half way down the hill. Eventually, I got to a flat piece of grass that looked comfy enough and laid myself down on the damp greenery. I finally let out a sigh and looked up at the stars. It was completely peaceful, the cold air gently caressing my face and cooling the heat that had spread across my cheeks in the warm hall, until about two minutes later I felt a presence settle down beside me, also looking at the stars. I didn't have the energy or the interest to see who it was, all I cared about was right now they were quite and, so far, they where. After another 5-7 minutes I finally decided to see who it was, and to my surprise, it was George. He seemed to be equally as fixated on the stars. Now it may have been the punch talking but my head was uncomfortable and he looked comfy, so without another thought I rested my head on his chest.

George seemed to have tensed at the contact but he soon eased, he moved his arm to round my back and rested it on my waist. For a while we stayed like that.

For a while. George got up and I groaned in dissatisfaction at the loss of heat and a pillow. I heard the song change in the castle and George stretched out his hand. I now knew what he was doing, and I wanted to play along. So I took it.

George pulled me in closer to him so our faces where near centimetres apart, he slowly swayed us to the lyrics. I moved my head to bury it in his chest and he rested his chin on my head. I focused on his heartbeat's pattern as it rhythmically drummed as we made small circles on the lawn.

Soon the song ended but we still stayed like that, savouring each others heat and scent to memory. Finally he took my chin in his index finger and thumb to move my face up to his. I stared into his deep brown eyes as he stared into my E/C ones. He traced his thumb over my lips and leaned down, soon enough our lips met, fitting together perfectly like jigsaw pieces, each piece made for the other. We both eventually split apart for air much to our individual dismays. We locked eyes and both of us started to giggle.

"So maybe you'll let me take you to hogsmeade?" I grinned practically ear to ear.

"Definitely." He grinned just as wide back.

“You know I’ve been watching you, not in a creepy stalker way” I raised my eyebrow at his words and he rolled his eyes, “I was going to ask you when you where in the Three broomsticks but Diggory got to you before I could.”

“Well your with me now and he’s with who he wants to be with” George shot me a confused look.

“Cho?” He asked and i nodded.

He took my hand in his large one and we started to make our way back up to the castle.

"So why did you end up coming with that tosspot Diggory anyway?" George asked.

"No Georgie the question is why didn't you get to me before Diggory?" He chuckled.

"Georgie... that's new, I like it."

"Shut up."

"Yes ma'am" We stepped back into the hall. “Now will you let me dance with you properly?”

**

The large black balloon popped and a pink dust exploded out creating a small cloud.

"It's a girl!" Molly cried as she came over to hug me and George. I beamed up at him and he looked down at me with the same look. George took me into his arms and squeezed me tightly.

"Um excuse me sir have you forgotten I'm pregnant?" He quickly let go and looked down at me.

"Well if I can't do that then I'll do this." He started too lean down but I quickly pulled away.

"Stop it you'll traumatise Fred." He chuckled and pulled me into his side. We both watched our 3 year old son run around the garden playing tag with Teddy.

"How did I get so lucky?" I looked up at my husband who had a peaceful look resting on his face.

"God knows Georgie." I replied.

He chuckled through his nose."Mmmh Georgie."

"Shut up." He kissed my forehead and squeezed my arm. We really are very lucky, and i’m very very lucky to not have chosen the wrong twin.

[nightwishesworld]

Oh, I have a request! How about the daughters (who love the reader very much) always taking the reader and practically stealing her every time she’s with Alcina? (Cuz we need more daughters and reader interaction 🥲) And maybe to the point of our precious big dommy mommy gettin ya know ya know jealous? ;)) HAHGSHAHAHAHA, that would be hilarious to see. Anyways, hope you’re havin’ a great time~ ✌🏻till next time!

I’m so sorry this took me so long anon! I’ve gotten more requests than I ever thought I would and I’m starting to get behind. This was a really sweet one to put together though- really enjoyed it!

Slight Gore warning for Cassandra! Nothing too detailed but it is referenced. If you don’t like it just skip her

Bela

Being the eldest sibling has made her the most level-headed of the three. After decades of ending squabbles between her younger sisters, she’s discovered the pleasures of retail therapy. 

She takes great joy in popping off to neighboring villages for a few hours perusing the various aromatherapy shops.

And she takes even greater pleasure bringing you along. Dragging you, really. Even if you’re otherwise busy. Sometimes she’ll buy you a few scents or lotions that catch your eye.

She calls it “compensation for being dragged away from Mother,” but really she’s just happy to spoil you

Also loves asking you for literature recommendations. As vast as the castle’s library is, Bela had read through most of the literature over her lifetime

Is absolutely fascinated by modern day novels. 

She takes you on a day-long shopping spree visiting five surrounding villages just blowing through money buying almost every book that peaks her interest

Most of your time together is spent relaxing in the library talking about your novels. 

Eventually you’ve collected enough books to make an entirely new section in the library just for the two of you.

Even when cuddled up with Alcina in the library, there is simply no escaping Bela when she’s looking for recommendations or simply someone to talk to

At the end of the day, you really didn’t mind. You were more than happy to spend time with all the girls and happy they wanted to spend time with you. 

You knew as annoyed as Alcina got when interrupted she found it incredibly sweet that her daughters will go out of their way to be with you

Cassandra (Cassi)

Suffers from middle child syndrome hardcore

She’s a bit too old to understand Bela’s interests, but too old to join Daniela in her delusional fantasies. So naturally, she tries to cling onto you.

At first she tries to convince you to enter the basement with her so she can show you her “Art Gallery,” but Alcina forbade it. So things between you and Cassi went quiet for awhile

Alcina says Cassandra is an artist of some sort and all her work is done in the basement

After about a month of silence Cassandra came barrelling into your private study with some kind of canvas in her hands

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around much, y/n, but I’ve been working really hard on your gift.”

You gush, “oh Cassi, you didn’t have to make me anything. That’s so sweet of you.”

She eagerly flips over the canvas to reveal her painting of a human heart.

It was beautifully detailed, the heart really jumped off the page against the black background...but something was off about it. It took a minute for you to realize it but once you did, you couldn’t stop staring. The heart was painted with blood.

You were lost for words. 

“Well?” Cassi, asked with a broad smile on her face. “Do you like it?”

All you could do at first was nod you head. “Oh Cassandra, its gorgeous. You really made this?”

The girl’s eyes were rapturous. “It’s my favorite hobby! But this particular piece was my first try at observational painting. I hope I did a good job...”

