#my brother with his particular sincerity: yes. we should do it again.

[whoslaurapalmer]

my brother and I went to target to look at christmas stuff!!!!! also I needed a wall charger for my new phone (it came with the cord but not the wall plug. I am still setting it up it's a whole Thing verizon is taking an age to unlock my number to transfer it.), so I got that, and some candy canes (some for decorating!! some for eating!!), some peeps (I wanted candy cane peeps but since I was getting the candy cane's I couldn't justify them......so I just got a little set of regular trees and snowmen. although the candy cane ones are kinda haunting me fuck), my breakfast bread, some dessert cookies for the next week, and!!!!! target has very cute little christmas birds and ornaments, I already have a few from years ago, so I was looking at them not intending to really get any (and the small bird set they had was cute but not Stellar) but they had one single cream colored bird in little glasses and a sweater and it was so fucking cute I 100% got it to put on the tree. I fucking love birds goddammit. do I want a silly tree? yes, at times I do. do I also want my cute cottagey animal tree with birds and woodland creatures, and kermit?? yeah yeah I do.

I did consider some new ball ornaments?? Just. In terms of trying to figure out what my style is. in decor. I do know what it is but yknow!!!!!!!!!!! they had a nice set of black/gold/silver ones that I really liked and wasn't too expensive at all but I have red ball ornaments on the tree and I like them a lot and they go with the ornaments I already have and I think that's okay. I can always consider other things later!!!!!!!!!!

[themorphinefae]

Mammon's Birthday '22 (spoilers ahead)

I must admit I was waiting for this event since Mammon is my favorite. The experience was... weird? I don't know, I am not sure I enjoyed this event as I did for the other two birthdays honestly. If you enjoyed it, please do not feel offended by my post, it is just my personal opinion, nothing more.

To be honest, I did enjoy the alternative ending, but since you should use keys to experience it, I don't find it fair that the most enjoyable and well-written part is the one you need to unlock.

First thing first. Starting from the beginning. We essentially see Lucifer promising Mammon a luxury holiday for his birthday if he manages to assist Diavolo in the human world. His brothers are worried about him because they're sure he's going to fail this task and end up losing his reward. On one hand I was happy to see Mammon's brothers being sincerely concerned for his happiness and trying to help him out, on the other hand, Mammon is being again portrayed as a total idiot who can't even tell the difference between orange and grapefruit. Yes, you heard that right. Lord Diavolo sends Mammon to buy oranges at the market and the MC and Satan, who have followed him secretly to assist him, had to come up with a plan to help him even with this simple task.

In the second part, Mammon thinks he can finally enjoy his vacation together with the MC but, of course, all the family joined him and they discover that the luxury holiday is at a Zoo... Lucifer has organized a treasure hunt for his little brother at a Zoo. Again, the other brothers have to help him, and when he finally found the prize, he discovered that his birthday present is a ticket to all the Devildom factories... At least this time not only Mammon is the one who gets upset, but his brothers too, Bill in particular.

The alternative ending is way more enjoyable. Mammon gets a real luxury holiday and a decent present from all his brothers, but, as I said before, the quality of the event increases a little just in the alternative ending. We get a romantic moment just at the very end (of the alternative ending), just for the sake of it. Furthermore, I can not bare to think that in an alternative timeline/universe, Mammon has to celebrate his birthday in a Zoo, and all he gets as a present is a ticket for visiting factories... C'mon devs, drop that joke already.

I know it is not such a big deal, I KNOW it is just a game, but since I am free to express my opinion, I think this wasn't the best birthday Mammon had so far.

[septembersghost]

I was watching Wiedersehn earlier (love that argument, though I do think the committee is useless for not understanding when someone is sincere or not) and I love Jimmy deeply, and of course Kim is a mess too, but my god do I want to smack him upside the head for assuming Kim doesn’t love him and is just sleeping with him for kicks. Like for someone so emotionally constipated she exits a conversation by talking about wanting to see a kitchen (see Bingo) she does a great job of showing her love

the committee makes me want to run around the table slapping them all in turn, because there is no ethical or professional reason, NONE, that they should be sitting there waiting for jimmy to open up about his trauma over losing his brother. they want him to grovel in remorse because what happened with chuck is why his license was suspended, but judging him for not doing so is absurd, his expression of sorrow is not a measure of his worthiness to be reinstated. (this is not a criticism of the writing btw, it makes total sense, it just infuriates me!) he does such a great job, and then it's that totally invasive "was there any particular influence?" question that sinks him. (i want to know how they would've reacted if he'd cited kim as a reason there, it certainly would've been true.) it works so effectively because i feel every ounce of his rage and frustration when he throws his briefcase at the wall, when he's angry on that rooftop. they are not owed his personal grief to determine if he's worthy of being a lawyer! and then he plays them like fiddles because that's all they care about hearing. tbh it's no wonder he loses another portion of his faith in the law at that moment, but more than that, it's no wonder kim does too.

"how do you disprove insincere?" it's awful, i gnash my teeth over it

that said, jimmy's reaction to kim is wildly unfair, but it's all terrible projection. he's mad, he's dejected, he feels rejected yet again, he can't lash out at chuck because chuck is dead in a horrible way after saying horrible things to him, he can't tell her about that final conversation or about the guilt he's tried to strangle because of the insurance, he can only think about how the committee thought he was insincere, and chuck thought he was destined to be a scumbag who hurts everyone and that he wasn't a real lawyer to begin with, and here's kim, always on his side, and WHY? she must secretly judge him too, right? and they've been drifting apart a bit, as we see in the opening of something stupid, and i almost feel like he has this bandaid-ripping kind of reaction where he wants to get it over with, confirm that she's done with him too. which of course she isn't. but when he's feeling grief/guilt like that, he explodes at whoever's there (like later when he does this to howard at the courthouse) to take the hit. kim doesn't deserve it, she KNOWS she doesn't deserve it, she hits back because she's been delicately walking around his feelings for months. her first reaction, her very first instinct, is that they'll handle it. "we will fix it." her confusion and dismay isn't because she doesn't believe him, it's because she's been trying her very best to understand his response to chuck's death through that entire year, to support him in it, and she's been waiting for him to say something about that loss too (and with her, it's not an unreasonable request, but jimmy can't get there).

and jimmy lies so bitterly, "i don't think about chuck, i don't miss chuck. chuck was alive and now he's dead and that's that. finito. life goes on. so sue me." ANYONE who loves someone is going to have a distressed reaction to that! it has nothing to do with her not wanting him or not loving him and everything to do with concern. his anger at her isn't at her, really, it's at chuck. and she's right in everything he says - she's always on his side, she comes running when he calls, she drops everything for him every single time. she was a willing participant, yes, but she compromises herself for him and that's one of the only times he throws it back at her (the other time is 1x09, and he quickly realizes the truth there too). he knows he's wrong and he instantly regrets it, but it's such a painfully loaded situation.

their reconciliation being done in such an understated way always gets to me as well. "i messed it all up." "you still want to be a lawyer?" "yeah." "well, we can start with that." she doesn't hesitate to still help and show up for him! you're right, even though she often avoids saying the hard things out loud too (they both are so skilled at compartmentalizing and dancing around things...dancing is a dangerous game!), she ALWAYS shows her loyalty and love for him. she loves him so much. i'm sick 😭💙

[intheticklecloset]

Some Kind of Way (My Hero Academia)

ShinDeku AU

Summary: Shinsou begins to realize he may have feelings for Deku, and it makes him act so out of the ordinary that his crush decides the best way to help him relax is the very thing that kickstarted his feelings in the first place.

A/N: I am so unbelievably excited to finally share this with you! This one has been waiting in the wings for quite a while! Welcome to the first fic in my official ShinDeku AU! This story takes place after the events of "Say Mercy" and creates an entirely new storyline. While these two remain good friends in the Primary Universe, in this AU, things go a little differently.

I will admit this is pretty self-indulgent, but I know I'll want to keep writing for these boys, and what better excuse than to create an alternate reality in which they get together? Cute boyfriends and lots of tickling - what more could you want? I hope you enjoy! <3 <3

