#my sister got to redo our room after i moved out

[bifuriouswaterbender]

Something I don't think we talk about enough related to kids are some of the reasons their spaces tend to be messy. And thinking back to my own childhood, I think a big part of it is that most kids don't get a say in their own organization systems. Parents will design a space that makes sense to them and dictate where things should go and what being clean and organized looks like, regardless of whether it makes sense.

[namuneulbo]

week one hundred and forty three

we started our roadtrip back home to stockholm on monday. we got to the port around 18 so we spent some time walking around. we had ice cream and i ended up getting the worst stomach ache ever. i've always been lactose intolerant but like this was BAD. oh my god, why am i this white? i was being brave about it for a bit until it started getting so bad i genuinely felt like passing out and throwing up at the same time. ended up paying for a nasty ass bathroom just a few hundred meters before the port terminal. it was quite embarrassing honestly. my sister's boyfriend bought me some water while my sister and the dog waited outside for me.

we began walking towards the car again until i once again started passing out so my sister's boyfriend ended up going to the car to pick us up from where we were. once we were queueing to board the ferry i went to the bathroom while i still could. it was a parent and their two children in front of me but they saw me crouching and lowkey dying so they let me go first. ended up occupying one the three stalls for like 20 minutes. after a while someone knocked and asked if someone was in there and i answered with a short yes. a little later, the same person knocked again and went "hey, you've been there for a while, there are people waiting," and i just replied being like "sorry but i'm throwing up," (because... they didn't need to know that i was actually blowing up the toilet seat lactose intolerance style). after another short while they knock again and pulls on the door handle and yells "HEY, YOU'VE BEEN THERE FOR AGES! I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN WAITING AND THERE ARE A BUNCH OF PEOPLE QUEUEING!" and i literally just reply like "hey, too bad but i'm l i t e r a l l y throwing up as we speak so i can't really do anything about that." the timing was really poor because my sister ended up texting me that i should get back because the queue had started moving so i had to leave anyways. i really wanted to just stay in there longer than i would've needed just to piss off that annoying bitch.

my stomach still hurt as i got back in the car. i was given a barf bag but it wasn't needed thankfully. i would've probably just preferred throwing up though. it's so much quicker, less painful and you feel like you're rebirthed afterwards. once we got on the ferry i rushed towards our cabin but they were still cleaning so i went to one of the public bathrooms instead. i tried going to the women's room but it had two stalls and a queue and my stomach was hurting so bad i couldn't wait. ended up going in the separate disabled/unisex toilet. i fear what i have done in there can be both ableist and transphobic so i am truly sorry for whoever went in there after me but i hope you can forgive me for my lactose induced sins.

i spent the rest of the evening in the cabin, my sister and her boyfriend came by with a sandwich and some sparkling water.

tuesday morning. woke up to the alarm saying that the cleaning staff has started cleaning the cabins. i slept surprisingly well and i woke up surprisingly non-groggy even though it was 5 in the morning.

i took a bath when we came home, shaved, got ready to go to h's place for a sleepover. my dad and his girlfriend came by though so i stayed a little longer than i planned. we had vietnamese for late lunch/early dinner. it was my first time trying pho. i really liked it.

h and i had originally planned to do some stuff before going to his place in the evening but we both agreed that we just wanted to chill. i met his dad for the first time. he was really nice. we met briefly before h and i went to his room and were kind of all over each other since we hadn't seen each other for almost a month. let's just say i had to redo my lipstick before we went up for dinner.

his dad was really kind. i liked him! it was quite embarrassing because he knew i was vegetarian but dinner was just microwaveable pizza and my lactose ass can't really handle those well so i couldn't eat too much. h started explaining to his dad that i'm lactose intolerant and he even said he could make something else for me but i kept having to be like "oh no, it's fine. i can have some. don't worry about it!"

i honestly don't know how much into detail i should go. i don't believe in virginity as a concept. i think it's stupid. in my definition however, i've now lost such thing. i already did before i went to finland but now it feels a bit more legit. more complete if you catch my drift. a more solid start and finish one might say. still have another step to take, the 'real' step i guess but it's quite bullshit considering then lesbian sex wouldn't be real sex so you know. i think i've done the act of s word by now, even if some people wouldn't think so.

i ended up staying until 19 the next day. we ordered some food. he got kebab and i got indian. the indian food was so bad. i was between ramen and indian but no ramen place delivered that far so there was one singular indian place left that delivered. the naan was so dry and the tofu masala was so incredibly mid. i love indian food, man, i was so disappointed.

i was quite productive on thursday. i unpacked all the stuff and now my room feels way more like me. there's still one box left at home + my keyboard but it's good for now.

friday i hung out with h. we had a little argument the night before so we originally planned to like... talk about it face to face but ended up letting it be and just agreeing that we both were in the wrong kind of. still feel like i might be more in the wrong though, i don't know. i have no opinion kind of.

it ended up being a fun time though. i met his mom for the first time. he told me beforehand that she might be a bit traditional so i had no idea what to expect. he was like "oh, she's nice and all, she'll probably talk a lot and try to offer things to you but she's also not used to alternative styles," or something along those lines. she did talk a lot. i didn't mind, i'm shy anyways. she was nice though. afterwards h texted me saying she had told him she thought my personality was very different from the way i dress. emos can be nice? who would've thought. no, but actually. she seems cool.

got to borrow a sweater when i went home. i thought it would be chillier than it was. still appreciated the sweater. it's vintage levi's from the 1970's. it's really cool. he told me to be careful with it though because the resale value's 20 000 sek TT he's such a brand bro.

saturday was pride + cousin's birthday bash. we had champagne brunch at 10 with me, a, e, j and l. it was so good. then me, a and e went to walk in the pride parade. it was my first time attending stockholm pride. i had a good time but the playlist was kind of ass and it started raining for a bit halfway through. we walked past some nazis and christians protesting. it was still fun though since everyone collectively booed. less fun was the combat aircraft that flew above us at one point. i was about to shit my pants, it was so loud. i was convinced we were getting bombed. there's no info about it on the internet though.

afterwards we went back home for a bit before heading out for drinks. we went to a bar. r joined after a while. when it was time for dinner we met up with h and l outside the restaurant. it was this fancy ass chinese restaurant. it was probably one of the best meals i've had. everything was so good. creamed a little. so expensive though but you know... of course it is. we went to a club afterwards. i was too young to enter but we still tried in case they'd allow it since everyone else was well past the age restriction and i'm still of age to drink and stuff. they didn't let it slide though so i had to go home. i called h on the way home. i originally did it to ease anxiety a little bit but it ended up being a lot of people out so i didn't feel scared at all. i still talked to him though because i wanted to.

today i've tried being productive but it hasn't gone too well. i keep sidetracking but just wait until tomorrow B)

sotw: fall out boy - dead on arrival

[aubzikins]

Fates Hand Ch 17: Happy Birthday Part 1

I woke to an empty bed. There was a note next to the bed:

Binnie went to the gym early and I went to get everyone else up and ready for our day trip. Happy Birthday again beautiful, we hope you’ll like the surprise we planned. <3 Minho

“Surprise?” I whisper to myself. Getting up I see a post-it on my mirror, Get dressed in comfortable clothes!

Following the instructions, I put on comfy clothes for the day and attempt to French braid my hair when there is a knock at the door. “Come in!” I say and in walks Chan.

“Hey beautiful.”

“Hey Channie, I was just about to come down after I finished my hair. I tried to do a French braid in my hair and its not going so smooth.”

“Let me help, I am pretty good with French braids.”

I looked at him and remembered he does have a little sister and there are female idols that he is close with as well. “You don’t mind?”

Chan laughs and walks over to me, “I wouldn’t offered if I minded love. One or two braids?”

“One, please. Thank you.”

Chan walks over right behind me and gently pulls my hair back. He starts pulling out a couple strands for my bangs and then moves to where he can see my face. Suddenly he kisses my forehead. “You know, I feel a little left out.” He says as he starts braiding my hair.

“Oh? Why?”

“I haven’t really gotten to spend any time with you and then I find out your birthday from Binnie this morning.”

“Ahh… well to be fair, no one was supposed to know that today was my birthday. Its not something I normally celebrate.” I shrug.

“Why not? You deserve to be celebrated at every opportunity.” He reaches over for a hair tie to close the braid at the end. “There we go, not bad, still got the skill.” He smiles in triumph.

I look in the mirror at my hair. “It does look good. Thank you, Channie. Also, about the birthday thing, I’ve never had anyone to really celebrate it with, so I just choose to treat it like any other day.”

“Well now you have us.” He says as I stand up and face him. He pulls me closer smiling and kisses my nose. “I want to celebrate all kinds of things with you Nia. So do the guys.”

“Do you know what Minho and Binnie have planned?” I ask.

“I actually do know, but it is a surprise. So I wont be telling you.” Chan smiles.

“Ouch Channie, I thought you liked me. My feelings are hurt now.” I say with a fake pout.

“I more than like you but that doesn’t mean I want to risk my life with Minho.” Chan says as he does his signature giggle.

“Minho is harmless.” I say giggling.

“To you I am harmless darling, to Channie and the guys I am not.” Minho says as he walks into my room. “Are you ready? We have to leave soon.”

“Oh? Yes, I’m ready. Still trying to figure out what for.” I say.

“Your birthday surprise, Nia. Surprise means we don’t tell you what its for.” Minho smirks at me.

We walk downstairs and I see the rest of the guys waiting for us. Changbin has the biggest smile on his face.

“Happy Birthday!” They all say in unison. Changbin rushes over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. Hyunjin and Felix are next. Then Han and Seungmin walk over and give a kiss on the cheek as well.

Jeongin is standing there looking like he is struggling. I walk over to him and just hug him. He buries his face into my neck and whispers “Im so sorry Nia, for everything. And it was on your birthday too.”

“Hey now,” I pull back and give him a kiss on the cheek. “None of that please. Everything is okay. Also I want a redo of our date.”

Jeongin smiles slightly and hugs me again. “Deal.”

“Alright, time for us to head out.” Changbin says as he claps his hands.

Everyone moves out to the vehicle and I end up sitting in between Hyunjin and Chan.

“You know I am not a fan of surprises. Any hints?” I ask.

Minho looks at me and smiles, “Nia, behave. They are more scared of me than they are of you. They don't want to risk the air fryer. “ I giggle because I heard an audible gulp from Hyunjin and he squeezed my hand a little tighter.

“Aww Minho, you’re gonna give poor Jinnie a heart attack.” I say laughing.

“As long as he doesn't say anything, he should be fine.” Minho smirks.

“Meow Meows… not nice!” I say.

“Meow Meows?” Minho asks while eyeing me.

“Yes Meow Meows. You are the cat whisperer.” I smile at him.

“I'll remember that.” He says.

Chan starts giggling next to me. I turn and look at him. “Channie, are you still not going to tell me?” I ask while giving him the pouty face.

“Naurrr, I value life.” Chan says.

“Y'all are no fun.” I say as I cross my arms pouting.

We pull up to a dock where there is a gorgeous yacht waiting for us. I turn and look at Minho who is smiling ear to ear at me.

“Minho! This is gorgeous!” I say excitedly.

“I know.” He says confidently. “its ours until tomorrow afternoon. We are going to cruise around and enjoy some scenery.”

The captain comes down and introduces himself and welcomes us on the yacht. The captain takes us on a tour of the yacht. There is a massive kitchen, plenty of space. After the tour, the captain excuses himself to get the trip started.

We set our stuff down and then walk out to the deck where we can sit and have lunch.

“What do you think Nia?” Minho leans over and asks.

“I love it… just one question though.” I look at Minho and smile.

“Yeah?” he asks.

“There are nine of us and only four bedrooms for the night. How is that going to work?” I ask.

Minho smirks and then looks at Chan. “Want to take this one oh fearless leader?”

Chan chokes on his water and looks up. “Well, its really up to you Nia. You can have a room to yourself and we will share the other three rooms, or you can have whoever stay with you.”

“Hmm. I guess we will see how the rest of the day goes.” I say.

“We are going to do some sightseeing and then we have a surprise for you later on. We have lunch coming up soon though.” Minho says.

“Hot tub time?” Changbin asks.

All 8 of the guys look at me with smiles on their faces. “Yes, hot tub time!”

[a-bang-for-your-bucky]

Welcome Home Part 4

Summary: Winter is here. Peyton has her match against Shida, Kenny has his match against Moxley, Brandi shares some information with Peyton.

Pairings: Cody Rhodes x OFC (Sister), Brandi Rhodes x OFC (sister), Kenny Omega x OFC

WARNINGS: 18+, explicit language, allusions to smut, a heated make out sesh, heel turn.

Word: 1,957

A/N: y'all i'm sorry this took so long. I hope this is as good as the other parts. <3

Tonight was the night. “Winter is Coming” had an action packed card. There was a rumor going around that someone was making their AEW debut, but only a certain few knew who. (Here's a hint: IT'S STIIIIIIIIIING).

My match against Shida was after Cody’s tag match with Darby against Team Taz. Brandi and I watched the AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal as I prepped, put my gear on and stretched. I rolled my eyes watching as MJF weaseled his way into a win. “One day, Wardlow is going to kick his ass.” I bet as I turned to Brandi. She nodded in agreement. She had been acting different lately. “You alright, sis? You seem off.” I asked her, genuinely concerned.

Brandi looked around the office space we were in, before getting up to close the door. “You can’t say anything, especially to Cody.” She made me promise before continuing. She was starting to scare me. “I’m pregnant.” She beamed, pulling a scan photo out of her bag.

My jaw dropped, eyes wide open. “I���m gonna be an aunt again?!” I all but squealed, taking the black and white photo from her. “Brandi, that’s so exciting! I know how much you guys have been wanting this.” She enveloped me in a hug.

“I haven’t came up with the best way to tell Cody yet, but it’s gonna be this weekend. So, you won’t have to keep the secret for long.” Brandi was positively glowing. This was the best news to get right before my match.

“Thank you for trusting me. I can’t believe this. It’s gonna bring me good luck, I just know it.” I smiled, hugging her again. A knock on the door pulled us back to the night at hand. “It’s open.” I yelled.

It was Cody. “You’re up, Pey.” He said as he walked in over to Brandi. “Hi, honey.” He whispered sweetly, giving her a kiss. I mock-gagged telling them to get a room before I left. It was time; My time.

A twenty minute long, extremely physical match later and I did it. By the skin of my teeth, I was able to get Shida in a roll up. For good measure, I used the bottom rope to my advantage, leveraging more pressure on the pin. Luckily, Rick Knox didn’t see it.

“Here is your winner, and new AEW Women’s Champion, The Dream Killer, Peyton Rhodes.” Justin bellowed into the microphone. The crowd was split between cheers and boos. Tony had met me at the stage.

“Peyton, any comment on the match?” He asked, obviously hinting at the rope thing. I smiled and shook my head.

“What Tony? You mean the match I just won? The one where I became champion? I think it went great.” I flashed him a toothy grin.

“But the rop-”

I cut him off. “Let me stop you right there, Schiavone. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I won that match, fair and square, with blood, sweat, and tears.” I growled into the mic, “Excuse me, I have a celebration to plan.” I stalked off down the heel tunnel. I only had about fifteen minutes before spot with Jon and Kenny.