“Are you kidding Cassi? It’s beautiful! I’ve never seen anything like it. Can I hang it on my wall?”

She lunges at you, wrapping you in a suffocating hug. “Thank you, y/n. I made it a heart so you know how much we love having you here with us.”

Tears were starting to prick your eyes. “I love you guys, too.”

You looked up lust long enough to see Alcina walk in your study, roll her eyes and walk right back out.

Daniela (Dani)

Being the youngest Dimitrescu definitely has its advantages and Daniela knows how to use every single one.

Gets away with absolutely everything and anything under the sun. Even things her older sisters could only dream of getting away with and it irritates them to no end.

Daniela is definitely the most daring of the three. Always pushing her boundaries with her mother and will go out of her way to annoy Alcina just for funsies.

Is comfortable (and has) appearing in your bedroom while your, erm...busy with Alcina. Literally grabs you by the arm and swoops you away in a swarm of moths giggling the entire time. You hear Alcina shouting obscenities as you’re taken away.

You’re both thoroughly embarrassed.

Daniela seems to be, just like her mother, very needy. Attention starved if you will. So of course, she’s in need of your presence every hour. Sometimes more. 

And for the dumbest freaking reasons!

“Y/n come quick! Look at the birds in the garden. They’re so pretty!”

You laugh at her excitement “They’re crows, Dani. We see them every day.”

Other times she will drag you to her room and pull out her vast collection of weapons and tell you different stories associated with each one. You loved hearing how passionate Daniela was about her collection.

On a few rare occasions, she even gifted you a set of daggers, or crossbow, or whatever your favorite weapon is.

“You don’t own any y/n, which means you’re vulnerable to attacks. One day I’ll teach you how to use them.”

BONUS: Alcina being absolutely done with her girls not sharing

Late hours of the night are Alcina’s favorite time of day

She gets to relax in bed with you all to herself while shedding away all the stresses from the day. 

More often than not she’ll lazily sip a glass of wine and reread her favorite novel to you while you’re nestled in her lap.

It was the only time of day she knew she had you all to herself

...usually...

One night all three of her daughters barged in your bedroom arguing who you would spend time with first. Alcina tried shouting over them to take control of the situation, but none of them were even paying her attention.

Situations like this call for drastic measures.

Alcina covered your ears and shouted at her girls from the top of her lungs. Once she knew she had their attention she reached over to the nightstand and pulled out a...spray bottle? They were about to laugh at her before she explained that the spray bottle contained holy water.

That scared them enough to make them back up a few steps. Daniela even hisssed at her, baring her fangs like a feral animal.

“I am tired of you three stealing away my y/n and I’ve reached my breaking point. This is the one time of day I’m allowed exclusive time with them and I will not have you getting in the way of that.”

You couldn’t process what was happening before you. Was Alcina really prepared to spray her own daughters with holy water just because she wouldn’t get her cuddles tonight? Really?

Daniela felt bold tonight. “As if you would actually do it. I bet that’s not even holy water.”

Alcina only arched a brow. “Well you’re more than welcome to come see for yourself, Daniela. By all means.”

The redhead was about to do just that until Bela pulled her backwards. “I guess we can wait and see y/n tomorrow. Goodnight, mother. Goodnight, y/n.”

As soon as Alcina knew they were gone she fell back onto the mattress, pulling you with her, peppering you in kisses. 

“Darling,” you ask. “Is that really holy water?”

She chuckles into your neck. “No, it’s not, and they should have known that. If it were I wouldn’t have been able to hold it without it making me feel ill. But they’ll figure that out eventually and once they do they’ll be back.”

“What then?”

“Pelting them with fake silver should do the trick.”

[violettelueur]

— JUJUTSU KAISEN EPISODE NINE || SMALL FLY AND REVERSE RETRIBUTION

↳ featuring : gojo satoru + ieiri shoko (mentions of fushiguro megumi + kugisaki nobara + zenin maki + nanami kento) from jujutsu kaisen

↳ warnings : mention of corpse + mention of blood + EXTREME grammar issues

↳ form : story

↳ published : 09 march

↳ pronouns : she/her

↳ word count : 2.4k

↳ synopsis : within the jujutsu world, there were three famous clans to be aware of, the Kamo clan, Zenin clan and the Gojo clan. However, unknown to many sorcerers there was one last family that was known to be apart of the three, only for them to disappear after the golden era leading some to speculate that they had died in battle after the sealing of ryomen sukuna, but....

↳ previous episode : boredom

↳ next episode : idle transfiguration 

↳ barista’s notes : hi there everyone! right now i know i haven’t been the most active i have been but i really thankful on how patient you all are ʕ •ᴥ•ʔゝ☆ once again, thank you all for the birthday messages you have given me and the love that you all have for Y/N, i’m really glad that you love her character ╲ʕ·ᴥ·　╲ʔ i hope you enjoy today’s episode even though it isn’t that interesting at all to be honest...

BEFORE READING, I NEED YOU TO BE AWARE OF THIS:

1. the whole story belongs to Gege Akutami and the credits go to them and them only.

2. the spell curses used belong to Tite Kubo due to them being the ‘Kidos’ being used on the manga and anime ‘Bleach’ - but none is mentioned in this chapter.

2.5 for the ‘cursed spells’/kidos (bleach) i will link this video here and tell you the time stamp to check out what i am intending to show - remember i add a few twist here and there by adding the katana to link with Y/N’s cursed technique

no cursed spells used this episode..

3. if you are confused on anything, please don’t hesitate to message me since i know this whole thing is so confusing.

“At this point, I’m not going to get any sleep if I keep doing this,” you mumbled quietly to yourself, as you leisurely walked down the stone steps that lead to the familiar track field you had been going to for the past few weeks for training due to the up and coming Kyoto Sister-School Goodwill Event.

Currently, there was nothing more than a few mild wind breezes as well as the brightness from the moon keeping you company as you decided to come out of your room for the night - how many times have you done this? You wouldn’t even know the answer yourself, you just let yourself go outside to get some fresh air.

Finally reaching to the bottom of the steps, you casually made your way to the tree you always sat under during training with your classmates and second-year upper-classmen before taking off your black longline coat to place it on the ground like a cover as you processed to sit before laying right on top of it leading your view to change from the field to the sky that was slightly shielding by the branch and leaves from the trees.