Word Count: 2,275

~~~

Midoriya: Video games at my place! Kaminari and Todoroki are coming – do you wanna join??

Shinsou stared at his phone screen for so long it went dark on him three times. He’d nearly forgotten that at some point he and Deku had exchanged numbers. Their spring break had just started; today was Monday, which meant that Deku’s mom was probably at work right now, as it was just after ten in the morning.

It really shouldn’t have been this hard to reply to a text. Yet here he sat, struggling to do just that.

It’s video games, Shinsou berated himself. You’ve played video games with him before. That’s what you were doing the last time you hung out. Just answer his text!

Shinsou: Yes. I don’t know where you live, though.

Midoriya: I’ll send you the details! Can’t wait!! :D

Shinsou set his phone aside, heart racing. This is ridiculous. What’s happening to me? He rubbed his eyes tiredly, his mind flashing back to the last time he’d hung out with Deku. They’d gotten into a tickle fight, which he’d ultimately won, but there had been a…a moment. When he’d pinned Deku for the last time and ordered him to beg for mercy. The way Deku had screamed the word over and over through hysterical fits of laughter…

He swallowed. It had been so satisfying, but more than that, it had been…cute. No, adorable. Completely, utterly adorable. Deku was adorable. And for the first time, Shinsou was noticing.

He tried not to think about it as he gathered up his things and walked out the door, heading to the destination the green-haired boy had provided him with.

*

Seeing him in person was so much worse.

Deku opened up the door with a bright smile and an invitation to come inside. It was the first time Shinsou had seen him without his school uniform or hero costume on. He wore a bright yellow All Might t-shirt and blue shorts, and he was barefoot. Shinsou awkwardly took his own shoes off in the entryway and followed him into the small living room, where Todoroki was already seated on the floor.

The icy-hot hero raised a hand in greeting. Shinsou nodded at him, then took a seat as well.

“Kaminari should be here any minute,” Deku said, pulling out his phone to check for a text from the blonde. “It’s so cool to finally have friends over at my place! Make yourselves at home. We’ve got juice and soda in the fridge if you want some, and later we can have lunch together, too.” Deku smiled so brightly it lit up the whole block. “Plus I’ll get to introduce you to a racing game that’s not Mario Kart for once!”

Shinsou couldn’t take his eyes off of him. He found himself noticing things more and more. The particular shade of green that his eyes were. The spattering of freckles across his face and arms. How scarred his right arm was. How muscular he was despite his smaller stature. Shinsou noticed all of it, and it made his heart beat faster and faster. Crap, crap, crap, he thought frantically. I…I’ve got a—

Someone knocked on the door, Deku hurried to answer it, and the spell was broken. Shinsou blinked several times. Seriously, what was happening to him?

“Heyyy, it’s my man Shinsou!” Kaminari greeted enthusiastically, slapping him on the back. “And Todoroki, of course. Ready to lose some video games?”

Shinsou let out a sigh of relief, then smirked up at him. “The joke’s on you, Kaminari. Midoriya says we’re not playing Mario Kart.”

“Dude, what?” Kaminari whipped around to face Deku. It was so much easier to look at him with Kaminari in the room as well. “You can’t take my crown away like that!”

Deku grinned. “I’m introducing you to a different racing game. Kacchan and I play it sometimes – Team Sonic Racing!”

“Sonic has a racing game?” Kaminari asked, then hummed. “Well, he is a speedy little guy. I guess it makes sense.”

“Team racing?” Todoroki asked. “What does that mean?”

Deku lit up at the question, then launched into a long, rambling explanation of all the ways it differed from Mario Kart, and why it was superior, as well. After a little while they finally got to the actual playing part of it, and before they knew it, the morning hours were long gone.

*

Getting lost in the world of Team Sonic Racing did wonders for Shinsou’s mind. He was able to focus on something that wasn’t Deku, for once – even if Deku’s character of choice did cause him a lot of trouble during the races. It gave him a chance to calm down, clear his head, and get back to his normal self. At least, until a couple of hours later when it was lunchtime.

Kaminari had announced early on that he had lunch plans with some others from their class, so it was expected that he’d leave after a couple of hours. But it was a surprise to both Shinsou and Deku when Todoroki announced he was also leaving.

“My apologies,” he said, “but I got a text from my sister that asked me to meet her downtown for lunch with her and my brother. I’m…trying to get back in touch with them, as it were. I can’t really do that while I’m at the dorms.”

“That’s okay,” Deku said, sounding sincere. “I understand. Go have fun with your family.” Then he turned to Shinsou. “Do you want to stay, or do you have somewhere to be?”

Shinsou’s heart was racing again. He was about to be alone with Midoriya again.

“I…I can stay,” he said, nodding. “If that’s all right with you.”

“Of course!”

After bidding farewell to their other friends, Deku led Shinsou back into the kitchen and opened up the fridge, pulling out various things they could use to make sandwiches. Shinsou got the bread out of the pantry (after struggling for a few moments to even find the pantry), and soon they were both at work making lunch for themselves.

“How’s your spring break so far?” Deku asked.

“It’s…fine,” Shinsou murmured. He didn’t really have anything exciting to report on. “You?”

“Great! I kind of took it easy this weekend because All Might insisted I actually rest, but we trained together this morning before I invited you over for video games. We’ll train again tomorrow, too.”

Shinsou glanced at him. “It’s spring break.”

“I know, but I don’t want to stop training. I’ve got to work as hard as I can to get even stronger.”

“Rest is important, too, you know.”

Deku smiled. “You sound just like everyone else.”

“Because we’re right.”

“I’m resting more than I’m training this week. Don’t worry, Shinsou. I won’t burn myself out.”

Shinsou nodded. “Good.”

“So,” Deku continued, expertly changing the topic as he finished up his sandwich, “want to play some more after lunch? Or we could watch a movie or something instead. What do you want to do?”

“Um…” Shinsou hesitated. Again that image of Deku laughing and begging entered his mind. He shoved it away. “I…I don’t know. Midoriya,” he added quickly, before he lost his nerve, “why do you want to hang out with me so much?”

Deku went silent for a moment. “Because you’re my friend? And you’re really cool! I think it’s so awesome that you want to join the hero course, and your quirk is so useful, especially with that voice changer thing you have now, and—”

“Useful?” Shinsou turned to look at him, surprised. “No one’s ever called my quirk useful before.”

“Then no one’s really known you before,” Deku replied confidently, taking his first bite of his lunch. “Mmm, this is good! What’d you make?”

Shinsou glanced down at his half-finished sandwich and reached for some lunch meat. “To be determined.”

*

When they’d finished eating and cleaned up the kitchen, Shinsou and Deku went back into the living room, where Team Sonic Racing sat waiting for them on the screen, should they continue to play it.

“Are you okay, Shinsou?” Deku asked, his voice gentler now. “You seem bothered about something.”

Dear god, was he really so easy to read? Shinsou cleared his throat. “No, I’m fine. I’m just…” He searched for the words. How could he explain to Deku that he was pretty sure he had a crush…on Deku? “I’m just…I don’t know. Fine.”

“You know, if you’re not up for video games anymore, we could play a different game,” Deku said. Shinsou glanced up at him, hearing the teasing tone in his voice, and his eyes widened when he saw the green-haired boy wiggling his fingers and smiling wide.

Instant. Blush.

“Uh, I-I mean…I mean, i-if you…want to, then…” Shinsou stammered, hating every word he tripped over. It had never been difficult for him to speak to Midoriya before. Why was it suddenly the hardest thing he’d ever done?

“Actually, maybe we shouldn’t have a tickle fight,” Deku announced even as he lunged for Shinsou and tackled him to the floor. “Maybe I should just tickle you! You really need to relax, Shinsou. You act like I’m about to bite you or something.”

“I d-dohohohohon’t – I cahahahahan’t help it!” he giggled, the light pinches along his sides and ribs enough to help him loosen up a little, but not enough to really make him panic just yet. He fell onto his back on the floor, letting Deku tickle all over his torso, drawing giggle after much-needed giggle out of him.

“You don’t have to be nervous around me,” Deku continued, oblivious to Shinsou’s struggle. “We’re friends! If you want to talk about something, I’m happy to listen.”

Crap, crap, crap! Shinsou brought his hands up to cover his face, growing really, truly flustered now. “I’m sohohohohohohorry, I cahahahahan’t – I cahahahaHAHAHAHAN’T!! NAHAHAHAHAHA!!” The violet-haired boy shot his arms down to try and shove Deku away when he reached his hips, squeezing with a wicked smirk on his face. “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA NOHOHOHOHO!! MIDORYA!!”

“Relax, Shinsou~” Deku teased, swinging a leg over to straddle his friend and pin him more firmly in place, still squeezing his hips. “Sometimes it’s best to just laugh it all out, right?”

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! GOD, MIHIHIHIHIDORIYA!! NOT THEHEHEHEHERE!!” Shinsou cackled, twisting and writhing on the ground. “YOU KNOHOHOHOHOHOW IT’S BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAD THEHEHEHERE!!”

“Why do you think I’m tickling you there?” Deku laughed, too, finding his hip bones and pressing in deeply. “Tickle, tickle, tickle~”

“DOHOHOHOHOHOHOHON’T!!” Shinsou cried, flustered and embarrassed but also having a lot of fun despite himself. He let out a loud shriek and kicked his legs when Deku focused on that one spot that drove him absolutely crazy. “NAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! MIDORIYAHAHAHAHA!!”

Deku chuckled. “Feeling better? Feeling relaxed yet, Shinsou?”

Shinsou squealed, prying his eyes open just enough to see Deku’s huge smile, his bright eyes, his looming form over him, and the boy from 1-C simply could not take it anymore. “PLEHEHEHEASE!! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP IT!! MIDORIYA, PLEHEHEHEHEASE!! MERCY!! MERCY MERCY MERCYEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!!”

Deku stopped, but didn’t climb off of him. Shinsou gasped for breath and looked up at him, still giggling, surprised to see a tiny blush on the boy’s freckled cheeks. He blinked a few times. “M-Midoriya?”

“I…I’m s-sorry, I, uh…” Deku stammered, blinking as well. His cheeks got even pinker. “Oh! I’ll let you go—”

Shinsou reached up faster than either of them could think and grabbed onto Deku’s arms, stopping him from climbing off just yet. He forced himself to make eye contact with the smaller boy, and when he did, what he saw there gave him the encouragement he needed to finally get this off of his chest.

“Midoriya,” he said quietly, “I think I need to tell you something.”

Deku swallowed. He suddenly seemed nervous, too. “Y-Yeah?”

Shinsou’s heart was pounding against his ribcage. “I…I kind of…like you. Like…you know. That way.”

Deku let out a little gasp in response, but he never broke eye contact. His cheeks went from pink to red. “I…I t-think I like you, too, Shinsou…”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Shinsou finally moved to sit up, wrapping an arm around Deku’s back to keep him from falling over as he did so, and when he was upright again the two of them were face-to-face. Shinsou’s eyes flicked all over Deku’s blushing features, from his shining eyes down to his lips and back up again. Then he brought his free hand up to scribble against the smaller boy’s side.

Deku immediately smiled wide, giggling slightly, and Shinsou’s suspicions were confirmed. “Ugh, you’re adorable,” he muttered, pulling him into a bear hug and burying his face in his shoulder. “You know that? Adorable, Midoriya.”

“I-I think you’re cute, too,” Deku stammered, sounding incredibly flustered.

“Only cute?” Shinsou teased, digging his fingertips into the boy’s ribs, feeling him jolt in his arms but holding him tightly all the same. “Wow, and after I just poured my heart out to you.”

“Ahahahahaha nohohohohohoho! I’m sohohohohohorry!” Deku squealed, giggling and squirming but unable to go anywhere or protect himself. He tossed his head back and laughed freely. “You’re adohohohohohorable, too! Plehehehehehease, Shinsou!”

“Too late, Midoriya,” Shinsou replied, grinning into his shoulder, feeling more confident now. He slid one tickling hand down to Deku’s hip and laughed with him when he spasmed so hard they both fell to the floor. “You said I was just cute. Now you’ll have to face the wrath of the tickle monster!”

“Nohohohohohohohoho!” Deku cried, giggling hysterically, but it was obvious to both of them that he didn’t really want any of this to stop, and neither did Shinsou.

So it didn’t.

[captnjacksparrow]

if you had to rank your fav naruto characters how would it go? love your blog btw!!

Hmmm... Complicated ask, anon.😂

[My personal life would be splashed here and there. Please bear with me]

Before 5 months, if you asked me about Naruto, my response would be ‘What the fuck is that?’. I absolutely had no idea such a treasure existed. For me, it started out like a blockbuster movie for the sheer variety of fights and the resulting emotions it brought within me. 

However, there was a point I stopped and thought, ‘Wait a fucking second. This resembles my family dynamics. This person is speaking the exact same lines I spoke to my parents few years ago. This person’s situation resembles mine. Did this creator a time traveler?’. Naruto is the only piece of media that gave me such feel. Am not even exaggerating, believe me. 

I really liked so many characters very much but am going to try my best to list just 10. 

The only characters I hate in this series are Danzo, Sakura and Hinata in no particular order. Meaning, I absolutely cannot see any positives in them. They are crassy, cringey and completely detestable.

FAVOURITE NARUTO CHARACTERS

10. Killer Bee

HaHaHa :-) Just seeing this character makes me smile and light-hearted.

It’s a pity that he is the only character who don’t belong to Konoha in my Top 10 rankings who was developed well apart from Gaara.

I loved him from Frame 1 onwards and I sincerely wished Team Taka should be packed up with their ass beaten up mercilessly. And that’s what happened.

Despite being a Jinchurikki, he never bothered to mind his surroundings and filled his heart with love from his over protective Brother alone was nice to watch.

He makes a great Tag Partner with Naruto next to Sasuke. No doubt.

The way Killer Bee treated Team Taka like some annoying flies and his cool and don’t care attitude was top notch. It’s not just with Sasuke, Bee treated Naruto with the same IDGAF attitude at first.

Best Moments:

Lariat punch to Sasuke (TBH, Sasuke deserved it. LOL)

Blasted off every member of Team Taka like a doll

His entire conversation and fight sequence with Kisame (Their banters and exchanges are way too hilarious)

His dynamics with his Elder Brother (God!!!! Whenever Raikage gives him an Iron Claw.... What a hilarious duo!!!!)

9. Hatake Kakashi

Kakashi was my most favourite character when I started the series for simply being ultra-cool with the way he conducted the Bell-Test and taught a valuable lesson for those bratty kids in Team 7 called ‘Team Work’. 

Best Moments:

Kakashi vs Obito Hand-to-Hand Combat (the best in the series)

Kakashi in the Gaara retrieval arc (His fight with Itachi & Deidara gave a good start to the shippuden series. His Mangekyou reveal was surprising).

Kakashi & Guy teaming up with Naruto to reveal Obito in a twisty and tragic way. (Kakashi couldn’t handle the truth at all and neither did I)

Kakashi vs Zabuza (That’s when I realized that the series was getting real serious)

8. Jiraiya

Jiraiya was my next favourite to Kakashi during my Part 1 days. His open perversion and his entire dynamics with Naruto was one of the best things during the Chunin Exams arc. Taught Naruto about Chakra Control and about the way of a shinobi by just enduring. Naruto follows this even today.

Best Moments: 

Kuchiyose No Jutsu training (Man, I never expected him to push Naruto off the cliff)

Rasengan Training (One of the best arcs in part 1 and it was soo satisfying to see Naruto punching his first Rasengan on Kabuto, He also acted like a quasi parent to Naruto... heartwarming)

Jiraiya Vs Six paths of Pain ( 6 vs 1 was always doomed but still he had the guts of a shinobi and plunged ahead)

7. Uchiha Madara

Geez. What is there to not like him?? 

Everything he did was absolutely wrong ever since he broke up with Hashirama in a romantic way much similar to how couples break up in my country.

I am an Uchiha. You are a Senju. I wish it had been different.

This roughly translates to how 75% of lovers break up and marry someone else from their own clan in my state. (Duh!!!)

I am from XXX clan, you are from XXX clan. So we can’t love each other and my parents won’t accept this relationship. So let’s break up.

Alright, my first shipping couple in this series is HashiMada for this exact reason. (I started shipping SNS only after episode 478). 

Just like Hashirama, Madara had an extensive build up right from episode 1 where Kurama compares Sasuke with Madara. And flashbacks from Itachi and Tobi spiked my curiosity and I wanted to see his face so badly ever since.

But the moment he landed gracefully like a diva in episode 321.... Woaahhhh!!!! He literally danced in the battlefield and ate up 100′s of guys with just a fucking Sharingan. 

Best Moments:

Going Shirtless before 1000′s of people with Hashirama’s face, no less (Well, I literally went heart-eyed for 5 minutes. Sorry Sasuke, your ancester was way much sexier than you in the Orochimaru hideout and beats you by a million points).

Screaming Hashirama’s name like a cockatoo for 300 times even till the very end (Sorry Naruto, your obsession towards Sasuke for about 6 arcs is pale in comparison to Madara’s obsession which was established in just 6 or 7 episodes.)

I have 25 clones now. Do you want me to put Susanoo or not? You can’t answer. The answer is yes. (Man, his I don’t give a fuck attitude is just an alien level thing)

Openly admitting Only Hashirama Can Beat Me (Say what you will about Sasuke, Madara has no qualms about accepting his inferiority in terms of power. An absolute Straight Forward diva-queen)

Awakening Sharingan for breaking up with his ‘friend’ rather than for his 3 dead brothers. (Geez, Poor Soul. He is the forefather of a Romantic Uchiha. That romantic blood still flows in Sasuke)

6. Senju Hashirama

Man, I would have placed him somewhere in top 5 if only he was introduced early or had more scenes. I started watching Naruto only because of this very name. There is a local podcaster in my state who goes under the alias of Senju Hashirama and in his podcasts, he hinted about this character and how he was inspired by his ideals. I just googled and saw that this character belonged to Naruto series and I considered watching it. Here I am, making analysis on that very series.

There was this excellent build up for him right when we got introduced to Captain Yamato. He was constantly referred in flashbacks from Itachi and Tobi especially.

But the moment he was reanimated again..... Geez..... It was an hilarious ride all throughout. Out of all the flashbacks we got from this series, Founders Era flashback was my absolute favourite.

From where I come from, we are still under the stupid influence of Clan infrastructure and are not growing up in many aspects like people in western countries do. For me, I hope, one day, someone like Senju Hashirama appears in our state and change our lives for better by uniting all clans as one and treats everyone equally without the shitty favouritism for their own children, friends, parents, siblings.

That’s why this dialogue struck a thunder in my heart

“Be they a friend.... Be they a sibling.... Be it even my own child. I will not forgive anyone who threatens the village.”

Because the clan leaders in our place are absolutely selfish, trash bastards who serves their own needs with no regards for other people from other clans. For a person like me, Hashirama is not just a fictional hero, he is someone who many aspires to become. No wonder that podcaster chose this name as his alias.

He rightfully deserved the title ‘God of Shinobi’. And no one can surpass him, not even Naruto.

Best Moments:

Wood Style vs Eternal Mangekyou sharingan + Kurama powered Madara (He just beats Madara’s ass by a wide margin. This shows he was a whole fucking different level than Naruto + Sasuke combined. In terms of strength, nobody surpassed him YET. Sorry Naruto and Sasuke, you guys are no match even now with your Rinnegan and Kurama lost forever).

His entire banters with Madara (ROFLLLL. Without him, it would have been just another lifeless arc.)

5. Senju Tobirama

Hmmm, let me tell you something about him.

First off, he is not a racist or fascist as many hardcore Sasuke fanatics claims. He is one of the best hokages according to me. He is abso-fucking-lutely practical, rational, logical and holds no grudge. And Sasuke resembles Tobirama with all these characteristics as compared to soft and naive Naruto. If only he had more screen time, he would be easily in my top 3. 

Just because he didn’t lick the boots of Uchiha (many people’s favorite clan or may I say the only clan that was given any shit about in this series), it doesn’t make him a racist or fascist.

No, he never persecuted the Uchihas. Danzo, the crass bastard, driven off the Uchihas only after the Kyuubi incident. It was explicitly mentioned in the databook and was clearly explained in the series. 

He literally gave the highest position in the village for the entire clan. That is, a military power inside a military village. ‘Shinobi who can cause crimes can only be stopped by shinobi who are even better’. In my state, if a powerful clan decided to persecute another clan, they simply start by cutting off basic amenities like Water and Electricity. Compared to what I’ve seen, Tobirama did nothing but given the Uchihas, the highest position in their village. 

Orochimaru only said giving such a power made them conceited (arrogant). Tobirama had a trusted subordinate called Kagami, an Uchiha in his team. He suggested Kabuto to help Sasuke and even teleported him on his request. He even spited Madara for killing Sasuke, an Uchiha. He openly claimed Uchiha clan exceeds Senju in terms of Love. He openly appreciated Itachi and Kagami as someone who sees beyond their clan. In what world, would a racist or fascist do all this for a clan he hates??? 

Yes, he was cautious of Sasuke at first because he saw him with Orochimaru and even went full-on battle mode because of Sasuke’s carefree threat to destroy the village. But once he decided to go to the battlefield to fight Madara, he simply forgot everything that happened before and started to work with him as a comrade, and even helped him twice. In which world, a racist or fascist behave this way?

Believe me, a person like me who was grown with these clan politics surely can say who is a fascist. He was not. He was just cautious of them because of their ability to attain superpowers with just emotions alone. Let me ask you all this, ‘Would you be okay with people getting crazy powers whenever they are depressed?’. Being cautious is not racism. It really disrespects people who faced real oppression under fascism.

What Madara and Danzo did was a classical example of fascism. 

And No, Izuna didn’t die only because of Tobirama. He died because Madara was too arrogant to instigate war with Senju clan. And this was way before forming Konoha. If Tobirama killed Izuna after the alliance between Uchiha and Senju, I would agree that he was a racist. Izuna lost his life just like any other Uchiha and Senju soldiers in that battlefield. 

Just because he shitted your beloved ‘Sasuke-Kun’ doesn’t mean he is a racist too. Tobirama saw Sasuke along with that scoundrel Orochimaru who once used this very two hokages to destroy the very village they strived hard to create and protect. What will you do, if you were in his place?? Please don’t lie and say ‘I wouldn’t be judgemental’. 

And Imagine you are Tobirama, Sasuke is threatening to commit genocide against the entire village who had no idea about this coup detat instead of going against those old hags. Will you sit quiet as a Hokage?? 

He was the first person to suggest his brother, Itama, that Revenge against Uchihas are futile. All we need is an agreement to make truce. That gave the idea for Hashirama to pursue his dream. And Tobirama was happy to follow that dream and very supportive. 

It’s because of all these reasons I placed him above Senju Hashirama.

Best Moments:

Amazing power display against Sasuke & Co with just an index finger (It was a pleasure to see everyone’s face trembling with mild sweat including Sasuke).

Acted as a decoy to save his young subordinates. (The way he sacrificed his life saying young wills of fire must be protected is just Woow!! I wish his subordinates listened to his words and passed the mantle to the younger ones rather than playing game at such an old age and screwed up many lives. Pfft!!!)

Any time he says ‘Shut Up’ to Hashirama (ROFL)

His absolute ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude to Naruto, Sasuke, Hashirama, Minato and Madara (He trolled them all mercilessly and I love it)

4. Senju Tsunade

It hurts me to say that Tsunade is the only female character in my list because every other female characters were written in a much more piss poorly way. Only Konan came close to Tsunade but her role was very short. 

Despite her character’s purpose revolved around another male character (Dan) and a blatant objectification of her breasts, I liked everything about her other than those mentioned above. 

She is the Second Best Hokage who took Konoha right after the destruction made by Orochimaru, excellently handled the aftermath by making friendly relations with Suna (Sand village), provided her best medical support to Konoha in the Pain Arc and successfully handled the fourth Shinobi world war. 

She is such a badass who developed her own original jutsu called Byakugou no Jutsu, which can heal herself. 

She is just way too amazing and it’s a pity that we got very less scenes in Shippuden.

Best Moments:

Took 25+ stabs from Madara’s Susanoo like a piece of cake (Man, I simply couldn’t describe that scene. All the other Kages were shocked and even Madara too)

Lifted her advisors like a cabbage sack (Those fucking old hags deserved it. Those shits should’ve died)

Her index finger flick assault on Naruto (Aww, Naruto was definitely bratty in his first meeting and Tsunade didn’t hold back at all)

Played Orochimaru like a basketball (In that same arc, she fought Orochimaru mercilessly like a devil left and right. Someone who claimed to have surpassed Tsunade never even dared to fight Orochimaru’s student and crying for his attention after just receiving one stab from Madara. Just saying)

3. Uzumaki Naruto

Naruto is the titular character and your emotions evolve along with him. He surely deserves a spot in Top 3. The only reason I didn’t place Naruto even more higher is because he didn’t experience something very important which many characters in this list faced. That is, Losing a loved one before his eyes. Every villain in this series became what they are because they lost someone important before their eyes like Nagato, Obito. (Nope, I don’t count Neji as his loved one). I think this tests the mettle of any character and Naruto failed to experience this. The only person he ever lost was Jiraiya and that too from off-screen. That’s why I felt his journey to his dreams seemed little easier compared to the rest of the characters.

His best block of episodes will always be the part 1 Episode 1, 2, 3. Episode 1 is the character defining episode for Naruto and what he learned there will be applied everywhere till the very end of the series. He learned 3 things

Forgiveness, Empathy and Acceptance

Talk-No-Jutsu

Kage Bunshin no Jutsu

From then on, this boy wins many friends to his side, not only from Konoha but from other villages too and even made them to acknowledge his strength only through his sheer hard work. 

However, there is this person, whose acknowledgement he wants the most.  That person is his most important bond along with Iruka Sensei. He is none other than Sasuke. One day, Sasuke left him alone for some unavoidable reason at the end of part 1 which left a huge scar in him and he vows to bring him back to the place where he belongs. That becomes his ultimate goal rather than becoming an Hokage.

The way he goes to any extent to protect the people he cares about is just simply entertaining to watch.

Every time he makes an heroic entry to save the day was never boring, not once. 

Best Moments:

Sobbing from his heart after hearing Iruka Sensei acknowledging him (It just makes me feel heavy for no reason. The anime team did an awesome job to capture his emotions convincingly)

Awakening Kyuubi Mode for the first time after seeing Sasuke die in his arms (Man, out of all the collective hatred he got from the villagers, this moment affected him a lot speaks volumes)

Punching Neji from the underground to win the Chunin exams (God, I honestly believed Naruto lost but he just surprised us heavily from nowhere. And that failure speech was just pure bliss to watch even today)

Pain Vs Naruto (One of the best arc for Naruto. Because unlike other arcs, where Naruto fought with a team, this arc he was all alone fighting a person with Rinnegan. Be it the exuberant landing from the frogs with a dramatic kabuki music, creating multi-step attacks, coming up with novel solution in that difficult situation, finally ending the conflict without killing the enemy, becoming an hero. Superb journey. The only thing I didn’t like in that arc is some shitty selfish proposal. PUKE!!)

Bearing the burdens of his most important person and die along with him (This boy always shouts he will never die until he becomes an Hokage. But for Sasuke, he was ready to die along with him in order to not leave him alone proves how much he loves him. This shows his emotional maturity rather than shouting at Sasuke like he always did before which never reached his ears. This time it did)

Final Good Bye to Minato (Honestly, I was bawling just like Naruto in that scene no matter how many times I watch it. It started out slow but as he speaks more and more, he simply couldn’t hold back and wept a sea of tears 😭😭😭)

2. Uchiha Sasuke

One of the well written characters in this series, with all the flaws and positive stuffs which makes him more of an Anti-Hero. He always subverts my preformed opinions and never ceased to surprise me.

Despite being aloof and cold, his warmer side will always be exposed towards Naruto. This is evident by many things he had done for Naruto which he don’t have to or no reason to. Starting right from roasting Sakura, offering lunch, asking for tips, enquiring about breakfast, protecting him many times and dying for Naruto. 

Why I placed him above Naruto is because of his unavoidable decision to tread in a complicated dark path primarily due to the trauma he carried and was stirred up again by collective factors such as Orochimaru’s cursed seal, Itachi’s arrival and Naruto’s growth. Compared to Sasuke, Naruto had an easier path because he never saw anyone die before his eyes and hence he don’t carry any trauma which can divert his path.

Even after watching his entire clan and family members murdered before his eyes at an age 8, he managed to pull himself and never snapped out like many other good characters does. But the moment when he found out that Itachi was good all along, he simply couldn’t tolerate the truth and gave himself to Vengeance. Because, he loved his brother more than he hated him all these years. This shows he loved his brother more than his parents. His resolve to destroy Konoha was perfectly understandable. But is it good? Nope. He can kill Danzo and those old hags but killing other people was never justifiable.