Shit, I thought. I almost forgot about the conversation a couple of weeks ago. When Cody said he wanted me to turn on Jon, really solidify my heel turn, I didn’t think he’d want me to help take his title. Tony Khan wanted Kenny and I to play a ‘Power Couple’, basically take over the show.

I quickly changed out of my ring gear, back into my street clothes. The black skinny jeans were distressed and paired well with the grey tank top and tight leather vest I had pulled over it. My feet were clad in black combat boots.

I stood at the Gorilla monitors, watching Kenny’s match. I was still feeling high from winning my match and becoming AEW Women’s champion. I was waiting for my cue from Kenny to rush out. The last few weeks, Kenny had been dropping hints that he was turning heel. Tonight, I was sealing that turn and helping him win the AEW title.

Kenny had climbed to the top rope, looking like he was about to attempt a moonsault, but Jon rushed him. Kenny noticed and jumped to the outside of the ring. I gasped, worried he had landed wrong on his knee. Only relaxing once I saw him jump back up on the apron. Jon hit him with a forearm, knocking him off balance long enough for Jon to slide out of the ring and pull a foot out from under him.

Kenny went face first into the apron. Jon grabbed him, looking like he was going for the paradigm shift, but did a slightly awkward snapdragon into a speaker. Kenny laid there, defenseless. I grabbed my mic, and got ready to run out onto the stage. The ref was trying to keep Jon back, while the ringside medic checked on Kenny.

More referees came out to assess Kenny, and I could tell Jon was getting pissed. He stalked back over and tossed the extras out of the way, trying to get to Kenny. Jon rolled him back into the ring and began pounding on his head. Kenny brought his hands up to protect his head, shooting a signal that only I knew to look out for.

I rushed out the heel tunnel, mic in hand. “Jon, stop. Please, stop.” I begged as I got closer to the ropes. Jon paused, confused as to why I was out there. “He’s down, Mox, stop.”

He moved off of Kenny, walking over to me. “What the hell are you doing?” He asked, throwing his hands up. He turned his back to me, doing Kenny’s signature finger gun gesture. I reached over the top rope, grabbing at his shoulder. He turned angrily, causing me to jump back, strategically dropping the mic into the ring for Kenny. “Get out of here, Peyton!” Jon yelled at me before turning back to Kenny.

I had the referee distracted long enough for Kenny to grab the mic, and smack Jon in the head with it. He had busted Jon wide open, the blood staining his face. Kenny pulled down his knee pad, hitting a V Trigger one, two, three, four times. I was sure Jon was unconscious. Kenny pushed him into a corner, fatigue settling in. He used the turnbuckle as leverage to lift Jon up, preparing for a One Winged Angel. He slammed Jon into the mat with such force, that the entire ring shook. Kenny grabbed one leg, all but laying over Jon, pinning him.

“Here is your winner, and NEW AEW world heavyweight champion, Kenny Omega.” Justin Roberts announced, and the crowd booed. I slid into the ring, taking the title from the ref, giving it to Kenny. I went to raise his hand, instead Kenny pulled me close. One of his hands grabbed the back of my head, pulling me toward him. I froze as his lips met mine. Quickly, after recovering from the shock, I pulled away. Kenny kept me close as he raised the belt. My mind still blank from the kiss, he moved us towards the rope, carefully holding them open for me to step through.

Once we were backstage and out of sight, I turned to face him. “Care to explain what the fuck that was?!” I fumed. Kenny’s face went beet red. He swiped a hand down his face. I knew he was exhausted, but I needed answers.

“Look, I promise I will explain, but Callis has a chopper ready to get me the fuck outta here. Come with me.” He swore, gesturing to the back door. I nodded and let him lead me outside. As we neared the chopper, Alex Marvez stopped Kenny to ask what happened. Callis stepped out of the chopper, telling him that he, along with everyone else, can find out Tuesday on Impact.

They must have anticipated my joining them as I found my duffle, along with my title and phone on the floor of the chopper. The pilot flew us to an undisclosed location, which I soon found out was the landing pad at Kenny's hotel. Callis ran straight to his room, hunkering down from the fall out of tonight's show. Kenny opened the door to his room, gesturing for me to come in. I walked inside, getting comfortable on the couch.

I quickly pulled out my phone, letting Cody know I was with Kenny. He immediately responded stating they were about to send a search party. I huffed out a laugh and Kenny looked over at me.

"I guess I have some explaining to do huh?" He sighed, running his fingers through his blonde curls. I nodded sharply. "I want to apologize first. I shouldn't have kissed you, especially without your permission and I'm truly sorry." He amended, " second, I really wish our first kiss would have been under better circumstances." He smiled sweetly. This man always finding a way to melt my heart.

"I accept your apology, this time Omega." I teased. "What made you do it though?" I asked, unsure if I wanted the answer.

"You know, the adrenaline was coursing through my veins, and there you were looking like a damn angel. And I thought to myself, the only thing that would make this better would be to kiss you. Before I could stop myself, my lips were on yours." Kenny blushed, explaining himself.

The man looked like a damn dream. Still clad in just his wrestling tights, blonde hair a mess of curls, chest red from the hits he took. And to top it all off, his lips looked down right kissable. Only Kenny Omega could look this good after a grueling wrestling match. I thought, smiling to myself. And even though I was upset that our first kiss happened on Live TV with millions watching, I wanted nothing more than for it to happen again.

“Can we get a redo?” The words fell from my lips as a whisper. Kenny’s head snapped up to look at me. He took three big strides to the couch where I was sat, pulling me up to my feet. One of his hands, which I never noticed were so big until they were cupping my face, tilted my mouth up toward his.

Torturously slow, Kenny brought his lips to mine. My eyes fluttered shut as my hands came up to tangle my fingers in his curls. Impossibly, Kenny pulled me closer, causing a small gasp to leave me. He took the opportunity to slide his tongue against my own.

The kiss was sweet, passionate, and full of emotion. When we finally parted to breath, Kenny was the first to speak. “That was,” he stopped, trying to find the right word.

“Breath-taking.” I finished his sentence and he nodded in agreeance. “Ken,” I started. He cut me off by kissing me again. I quickly melted into the kiss. My hands began to roam his body, slipping under the tight T-shirt, feeling the taut muscles of his back.

I pulled away from his intoxicating kiss and pushed him back toward the couch. Once back in a seated position, I straddled him. “Fuck, Pey.” Kenny moaned as my lips attacked his neck. He pulled my face back so that our eyes met. His blue eyes were almost black with desire . “Can’t have you leaving any marks there, princess.” Kenny growled. I cocked a brow and ground my center down on him. Kenny immediately flipped us, so that he was hovering over me. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Princess.” Kenny had started to unzip my vest when we were interrupted by banging on the door.

Tags: @rach-supreme93

[nooneelsecomesclose17]

Go to the ends of the earth for you - Part 5

And it's finished. What was a oneshot redo of *that* episode turned into a series. Thank you for all the lovely comments and I hope the final part lives up to the rest.

(AO3 link)

The next morning he leaves Seb with Vic and heads up to the surgery. Robert’s meeting his Gran’s solicitor again so he hopefully won’t ever have to know about any of this . It feels like a lifetime since he lived here, since he felt he could turn to Paddy and know he’d always be there for him.

“Aaron. What are you doing here?” Belle’s smiling as he walks in and he nods.

“Paddy in?”

“He’s just finishing up with a patient but he’s got a few minutes after that.”

“That’s all I’ll need. You might want to get a coffee while we chat.” Belle raises her eyebrows but nods. It’s well known what’s happened between him and Paddy and Belle knows more than most having listened to him a lot while Robert was away and she’d been helping with Seb.

It’s not even five minutes before Paddy sees out a young woman with a yapping dog, stuttering when he sees Aaron waiting. Belle hands him a few messages before she all but bolts out of the door.

“Aaron…I didn’t…how are you?”

“I’d be a lot better if you’d keep your mouth shut about Robert.” He watches as Paddy struggles to find a response. “Don’t bother trying to deny it. I know you’ve been sounding off to all and sundry about him.”

“He’s bad for you Aaron, the sooner you see that the better. He’s turned you against your family, don’t you see that.”

“Oh not this again! Paddy, I married him twice! I went on the run for him. I know everything there is to know about him, and I love him. You and Mum are the only ones with a problem. Everyone else is happy for us.” He shoves his hands in his pockets, fists clenched and he blows out a breath. “I’m not getting into this again, I just came to tell you to stop.”

“You can’t tell me who I can and can’t talk to.”

“I can when my four year old is in tears because he heard you, when he thinks his Dad will be sad because of you. I don’t care what you think anymore, but I will not have that little boy upset.”

“Aaron.” It’s so quiet he barely hears it in his anger but Paddy’s scoff of disgust has him turning to see Robert in the entrance to the surgery. “Leave it, it doesn’t matter.”

“Yes it does. I’m not havin’ him talking about you like that, or Seb hearing it.” He turns back to Paddy. “Just leave us alone, and keep your opinions to yourself around my son.” He stalks out, leaving Robert to catch him up.

“Oi, hang on. Aaron, wait.” Finally he stops, staring into space, not meeting Robert’s eyes. He couldn’t work out if he was angry at him or not. “What was that about.”

“Seb. He…last night he was upset because he’d heard Paddy talking, spouting the same nonsense about you. He didn’t want to go to nursery because he thought you’d be sad.” Robert doesn’t say anything, just stares at the ground. “He’s fine now. I told him I’d sort it.”

“This is all my fault, isn’t it? Seb shouldn’t be worrying about me. He’s four!”

“Yeah and he loves his Dad. None of this is your fault. It’s his.” He jerks his head towards the surgery. “His and Mum’s for being so blind that they can’t see how great you are, how much better my life is because of you.”

“I don’t deserve you.” He shrugs. “I mean it. Anyone else would’ve washed their hands of me ages ago and here you are going all Rambo on me and all but threatening Paddy.”

“Pfft, I didn’t threaten him. Anyway how did you know where I was.”

“Solicitor changed the meeting. I saw Belle in the cafe and yes you pretty much did. You do realise he’s just going to hate me all the more now.”

“Yeah well, we won’t be here forever will we?” They’d all but decided they were definitely moving, it was just a case of getting everything sorted and waiting out Robert’s time on license. “And don’t go all they’re your family on me. If they cared about that then they’d be on my side. You’re my family, you and Seb, you’re all I need…and I think I want to go get our son and get out of this place for the day. What do you say?”

“Sounds good to me. I love you, you know.”

“I know. Love you too. Now come on."

————

“You know this isn’t bad.” Robert told him after the first mouthful. He’d cooked something a bit more complicated than usual after their day out. They’d taken Seb to the local petting zoo, even though most of the animals could be found up at Moira’s farm. He’d loved it, and hadn’t wanted to leave even though he was already tired and starting to fall asleep in Robert’s arms. Now all they had to do was get him fed and in bed. Seb really wasn’t one for complicated dishes, he’d live on dinosaur nuggets if he could, but getting him to help cook every so often had meant he promised to at least try new food.

“Thanks, I think.”

“Well you admit yourself that cooking isn’t your thing.”

“Dada learned with Uncle Marlon, on the ‘puter.” Seb pipes up, mouth full of pasta.

“Oi, close your mouth, you heathen and that was meant to be a secret.”

“You took cooking lessons?” Robert’s far too amused and Aaron childishly feels like flicking a piece of pasta at him to shut him up.

“There was a poster in the cafe, Marlon was doing these online lessons so I gave it a go. The kid needed feeding.” He tells him, tickling Seb and making him giggle. “I’m quite happy to pass the cooking back over to you now.”

Later when Seb’s finally in bed they can talk. The little boy is like a sponge, soaking up everything anyone says so they’re learning to leave any important conversations until he’s out of earshot. He’s stretched out on the sofa, Robert beside him and it’s just nice to be able to sit together and not have to say anything.

“I was thinking…about the house.” He’s not sure how to broach the subject, Robert’s been reluctant to talk about it since they’d got home from the solicitor’s office.

“Mmm, and what did you thunk?”

“Idiot. We always mention France when we talk about leaving, but we don’t have to go there…if you wanted to keep it.”

“You want to live in my Gran’s house?” Aaron can’t make out if he’s angry or not. “And what would we do for work?”

“Well last I checked they did actually drive cars in Spain. We’ve got the haulage, maybe you could open up an office there. I don’t know, it was just a thought.”

“You mean it don’t you?”

“I’m not fussed where we live. All I’m saying is, we don’t have to live in France. If you wanted to keep the house we could use it, at least for a while. Or if you want to sell it, then it doesn’t matter. You’ve not said anything about it.”

“I still don’t know why she left it to me. I never went there. She moved after the last time I visited, and well…”

“She loved ya. I know your family is…complicated but she was your Gran and if she wanted you to have it then just accept that it’s what she wanted.”

“I know…it’s just…” He twists so he’s facing him. “It’d solve a lot of problems though wouldn’t it, living there, or using the money.”

“Well it’d save me having to face Liv at the very least. Do you know anything about it, is it even suitable for the three of us?”

“Hang on.” He struggles to his feet, legs tangled with Aaron’s. “The solicitor gave me some details, there’s photos.”

He hands them to Aaron before settling back down beside him. He’d barely looked at them when he’d been given them, still a little stunned at the whole business. The house looked nice though, the decor wasn’t his taste but it would be easy enough to update. There was plenty of room and it was only a stone’s throw from the beach. Seb would love it.

“What do you think?”

“Looks nice. We could give it some thought, maybe go out there for a few days to see. You should be able to do that yeah?”

“I can find out. Be nice to get away for a few days, just the three of us.” He sighs. “You’re really sure aren’t you? I know I keep asking but…don’t just agree to this move for me. It has to be what you really want.”

“It is. I mean it. I want this to be a new start, me, you and Seb. Away from everything.”

————

“Where’s Sugden then?” Cain asks him the next day. They’re in the pub for lunch, tucked away in the corner where he can at least pretend his Mum isn’t watching his every move with that now familiar look on her face.

“He had a meeting. He should be here in a minute.”

“And he’s alright, being out and that.” He looked up from his pint, expecting Cain to be teasing or something but he genuinely looks concerned.

“He’s getting there.”

“Who’s getting where?” Robert asks, having snuck up on them, slipping into the seat beside Aaron, kissing him hello.

“Cain was just asking how you were getting on. So, how did it go.”

“It’s fine. We can go, just for a few days.”

“Where are you off to?”

“We’re going to take a look at the house his Gran left him. In Spain.”

“Nice. You going to let it out then? Should fetch in a bit.” Aaron rolls his eyes, not really knowing how to answer. He looks at Robert, a silent conversation, before he answers.

“We’re thinking of living there.”

“What!” He jumps at his Mum’s voice right behind him and wants to kick himself.

“You heard.”

“So he’s not only causing trouble between you and your family, now he’s dragging you away from the village. Again!” Aaron can see Cain rolling his eyes at his sister and he opens his mouth to answer but she’s not finished. “You just can’t help yourself can you. All along you’ve been causing trouble and now you’re taking him from me.”

“Mum…” He starts but Robert puts a hand on his shoulder as he gets to his feet.

“You know what Chas, I’ve had about enough. Since Aaron and I got together properly I’ve done nothing but try and fit in with you and your family. I’ve done your accounts for nothing, helped behind the bar and goodness knows what else. I looked after Noah as well as Liv when you and Charity both went off to Prague with Sarah. I’ve bit my tongue every time you’ve had a little dig at me since we got back together even though you and Paddy have both cheated before. I know I’ve made mistakes, some I can’t ever make up for. I know that, but you, and Paddy haven’t even given me a chance.”