“What...am I even doing here?” you questioned yourself while raising your arm slightly above your face as you stared at your hand absently like the answer you were looking for was at the back of your hand.

From what you have learnt at being at Jujutsu Tech for some time, you learnt that everyone had a purpose of being at the institution that you were currently residing in now. 

Everyone you have met and knew here at this moment in time had a purpose or a goal of being a jujutsu sorcerer.

What about you?

Fushiguro thought the world was unfair and the reasoning behind his reasoning of becoming a sorcerer was to be a tool within a system that ensured kind people were given more chances in living. However, unlike you, you weren’t really fond of his reasoning at all. 

What happens if those ‘good’ people you saved become the criminal you refused to save? What happens if those ‘good’ people you deemed ‘good’ become the most immoral and sinful person you ever encountered? What happens if those ‘good’ people you save that smiled at your actions for them lead that smile to fade?

Like you mentioned, you weren’t fond of his reasoning at all. There were too many risks.

Kugisaki's reasoning was humorous as she wanted to move out of the countryside without any worries of financial issues but you knew somewhere in your heart that there was another reason she wasn’t telling you when you asked her during your usual weekend shopping trip with her. On the other hand, you admired her in some way, she was the personification of not needing to choose between strength and beauty.

However, that wasn’t the answer you weren’t looking for at all.

Zenin (Maki) wanted to escape the ties of the Zenin clan due to her situation of not being able to possess any kind of cursed energy compared to the averaged sorcerer, yet with the heavenly restriction that was traded with the lack of cursed energy, she processed superhuman physical prowess that was more powerful than most sorcerers you come to know. 

Her reasoning? To become the head of the Zenin clan to irritate the other members.

When she mentioned her ambition to you, you were quite sceptical in the beginning but that slowly diminished once you saw the cheeky grin on her face, you soon came to realise that she wasn’t like any of them from whom you could recall due to your mother’s knowledge of them when she was still alive. Zenin was extremely strong-headed and straightforward which led to her motivation causing your respect for her to slowly rise up as each day went by.

On the other hand, you had escaped the ties of the clans, you had that advantage ahead of her since the day you came into this world, yet that changed the second you came into school that night. That wasn’t the answer you were trying to discover.

Then there was Gojo Satoru. A man that is known to be the strongest in this generation as he processed both the Limitless technique as well as the Six Eyes after 400 years assumingly and was the lone standing member of the Gojo clan unless your adoption made a change to that to which you knew it wasn’t likely at all.

To be honest, Gojo never told you his reasoning on becoming a sorcerer and it must be said that he didn’t really have a choice, to begin with. He was immediately placed into this world as the fate of the jujutsu world was resting on his shoulders while your clan was the maintenance of that order and if anything happened to the man himself, you were the next sorcerer to restore the stability of the world.

‘Ugh, what a drag…’

Although, without his words, you could predict what he wanted. Gojo seemed like he wanted a revolution. A change and actively collecting sorcerers that had the same mindset as him was one way of beginning it. You couldn’t deny that Gojo was a smart man but one with a hint of narcissist meaning to it. 

Slowly, you come to realise that you were a tool within his plan.

Something you slowly wanted to take advantage of for the time being.

However, as much as his plan was one you were tensely going to follow, that still wasn’t the answer you desired at all.

“Because I’m not supposed to exist Fushiguro, you’re a Zenin by blood, you should know that my clan shouldn’t exist after the golden age, we disappeared,” 

“That’s right...I wasn’t supposed to exist…”

Slowly you finally placed your arm back down to your side before closing your eyes allowing the darkness to consume your sight but you didn’t allow it to consume the whole of you since you weren’t willing to fall asleep outside in the world where you felt most vulnerable.

It was quiet.

From what you could sense around you at this current moment in time, there was no one around you right now, no sound of footsteps that were out of place and no lingering sense of cursed energy around you.

You felt free.

Completely free.

Even if it was for a couple of seconds.

“You know, instead of being a drag, maybe inform that you are here,” you stated, as you opened your eyes slowly to discover a well-known face staring down at you as their body towered over yours. 

“You can sense me that quick?” Gojo asked, with a cheeky smile painted on his face as he tilted his glasses down to reveal his crystal indicolite eyes that somehow looked as if they were brighter than the moon that was above the both of you right now.

“You have an immense amount of cursed energy, it’s quite easy to sense you to be honest...too easy,” you mentioned, before turning on to your side as if to avoid eye contact with him due to the feeling of him studying you like you were s subject - it was creepy.

“If you are going to study me about my ability, just go to the library in the school to read about my clan, I’m sure that is enough,” you informed your teacher, causing him to giggle at your comment before inviting himself to sit next to you.

“Nah, I got the real thing of the lingering L/N clan here and I don’t like reading~” Gojo amusingly stated, before placing a hand on the top of your head before gently ruffling your hair. “Besides, you and I both know that something is going on right now,” Gojo seriously mentioned, causing you to become slightly tense as you began to recall the unexpected attack against him that he was hinting to you.

“Do you know any curse users that are willing to work with the two curses that you encountered?” you asked Gojo in the same serious tone he gave you only for silence to fill the atmosphere leading you to turn your head slightly to see what was wrong with your adoptive father, only to notice him staring off into the distance with a nonchalant look on his face only for it to change instant with the usual playful smile he always showcased to you.

“By the way, I told Shoko to expect you tomorrow to practice your reverse cursed energy technique,” the playful teacher stated before removing his hand from your head as he stood up on his feet. “It might be difficult for you to understand since she’s not the best at explaining, but I know you’ll get it! Get back inside and get back to sleep~” he said with a teasing tone, before making his way back into the Jujutsu Tech building, leaving you alone again with your own thoughts as you stared at the direction that he had headed off to.

“What a drag…”

                                               ꕥ

“Shoko-san?” you called out, once the metal door slid open only to discover her standing between two metal tables with what seemed to be curse corpses resting there with blood splattered messily on their resting surface.

“Oh Y/N! Satoru said you were going to come by,” Ieiri mentioned with a small smile, as she turned to look at you while tying her hair back leading you to notice the very visible purple under eye bags she had.

Ieiri Shoko was the doctor within the Jujutsu Tech institution and was one of the only people that was able to use reverse cursed technique like you but more at an advanced level leading you to mentally thank Gojo for allowing you to learn from her since you had been struggling to use it to the level that she was. Even your mother was struggling to help improve your technique since the only time you were able to use it to your full potential was when you were in critical danger.