But still, his resolve to have his vengeance was diverted by Naruto and weakened by Itachi, at some point. So, he decided to know the truth and when he heard it, he understood the Hokages also sacrificed many precious things to protect this village just like his Brother Itachi. He understood the mistakes of his clan and decided to protect the village which he swore to destroy. [Many Sasuke fanatics think that he succumbed to the Government and Kishi wrote Sasuke to bootlick them. Their idea was to tackle genocide with another genocide. What a stupid idea!!!!]

And No, I don’t consider him trying to kill Sakura, Karin and Kakashi as his bad moments (though I feel bad for Karin). For the simple reason being, he became a monster by losing himself in the darkness who lost the rationality to differentiate friends from foes. Much similar to how Naruto lost himself to Kyuubi’s hatred against Orochimaru and in Pain Arc. It’s so hypocritical to ignore Naruto and accuse Sasuke here. Plus, Sakura had no business to be there otherwise Sasuke would not have tried to kill her. 

But does it mean Sasuke did nothing wrong???

Nope.

He definitely shouldn’t have joined Akatsuki and hunted Killer Bee like an animal. Because, he knew that Tobi was the one who helped Itachi massacre the clan. When fighting Itachi he specifically vowed to kill Madara (Tobi). On top of that, Itachi passed on Amaterasu in his eyes specifically to stay away from Tobi. Why did he ally with him? Plus, Sasuke was one of the few characters who was exposed to the name ‘Akatsuki’ in part 1 itself. He clearly knew that this organization targets Naruto, his closest bond. Why did he join there? This is where the stupid part of Sasuke came out. I was grunting... ‘Oii Where did that clever Sasuke, who faced 1000 soldiers without killing any of them, went??’. 

And his plan for Revolution???? I thought it would be reasonable. But his vision was eerily similar to Danzo’s vision. Grrr..... Danzo also wanted to create his ideal village by destroying the current Hokage. He wanted to unite the Five Village and put himself on top of everyone as evident from the Kage Summit arc. 

I appreciate him that he finally adopted the Will of Fire, by wanting to protect the village at all costs just like Itachi and Hashirama did. But his methods are not very democratic. Plus, he wanted to do it alone. I was screaming at him... ‘Grrr, Sasuke, did you listen to Itachi at all???. He failed because he did everything alone. Why can’t you understand????’ This is also another instance, Sasuke’s stupidity glanced out.

I am happy Naruto knocked some sense into him by telling him not to do it alone but together.

Many fanatics also ask, ‘What did Sasuke do wrong to atone for his sins at the end?’.

I was like ‘Reallly????’

He joined Akatsuki, an organization which terrorized all the 5 villages and he hunted someone like an international criminal.

He spoiled the Kage Summit and attacked Raikage who lost his arm because of him. I know what happened over there is not Sasuke’s fault. But these are the kages who was loved by many people in their own villages. How can the world forget it and simply let him go?

It’s exactly because of all those lovely stuffs he did in Part 1 and all these mistakes he did in Part 2 but willing to correct his mistakes by sharing the burdens of his other half in the end made him more interesting, complicated and exciting and that’s why I love this character.

I also have a personal bias to love this character sooo much because of the character on top of my list.

Best Moments:

Defending Naruto before Sakura (Awww!!! Such a good boy he was. Eventhough I thought he was a typical arrogant K-Drama hero, he just subverted my opinion in that one scene. I always have a thing for people who stands up for someone even though they don’t have to. This is where I started to like Sasuke)

My body moved on its own. (Is there anything that trumps this scene in terms of emotions and love in this series?. This moment is where I understood the depth of Sasuke’s emotions towards Naruto).

What is a Clan? What is a Village? What is a Shinobi? (I was really hoping for Sasuke to question himself something similar to this. Because he was so self-absorbed in his hatred and failed to look outside him ever since he left the village. It was so gratifying that he did that)

Killing Orochimaru (I always thought Sasuke will kill him only after he tries to take over the body. Never imagined that he will strike the snake first)

Killing Danzo (Man, what an amazing battle!!!. It was so gratifying to see such a crass bastard die many times over and over).

His dramatic confession through his monologue (After the mystery of Who is this Tobi, Sasuke’s obsession towards Naruto remained a mystery for me. Why did he listen to Naruto under the bridge? Why did he protected Naruto in the War? I got the answer only after this confession. It was so heartwarming to see this mellow side of Sasuke)

1. Uchiha Itachi

I could write pages about him. The foremost reason I like Itachi and earns the top spot in my rankings is because he shockingly resembled me in many ways. As I already said, I come from a place where clan politics plays a major role and when I see Sasuke’s flashback in part 1, I was simply dumbstruck by such a detailed similarities.

Elder child of the family - ✅

Have an adorable younger sister who loves me more than my parents - ✅

Same age gap (5 years) with my sister as Itachi and Sasuke - ✅

Parents paying total attention on me while ignoring my sister completely - ✅

Parents constantly comparing my achievements with my sister - ✅

A sister who bear hugged me every time I entered the home after returning from my school - ✅

Despite my mom being a teacher, my sister always prefers me to teach her stuffs as she considers me to be way too better than my mom -  ✅

Love my sister more than my parents - ✅

Clan-Obsessed parents - ✅

Used me as a tool for the benefit of the clan - ✅

Sending another person from my clan to spy on me - ✅

Strained relationship with my parents - ✅

Disgusted with my clan - ✅

Most importantly, this dialogue from part 1 episode 129,

Clan? Clan?

Obsessed with the organization, Obsessed with the clan, Obsessed with the name, that’s merely the detestable action that restrict yourself.

I have given up all hope in this worthless clan

Because, people obsess themselves to their clan, a thing so petty, they lose sight of the things that are truly important.

A real change cannot occur under restraints and controls

I confronted my parents with the exact same dialogue (almost 98% similar) in my own native language some years ago. 

I didn’t even know the existence of Naruto series at that time. I was simply shell-shocked by all these similarities with this character. 

And Yes, The moment I heard these dialogues, I knew Itachi, was a good guy, who had a very strong reason for his actions and I instantly knew Sasuke’s revenge will not bear him any happiness. 

It is exactly because of all these striking similarities of myself with Itachi, and my lil’l sister with Sasuke, my family dynamics with the Uchiha family.... I could understand the magnitude of Sasuke’s love towards Itachi. 

And precisely because of that, I could understand Sasuke’s love towards Naruto is not fucking ‘brotherly’ one but something that leans towards Attraction. 

No wonder, Itachi left Sasuke in Naruto’s care. 

Anyways to speak objectively, 

Itachi is an extremely self-sacrificial person whose life is full of pain and miseries but never blames it on the world unlike other Uchiha members like Madara, Obito and Sasuke to an extent.

He did things considering the bigger picture which never benefitted himself in anyway and was willing to go to any extent even at the expense of his own family and his brother’s happiness. That is, Uchiha Clan Massacre and Joining Akatsuki. None of this benefitted him in anyways but he did it anyway, for the village of Konoha. 

His ideals are shockingly similar to Hashirama, Which Sasuke pointed this out and Hashirama acknowledged that Itachi was a better shinobi than he was. ❤️❤️❤️

Now, does this means I support Uchiha clan massacre?

No way. Even Itachi didn’t.

This massacre happened because of the huge clusterfuck from Hiruzen’s incompetence, Danzo’s paranoid arrogance, Uchiha clan’s devious plan to over throw the government by force rather than approaching it in a peaceful way, say, a peace talk or a protest. 

All these people acted on their own self-interest. Itachi and Shisui caught in their whirlpool, bear their burdens and paid for it with their life. Sasuke suffered for it.

But, it’s not the only reason I love this character. It’s because, the moment he decided to massacre everyone, he marked his own death by the hands of his beloved brother. I love people who owns up their mistakes and face the consequences rather than making excuses (even though it’s not entirely his mistake).

Itachi is also the only character in this series who realized his failures on his own without anyone’s interference or Naruto’s Talk-No-Jutsu. 

And he apologized for everything he did to Sasuke.

Again, some hardcore Sasuke fanatics criticize/hate him for torturing their poor ‘Sasuke-Kun’ with his Tsukuyomi. I was like ‘Hmmm...What?’. 

First off, Itachi apologized to Sasuke for not thinking out from his point of view and also for not telling him the truth earlier.

Second off, Sasuke never even blamed Itachi for anything (even he didn’t hold him for killing their parents). If Sasuke himself, forgiven Itachi... Why are his fans being so rabid?

Third off, for all of his supposed ‘crimes’, he paid for it by dying as a disgraceful Madman rather than a Hero who really saved the village. He is someone who should be celebrated like Naruto but instead died proudly as a Traitor of Konoha.

All in all, One of the wonderfully written character I have ever seen in the media. 

Best Moments:

Itachi vs Sasuke (That battle was a pure brilliance and highly emotional especially after knowing the truth. When Sasuke released his Kirin, Itachi showed off his ultimate armour Susanoo like a badass. Seeing Susanoo for the first time gave me chills. No, Sasuke didn’t kill him. Itachi died on his own)

Itachi vs Orochimaru (Man, Itachi may look mellow but when it comes to Orochimaru he is a pure Sass. He screwed that snake up both the times by a wide margin. It seems Uchiha brothers like to fuck up Orochimaru, LOL)

Talk-No-Jutsu’ing Naruto (Geez, Naruto was being completely bratty and was full of saviour complex like he was going to bear everyone’s hatred by himself. I was almost annoyed. Thanks to Itachi, he realised. Probably he is the only character to shut Naruto using his own jutsu)

Izanami’ing Kabuto (Other than Naruto, he is the only character to go out of his way to empathize with a villain and put extreme effort to change him. I think this is why Sasuke loves Naruto, for seeing these similarities??? ).

Goodbye to Sasuke (The first time when he said ‘Forgive me, Sasuke. This is the last’ by poking his forehead and finally closing the distance by butting with Sasuke’s head softly saying ‘I will love you always’.... It always evokes uncontrollable tears in me, no matter how many times I watch it 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭)

HONOURABLE MENTION

Uchiha Obito

God, Am such a sucker for Uchiha guys individually, though collectively as a clan they fucked up big time. I simply couldn’t find the place for him in the top 10. He is a classic example of What Naruto will be like if he becomes a villain?

However, all those horrible stuffs he did just for a girl whom he had a crush on which was never reciprocated seems childish. That’s why I couldn’t put him in Top 10.

And his understandable but weird obsession on Naruto was always enjoyable to watch. 

One cute thing I liked about him was, whatever criminal stuffs he may have done, he was never a cheapskate though. He had every chance to take back Kakashi’s Sharingan to activate his own Susanoo. But he never even thought of such an idea. He was a bad guy. But a good friend, no matter what. 

Pure Baby!!! But lost his way!!!

Best Moments:

Importance of Team Work (’In the ninja world, Those who break the rules are  scum. But those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum’. This very legacy he left to Kakashi came to defeat him later. And Naruto follows this motto even today)

Sacrificing his Sharingan (’I am giving you my Sharingan. No matter what the villagers say, you are a great Jonin. Please take it’. Awww!!! Obito. He left his Sharingan which helped Kakashi to complete a jutsu called ‘Chidori’, which is a go-to jutsu of Sasuke)

Thanks for the ask, anon. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this. ❤️

[canary3d-obsessed]

Restless Rewatch: The Untamed Episode 21, second part

(Masterpost) (Other Canary Stuff) (Previous Post)

Warning: Spoilers for All 50 Episodes!

Flute Solo

For some reason Wei Wuxian has decided to take a walk outside of the fortress, or behind the fortress, or something? Can people just take a stroll outside during wartime? Seems unwise.

There are guards and these extra-bossy crows herding some Wen prisoners along, and Wei Wuxian stands up above and gets totally overwhelmed by resentful energy.  

He falls to one knee while clutching his chest, in the spot where all cultivators seem to stow a bag of holding. I guess this is the Xuanwu sword? Or maybe it's his surgical incision; those things can take a while to finish healing. I think the golden core is further down in the abdomen, though; this is right over his heart. 

Wen Qing, Granny, and Fourth Uncle are in the group, but Wen Qing has her hood up so Wei Wuxian can't see her, and he's unlikely to remember the other two, since he only saw them that one time at the shrine, and he doesn't remember people he's literally had dinner with.  

The guards decide to be assholes and beat the shit out of a prisoner because he fell down, which inspires some extra aggressive crows to swoop in and attack the not-dead guy on the ground. That is...not how carrion-eaters behave, generally. They're pretty good about waiting for you to stop moving.

Wei Wuxian continues to struggle, obviously having an orgasm in a lot of pain, and starting to leak resentful energy.

(more after the cut)

He brings his flute up and starts playing it, which causes the wind to rise, rocks to fall from a nearby cliff, and the whole group of people on the ground under him to start having Yin Iron lines crawling up their faces.

Would Wen Qing be a beautiful fierce corpse? She would. 

Eventually Wei Wuxian stops torturing everybody, having gotten it out of his system for a bit, and stands up.  The group gets up, skin clearing up, and starts moving along again, a little shook. Wen Qing looks up and sees Wei Wuxian and hides her face in anguish.

She was there in the dungeon, listening to the same flute music, when he was resentfully slaughtering everyone around her in Yiling. Does she understand what she’s seeing, what he’s become? 

Her hood is off and it seems that he sees her, or at least that he is trying to figure out what he's seeing. But Jiang Yanli arrives before he can do more than look puzzled and cast his eyes around.  

Jiang Yanli asks him what just happened and he laughs and says it was the strong wind, in an extremely transparent lie that Yanli nearly chokes trying to swallow. She drags him back to the meeting while he continues to look troubled.

War Council

Meanwhile, the war council is meeting. This is mostly a boring rehash of stuff we already know, but someone has drawn a nice big map that's been installed in a custom frame. Because apparently the table with the mountains on it is not a good enough representation of "and then we will walk from our house to Wen Ruohan's house," which is basically their plan. The gist of this scene is that Wen Ruohan having the Yin Iron gives him an advantage, in case we needed to be reminded of that. 

The doors fly open and Wei Wuxian and his fabulous ass literally blow into the room. 

Everyone reacts in a comically extreme way. 

He casts his eyes malevolently and/or sexily over to Lan Wangji, who is still grumpy with him, while Jiang Cheng comes up and stands almost as close to him as Lan Wangji used to.

He tells everybody that he might have something to counteract the yin iron.

Everybody: Really? Do tell!  

Wei Wuxian: Happy to!

Wei Wuxian: *theatrical side-eye at judgy ex boyfriend* 

Wei Wuxian: Actually, nope.

He says "we'll see in about a month" while fondling whatever is hidden next to his ribcage.

This behavior, while ridiculous, isn't quite as absurd as it seems from a corporate-meeting standpoint. Part of what cultivators do is invent and refine spiritual tools. So when Wei Wuxian makes this speech, the people in the meeting are going to infer that he is creating a spiritual tool to counter the Yin Iron.

Now it's Lan Xichen's turn to ask everybody’s favorite question. Lan Xichen wasn’t at the party when everyone else asked him, and we're apparently supposed to believe these gossips haven't been talking about the not-sword-carrying 24x7.

Wei Wuxian says he's just not in the mood, and we get to see Lan Xichen's impressive ability to hold his face completely still while he represses his desire to slap someone.

Jin Zixun complains about Wei Wuxian after he leaves, but for once his bitching is on point; he correctly surmises that the counter to yin iron is...yin iron. 

Now, to be fair, the yin tiger amulet is different from the yin iron because it exists in the novel Wei Wuxian specially refines it to be more manageable than the sword it started from. And maybe it’s gel coated to be easier on the stomach. But it's basically the same shit.

Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue exchange intense gazes, just to prove that the young people aren’t the only ones who know how to eye fuck. 

Lying Is Forbidden 

Lan Xichen talks to Lan Wangji, and we discover that Lan Wangji is perfectly capable of lying. He manages to maintain a reputation for not lying but I think the trick is that he just avoids talking in general, so when, for example, people in later years say "who's your masked boyfriend" he just doesn't answer, which isn't really lying. (How many times did Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen ask “where did you get this kid?” and just not get an answer, I wonder.) 

At other times he actually directly lies, as when he claims he is “just passing through” Yiling on a night hunt. The current conversation with Lan Xichen definitely involves actual lying.

Let's play multiple choice answers with the Lan brothers!

Q:  Why is WWX so confident we can have Yin Iron against WRH in a month? 

a.) Because he's been walking around with that Xuanwu sword for months, and it is obviously made of Yin iron b.) because he used a fucking ghost flute to flay Wen Chao more or less in front of me, so he is clearly down with some dark magics c.) I don’t know

Q: Was the death of people in the Yiling supervisory office really related to yin iron?

a.) obviously b.) maybe he was using some other source of overwhelming necromantic power c.) no, he’s not like that

Q. When you approached Yiling, was there anything unusual?

a.) yes, the talismans had been altered to draw in evil spirits b.) yes, everyone except his particular friend Wen Qing had killed themselves in horrifying, outlandish ways c.) are there rules already set for everything in the world?

Xichen, bless him, actually lets Lan Wangji change the subject like that and answers his question honestly.

Xichen: Actually, rules are pretty much shit Wangji: fucking hell, you're telling me this NOW? What have I been doing for the past 18 years then?

They both look just ridiculously beautiful in this conversation. Lan Wangji’s affect with his brother is so interesting. He’s trusting, emotionally open, willing to be seen...but only because he knows Lan Xichen won’t push past his barriers, won’t force him to speak the truth of what’s on his mind.

Awkwardness

The Yunmeng bros roll up, and awkwardness ensues. 

Wangji is frowning hard. His frowns are of the micro variety just like his smiles, but boy they are consistent and Wei Wuxian and Xichen both know how to read them.

Wei Wuxian gives Lan Xichen a small, sunny smile--it seems genuine, not like the fake ones he's trotting out on demand for his family. 

Then he gives Lan Wangji a pointed gaze of yearning and reproachfulness, which Lan Wangji returns, switching from frowning to a softer expression that seems about equal parts hurt, apology, and thirst.

Wei Wuxian reacts to that by bowing again and leaving, with Jiang Cheng quickly following, wondering what the fuck just happened.

Lans Xichen and Wangji pivot gracefully to watch them go, which Lan Wangji should know is not correct post-breakup behavior; you're supposed to act disinterested, my dude. 

And then Lan Xichen asks Lan Wangji what the fuck is going on. Lan Wangji gets one more lie in, saying he's not worried about Wei Wuxian, before reapplying his frown and walking away from the conversation.

Macroexpression Brothers

OP was wrong about Wei Wuxian not hugging Jiang Cheng any more--here he is hanging on him just like the old days, and Jiang Cheng is shoving him off, just like the old days. However, it emerges that this is mostly an act that WWX is putting on to seem normal. 

Jiang Cheng wants to know what's wrong between him and Lan Wangji, and asks why they broke up. Wei Wuxian points out that Jiang Cheng didn't like him dating Lan Wangji before, so why is he pushing him to get back together with him now, and Jiang Cheng says that now they're allies in a war, so Wei Wuxian needs to do his duty and help keep Lan Wangji in fighting trim, nudge nudge. 

Then he starts lecturing Wei Wuxian about sword cultivation and generally good behavior, and Wei Wuxian theatrically nods and give him appraising looks, telling him he really seems like a clan leader now.

Jiang Cheng headshakes this away. Wei Wuxian actually giving Jiang Cheng a sincere compliment here, disguised as teasing, and he's not wrong. Jiang Cheng has matured and is becoming a strong leader. Not strong enough to ignore peer pressure, but that’s true of most clan leaders in this environment. They’re not supposed to ignore peer pressure. 

Wei Wuxian is pointing it out for his own reasons - he doesn't want to be having this conversation - but it's nice to see him giving his clan leader his due.

Jiang Cheng walks away as Wei Wuxian smiles after him; as soon as he's out of sight the smile falls off of Wei Wuxian's face as fast as fast as gravity can take it. It's like someone snuffed a candle.

No one bites back as hard On their anger None of my pain and woe Can show through

But my dreams, they aren't as empty As my conscience seems to be I have hours, only lonely My love is vengeance that's never free

More Awkwardness

Lan Wangji and his ambivalence come looking for Wei Wuxian, standing outside his door and raising a hand to knock before changing his mind and fleeing. 

Lan Wangji is on the back foot for the first time in his relationship with Wei Wuxian; this boy who pursued and pursued and PURSUED him is now a man who won't speak to him.  This boy who hung on every one of his words, and saw through all of his minute facial expressions, has become a man who won't listen to him. Lan Wangji is in the position of pursuer, now, and it's not a role he's well equipped for.

Yanli stops him as he's bailing. He looks so relieved to see her, but he tries to escape immediately after greeting her. She stops him so she can ask what the fuck is going on. 

Unfortunately, Wei Wuxian rolls up while Lan Wangji is in the middle of talking to her.  He's telling her about the heterodox cultivation, and Wei Wuxian busts him. Wei Wuxian steps up and asks what he was telling her, and Lan Wangji says "Wei Ying," but doesn't get much further than that.

Nunya

Wei Wuxian reminds him that he told him to stay out of Jiang Clan business. Now, here I want to mention that "private" and "not your bidness" are culturally specific concepts. OP, for example, grew up in version of Irish-American culture so secretive that the problems of a person's life and (often) the cause of their death are things only discovered by whoever inherits their papers. [OP inherited 3 generations of letters a few years ago, and HOO BOY]

In the version of Chinese culture which we see in this drama, your choices, thoughts & troubles belong to the family and clan, not just to you.  Wei Wuxian, in shutting his elder sister out of his struggles, is not family-ing correctly. Jiang Yanli is right to try to get around that by asking his friend. His friend is also right to give her--in sanitized form--the information she is asking for. 

Wei Wuxian has zero trust in Lan Wangji at this point, unfortunately. He doesn’t know that Lan Wangji has been lying to cover for him; he just knows he’s being a grumpy aggressive holy roller. Now, when Lan Wangji has just been given permission to disregard all 3000 rules and look at a person’s heart, that person’s heart has been hardened against him. 

Yanli is used to dealing with Wei Wuxian's moods at this point -- after all, a lifetime of Jiang Cheng has got her used to volatile little brothers, and Wei Wuxian is clearly a new, not-improved man since his return. 

She tries to get him to chill out while Lan Wangji gives him a death glare -- not a return to the earlier generalized frown, more of a specific "I can't believe how full of shit you are" frown.

Wei Wuxian calls him Lan Er Gongzi, like a dick. Lan Wangji started this but at this point Wei Wuxian is kind of in the lead for who is being The Worst. Lan Wangji executes a beautiful 180 and walks away at top speed. 

Wei Wuxian asks Yanli if he talked about Yiling and when she says he didn't, he realizes he fucked up. 

He goes running after him and calls him Lan Zhan and says "listen to me" but Lan Wangji is no longer in a listening mood. 

Eat A Dick Sword

Lan Wangji is so far in his feelings at this point that he just hauls out his sword and goes after Wei Wuxian, taking complete control of the interaction and forcing Wei Wuxian to concede the fight. Aww, he’s so angry! I love him. 

This is a rough moment for Wei Wuxian. He really genuinely can't hold his own against Lan Wangji, unless he's going to directly use necromancy against him the way he does later in their final confrontation. 

When they first met he was able to defend himself on the rooftop without drawing his sword, but he's weaker now; Chenqing is an adequate hand weapon against most cultivators and puppets, but it's not a match for Lan Wangji's full attack. 

Wei Wuxian is not enjoying this fight, and can’t win in, so he just throws in the towel, exposing his throat and trusting Lan Wangji's control.

On the surface, this fight appears to re-establish their former rapport, but it puts them on such an uneven footing it might actually drive a larger wedge between them.  I think that Lan Wangji has made a strategic error in doing this.  

Lan Wangji seems to want to prove to Wei Wuxian that his new style of cultivation is inadequate, that he would do better with a sword. Swordplay was the beginning of their relationship; their matched power was the source of their mutual attraction. Lan Wangji can't accept that Wei Wuxian has given it up; he doesn't (yet) respect his agency enough to assume that he has a good reason.

This fight functions as yet another punishment that Lan Wangji doles out to Wei Wuxian; not a physical one, this time, but a psychological one, and their relationship pays the price. 

By attacking Wei Wuxian and forcing him to concede, Lan Wangji is showing that they're unequal. By criticizing Wei Wuxian's lack of progress and asking him the same goddamn question everybody else is asking him -- where is your sword? -- Lan Wangji is humiliating him. 

This encounter does not re-establish Wei Wuxian’s trust in him; it just forces him to accept Lan Wangji’s authority, for now. Which is not what either of them really wants. 

Soundtrack: Behind Blue Eyes, by The Who

Writing Prompt: What would Wei Wuxian have said if Lan Wangji had listened to him instead of drawing his sword?

[truglori]

Homebody (Ch.7)

Summary: Amiyah is the younger sister of local drug dealer (Durkio). Shy and reserved she keeps to herself and stays out the way. But lately she began to find interest in his right hand man/ best friend (Erik Stevens). Wanting to get him to notice her she discovers that he already had her wrapped around his finger without even trying! There was only a few problems that kept her away from her fantasies , her brother that controlled almost every single breath she took and would kill anyone who looked at her that way and lastly Eriks girlfriend, Alexis , who they called the queen of the hood according to her lavish lifestyle as well as being with the next newest top boy in the making. While Alexis was his girl to the streets all Amiyah wanted to do was be his Homebody...

Pairing: Erik Stevens x Thick OC

Warning: Language

“Say that again?” Amiyah’s face scrunched up in a slight surprise. She heard exactly what he said she just wanted him to say it the second time to be certain and not it being the weed talking for him.

Erik gave a small chuckle shaking his head. “I said I want you to be mine.”

After battling with his thoughts Erik went with the flow of his feelings. Deep inside him he was aware that he was moving faster than normal. Already putting a claim on her after a date and a few kisses was something he wouldn’t have seen coming. Along with the risks he’d be taking if Amiyah said yes. Erik knew that Durk would probably be furious if he found out ,but what could he do? His mouth got in the way before he could think.

Amiyah smiled. Her stomach filled with butterflies. The beating of her heart rate speeding up. Her mind floating on a different type of high other than the one she had just experienced. Staring into his eyes she knew the question was sincere. The emotions of pure bliss spreading throughout her body was quickly aborted when a particular person came to her mind.

Her eyes fell to their lap as sadness came over her face. Erik seeing this took his thumb and finger to her chin lifting it up. Watching her change from being delighted to disappointed within a few seconds made Erik become distraught.

“What’s wrong?”Kissing her lips tenderly he used the pad of his thumb to caress her bottom lip affectionately afterwards.

“Alexis. Aren’t you still with her?” Her voice filled with concern.

Sighing to himself Erik knew that this topic of discussion was going to be brought up. But what could he tell her? That he saw Alexis with the man that her brother asked him to do a lick on and now he wanted nothing to do with her? Just thinking about how it sounded in his head made Erik laugh inwardly. There was no way he could tell her something like that.

Even though Erik was very confident that Amiyah had no idea what he did for a living in the first place he figured disclosing that type of information to her so suddenly would probably alarm her and made her wary of him.

“Alexis and I were never official. We didn’t put a title on to each other so it’s not like you gon be a side chick. I’m done with that situation.” He spoke honestly.

“Erik does she know that? Because I don’t need her coming up to my job with some bullshit-“

He cut her off with a stern look.

“What I tell you?”

There was a pause before she answered.

“That you’re done with her.” Glancing out the window she replied lowly.

“Ight so if I tell you that then believe it.” Erik was trying to assure her so that she wouldn’t have to worry about Alexis.

Amiyah then blurted out asking the bigger question that they both were reflecting on in the back of their heads.

“And Durk? How are we supposed to be around him? Should we even tell him?” She asked in a nonchalant manner.

Amiyah’s thoughts replayed the heated argument that led to her getting kicked out in the first place. At this point to her it didn’t matter if he knew or not. In fact she wanted him to know so that she could hurt him the same way he hurt her. She wanted to get one up on him, and being with her brother’s best friend might just do that. But her feelings for Erik felt stronger than any hostility she had towards her brother.