“Now wait a minute.”

“No, you wait. My wedding day, I had Paddy calling me Mr Shifty, the day I proposed he said I was the worst possible person for Aaron. You might have put on a front for everyone else but I heard the comments, I know what you think of me. Frankly I don’t care. I do care when it affects my son, when it affects my husband.”

“And just how is dragging him off to Spain going to help that.”

“I’m not dragging him anywhere. It was his idea. I would’ve stayed here, put up with it all just so he could have his Mum around, because I know what it’s like not to have one, to not have that person to turn to. But you decided to cut him off when we went to France, to constantly badger him about me when he got back, and now you wonder why he doesn’t want to be here anymore. The only one ruining your relationship is you.” Aaron takes his hand as he sits down, letting him know with his eyes just how proud he is.

“Are you going to let him talk to me like that?” She turns to Cain who hasn’t moved.

“What do you expect me to do? He hasn’t said anything that’s untrue. Seems to me you and that husband of yours could do with remembering that Aaron’s an adult, not Eve’s age. Now, can I finish my pint in peace?”

Aaron manages to wait until she’s flounced back behind the bar before sniggering at his uncle. “You’re brave.”

“Ah, she’ll get over it. You listen to me, I reckon you’re doing the right thing, getting away from here and everything that’s gone on. Right proud of you I am. I know you’ll be well looked after.”

“Is that a compliment Cain?” Robert pipes up.

“You just mind you look after ‘im. I’m only a plane ride away if you don’t.”

“When you’ve quite finished, you just told Mum I’m an adult.”

“Never hurts to have a backup though does it.”

————

The day had finally come. Robert was no longer on license and they were free to leave the village. Aaron had got up early, wanting one last walk around the village. He’d left Robert a note, not wanting to wake him, and he found himself in the graveyard, staring down at Jackson’s grave. It seemed a lifetime ago, back when he was a different person, one who really didn’t understand love, that love would make you go to the ends of the earth for someone.

He wanders a bit further, passing by Jack’s grave with barely a glance, stopping at Sarah’s, the mother-in-law he wished he’d been able to know. He had a feeling she’d be waving them off perfectly happy if she were here. Unlike his Mum, he sighed to himself. Part of him wished they could’ve parted on good terms, or at least speaking to each other, but she’d ignored him completely since the day in the pub, her decision made.

“I’ll look after him I promise.”

“This a private conversation or can we join you?” He turns to see Robert smiling at him, Seb in his arms still looking sleepy. “You alright?”

“Yeah, just…having a last look round.”

“We can still visit you know. It’s not like before.”

“I know. Couldn’t sleep.” He looks at his watch. “We should get some breakfast or we’ll be rushing around. Why don’t you take him to the cafe and get what we want and I’ll meet you at home.”

“Is this how it’s going to be now?”

“Mmm, just one more place I need to go.” He kissed him, smiling as he walked away, waiting until they were out of sight before changing direction to the garage.

Robert’s car had been left at a service station when they’d gone on the run, and he knew he regretted leaving it behind even if it was too rare to be any good to them, too likely to be spotted. Even though they’d never expected to come home he’d asked Cain to fetch it and keep it for him just in case. Ever since they’d come back he’d been working on it, making sure it was as good as it could be before surprising Robert with it. They were flying to Spain but Cain had been convinced to drive it over with the offer of a few days holiday.

He’s sat on the bonnet outside the house when Robert comes round the corner, holding onto their breakfast with one hand and Seb with the other and he stops when he sees him.

“Surprise!”

“What…how?” Aaron picks Seb up and sits him down beside him as Robert just stands there staring.

“I know how much you love this car. Cain’s going to drive it over in a week or so when we’re settled.”

“I don’t know what I did to get so lucky.”

“Shut up.”

————

“You take care now love, you hear me, and keep in touch!”

“Yes Gran, promise.” He hugs her, she was really the only one he was going to miss and he and Robert had already talked about inviting her over when they were settled in.

“We should go if we don’t want to be late.” Robert tells him, having got Seb settled in his car seat. He’d said his goodbyes to Diane and Vic before, while Aaron had taken his car back to the garage.

“Yeah.” He can’t help but look towards the pub, maybe a small part of him hoping that they’d get over it and come and say goodbye. The place was all closed up though and he sighed. “Right, well, see you Gran.”

He takes Robert’s hand when he gets in, waving one last time. “Ready?”

“Let’s go.” As they drove away he realised it was the first time he was willingly and happily leaving the village, same for Robert. This time it was for the best, for both of them, and they had no one chasing them, they knew that one day if they wanted they could always come back. For now though they had a whole new life to look forward to.

[themonotonysyndrome]

Time of Realisation

Happy New Year, everyone! May 2021 be everything you ever wanted. Since I just finished writing for part 8 of this series, I wanted to post this one a bit earlier than the usual Fridays as a New Year’s Treat. So here we go! Part 7 of the ‘Successors of the Future’ is here. 

(My Premium Grammarly account disappeared all of the sudden so please excuse any stupid grammatical or spelling errors you might find. I’ve edited this chapter thrice now and it should be ok??) 

Before we start, we must do our ritual and give thanks to the ever amazing @tri3tri for letting us all expand on her Draconia Family series. Hope you’ll have a great year as well, Tri-senpai! 

-

“To be honest with you Ren, I don’t remember much about Sebek. Just his voice. I still remember how loud his shouts were.” 

“Eh, don’t sweat it too much. Take it as a blessing.” 

Renata and Sherrie are in her room. The underwater aesthetic of Octavinelle is so beautiful to take in from the inside. It almost makes Renata wish that she’s a mermaid. Or a killer whale type of mermaid. Now that is a badass merfolk. 

Just like Renata, Sherrie was given a room all to herself instead of sharing it with a dorm member due to her gender. 

And her little sister did not waste time transforming her room just like her old one back at their home. Already her gaming computer has been set up on her study table, cosmetic sets of well-known brands - Nyx, My Pretty Zombie, and Fenty Beauty - are organised neatly on her shelves beside the standard textbooks and stationeries. One of the open drawers beside her cupboard full of her school uniforms as well as her Pastel Goth clothes display tins of green teas and stacks of instant foods. 

Clearly, Sherrie has made herself right at home in Octavinelle. And less than a week too! 

Actually, how much luggage did Sherrie brought from their home? 

After the Entrance Ceremony, Renata waited two days for Sherrie to acclimate herself to Night Raven College, letting her talk to some of her dorm members, get a feel on the teachers before slipping into her bedroom to catch up. It was a mild surprise to see the state of her room after her little sister told her to plant her ass on the bed while she prepared a pot of hot green tea for them. 

While she’s busy with the kettle, Renata wasted no time to explain what Ace told her during Winter’s Break when she inquired about Sebek. It was good to know that due to the dense magic in the Country of Thorns, technology is almost non-existent in the land due to magical interference. It also helps that despite being in the First-Year Forever group chat, Sebek barely checks his phone at all. Over time, Ace and the rest of their group forgot that Sebek is even in the group chat! 

“Still, it’s good to know that Mama’s friends drifted away from Sebek over the years. That’ll help us a lot in the long run.” Sherrie commented after Renata wraps up her report. She handed a cup of tea to Renata and lean against her study table, facing the bed where her older sister is cooling her hot tea by channeling ice magic onto her fingertips. “What about the student body here? What are they like?” 

“Everyone walks around as if they got a twelve-inch dick.” Renata’s sarcasm is as thick as the kelp forest outside of Sherrie’s bedroom window. 

Sherrie couldn’t help but laugh at her deadpan tone; she had to put her cup of tea on the table before it spilled everywhere. “That bad, huh?” She giggles helplessly, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes. 

Renata was about to roll her eyes but stop herself and ponders. Despite their flaws, Hoyle and Rex are good friends. Hell, even Bakari vibes with her. Not quite friendly, but he hasn’t yet turned her away when she scurries over to intrude herself in whatever he’s currently doing. That, and she secretly enjoys finding little treats and snacks in her backpack after hanging out with him. “Ok, some of them aren’t so bad once you can get past their ego. Remind me to introduce Hoyle and Rex to you soon.” 

Sherrie raises an eyebrow. “And what about that one guy who keeps giving you food?”  

“You’ll see him around.” 

“...Right.” Sherrie eyed her older sister with a knowing look when Renata nonchalantly shrugs. She’ll get back to that little topic later. “Have you prepare the little surprise for Mama?” 

“Yup.” Renata affirmed and took a sip of her tea. She lets out a happy, little sigh when warmth travels across her body. “We’ll do it this weekend. That’s the only time that they’re free.” 

The two talk a little more until Renata had to leave when curfew looms. The passing Octavinelle students gave her a side-eye for a few seconds but otherwise, no one batted an eye at seeing a Diasomnia student walking about their dorms. The whole school is aware that Renata and Sherrie are siblings by now. Renata wonders if her sister will receive the same cold politeness because of their horns. 

Meanwhile, as Renata made her way to her own dorm, Sherrie is scrutinising the lock on her door with a frown. The previous used cups and teapot are all washed up and the lights are dim slightly since she’s planning to hit the bed right after she figures out how to secure her room thoroughly. There are just too many sensitive and important information about their family and plans against their father kept here. She straightens her back and tosses a glance at the computer and tablet lying on the table beside it. Sherrie had made sure to cultivate a habit of not storing the complete set of important materials in a single device - one can never be too careful after all. Especially when there’s a dorm here dedicate to Technomages. Hmm... perhaps she should befriend one of the students of Ignihyde to help her with the security of her electronic devices? 

Though there’s still an issue with the simple lock of her door. Anyone can just force it open with a pick. Sherrie made a mental note to consult with her sister for some sort of spell that can solve this problem. 

And with that, she quickly changes into a simple loose shirt and a pair of shorts before slipping under the duvet and turns in for the night. 

Life as a halfling and an Octavinelle student quickly proves to be unlike anything Sherrie has ever experience. 

Renata offhandedly advises her to shrug it off when her dorm members stare at her horns a little too long; they’ll get used to her soon enough. Sherrie cursed under her breath when her sister left and wondered if she could attend her classes virtually instead, but when she brought that up to her Dorm Leader, the shark merman raised an eyebrow and simply asked her if she’s an Octavinelle student or Ignihyde’s. Needless to say, Sherrie set on digging any dirt she can find on her Dorm Leader ASAP. 

Other than the uncomfortable stares and shady Dorm Leader - Sherrie quite enjoys the scarf that comes with her uniform - as well as her dorm leader, tend to keep it to themselves. Underneath the polite offers of tutelage in classes and tours around Mostro Lounge, Sherrie can blatantly pick up the insinuation underneath those favours. 

A favour for a favour - that’s how life in Octavinelle works. Information is worth more than Madols and dealings under the table is practically the norm. 

Sherrie adapts in Night Raven College faster than Renata ever could. 

Speaking of Madols, Sherrie needed to do something about their financial situations in Twisted Wonderland. Currency exchange is not a thing here so their dollars are practically worthless. Fortunately, Octavinelle expects its dorm members to pull their weights in Mostro Lounge. By the second week she’s in Night Raven College, her Dorm Leader already distributed the First Year’s schedule of their shifts around the café. The pay might not be much but it’s a good start. 

There’s got to be a Twisted Wonderland equivalent of Youtube. She made mad revenue as a Youtuber and game streamer back home. 

Today, Sherrie is working at Mostro Lounge with several other First Year students from other dorms. Customers flooded in during lunchtime and kept her busy manning behind the bar, preparing drinks and desserts. 

“Presentation my ass...” Sherrie mumbled under her breath as she struggles to beautify the ice-cream sundae. She had to redo the whole thing when one of the staff - her Third Year senior - saw how plain her work was and taught her to make an art out of the dessert. 

She was in the midst of deciding how many cherries would be enough to make the sundae look prettier when a rich, baritone voice broke her concentration. “Has the ice-cream offend you in some way, MC/S-san?” 

Sherrie moves her face away from the towering glass to see a fellow dorm member smiling at her. How curious, his eyes are like hot, molten gold. 

“No. I was just adding some finishing touches.” Sherrie reply, her voice remained neutral. She hasn’t seen this one around before. 

Her dorm member continues to smile. It comes across as calculative instead of genuine. Renata would’ve spat fire at him already. “My, it looks wonderful. I’ll be sure to inform the customer that his sundae is prepared by your meticulous hand. I’m sure he’ll forgive you for the time he had to wait.” 

Sherrie promptly turns around to store back the cherries into the fridge to hide her smirk. This nobody came forward trying to pick a fight with her? This could be fun. “I’m more than happy to receive our customer if he has any complaint with his sundae.” 

“I’ll be sure to inform him.” He nods once and place the sundae on a tray and left the bar. Sherrie made sure to keep an eye on him after that. 

He’s tall, taller than her, and play the perfect part of a waiter with ease. As if he grew up in this sort of environment. The way how he balances two heavy laden trays of food and drinks on his palms while weaving in between tables, greeting the customers with an impeccable smile is telling. This guy mastered the art of customer service for sure. 

“Who’s the hotshot?” Sherrie asked her partner as she carefully wipes the clean glasses. Her shift partner - a Second Year manta ray merman, who was kind enough to introduce herself to her without any subtle jeer - glances at Sherrie’s line of sight, and his mouth made a small ‘o’. 

“That’s Amber Leech. He’s one of the promising First Year students we got, according to the Vice Dorm Leader. You’re more of a wild card, though. Dorm Leader still doesn’t know what to think of you.” 

Sherrie ignores that titbit about herself; she just hums. Didn’t Mama mention that she knows a Leech? “He’s good at handling the customers, I’ll give him that.” Sherrie admits, stacking the last dry glass onto the rack before her attention is capture by a server with a list of orders. Sherrie was too preoccupied with her job to scrutinised Amber any further after that.  

Later when a Scarabia student relieved her of her shift with a quick exchange of pleasantries, instead of leaving, Sherrie decided to stick around and enjoy some free food in the kitchen. As long as she stayed out of the way, no one really minded her presence. 

“Good job today, Leech-san. You can join MC/S-san in the kitchen if you’re hungry.” 

“Thank you very much. I’ll be taking up on your kind offer then.”

Sherrie paused, tilting her head up from her small tub of ice-cream to see none other but Amber Leech step into the kitchen. Their eyes met and his calculative smile greeted her. 

“Is this seat taken?” He politely asks her, gesturing to the vacant chair opposite her. The round table at the back of the kitchen is a bit small, barely enough to fit more than three people but it was far enough away from the kitchen staff so that they won’t be a bother. 

“Knock yourself out.” 

“Very well then.” 

By the time he took out a red bento from the fridge, heat it up and takes a seat near the table, Sherrie has already polished the tub of ice-cream. When Amber noticed the empty tub, he frowns. It was so sudden that Sherrie couldn’t help but defensively blurted out, “What?” 

“Is that all you having for lunch?” There’s a disapproving tone in his voice and Sherrie doesn’t know what to make of it. 

“That? It was a snack. I had my lunch before my shift.” 

For some reason, her dorm mate nodded, strangely pleased at her answer before he tucks into his lunch. By the looks of it, his bento is artfully made with a variety of colourful foods. 