“What’s going on?” you curiously asked as you observed the gruesome sight in front of you while trying to ignore the horrible smell that was coming from the corpses as you gently placed your hand over your nose to block the scent.

“There was been an incident in Kinema Cinema and I have been asked to check out these since one of the sorcerers that were assigned to the mission stated there was something odd about them,” Ieiri explained before handing you a black elastic band leading to a confused look to invade your face.

“And I want you to help since Saturo said you have a really good sense of seeing residue of cursed energy, as well as sense, cursed energy itself,” Ieiri informed you leading you to take the hairband from her grasp as well as the other surgical mask that was needed in case you both needed to dissect something.

“Are you sure I’m allowed to do this? I don’t have a license,” you questioned, as you placed the mask over your mouth causing Ieiri to look at you before saying to not worry since she was here - which caused you to look at her with a sceptical expression before going on to the task at hand as you stood next to her to peer over one of the deceased curses that were laying on the metal bench.

While observing the gruesome sight, you began to steadily see a trail of the lingering residue of cursed energy from the whole body, yet for some reason, there was a connection to the brain as you continued to stare that the sight much to your dismay.

“Human?” you stated in a perplexed tone while continuing to look at the head as the most amount of residue was there for the most part. “There’s a connection to the brain, so I assume the brain stems have been tampered with to alter the formation of the body, but the person wouldn’t know any of that due to probably their now impaired consciousness...it’s as if the human has been transfigured in a way like the other one behind us,” you informed Ieiri, who seemed to agree with you as she lightly nodded her head.

“Though the relationship between the brain and the cursed energy is still a black box right now, they died because of the modification and not because of the sorcerer,” the doctor added, causing you to give a side glance in her direction as you continued to listen to her explanation.

“Do you think it’s to do with the soul?” you asked, as you fully turned to look at her while she looked at you in confusion.

“Right now, we’re looking at it in a biological sense but if we are talking about a cursed spirit like Sukuna for example that is doing this, it has to do with the soul rather than the body itself,” you informed the doctor, causing her to look at you with widened eyes as she didn’t expect her old schoolmate’s daughter to have such a high capability to come to different ideas since it was Gojo that was your parent after all.

“Kento will have to ask the culprit about their cursed technique to see if your theory is correct,” Ieiri mentioned, leading you to look at her confused once again as you threw your surgical mask in the bin, only for her to swiftly inform you that a grade one sorcerer by the name of Nanami Kento was the one to inform her about the situation.

“I have to make a quick call to him to explain the discovery we made. Can you step outside and wait for me before I call you back so we can proceed to your lesson?” the doctor asked you with a smile leading you to nod at her before making your way towards the metal door that had come through before as you took one more peek at the Jujutsu Tech’s doctor’s direction with a perplexed and doubtful sense.

‘What’s the reason for me to be out of the room if I got involved with the investigation? What are you hiding from me?’

However, you didn’t want to make a whole fuss about your suspicion since you really didn’t have the effort to voice out your concern leading you to leave the room with more questions plaguing your mind as the ringing tone carried itself in the air.

“This is such a drag”

© violettelueur 2021 : written and published by violettelueur - do not steal or repost

[freddie-weaselbee]

Grade A Business//F.W.

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Brief semi-nudity, slight language, two suggestive comments, y/n drools on fred but like in a cute way

Summary: As one businessman makes a trip across the ocean to talk to new investors, he meets his new partner, someone a lot more familiar than he was expecting. 

Prompts: Only One Bed with dialogue prompts “if we get caught, I’m blaming you” and “I don't want to be alone”

Word Count: 4.5k

A/N: Day 2 of @theweasleyslut‘s 2k writing challenge

  Fred had never gotten used to traveling on Muggle airplanes. He never had a need to before, not with everything being a train ride, floo network, or apparition away. But as he and George progressed into adulthood, and the businessman life no less, they found themselves constantly on the move and needing a fast and easy way to travel without drawing suspicion. Except for the one time that Fred’s magical briefcase set off every airport security system imaginable, but he’d learned from that mistake. 

He was relieved to be exiting the JFK airport in New York City, clutching his luggage and thanking Merlin that his feet could now touch solid ground. Being in one of those huge steel contraptions was nothing like flying in a broom. He had no control over anything and it drove him absolutely insane. Luckily, he was safe now, and one step closer to being done with this awful business trip. 

At the beginning of their business endeavors, Fred and George would travel together, trying to pick up business at other locations for Weasleys’ Wizards Wheezes. But as the shop grew and the locations became more and more foreign (so far having shops in Paris, Cairo, and Madrid) the brothers realized that the operations would have to be solo missions to allow for the other to run the shop for longer periods of time. Usually Fred didn’t mind taking the trips by himself. In fact, he rather enjoyed the alone time and flexibility in schedule. But this meeting was supposed to be a big one, and he was feeling quite nervous about having to tackle it himself. 

Big investors located in the states were meeting with him to discuss opening a joint operation in New York City, combining his shop with another renowned wizard business that they deemed would be most profitable. Fred groaned internally just thinking about it. He didn’t want to have to share this new shop with anyone, no matter what the new investors thought. What if the other co-owner was a horrible person? Or worse, what if they had no sense of humor? They’d ruin the Weasley reputation and make it some boring book store. Or puzzle shop? Honestly Fred didn’t know much about the other business, just that he already didn’t like it. 

Hailing a cab, a trick his sister-in-law Hermione had shown him years ago, Fred lugged all of his prototypes--skillfully hidden from Muggle eyes and detection systems by layers of spells--into the trunk before hopping in, giving the address of the hotel the investors had booked for him. He was about to shut the door when a panting scream startled him enough to make him stop. 

“Wait! Hold the cab!”

Doing as he was told, Fred kept the door open and allowed the stranger to climb in, suitcase and all. 

“Thanks,” you said, Fred noting your distinct British accent and strikingly familiar features. “I really need to get to my hotel, I appreciate it--”

“Y/N?”

Shocked, you finally looked at your ride partner’s face for the first time. Soft brown eyes. Freckled face. Bright ginger hair. 

“Fred?! Fred Weasley?” You knew for a fact you weren’t mistaken, this was definitely the Fred you remembered. Or maybe it could have been George? It had been so long since you had seen either of them. Since Hogwarts, in fact. 

Luckily, Fred nodded, confirming your belief that this was the older Weasley twin and saving yourself from heaps of embarrassment. “Y/N L/N, what are you doing here?”