Dropping his shoulders Erik answered truthfully. “I don’t know. Eventually we would have to tell him when the time is right. I know how he feels about you and he just wants to protect you-“

Amiyah rolled her eyes scoffing while shaking her head. Hearing the words come out of his mouth had her wanting to air out everything that happened between them yesterday. With the way that he kicked her out and called her out of her name the last thing that Amiyah felt with her brother was protected. To her it seem like he didn’t think twice about telling her to get her shit and leave.

Erik noticed her body language and took it as her just annoyed with her older brother trying to have a say so in her dating life, unaware of the problems that they were going through.

“Look I know it’s frustrating that he got to be all up on you but until we take the time to figure shit out and come clean...I think it’s best that we keep this between us.” It wasn’t something that Erik wanted to say to her but it was the truth.

“So you mean like a secret? Erik I’m not trying to be anyone’s hidden girlfriend.” Amiyah’s voice rose as she got up from his lap and climbed back to the front seat and put on her jean jacket.

Erik exited the back and hopped into the drivers side. Cutting on the car to get them some heat he pulled his black hoodie over his frame. He turned facing towards her. Her arms were folded as she was in a closed off position leaning against the door. He grabbed her arm pulling her body towards him.

“When have I ever said you were going to be a secret Amiyah? If your brother didn’t act the way he does about you I would’ve been made a pass at you but you know how he is. You not a secret we just need to be private with this until we tell Durk.” His deep low voice solacing her.

Amiyah knew that he was right but she still didn’t like the fact that in order for her to be with Erik she had to sneak around. This was going to be her first official real relationship and she wanted to be able to be open and proud with it no matter who didn’t like them being together. Letting her emotions get the best of her she couldn’t stop herself from talking.

“Maybe you just using this as an excuse to have your fucking cake and eat it too.” She mumbled referring to him trying to be with her and Alexis.

Erik noticed that her mood was always quick to change whenever she had to hear something she didn’t like or couldn’t get what she wanted. Gripping her chin a bit rougher than usual he turned her face to look at him

“Why you being difficult with me already? This little attitude you got one day is gonna get you in some trouble. I don’t like repeating myself and I’m not gon start with ya spoiled ass. When I say something I mean that shit.” He followed her eyes that were running away from his.

Quiet and still unable to put on a poker face Amiyah agreed anyway just avoid the downhill on where this conversation could eventually lead if she didn’t concede with it. Finally engaging in eye contact with him she gave him a pouty upset look.

Erik sucked in his lip.” Why you acting like a brat?” He called her out bluntly.

“Stop don’t call me that.” She moved her face out of his hold leaning against the arm rest.

“You a brat. Now what? Do sumn about it?” He leaned over invading her space as he checked her playfully.

Amiyah couldn’t contain her smile as she felt his nose against her cheek. She pushed at his chest lightly while laughing.

“Movee Erikk.” Dragging his name out through her giggles.

His eyebrows lifted as he took the wrist that was pushing him away captive. “What you call me?”

Smacking her lips she pulled away trying to break free. “Oh my gosh Erik I called you Erik.” A sassy tone dripping from her voice.

“Exactly and I thought I made it clear when you with me it’s Daddy. Nothing more nothing less. Better respect that shit.” He looked her up and down backing her against the door while moving closer to her lips.

Blushing she chewed on her inner bottom lip becoming timid under his stare. Her gazed on his juicy full lips craving to feel them on hers.

“Well move Daddy.” Her voice was now back to its shy and hushed state.

With his lips centimeters away from hers Amiyah felt his minty breath mixed with the weed brushing over her face.

“You never answered my question. You gon be my girl or what?” The raspiness overtaking his voice every time it went deep.

Her body twitched and her mouth let out a gasp when she felt his large hand cup her pussy. Erik held onto to it as he waited for her to respond. He licked his lips when he felt her lips part open up against his.

Bringing her free hand on top of the wrist that he was using to cup her she whimpered when the palm of his hand massaged her gently.

“Yes Daddy-“

By the time the last word left her mouth Erik was sucking on the bottom plump flesh before he kissed her. Swiping on her lower lip he was letting her know to open up. When she did he placed his tongue in her mouth running it against hers flicking it slow and softly before pulling away. The action had Amiyah dripping in her seat as she experienced her first time getting a tongue kiss. Feeling his went tongue on her drove her crazy while leaving her a light headed feeling.

“I’m tryna put my stamp on this pussy and you playing.” Erik peck her lips one last time before leaning back into his chair adjusting his sweats.

Amiyah fixed her posture in her seat when she got a text from Kelley. She was asking where she was and if she was okay. Amiyah sighed before sending her a text back letting her know that she was fine and on her way back. It was almost six in the morning so she knew that Kelley was getting ready to work her shift.

She placed her phone in the cup holder. “I have to get back.” Her lip going into a mini pout.

“Aight let’s bounce.” Putting the car in drive they left the secluded area. Erik’s hand went to her thigh caressing it as he drove with the other.

While he was driving Amiyah glanced over at him and could see that sleep was ready to take over his body. He kept giving a low yawn while shaking his head every now and then to shake off the feeling. Amiyah’s hand went up to the back of his head brushing down his waves.

“You need to go home and get some sleep. You look tired.” She suggested feeling tired herself after being up all night.

Nodding his head he yawned once more. “I am.Don’t be mad if you don’t hear from all day.” He gave a half smile.

“I know when I get back I’m gonna take a hot ass shower before I knock out.”

“Without me.” He smirked holding back a chuckle.

She kissed her teeth.“You’re soo cornyyy.”

They laughed in unison as Erik pulled up back at Kelley’s. Getting out at the same time he walked over to her side leaning on the hood of his car.

“You want me to wait for you to get your stuff and take you back home?” He put his hands in his pocket waiting for her to reply.

“Uh no. I brought a change of clothes so I should be good.” Not wanting to worry him she avoided telling Erik about Durk putting her out.

Erik nodded his head. “Aight I’ll call you later today.”

“Okay. Bye.” Walking to the front door she was pulled back by the rim of her sweats from behind.

Erik brought her body into his kissing her while gripping on her booty with one hand. Feeling a slap on her right cheek Amiyah yelped into his mouth before he soothe the sting.

“That’s how you tell Daddy bye aight.” He stared at her lips when he pulled away.

Amiyah had a lot to learn when dealing with Erik. What he liked. How to talk to him. How he wanted her to hold him whenever they hugged. Just about everything under the sun but she was okay with learning whatever it took to please her man. She wanted to know about him,flaws and all just as she was ready to be open with him.

“Okay Daddy.” She batted her eye lashes at him not putting up a fight.

“Fine ass. I’ll get with you later mama.” Bringing his arm around her neck he pecked her forehead and released her. He made sure she made it in safely before getting in his car and headed home.

________________________________

With an hour left to get ready for work Amiyah went to her friends kitchen to make herself some lunch. She hadn’t eaten anything since last night and she could feel her stomach touching her back. Going through her fridge she settled on warming up the leftover lasagna Kelley made before she got there. She was so grateful to have a friend like Kelley.

When Amiyah arrived on her doorstep with tears running down her face she immediately welcomed her. After talking to her and telling her about the exchange between her and her brother Kelley already made it clear that she was able to stay as long as she needed and that Durk should get hit with an eighteen wheeler. Amiyah laughed through the pain as her friend brought her an extra blanket and pillow telling her to make herself at home.

She knew that she couldn’t afford to take up space at her house though. Living her whole life with her family she didn’t feel comfortable being with anyone else. But the fact that her best friend didn’t hesitate to allow her to be there made her heart warm. That action made her very thankful for Kelley.

Sitting on the counter she waited while the food heated up in the microwave.The sound of her phone went off as incoming call came in from an unsaved number. Her eyes squinted before answering it.

“Hello.”

“Damn why it seem like you don’t know who this is.” A deep laughter was released from what it sounded like to be a man.

Pausing her brows drew together. “Uh who is this?”

“Cane...we met at the Jamaican spot a few days ago.”

Coming back to her memory she remembered the fine chocolate man that looked like he was made out money. Amiyah thought that he had forgotten about her after the first few days went by without him calling or texting her.

“Oh yeah. How are you?” She chewed on one of her long nails not sure what to say to him.

He laughed again. “I’m good. You sound like you have no idea who I am though.”

“No I do it’s just I haven’t heard from you since that day. I figured you change your mind.” Hearing the microwave beep she jumped down from her spot to take it out.

“Change my mind after seeing a face as beautiful as yours? I could never baby girl.”

‘He’s a charmer.’

Amiyah thought to herself before speaking. “Well what do owe the pleasure of this phone call?”

“Actually I’m calling about that date you agreed on. You know the one you said yes to after I had my people hook you up.” He was refreshing her memory.

“Well you don’t have to worry about that. We’re good.”

“No I think you got it mixed up Amiyah. You owe ME the date not the other way around. I’m calling to get what’s owed to me.” His deep voice demanded with a slight chuckle.

“Oh.”

Amiyah became frantic unsure about what to do. She did agree with him to go on a date but she couldn’t. There was only one name that came to her mind after Cane said that and it was Erik’s. Not even her brothers. But she didn’t want him to think he had some hold over her every time he seen her so she did what she thought was right.

“Okay.” She naively agreed face palming herself and instantly filled up with regret after those words left her mouth.

“Alright. You busy tonight?”

“No. I mean no tonight won’t work. How about tomorrow night?” She wanted to give herself time to figure this out.

“Tomorrow’s perfect. I’ll pick you up around 8. That’s cool?”

“Yeah that’ll work.” Glancing at the ceiling she didn’t know why she was still on the phone with him.

“Alright ma I’ll see you then.” Amiyah could hear the smile in his voice.

“Bye.” She hung up and leaned against the counter forgetting her food.

Now what was she to do? Amiyah pondered on how she was going to go on this one date with him and end it. It wasn’t even a full 24 hours since she said yes to Erik and she was already going out with another man. She didn’t even want to call this a date. To her it was simply returning the favor and they could move on with their lives. She was with Erik now. Even though it had to remain private until they told Durk she still wanted to respect him and the relationship the same way she would want him to do the same.

“I have to tell Erik.” Stress clouded over her face.

__________________________________

It was almost eight at night when Erik woke up from his slumber. Looking at the clock on his phone he cursed to himself when he realized that he overslept. After he dropped Amiyah off at her friends Erik went riding around doing errands. He didn’t make it back home until 12 in the afternoon and after that he went for an hour jog before he went back to his place and hop in the shower and take what he thought was going to be a power nap.

Wiping the sleep away from his face he checked his phone. Two missed calls from Amiyah and three text messages. Durk messaged him letting him know that he could stop by whenever to pick up his pay for doing the job. Lastly he had a few missed calls from Alexis.

After yesterday’s job Erik was done with her. It was unbelievable to him how she tried to run game on him and still go out and do the shit she does. She wanted to have the best of both worlds but that wasn’t going to slide with Erik. It was either him or the streets and last night Erik got his answer.

When he saw that Alexis was the bitch of the night for Shawn he made her go into the bathroom and lock herself inside. He then went back to help Cane get the money. But before he left Erik knocked Shawn around a few times and snatched his chains bringing it with him. He knew that he was only supposed to get the money and leave but his anger got the best of him when he saw Alexis. So he took it out on Shawn to get even.

Getting up he got dressed in an red and black Nike sweatsuit and throwing his Varsity Red Jordan 12s to match. Erik walked to his livingroom and sat on his black sectional. Going through his messages he went to Amiyah’s.

Amiyah 💜- Babe you up yet?...3:34pm

Amiyah 💜- Daddy I’m on break call me...4:55pm

Amiyah 💜- If you don’t want to talk to me then just say that don’t ignore me...6:27pm

Erik smirked reading over the texts. He thought it was cute how she was tripping over him not messaging her back right away. Erik noticed that Amiyah was needy when it came to wanting his attention. Her bratty ways were revealing themselves fast and he was going to be the one to fix it.

He closed out the messages and decided to not respond. Since he was going over to Durks place to pick up his money he figured he could surprise her and try to sneak in a hug and kiss while being there. Grabbing his keys and Moncler puffer coat Erik locked his place up and went to Durks.

After a twenty minute drive Erik arrived to their apartment. Making his way through the lobby and to the elevator he pushed the up button to go to the fourth floor. When the doors opened he stepped inside slipping his hands in his pants pocket. Smiling to himself as the elevator started moving he began to think about Amiyah. He couldn’t wait to see her and hold her. Closing his eyes he could still smell her scent of the blueberry and myrrh mix that made his mouth water.

The sound of the doors opening snap him back to reality. Walking up to their door he knocked and waited hoping that she would be the one to open the door for him. His excitement was cut short when he saw it was just Durk.

“Damn nigga fuck you been at all day?” Durk spoke with a glass in his hand that held dark liquor inside. He stepped aside letting him in before closing the door behind him.

Erik’s eyes shifted towards the hall where Amiyah’s bedroom was. Listening out it was quiet. No sound of a tv or music playing like how it would usually be whenever he came over around this time. Erik quickly abandoned his look of confusion as he greeted his friend.

“I been at home getting some rest. You know how it is.” Walking over to the couch he made himself comfortable taking another quick glance towards the hall.

Durk went to a cabinet under the island in the kitchen. He pulled out a book bag and brought it to the livingroom. He sat it on the coffee table before walking over to his mini bar and poured himself another glass of Jack Daniels.

Erik’s eyebrows knitted together as he observed his friend. Whenever Durk was sipping on whiskey he was dealing with something. So when Erik seen how he was taking a glass back to back he had to break his silence.

“Nigga you wanna tell me what the fuck is going on with you? Every since I seen you before the job yesterday you been acting different as fuck. What’s good?” He spoke not holding back.

Laughing lightly Durk swirled his glass as he leaned against the bar. “Fuck would make you think something wrong with me?”

“I’ve been knowing you for quite some time now. You my brother and I know when something is bothering. Talk to me.”

At this point Erik knew it was serious. Any other time Durk wouldn’t hesitate to get it off his chest but this was different. He was holding back and he was looking guilty as hell.

“I fucked up.” He walked over to sit on the opposite side of Erik.

“With what?”

“Amiyah.” Pausing he blew out some air of frustration. “I kicked her out.” He stared at the ground taking another gulp of the hard liquor in his hand.

Erik glanced towards the back before looking back at his friend. His face scrunched up as the wrinkles in his forehead began to show. He was getting upset but he had to calm down before he said something out of his anger.

“My nigga you did what?” His jaw clenched as he waited for him to answer.

“I fucked up and told her to get her shit and leave. Now I know where she’s at.” He wiped his face down.

“What the fuck you go and do some shit like that for? The same little sister you was riding for yesterday you turn around and do this. That’s fucked up.” Shaking his head with disbelief Erik couldn’t believe what his friend was telling him right now.

“Nigga don’t be coming up in my fucking spot tryna check me on some shit I already know. I told you I fucked up and you adding fuel to the fire ain’t helping. Besides what you so mad for? You got something you trying to tell me Erik?” Durk eyed his best friend up and down curious about his anger towards the situation.

Erik lowered his head. He knew now wasn’t the right time to let him know about their relationship so he kept quiet.

“Man listen Amiyah is family to me just as much as you are. When we vowed to lookout for each other I wasn’t just making that vow towards you it was for her as well and any other person that you considered family. I look up to you out of all people because you someone who I know that values that shit. All I’m just saying is that I know you love your little sister and you got to make this right.” Every word that left his mouth was genuine.

Durks eyes never left Erik’s. He knew that he was wrong this time. It’s only been a day but he was worried about his younger sister. He wanted to know where she was and if she was safe. Did she feel safe without him? Every single question was running through his head since he got back and saw that she was really gone. Yeah he raised his voice and called her out her name but he was upset. Upset with her not showing any appreciation towards him and being ungrateful with the way he cared for her. Durk knew he told her to get out but he didn’t really want her to leave.

“I know. I got to get her back here. I’m worried about her. She’s never been on her own before.” He sat the glass down resting his elbows on his knees.

Erik wanted to tell his best friend where Amiyah was and that she was fine but he knew that it would only lead to other questions being asked and speculations that he couldn’t deal with.

“Call her and go talk to her.”

“I mean I just don’t get it. Any other time she’s too stubborn and don’t listen and this one time I tell her to leave and she just up and bounce. Why would she do that?” His voice was filled with sorrow as he questioned himself.

“I don’t know but you need to get your sister man. You know how these streets are. She’s too sheltered to be out here trusting anyone. Bring her home.” Erik demanded as he got out of his seat. Grabbing his money he dapped up Durk who was still remaining seated.

“Ight man I’ma get in touch with her today and try to make things right. But if you hear anything let me know alright.”

Nodding his head he patted his shoulder. “No doubt.”

Walking to the front door he unlocked it before hearing his name get called.

“Aye Erik.”

“What’s up?”

“How everything go with you and Cane?”

Shrugging his shoulders he answered. “Same shit different nigga.”

Durk smirked shaking his head. “I’m thinking about bringing him on. What you think?”

Erik thought to himself. He liked Cane. The young dude reminded him of himself. After seeing how he worked he no longer was skeptical about him. He just seem like a young nigga who wanted to make money. Just like Erik.

“He’s a little reckless but hey...you know we like that shit.” They laughed together in agreement.

“Yeah man I feel. And thanks for keeping it real with me earlier. It’s not a lot of niggas like you on the team.” He raised his glass towards him.

Erik saluted him before leaving. Walking down the hall he pulled out his phone and searched for Amiyah’s contact. He was agitated with the fact that she didn’t tell him about Durk kicking her out. Right now he was ready to get on to her ass about it.

Before he could even press the call icon he was interrupted with an incoming phone call. Glancing at the number his face screwed up with annoyance as he answered.

“What’s up.” He answered nonchalantly.

“Erik can we talk.” Alexis spoke softly over the phone.

Sighing he bit his bottom lip. “Listen I’m busy with something right now and I’m gon have to hit you back later.” He lied planning on blocking her number right after.

“I want to see you. It’s been a few days now.” She pleaded.

“Yeah well tonight won’t work so.” He spoke rudely trying to rush her off.

“Erik please.”

“Look Alexis I told you I won’t be able to see you so just get-“

She cut him off.

“Erik I know it was you that robbed Shawn last night.”

There was a thirty second pause before he responded.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Alexis.”

“I recognized your voice. Look I’m only calling to tell you that I want a cut. However much y’all took I want a fraction of it.”

“Oh yeah and what if you don’t get shit.” He tested her.

“Then I’m going back and letting him know that it was Durks people that robbed him. Don’t play with me Erik. I need $15,000 if you want my mouth to stay shut. Hit me back when you have it. Talk to you later Daddy.”

The line went dead. Erik looked at his phone as he was taken back by the threat he had just received.

“This bitch got me fuck up.”

_____________________________________________________________

Please excuse any mistakes!

Tag-list

@supersizemeplz @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @hearteyes-for-killmonger @curls-and-crosses @killmonger-dolan @killmongerkink @migosis @raysunshine78 @alookintohersoul @popcorn803 @just-juicee @mllover260 @kimmyblckswan2 @koriiii @tchallasbabymama @toniilaney @marvelmaree @mia-faith @adreamsublime @queen-b1 @mcdesij @vintage-pvssy @viewsfromrose @ceeverse @smuttywriter @harleycativy @callmemckenzieee @theblulife @bvssmob @everything-is-awesomesauce @xoxomyaah @19jammmy @tchallas-ikumkani-wam @suburbanblackhoe @allhailqueennel @themeirajay @admirehermind @aphroditefumes @bellanay @skylahb @toni9 @iambabyharry @kiabialia @youlovetkay

[thestarrynightslover]

So Many Times Before

Pairing: Jay Halstead x Reader

Word count: 3,190

Warnings: Discussion, yelling, some angst.

Summary: (y/n) and Jay used to be best friends who had always, secretly, wanted more. Now, after years of not seeing each other, what happened to all those feelings? 

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the One Chicago shows, or its characters, also not associated with it in any way or know anyone involved with it.

A/N: So, this is my first actual fanfic and I’m quite unsure about it (especially since English isn’t my first language), but I really wanted/needed to give some use to my obsession with Jay Halstead, lol. Anyways, I hope it doesn’t suck too bad and, please, feel free to give me feedback, cause I’m also here to learn!!

(y/n) = (your name) (y/l/n) = (your last name) (y/n/n) = (your nickname)

| masterlist |

"So, honey, you are never gonna believe who I saw the other day at the district..." You remember your dad saying, in a conversation that made your heart skip a few beats, weeks ago.

"Oh yeah? Who?" You asked with a soft smile on your lips, not paying much attention at the moment.

"Jay Halstead." He said simply as if just waiting for you to freak out. God, your dad really knew how to make you drop your cool-girl act.

"Oh, that's nice... Wait. What??? Did you say Jay? What was he even doing there? Is he okay? Did he get into some sort of trouble? How can we help?" And there it was, you were totally losing it and your dad just stood there with that smug smirk of his, that says: I knew this was coming.

"Relax, (y/n/n), he’s okay. He was just there to get some files from a case my unit was handing over to them." That would've been a completely acceptable statement if Jay Halstead wasn't still in the army for all you knew.

"Sorry, handing a case over to them?"

"Yeah, sweetheart, apparently that scrawny kid — who's not so scrawny anymore — is, now, a detective working with CPD's Intelligence Unit."

"What? But when did he leave the army?" By then you were drifting off the conversation with your dad and he knew it, so he did you the favor of leaving you alone with your thoughts and memories. 

Now, with the very same (well, not the same, he really wasn't scrawny anymore) Jay Halstead standing right in front of you, that moment with your dad inevitably came back to mind.

"Wow, (y/n) (y/l/n)!" He said with a huge bright smile that made you wanna go back to your high school days, yep the smile was that awesome.

"Jay Halstead. Wows are definitely in order." You said between giggles. "Oh my Gosh, it's been forever! How are you doing?"

"I'm- I'm- I'm good, thank you. How are you?" He looked absolutely shocked as he scanned you upside-down.

"I'm good too. You look great, by the way."

"Thanks," he smiled again. Wasn't he ever gonna stop doing that? "you look, hum, you look great too!" He said that, while looking at you in a way that was, for sure, making your cheeks heat up. "So hum-" Your phone just had to start ringing at that moment, didn't it?

"I'm so sorry, but I gotta take this. Work." You said, waving your phone in front of his face.

"Oh, okay, no problems, go ahead!" Jesus, he was acting like a teenager. After all these years how was it even possible that you still had so much effect on him? He started thinking, as he watched you take a few steps away and confidently boss someone around over the phone, was that really you? His high school best friend? Because who could tell? You were generally so quiet and shy with everyone. You would never lead any groups, almost choked on your words every time you had a presentation... Remembering that made Jay think of a moment in particular, when he first knew he loved you as more than just a friend. 

You were 16 and he was 17, a year ahead of you in school too, as he was already a senior. But you guys never really minded that. How could you, anyway? Jay was your best friend in the world (okay, your only real friend after Will left for college).

The two of you were walking back home from school, as you always did, him dropping you off at your doorstep – even if that meant he had to go back a few blocks every day, all he cared about was making sure you got home safe.

That day was different, though. He stopped you at your house's fence and said he needed to tell you something important. God, your heart literally stopped, as you thought you knew exactly what he was gonna say. "Oh, jay-"

"No, please, (y/n/n). Just let me tell you, otherwise, I'll lose my courage." He stopped for a second, breathing hard and watching your expression attentively. "I, I, um, I need to tell you that… That I, um… That I enlisted the army." He said like he was ripping off a band-aid.

"What???" You were shocked, to say the least, "You did what, Jay?" You asked again, whilst trying to calm your nerves.

"Look, don't be mad at me, just let me explain, please." He pleaded with you. "I just need to get away from here and you know it, (y/n), you know why" You did know why, just, God, the army, seriously?

"Jay, you don't need to do that." You tried reasoning with him.

"Of course I need to, (y/n/n)!" He said and you could see him beginning to get upset. Or was it desperation? "I can't stand him any longer! I just can’t.” Geez, you didn’t want him to go. You definitely didn’t want him to go, but you could see the sadness in his eyes when he said that. Still, you tried a little more: 

“But what about your mom? Your brother? What about me?” You felt yourself blush after that last part, but continued: “Jay you’re really important to me… my best friend, my… my… my only friend! I can’t lose you.”

“And you think that that doesn’t kill me? Will and my mom will be just fine, they’ll miss me, sure, but they’ll be fine. You on the other hand? I don’t wanna leave you! Especially knowing that you’ll have to go through the rest of high school alone…” He looked genuinely apologetic and concerned “That’s why I told you before anyone else.”

“I don’t… I don’t understand.” You stated simply.

“Tell me you don’t want me to go, and I won’t.”

“What? You’d… You’d really do that for me?” 

“Of course, (y/n/n)! You mean the world to me and you’ve gotten me through so much already…” He sounded sincere, but you also knew what led him to make such a drastic move and you couldn’t just let him throw away what was probably his best shot at getting out of Chicago for you. You wouldn’t.

“Jay… I could never ask you something like that. You’re right. I know why you’re making this choice.” You said and tried to smile a little so that he’d stop worrying about you. Your life was better and easier, in many ways, because of him, so you couldn’t or wouldn’t make his any harder than it already was.

“Are you, are you sure? Because I came here ready to argue with you about this. To try hard to make you understand my decision, but now that I’m actually here, talking to you about it…” He looked so confused and you only wish you could pull him close to you and say that everything was gonna be okay as long as you two were together. Just like he did with you on the hard days, but you couldn’t. He deserved better from you.

“I’m sure! Look, I know what I said before, but… But I promise you I’ll survive this without you! It’s gonna be harder and a lot more boring… But I’ll be okay, you don’t need to worry.” At that moment you looked down to your feet, unsure if you really had it in you to let him go like that. But of course you did because you loved him. So you went on, “You said this is how you get outta Chicago, so you should do it. You’re my best friend and I love you. And I really just want you to do what’s best for you. What’ll make you happy.” You said with a small smile, even though the tears were already in your eyes. 

And that was when he knew he loved you, for the first time, as more than just a friend. The way you supported him – like no one else had ever done –, even though it pained you… That really stuck with him. In Jay Halstead’s opinion, time and distance and other people all sucked. Because they had pushed you away from him. Well, he was to blame for that too, but now you were standing right there. At his District. That’s gotta count for something.

As you came back, he noticed you looked upset. “Everything okay?”

“What? Ah, yeah, sure. Just work stuff. Anyways it is a huge surprise to see you, Jay.” That made his heart drop, you were surprised to see him?

“Oh, yeah? I thought the reason you were here was that your dad told you this is where I work. I mean, because we ran into each other the other day…” Now it made sense. Of course your dad would wanna play matchmaker between you Jay! Even more, now that he was a cop.

“Oh, God, he did mention something about you the other day. But you’re telling me that he isn’t here?” At that, Jay just looked at you like you were crazy.

“Today? I haven’t seen him… He works at the 26, no?”