The two said nothing, simply enjoying the clatter of cooking utensils, sizzling fire on the stoves and the cooks hum under their breath. Here in the back of the kitchen, the chatter of customers outside is almost muted. 

It was peaceful. So peaceful in fact, Amber Leech feels like it’s his sworn duty to shatter it. 

“I suggest consulting either Aeacus Shroud or the other students in Ignihyde’s Basic Magical Technology group as your solution. Shroud-san is the only First Year student in that group but I heard he’s the most approachable of the lot.” 

Sherrie’s heart froze. “What?”

Amber took his time to put away his now empty bento, dab the corner of his lip with a folded napkin that was on the table before replying, “For security of course.” 

His answer is vague. Purposely so as he levels a stare at Sherrie. 

“...How do you know that?” Sherrie all but demanded under her faux, indifferent voice. 

Amber dared to smile and point his eyes, no word escape his lips. 

A Unique Magic then. It has to be. Are his similar to Renata’s? 

Sherrie’s mind races, for once, trying to decipher this strange student beside her. 

And suddenly, Sherrie realises who this boy really is. The eyes were a give away.  

“Amber Leech. Jade Leech’s son, I presume?” 

-

“Mama, I’m home!”

“Welcome back, sweetie. How was cheer practice today?”

“It went really well, Mama. We nailed down the new routine without anyone falling off.” Lucien shuts the door close with his feet. He’s sweaty and still in his cheerleading uniform with a duffel bag sling over his shoulder. Seeing that his Mama is nowhere in the living room, Lucien padded into the kitchen. 

The house is, unfortunately, a lot quieter now that his sisters are off at Night Raven College. Before Sherrie left, she and he talk about how their Mama would feel lonely now. Even more so when it’s his turn. 

Lucien assured her that he’ll keep an eye on their Mama closely. 

His friends would playfully tease him that he’s such a Mama’s boy; constantly texting her of his whereabouts, what she and his sisters want from the convenience stores and Mama always make his favourite desserts more often compare to Renata’s apple pies and Sherrie’s matcha cupcakes. 

And Lucien has no shame in being spoiled by their Mama. 

However, when he steps into the kitchen to witness their Mama re-arranging the dishes in the cupboard for the second time this week, it’s time for Mama to be spoiled in return. 

Lucien can’t wait to see her reaction when they spring the surprise tonight. 

“Mama? Do you need some help with the plates?” Lucien asked instead of pointing out the fact that Mama has been restless lately. Without waiting for a reply, Lucien has already dropped his duffel bag to walk around the island counter towards her. 

“It’s alright, Lucy. I’m nearly done here anyway.” MC wave Lucien’s waiting hands away as she pushes the last stack of plates into the lower cabinet and got up. She shot him a smile but it’s wobbly. “Are you hungry, sweetheart? We still have some leftover dinner from last night that I can heat up real quick. Hang on, just give Mama a second to take it out - ”

“Mama, it’s alright. I know. It doesn’t feel the same without Ren and Cherry.” 

MC froze before she got up and smile sadly. The sight made Lucien’s heart clench painfully. “The three of you have always been close to me ever since you were born. Your Father was... many things,” MC grimace but she soldiers on. “But he would never separate your sisters away from me. I’m not sure what to do with myself now that Ren and Cherry are away...” 

Sherrie’s voice suddenly pops in Lucien’s head like how Renata enjoys busting through his door without knocking: “Mama needs a distraction. ASAP! Go, go, go!” 

Renata interjects after her: “Psst! Try something calming yet engaging. That’ll do.” 

Distraction. Right. Lucien can do that for Mama. At least until the surprise tonight. 

“Would Mama help me with my origami? I could use some help with filling up my new empty glass jar.” Lucien suggests. 

MC blink; didn’t expect Lucien to suddenly ask for an extra pair of hands with his hobby, but she took it in stride. “Uh, sure thing, honey.” 

Lucien beams like a blooming sunflower. “I’ll go shower first then. Be right back, Mama!” 

“Don’t run in the house, Lucy!” MC reminded him but lets him went upstairs with a small smile. She needs to get out of this funk. While Lucien is freshening up, might as well finish up her chores for the day. 

By the time Lucien came back down carrying an empty glass jar and a stack of colourful scented papers and they didn’t waste time to clear the dining table of the bowl of fruits and their cups so they could get to it. 

Lucien is remarkably patient. More so than MC or his older sisters - he made sure to slowly show how to fold the paper into stars to his Mama and when she’s confused, he would show her some videos online to help her. As the mother and son gradually fill up the glass jar, Lucien talks about anything and everything under the sun. How everyone in his team at school is helping him ease to the role as the captain of the cheerleading squad, how he’s getting a hang on the new subject material taught in Math class and who’s dating who in his circle of friends. 

MC hums and would give an appropriate reply in-between Lucien’s story. Typical teenage shenanigans, albeit, a lot tamer than what she went through but she’ll never get tired of listening to her children’s school life. Yes, even when Renata and Sherrie tried their best to hide whatever blunder they did at times. 

It was when Lucien threw a purple star origami into the jar that he suddenly changes the subject. “Oh yeah! By the way Mama, Ren and Cherry said that she has a surprise for you tonight!” 

“Oooh, a surprise? I wonder what your sisters are planning.” MC murmurs a bit absentmindedly, too focus on folding the papers. Her eyebrows scrunch in concentration and she would beam proudly when one star came out perfect before tossing it into the jar with a happy hum. 

Lucien is relieved. Looks like the distraction works. 

They had a simple dinner once the glass jar is filled and once the dishes are done, Lucien hurriedly ushers his Mama into the living room. On the sofa, MC watches Lucien draws the rune on the mirror, bemused at the grin on his face. 

When the rune vanishes, MC opens her mouth to greet her daughters. Her open mouth gapes and she could feel the corner of her eyes are suddenly wet when she saw the people on the other side of the mirror. 

“Ow! Deuce, you idiot! I told you not to shove me with your elbow!” 

“Who are you calling an idiot!? And quit hogging the mirror already!”

“I’m not hogging the mirror! You’re the one who keeps pushing me!” 

MC couldn’t help it. She laughs, tears now freely running down her cheeks. Lucien quietly excuses himself to fetch a box of tissue for her. 

Her laugh shuts both Ace and Deuce up. “Oh geez, what are you crying for, hah? It’s just us.” Ace said, supporting a bittersweet smile. At that moment, seeing his best friend releases the tension festering inside of him all these years. 

“We miss you, Prefect!” Deuce shouted with a sniffle, his eyes are teary as well. He hurries to wipe off the tears with his knuckle. “Miss you so, so much! I’m so glad you’re OK!” 

“Are you really though?” Ace interject, he doesn’t even bother to conceal his blatant check on MC’s body. Looking for any sign of injuries or illness. 

MC guessed that one of her daughters have told them what happened to her... 

But she refused to let thoughts regarding Malleus damper her happy mood. Not when she could finally see her best friends again. 

“I’m ok now. We’re... we’re ok.” MC honestly reply with a lightened heart. 

The three of them have grown; each of them has their own children now, at this moment, it feels as if they have been transported back to their teenage years all those years ago. 

MC realises that she’s truly no longer alone now. 

-

And we’ve reached the end of this chapter! I hope you guys enjoyed it!! MC finally meet Adeuce once more, even if it’s just through a mirror. With the three of them together again, there’s nothing they can’t do. 

Here are some titbits about Amber Leech’s background:

1. His Unique Magic is called ‘Witness of the Past’

2. His Mum is a beautiful mer Sea Lamprey (if you don’t know what a Sea Lamprey looks like, uh, prepare yourself before you google search them.) 

Speaking of Unique Magic, I’ve compiled a list of all the kids with their UMs already. Haven’t decided yet when I’ll post it, but I’m thinking of posting the names as a sort of teaser? Meh, we’ll see how that goes. 

[writingsfromhome]

Bad Timing I(.5)

A/N: This is the sort of backstory to Harry and you, I think it can be read on its own if you want, or before you read the first part too. It’s angsty af, but it has some death and sensitive topics jsyk. I tried to keep it concise but it got a little wordy as angst does. xx

Part 1

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

About 12 Years Ago:

“So are you coming to that party or not?” My roommate asks. She was one of the first people I’d met last year when we started uni and even though we came from different backgrounds we remained friends over the last year, even choosing to room together again. She got me to open up and find the extroverted part of me that was able to enjoy uni outside of academics.

“Ugh, I’m volunteering for the voting booths for the rest of the week. Maybe if I can make it?”

“You’re actually doing that?” She scrunches her nose. “I don’t get it. You’re just way too nerdy to be my friend.”

“And yet you loove me,” I squeeze her against me and she laughs. “It’s my mom, she said I had to do at least one extracurricular so I could meet friends this year.”

“You already have friends,” she points to herself, and with her came her group of friends that’d quickly taken me in last year.

And my mom doesn’t like that I hang out with you, I think. She thought we partied too much even though my grades stayed decent. “She wants me to have nerdy friends too, I dunno. They’re helping me pay my tuition until I get a job so I kinda have to play nice.”

“Parents suck,” my roommate flicks through her closet. I agreed, this was just something I would get through to get through. Then they would leave me alone for the rest of the year.

Little did I know the person they’d partner me with at my polling station was someone who would be in my life for the next decade.

“I’m Harry by the way,” he’d said after we received our orientation and assigned the building we were going to babysit the votes in. “Second year.”

“Me too! I’m Y/N. What’s your major? I’ve never seen you around.”

“Law--well I haven’t decided if it’s law but that’s what I’m in right now.”

“Really? Law?” I was openly judging, he just didn’t seem the law type.

“Well what are you in?” He demands.

“Business,” I cringe.

“Really? Business?” He has a cheeky smile on, one that would become familiar to me.

“Well, you just don’t seem like the law type. They’re usually more uptight, dress way too smart for me.”

“I know, it’s like, we’re not even in the courtroom yet,” he joins in and it makes me laugh--how he could poke fun at his own people. That’s when I knew we would get along fine, and I actually looked forward to the next few days getting to know him better.

“I’m definitely telling my mum about you, she’s been begging me to make friends outside of my circle. I’ll tell her I’m friends with a law student.”

“So we’re friends already?” We’d reached our booth and began setting up the partitions. He takes over when I set it up wrong.

“Obviously,” I say. “I actually like you which means you’ll have a hard time getting rid of me.”

“I’m alright with that,” he grins and I notice the laugh lines that are brought to life as he does. It somehow made him seem more genuinely.

We spend the rest of the time swapping stories, classes, rants. We check student IDs and hand out voting cards in between but it doesn’t feel like a drag anymore. At the end of the day, I invite him to the party my roommate was going to with our friends. If he was going, maybe I would too. He seemed like he might be fun at a party.

“Er,” he suddenly seems nervous. “I’ll have to ask my girlfriend, she wanted to hang out tonight.”

“Well bring her too!” I say excitedly. “Is she law as well?”

“No, she’s in the arts.”

“I like her already,” I push. “Bring her, my friends are fun you’ll learn how to have a good time.”

“I know how to have a good time,” there was the flash of his dimples again. “Text me the address.”

And thus began a friendship for the next four years, partying together, studying together (trying to), and hanging out in each other’s rooms. We would set each other up with other friends, double dated, went out for sunrise-hikes, and took long drives at night when we had to blow some steam off from being over-stressed, over-studied uni students. Our friend circles overlapped, the fabric of our lives eventually bleeding together. We were made of the same fibers, sticking together even after uni, when our friends got more serious about their careers. When they moved out of the country or to another city, we made sure to rent places close enough that we could still see each other often. And somehow, in the new chapter of our lives, without the partying and our other friends to buffer, we became closer than before.

We cared for each other--we didn’t deny that ever. And somehow that platonic love turned romantic as we depended on each other while we navigated adulthood. I can’t exactly pinpoint where things changed, but one evening our relationship was changed forever.

7 years ago:

“She literally wants me to stay until 7, and she was offended when I said no! I’m not even getting paid for that!” I was bitching to Harry about my shitty job.

“That’s bollocks” Harry shrugs. “Just say you’ve got family obligations or something.”

“I said that the one time she wanted us to come in on a weekend and she gave me shite work the following week! I just...I can’t afford to lose this job Harry.”

“That’s shitty, I’m sorry.” He takes the last swig of his beer. “Want another one?”

“I haven’t even finished this one,” I moan at my now warm beer that I’d been nursing for the last hour, too busy ranting to drink it. “It’s getting late though I should head home before it’s dark. Don’t want that nutter that hangs around my building to harass me again.”

“I’ll walk you home,” Harry suggests. He lived a 15 minute walk from me.

“No no,” I get up and take our dirty dishes to the sink. “I didn’t even ask about you, how was your day?”

“Same old,” he sighs against the counter. “I feel like I don’t fit in, everyone my age is finishing their law degree but I don’t think I want to.”

“I knew from the day I met you, you weren’t destined for the courtroom.” I pull him into a comforting hug. “Do what makes you happy, or what doesn’t make you want to say fuck it and quit your job to hibernate.”

“You really know the perfect thing to say,” Harry chuckles but he pulls me tighter against him. I stroke his back, reassuring him he’d be alright in the end.

“Y/N-” he pulls away to say something but freezes mid sentence. I raise an eyebrow but he’s still, staring at my face.

“Harry?” I ask, but he continues staring. “Hello? You alright?”

“Yeah,” he breaks into a sudden smile. That was weird--I make sure he’s okay before letting go.

Before I leave, I kiss Harry’s cheek goodbye--I was never shy in the affection I gave my friends and Harry’s bummed mood needed extra affection tonight. But what I don’t expect is for him to catch me before I pull away, staring intently into my eyes. The lighthearted energy between us disappears instantly as it dawns on me, how close we were, the unspoken feelings in his eyes, the hesitation before he presses his lips to mine.

I kissed him back then, barely understanding what was happening, before pulling away. I give him a smile but that’s just what he sees at the tip of the iceberg, underneath my mixed feelings churn away. My best friend just kissed me, and I wasn’t totally mad about it.

“It’s getting dark I-” I say as Harry says, “Sorry was that okay?”

We laugh awkwardly, neither of us sure what to do at this point. We decide to ignore it instead.

“I’ll talk to you later,” Harry lets me go and opens the door for me. “Watch out for the neighbourhood nutter yea?”

I stand in place, feeling the fibers of our friendship unraveling but feeling hopeless in mending the tear. “Take care Harry.”

I high tail it out, my thoughts going at an impossible rate as I sort out what happened. And we try to ignore it the next couple weeks,

We hadn’t made it official then, too nervous to face what this meant about our friendships. It was only at my sister’s wedding, that I realised what was wrong between us. I’d been mourning our old friendship, and avoiding him in the weeks since the kiss. But what I didn’t realise was that our friendship had been changing over the last year anyway, and getting drunk on champagne and dancing with Harry, while my sister celebrated the happiest day of her life, made me realise there was a cause for celebration here: a new chapter in our lives.

A couple days later, after a stressful day at work, I’d taken the tube to his flat and waited for him outside. He was surprised to see me there, not saying much except to open the door and let me in. As soon as he’d closed it, my lips were attached to his and we’d let our bags drop, coats, and any piece of clothing between us. After that night, we didn’t even try to deny how we felt about each other.