Fred and you both wore matching grins, stretching from ear to ear. What an insane coincidence. What were the chances that you two would be in the same cab, in the same city, in the same foreign country?

“I’m actually here for business,” you said. “After Hogwarts I opened my own shop--”

“Excuse me,” the cab driver interrupted, wasting no time with politeness nor formalities. “But I have cars lined up behind me and I don’t know where you wanna go little lady. So let’s get on with it, if you will.”

“Oh, yeah of course. It’s, umm, oh shit which hotel was it? It’s on 53rd and 10th, I know that…” You trailed off, trying to remember what your hotel was called. You dug around in your purse, hoping to find a piece of paper with the name on it. “I think it was called--”

“Lotus Hotel.”

It was Fred who had interrupted you, once again, and once again you were just as bewildered as before.

“That’s right,” you said after a few seconds of confused silence. “Yes, yes the Lotus Hotel please,” you told the driver with confidence. Turning back to Fred you tried in earnest to understand what was happening. 

“So same location?” the driver asked, to which Fred confirmed before you were speeding off down the crowded streets of the city. 

“Oh, I get it,” you said in understanding. “Same hotel as me?”

“That is correct, love. What are the odds?” He wiggled his eyebrows in a half suggestive half just plain goofy manner, awkwardly shuffling so that his long legs had room amongst your many bags. 

“That is quite a coincidence,” you agreed. “Funny thing is, I didn’t even choose the location. I have a business meeting in the morning with possible investors and they set everything up for the stay.”

Fred’s mouth practically dropped open at what you had said. “You’re kidding. These investors don’t happen to be Robbie Goldstein and Rachel McMillan, do they?”

“Ok, you need to stop doing that,” you said, officially freaked. “That’s the third time you’ve predicted something and it’s starting to creep me out. You never were very good at legilimency.”

He hushed you quickly, hoping the cab driver hadn’t caught onto the magical term you just used. Thankfully, he was too focused on the roads to notice. 

“Ok, Y/N, one last question.”

“And then you’ll explain how you know all this?”

Fred ignored your question and continued with his own. “You said you opened a business. Are you perhaps meeting with another business owner to discuss a collaboration on a new store opening in the city?”

“Yes!” you said, eager to know how Fred could have known that. Was this another one of his pranks? Did he have hidden cameras in the cab somewhere? “How do you know all this?”

He only laughed, a joyous and very relieved grin overtaking his face. Sticking out his right hand, he grabbed yours and shook it eagerly. “Well, Miss L/N, it’s a pleasure to be reacquainted. I’m Frederick Weasley, your new potential partner.”

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

“You know, you haven’t changed a bit.”

“Oh thank Godric, I was worried you’d think I was grown up and mature now.”

You laughed heartily as you dragged your bags out of the cab, thanking the driver before he grunted annoyedly and drove off. Your drive from the airport had gone faster than expected, mostly due to the fact that you and Fred had so much to catch up on. 

After he and George had left Hogwarts in their grand exit, they’d created the shop they’d always dreamed of, parking it right in the middle of Diagon Alley. You, on the other hand, went about creating your success in a much more conventional way. After finishing your last year of school, you started working full time at Zonko’s at Hogsmeade, trying to save up enough money to start your own business. 

Many long hours and tiring days later, you opened up your little place, a toy store and puzzle shop. It was a similar setup to what the Weasleys did, but as you described it, “my toys don’t blow up in the user's face.”

You were now very excited for tomorrow’s meeting, the one you had been dreading beforehand. Your business was much smaller than Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and this would be your first international location. You were afraid that the owner you would be forced to work with would be some stuck up rich big whig who wouldn’t allow you to keep any of your small business charm in the new location. But learning that you would be working with Fred, well that was a relief for many reasons. 

Fred rang the hotel desk bell, chatting happily about ideas for the shared shop and new products that fit with what both of you wanted to do. 

“Hello there,” said the hotel receptionist, coming around the corner. “What can I do for you today?”

“Two night stay for Frederick Weasley,” said Fred. “Should’ve been booked by Robbie Goldstein.”

The young man typed quickly into his computer before offering Fred a hotel key card. “Here you are Mr. Weasley, room 504. We serve complimentary breakfast from 6 to 9 every morning down in our west hall. If you need anything don’t be afraid to call down and we’ll assist you in any way we can.”

Fred nodded at the man. “Thank you, I appreciate it.” He turned to leave before you grabbed his shirt sleeve and pulled him back. 

“Wait for me,” you said. “I’m not finished talking to you yet.”

Fred smiled and waited behind you as you took your turn at the desk. 

“Y/N L/N, also booked by Robbie Goldstein.” 

He clicked away again but paused for a few seconds, seemingly confused. “You said Y/N L/N?”

Starting to get nervous, you nodded. “Yes, that’s me. Is the reservation not there?” You didn’t want to think about having to find somewhere else to stay, especially because it was getting so late. 

“Oh no,” the man replied. “It’s here all right.” Ignoring the confused looks you and Fred were giving each other, the receptionist handed you a hotel key card and gestured to the elevator. “Thank you for choosing to stay with us. You’ll be staying for two nights in room 504. Don’t forget to enjoy our complimentary breakfast from 6--”

“I’m sorry,” Fred interrupted. “But that’s my room. You did say 504, right?”

“Yes sir,” he replied, not bothering to try to understand the predicament. “Mr. Goldstein booked one room for the both of you.”

Your eyes widened and you looked at Fred, silently asking him to help you figure this out. But instead, Fred just broke out laughing, having to brace himself on the front desk. 

“I guess that’s what you expect when you let two investors who specialize in pranking shops make the room accommodations.”

“This isn’t funny Fred,” you said, although you had to give Robbie and Rachel credit for this joke. Turning to the receptionist, you sighed and ran your hands through your hair. “There’s at least two separate beds, right?”

He glanced down at his computer screen before looking back up at you with a guilty smile. “Well, about that…”

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

“Alright, I’ll take the couch, I’m sure it’s a pullout, it has to be.”

Fred stood in the doorway watching you mumble mostly to yourself. As tired as he was and as much as he wanted to just lie down and sleep, somehow watching you freak out about the sleeping arrangements was a much better use of his time. 

He watched as you threw the pillows and cushions off of the couch and felt around for a lever, something, anything that would allow you a place to rest. Your face lit up as you felt a small impression and yanked with all your might, only causing you to thump backwards onto your butt on the hotel room floor. 