“Yeah, I know he does. It’s just... He told me to meet him here for lunch today. Something about a joint op. Anyways now I know why he said that.” 

“What? He lied to you, then?” Jay asked, laughing his ass off at your cost. Unbelievable, you being played by your cupid father and Jay Halstead laughing at you. He stopped when he realized just how angry you were getting. But the stupid smile was still there.

“Forget it, this was a waste of time.”

“No! Wait, why don’t I take you to lunch instead?” He shot you such a charming smile that you could have said yes to marrying him at that moment. “C’mon, at least you don’t end up with an empty stomach.”

“I gue-” You almost said yes, but, thank God, your brain went back to working properly and you remembered how you promised to never let yourself fall for Jay’s “ways” another time. “Actually, I already spent most of my free hour here chatting with you, so now the only way I won’t be late is if I just grab something on the way back to the office.” You saw him opening his mouth and said: “And I can do that by myself.” You added so that he wouldn’t have a chance at convincing you.

How can Jay Halstead make you feel like this after all this time? It's absolutely ridiculous because the man hurt you the way he did, he left you behind (for a good reason, but still), and you just spent the rest of the day torturing yourself for being too rude with him?

You have no self-love. That has to be it, because, now that you left work, you're calling your dad just to embarrass yourself and make him feel like the achieved cupid. Oh, right. And to beg him for Jay's address. This was the wrong move in so many ways, but you just had to go there.

Or at least that’s what you’re telling yourself as you reach his building entrance. There it was: 3B - J. Halstead. You pressed the button hoping he would be home. He was; he answered. Okay, why did you do this again?

“Hello?” You hear him calling out.

“He- hey! Hum, hi it’s (y/n)...” He doesn’t even let you finish your rambling.

“(y/n/n)! I mean, hum, (y/n). Hey, let me buzz you up!” With that, the door opens and you get inside, you’re so unsure about this that the next thing you know you’re standing at his door about to knock, but being met with a grinny Jay instead. “Hey, I was pretty surprised when I heard your voice…” He states while running a hand through his perfect hair. “I honestly thought that I had somehow managed to order food and forget about it!” Gosh, he really wasn’t gonna stop smiling like that, was he? “Hey, you okay? What happened?”

“Hum, no, no, no! Everything is fine, really! Thank you for asking though, it’s very sweet of yours.” After hearing that, his concerned expression started softening until he started smiling again, damn Jay! “Actually, I’m here precisely because, hum, after I left the District, I ended up doing some thinking and got to the conclusion that I was a bit rude with you… Maybe even more than just a bit and I’m sorry. It’s no excuse, but I guess I just got upset because of how my dad played me and took it out on you! Anyway, it wasn’t right and I’m sorry.” Instead of just saying it was okay, or agreeing with you, he just gave you a funny look and silence. “So, huh, what do you think about that? Say something, please?” Still nothing, unbelievable. “Seriously? You’re giving me the silent treatment? What are we, ten?” Hearing that, he bursted into laughter, leaving you very confused, to say the least. Once he caught his breath, he finally started talking:

“Jesus, (y/n)! Of course, I’m not giving you a silent treatment!” He said while shaking his head and still laughing. “You say you were rude, but I was trying to remember exactly when, during our less than five minutes talk, that happened. I kinda asked you out and you declined, I’m not gonna think you’re a bad person because of that! Especially after all of our history…” That kinda surprised you, but, then again, Jay was never the kind of guy to get upset over some mild rudeness.

“Ah…” Was all you managed to say before he spoke again:

“But, since you’re already here, let me pry on your guilt a little and ask you to come inside for a beer, maybe?” You nodded your head giggling and followed him inside. “So, um, your dad mentioned you were moving back here…” He half asked, handing you a bottle.

“Thanks. Ah, yeah, the company I work for decided it was time for a transfer.” You answered with a shrug of shoulders.

“Oh I see, you’re an engineer, right?” The conversation was beginning to get awkward, and both of you could feel it.

“Yeah,” you said while calculating how fast you could make it to the door after standing up from the couch, “chemical engineer, listen, it’s getting late, and I have an early morning tomorrow, so-” 

“Wait, please don’t leave just yet.” He breathed out, softly grabbing you by the arm. “Ever since our fight that day I’ve been hoping for a chance to make things right between us, (y/n/n)...” At that, you just close your eyes and rub your fingers against your temples. “I never meant to hurt you, I swear!” Really? That was what he was going with?

“You never meant to hurt me? I crossed the Atlantic just to be by your side, leaving a lot of important stuff behind, and you didn’t wait a single moment to trade me for the first cover girl you could find, but you didn��t mean to hurt me?” You always thought you’d start crying if you had to confront him like that, but instead, you were just angry.

“(y/n/n), I’m so sorry! It’s just that I couldn’t be with you at that moment... I-”

“You couldn’t be with me? Right, because I wasn’t half of what they were… It’s not like you’re telling me anything new, really.” You tried to make it sound like nothing but, damn, that hurt deep.

“What? No, of course, not! You got it all wrong, baby!” Baby. He used the pet name you two sometimes used with each other to mock all those popular couples in school… “I couldn’t be with you because I was so messed up! I’m not proud to say it, but none of those girls ever meant anything to me! They were just a distraction from everything that was happening, from everything that had happened… You, on the other hand… (y/n/n), you were there at my mom’s funeral when I wasn’t! Don’t think I forgot about it!” His eyes softened a little. “You were my best friend in the world!”

“Oh my God! You still don’t get it? I didn’t want to be just your best friend, Jay! I spent most of my high school days just wondering when you were gonna trade me, your mere friend, for one of those pretty girls, who would happily be more than that to you… But you never did… Until that time! I was expecting to find you messed up! Because I knew that I wasn’t gonna give up until you got better! But, that?” Now there was just no stopping the tears that were rolling down your cheeks. He was on the verge of crying as well, so the two of you just stayed there in silence until he decided to speak again:

“I’m a complete idiot. That’s all I can say for myself. I’m so sorry I never realized it, (y/n)!” He seemed sincerely sorry, but you weren’t sure you could forgive him just yet. “You know,” he started, while laughing bitterly, “I made a real fool of myself with you, cause I used to dream about having a shot with you, romantically, I mean.” After hearing that, your jaw literally dropped, while Jay just kept laughing lightly. “Will even used to bug me about it, he’d say that you were just as fallen for me as I was for you,” he said, chuckling, and shaking his head, “and I never believed him, I’d actually beg him to stop saying those things whenever you were around because I thought it could make you uncomfortable…” You didn’t even know how to respond to that.

“Jay, I…” You began, but he interrupted you:

“You, um, you don’t need to say anything, if you don’t want to. Now I see that I hurt you a lot more than I thought I did, and I am so sorry! I wish I could take it all back, but I can’t, so if you ever feel like you can give me another chance, even if just at our friendship, I’ll be so thankful! The happiest man! But if not, well, I’ll just stay out of your life,” you could see how hurt he was, “because I don’t ever wanna make you cry again.” He said that but it looked like he was the one about to break into tears, so you did the one thing you could think about doing; you threw your arms around his neck and kissed him. Just like you had thought about doing so many times before. It took him a while to correspond since he was sort of stunned, but when he did… Oh boy, it was everything that books always told you about, there were butterflies and fireworks, and you knew that your transfer back home couldn’t have come at a better time.

[writtenbyrain]

The Lucky One

Read it on AO3

Summary: What if Master Fu hadn't been the only reason Marinette was late to her first day of school? What if, when Ladybug told Chat Noir she was in love with someone else, it really was someone else? Really, it comes down to this: What if Marinette met Luka before Adrien?

Notes: This is written for @feminaexlux for the LBSC 2021 Valentine's Day Exchange! I'm your secret admirer, so happy Valentine's Day, beautiful — I hope you enjoy the fic! 💕 Also, thank you so much to the lovely @chrwrites for beta reading! Word Count: 2,873

Luka loved his little sister more than words could describe, which was precisely why he couldn’t let her leave for her first day of school without her lucky pink hair clip.

Sure, she never really wore it; in fact, she seemed far more comfortable allowing her purple bangs to obscure her features in an increasingly persistent effort to hide from scrutinizing eyes. But that didn’t stop her from bringing the clip with her every day, anyway, just in case she ever found the strength to let herself be seen.

And as Luka waited patiently for her to unearth that courage for herself, he did his best to support and encourage her in any way he could, which was precisely why he found himself racing toward Collège Françoise Dupont on the first morning of the school year.

“Sorry, excuse me,” he mumbled to no one in particular as he pedaled perilously close to cars and took street corners just a hair too sharp.

That morning, as he had been organizing his own school books and binders, he found the small hair clip sitting forlornly on the deck of the Liberty. It must have fallen out of Juleka’s backpack, he realized, considering the haste with which she had raced off to meet Rose.

Thus, he now found himself down the street from the school, approaching the corner where a charming bakery huddled adjacent to the campus.

Only, just as he reached the crosswalk, an old man with a cane hobbled out into the road, where—

“Whoah, watch out!”

Luka skidded to a stop, tearing off his helmet as he ran to grab the man’s left arm. At the same time, another girl in pigtails, one arm burdened with a pastry box, ran out into the oncoming traffic to grab onto the man’s right.

Narrowly missing the bumper of a passing car, Luka huffed in relief as all three of them staggered back onto the edge of the sidewalk — but not before the girl in pigtails tripped, landing heavily on her hands and knees.

The crosswalk flicked green, then, and pedestrians began to obliviously mill past.

“Are you okay?” Luka bent down to grab the girl by the elbow, just as a cane appeared in his peripheral vision. “Are you hurt?”

The old man they had rescued edged closer to clear his throat before the girl could respond.

“Thank you, both of you,” he said before eyeing the box the girl had dropped. Pistachio green macaron shells lay shattered along the cement. “Oh! What a disaster.”

“Don’t worry, I’m no stranger to disaster. Besides, there are still a few left,” the girl responded buoyantly as she sat up and recovered the surviving cookies. She turned to Luka. “Oh! And y-yes! I’m okay! I’m just such a clutz, thank you for helping me.”

Her cheeks were dusted with a subtle pink as she looked up at Luka, his hand still resting gingerly on her arm.

She’s cute, he thought to himself before glancing back toward the crosswalk. And kind. Maybe I should—

The school bell rang, then, and the girl whipped her head back around, her eyes wide.

“Oh no, I’m going to be late!” She stood and hurriedly shut the lid of the pastry box before angling back toward the road. “H-have a nice day!”

“Wait!” Luka grabbed the girl’s wrist before she could barrel across to the campus. “You go to Collège Françoise Dupont?”

“I-uh, yes?”

“You don’t happen to know Juleka Couffaine, do you?”

The girl straightened and turned fully back toward Luka, her eyes flicking to where his fingers curled around her wrist. Her blush reemerged, albeit more brightly this time.

“I do! W-we’re in the game sass together! Well, I-I mean the same class,” she clarified nervously. “We’ve b-been in the same class. Together. Maybe we’ll be in the same class together again, this year, I mean.”

Luka just chuckled and grabbed the clip from where he had stuffed it in his pocket on the way out.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Ma-ma-Marinette.”

“Well, ma-ma-Marinette, if you happen to see Juleka, can you please give this to her?” With one hand still on her upturned wrist, Luka pressed the clip into her palm. “You can tell her that her brother Luka dropped it off.”

________

If she thought about it hard enough, Marinette could imagine she still felt the pressure on her hand from where the boy — well, where Luka — had pressed Juleka’s hair clip into her palm, even though weeks had gone by.

Juleka was, in fact, in her class again, which seemed to work to Marinette’s advantage.

As time went on, Luka made increasingly regular appearances after school, primarily to pick up Juleka and walk her back to the Liberty at the end of the day.

And if Marinette made the conscious decision to linger around the front steps of the school under the guise of sketching or organizing her backpack, who needed to be the wiser? (Albeit Tikki did occasionally chide her for running even later than usual.)

But every day that Luka took the time to stop, say hello, and ask to see her sketches, she knew that the loss of time was worth it. “Hey, Marinette!”

Absolutely worth it.

________

Despite the fact that everything had turned out well in the end, Luka wasn’t sure that his righteous anger that morning had been worth it.

And as much as he refused to show it, he felt a twisting pit of shame and apprehension in his stomach.

Ladybug and Chat Noir had just released him from Hawkmoth’s akuma, and he was about to take center stage with the rest of Kitty Section for their well-earned television debut. While this moment should have been exhilarating — triumphant, even — all he could think about was what Marinette must think of him now.

Marinette, who always went out of her way to help those around her.

Marinette, who spent what precious little time she had making costumes for the band.

Marinette, who was kind and gentle, and had now seen him at his worst.

Who had now seen him as a villain… literally.

Luka took a steadying breath, one thumb skimming nervously over his Kitty Section mask as he prepared to step out in front of the cameras… until he felt warm fingers encircling his wrist.

He half-turned, the pit in his stomach sinking even further.

“Luka?” Marinette stood there before him, one hand bashfully coming up to her face. “Did you really mean those things you said when you were akumatized?”

Wait, was she… blushing? No, that couldn’t be.

Not after today.

“I'm sorry, Marinette, but I don't remember,” Luka said slowly as the pit twisted itself into butterflies. “What did I say?”

“Uh, oh, n-nothing,” Marinette stuttered. She looked down and rubbed nervously at the back of her neck. “It was nothing at all. You were possessed by Hawkmoth's akuma.”

“I don't know what I possibly could've said. I just hope it wasn't anything mean, because—”

He had to tell her how he felt. Now. Because if he didn’t, what else was she supposed to think? What if what he said while he was akumatized made her think that he didn’t—

“—You're the most extraordinary girl, Marinette.” He grabbed her shoulders earnestly. “As clear as a musical note and as sincere as a melody. You’re the music that’s been playing inside my head since the first day we met.”

The words sat right on his tongue, as well-rehearsed as his fingers on the frets of his guitar. He squeezed his hands once more on her shoulders before turning around to take the stage.

Though he had just recovered from being Silencer, he thought, perhaps he still had one thing left to silence: His doubts.

________

Ladybug had little doubt in her decision today, even if she found herself gritting her teeth and bearing with the stench of Paris’s sewers — again.

Really, she and Chat Noir had made somewhat of a habit of coming down into the watery maze beneath the city, and she was beginning to think that it was time to find an alternative place to run and hide.

As much as she cared for the silly kitty, sometimes the time they spent alone became a little overwhelming, what with his constant flirtation and declarations of love. And coming down to the sewers didn’t exactly make his attempts seem any more romantic.

… Wait, in that case, maybe being in the sewers wasn’t too bad of an idea.

In any case, she had tried time and again to tell Chat Noir that she was in love with someone else — someone with deft fingers, blue hair, and eyes that were bluer still — but the blonde still didn’t seem to be deterred.

Which was what gave Ladybug the idea to bestow a Miraculous upon Luka.

He was a natural match for combat after all, right?

Luka, who was so level-headed.

Luka, who always took the time to think before acting or speaking.

Luka, who genuinely put the needs of others before himself.

He had demonstrated as much on the day they met, after all. Who else would make themself late to school not only to help an old man out of the street, but to also make sure his little sister had her favorite hair clip on hand?

Luka was selfless, caring, observant, cute—

Yes, that settled it: Luka was the perfect candidate for a Miraculous.

Today, Chat Noir seemed to think they should give this particular one to Adrien Agreste, but Marinette wasn’t so sure. Would the celebrity model really be cut out for an akuma battle, let alone one that had brought them down into the sewers?

Probably not.

Closing her eyes and ignoring the acrid stench of garbage as she sucked in a determined breath, Ladybug called Luka out of the locker Chat Noir had left him in. Hesitantly, he approached the spot where Ladybug stood by a metal ladder that led to the surface.

“Luka Couffaine,” she began. Gently, she turned his hand over and pressed a box into his palm, much in the way he had pressed a clip into hers some months ago. “This is the Miraculous of the Snake, which grants the power of Second Chance. You will use it for the greater good. Once the job is done, you will return the Miraculous to me. Can I trust you?”

Of course, she knew the answer even before Luka smiled and nodded.

His hands tightened around hers knowingly.

________

Of course, knowing and understanding were two very different things.

After Miracle Queen had come and unnerved all of the Miraculous wielders by revealing their identities, Ladybug, in particular, had seemed uncharacteristically dispirited. Even Chat Noir seemed to hold himself at arm’s length from the heroine, albeit Luka didn’t understand why.

Nor did he understand why, over the past several weeks, she had appeared at his window in frequent blurs of red and black, offering him time with Sass under the condition that he come out to patrol in Chat Noir’s place.

Of all the previously-exposed Miraculous holders, he was the only one she had recalled to the field, even though it was never for the express purpose of an akuma battle.

Now, racing along Paris’s rooftops, Viperion did his best not to pry, though he couldn’t help but feel concerned at the discordant melody that was all but radiating off the girl. Weeks had passed, but something about Ladybug was still off-beat.

Patrol that night was almost over and it was only getting more and more difficult not to ask questions, especially considering she—

“We’re here.”

Ladybug landed gracefully on the final rooftop of the evening, her expression indifferent as she hooked her yo-yo around her hip and looked out at the distant wash of lights across Paris. She released a silent sigh through her nose, the rise and fall of her shoulders otherwise betraying her neutral demeanor.

Viperion landed beside her, consciously restraining himself from coaxing a sad melody out of his lyre and asking, “Do you feel kind of like this?”

“Why don’t we stop to catch our breath?” he asked instead. “Before we go our separate ways, I mean.”

Ladybug’s gaze flicked up to him in question before softening a fraction.

“Sure,” she murmured, her softly-emerging smile a small victory in Viperion’s heart. “I brought a snack, anyway. Just in case we got hungry.”

As Viperion lowered himself to sit on the ledge of the roof, Ladybug padded to the opposite side, bending down to grab a pastry box before returning and perching herself next to him. As she opened the lid, Viperion didn’t try to suppress his own smile.

Pistachio green macarons sat in a neat row within the box, their fragile shells still perfectly in-tact.

“These look delicious,” he said, gently removing one with his right thumb and forefinger. His left hand skimmed distractedly over the hidden pocket of his Miraculous suit.

The two sat that way for several minutes, the silence of the night punctuated only by the occasional passing car or giggling civilian. Ladybug and Viperion, meanwhile, relished in the quiet anonymity provided by both the height and the shadows of the building they sat atop.

Eventually, Ladybug sighed once more — this time more audibly — and leaned to rest her head against Viperion’s shoulder.

“You’re unbelievably brave, you know.”

“What?” Ladybug lifted her head to look at him through her falling bangs.

“I said you’re incredibly brave,” he repeated, his eyes fixed forward. “And I just want you to know you don’t have to shoulder all of the burden on your own.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Ladybug’s brows furrowed. “I mean, I asked you to come out and help patrol with me, didn’t I?”

Viperion just chuckled once more, as he often did while contemplating how best to string his words together like a discernible song of their own.

“Yes, and I’m grateful you did,” he conceded. “But you and I both know that’s not all. And maybe that’s why I don’t feel any doubt, anymore.”

“What … what did you doubt?”

Luka paused a moment, his hand once more pressing against his pocket. This time, he pulled the contents out and curled his fingers around it protectively.

“I guess… I doubted that you wanted me to be there for you,” he said. “But, lately, you’ve been leaning on me more, both in and out of the suit—”

Ladybug gasped.

“—And that makes me happy.”

Viperion turned, grabbing Ladybug’s wrist with a feather-light touch. Turning her palm up, he pressed a small clip into her hand before closing her fingers. Then he pulled her in for a reassuring hug, careful to hold her gently enough that she could pull away if she wanted to.

He heard her sniff before he felt her burrow into his neck. His skin was cooled by the unexpected dampness of her cheeks.

“Juleka gave me her lucky hair clip several weeks ago,” he explained. “She said she hoped it would help me to find the luck and courage I needed to tell the girl I love about my feelings, which… I guess I already did. So this time, I’ll just tell you that I know what you’re facing and, if you ever need someone to shoulder more of the burden for you, I’ll always be here. My life is already filled with music, but you add the sweetest harmony of all, Marinette.”

Ladybug hiccuped, wrapping her arms hastily around Viperion’s waist. One hand remained fisted around the clip while the other pressed between his shoulder blades, silently asking him to hold her tighter.

So he did.

Humming the heartsong he had written for Marinette weeks ago, Viperion pressed his cheek into her hair and rubbed circles into her back. His body shook slightly as the girl gasped and wept, but he didn’t dare let go. Not until she was ready.

Several minutes later, her body had finally relaxed into his, the sobs gone and her breath evening out. His humming trailed off as she slowly unwound her arms from around him.

“I’m sorry, Luka,” she whispered as she pulled back and wiped at her face. “It’s all just been so much.”

“I know. And I’ll be here for you every step of the way, in whatever way you’ll have me.”

Finally, the girl smiled — the first real, genuine smile he had seen from her in weeks.

Viperion’s heart soared with relief.

“You’re right you know,” she said, uncurling her fingers to once more reveal the clip. “You didn’t need this lucky clip to tell me how you feel. Though, to be honest, I feel like I’m the lucky one.”

Slowly setting the clip down beside them, Ladybug reached up, pressing one hand to Viperion’s cheek and the other to the back of his head.

His eyes fell closed as he bent his head low, his lips catching hers just as she pressed closer to meet him. This time, his hands floated to her waist, the moment weaving a delicate new melody around him.

Her lips were softer than he’d ever imagined... and tasted faintly of pistachios.

No, he thought distantly. I’m definitely the lucky one.

[qwanderer]

What makes a Loki a Loki?

Loki is called upon to be a lot of different people. He’s been raised on Asgard, and that’s formed some of the more basic aspects of his personality and values, but at the same time he has attributes that have been consistently discouraged and pushed down by that culture, and we can see them step forward as he moves into situations where they are encouraged.

Throughout the canons, there are a lot of Lokis. Siege Loki, Lady Loki, Kid Loki and his murderer, Ikol, King Loki, and the God/Goddess of Stories. The earlier aspects I know only by secondhand information, but I’m very familiar with Loki from Young Avengers and Agent of Asgard, some of my favorite comics of all time. But I know some basic facts - the way the earliest Loki was a quintessential comic book villain full of pure simple theatrical mischief and ridiculous schemes, the fact that Lady Loki was a somewhat more sinister appropriator of bodies for her own use.

In my view, MCU!Loki has, at the very least, the same capacity to shift personalities depending on the circumstances, and I haven’t yet seen anything in the Loki show that’s thrown my suspension of disbelief with regards to his characterization.

I’ve seen some people rebel at the idea of Loki gleeful over the destruction of Pompeii and the causing of chaos it allowed, but it reminds me of some meta I wrote very early on in my years of meta-writing in the MCU. The values Loki was raised with, Asgardian values, sometimes treat death very lightly, especially death in battle, especially human or otherwise non-Aesir death. In the Aesir context, at least to a certain extent and certainly in terms of what we’ve seen Odin teach his sons onscreen, violence is honorable, fighting is an adventure, lives are cheap and Valhalla is the ultimate goal.

I think a lot of the central conflict of Loki’s character is that he follows some of these principles to their logical conclusions in situations that Aesir values never meant them to cover. If life is unimportant, then it won’t be so bad if I tell Thor that Odin is dead. If the throne of Asgard has dominion over all the Nine Realms, then why shouldn’t I rule Midgard?

But he also shifts the way he acts to suit the situation. He is a shifter, it’s what he does. On Asgard, he is expected to be a warrior, a dignified prince, a companion and support for his brother. The values are bravery and dignity, and so a lot of what he projects there is bravado and elegance, which are close enough for him to get by.

When he is taken by Thanos, the only things Thanos wants and values are power and death. So Loki becomes an avatar of power and death. He carries that with him to Earth, because he is still very much under the jurisdiction of Thanos. But he very quickly learns how to use and manipulate Earth values, like wit and pathos. They seem to fit him better than the others, and he carries them through the other movies and the different frameworks he finds himself in.

He also tends to carry Asgard with him, the knowledge that he’s a prince, destined to be a king, that he needs to carry himself a certain way, with that elegance, dignity and bravado.

When I see Loki in the first episode of the show, I recognize him as some of the deepest, most quintessential parts of Loki that have only been allowed to peek out on occasion before. And that is due to manipulation on Mobius’s part - Mobius makes it very clear what he expects of Loki. To get down to the very basic levels of him and find out his motivations, what makes him fundamentally himself - “What makes Loki tick?” There’s a quiet void there, and the only thing that’s being asked of Loki, for once, is that he sit down and fill that void with words - the truest and most sincere words possible.

There’s a clear and interesting divide between that phase for Loki, and the phase we see in episode two - Mobius has stopped providing that space, and in the interim, he’s made it very clear what he expects Loki to be like, what mold he’d prefer the trickster to fit into.

The hard-working, lovable scamp.

Loki is hiding his deepest self again, which we all do most of the time. Loki can’t feel that deeply and express that freely all the time. Because of the environment he’s in - which may not be any more or less free than any of the other environments he’s experienced - he expresses himself in a particular way. He is the hard-working, mischievous scamp Mobius has been pushing him to be.

I don’t think he’s any more or less himself than he’s ever been - he’s simply responding to different pressures. And the pressures of this episode press him very hard into the Neal Caffrey mold. Which is an interesting mold in itself - when I was writing White Collar fic, I made a point to distinguish who Neal was when he was with Peter and who he was under different circumstances - prison, witness protection, with Mozzie, with Kate. (I wrote an autistic Kate, and had him most freely himself when he was with her.)

Like Neal Caffrey, the Episode 2 Loki is treading a line between behaviors that will get him things because he’s useful and compliant, behaviors that will demonstrate that he’s into minor trickery for fun now and might not be getting up to anything bigger, and those bigger tricks that are definitely still running in the background. It’s the obvious balance for a trickster on a leash with an indulgent bureaucrat.

You can see that it’s a facade in the way that he is near tears when he sees the Ragnarok paperwork, but when he brings it to Mobius’s attention and Mobius expresses his sympathies, Loki says “Yes, very sad,” and then dismisses it in favor of moving on to his mischievous enthusiasm over the resulting theory he’s had.

Like all good lies, it’s built out of truth, so when I see this Loki, I see pieces of the Loki I know, just put together a little differently, which is how Loki seems to do it.

Although he’s not free as he might hope to be, and in fact threading a narrow path between a very constricting set of pressures, I do still think he’s enjoying the dropped expectations of dignity and elegance. I think he’s enjoying being in a culture that encourages him to be a geek. To go on about the things he’s passionate about and his areas of expertise. And I think that’s a lot of what unsettles people about this Loki, because that elegance and dignity have carried everywhere else with him. And I’m not going to argue that the TVA are doing anything nice for him - quite the contrary - but I still do enjoy seeing him able to be the geek he’s always had the inclination to be, in the right circumstances.

It makes me wonder, a little, how much his mother is on his mind right now, after the first episode, because if I had a guess, the last time he’s felt free to be this enthusiastic and expressive about his interests is in magic lessons with her as a child.

So. The other variant.

We know from the Lady Loki comics arc that Loki can possess other people’s bodies over the long term, and we know from kid!Loki and his murderer interacting in YA that the original occupant of a body can sometimes hang around and talk back, if only as a figment of his imagination. We know from most incarnations that Loki can go to a lot of dark places if the circumstances push him to it.