“I didn’t think I could ever be this happy,” he’s whispered to me after. I thought he’d fallen asleep but his whisper in the dark made me grin to myself. “Are you awake.”

“I am. Awake and happy.” I turn to face him, giggling. “Who knew this could feel so right.”

“Our first kiss was quite wrong though wasn’t it?” Harry says and it makes me laugh.

“That’s why I needed to do a redo,” I tease. “Can’t leave you to plan anything.”

“It wasn’t planned I swear, I was trying to be spontaneous.”

“Let’s not try ‘spontaneous’ again then,” I kiss him in the dark. He pulls me snug against him, I never knew how safe it felt. The safest I would ever feel, wrapped in the warmth with my best friend and now something else.

It was a good few months, testing the waters as our relationship underwent a transformation. All of our friends were supportive, but we never missed the glances between them. Apparently, they were waiting for this to happen. But as sweet as those first few months had been, finding out my mum was sick with a timeline was devastating. I came apart at the seams but Harry stayed through it all, holding me together. He’d proposed then, wanting my mum to be part of the ceremony. We had a small wedding, intimate but still magical. It was bittersweet, the amount of love and happiness I felt towards Harry and our loved ones around us as he said I do and as he took my arm and swept me across the dancefloor. But the amount of sadness crushing my chest kept me from being the weightless bride I always thought I would be.

Through it all, Harry stayed by my side. While we were hopeful, the day our hopes were dashed, the days and weeks I mourned. When my sister and her husband came to stay with their crazy toddlers and Harry kept them entertained giving my sister and I time together. I thought he was perfect, that I’d lucked out.

That lasted a few years, 3 and a half to be exact. There were months leading up to our split and we could point to a bunch of things that could’ve led to it. a) him wanting kids, and me wanting to wait or b) long hours we worked as we changed careers and tried to make our way up or c) how hard getting pregnant actually was. Maybe I pushed him away, or he didn’t love me enough to try and make it work.

I think I lied to myself, avoiding the tension creeping into the relationship. The tired excuses and time spent apart, the lack of usual affection, or casual conversations. I was an idiot, I realise every time I think about the end in retrospect. Maybe if I caught on earlier I could have fixed us before we fell apart. Maybe I could have saved us.

“There’s someone coming in Tuesday morning to fix the broken washer, will you be home?” I ask, still in bed and scrolling through my phone. I hadn’t meant to be up this early but Harry woke me as he got up and I couldn’t fall back asleep.

“No,” Harry responds, his back to me as he ruffles through the dresser. “I’ve got a thing that morning.”

“Well I’ve got to go in early Tuesday-I thought you might be home.” I say. I hear an edge to Harry’s voice but I try not to focus on it. He’d been a little cold all weekend and I was scared to think what it meant.

“You couldn’t be bothered to check in when you confirmed the date?” Harry asks harshly.

“I...guess not.” I put my phone down and wait for Harry to turn, maybe I could read his expression. Maybe he was stressed. “Harry?”

“What?” He turns, but he looks at me with no emotion. No stress, no frustration, not even anger. It’s the lack of emotion in his face that cause my eyes to prick with tears. Harry raises his eyebrows and I shake my head, untangling myself from the sheets so he doesn’t see any tears. I rush to the bathroom but forget to close the door out of habit.

“Y/N,” a kinder Harry appears by the doorway. His face has smoothed out the harsh lines, his eyes hesitant and cautious.

“What’s happened with us?” I blurt out. “Why are you so cold all the time? Am I doing something wrong?”

Harry’s face falls and he walks towards me but doesn’t touch me. “It’s nothing like that. It’s...I don’t know. We should talk.”

He reaches his hand out but I flinch away. “Did you meet somebody new or something? What are we talking about?”

“Let’s not do this here. Right now.”

“Why not!” I finally had enough. “I’ve been walking on eggshells for months Harry! I don’t know what’s wrong and I keep waiting for you to bloody tell me!”

“This isn’t working!” Harry raises his voice to compensate for mine. I’m immediately silenced by the volume, and then the words sink in.

“Is there someone else?” I ask.

He doesn’t answer, his gaze on the hanging vines by the window. My heart drops into my stomach like a boulder, and I find it hard to breathe. I clutch the porcelain sink and ask in a surprisingly even tone, “Harry. Answer me.”

“What we have, Y/N...it’s dysfunctional.” He says quietly, meeting my eyes. “It doesn’t matter if there’s someone else, we’ve been fighting for months. Things aren’t the same between us-”

“Who is she?” I ask. I needed to know.

“That’s not relevant,” he shuts my question down quickly. “I’m sorry Y/N, I...I don’t want to hurt you. I care about you, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Then don’t,” I’d pleaded. “We can go to counseling, talk it through-”

“I can’t Y/N.”

“Because of her.”

“No, because this isn’t good for either of us.” He’d walked up to me, cradled my face. “We’re not good for each other, not like this.”

“Who is she?” I yank his hands away.

“She’s...it doesn’t matter, I swear nothing happened between us Y/N. Knowing who she is isn’t going to help this situation--”

“It is! If it weren’t for her, you’d be willing to work on us--to see a future. You...Harry how could you do this to me? To us?” The tears come with no control. “You’re moving on before we’re even over. How are you giving up on us like that?”

“I’m not!” his voice booms in the tiled bathroom. “I’m not bloody giving up on us! I tried Y/N, so many times. I tried! You just keep pushing at me to be someone I’m not and-”

“I can say the same thing about you!” I throw the brush in my hands into the sink. “We were good! And you got it in your head you wanted a baby even though we’re young, oh my god Harry you kept pestering me to change my mind even though I told you I needed time!”

“It’s not like we could have a fucking baby anyway,” Harry says bitterly before realising what he’d said. “Shit-”

“There you go,” I mock. “I knew it. I knew you were holding that against me. And that,” I jab my finger into his chest. “Is what’s made you so moody, so mean and why we’re always fighting. You held it against me.”.

There was absolute truth to what I said. Last year, Harry had brought the baby topic up. I’d told him we were only in our mid-20s, we had a lot of time, and we still had a career to establish. But he would bring up the topic often enough that I’d given in.To make him happy. And months went by, trying for a baby. Went we finally went to our doctor, she’d told us why it was so hard, it could take us years she’d said.

Harry came home that day dejected, and left me feeling like a failure. I think it tore us up.

“You wanted a baby so fucking bad and when I couldn’t, it made me feel like a complete failure. And I told you that! And you did absolutely nothing to make me feel better. You held it against me, Harry! You didn’t even try to tell me it was okay.”

“It’s not so fucking simple,” he says, his cheeks flushed pink. Maybe it was anger, or maybe it was embarrassment from being confronted with an ugly truth.

“It is. And now you’ve upgraded to a newer model, maybe her version comes with a fertile womb.” I take the cheap shot.

He doesn’t say anything though. And I don’t know why that hurts more than knowing he’d fallen for another woman while he was still married to me. My best friend in the whole world had just broken my heart into a million irrevocable pieces.

“It’s a bunch of things Y/N,” he finally says. “That’s just part of it. We’re not...we’re just not working!”

“Did you even try to make it work?” I ask, swiping my sleeve across my face. “Did you ever think how I felt? How you made me feel Harry? You’ve been slipping away from me without talking to me-” I break off. I couldn’t speak through the heartbreak, the thunderstorm of grief threatens to consume me and my sobs are the only thing that manages to come out.

“I never wanted to hurt you,” Harry tries to place a hand on my shoulder but I jerk away, moving to sit on the edge of the bathtub. “Y/N...”

“Just go,” I say through the tears.

“We can talk more about this later-”

"Just go,” I say louder.

Harry’s phone rings again from the bedroom and he sighs. But he leaves me, crying on the bathroom floor. The sadness that was always in my peripheral consumes me. I’d carried this sadness for a long time--ever since I found out my mum was sick, the sadness plagued me. I’d neatly packed it up once I decided to move forward with my life like my mum would want me to, but now it comes back tenfold, marrying the grief of losing Harry like this. And I stay on the floor crying my grief away for hours, eventually crawling into bed and sleeping the daylight away.

When I wake, it’s 6 and Harry isn’t home. I take that as a sign and get up to pack up a few things. I call my sister who still lived in London then, and crash on her couch, staying there for a few weeks and ignoring any call or text from Harry. When I need to go back, for my things, I find him sleeping on the couch with the TV on, something I always found endearing. But I can’t afford to dwell on how much it hurt seeing him like that.

He must have woken from the noise because when he finds me, he tries to stop me and tell me that we still needed to talk.

“About what?” I ask, just tired now. Too many tears shed and too many hours laying awake thinking about the exact moment we went wrong.

“Us,” Harry looked tired too. He was probably throwing himself into his work with nothing like me to hold him back, I think bitterly. His girlfriend had probably already been to our house--his house.

“What about us?” I barely look at him as I begin folding away all my clothes.

“I don’t know,” Harry sits on the bed. “Don’t you want to talk?”

“I’ve got nothing to say, do you?”

Harry sighs, “I don’t know.”

“Nice talk then,” I say, shoving the rest of my things in just so I could get out.

“I just want you to know I care about you Y/N, I don’t want to hurt you.” He says as I pack.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. If you cared about me, and you didn’t want to hurt me you wouldn’t have done this to us.”

“I wasn’t trying to--I didn’t mean to go and fall for someone else-”

“Just stop,” I cut him off. I couldn’t hear it, how the man I loved fell for someone else. I couldn’t break down here. Again.

He said he cared but it didn’t feel that way. It hurt more than I wished to admit. He knew what I’d been through and he still betrayed me, tossed my heart like it was replaceable. The cut he left in me ran deep.

As I leave he tries to talk to me, but I barrel past him. He still reaches for me and pulls me into a hug, I struggle against him but he’s too strong. He wraps me in his arms until I go still but it’s too much. A sob escapes me, and this time he lets me push him off and leave, my bag banging into my hips every time I take a step. As soon as I got into my Uber, I can’t stop crying. There was an infinite pool of tears where Harry was involved.

3 years ago:

My trust and my heart had been been lost in the war between Harry and I. It only took him a month to mail my divorce papers which sat collecting dust on my dining table until he showed up at work one day and demanded I sign them by the end of that week. I’d taken the day off the day I mailed those in, mourning the end of something that was once so safe and beautiful.

When a close friend calls me on a warm July afternoon, I don’t consider her warning that I shouldn’t check Instagram. That I still had Harry’s friends on my list. I open Instagram before she can tell me why, and see it. Harry was getting married, again. To the woman he gave up on us for. I try to zoom in on a picture without liking it, she was pretty...and blonde. She looked familiar--probably from his office. It didn’t take him long.

It was like someone had taken a retractor to the wound I thought had finally scabbed over. The physical proof that Harry had moved on is just the salt on the wound.

I cry myself to sleep that night.

2 Years ago;

The guy in front of me drones on about his job, mansplaining to me how a mortgage worked as if I wasn’t in finance myself. I excuse myself to use the restroom, checking my phone to see a text from my sister. She’d moved to Scotland this year, to where her husband was from, and I’d missed her terribly in the last year.

A little birdie told me your demon-ex just got divorced 🥂

I stare at the screen, chest feeling tight. I felt vindicated somehow, but I also felt a small bit of sadness. What a fuck-up.

Good for him I had texted back. A part of me wanted him to hurt the way he hurt me.

I went back to my date with a renewed enthusiasm. I’d ordered more wine and got so drunk he was actually interesting enough to take home.

About 1 year ago

“Y/N,” a voice from my past says, one that haunted me some nights. I turn as I exit the shop I was just in. I blink at the sight before me, Harry in a vest and hat. He realises what I’m staring at and laughs awkwardly. “I’m in uniform.”

“You’re...police?” I look up to his face finally. He hadn’t aged a day, although the hat he wears makes him look a little silly.

“Yeah I joined the force uhm...almost 4 years ago now...law didn’t really suit me.”

I know what he was doing, trying to find a baseline to have a conversation. But he was dead to me, and I didn’t want to invite him back in when I was finally forgetting about him.

"Seems like you dropped a lot of dead-weight four years ago.”

I watch his face fall as he realises I wasn’t going to pretend to be friendly.

“Seems that way to you,” he says cautiously. “But that’s not how it happened.”

I shrug. “So. I heard about the divorce. Must’ve been hard being put through that.”

I knew I was being petty, obviously I never got the closure I want (according to my therapist) and I wasn’t over him hurting me the way he did (also according to my therapist). This was how I got my peace, and it wasn’t the best version of me but it was the only one I knew how to be right now.

“Yep,” he crosses his arms over his chest. “So, are you seeing anyone?”

He knew I wasn’t, I don’t know how but the way he stoops to my level I know he knows I hadn’t had a long term relationship since him.

“Not at the moment,” I say awkwardly. “Just focusing on my job...trying to get this promotion.”

“Sorry,” he seems to shake off whatever had come over him. “That was...nosy, I shouldn’t have asked.”

Having him be the bigger person sets something off in me, like there was an anger-bomb inside my mind where he lived and knowing that he was doing okay enough to be able to be the bigger person disrupts this calm I was trying to keep.

“Maybe you shoudn’t have stopped me to ask anything at all. We don’t have anything to talk about anyway.”

I turn around and start to walk away but he catches up, “I wasn’t trying to upset you-”

“Well you have a way of doing that. Please just leave me alone Harry.”

He huffs beside me, “After all this time, can’t we just bloody talk like two adults?”

I freeze and turn to him slowly. He seems to sense this was the wrong thing to say because he takes a step back. “After all this time? Are you serious? I was the one you left behind Harry when you went off to lives your best lift Harry. We’re not living the same life, and we’re not coming from the same bloody place. Don’t fucking patronize me and ask me to talk to you like an adult when you bring out the worst part of me. I meant what I said: I want you to leave me alone. And you know what, if we ever run into each other again, just don’t even talk to me. Pretend you don’t know me. I want nothing to do with you.”

He opens his mouth but his partner calls him from the shop’s entrance. He stays silent, letting me go. As soon as I turn the street corner I rush the rest of the way to the tube, collapsing into a seat and trying to sort out my breathing. It was a shitty feeling, knowing someone was going to be in your life forever because you shared so much history that even when that part of your life ended they were still there. There was so much apart of me, around me, that reminded me of him. And it felt so lonely carrying that around. I wanted to be done with him, I wanted my heart to purge him out. But it couldn’t stop carrying him around everywhere I go.

[ikleesfiction]

Will you follow through if I fall for you?

Fandom : One Chicago Word count : 2250 words Author note : My first dip on this fandom. Endgame would be Jay Halstead x reader. Jay will appear in the next part. Disclaimer

Part 1

You arrive at the swimming pool much later than you've wanted. You wish to get a few laps before the school kids coming for their class. But here you are, only begin to warm up, the raucous laughter of school kids echoing in the pool already.

You get into the deeper side of the pool, not wanting to interrupt the class or get interrupted. Starting your lap without forcing yourself. Ever since the incident, you have yet reached the perfect movement of your feet. Some day, like this morning, it was hurting so bad. Made you wish you don't have to get up from the bed. 

But after about forty minutes of light swimming in the pool, you feel like it's getting better. You think you could swim for another ten minutes before coming up. As a challenge for yourself, you swim deeper and doing apnea. From your periphery, you can see three kids get closer to the deeper side of the pool and swimming playfully. You reach the poolside and come up for air, trying to see if the boys are safe enough or if you need to warn the teacher.