Kicking off his shoes, Fred jumped onto the bed, sighing as he let his body relax. “Come on in darling, there’s plenty of room for the both of us.”

He opened one eye slightly, just enough to see your reaction. You were trying again to make the couch open, although you both knew that it wasn’t a pullout. Nevertheless, you kept pulling at every spot you thought could make a difference. 

It reminded Fred of the good old days, back at Hogwarts when you two were so close. You were always so stubborn, and he didn’t realize just how much he had missed having you in his life. He always wondered what happened to you after he and George left, but with the shop opening up and the war around the corner, he never had the thought to write you or track you down. He hoped this time after you two parted ways you would still remain in touch. 

You groaned loudly, slapping the couch with one of the pillows you had thrown earlier. Nothing was going as planned and you couldn’t be more annoyed. 

“Fine,” you huffed. “I’ll just sleep on the couch, no need for a pullout.” You stomped over to the bed and angrily pulled the blanket from off of him. 

“Hey!” he shouted, trying to grab it back but you were too quick. “That’s not fair, it’s cold!”

“If you get the bed,” you said, wrapping yourself up, “then I get to stay warm. Now go to sleep, I’ll see you in the morning.”

He couldn’t help but giggle at the small bundle of you wrapped up in the hotel quilt, looking like an angry little burrito. Standing, he unbuttoned his shirt and threw it in the corner, followed next by his undershirt before he unbuckled his belt. He turned to face you slowly, feeling your eyes on him as they peeked out of your wrapping. 

You quickly turned your gaze and glared at the floor. “What are you doing?” you said, hoping Fred didn’t see the blush rising to your cheeks. He did. 

He continued to undress, leaving him only in a pair of red boxers that left little to the imagination. “Going to bed, as you said,” he replied nonchalantly. He grabbed a toothbrush from his suitcase and made his way to the bathroom, making sure to walk extra slowly and give you a longer show. 

“This is so unprofessional!” you yelled after him. 

“We’re not business partners until tomorrow, love,” Fred said with a mouthful of toothpaste. “As far as I see it we can do anything we want tonight.”

Rolling your eyes, you shed the large blanket and grabbed an oversized t-shirt from your bag, hoping you’d be able to change before Fred finished in the bathroom. As he emerged, he saw the tail end of you throwing the shirt on, flashing your thighs and part of your panties for half a second. He averted his eyes out of respect, but that didn’t stop his imagination from running away with what he just saw. 

You shuffled past him, taking your turn in the bathroom. How in the world had this happened? How had a nice catch-up with a friend turned into an awkward back and forth the night before the most important business meeting of your life?

All you wanted to do was fall asleep, go through with whatever tomorrow brought you, and pretend like this never happened. But as you came out of the bathroom, you saw that Fred had taken the blanket back, leaving you with nothing except your t-shirt and an uncomfortable couch. 

“Fred, let me have it,” you said, trying to yank it from his grip. 

“No,” he mumbled, voice muffled by one of the many pillows he was cuddled with. 

“Frederick Gideon Weasley, give me the blanket now or so help me…”

Instead of responding, he just reached out and patted you on the top of your head before rolling over and pretending to snore. He was infuriating. 

You sulked back to the couch, accepting your defeat. You pulled out all of the clothes in your bag, hoping they could form as some sort of makeshift blanket. But after a few minutes of shivering and curling into the smallest ball possible, you realized that you’d never manage to sleep like this. Fred was staring at you, partially amused and partially concerned. You looked away. 

“You can always share with me, you know,” he said, patting the bed next to him. 

You scoffed and turned away. “Like I said, Fred, we’re soon-to-be business partners. Imagine how that would look! I’m fine right here, thank you.”

After a few seconds of silence you snuck another look at him. He hadn’t moved an inch, and was instead looking more concerned than before. “You’re going to freeze to death over there.”

“Well maybe that’s because someone stole my blanket.”

“The blanket comes with the bed, and the bed comes with me. Take it or leave it.”

It took everything in you not to scream. You wanted that warm, soft, comfortable bed more than anything at the moment. You needed it. Oh but it would send such a bad message if anyone ever found out…

“If we get caught I’m blaming you,” you relented, trudging over to the bed and crawling underneath the covers, ripping the blanket from a very amused Fred. 

“Who’s gonna catch us, Robbie and Rachel? They’re the ones that set this up! Trust me, nothing’s going to happen.” 

“It better not,” you said. “And make sure you stay on your side of the bed, I mean it! No touching.”

“Oh come on, Y/N,” Fred said, rolling slightly closer to you. “You act as if we’ve never done this before. We’ve slept with each other dozens of times.”

Your face went red at his words, wishing he would have phrased it a different way. 

“You know what I mean,” he said quickly, hearing how his words came across. “But the amount of times we’ve cuddled up in the Gryffindor common room or up stargazing in the astronomy tower. It’s just me, there’s nothing to be scared of.”

“We were also 17 and a lot closer back then,” you retorted, remembering the fond memories you had from your high school days. 

Fred huffed and returned to his side. “I’m not saying we weren’t. I just wish you weren’t acting so different now. It’s like we’re barely friends anymore…” His voice drifted off, wishing that he could go back and change the past. It had been 8 years since he last saw you. 8 whole years. Maybe things would’ve been different if he had tried to stay in touch. You’d never even visited his shop in those 8 years, never seen everything he was so proud of. He was stupid to think that one reunion was going to bring back a friendship that was practically already dead. He was even more stupid to think that maybe, just maybe, fate was giving him one last chance to shoot his shot, close to a decade later. What a right idiot he was. 

On the other side of the bed, less than a meter away, similar thoughts raced through your mind. 8 years. Why hadn’t you, in 8 years, made one trip to visit their shop. Sure, there was a war going on and you were busy starting your own shop, but things had been fairly calm the last few years. Why had you never reached out? Almost subconsciously, you reached out physically for Fred. Your hand brushed up against his back before you tensed and drew back. You both stilled for a few moments, before Fred rolled over, facing you. 

The two of you just stared at each other, both playing mental images of what your lives could have looked like the last 8 years if just one of you had done something. 

“You’re not seeing anyone, are you?” Fred asked, breaking the silence. You shook your head. He moved closer. 

“Are you?” you asked. He shook his head. You moved closer. 

Your faces were now about a foot apart. You moved your hand to rest it between your face and the pillow. Fred copied your actions. You laughed softly, the movement causing a strand of hair to fall into your face. 