As I’ve said before, I’m intrigued by the question the difference between the two variants poses - how much different can two Lokis be before they are no longer meaningfully the same person?

We’ve got clues on both sides, of course - our scamp on a leash saying “I wouldn’t do this to myself” on the side of them being not the same person, and the vengeful goddess he’s chasing saying “I was afraid they’d found a better version of me” on the side of them being the same person.

The more I think about it, the more I’m willing to predict that this vengeful goddess is, in some way, an incarnation of Loki. But (be warned, I’m going to reference Stephenie Meyer now) it could be in as small a way as something out of The Host - a stolen body’s original personality fighting dirty against the invading spirit.

If this is something based on the character of Sylvie from the comics, it could still be anything from a person - human or Asgardian - chosen and manipulated by Loki to do his bidding, to a full-on possession, or even a body constructed for a specific purpose but developing its own personality traits.

We know this variant is a body hopper, and Mobius’s briefing mentioned that it’s an inherent ability of most Lokis to shapeshift, so there are a lot of potential explanations for this unfamiliar shape.

But the differences between the variants could also stem mostly from different experiences.

The only thing I’m at all sure of is that this variant has also been tortured by Thanos. It’s possible that she branched earlier - that the wild desperation of having freshly escaped Thanos translated into being dragged into the TVA like a cornered wildcat, on the raggedy edge and desperate enough to go all-out to get out of the collar while still in the custody of the minute men. Then, as she became familiar with the TVA in concept and execution, developed opinions and built a personality around taking them down, taking them apart the way she wished she could do to Thanos, the way Thanos did to her.

But she could also have branched later - after the destruction of Asgard, or when Thanos appeared on the refugee ship. After the worst has happened to her people. With some preexisting notion that time could have gone differently, that some things that had happened should not be allowed to happen.

I have a weak spot for interactions between incarnations of Loki in the comics, so I am incredibly eager to see the MCU’s take on this.

[wei-yiing]

Ohhoho a drabble you say? How about something with cloud recesses summer school time but a matchmaker takes advantage of all the eligible bachelors in one spot and ensuing wangxian? (Stay well, friend!)

[ anon i saw this and sat on it for three days and i could only produce this awful drabble :') i'm still posting it because i love you. :"") ]

"Sect Leader Lan, you don't have any daughters, do you?"

Jin Guangshan's voice dances in the air as he quietly sips his tea, eyes lidded as he maintains his gaze with Lan Qiren.

"No." He grumbles as he restrains the urge to rub his temple. It would be unbecoming to fidget in front of their honoured guest, but Jin Guangshan is making it awfully difficult not to. "No, there are no female cultivators or next of kin within the Cloud Recesses."

"Well then, I'm sure we can figure something out." The man opposite places his teacup down with a smile. The sparks amidst snow covering the fabric of his clothing is somewhat garish to the eyes. Then again, the entirety of Lanling Jin always announce their presence with the loudness of their appearance. "I'm sure the various sect leaders have daughters that would suit your nephews' taste. And with their good looks and well behaved manner, whichever fair maiden we find should count her stars."

Masking a sigh as a contemplative exhale, Lan Qiren brings his own cup of tea to his lips. As much as wishes that were the case, he knows the situation may not be so easy-flowing with his younger nephew. Lan Wangji has been blessed with an attractive face, and he is Lan Qiren's best student, always devoted and adherent to his strict upbringing; but he's lacking in the charming softness that his brother possesses, and as such, has not quite mastered the nuances of courting a lady. In fact, Lan Wangji never even seems to try. Which, in all honesty, Lan Qiren takes no issue with. He would much rather this than the alternative of Lan Wangji frolicking around with women by his side, or worse, some wretched vixen ruining his good name altogether.

He grips the tea cup tighter.

Alas, Lan Wangji's sub-par social skills result in every attraction towards him being purely superficial, and Lan Qiren does not wish for that, either. Lan Xichen will easily find a sweet, mild woman who will accept every facet of him, but where in the world will they find someone who is willing to look past Lan Wangji's cold demeanor? Where in the world will they find someone that Lan Wangji, the ever-disinterested and studious boy that he is, will take a liking to?

Taking advantage of the congregation of disciples from multiple sects all over the land, Jin Guangshan had travelled to speak on this matter to Lan Qiren personally, putting forth his proposal of a mass-arranged marriage agreement between the five major sects to strengthen their bonds. It's a novel concept, with most sects usually choosing to continue their lineage within the clan. But somehow, Jin Guangshan being Jin Guangshan, he had swayed most of their fellow sect leaders already, and decided that while the disciples are familiarising themselves with one other, it would be a good opportunity for families to mingle and arrangements to be written.

His guest seems to have picked up on his silence as a sign of musing. "Ah, Sect Leader Lan, don't worry. We have so many unorthodox children here, but I assure you, they will all definitely find a match. Is it Second Young Master Lan you are concerned about?"

It seems even Jin Guangshan is aware of the situation. "Yes, somewhat. He is a very particular person."

"Indeed." Jin Guangshan openly sighs, his lips upturned. He takes a second to survey his surroundings, listening to the gentle sound of water cascading in the distance. The air is cool, and peaceful. As the Cloud Recesses should always be. He looks back to the table and opens his mouth. "That hot-headed Young Master from Yunmeng Jiang."

"Young Master Jiang?"

"No, the other one. The dogged and flippant one. He seems to get along with Second Young Master Lan, from what I've heard. Perhaps a political marriage would be good for relations between Yunmeng Jiang and Gusu Lan?"

Lan Qiren stares with a furrow in his brow, before the implication sets in and he abruptly slams his teacup down. "You don't mean."

"Young Master Wei Ying, was it?"

-

"Shi-jie deserves so much better than that pompous, smug... brat. He's a brat. There, I said it."

"Wei-xiong, don't be so loud." Nie Huaisang hides his mouth behind his fan as he walks alongside him. "You've already gotten in trouble for fighting with Jin-xiong once. Don't let anyone hear you again."

"He's right. Wei Wuxian, you can't do anything about it now." On the other side of him, Jiang Cheng huffs in annoyance. "They're betrothed. And at least shi-jie seems to like him. Usually in a political marriage, neither person has any strong feelings on the matter."

"But why does she like him in the first place? He's so... ugh. I just don't understand political marriages."

"Heh. Is that so?" An arrogant voice cuts through the air behind him, and he freezes, as do Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng. Nie Huaisang's fan stops fluttering.

Not you, not now...

"Jin Zixuan."

"Wei Wuxian."

Nie Huaisang leans over, whispering into Wei Wuxian's ear behind his fan. "At least address him formally, Wei-xiong!"

He whispers back, though he makes little effort to conceal it. "Why should I bother when he didn't?"

"You were saying something about political marriages? Very timely."

Jiang Cheng inhales intently next to him, but says nothing, knowing Wei Wuxian already has the arrows of his words drawn. "Are you going to tell me more about your arrangement? I don't want to hear about your opinions regarding your betrothal to my shi-jie, Young Master Jin."

"You're far too presumptuous, Young Master Wei. I was going to tell you nothing of the sort. Well, Sect Leader Lan had intended to tell you himself, but I believe he's having a stroke somewhere, and my father told me to come fetch you."

Nie Huaisang snaps his fan shut. His voice is trembling, though less out of concern and more out of entertainment. "E-Excuse me?"

Jin Zixuan crosses his arms, smirking. "Sect Leader Lan is fine, don't worry. He's just processing the arrangement put forward for you, Young Master Wei. I believe Sect Leader Jiang shall be arriving soon to officiate it."

"Wait, huh?" Jiang Cheng sputters before Wei Wuxian has a chance to. "What arrangement?"

Wei Wuxian had been sincerely hoping he wouldn't be swept up in the tumultuous matchmaking scheme that has infested the Cloud Recesses. From the sounds of it, it seems his fate has been decided for him already. Oh, well, as long as the young maiden doesn't mind his love for fine wine and won't ask too much of him in the way of house chores, he's sure it won't end too badly. He'll be a better husband than Jin Zixuan ever could, that's for sure. "Who's the lucky soul that I'm engaging?"

"Unlucky soul, more like." All three of them stare at Jin Zixuan with wide eyes, waiting for his answer. He snorts, looking off to the side. "Oh, what a coincidence, there he is."

Wei Wuxian violently turns his head to see what Jin Zixuan is seeing. Over on he other side of the courtyard, Lan Wangji is standing before his older brother, and staring back at Wei Wuxian with an unreadable expression on his face. "What? But that's just..."

Jin Zixuan's haughty smile grows wider as he looks Wei Wuxian in the eyes. "You're being engaged to Lan Wangji."

[storiesofthesahabah]

Is it a yes or no? You don’t have to tell me or anyone else your answer, but I ask you to use your answer to reflect accordingly from the story I am about to share with you. _____

Whenever we read or listen to the Qur’an, do we reflect from what we just read or listened to? Don’t deny - be honest - sometimes we do it for the sake that our parents, spouse or even teacher would stop nagging us about it.  Indeed, this generation is strange and have developed different trends where they use social media to somehow “remind” others about Islam, ibadah and the likes. We see a lot of sisters, showing their faces on some mere 1-3 min videos with an ayah or hadith being shared on captions without minding the fact that they are fueling the preying eyes of nonMahrams. Same goes to brothers. It is good to remind others as we are advised and told to do so in the Qur’an, but we also have to be responsible enough on how we should address or do this.  Why am I raising this issue - because the story I am about to share with you speaks volumes regarding haya and your connection to your Lord and the Qur’an. _____ This incident happened during the time of the Prophet ﷺ‎ . Ibn Abi Hatim Radiyallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet ﷺ‎ used to go out late night to see how his companions prayed and supplicated and would weep in the darkness, One night, when the Prophet ﷺ was out and doing his regular checking, he‎ passed by a house where he heard an old woman’s voice from behind a door - the old woman was crying and kept repeating a single verse from the Qur’an: “Has there reached you the report of the Overwhelming [event]?” [88:1] The old woman cried terribly while repeating this particular verse again and again. When this happened, the Prophet ﷺ placed his blessed head against the door and began to cry while saying:

“Yes, it did reach me. Yes, it did reach me.” _____ It is a very short story but take a moment to make this scene sink in, imagine our beloved Prophet ﷺ‎ crying out while hearing the old woman’s voice as she kept repeating this particular verse - and how much impact it has given to both the Prophet ﷺ and the old woman. Imagine the closeness of the old woman to the Qur’an - and how her heart is moved as she recites this verse as a warning and reminder from her Lord. Many of us, may have read the story above and would say “oh okay, that’s it?” without being affected and realizing that such verse is very heavy and scary in a sense that it warns us that sooner or later - we will have to face the inevitable time of death and that our meeting with Allah has been truly prescribed and is coming. Yet, we live this life as if we will never leave it - that it will never perish. My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, you may be wondering what is the connection of me raising the issue of sisters and brothers using social media particularly tiktok where they use it to “Remind” others about Islam - it is simple - remind yourself first.  The old woman in this story, subhan’Allah we don’t know how much Allah has honored her that her story reached our generation without her name being known yet her character is being told. She might have not been known here but indeed, in the heavens she is known. subhan’Allah. Such are the qualities of the sahabiyat (female companions). Most of them are unknown yet their character especially when it comes to haya puts any sister in their rightful places.  This old woman - didn’t even have to show her face nor did she even intend to be known for her ibadah - as she was doing this in the middle of the night when everyone else was sound asleep. Indeed, our actions and character is the best form of dawah - no matter how much effort you put it to make yourself look good in your videos or so - the truth of the matter is the sincerity of your actions. My sisters in Islam, if you want to remind others about their ibadah or to let them know about Islam - message the sister, converse with the sister - you do not need to flaunt your face and speak infront of videos where millions or even billions of nonMahrams can screenshot and save it in their phones.  This particular sahabiyah, Allah concealed even her name due to the high status He has given her. If you truly knew the honor of being concealed through modesty, you would want to be covered from head to foot.  Did you know that the Sahabah, when they used to talk about their families or they are asked about their spouses - they never said even the names of their wives rather they will say Umm so and so or that they will say my family - this is how the gheerah of the saharan were, this is how they honor the women of Islam. - this way of them is also mentioned in the Qur’an if you would just realize. ______ Let us focus with our connection with our Lord, our ibadah, our Qur’an and you will see how Allah will make use of you to remind others about Him and Islam.  If you want to be in the dawah field - there is nothing wrong in that but make sure you are well connected with your ibadah yourself so you can practice what you preach.  There are many ways to do dawah, putting up a video of yourself is not the “only” way. This ayah doesn’t only remind us that the inevitable will happen but also it reminds us that your life has an ending in this world - it is warning you so make sure your deeds are in line with goodness and sincerity. There is so much that this short incident can teach us, I may have pointed out a few but feel free to reflect more about it.  If ever such warning haven’t reached you then I hope by reading this tory, a life warning has reached you. ______ May Allah make us amongst such people who are well connected with Him through learning the Qur’an and establishing our salah and making the most of the days we are living in this world to do great deeds that would benefit us in the life hereafter. Amin Umm Umar Khaled _____ P.S. If you have been following my blog, you will know that I have used this story in one of my blog entries but in a different light, I felt the need to address some issue through this particular story, hence - it is here. _____ Story was taken from: • Tafsir Notes from Surah Al Ghasiyah 1436 AH

[supernaturalfreewill]

Words: 5,103 Gabriel x Reader Warnings: none! A/N: This is part of a series! Read Part 1 first!

Your name: submit What is this?

The first door standing open down the long hallway was obviously your bedroom, and Gabriel wasn’t shy about stepping inside. At first, he simply stood in the center and glanced around eagerly, bouncing a little on his feet as he surveyed the space.

Cas followed him in much more tentatively, but curious as to what his purpose was.

“This is it, huh?” He strolled over to the small desk in one corner and picked up an open notebook and some loose papers, studying them closely. Apparently, nothing there really held his interest because he abandoned them quickly and started sliding open desk drawers.

“This is—I think this is what humans would call an ‘invasion of privacy,’��� Cas said.

“Gabriel, I really don’t think you should—” Cas tried to argue, but the archangel simply shushed him and opened the cover. He ran his fingers over your handwriting—the impressions were deep on the page and he liked the slanting, hurried cursive. “Ghouls in Minnesota, Vampire in New York, Werewolf in Arkansas… This is nothing but hunting notes,” he said with disappointment, flipping through the pages.

“What did you expect?” Cas asked him.

“Something with a little more insight into who Y/N is, perhaps,” Gabriel said, shutting and typing the journal closed again and replacing it in the false bottom of your drawer, kicking it closed with his boot. “Hopes, dreams, roots, deepest secrets… that sort of thing,” he said.

Cas’s brow drew down low over his eyes again. “Knowing Y/N, I seriously doubt you will find any of that in writing in here…”

“Well, that’s just wishful thinking. Best case scenario. I will just have to get creative,” he said. Gabriel spun and looked at the small bedside table. There was a novel sitting on it and he grabbed it, opening it to the bookmark. “Y/N is an avid reader, hmm?” he said, more to himself than to Cas. “This is an ambitious read.” He studied the bookmark which was a folded piece of paper. When he opened it, it was a printed photo of you, Sam and Dean, and Cas. Sam had his arm draped over your shoulders and all of you were smiling for once. Gabriel stared at it for a long moment and Cas watched his expression soften into a thoughtful, faraway look. Finally, he folded it up again gently and replaced it in the novel, leaving it on your side table just the way he had found it.

Next, Gabriel went over to the dresser and glanced at Cas with a smirk on his face. “You know, it’s strange but most humans keep their delicate underthings in the exact same place—top drawer—” he said, grasping the handle.

Cas slammed his hand into the drawer keeping it closed and Gabriel looked at him in surprise. “I really think you’ve done enough spying.” Cas’s voice and expression were stern now, but it only elicited a mischievous glint in Gabriel’s golden eyes.

“Spying? I’m just trying to get to know this Y/N better,” Gabriel argued, doing his best to sound innocent. “I mean, so far all I know is she’s related to the two meatheads and hangs around with you. And, though it may be a surprise to you, that doesn’t actually tell me anything I’d like to know.”

“If you want to get to know her, why don’t you just go visit her now? Or wait and meet her when she’s back.”

Gabriel gave Cas a skeptical look. “Oh, yes. I’m sure Sam and Dean will have no problem with me sniffing around their Baby Sister. They’re not known to be particularly suspicious or protective.” His tone was dripping with sarcasm. “Especially after all those Dead Dean Days…”

Cas grimaced a little at the thought. “Well… you also saved them by facing Lucifer. They will not have forgotten that. You redeemed yourself, at least in part,” Cas said, tilting his head in his familiar habit.

The archangel looked surprisingly uncomfortable with Cas’s sincerity. “Fine. Enough snooping. Come on, brother,” he said, laying a heavy hand on Cas’s shoulder. “Let’s grab a drink and you can tell me all about losing your grace and what mortality feels like.”

Cas frowned, but he didn’t object. He was glad just to get Gabriel out of your room…

_ _ _ _ _ _

Several weeks later

You leaned your head back on the pillows and let out a frustrated groan. “UGH! Where is this doctor?!” you demanded.

Sam gave you a look. “I’m sure he’s on his way,” he said gently, trying to placate you.

You threw off your blankets and climbed out of the hospital bed onto your feet, moving a little hunched over as you rolled your IV stand with you.

“Whoa, whoa! Hey!” Dean jumped up and stopped you. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“I can’t stay in that bed another minute or I’m gonna lose it!”

“We’re not even sure if you’re going to get released today, so you might as well get used to the idea that you may have to stay in that bed for a couple more days,” he retorted. “So, get back in bed!”

You vehemently pointed a finger in his face. “HEY. You’re not my doctor! You don’t get to boss me around!”

Dean drew himself up to his full height and gave you a severe look.

You didn’t waver. “I’m not scared of you!”

This drew a laugh from Sam and when you glanced over he was shaking his head. “Y/N, please just at least sit down. I’m sure the doctor—”

“—is in!” As if on cue your doctor strolled through the door, you chart in his hand. He gave you a big smile. “Alright, Y/N. Hop back up on the bed again, would you? Let’s see how you’re doing.”

He hadn’t even examined your incision yet and the words were spilling out of you. “Can I go home today?” you asked urgently.

This elicited a laugh from him and he gave you an appraising look. “As soon as I know, you’ll know,” he said diplomatically.

You tried to be a good patient and sit perfectly still as he checked your incision but you couldn’t help fidgeting and chewing your bottom lip. The doctor straightened back up and crossed his arms. “Well, no sign of infection. Incision seems to be healing nicely, so—” “YES!” you exclaimed.

“SO,” he continued through a smile, “I’m going to release you but with very strict instructions. I need you to really hear me right now, Y/N. Okay?”

You nodded eagerly. “Yes. I’m listening.”

“NO lifting anything heavier than a few pounds—you know what, no lifting anything, okay? Absolutes seem safer with you. And you are NOT to be doing anything physical for 3 more weeks, at which time you can start with some easy physical activity. Long walks, some stretching, that kind of stuff. And you will need to get another post-op check-up around then too.”

You nodded. “Okay. I got it.”

“Now, your brothers here ARE now in charge since I can’t be there to keep you in line,” he said, a knowing smile on his face. He must have overheard you and Dean from the hallway.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” you argued.

“I’m not kidding. You need to let them take care of you. And you two,” he said, pointing at Sam and Dean in turn, “need to make sure she rests.”

A gruff laugh escaped Dean. “Easier said than done.”

“I know,” the doctor said. “I’ve been dealing with her for only about a month. You two have been dealing with her for a lifetime,” he joked, shooting you a glance.

“I’m right here, you know!” you burst out. “I can hear everything you’re saying!”

The doctor laughed and held out a hand to you. “Y/N, it’s been a pleasure to watch you recover. Now be well, and rest.”

This time you didn’t have anything snarky to say and just grasped his hand in yours and shook it. “Thank you. For… not letting me die and stuff.”

He laughed and shook his head. “You’re welcome. Gentleman,” he turned to Sam and Dean who both shook his hand and thanked him repeatedly. “The nurse will be in shortly to take care of that IV and check you out. Take care.”

You watched him go with a triumphant smile on your face. Sam and Dean both looked a little anxious, however. “Oh, come on, guys! He said I’m fine. We can go home!”

“You heard the doctor though. Seriously, Y/N. You’re on house arrest,” Dean said forcefully.

“Whatever. I don’t even care. Just get me out of here,” you said climbing down to your feet again. Soon a nurse came in and removed your IV. You kicked Sam and Dean out of the room so you could change out of your hospital gown for the first time in what felt like years. Another few minutes and you were stepping into the hallway, a huge grin on your face.

Sam shouldered your bag and gave you an appraising look. “You alright?” You were still a little hunched over. Straightening up completely still made you sore.

“I’m great,” you said. “Look! I’m wearing actual clothes!” You glanced down at the sweatpants and t-shirt you had pulled on. “Sort of.”

Dean couldn’t help smiling at you fondly while shaking his head. “You sure you don’t want me to go grab a wheelchair? It’s a bit of a walk.”

You scowled at him.

“I’m being serious, Y/N,” Dean said, the gravel in his voice deepening. “You’ve only done short walks around the floor.”

“There is no way in hell you’re getting me in a wheelchair.”

You managed to make it out to the Impala, though Dean had insisted on driving right up to the exit to pick you up. You slid into the back seat and sighed. “Oh, I missed you, Baby,” you said out loud, sinking in to the familiar seat and breathing in that particular smell that always made you remember road trips and hunts and late-night cheeseburgers.

Dean smiled at you in the rearview mirror. He lowered his voice and turned to Sam. “You talk to Cas?” he asked in an undertone.

“No. It still just keeps going straight to voicemail,” Sam said. “But he texted me again… to explain the origins of pineapple,” Sam said, a tight smile on his face. “It took like 30 texts.”

“What the hell is going on with him? He’s been weirder than usual.”

“Well, he has been trapped at the bunker alone for kind of a long time…” Sam said.

“He could have talked with us if he would ever answer his goddamn phone,” Dean countered, turning onto the highway. “Maybe he’s finally cracked.”

“Who?” you asked, leaning forward and resting your hands on the back of the front seat.

“Nobody,” Dean said. You scoffed.

“That’s convincing…” you said under your breath, just loud enough for him to hear.

“Why don’t you just focus on getting all healed up and let Sammy and me worry about everything else, alright?”

“You know, it’s weird, but my cells do that part pretty much on their own. It doesn’t require much conscious thought on my part. So, if someone has cracked—”

“Nobody’s cracked,” Dean said gruffly, hands steady on the wheel.

“You just said—"

“I just said nothing for you to worry about,” Dean said finally.

You let out a frustrated growl and changed tactics. “Fine. I’ll change the subject,” you said smugly.

“Thank you…”

“Any news on Gabriel?” you asked loudly, sinking back into your seat comfortably.

There was a long, silent pause from the front seat and you could see that Dean’s grip on the steering wheel had tightened.

Sam turned partially around, one arm on the seat back and looked at you. “You know there isn’t.” “No, I don’t know that. You two are obviously keeping something from me, so I think it is fair to assume you’re keeping other stuff from me too.”

“We really don’t know anything about Gabriel,” Sam said, sincerity written all over his face.

You chewed your bottom lip anxiously. Sam took in your expression. “Have you—seen him again?” he asked.

“No. No, nothing like that but since that happened, I just have this feeling—he said we would be seeing each other again and it’s like, in my core, I know that’s true.” You looked up and caught Sam’s eyes, they were steady on your face and narrowed slightly in concern. “I know that doesn’t make any sense and I know you and Dean said he’s gone but it’s such a strong feeling. I don’t really know how to explain it.”

“I believe you,” Sam said. “For now, I guess we just have to wait…”

Many hours later, Dean finally pulled the Impala into the underground garage at the bunker and opened the door for you. Inside, an archangel and a graceless angel perked up as they heard noise in the garage. Cas shot upright and glanced over at Gabriel, who only smiled serenely back at him.

“Showtime!”

Cas gave him an apprehensive look and started off in the direction of the garage immediately. Gabriel followed, but at a leisurely pace, seemingly completely unconcerned.

But Cas didn’t know that this was mostly an act. There was a strange sensation in Gabriel’s chest and it was growing the closer he came to the moment when he would see you—meet you—for real this time, not in some mind dreamscape. He couldn’t even explain to himself why but he felt that this moment was going to change everything for him in some way—he knew no reason why that would be true. He had been fascinated with you since he first became aware again and had been thrust into some role connected with you… but he had this feeling, like a heavy block of cement in the middle of his chest sitting on top of his heart which was maddening in its oddity. It was like expectation and something more had solidified and despite all his trying he couldn’t shift it.

Dean pushed through the door into the bunker trailed closely by you, and then Sam hauling your bag and his own. “Cas?!” Dean roared. “Are you alive in here?”

Cas came hurrying around a corner in the hallway and his expression stopped all of you dead in your tracks. His blue eyes were wide and his face was quite pale, further making the shocking blue stand out.

“…what’s going on?” Dean asked. He was immediately reaching for his pistol.

“Don’t panic, but there’s someone here—”

“How is that supposed to make me not panic?!”

“Cas, do I need to get Y/N out of here?” Sam demanded over your shoulder, already trying to move around you to shield you protectively.

You were surprisingly quiet and Dean looked over his shoulder at you. Your heart was pounding in your chest. “Cas, who is it?” you asked quietly.

He only swallowed at the tightness in his throat and opened his mouth to offer some kind of explanation, but no sound came out. You felt like you didn’t really need him to answer anyway. You already knew.

“It’s him, isn’t it?”

A second figure now came around the corner and Dean dropped his duffel bag where he stood, his fists clenched.

“Welcome home, Winchester Clan!” Gabriel said cheerfully, his arms spread wide.

There was just a stretch of tense silence between all of you which the archangel finally broke again. “Dean, if you wouldn’t mind just stepping a liiiittle bit to your right so I can—”

“What the hell are you doing here? How are you here?!” Dean demanded, his jaw tensing.

“That’s how you want to start this?” Gabriel asked, a grimace on his face. “Come on, Dean. I’m here to help. I’m not here to kill you over and over again. Not this time. I promise. Scout’s honor.” He made a small cross over his heart with one finger. Gabriel tilted his head, trying to look around Dean to get a better view of you, but it wasn’t necessary because the next moment you stepped around him slowly.

He couldn’t help the small smile that grew on his face. You found the golden light in his eyes staggering, just as you remembered it from your vision.

“…you,” was all you could get out. Sam and Dean exchanged a tense glance.

He bounced a little on the balls of his feet and slipped his hands into his pockets, actually the result of nerves, but he was hoping it just made him look nonchalant and nonplussed. “Me.”

“You’re—but you’re… What are you doing here?” you asked quietly.

“I told you we’d be seeing each other again, didn’t I? You didn’t believe me?” he asked, cocking one eyebrow at you. You didn’t answer, just peered at him intensely.

He inclined his chin a little as he studied you. “Here—” he said. He moved around Cas and started toward you but was immediately met with loud yells and threats from the Sam and Dean causing him to stop abruptly and raise his hands, palms out. “Guys, guys, guys! Would you two just chill? Really! After all we’ve been through… I’d like to heal what’s left of that nasty gunshot wound if Y/N will let me. Or are you opposed to that? Because she’s in a lot more pain than she’s letting on. I’m guessing she’s hiding it so you two won’t go all crazy protective over her for the rest of her life.”

“No, I’m not!” you argued. Gabriel gave you a skeptical look.