All of a sudden, one of the boys puts his hand up. Panicking, as he tries to get more air. You cannot spot the kid's friends. When you dive and swim to the boy as fast as your feet allowed, you see the other two boys pulling their friend's foot down. Not realizing that their friend is drowning.

Once you reach them, you pull the drowning boy up, bringing him to the poolside. The pool guard and the school teacher are ready to help you get the boy out of the pool. The boy is coughing water and keeps panicking. They try to calm him down so he can breathe. Shortly enough, the boy calms down and breathing through his sobs. Still in the water, you feel the boy's friends approaching. They gape in shock, realizing that their friend was almost drowned.

We're so sorry, Owen! I thought you're ready when we pull you in!!" said one of the friends.

"That was a dangerous thing to do, David. I told you, right before we get in the water. Nobody should swim on the deeper side of the pool. But you three even played in here. Someone could get seriously injured by your recklessness.", chides the teacher to her students.

"Yes, Miss, we are sorry," says the other boy from the pool.

"Now, everybody gets out of the water. We have to stop the class. I need to bring Owen to the hospital to make sure that he is not badly hurt. David and Noah, I will call your parents to report your behavior. You too, Owen. I will tell your mom the same at the hospital," declares the teacher.

""I called 9-1-1, paramedics are 3 minutes out, to bring him to the hospital," says the pool guard. "Nice save, by the way," the pool guard continues to acknowledge you.

"Nah, just lucky I saw them first," you object. Looking at the drowning boy, Owen, as the teacher called him, "You're gonna be okay, kid," you continue to soothe him.

Owen looks back at you, and through his hiccups, he says, "Thank you." You return him with a smile.

A moment later, you see Gabby Dawson and Sylvie Brett arriving. They check Owen and briefly pack him up to go to the hospital.

"Hey girl, nice to see you here," Sylvie greets you.

"I don't wanna be ungrateful, but I wish I didn't have to see you here, Syl," you reply, slightly amused.

"Eh, what can you do, right?" She remarks jokingly.

"Alright, we're ready to go, Owen. Let's go see your mom at Med", Gabby informs her patient.

"I'll follow you there. I need to wait until the subs teacher gets here to take over the class," The teacher tells Gabby. "Thank you again for saving my student," She earnestly says to you.

Gabby and Sylvie notice the encounter and raise their eyebrows in question.

Gabby then rolls the gurney out while Sylvie hangs back and grins at you, "You saved him from drowning? How's the table turned! The rescuee turns to be the rescuer!"

"Shut up, Brett!" you whisper-yelling, feeling embarrassed.

As you try to pull yourself out of the pool, your left hamstring suddenly cramps. "Argh!" you shout and let yourself back into the water.

"You okay?" Sylvie inspects you.

"Yeah yeah, I'm fine. I just need a cool-down lap, then I'll be okay. You better go catch Gabby before she leaves you here", you try to dismiss her.

"You sure you okay? Do you need a ride to go back from here? Your feet hurt because you sped up to save Owen, don't they?" Sylvie pries.

"No, I'm okay. It doesn't hurt much. Seriously, if it feels bad, you'll know, Syl. I won't shut up about my pain when I can badger you", you pull out another tactic to get rid of her worry.

"Alright then, you'll promise to go to your clinic if it gets worst, right?" Sylvie finally relents.

"Of course," you simply reply. You need Sylvie to leave soon because you want to give your left hamstring a massage. You are not going to do it under Sylvie's scrutiny.

"Okay, girl. See ya!" with that, Sylvie goes.

You have known Sylvie and Gabby, and also almost everybody from Firehouse 51, since that accident. You were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Then Firehouse 51 got to rescue you. But the accident badly hurts your legs.

You were supposed to only stay in Chicago for 3 days for a business trip. But because of that accident, it becomes 3 months. You have to complete a series of treatments so you can gain full recovery of your leg movement. You cannot go back home. Your family cannot come to be with you for that long. You ought to rearrange your life and have been doing this treatment for the last couple of months.

You stay in the pool for another ten minutes before you could move with much less pain. Slowly getting out of the pool, then you go take a shower in the locker room. You decide that you need to go to the clinic, meet your physical trainer to check out your feet. It wasn't that you lied to Sylvie when you said that it doesn't hurt much, but you're on the last segment of your treatment. You don't want to take a risk and have to redo the treatment.

Now, if the treatment is successful, presumably you can leave Chicago in four weeks. As lovely as the city is, you don't want to risk staying longer in this city than you have to. You get a job that you love, that makes you travel all over the world. So being stuck here in Chicago, by yourself, feels like torture to you.

Firehouse 51 is very supportive of you once they know that you have to stay in the city by yourself to recover from your injury. They help whenever they can. Kelly Severide basically adopted you as his little sister since he's the one who pulled you from the incident scene. You're grateful for them, but it made you missed home more. At home, you are close to your parents. You're working with your best friends, surrounded by your favorite people. You still call them whenever you can. But their life continues while yours is stuck in Chicago.

You take a taxi to the clinic where you're treated. Crossing Chicago Med on the way, you remember hearing Gabby would take Owen here for further checkup. You hesitate slightly in front of the hospital entrance.

Maybe I can check on Owen one more time? Ensuring that there's nothing serious happening to him? You thought to yourself.

You ask the cab driver to pull over as you passed the hospital entrance.

You step to the ED nurse station, "Hi, Uhm, there's a boy, named Owen, that was brought here because of drowning. May I ask if he's doing okay?"

The nurse gives you a hard stare, "We cannot disclose any information about our patient to any non-family member, Miss,"

You scold yourself for being too soft-hearted. Naturally, the hospital will not tell you anything. For all they know, you could be a kidnapper, child abuser, or something similar.

You're just gearing yourself to leave, throwing an apologetic smile to the nurse, "Of course, I understand. Thank you,"

However, a doctor in dark scrub interrupted politely, "Who's asking?"

Looking up to the doctor, you see a "Connor Rhodes, M.D" embroidered on his scrub.

"Uhmm, my name is Y/N. I was there at the pool. He couldn't breathe for a moment when I pulled him out. I know the paramedics said he'd be okay, but I thought I could make sure, for my sanity, that Owen is going to be okay,"

The doctor and the nurse glance at each other, contemplate shortly before the doctor tells you to wait. He goes into one of the Trauma Rooms. You are just standing awkwardly at the nurse station, trying to be unobtrusive as possible.

Then a woman in a doctor's coat comes out from that Trauma Room, follows by another doctor in red scrub and Dr. Rhodes himself. Once they are in front of you, you can see "Natalie Manning, M.D" on the woman's coat.

"Are you the one who saved my son??" Dr. Manning stares at you with teary eyes.

"Err... I pulled him out of the water, yes. But the pool guard.."

"Before you can finish your sentence, you are hugged by the woman.

"Thank you so much! Thank you! I don't want to imagine what it would be if you're not there!"

Surprised by the hug, you're just awkwardly patting her back, looking at Dr. Rhodes and the other doctor behind her. You read, ".. Halstead M.D" on his chest, but unable to see his first name.

"Uhmm, I just happened to be there," You return, not knowing what to say. Dr. Manning lets you go from her hug after some time.

"Is he truly going to be fine? No water in his lungs?" you ask the doctors.

"We did a scan on his thorax. Nothing worrying is in his lungs. We will monitor him further. Hopefully, there'll be no sign of infection occurred. We can send him home tomorrow if all goes well," Dr. Halstead reveals.

"That's great to hear," you feel relieved after hearing that. "I hope Owen won't be afraid to be in the water again after the scare,"

"Well, I'm the one who's afraid to let him in the water now," retorts Dr. Manning. Her eyes are still watery, but her makeup is not smeared.

Stupid thing to notice, Y/N, you thought to yourself.

You pull out a pack of tissue from your bag and offer it to Dr. Manning, who receives it.

"I'm sorry I'm a mess. My name is Natalie Manning, Owen's mom. Here is Dr. Will Halstead, my fiance. You met Dr. Rhodes before,"

"Y/N Y/LN. Nice to meet you, even though the circumstance is not nice," you introduce yourself as you shake their hands.

"Seriously, thank you for saving Owen. How can we ever repay it to you?" Dr. Halstead sincerely says.

"Ah no, I did not do that or come here expecting anything. I'm just glad that you can let me know Owen is alright," you refuse.

"Why don't you come to our place for dinner someday when Owen is home?" Dr. Manning suggests.

"It's okay, doctor. There's no need for that.", you try to turn down their offer.

"Yeah, that's a great idea!" Dr. Halstead says. He pulls out his phone from his pocket. "Please put down your phone number here. We'll set up the dinner schedule" as he hands his phone to you.

You receive the phone, in reflex. "Truly, doctors, you don't have to do this. You don't even know me. What if I was lying to you?". These people were too trusting, you thought.

"His teacher told us what happened. Gabby Dawson also told us that her friend saved Owen. I could double-check with her if I ever doubt you. Not that I am, though," Dr. Manning explains.

"Dinner is the least we can do for you, Y/N. I could also ask my cop brother to come to dinner, in case you turn to be a villain", Dr. Halstead jests.

You snicker lightly. "Alright then, only a fool refused free dinner," as you put your number on Dr. Halstead's phone.

"Well, don't expect much from the dinner. These people are not known to be a good cook, you know", quips Dr. Rhodes.

"Just for that, Connor, you're not invited to dinner," Dr. Halstead points at him.

They laugh as you return the phone to Dr. Halstead. "I should go. Thank you again for letting me know about Owen. Hope he will back to the pool soon", say you with your cheeky grin.

"Thank you so much. You're such a good person. Saved my boy, came here to check on him, even gave me a tissue!" Dr. Manning lists to you as she dabs her eyes.

Dr. Halstead and Dr. Rhodes shake your hand goodbye. Dr. Manning gives you another hug before letting you exit the ED. None of the three doctors miss the limping on your left foot.

Next on this fic : Part 2

[izzielizzie]

Now I’ve Seen You I’ve Seen It All Chapter Two

This is a really long fic title, dang. Anyway, enjoy!!!

The next morning, the counselors are sitting drinking coffee in the Big Cabin before the children wake up and the morning rush sends them in a million and one directions. Addy’s texting someone, a grin on her face as her mug hovers between the table and her mouth.

“Are you talking to Keely?” Phoebe asks, peering over Addy’s shoulder.

“Yep, she’s got this major project designing a wedding dress for someone, and she’s pestering me about whether cream lace or white lace looks better, or something like that.”

Phoebe giggles, thinking of her own mother as she leans back against Knox. “Well, there was no lace on my dress and we survived.”

“Tell that to Keely.”

Addy, Phoebe, and Knox laugh. Farther down the table, Cooper and Kris are wrapped up in each other, discussing the weather. “If it rains, in the afternoon, I’ll have to cancel wiffle ball,” Cooper muses. Kris rolls his eyes affectionately. 

“What’s with you and wiffle ball?”

“Maeve won’t let me use real baseballs.”

“They’re dangerous!” Maeve protests from her spot in Luis’s arms.

Kris runs a hand through his curls and grins. “She’s got a point, babe. Look at what happened yesterday.”

“Kris that was a wiffle ball not a baseball so your point is invalid.”

“Imagine the kind of damage Ellen could have done if she had a baseball!”

“Kris please if Ellen wants to inflict damage she doesn’t need a baseball for that.”

“Speaking of, I wonder if Ellen and Ali are getting along,” Maeve says musingly as she rests her head on Luis’s shoulder.

“I’m sure they are,” Luis says.

Everyone at the table - minus the deranged couple - exchanges looks clearly indicating that they do not agree.

They would be correct.

“Ellen stop humming,” Ali grumbles from her bunk as Ellen stands in front of the mirror brushing her shoulder length hair.

Ellen hums a little louder.

“Ellen I mean it, stop humming.”

Ellen switches songs and hums louder.

“Ellen.”

“Hmmm.” Ellen’s stopped humming at this point and is now shouting random vowels as she continues methodically running a brush through her hair. 

“Ellen-I-don’t-know-your-middle-name-Rojas stop this instant or else. You’re giving me a headache and you’re off pitch.”

“HMMM- hey!”

In a desperate attempt to get Ellen to shut up, Ali leaps off her bunk, landing on top of Ellen with a bang.

“Shut! Up!” Ali shouts from on top of Ellen, ignoring her bruised arm.

“My hair! My hair!” Ellen shouts.

Ali pauses. “Your hair? Your hair? Girl I just jumped on you and you’re worried about your hair?”

“My hair!” Ellen repeats.

Ali rolls off Ellen. “Are you seriously that worried about your- ah!”

Ellen uses the opening to roll over on top of Ali. “Stop being so mean and bossy all the ti- oh hey Aunt Phoebe!” Ellen says, dropping her hands from Ali’s shoulders, which she had been shaking with every word.

Ali and Ellen both stand up, sheepishly turning to Phoebe, who had just pushed the door open, a tray of food balanced expertly one one hand. 

“Hello girls, I brought breakfast since Maeve wants you two to stay here and think about your actions. Which I’m sure you’re doing.”

“Oh yeah,” Ali says.

“For sure,” Ellen agrees.

Phoebe raises her eyebrows, not fooled. “Well, I’ll just leave this here so you can keep thinking,” she says, placing the tray on a desk. Both girls nod and wave as Phoebe leaves. The moment the door closes they scramble for the food, pushing each other until they’ve both grabbed something. The cross to opposite sides of the cabin and sit, glaring at each other. They stay this way for the rest of the morning and into the afternoon, pausing here and there to read books or throw thinly veiled insults at each other, but mostly they just sit in silence. Until the rain starts about an hour after Knox brings lunch.

“It’s raining,” Ellen says.

“Yeah I’m aware,” Ali responds. 

“It’s making the roof leak.”

Ali looks up to see a hole the size of a quarter in the roof, water slowly dripping onto the floor. “You’re worried about that? At home the roof was dripping so badly my dad had to redo the entire ceiling.”

Ellen tilts her head.

“My dad owns a construction company.”

“Oh. My mom’s a lawyer. We live in an apartment building.”

“Does your mom fix stuff?”

‘“We’re not allowed. And anyway, I don’t think she’d like to. She’s really neat and not… handson-y.”

“What about your dad?”

“I don’t have one.”

Ali nods once before turning back to her book, not sure how to proceed. If the girls realize they’ve just had a real conversation, they don’t acknowledge it. They stay silent until Ellen looks up to roll out her neck and realizes that the hole has become more like the size of her palm. 

“Ali! The hole!”

Ali looks up and jumps up in surprise. “We need to catch the water before it gets anywhere!” she cries as the water splashes down onto the wooden floor.”

“We need a bucket!”

Ali looks at Ellen like she’s grown three heads. “Right. Let me go get it from my car.”

“You don’t have a car.”

“And I don’t have a bucket either!”

Both girls scramble, frantically dancing around the water to find something suitable for catching the precipitation. 

“Your bag!” Ellen shouts, pointing to Ali’s oversized bag.

“What?”

“Yeah, it’ll work, we can line it with your leather jacket, it's waterproof right?”

Ali looks around frantically, trying to find a better alternative to her bag and jacket (which is waterproof). She doesn’t find one. “Okay! Fine!”