Fred reached his hand out to move it before hesitating. “Can I?” His voice was so soft, so full of care. His hand hesitated in the air for a second before you nodded. He brushed the strands behind your ear, fingertips so gentle that you got chills up and down your spine. He let his hand linger before it moved to cup your face. “I’ve missed you.”

You smiled and leaned into his touch. “I’ve missed you too, Freddie.”

His hand left your face and moved down to your waist, eyes not leaving yours in case you ever grew uncomfortable. He wrapped his arm around you, pulling you closer to him just like you used to do all those years ago. You buried your face in the crook of his neck and hummed contently, before both of you slowly drifted off to sleep. 

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

“Freddie, Y/N! How are ya!”

Robbie Goldstein, a plump man with fading hair ran up to greet you and Fred in the lobby of his and his partner’s office, shaking both of your hands fervently. 

“Hey Robbie,” said Fred, slapping the man on the back. “I’m glad to be here.”

“Same with me,” you said, glad you could finally meet the man with whom you’d been discussing business through letters in person. 

Robbie looked between the two of you, sly grin on his face. “Ah, so I see you’ve already met them. Wouldn’t happen to be because of a little mishap at the hotel last night, would it?”

You groaned internally, hating that someone else knew about the previous night, but Fred only laughed and wrapped an arm around your shoulders. 

“A great prank, I must admit, but Y/N and I actually go way back. I’ve known her since I was 11 years old, so nice try. I couldn’t imagine how that would’ve gone if we were complete strangers.”

Robbie’s face fell a little before he shrugged and nodded his head in defeat. “Well, what are the odds of that?”

“Astronomical,” you said, giving Fred a subtle tap with your foot. 

Robbie gestured for the two of you to follow him into the conference room where discussions about the new business would commence. “Well, I’m glad that you two seem to get along then, this is going to make things a lot easier. Oh, and don’t worry about arrangements tonight, I’ve decided not to let my joke stretch on and I booked another room for one of you for your last night in town.”

You breathed a sigh of relief, one that didn’t go unnoticed by Fred, and stepped into the conference room. “Thanks Robbie, that makes things a lot easier.”

“Yeah,” said Fred hesitantly, “thanks for that.”

He shut the door behind you and straightened up. There was no place for personal feelings in this business negotiation. He needed to do what was best for his company and yours, no distractions. No thoughts of crushed hope that suddenly plagued his mind. 

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

Fred hated the bed he was sleeping on. Granted, it was the same bed as the night before, but this time it felt different. It felt like it was mocking him. You had been the one to offer to change rooms and it seemed like you couldn’t wait to get out of there and to your own bedroom, free of any Weasleys. It made Fred sick to think about. 

He had just gotten used to the idea of something happening between the two of you. Last night, it all seemed perfect. You had cuddled the same way you had before, talked like nothing had changed. Hell, he even woke up with you lying sprawled out on top of him, a little trickle of drool falling onto his chest. He didn’t mind. 

But now, everything that happened the night before seemed like a dream. 

Fred knew he’d at least get to see you sporadically from now on. Your business negotiations with Robbie and Rachel went great, and the two of you, three counting George, were going to be combining forces and opening a joke and toy shop in the city sometime within the next year. It went exactly how Fred had wanted it to go, and yet so horribly wrong at the same time. 

He didn’t want to only interact with you as a business partner and casual friend. He wanted so much more than you were willing to give him, and having to see you and write you and work with you was going to be torture for him. He buried his face in the pillows, gripping the large blanket to his chest, wishing it was you instead. Stupid Robbie and his stupid pranks and stupid business and--

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Fred lifted his head to check the clock. It was 2 in the morning. Who in the world would be knocking this late at night? Fred slowly got out of bed, too tired to bother putting anything more decent on. He looked through the peephole of the door but his eyes were too blurry to make anything out. Groaning, he unlocked the door and pulled it open. 

Standing in front of him, clothed in the oversized t-shirt from last night and a pair of booty shorts, was you, looking nervous and embarrassed. Fred hadn’t noticed the previous day, but the shirt you had been wearing was one of his old Quidditch practice jerseys, all beat up and way too huge on you. He remembered the day he gave that to you, or rather when you stole it from him because you complained about it being too cold. Fred had to hold back a laugh at the irony. 

“I, umm,” you started, not knowing what to say to him. How were you supposed to explain that you missed him so much that spending one night away from him was too much for you to bear? How last night had been the best sleep you had in years because of how content and at peace he made you feel. How could you convey all of your feelings to him at this very moment?

“I don’t want to be alone.”

Fred wasted no time in picking you up, laughing as you screamed and kicked your legs around. “Fred Weasley, you put me down!”

He did as he was told and threw you onto the bed before jumping, arms and legs spread out, and landing straight on top of you. “I’m so glad you're here,” he said, peppering your cheeks with kisses. He pushed himself up, scanning your face to make sure what he did was ok, but you grabbed his face in your cheeks and pulled him down into a long kiss. Fred smiled through the kiss, almost laughing at how everything was working out. Maybe fate did have something to do with it after all. 

Fred pulled away from the kiss, resting his forehead against yours. “So,” he said, mischief glinting in his eyes, “how about we put this bed to good use?”

Tag List: @famdomhideout​ @amourtentiaa​

[extremelyblackandwhite]

madam carter baizen president, what about carter with the song traitor by olivia rodrigo?

pairing : carter baizen x reader

warnings : angst, carter is an asshole (sadly), reader is nate’s twin sister

inspired by traitor

you betrayed me and i know that you'll never feel sorry for the way I hurt. you'd talk to her when we were together. loved you at your worst but that didn't matter, it took you two weeks to go off and date her. guess you didn't cheat but you're still a traitor

She stood in the middle of the high end designer shop, thousands of girls from Constance moving up and down, picking and fighting for different dresses for one of the biggest events before graduation - Cotillion. As a carrier of the Archibald family name, the twin sister of Nate Archibald, Y/N’s RSVP was sent in her behalf before she even understood what it actually was. She didn’t mind doing it, she didn’t mind keeping up the traditions that her family was so overprotective yet she couldn’t say she particularly enjoyed them. She had to be truthful to herself and admit that she did not enjoy the idea of being presented to society as merely a stereotype of what her social status expected her to become. Maybe that was the dream for some girls, but it definitely wasn’t hers. Nevertheless, she had convinced herself to go, after all Rory Gilmore had gone and she had had a blast so why shouldn’t Y/N give it a go? Besides, if she even thought about not going, she was sure her mother would come from the wood work with her dramatic reasons as to why going to Cotillion was important, when it reality there was only one reason why it mattered - reputation. 