“I can feel it,” he said. When he spoke those words there was something almost desperate in them. “Let me heal you. Please.”

You swallowed hard at the nervous lump in your throat and stepped around Dean again, giving him a small glance. “It’s okay,” you said.

Gabriel stopped right in front of you and gently touched two fingers to your forehead.

You straightened up immediately and breathed in a deep breath, completely filling your lungs, something you hadn’t been able to do without pangs of pain since you’d been shot. Your shoulders relaxed and you gave him a grateful but perplexed look. “Thanks.”

“Welcome home,” he said again, but this time it was quiet, like it was only for your ears. He rubbed the pad of his thumb over the fingertips that had just touched your skin. They felt strange, almost like the sensation when your foot falls asleep.

Dean suddenly interrupted the moment by pushing past Gabriel and heading toward the front of the bunker at high speed. Cas turned and jogged to catch up with him, wilting a little under the scowl Dean sent his way.

“Cas, you couldn’t have given us a heads up?” Dean asked angrily.

“You don’t think I tried? He broke every single phone I had and all the new ones I managed to get a hold of. And it’s not exactly like I could just fly over, is it?” he finished bitterly.

Sam stopped next to the two of them and dropped his duffel bag. “So… all those weird texts weren’t from you,” he said with sudden understanding.

Cas looked confused. “What? Weird texts? No. What weird texts?”

The Winchesters and Cas suddenly heard laughter behind them and turned to see Gabriel standing in the doorway with a satisfied smirk. Their expressions were stern.

“Oh, come on! That series of texts about the fuzzy toilet seat lid covers? The ‘bedtime thoughts’ texts? Pure genius on my part. You have to see the humor in this!” Gabriel simply watched as the muscles in their jaws twitched.

Dean rubbed a hand over the stubble on his chin. “Goddammit. What the hell is going on?” He turned and looked to Sam who was still just staring in Gabriel’s direction with somewhat wide eyes.

“It’s really not that complicated, Dean. I was sent back to watch out for Y/N. And that’s really all I know.”

This caused deep wrinkles in both Sam and Dean’s foreheads. “Okay, first of all, your definition of ‘not complicated’ could use some adjustment. I would say a DEAD archangel coming back to life is pretty complicated. Second, why does she need anyone more than us watching out for her?” Dean growled.

“Well, seeing as she was just shot and almost died I don’t think I need to really answer that question,” Gabriel snarked back.

Dean’s jaw and fists tensed and Cas stepped forward to put a hand on his shoulder to stop him from attempting to throttle the archangel. Gabriel only smiled serenely.

“That wasn’t their fault,” you argued, having just appeared behind Gabriel in the doorway, feeling sick again because you knew your brothers were already blaming themselves. “It could have been any one of us.”

“But it wasn’t,” Gabriel pointed out.

You looked suddenly weary. “I don’t know why we’re still talking about this at all. I’m completely fine. Better than fine now that I’m magically healed me up. I feel like there are more important things we should be discussing.”

Gabriel raised a finger, like he had a sudden idea. “You’re right. Chiefly, I need to know everything about you. Your likes, your dislikes, formative childhood experiences, deepest darkest secrets—”

You crossed your arms over your chest and were about to snark something back at the archangel but Dean beat you to it. “Alright. That’s enough!” he growled. “You were supposedly sent here to protect her, not be a total creep. You’ve just met her and you’re already trying to invade her privacy,” he said gruffly, his green eyes piercing on the angel’s face.

“Well, technically I think he already—” Cas tried to stop himself but it was too late and your eyes snapped over to Gabriel as he winced and anxiously ran a hand through his hair. Your mouth was hanging partially open and your expression was incredulous.

“What the hell did you do?” you demanded. When he didn’t answer and only shrugged vaguely, the corners of his mouth pulling down in a frown, you turned to Cas again who was doing his best to look anywhere but in your direction. “Cas… Cas! Look at me!”

Gabriel spun and locked his eyes on Cas as well. “Brother, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll be quiet…” he said through his teeth, keeping a forced smile fixed on his face.

“We all know you aren’t good at lying, Cas. Even a lie of omission. Are you really going to lie to me? After everything I’ve just been through?” You purposely tugged on his heartstrings and walked toward him so he had no choice but to glance at you as you moved closer. “Cas, I almost died. And you’re not going to tell me what this archangel who is supposedly here to watch out for me was up to?”

Gabriel shot you a look that was both a little stunned and impressed. “That’s low,” he said. You raised your eyebrows at him and then turned back to Cas again.

You could see the internal turmoil crescendoing until it finally burst out of him. “He went through some of your things in your room. I tried to stop him but—”

“Dude!” Sam exclaimed, his jaw clenching with anger. Dean shut his eyes against the rising tide of rage and his fists tightened. `

Your jaw dropped open again and you turned back to Gabriel and away from a very conflicted-looking Castiel. “What the hell!?” you demanded angrily. “Haven’t you heard of privacy? What exactly gave you the right to go through my room?”

He looked a tinge guilty for a moment before rearranging his features into a questioning expression. “Well, I think I should know a little about my charge—”

You shot a glare at him that was piercing and Gabriel felt his throat tighten. “Your charge? Let’s get one thing straight right now… I’m not your ‘charge’. You do not get to boss me around or make decisions for me.”

Gabriel tilted his head and gave you a peculiar look. “Well… strictly speaking I don’t think that’s true… You see, I’m supposed to protect you which means that I get to decide—”

You interrupted him angrily. “No. No, you don’t get to decide.” You looked at Cas and your brothers who all looked pretty unhappy about what had just played out. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” As you started down the hall, you heard his footsteps following behind you and as you reached the door to your room you spun to face him. “What do you think you’re doing?” you demanded.

Gabriel looked around as if he was expecting you to be talking to someone other than him, but he saw no one else. “Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“I’m just doing my job. You said you’re going to bed so I’m going to watch over you and—”

You angrily bit the inside of your cheek. “No. You’re not. You can stay the hell away from me while I sleep. You’re not setting foot in my room again.”

“Oh, come on! Y/N, please. You’re not really mad about—”

You turned abruptly and slammed the door in his face. Okay, so maybe you were really mad… “You know I can just appear in your room! I’m an archangel. An oak door isn’t—” The door whipped open again and you stood there fuming.

“Go away.” Your voice was quiet but Gabriel could easily hear the anger in it and for now he decided just to back off. You slammed the door in his face again and he sighed heavily, running a hand back through his hair.

Sometime later, Cas wandered down the hall and found Gabriel sitting on the floor, his back up against the wall just beside your shut door, his legs stretched out in front of him. Gabriel looked at him as he approached.

Cas didn’t say anything, just took a seat beside the archangel on the floor, stretching his legs out in front of him and staring at his shoes. Gabriel broke the silence first. “Look how far I’ve come,” he said, his tone clearly sarcastic. “I used to lead legions and now I’ve been assigned as some kind of glorified babysitter and here I am, a fallen archangel, sitting on the floor outside her door.”

“You probably wouldn’t be sitting here on the floor if you hadn’t botched that meeting with Y/N so spectacularly,” Cas mused. To his surprise the archangel actually laughed and glanced over at him.

“Yeah, I think you’re right about that, Castiel.” Gabriel sighed, leaning his head back against the wall. “I have a tendency toward self-destructive behavior.”

“When I was an angel, I mean—with my grace, so did I,” Cas said. “Perhaps there is something about being so-called ‘immortal’ that makes us reckless with our own lives.”

Gabriel sighed again heavily. “Perhaps.”

Cas looked over at him and he could see genuine worry on his brother’s face. “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine in the morning. She’s tough. Strong. But kind-hearted. She’ll let you make up for it.” Cas fiddled with the hem of his sleeve. “I see such a mixture of Sam and Dean in her.”

This only drew Gabriel’s brow down more deeply. “That’s what I’m worried about,” he said thoughtfully. “I don’t know why I was sent to protect her, but I do know how reckless the Winchesters are with their lives. And all without a single drop of grace.”

Cas’s lips curved ever so slightly in a thoughtful smile. “Yes. But selfless.”

Gabriel glanced over at his brother and felt a pang in his heart for his graceless friend. “Do you miss your trench coat and suit?” he asked him.

Cas’s eyes lifted in surprise at the question and he glanced down at his sweatshirt, picking a piece of lint off the sleeve. “I do. But… it felt wrong wearing it somehow. Like being in a suit of armor while not on the battlefield.”

Gabriel nodded and leaned his head back against the wall. A few moments of comfortable silence passed before he broke it. “I’m sorry for being such a dick since I arrived. All the phones… all the lying… all the snooping. It’s strange to say but I had a level of-—anxiety,” he tilted his head in a question, not even entirely sure that was the right word for what he had been feeling, “about meeting Y/N. And I still messed it up.”

Cas sighed again and patted a gentle hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Tomorrow is a new day.” He climbed to his feet and looked down at the archangel, a strange sight sitting like a child on the floor during time-out. “Tomorrow. Goodnight, brother.”

[imagine-loki]

Hiding In Plain Sight

TITLE: Hiding in Plain Sight

 CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 10

AUTHOR: wolfpawn

 ORIGINAL IMAGINE:Imagine coming from a line of nobility or royalty and being in an arranged marriage with Loki in an attempt to strengthen your kingdom / alliance with Asgard. You’re not entirely on board with the idea but figured that the best you could do was to get to know your fiancé. You form an agreement with Frigga for you to pose as Loki’s personal servant for a few months so you can get to know who Loki really is – beyond the veil of his responsibility to the Asgardian throne, behind all the masks he wears when facing the public, to really know who Loki is behind closed doors as you slowly fall for each other.How long will you keep up the ruse with the God of Lies? RATING: General Audience

NOTE - I finally got my ass in gear and finished something, thank Loki.

Raven gave him a withering look. “Again with the ‘she’ and ‘her’. You are going out of your way to be insulting at this stage.” “But you are Raven? Not ‘Breanna’?” Loki demanded. 

“My grandmother called me Breanna. It’s one and the same.” She dismissed. 

“You hid yourself as a maid?” 

“I did.” “Why?” “I heard so many stories about you, so incredibly conflicting, I wanted to see for myself.” “So you pretended to be a maid? You…” Loki’s eyes widened. “You scrubbed my toilet.” He grimaced at that thought. 

“In fairness, whatever else was ever said about you, your hygiene is impeccable.” 

“Why?” “I told you.” “But why?” 

“I learnt you are intelligent and can understand many languages and are very much able to comprehend the spoken word so I don’t think I need to repeat myself again. I know it is something you also dislike. You told me that the first day I spoke to you.” She walked around a little. 

Loki studied her for a moment. Watching how she walked, so obviously well-bred and the manner in which she was speaking showing a significant education. He shook his head slightly as he spoke. “My brother said time and again that the Elven princess was raised in a manner that was meek and subservient. You have been insubordinate since the day you walked in here.” 

“How can I be insubordinate to you, we are of equal standing. The extra children of the ruling monarch, merely existing in the slight offchance our older siblings do not make it to taking the throne.” She challenged.

“I think your father would rather a republic than have you on the throne.” Loki pointed out, his tone half of anger, half merely stating fact. 

“I think he would too but the law is that I can take it regardless of my gender, I just need all four of my brothers to not get on it and have heirs.” She eyed him with intrigue, watching the glut of emotions swirling around in his face. Anger seemed to be winning as the most notable one. “I suggest airing your anger now. It will make this easier in the long run.”

“Was my mother in on this all along?” “Yes. I wrote to her to get her words on your character. Sadly, she gave the view of a biased and loving mother. So, convinced I would see your personality for myself in other ways by being your maid, she suggested I take Tatianna’s place for a few weeks. I can see you have a good rapport with her, so I can see why she would think that.”

Loki felt his anger rise at his mother’s involvement. “My brother, my father?”

“For the Allfather to know anything, he would have had to have come to your rooms whilst I was here, he never did, ergo, he never knew anything of it. Thor was not part of the plan. What I had not anticipated was that he recalled the few occasions that he met me in passing while talking to my brothers over the centuries, especially in Vanaheim. He confronted me, wanting to know why I was playing such games. He did not agree with it but the Allmother and I convinced him to remain silent.” 

Loki’s lip curled in anger at his brother knowing such things but also knowing that he had the excuse of being told to say nothing. Not that it would save him from a few choice words and more than a few spells and hard blows when Loki would be able to inflict such on him again. “You spied on me, and you thought it wise?” He scoffed in disgust. “How did you envisage this little reveal going? Pray, do tell.” “I suppose it’s obvious that I had not thought through that fully. I was hoping the Aesir I was meeting was actually a nice being so I would at least feel guilty.” 

Loki’s brow rose at that. “You have the audacity to say such things with all your deceit.”

“You literally are nicknamed the God of Lies, tricks and mischief, I would have thought you would have been impressed if nothing else.” “I am anything but.” He became irate at her answers. “You have no right to speak to me like this, you deceitful wench.” He walked to the bedroom door and opened it. “Get out.” 

Raven felt hurt but understood fully and had expected him to react in such a manner, sighing, she walked to the door. “Well, it’s done now anyway.”

“What?” Loki had no inkling as to what she was referring to. “Getting this conflict out of the way. I was getting bothered waiting for it.” She spoke as she walked through the door. 

“You anticipated this, really?” He did not believe her. 

“I anticipated this, at best. I thought you would fly into a rage and throw me out at worst but then again, I thought you had not arrived for lunch because you had realised who I was and were giving me the very much expected silent treatment. Something I would wager all the ore on Alfheim I am going to be receiving from this point forth. I did not think it would last this long.” “What would last this long?” “This conversation. It lasted far longer than I had expected.” She shrugged as she walked to the door. 

“Did you really learn to be a maid for this?” “I hardly knew how to be one before. I had to at least pretend to know what I was doing.” “You were so desperate to try and make a fool of me?” “It was never about making a fool of you, Loki. I told you, I wanted to know what to expect here. I tried to find out by other means but to no avail. Unlike you, I had to move to another realm and live with a man I had not met in almost seven hundred years outside of the briefest of moments.” “So you thought the way to get to know me was to scrub my toilet, that is your thinking of me? That is what you considered in getting to know me? I honestly expected you to have little self-respect with how you were raised, what with it being a misogynistic realm but you really do not have any self-worth with how you acted.” He walked over to the main door of his rooms to open it. 

“Well, when your muscles ached and you wanted them relieved and when I neatened your belongings, you did not complain and don’t you ever look down at those who clean your toilet. You would not last five minutes in the real realm without your seidr, you pretentious prick.” 

Irate at her venomous words, Loki walked forward towards her but stopped suddenly when she flinched as though expecting to be struck. As much as he wanted to say something as vitriolic back, he refrained. “Your little stunt was nothing more than pathetic and ridiculous and your name calling even more so, but it clearly was futile because if your observations were even the slightest bit accurate, you would know I would never lay a hand on you.” 

“I knew that. If anyone will bear any physical brunt of this, it will be Thor.” 

Loki had to admit, she did learn something in all of this with that comment. “Yet, you flinched as though expecting me to strike you?” “I am not a warrior, I have not learnt how to not flinch when someone rushes forward. But I know you would not. If you had been a risk to me, I would never have come here alone.” She ensured to look him in the eye as she spoke to show her sincerity. 

Loki had to admit, that was a valid excuse and indeed statement regarding her safety. “Good, at least you grasped that much in this.” He opened the door fully and indicated outside. 

“I guess the deceitful wench will leave the pretentious prick to his day, then.” She walked towards the door. 

“Norns but you have to have the last word, don’t you?” Loki pushed the door shut again with some force. “You’re supposed to be silent.” “You literally said one of the things you were looking forward to least about being married to me was that you loathed the idea of a subservient and silent wife. My father should have had someone warn you, I tend to be too sarcastic for my own good, always have been, but you noticed that already too.”  “If I had only known.” Sarcasm dripped heavily from every syllable he spoke. He looked at her for another moment. “How could you possibly have thought that we could even attempt to build anything on this?” “You never wanted to build anything, you spoke terribly of me the whole time I was here. You would not even use my name.” “What is with you and that particular issue? Why does it matter so greatly to you?” Loki snapped. “You are like a dog with a bone.” 

“What is your obsession with not using it? You have nothing but contempt for me, both in your actions and your words, and have done so before you even realised it was me and do not think for one second I have forgotten your horrid words to your little friend about me, much less my realms’ people. Whatever damage I have done to the idea of creating a cordial relationship, you clean blasted it off the realm long before.” “I already told you, I do not think such, I was just venting.” “I told you in that very same conversation that I do not suffer fools. And if you think me to believe that statement, you are calling me one also.” “I bear no ill thoughts to the Ljósáfar. I would not have my seidr be so strong but for the ability to wield it perfected on Alfheim. I have nothing but respect for the race, you as an individual, on the other hand, not so much since you decided to try and trick me.” “There was no try, I succeeded in doing so.” There was some smugness to Raven’s smirk. 

Loki’s lip curled in anger at that statement. 

“I recall that day too that you wished to show me that you have no ill against my race, yet my parents and brothers did not deserve the respect required to welcome them, did they?” She shook her head. “You don’t respect us, you respect no one, not even yourself.” This time, she walked to the door and opened it, not wanting to speak to him any further. 

“What comes of this?” Loki asked, not wanting to acknowledge her fairly accurate analysis. 

“I do not know. You were adamant before, I am nothing but a duty. As a prince, you will be forced to do such duty. Our parents will not forfeit this agreement. My parents because it ensures I am no longer a burden, yours because, as you so crassly put it before, it solidifies my father’s alliance. So I guess we simply avoid one another outside of required interactions. I will not bother you, and you will ignore me. When this farce is done, I will stay in my rooms, you in yours and since I know Thor is being forced to court soon, we do some form of ritual dance that he has as many children as my father and we will not be required to do such things and you can have your conceited little harpy mistress and be happy.” 

Loki was going to spit a comment back at her about the woman in reference but he noticed the genuine hurt and heartache in her features that startled him to silence on that matter. He quickly analysed her words again while she seemingly attempted to recompose herself. He did not know what in her statement caused her to react in such a way but it did startle him. “I am still trying to fathom the reasoning for all of this.” 

“I wanted to know the true Loki, the one not putting on a facade for his father, or society, the being I would see every single evening after a long day.” “For what purpose?” “I spent my whole life having to be silent in public and mostly silent in private. I spent it being told how to act and who to speak to and how to speak to them. I wanted to know if I had to do that for the next few thousand years again or if it would be different. That is why I did it. I wanted to know if I could finally have someone to actually care for me as a being and not expect me to be what they want me to be, nothing more than a living doll. Norns, but you are right, had I but known.” And with that, she left the room. 

[ibijau]

Futures past pt4 / On AO3

Because his new friend isn't free, Nie Huaisang must spend time with Lan Xichen instead

Through some sort of miracle, Nie Huaisang managed to not get into any trouble for the second day in a row, mostly because Jin Zixun was still the problematic student of the moment. He really had a very unpleasant personality, that one, but with some of the rumours going around about him it wasn’t such a surprise. If even just one or two pieces of gossip that Nie Huaisang had heard were true… well, he wouldn’t have wanted to be in Jin Zixun’s shoes, for sure, but he also understood why he was like that. For someone in that position, the only options were to act important at any cost, or to make it clear one wasn’t a threat to anyone. Jin Zixun had made his choice, just like Nie Huaisang had.

But on that fine afternoon, Nie Huaisang wasn’t in a mood to think about Jin Zixun, except to silently thank him for attracting all of the teacher's annoyance to himself. Because Nie Huaisang, as it happened, had plans for the free time he had until dinner.

Having excused himself toward the other Nie disciples who didn't much care what he did anyway, Nie Huaisang headed toward the training grounds where he found a group of Lan disciples sparring in pairs. Normally he would have found such a display of excellence boring at best, depressing at worst, but for once Nie Huaisang watched with sincere interest. His eyes jumped from one pair to the other, until at last he found the person he was looking for. 

Su She was sparring with a boy a little shorter than him, and who looked slightly younger as well. Watching him like this, Nie Huaisang realised that his new friend hadn't lied the previous afternoon: he was clearly less at ease with an audience, and made a few mistakes here and there that got him scolded. He was still a better swordsman than Nie Huaisang would ever care to be, though, and clearly determined to continue improving. 

After a while, there was a lull in the lesson so everyone could catch their breath. Nie Huaisang saw his chance, and waved his arm high about his head to catch his new friend's attention. 

"Su-xiong!" he shouted, attracting more than just Su She's notice. "Su-xiong, hi!" 

Su She's face scrunched into a funny expression upon being hollered at that way, but he walked the distance to the edge of the training grounds, pretending not to notice how his fellow Lan disciples stared at him as if he'd grown a second head.

"So Nie gongzi really came," Su She said after quickly bowing to greet the other boy. "I thought you were just being polite yesterday." 

"If I knew how to be polite, I wouldn't need to be studying here. Are you done here? Do you have other classes after?" 

"Well…" 

"Because you said you let me hear you play music, remember?" 

Su She grimaced, a spot of colour rising to his cheeks as he glanced behind. Some of the boys in his group were preparing to leave the training grounds, but five of them looked as if they were going to stay behind. 

"Laoshi said I didn't perform well," Su She muttered. "So I have to practice some more. I'm very grateful for laoshi spending time on us less skilled students, of course. But I doubt I'll have any free time today, Nie gongzi." 

"Don't call me gongzi, it's awkward," Nie Huaisang complained, poking him in the shoulder. "We're friends now, so you can be more familiar than that. Right, Su-xiong?”

“It would be inappropriate,” Su She muttered, glancing at the leaving disciple who passed them by and kept throwing them curious looks. “Nie gongzi is the brother of a highly respected sect leader, I could not dare…”

“Nonsense! Come on, try calling me ‘Nie-xiong’! There’s really no need for formality. Isn’t there a rule about equality between friends?”

Su She shifted uncomfortably, while some of those other Lan disciples walking by were now sneering.

“We’re not friends,” Su She said. “We just met yesterday.”

At some other time, Nie Huaisang would have accepted that rejection. He was stupid, yes, but not completely devoid of good sense, and too lazy to pursue anyone who didn’t want him around. But he also didn’t like the way those other Lan boys looked at the two of them, as if they thought it stupid that anyone should even talk to Su She.

Nie Huaisang was very lazy, but that was nothing compared to how petty he could be.

“If we’re not friends yet, I’m sure we can become so,” he announced, a touch louder than truly necessary. “I really had fun with you yesterday, and I think you’re very interesting. Please, Su-xiong, give me a chance?”

Su She’s face went through a whole range of emotion, from suspicion to something that might have been gratefulness, before he nodded a little shyly.

“If… If Nie-xiong insists then… then this humble one is honoured by that offer of friendship.”

Nie Huaisang beamed.

“I still can’t spend time with Nie-xiong today, though.”

Nie Huaisang’s smile fell. His whole plan for the afternoon had been to spend time with his new friend. He’d wanted to make Su She play music for him, chat a little, and see if the other boy could be convinced to help him with his homework, since he’d been ignoring a mounting pile of those and was bound to get in trouble sooner rather than later. Jin Zixun wasn’t going to attract all the trouble to himself for ever, and Lan Qiren was going to be done with his other duties soon.

“I guess I’ll have to find something else to do,” Nie Huaisang sighed, glancing around for an idea. To his surprise, he spotted Lan Xichen not very far, who was looking in their direction with an unreadable expression. Nie Huaisang grimaced, and sighed again. “Well, there’s always that, I guess. If Su-xiong really isn’t available, I guess Lan gongzi will have to do… I probably need to apologise for yesterday, anyway.”

“Probably,” Su She agreed. “You… You’d rather spend time with me than him, really?”

“Sure,” Nie Huaisang distractedly said, already trying to figure out what he’d tell Lan Xichen. “You’re more fun, and by far. Listen, I’m leaving for now, but let’s try to meet again. Come find me after my classes if you happen to be free, alright? And I’ll try to look for you as well.”

Su She promised and shared some of his schedule for the coming days before his teacher called him back to the lesson at hand. Nie Huaisang then had no choice but to wave at Lan Xichen who nodded at him, and dragged his feet to the older boy, cursing his future self and his stupid brother for forcing the acquaintance on him.

“Good afternoon, Nie gongzi,” Lan Xichen greeted him. “How surprising to find you here. Did you have any business on the training grounds?”

“I came to see a friend,” Nie Huaisang explained, pointing at Su She. “But he’s busy, in the end.”

“You came to see Su She?” Lan Xichen asked in an odd tone.

“I met him yesterday, he’s good fun.” Remembering what else had happened the previous day, Nie Huaisang grimaced and bowed to the older boy. “Speaking of that, I’m sorry for what happened then. I was very rude, and I’m very sorry. You’re not the sort of person that tricks others, so it was wrong of me to accuse you of that.”

“Did you meet Su She after you ran away?” Lan Xichen insisted.

Something in his frown, when he usually looked as placid as a water buffalo no matter what went on, rubbed Nie Huaisang the wrong way. It was already a little annoying that other Lan disciples clearly didn’t hold Su She in very high regard, but that was not so unexpected. They might be from Gusu Lan, people were still people, and no amount of rules could stop teenagers from turning on whoever they thought they could bully without consequences. Su She, with his personality and slightly lesser skill, was an easy target for whoever wanted to feel superior. It only made sense, because people were like that.

But Lan Xichen wasn’t just people, he was the First Jade of Gusu Lan, praised by everyone for his good personality, and he really had no business saying Su She’s name in that particular tone, as if those two syllables might dirty his mouth.

“Yes, I stumbled onto him after leaving you,” Nie Huaisang confirmed. “And then we chatted a lot, and I think we get along fine, so I hope we can be really friends. Does Lan gongzi have a problem with that?”

“Not at all,” Lan Xichen lied, which Nie Huaisang could tell because the older boy was immensely bad at lying, his cheeks all flushed, his hands trembling. “I am very glad that Nie gongzi is… making the best of his time here. I’m sure… well. I’m sure you wouldn’t bestow your friendship onto someone unworthy.”

He absolutely thought that Nie Huaisang was stupid and would hang out with the wrong crowd, that much was clear.

If Nie Huaisang hadn’t promised his future self that he’d make an effort to get along with Lan Xichen, he would have left and found some other way to spend his afternoon. But this was for Nie Mingjue, who was going to die if Nie Huaisang didn’t behave himself.

For the sake of his brother, Nie Huaisang could put up with someone unpleasant here and there, right?

“So, about yesterday, would you still show me that good spot for painting?” Nie Huaisang asked. “I’m really, really sorry for reacting the way I did, I swear.”

Lan Xichen blinked a few times like a startled owl, and gazed a long moment at Nie Huaisang, his expression quite serious.

“Nie gongzi needs not apologise,” he said. “I understand how you might have misunderstood my intentions. After all, we have hardly ever spoken before, and Nie gongzi has no reason to trust me. I hope I can change that over time. Since your brother is dear to me, I hope the two of us can also learn to get along. It would be nice if we could all three rely on one another, right?”

“Sure,” Nie Huaisang said, a little puzzled. “Anyway, that place for painting?”