Both girls scramble to dump out the contents of the bag, and they line it with Ali’s jacket, pushing the bag under the water. They step back, catching their breath as the water starts to collect in the bag. Once she’s sure that the bag will hold the water, Ali turns to her things. She crouches and starts collecting everything, putting them on the bunk underneath hers. Ellen’s about to go back to her bed when she sees Ali picking up her things on her own. Feeling guilty for suggesting they use Ali’s only bag, Ellen climbs back down the ladder and starts picking up assorted things: a chapstick here, an earring there, until she sees an old tattered picture and freezes.

The picture is a normal picture: a girl in a green cap and gown, a grey dress peeking out underneath. She’s standing in front of a fireplace, a grin on her face as she holds up a diploma for the camera. But this isn’t just any old girl, it’s a girl Ellen recognizes. She knows the dark framed glasses and grey eyes and tan skin and brown curls. It’s her mother. Blood rushes to Ellen’s head. 

“Ali?” she asks quietly. Ali freezes, surprised by Ellen’s tone. 

“What?”

“Why do you have a picture of my mother?”

Ali turns, sees the picture in Ellen’s hand, and yanks it back. “Hey! Be careful with that, it's important.”

Ellen tries to take it back. “I mean it, Ali, why do you have a picture of my mother?”

Ali makes a face. “Your mother? That’s my mother, stupid.”

“No, that’s my mom.”

“Why would I have a picture of your mom?” Ali asks. 

“How am I supposed to know! Here, I’ll prove it.” Ellen fishes around her duffle bag for a moment until she pulls out a wallet. She opens it, and slides a Polaroid picture out from the slot where IDs are supposed to go. It’s of Ellen and Bronwyn, taken in their penthouse apartment the day before Ellen left for camp. Bronwyn had her arms around Ellen as they smiled at the camera that, at the time, was placed on the mantelpiece. Bronwyn was wearing a grey blazer and her hair was down, and it’s easy to see the resemblance between the Bronwyn in the Polaroid picture and the Bronwyn in Ali’s picture. Ellen hands Ali the picture. Ali stares at it for a moment, looking between the two pictures. When she finally turns away from them, Ellen can’t tell if she’s confused or about to cry.

“Why do I have a picture of your mom?”

“That’s what I’m asking.”

“But, does this mean I haven't been looking at my mom?” Ali’s actually crying now.

Ellen softens her tone. She can’t imagine finding a picture of her father and then learning it’s not her father. “I don’t know. Where did you find this?”

“In my dad’s office. I thought that person in the corner was him. I thought it was the only picture of my parents in the same room that I had.” Ali’s sobbing, and Ellen puts a hand on her arm. She doesn’t pull away. 

“Is that him? In the corner?” Ellen can just make out an arm in a leather jacket. Ali nods. Ellen thinks this isn’t a lot to go off of, parents wise, but Ellen can understand Ali’s desperation. She’s always wondered about her father, but her mother’s only said that she’s moved on and doesn’t want to talk about him. “I’m sorry Ali. Did your dad grow up in Bayview?”

“Yeah,” Ali sniffs.

“My mom too. She hasn’t been back since I was born. That was twelve years ago. Thirteen in October,” Ellen adds. Ali’s head shoots up.

“October?”

“Yeah, October thirty first. I’ve always loved that I was born on -”

“Halloween. Ellen, I was born on Halloween. I’m twelve almost thirteen.”

Ellen looks at Ali. “That’s a funny coincidence.”

Ali grabs for Ellen’s shoulders. “What if it’s not? What if we were born on the same day? What if your mom is my mom? I mean we look alike right? Everyone says so. We only disagreed because we didn’t like each other.” Ellen notices the past tense. Maybe Ali doesn’t hate her anymore. 

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I mean, we both have black hair. We both have freckles. Our skin is the same shade of not-pale-but-not-tan-either. And our eyes are… wait are they blue or grey?”

“I’ve always called them ‘grue’,” Ellen admits.

“Me too!”

“Wait, Ali, are you saying we’re sisters?”

“Ellen, you doofus, we’re twins.”

It takes a moment for this to sink in, but all of a sudden, Ellen’s crying in a way that she hasn’t in a long time. She’s hugging Ali, rocking back and forth and sobbing into her shoulder. “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god,” they keep saying over and over in unison, almost like they’re identical twins that have had their entire lives to do things like say the same thing at the same time. When they pull away, Ellen asks: “Does this mean your dad is my dad?”

“Yeah! I think it does!”

“Oh my gosh, what’s he like?” Ellen asks.

“He’s great! He’s funny and really nice and we watch movies together and he takes me to work and he built me a treehouse.”

“Oh. My. God. That’s so cool.”

“What about Mom?”

“She’s a lawyer. She’s super cool and she has the greatest fashion sense and she drives the coolest car. Oh my gosh, Ali, this means that Aunt Maeve is your aunt too!”

Ali starts crying again at this realization. She truly does adore Maeve.

“Do you think she knows?”

“I don’t know. Ali, we should ask!”

“Yes! Let’s go!”

Both girls sprint out of the door, hand in hand, glancing at each other every few moments, reveling in the feeling of finding family, their past animosity long forgotten.

[sunnyie-eve]

1 | You can't really fly

Series: Terror (Simon Kalivoda x OFC Fraser!)

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: language, drug use

"How many fingers am I holding up?"

"Hey, you got my back for tonight, right?" Sam walks up to her sister's locker. "Don't I always?" Elizabeth looks at her as she closes her locker shut. "Yeah, but." Sam was cut off by Deena coming up to her. "So tonight." She smiles at her. "All set. Liz has my back." Elizabeth nods her head then heads off to class. "So, what are we doing tonight since Denna will ditch us for Sam?" Kate starts to walk beside her. "I was thinking we just let loose and see where the night takes us." Simon joins them. "How about no. Plus, I told my mom I was just hanging out with the girls tonight. She doesn't really care for you. Actually, she doesn't care for any of you three." Liz says as they keep walking to class. "Your mom is a bitch." Simon says, making her laugh. "She is. At the moment at home, things are getting bad between her and dad." Liz agrees and goes on.

"I'm guessing he can't put up with her anymore?" Kate laughs as they go into the classroom. "I don't blame him. I try so hard not to snap at her." Liz takes her seat. "But you have... last Sunday night, remember," Simon tells her as he takes his seat behind her. "I said I will try. I didn't say that I don't." She corrected him. "What were you two doing last Sunday? At night?" Kate smirks at the two. "He showed up at my window, at midnight. Asking me to paint his nails because he wanted them done," Liz says, making Kate groan because all she wanted was for Liz and Simon to get together. "Speaking of nails, you need to redo them soon because they're starting to look bad." Simon puts one of his hands out to Liz so she could see. "Maybe stopped biting your nails the polish it would be okay." She smacks his hand so he will pull it away.

While in class, Liz was paying attention to the teacher. Kate was zoned out looking out the window, and Simon was writing little notes, throwing them on Liz's desk. "Stop." She whispers, turning her head to the side some. Of course, this doesn't stop him from throwing more on her desk. Liz gets annoyed and finally opens one up to see it said, Hi, with a smiley face. She shakes her head, ripping out a page, and writes him back, tossing it behind her. Simon smiles, opening the wad of paper to see her write hi back with a smiley face. For no reason whatsoever, Simon reaches for Liz's hair to play with it. Elizabeth chooses to ignore him while she does the work for class. Kate finally looks away from the window over to her friends. She also pulls out a sheet of paper to pass Simon a note.

The note hits him in the head then falls on his desk. He gives her a what look before opening the ball. Stop being a pussy and tell her you like her. Simon looks over at Kate shaking his head, then writes back. I don't like her like that. Kate gives him a look, Yes, you do. Stop lying to me. I can tell because of how you look at her. She throws the paperback at him. He reads it then throws it towards the trash but misses. "Mr. Kalivoda, stop throwing trash around." The teacher picks it up putting it in the trash can. Once class was over Kate and Simon keep nudging each other talking with looks and noises. "What are you two doing?" Elizabeth turns to face them. "Huh?" Simon stops. "What am I missing?" She asks, confused. "Yeah, Simon here won't ad-," He cuts Kate off by covering her mouth and walking her away. "It's not important. See you later." He leaves with Kate.

///

"Where are you girls going?" Mom stops Sam and me. "Us girls are all hanging out tonight." I let her know. "Who's all of us girls?" She crosses her arms, glaring at us. "Sam, me, Deena, and Kate," I tell her. "No, you both are staying home tonight. I don't want you out late on a Friday. Back to your rooms." She points back at where we came from. "Are you serious?" I laugh. "Yes, now." We both turn around. "Great," Sam mumbles, going to hers, and I go to mine, calling Kate to let her know we can't leave. "Why don't you just sneak out?" She asks me. "Now that you brought it up, I might." I laugh into the phone. "Well, if you do, call me to let me know." She tells me. "Of course I will. I gotta go. I hear the witch coming." I end the phone call as my mother wings my door open.

"Yes, ma'am?" I ask, jumping onto my bed. "Just making sure you are thinking about sneaking out." I laugh, "I would never." I lie, and she leaves the room. There went that plan. I groan, turning on the radio, laying down, closing my eyes and falling asleep. The feeling of someone covering my mouth wakes me up in a panic. As I open my eyes, I see Simon telling me to be quiet. I slap his hand away hard, "What the fuck, dude?" I sit up, and he laughs quietly. "What are you doing here?" I ask, looking over at the clock to see it was 11:25pm. "Kate said you couldn't leave the house, so I brought the fun to you. I came by earlier and saw you were asleep, so I came back and still saw you asleep.'' He jumps onto my bed.

"You were creeping outside my window earlier?" I give him a look. "Yeah, I do it quite a lot, actually. When you aren't busy is when I pop in, but when you are... I head off. Don't give me that look! You never answer my calls or call me, so what else am I supposed to do?" He hits me. "Shh! My mom will hear you." I say, covering his mouth as I hear footsteps. He jumps up and jumps out the window to hide. Thankfully it was my dad who opened the door. "Simon, keep quiet because of my wife. You know she's the opposite of me. Especially knowing you're here late." My dad tells him, so he climbs back through the window. "Got it." My dad leaves the room.

"Here, take one." Simon holds out his hand, showing me a pill. "Simon, you know I don't do drugs or care about them whatsoever." I huff. "Let loose some. One night. I'll keep it a secret between us." He pouts, begging me. "No. Especially here." I push his hand away. "Then let's leave and just walk around." He pulls me off the bed. "That's it." I agree. "And you are taking this pill. It's not even that bad, trust me. It will just let you feel like you're floating in the air with no worries." I just stare at him. "I will never try to tell you to take another pill ever. If you take this baby one. Also, even though I keep trying to get you to take this...in the end, if you don't want to take it. I can't make you." He smiles, taking one. I roll my eyes, opening my mouth with my tongue out, "Hurry up before I change my mind." I tell him, and he places it on my tongue, and I swallow it.

I make up my bed, so it looks like I'm sleeping before we sneak out the window. As we walk around, I don't feel anything happening to me yet. "How many fingers am I holding up?" He shoves his fingers in my face. "Three." I laugh. "Okay, it hasn't hit you yet." He laughs as we get to the park running over to the swings. "Do you think your parents will get a divorce soon?" He asks as we swing a little. "Yeah, if they do, I'm choosing my dad. One, he's better. Two, he most likely won't move to Sunnyvale like my mother would." I speak the truth. "You wouldn't move to Sunnyvale if you had the chance?" He looks over at me. "I would, but I don't wanna leave you guys," I tell him. "We love you too." He says, making me laugh. After a few more minutes, I could tell the pill hit, Simon. Right before it hits me.

Let's just say swinging on the swings while being high for the first time was not the best. I end up falling off the swing in the air, hitting the ground, laughing. "You know you can't actually fly, right." Simon laughs, then jumps off, landing bad, making me laugh too. "I know, I wasn't trying. I just felt weird." I laugh at him jumping up. "How many fingers am I holding up?" I ask him. "Eight." He reaches for my hand. "Dude, I don't even know the correct answer." I laugh at myself, trying to count my fingers. Once he gets up, we play around on the playset and monkey bars. "Wow, Si! The earth flipped upside down." I swing upside down as he does the same. "Wow, this is my first time experiencing this. Why have I never noticed this? Maybe this other pill will make it cooler." I see him take another pill, and I snatch one from him, taking another too.

I fall off then pull myself up with the pole before spinning around it. "Maybe I should let loose more." I stopped walking up to Simon, who was still hanging. "Told you, no worries." He reaches to tap my nose then pulls my face closer to his till his lips come in contact with mine. As I kiss him back, he falls off, pulling me down to the ground too laughing. My body takes over, straddling him leaning down to kiss him while his hands grab my hips. He rolled us over, so he was on top, kissing me then down my neck and collar bone. He moved his hand under my shirt, sliding his hand up and down my side. He pressed his lips against mine again and trailed his hand down my thigh, rubbing it. "I don't know if I'm hallucinating or not." He says out of breath, grinding up against me, hard. "If we are, it's a crazy one." I pull him down, kissing him roughly as our tongues fight.

Thankfully once the night was over, we woke up at the park. We had no memory of us having that heated make-out after we took the second pill. "Shit! Shit! Shit!" I jump up from the ground, waking up Simon. "Shit, did we sleep here? I don't remember anything after we took that second pill." He rubs his head. "Either do I! I'm so dead! I gotta get home. Fuck even, my dad is going to kill me." I start to walk home, and Simon walks with me. "Good luck." He says as we get closer to my house, then he heads home too. As I sneak back into my room, the door opens, showing Sam with her arms crossed. "Never have I had to cover for you. Where the hell have you been? You look like shit." She asks, pissed off.

"The park with Simon. We fell asleep, and we don't even remember falling asleep on the ground." I tell her. "You got high?! You hate drugs, so what the fuck?" She hits me. "He talked me into. It was a one-time thing never again.'' I let her know. "What did y'all do?" She asks. "Played at the park then fell asleep there. That's pretty much it." I tell her the truth as my dad walks in. He eyes me, then crosses his arms, "You're grounded for the rest of the weekend.'' He leaves my room then pops his head back in, "Change before your mother sees you." He shuts my door. "Yes, Sir!" I shout as Sam leaves too, and I change into clean clothes.

Next

[cecilspeaks]

176 - The Autumn Specter

Lips are the toes of the face. Welcome to Night Vale.

[spooky theme song]

It’s Halloween again, Night Vale, my favorite day of the year. As a kid, my mother used to dress my sister Abby and I in homemade costumes and take us door to door, vaguely threatening our neighbors until they gave us candy. When I was a teenager, I got a little old for trick-or-treating, so I started going to haunted houses with my friends. A lot of those haunted houses were kind of predictable with all their chain saw killers and Victorian ghost children singing nursery rhymes, who would follow you home and sing by your bed for months afterwards, but they always got to me. I loved the emotional rush of being scared. I still do. Of course, I don’t go out much to haunted houses, but I still love good old fashioned scary stories. I thought today would be a great day to share some of my favorites with you. I had my new intern, James, put together a few spooky tales that are perfect for putting you into Halloween mood.