      - So, which one is yours? - her brother joked, looking away from where Blair was trying on her own dress. Y/N rolled her eyes, raising her hand where a black hanger was with her dress. - White? You’re trying to present yourself as virginal?

       - One of us has to. - she bite back. - Besides, Rory wore white and I wanna wear white. 

       - You shouldn’t model your life after a sitcom, Y/N. It’s not gonna be nearly as fun as they portray it. 

       - I can always trip you while you’re dancing. That’ll be fun, huh? 

       - What’ll be fun will be seeing Carter Baizen escort you when mum and dad don’t even know you’re sneaking around with him. 

       - I’m not sneaking around and I told you I’m going alone. - she wasn’t lying. She’d become acquainted with Carter a few years ago and the two had become close friends, both sharing an ambition of travelling around the world, hiking high mountains and looking at the clearest seas but that’s where it ended. At least to him. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t have at least some sort of romantic interest in him. How could she not? He was a handsome man with the same ideals as her, who’d often flirt but she’d convinced herself it was just who he was. Yet, her hopes were always very high at whatever they had. He didn’t look at anyone else like he looked at her, he didn’t hug anyone else like he hugged her and after he left New York, she was the one who he’d still write to yet it never progressed to anything else. She’d rather have him as whatever they were so she could keep him. Of course, Nate was of a different opinion and believed the two were dating, just without the label. - Not everyone can take a Waldorf to Cotillion.

     - You’re not going alone, Y/N. C’mon, we know so many people, so many guys who’d die to take you to Cotillion.

     - It’s really not a big deal. 

     - You should just ask him. - Nate told her, before being dragged away by one of the tailors to fix his suit. She had to admit, she was rather keen on seeing her brother in a fitted grey suit. 

After deciding there was no point in keeping in that store, hoping to find something else, she stepped outside, dress bag over her shoulder. It was a pretty dress and after all, who does not enjoy to be in a pretty dress and get free food and drink? She continued to walk down the street, mindlessly going through a checklist in her head of things she had to get sorted before Cotillion tonight. As her mind checked out invisible tasks, she spotted Carter just a bit down the street. A smile playfully etched on her cherry stained lips as she walked down to meet him. 

     - Hello stranger. 

     - Oh, hi princess. - his eyes moved from whatever he had been looking at to look at her, yet something was off. - What you got there? Body bag?

     - Cotillion dress. Not as exciting. - his attention was scattered, eyes looking left and right as if he was looking out for something. - Are you ok, Carter?

     - ‘Course I am. - he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, turning her the opposite way. - Excited for Cotillion?

     -  They always have great stuffed mushrooms and I do intend to have at least a whole tray just for myself. 

     - Who’s the poor bastard who’s taking you? Vanderbilt?

     - He’s my cousin, Carter. Besides, I told you I am going by myself. 

     - And your mother allowed that?

     - She doesn’t need to know.

     - Sneaky. - he chuckled, stopping as her flat came into view. 

     - I wouldn’t have to be sneaky if you escorted me, Baizen. - she meant for it to sound as a joke, but as those words escaped her lips, she realised how oddly passive aggressive they sounded. 

     - You know it’s not my thing.

     - I know. - she sighed. - I’m just being silly.

     - I’ll take you for brunch tomorrow. We’ll discuss all the gossip that went on. You know the rules, the one with the best piece of gossip wins and the other one pays.

     - You better bring your wallet, Baizen. - she opened the door of her building, bidding her goodbyes before quickly climbing up the stairs to get ready.

Sure, part of her wished he would escort her and be her date but he despised the idea of Cotillion more than she did and she wouldn’t want him to be uncomfortable the whole night. Besides, if she went alone, she probably would get to change her own introduction speech and make a splash for the family. No publicity is bad publicity, after all. As the sun set down, she was being rushed into the car by her mother, hair set with pearl strings all around which matched the ones that hanged from her earrings. She felt pretty, she had to admit. However, as she stepped into the limo where Blair and Nate was, she couldn’t help but imagine how things would’ve been if Carter had taken her. He would’ve brought her favourite lilies as a corsage, just as when he came back from Florence on her birthday and surprised her with a whole bouquet of white lilies and roses. He’d probably have his tie a bit too loose, as he always did whenever he was inevitably forced to wear one. They would dance the whole night to classical pieces. Yet, all these past tenses were merely ghosts in her brain and as they pulled in front of the building hosting Cotillion, she realised she was alone. He wasn’t here, he didn’t make it a priority to escorting her. But it was okay, she’d never want him to do something which would make him uncomfortable. 

As per usual, they were fashionably late as Blair put it and were rushed to the big staircase. She’d seen it before with her cousins own cotillion ceremonies - two big staircases facing each other, one had all the girls and the other the boys. Normally, she’d be looking at whoever was escorting her but since she was about to be escorted by her own self, she merely looked at her own white shoes, contrasting with the gold gown Serena, who was in front of her, was wearing. As long as she didn’t trip or fall down the stairs, it would be fine. 

     - Escorting Serena van der Woodsen is Carter Baizen. - her eyes looked up as she wondered if her own tired brain was playing jokes on her. But it wasn’t.

They were there. He was here, in the centre, by Serena’s side, escorting her. The sound of the room all went quiet and all she could hear was the buzzing in her ears and her heart drop to her stomach. There were no thoughts in her brain and she didn’t seem to even acknowledge what was happening around her, all she felt was an overwhelming pain and her chest tightening.

    - Next is Y/N Archibald, daughter of Howard and Anne Archibald, escorted by ... - she went down the stairs, standing in the centre by her self as she felt the whole world staring at her. 

    - Me. - she looked to her left to see Chuck Bass run down the stairs to stand by her side. - Sorry, I’m late.

    - Thank you. - she mouthed to Chuck as they went down the stairs. 

    - He’s an ass. - Chuck said as they reached the floor. Immediately, Nate and Blair came over to her side. - I’ll stick around for when we have to dance.

    - Thank you, Chuck.   

    - I thought you said he didn’t like these things. - Nate was mad, everyone with a pair of eyes could see it. 

    - Not now.

    - Yes, now, Y/N. He humiliated you.

    - He didn’t ... he’s just a traitor.