Lan Xichen pinched his lips, and looked up at the sky. “I fear there is a chance it might rain,” he said. “Today would not be right for it. Another time though…”

“Damn, then I’m back to square one,” Nie Huaisang muttered. “I really don’t know what I’m going to do until dinner, how boring.”

“Don’t you have homework?”

Nie Huaisang grimaced. He crossed his arms on his chest and shook his head.

“I do, but that’s even more boring than not doing anything. And anyway, I don’t really understand what it’s about, so it’s pointless. I guess I’ll just go hang out in the library and see if I can find something fun to read.”

“Or else,” Lan Xichen started, before pinching his lips again. “But no, I don’t suppose that would interest you.”

“Tell me anyway. I am so bored, I’ll at least consider anything.”

Lan Xichen, again, gave him a long hard look, as if trying to understand something about him.

“Nie gongzi, I have some work to be doing right now, but I wouldn’t mind having company,” Lan Xichen offered. “We can go pick up your homework, too, and that way if you have questions I can help you with them. Would that interest you?”

It absolutely didn’t interest Nie Huaisang. The only thing worse than doing homework or spending time with Lan Xichen was dealing with both at the same time. Even for Nie Mingjue’s sake, he wasn’t sure he could put up with such torture.

Hopefully, his brother might be properly grateful for his efforts someday.

He probably wouldn’t be.

Still, Nie Huaisang made himself smile and said: “Sure, why not try that!” with enough fake enthusiasm that Lan Xichen didn’t question him.

Having decided on this course of action, Nie Huaisang and Lan Xichen headed for the cabin where the Nie disciples resided, so Nie Huaisang could grab some of the assignments he’d been given. They then walked silently toward the house Lan Xichen shared with his uncle and brother, both of which happened to be absent at the moment. Lan Qiren was busy leading his brother’s sect, while Lan Wangji was overseeing the punishment of some other juniors. Neither of those two were particularly dear to Nie Huaisang, but he'd have preferred not being alone with Lan Xichen.

While Lan Xichen prepared some tea, Nie Huaisang took the liberty of looking around the house. It was decorated in a simple but elegant manner, everything speaking of great taste and refinement, like the rest of the Cloud Recesses. It was a shame the Lan were so boring, because they had an amazing sense of beauty which appealed to Nie Huaisang. He would have loved to live in a house like this one, where aesthetics weren’t sacrificed to practicality like at home, where people could dress like scholars without getting yelled at because long sleeves weren’t good for fighting. There was an air of calm to the Cloud Recesses that appealed to him, and it was really too bad that the people who actually got to live there always looked like they didn’t properly appreciate the beauty of that place.

Adding to that feeling of near perfection, the tea Lan Xichen served was exquisite, light and easy on the tongue, perfectly refreshing and just the thing Nie Huaisang needed after a long day of ignoring lessons and repeated disappointments. If only the company had been better, he would have been delighted.

“I’m going to start working,” Lan Xichen announced, placing an ancient looking scroll on the table, next to some fresh paper and an inkstone. “But please do not hesitate to interrupt me if you have questions. I would really be happy to help.”

“Lan gongzi is too kind. I will try hard to not be too much of a bother, but I am grateful for the offer.”

Lan Xichen offered Nie Huaisang a strained smile, then started whatever work he had to do. Nie Huaisang felt his head and heart hurt at the very idea of homework, but still forced himself to at least look at some of the essays he was supposed to write. It was a question about a hypothetical situation at a Night Hunt, and demanded an explanation of how to best deal with the crisis detailed, as well as why that solution was the appropriate one. Nie Huaisang wasn’t sure it was something that had been discussed in class, though with how little he managed to actually listen, it might well have been. In any case, he was pretty sure that someone a little more used than him to Night Hunts would have known what to do from experience, but he never really went Night Hunting, unlike most kids his age.

Still, since he was trapped there with nothing better to do, Nie Huaisang tried his best to think of something to write. He picked up a spare sheet of paper and even dipped his brush in Lan Xichen's ink, ready to write down whatever stupid answer he’d come up with, but his mind remained desperately blank. It was such a waste of time. He should have refused Lan Xichen’s invitation, and gone out in the back hills. If the weather was about to turn bad, some birds might have been flying lower than usual. He could have seen them from up close, which would have been nice. He hadn’t yet figured out which species lived around the Cloud Recesses, but…

“Oh, that’s pretty,” Lan Xichen remarked.

Nie Huaisang startled, and looked down at the sheet of paper in front of him, where he had mindlessly started doodling a few birds. He hadn’t meant to do that, but it tended to happen when he was bored, and then teachers noticed and got angry, scolding him for wasting time and paper on something useless. Used to things playing out a certain way, and knowing how serious everyone in Gusu Lan was, Nie Huaisang braced himself for a scolding that never came.

“You have a very good sense of movement,” Lan Xichen said instead, leaning over the table to get a better look. “And a good eye for details too. Those are swallows, right?”

“Yeah,” Nie Huaisang mumbled, shoulders still hunched up. “I like them. They’re fun to watch fly, even if it’s not… da-ge says it’s a waste of time.”

Lan Xichen hummed quietly, and put down his own brush, extending his hand toward Nie Huaisang. Unsure what else to do, the younger boy handed him his doodles, which Lan Xichen observed with rather more attention than something so rushed really deserved.

“The time you spent observing those birds can’t have been wasted if it lets you paint them this way,” Lan Xichen noted, giving back the paper. “Nie gongzi is more skilled than I would have expected. Were you taught formally, or did you just pick up on your own?”

“A bit of both. When he figured I wasn’t going to be good at cultivation, my father decided I’d have to be good at something else. But then he died, and until da-ge marries I’m his heir, so everyone started insisting on me learning cultivation again.”

“Yes, I suppose that would have to take priority,” Lan Xichen conceded. “It’s too bad. You have real talent. If you’d like, I can see if it’s possible for someone to teach you while you are here. And you said you were interested in the guqin as well, weren’t you?”

Too stunned for words, Nie Huaisang could only nod.

“I’m sure something can be arranged,” Lan Xichen said with a smile that, for once, looked somewhat sincere. “As long as it doesn’t impact the rest of your studies.”

Whatever hope Nie Huaisang had allowed himself to feel crumbled instantly upon hearing that condition. It wasn’t that learning to paint or play music would change his capacity to learn other things, he thought, because he just didn’t have the head for cultivation or politics in the first place. But if he failed in his normal classes, everyone would assume it was because he only cared about those other lessons.

“Lan gongzi doesn’t need to take this pain,” Nie Huaisang sighed, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture. “It’s fine, it’d just be a waste of time. I am a very bad student to begin with, so let’s spare everyone the headache. No teacher should have to bear with a student like me. Really, I pity your uncle already, so let’s not add to the amount of people I’ll disappoint.”

“Nie gongzi underestimates himself. With proper motivation…”

“Ah but that’s the problem, I have no motivation whatsoever,” Nie Huaisang proudly proclaimed. “Ask my brother, nothing works on me at all, I’m just too lazy to care about anything. No, really, I thank you for the offer, Lan gongzi, but don’t waste your time.”

Lan Xichen frowned, seemingly upset to have his generous suggestion declined, and out of pure laziness too. Nie Huaisang, used to his sect’s typical temper, would have expected an explosion of anger in reaction to his apathy. He would have known how to deal with a little shouting. Instead, Lan Xichen made himself smile again, and returned to his own work without insisting, as if it didn’t matter to him what Nie Huaisang did.

Probably because he really didn’t care, Nie Huaisang thought, trying to force his attention back to his homework. They were just too different. Even if they shared certain interests, like painting or music, at the end of the day they was a huge gap in their skills and personality that made it impossible for them to get along. Compared to how easy it had been to chat with Su She… definitely, Nie Huaisang preferred the new friend he’d made over the person he’d been ordered to become close to.

“What is your assignment about?” Lan Xichen asked after a while, putting down his brush again. “You seem to be struggling, perhaps I can help?”

Feeling quite depressed at the thought he wouldn’t befriend Lan Xichen and might thus cause Nie Mingjue to die an awful death, Nie Huaisang shrugged. Homework didn’t seem so important anymore.

“Show me,” Lan Xichen insisted. “I know you’re smarter than this, so let’s see what we can do.”

Fearing he would be rude again and get in trouble for it this time, Nie Huaisang gave in and pushed his assignment toward Lan Xichen. The older boy inspected it with more attention than it deserved, a slight frown on his face as he read the question.

“Is this really stumping you?” he then asked, in a tone of voice Nie Huaisang knew too well, the one people had when they realised they needed to lower their already non existent expectations.

“It’s just a very stupid question,” Nie Huaisang pouted, crossing his arms on his chest. 

His frown deepening, Lan Xichen glanced down at the piece of paper before him.

“Actually, you’re not wrong,” he said, startling Nie Huaisang.

“I’m not?”

“Hm. In an actual Night Hunt, you might not have the time to look for exactly the right person to notify,” Lan Xichen explained, “you’d just need to find someone to warn of such a situation, as long as they can help. This is what you’re thinking, isn’t it?”

Nie Huaisang eagerly nodded, which elicited a small smile in the other boy.

“You are right to find the question… disingenuous,” Lan Xichen resumed. “Don’t think of this as something practical, but as an ideal. If you had the time, if you had the choice, who would you share this information with. That’s what is asked of you here.”

“It still sounds stupid, but a little less so,” Nie Huaisang conceded. “To be honest, I’d just go tell da-ge. The only reason I ever go to Night Hunts is if he’s forcing me, so of course he’d be here to, and there’s nothing he can’t deal with. So he’s the logical choice.”

Lan Xichen’s smile froze, something changing in his expression. Although he was looking at Nie Huaisang, it felt as though he was looking at something else, as if he could see right through the younger boy, and what he saw made him terribly sad. Before Nie Huaisang could ask if there was a problem, Lan Xichen got himself back under control, his face placid once more.

“To be fair, warning your sect leader is a very good option,” Lan Xichen said. “This assignment… it’s not just about saying who you would warn, it’s about judging your reasoning for it. You have to explain your choice.”

“I think I get it,” Nie Huaisang said, leaning over the table to get his sheet of paper back. “Well, somewhat, anyway. Fine, I’ll try again, but I still expect to get a very bad grade. Still, thanks for the help, Lan gongzi.”

Lan Xichen smiled as he picked up his brush again. “It’s no trouble at all. If anything it’s a good exercise for me, having to explain these things to someone not used to school work. Perhaps in the future you can come to me again if you encounter more problems. I’d be happy to give a hand.”

Nie Huaisang just hummed in answer, barely paying attention now that he finally somewhat understood what was expected of him. It was still a very stupid question, he decided, but knowing what it was supposed to mean helped a bit. He just wished the language used weren’t so obscure.

For a while after that, both boys worked in silence. Nie Huaisang still got distracted once or twice and doodled a few things or looked as Lan Xichen meticulously copied texts, but overall he managed to produce something he could hand back to Lan Qiren without shaming his ancestors too much. He even showed it to Lan Xichen, who agreed Nie Huaisang was making some good points while gently correcting a few mistakes here and there.

“Come find me and tell me if you get a good grade,” Lan Xichen then asked. “And maybe bring some of your drawings with you? I won’t force you to get lessons if you’re not interested, but I’m very curious to see what you can do.”

“If it pleases Lan gongzi, of course I will,” Nie Huaisang replied, who had no intention of doing such a thing.

He might have been a little unrefined, but he understood Lan Xichen was just saying that to be polite. Nobody wanted to see the sort of drawings a kid like Nie Huaisang produced, except much younger children, or maybe relatives trying to be kind. Even the earlier offer to help again with homework had to have been purely a matter of politeness… but in that case, Nie Huaisang might pretend to be stupid and actually pester Lan Xichen anyway. It was his only chance of spending time with the older boy after all, and so his only chance to get in Lan Xichen’s good graces like his future self had ordered.

How very boring, but at least if he got some decent grades, his brother might be a little proud of him.

[faulty-writes]

[ Happy Holidays! This piece was made for the FYEAHBNHA Secret Santa Event. I was assigned the lovely @erascrhead​ for my secret santa. So, that being said. I hope you enjoy this piece. I tried to make it fluffy and romantic. ] 

[ Upon entering his third year at UA, Tenya begins to wonder about his future and comes to the conclusion it’s not complete without you. Given you had been dating Tenya for a long while, that doesn’t shake his fear of losing you. All it would take is one simple question to ensure that wouldn’t happen. ] 

Tenya felt his throat tighten as he looked at you, his breath evaporating into the cold winter air. Light snowflakes fell from the sky which dusted the ground and powdered the surrounding trees in white. He was wearing an oversized blue sweater, which matched with the light blue scarf that was currently wrapped around his neck. He was also wearing a pair of earmuffs and his glasses were resting on the lower bridge of his nose which was tinted red. 

The lenses were slightly fogged up and his cheeks were flushed. He tightened his grip on the styrofoam cups he was currently holding, feeling the warmth of each one against his palms. He had informed you to sit on a nearby bench while he got the hot chocolate and was thankful a street light illuminated the area. Not many others were out, but you saw a few couples pass by as you waited for Tenya. Maybe it was a romantic night, you certainly felt some type of positive tension in the air. 

Tenya’s footsteps echoed as he approached you and a smile was present on his face. He noticed your reddened nose and admired the way the snowflakes stuck to your hair. As your significant other, he took pride in observing every last detail about you. Perhaps that was strange, but he could not help it. He felt as though it was his duty to provide you with such attention. You were by far the most important person in his life, given he foolishly took too long to see that. 

It was due to his own insecurities and slight paranoia regarding your feelings for him. He declined your invitation to "go out" several times until his closest friends. Izuku, Uraraka, and Shoto argued him down. He recalled how sincere of an apology he gave after your first date ended and he found himself completely taken with you. Somehow, you stole his heart away and he vowed to treasure you from that day on. For your love was a privilege he felt as though he did not deserve. 

Yet, he would never let go. For without your love, he was nothing. Not a man, not a hero. Only a foolish powerless human who allowed a diamond to slip through their fingers. You were absolutely everything to him. His life, his love, and his future. He knew he needed to treat you with the utmost care, which is why he took it upon himself to ask you on this date. From your past experiences with Tenya, you knew he put an immense amount of thought into dates. 

Whether they were simple, elegant, or something in between. This happened to be a simple date, despite the bitter cold. “Here you are,” he said as he took the seat next to you and felt his heart skip a beat when you smiled at him. Over the past two years, your relationship had grown. Quite beautifully if Tenya was being honest, however, he had been preoccupied with thinking what would occur after the two of you graduated. 

The next logical step was to allow his Pro Hero career to bloom, one of his goals, in particular, was to become the next leader of the Idaten Agency. Just as his older brother, Tensei was. However, he also wanted to ensure that he wouldn’t lose you. He understood following your dreams and accomplishing great things. But, he didn’t want separate paths to end his relationship with you and had come up with a rather desperate solution. Well, perhaps desperate wasn’t the correct word. 

But regardless, he hoped your answer would be yes. “Thank you, Tenya,” you reached over, carefully taking the hot chocolate from him. Sighing in content before blowing on it. You then carefully tried to take a sip. “Ah!” given you should have known better, you stuck your tongue out. Feeling a slight burning pain on the tip of it, “Hm? Are you alright, my love?” Tenya questioned, but you heard the slight chuckle he gave as you shook your head. “I bubrt by bongue,” you said, trying to ignore the way the snowflakes continued to fall. 

One or two managed to stick to your tongue, however, they quickly melted. Tenya placed his hot chocolate next to him on the bench and reached over to cup your face. You got lost in his eyes for a moment, they always seemed to be filled with kindness and a sense of home. Deep down you knew you loved Tenya, though like most. You also feared that you weren’t good enough for him or that he’d find someone better. But, you also knew that was foolish. 

Tenya was a gentleman and it was highly unlikely he’d break the promises he made to you, which revolved around always loving you and putting your happiness first. Taking how self-disciplined he was into account, you believed him. Though that didn’t stop your self doubts, still you reached up and laid your hand over one of his. You knew to most this looked ridiculous. Nothing more than two teenagers in love, but it was the kind of love you’d never trade. 

“Allow me to heal your injured tongue,” he teased as he leaned forward, “Mm,” your breath hitched when he brushed his tongue against yours and slowly pressed your lips together. Tenya was always passionate about such things, the only difference was that he did not ask for consent. At the beginning of your relationship, everything always seemed to be a question. He even asked permission to hold your hand which in a way was sweet. 

Still, you were happier now that he took the initiative, and yet, he was still a tad cautious. Tenya kept a secure hold on your face and you slowly melted into the kiss. You reached up and ran your free hand over his shoulder before threading it through the back of his hair. You were a little thankful Tenya had grown his hair out, though you did like the texture of his undercut. It was much more fun taking a handful and tugging it, at times Tenya shared his dislike toward such action. 

But that never stopped you from continuing to do it. A shiver ran through you as Tenya’s hands lowered, running over your neck before he pulled away from the kiss. You could feel the cold air against your moist lips and momentarily turned your head when you noticed the snow was coming down harder. Tenya’s hands left your person and he too, glanced up, “I suppose we should leave soon, I hope you are not too cold. Please, allow me to keep you warm,” Tenya insisted as he inched closer, you could feel his thigh press against yours and a comforting arm wrap around your shoulders. 

You smiled and took a sip of your hot chocolate, luckily it didn’t burn your tongue this time. Still, you leaned close and nuzzled your head against Tenya’s chest, you could feel the tip of his nose bury itself into your hair. Tenya loved your scent, it brought him a sense of comfort. However, his thoughts were broken when he heard you sniffle and you reached up to wipe your nose. Tenya’s posture stiffened, "My love, do...do you require a tissue?" he knew it would be rude to state such out loud, but he'd rather not have any bodily fluids including mucus on his person. 

Then again, perhaps it was his fault. He felt somewhat guilty convincing you to go for a walk in the cold. Despite that, he thought it would make a wonderful set up for him to pop the question. You sniffled and shook your head. "No...I'm fine, Tenya. Thank you, my nose is just running from the cold. I'm sure the hot chocolate will fix it," you took another sip, finding it rather soothing as it landed in your stomach. Giving you a warm fuzzy feeling but that could also be caused by being so close to Tenya. 

“Ah, I see. If that is the case, I trust you are comfortable,” he said, gently running his hand up and down your back. “I am,” you couldn’t help but chuckle, once more you were reminded how much Tenya cared about your well-being. “You don’t have to ask that you know,” then again Tenya always seemed to be asking some type of question. At times it could get annoying, but you knew he meant well. “Apologies, I do not wish to be so repetitive in my endeavors,” he replied and you tilted your head, a pout present on your face. 

“Tenya even if you repeat yourself from time to time, it isn’t annoying or anything. Yeah, you ask a lot of questions. But, that’s what I love about you. Always asking questions, seeking knowledge, always concerned about my well-being. You’re so sweet,” you said with a somewhat dreamy expression as you looked into his eyes. His glasses had a few flakes stuck to them, which was an adorable sight. You smiled and leaned forward, pecking those soft lips of his. 

“I love you, Tenya,” you spoke softly, enjoying the way your frosty breath evaporated into the air along with Tenya’s. He reached over, allowing his hand to brush through your hair before delicately cupping the side of your cheek. “I love you too, Y/n,” he spoke sincerely before glancing to the side, something you found odd considering Tenya always looked people in the eye when speaking to them.

He was very well trained in manners and it was attractive, but his sudden odd behavior? Not so much. “Is something wrong?” you questioned, pressing your hand against his chest as you leaned away from him. Tenya was still glancing away and you frowned before placing your hot chocolate on the ground by your feet. You gasped when Tenya grabbed your free hand, his touch was urgent and judging by the pressure he applied. You knew something was either wrong or he needed to tell you something.

Either way, his sudden action made you jump. “Tenya?” you leaned back up, your eyebrows lowered in concern as you looked at him. He turned his body to better face you and reached up, clasping his other hand over yours. This concerned you all the more and you shifted your eyes to your now sandwiched hand before looking at Tenya once more.

“Y/n, I must confess there has been a lingering question preoccupying my mind,” your heart sank with fear when you heard those words, the first thought that came to mind was the possibility of Tenya asking if you were truly happy in your relationship or something relating to the two of you going your separate ways. The thought of losing Tenya was terrifying and you opened your mouth to speak but he quickly pressed a finger to your lips. 

That did nothing for your fear which only increased when you saw the serious expression on his face. A lump formed in your throat as he lowered his finger. “I...have been lost in finding the courage to ask you, but as a hero. I know I must push fear aside and embrace the consequences of doing so,” you raised your eyebrow, “W-What?” Tenya glanced down and you took notice of how he latched onto his bottom lip.

Yet another uncharacteristic trait, “Tenya...what’s going on?” you reached back, holding onto the bench with your free hand. Effectively creating distance between Tenya and yourself. However, he still had hold of your other hand. “Please, do not be afraid. I didn't mean to scare you, I...must confess I am feeling rather nervous myself,” he explained which further confused you. “Tenya I don’t understand,” you said as you shook your head, “What is this question, and what’s going on with you?” Tenya chuckled and you felt a tinge of anger fill you, what was so humorous about this situation?

“Perhaps I will better explain myself this way,” he glanced down, taking note of the snow that covered the ground. It looked to be about an inch thick and Tenya reached up to remove his scarf. He then folded it in half twice and placed it on the ground in front of you. “Uh…” your eyes widened as he then used his scarf as a cushion to kneel in front of you and the sight alone was incredible. Especially the snowflakes that peppered his hair and stuck to his delicate eyelashes. 

His cheeks were still colored red and you watched his breath continue to evaporate as he spoke, “Y/n, my love. I am quite aware I may be doing this in an untraditional manner. However, I am most certain you know of my feelings for you,” he said as he reached out to take your hand again, you glanced down and threaded your fingers together. You then shifted your gaze back to him.

“You are my most treasured above all, I hold you in such high regard. I only wish to protect and love you with all that I am capable of. I wish to be the ideal image of a strong male whom you can rely on and know you have made the correct choice in spending your life with,” you held your breath, your gaze shifting from his face to that hand that slipped inside his pocket.

“I have been thinking about the events that will take place after we graduate and proceed to follow our dreams to become Pro Heroes. However, I am afraid I cannot accept my future beyond graduation if you are not a part of it. Forgive my selfishness, but I want you with me always,” you gasped as he pulled out a small blue box, “Tenya,” you whispered his name as your attention focused on the box and that silver ring that rested inside.

It almost seemed as though the falling snow made it sparkle, “Whether my hero career blooms to allow fame and fortune or backfires into dust, I do not care. As long as you are by my side, for the lingering question plaguing my mind is...would you do me the honor of taking my hand in marriage?” you swallowed and the cold air irritated your moist eyes.

You knew others might view this as a mistake, getting engaged during your third year. You hadn't expected this, but Tenya was proving he could still be full of surprises. Your mind was racing, still trying to process Tenya's question. He truly wanted to marry you and had already put an immense amount of thought into the decision. Part of you wondered if he was asking because he was too afraid of losing you. Given you would never stray and it's not as though you'd be getting married right away.

Although, marrying him and becoming a part of the Iida family would be a dream come true. Though you were a little worried about living up to the proud lineage Tenya always spoke about. But, you had met his mother countless times. His brother, Tensei as well. They were welcoming and even if they disapproved of you, it was highly unlikely Tenya would end your relationship. You watched Tenya’s expression drop and realized you had been quiet. "I-I’m sorry, I was thinking…" you said, slightly embarrassed that you had let your thoughts consume you.

"Thinking...?" Tenya repeated as his chest tighten. He was afraid this would happen, perhaps he came off too strong. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to-'' you held your hands up, "No!" you exclaimed before realizing you had raised your voice. "Sorry, I...Tenya…" you squeezed his hand, despite your fingers being numb from the cold, "Yes, I'll marry you,” a cry left his lips when you tackled him, luckily Tenya’s reflexes were fast and he quickly reached behind him.

His hand slipped some as he pressed it against the snowy ground. “My love, please be careful! I do not wish for you to get hurt. The snow is-'' you laughed and wrapped your arms around his neck, effectively silencing him with your lips. His words became muffled and you could feel his glasses being pushed up. The cold metal frame pressed against your cheek and you pulled away with a soft pant. Keeping one hand on Tenya’s cheek which felt warm due to your actions, it was almost adorable how easily flushed he became.

“Quite the troublemaker, aren’t you?” he chuckled before standing on his feet once more. “Be careful,” he warned, he kept a secure hold on your hand as he helped you up. “There, now I believe it’s not a proper agreement until I place the ring onto your finger,” you reached up to wipe your eyes before Tenya took your hand, it was no surprise he knew the correct ring size. It slipped over your finger with ease and you took a moment to admire the way it shined before looking back to Tenya.

You smiled and placed your hands on his shoulders, “Thank you, Tenya,” you said and he shook his head. “You do not have to thank me,” he replied and slowly tilted his head up. Watching the snow continue to fall. “Perhaps we should return to the dormitory and share the good news with our dear friends,” he suggested as he reached up to adjust his glasses. His arms found their way around your waist and silence filled the air as you two stood there surrounded by snow. A sigh then escaped Tenya which caught your attention, “Hm?” you blinked as he lowered his head and reached to grab your hands.

“I do hope you aren’t too cold,” he said before looking past you, he dropped your hands and walked over to the bench. You watched as he leaned over to grab your cup of hot chocolate. “I do not wish for you to waste it,” he said and you lightly chuckled as you took the cup. Noticing how luke-warm it was, though it made sense considering it was covered in a thin layer of snow. He reached over to take his hot chocolate as well, though he had yet to take a sip from it. Your heart was still racing as Tenya walked back over to you and took your hand once more.

You wondered if you’d get used to the added weight of the ring. “How do you think the others will react?” you questioned and Tenya took a moment to answer, “I am almost certain they will support us, however, if they disagree with our decision. It will not shake or dismiss my choice,” he said and you couldn’t help but chuckle at the serious tone of his voice. It made your heart soar knowing the lengths Tenya would go for you. When he began to walk, you quickly followed his lead.

“Oh, wait!” you suddenly cried out and pulled your hand away from his. He looked concerned for a moment as you ran back to the bench and leaned over to pick something off the ground. “You forgot your scarf,” you pointed out as you held it flat in your palm, Tenya’s eyes widened. It wasn’t like him to forget...well anything, but the positive response from you had caused his mind to slip. “Ah, yes. Thank you, I believe I will be needing this,” he took it, though he didn’t wrap it around his neck.

More than likely because it had been on the ground and was therefore considered dirty. He smiled as he reached up to cup your cheek, brushing it with his thumb. “What would I do without you,” he stepped closer, his eyes tracing your face before settling on your lips and he slowly bent down. You smiled and wrapped your arms around his neck. Sighing in content when your fiance’s lips pressed against yours.