But first, let’s have a look at the Community Calendar. This Saturday night at the New Old Night Vale Opera House, is the annual costume gala. This event is the Opera House’s largest fundraiser and one of the most prestigious costume contests in the region. A panel of judges will be on hand to determine the best costume at the ball. Last year’s winners were Joel Eisenberg and his partner Danny Jimenez, who dressed in a tandem outfit of a stegosaurus. I was there, listeners, and it was impressive! The creature was so realistic-looking. The craftsmanship of the costume was top notch, but listen, I have to confess I’m always more into high concept creativity rather than realistic details when it comes to costumes. Like I remember the 2015 gala, when Amal Shamun came dressed up as the concept of ennui. She made herself 12 feet tall, dressed in a taupe long coat, and created a constant drizzling rain inside the ball room. Anyone who looked at her got super sad and wanted a hug. But Joel and Danny’s stegosaurus was fine.

Sunday afternoon is the fall craft sale in Old Town Night Vale. An inscrutable maze of stalls showcasing the finest products from our town’s artisans. There will be cultural events for children, like finger painting classes, puppet shows, and a visit from the Autumn Specter. The Autumn Specter returns. It comes to collect its crops, with its great and sharp sickle. [creepily] It will harvest every ripe soul in Night Vale, the Autumn Specter is hungryyyy! It is Octoberr and it is timme to feeeeeee-duh.

Hey James, this Community Calendar doesn’t seem right, it’s just a bunch of stuff about the Autumn Specter. Also this font size, what-what is this 32 point? That’s just much too large. And it’s printed in red ink and that is a waste of our color toner, James. Eww, eww! This red ink is still really damp. OK, plus there’s nothing about start and end times of the craft fair, or anything about the food trucks, like if the Autumn Specter is hungry, surely it wants some falafel or Korean barbeque or tacos. James, could you just redo this story? James? James? [clears throat] Well, listeners, I don’t know where James went. Um, I can hear him breathing, but I don’t see him anywhere. Yeah, it’s fine, let’s just get onto our first spooky story.

[static, old-fashioned music] One quiet moonless night, not long ago and not so far away, a teenage girl sat in a house that was not her own. It was the home of Tony and Sheila McDowell. The girl was their babysitter, and she had just put the two young McDowell children down to sleep. The girl watched TV alone in the dark living room, only the bluish flicker of a scary movie illuminating her face. The phone rang abrupt and loud, startling her. She raised the receiver to her ear. “Hello?” she said with a slight quiver. “Have you checked on the children?” came a raspy voice. The babysitter ran quickly upstairs, opening the door of the kids’ bedroom. She flicked on the light, and there they were, fast asleep. She went back to her movie, but the phone rang again. “Haave youuu checked on the childrennn?” came the same voice, only more sinister. The babysitter again hurried upstairs, opened the door, turned on the light, and saw the children still asleep. The caller called again and again and again. “Have you checked on the children?” The babysitter, so scared, barely able to move, hung up the phone before the voice could finish its repeated query. When the phone rang once again, she answered and shouted: “Stop calling me!” But this time, it was a different voice. The person on this occasion said: “Ma’am, this is the police. We’ve traced the call. The call is coming from inside the house. Get out, get out!” The babysitter panicked and started to run, but then she remembered: she never called the police! How would they know to even trace the call? So she crept fearfully upstairs to the children’s room, and the phone was ringing again, the clamoring bell igniting her fright. And she cracked open the door and she saw- She saw the young McDowell boy and his little brother hunched over a phone and giggling! They were pranking her, and she felt relieved but embarrassed. And she told them to stop fooling around and go to sleep. And they all shared a good laugh.

Let’s have a look now at traffic. [papers rustling] Um.. OK, well I don’t seem to have a traffic report from intern James. Also James isn’t here right now, because I sent him out to go pick up lunch a few m- Oh, hey James, James, James, James – wait, why are you standing in the control booth? You were supposed to go get lunch and also I’ve asked you a couple of times not to wear that burlap bag over your head. I mean yes it looks great, with the Jack o’ Lantern face drawn onto it, I mean the mouth is a bit lopsided and the eyes are a tad uneven,  you know kinda flat and emotionless, but all in all it’s a cool look, but it’s decidedly not allowed in Station Management’s dress code. Oh, you’re holing a knife, too! So did you get- did you already get that lunch then? Well if that- if that’s the case, you don’t need to cut my sandwich in half, I’ll-I’ll take it whole. And also I need that traffic report, thanks. James? What are you waiting for, the Autumn Specter to do it for you? [chuckles] Hop to it! James?

[clears throat] Well, while James is working on that, let’s get back to my favorite spooky Halloween stories. This one isn’t a story so much as a fun Halloween game. The legend of Bloody Mary.

According to the lore, if you turn off all the lights, and stare into a mirror, repeating “Bloody Mary” three times in a row, she will appear and tear your face off! I’ve never tried this because I don’t own any mirrors, but my husband Carlos conducted this very experiment in his science lab. He said he darkened the room and repeated the name and nothing happened for a long time. But then a figure of a woman appeared, silvery gray and shimmering, and she approached Carlos slowly, her hollow white eyes never blinking. She brought her face only inches from Carlos and said: “Are you for real?” And Carlos said yes, he was indeed – real. And Bloody Mary said: “OK because this time of year, I just get a bunch of giggling, screaming teenagers, and I’m really tired of ripping off their faces for no pay whatsoever!” And Carlos gave her some resources for starting a union and she thanked him and she offered to tear his face off in exchange for the consulting, but Carlos said no, he liked his face, and wisher her luck. Night Vale, pay your malevolent spirits! They’re overworked especially around Halloween. And a 20 per cent gratuity for poltergeists, phantasms, revenants, and ghosts is standard.

And now for t- what the, oh you- [papers rustling] Wait, OK. You know, I thought intern James had handed the traffic report to me, but this is just a piece of parchment with a 9-pointed star seemingly drawn by a finger dripped in blood. And then there are a series of ancient runes scrawled around the outer edges. Now I took runic in college. I mean, most of my friends took Spanish as their language, but I thought living here in the American Southwest, it would be more useful to study ancient Scandinavian and Germanic alphabets. And from what I can make out, these are a message about the return of the Autumn Specter. Ugh, alright. OK. I love that intern James loooves Halloween and whatever this the Autumn Specter is. In fact, James is still in the break room right now construction a sacred totem out of ash tree branches and twine. He’s been muttering to himself all day in a language that I don’t recognize, and the only words I can understand are “Autumn Specter”. But I still have neither my traffic report nor my lunch! Wait, do you think James is… Naah, put it out or you mind, Cecil.

Let’s tell another spooky Halloween story. There once was a beautiful young woman who wore a green ribbon around her neck. She won the affection of a handsome young man. They fell in love and one day the boy asked the girl why she always wore a green ribbon around her neck. She would not tell him. One day the man and the woman were to become husband and wife. In her white bridal dress, the woman still wore her green ribbon. The man asked her on their wedding night if he could untie the green ribbon, but even on the  most intimate of evenings, she said no, and he respected her answer. But he longed to know what she was hiding behind the ribbon. Through the years, the man asked the wife again about the ribbon, but she never removed it, nor answered his questions about it. She only warned him that he would not like what he saw if she were to remove it. He asked less and less, but his curiosity grew and grew. And they became old, very old, and they knew their time left was short. The man asked one more time: “My dearest wife, love of my life, tell me that I may remove the green ribbon from around your neck.” And the old woman said: “My adoring groom, here in our room after all these many years, yes you may. But I caution you, as I have many times before, that you shall not like what your eyes behold.” The man hesitated, but finally reached his weakened, wrinkled fingers to the green bow along her nape. And he tentatively pulled the ribbon, and suddenly it unfurled, falling from her neck, and the man gasped. Upon her neck was a series of ornate letters spelling out “GOTH LIFE”. The woman said: “I got this tattoo in high school but kind of outgrew it and it’s super embarrassing.” And the man replied: “It is for sure weird, but also pretty cool. I like it.” And she never wore the green ribbon again.

You know, listeners, I’d love to bring you that traffic report, but right now, um, I’m facing something much more urgent and more dire. My studio door has opened on its own, and as I turned around, I could see down the long faintly lit corridor of our offices. And at the end of the hallway stands a figure, and he wears a Jack o’ Lantern mask, his head crooked to one side like a dog asking a question or like a hanged man, or both. And it is intern James, and he holds a long knife and he walks, he walks slowly toward me. And he is speaking at first in a mutter, but now louder, a strange shout in an obscure tongue like a magician casting a wicked spell, and he is moving much faster toward me, like a limping run, and his blade is raised high, and James is not an intern, Night Vale, bu the Autumn Specter itself come to reap my soul!

But before he does that, Let me take you to the weather.

[“Welterweight” by Nels Andrews. https://nelsandrews.bandcamp.com/]

So. During the weather, I went to human resources and requested a file on intern James. Oh I’m fine, by the way, and James is not the Autumn Specter, but I’ll get to that. So I found a copy of James’ résumé and cover letter for the position of radio station intern. His application was originally submitted in 1845. “That’s almost two centuries ago!” I exclaimed, but according to HR, they’re pretty backlogged on the intern apps. “What are you gonna do, we get to them when we get to them,” they said from the bottom of their abandoned well. Paperclipped to James’ application was a wrinkled and yellowed news clipping from the Night Vale °Daily Journal, and the article says that James died on Halloween night in 1849 when he was hit by a train. I then went to the hall of public records and found that our radio station was built in 1950, atop the very train tracks where James met hi send. James’ soul has been wandering the halls and offices of our radio station ever since. For all James ever wanted was to be a radio intern. To serve the listening community, to lift high the voice of journalistic truth. And it was his death that led to the shutdown of those train tracks and the eventual construction of a new station home, and the building we still use now. So I was wrong about James. He was an intern, after all, and not a malevolent Halloween spirit.

But I was right that the Autumn Specter had come for me. For when I turned to see James running down the hill, I did not notice the Autumn Specter behind me, with its bony hands and scarecrow mouth, and I did not notice its soul reaping sickle, which it had raised high above its oversized head and stick thin body. And James had given his life for the building of our radio station, and in death, gave his soul for the very same cause. And James threw himself upon the Autumn Specter, and he tried to stab the Specter’s neck and chest, but it-it- it did nothing. And the Spectre pushed James aside and then turned its black coal eyes upon me. And it raised its curved blade once again and swung! I tried to duck, but was too slow. And just as the sickle’s edge reached my face, James dove in front of it and vanished in a burst of white flame, as he was struck. And the room was empty and the Autumn Specter was gone too.

To the family and friends of intern James, he was… an OK intern. Not always on  top of his writing deadlines, but he literally sacrificed his soul for our radio station. I can’t bring you a traffic report today, but I will live to bring you one tomorrow.  If we find a new intern. And HR tells me that we have hundreds of candidates, although  most of them are not yet aware that they are candidates.

Stay tuned next for our new cooking competition show, “Flay Bobby Flay”.

And as always, Good night, Night Vale, Good night.

Today’s proverb: The road to hell is paved with cobblestone. It’s super bumpy, not at all comfortable, and really bad for your car’s suspension.

[radiorenjun]

Lavender Antics

→ Pairing: Han Jisung x Reader

→ Summary: Shooting in a drama with him was your absolute nightmare. Working with your enemy and pretending that you were love interests has been the most frustrating experience of your life. Though, after saying your farewells, the scent of lavender never leaves.

→ Genre:enemies to lovers au, idol au, romance, angst, slowburn, comedy.

→ Chapter: 6, 7, 8

→ A/N: YEP I CREATED A NEW DIVIDER. IM SO SORRY I HAVEN’T UPDATED IN FOREVER OMG

"EXCUSE ME?"

"Wait, back up. Back up, you did what?!" Kiyeon exclaimed, a look of complete disgust spread across her expression. "Let me get this straight," Jaehwa snickered, trying not to bawl out laughing in front of you to prevent you from sending an assassin to beat her up afterwards.

You hid your face against the soft fabric of your pillows, face red in embarrassment and shame as the distant sinister laughter of your group leader deafen your ears from the speakers of your phone, along with the soft chatters among your group members.

"Y/N L/N, main dancer and vocalist of the Mythical Refrain, our little Y/n who constantly looks away and shakes her head with disgust at our bullshit, was suppose to give Han Jisung an innocent peck on the lips-" Jaehwa snorted midway before your leader, Cheonsa, came into the screen over her shoulder.

"But ended out in a full blown heated make out session on camera, swapping spit in front of all the cast?! That's beyond priceless, I can't even-" Cheonsa bawled out laughing, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes as Haneul just shook her head in disappointment in the background.

"Damn, y/n, was he good though? I knew maknae lines are never innocent at heart, I just knew it!" Cheonsa practically choked on her spit midway through laughing, and you internally hope that she chokes and die on the spot so you wouldn't have to endure the teasing even longer.

"Shut up, if anything you're the pervert here!" you shot back, heat striking your cheeks at her words. "It happened at the heat of the moment, I didn't mean for things to go that far!" you hissed angrily, venom lacing your tone. "You still made out with him, did you not?" Jaehwa smirked mischievously.

"Disappointed but not surprised," your maknae tsked softly with a shake of her head. "Shut up! This is coming from the same idiots who dressed up as if it was Halloween when taking their member to the airplane!" you grumbled with an angry frown, pointing an accusatory finger at your phone screen, making sure your members were able to see you.

"That was a fun experience, okay? Besides what happened afterwards?" Jaehwa shrugged, shoving Cheonsa's laughing figure away from the camera, moving the device so that Jaehwa and Kiyeon's face were clear on your screen. You gulped, internally screaming at yourself not to tell them. To say that you moved on with it without an ounce of shame in your veins. To say that you ran away to Hogwarts, never to be seen again.

You gulped, looking at your nails to avoid your friends' curious expressions basically glaring into your soul. "We were told to redo the whole scene tomorrow," you muttered under your breath, hoping that your members couldn't pick up your words from the low pitch of your voice through the mic.

But their unnecessarily loud laughter that peaked through your phone speakers practically make you deaf. You winced at the loud piercing noise, your hand coming up to lower the volume slightly as your members howled back laughing.

You heard their palms banging against the wooden floor of your dorm. "This day just keeps getting better and better!" howled Cheonsa, clapping aggressively in the background as she practically wheezed her lungs out of laughter.

If there was a delete yourself button, now would be a good time to press it.

"Why? Why do you-" Jaehwa wheezed, unable to blurt out the words in her throat since she was laughing like a deformed chicken. You grumbled, rolling your eyes as the recent memory of your manager walking into your trailer with a sympathetic smile and fearful eyes, ready to spill the news to you and be eaten alive by your incredulous expression.

"Our manager said that it was 'too heated' for a soft first kiss between our characters, plus everyone got off character when we started kissing because they didn't think we'd actually do it without arguing first," you grumbled, faceplanting on the pillow with a loud annoyed groan.

"How am I going to face Jisung tomorrow, for fucks sake!" you whined as your members snickered. "Rest in peace, sister." Kiyeon said sympathetically, finding your current situation disgusting with all the kissing deal. "Well there goes my plans of getting our seniors' autograph," your leader sighed.

You gave her an incredulous look through the screen, trying not to pull a horror movie stunt and choking her through the phone screen with your bare hands. "You can kiss those autographs goodbye, Cheonsa. I'm saying this with full admiration when I say, I’m never letting your creepy ass near them,," you shot back defensively.

"As much as I'm offended on how you called your leader a creep, I completely understand if you don't want me getting near your man." Cheonsa's face came up on the screen, giving you an annoying wink that had your blood boiling. "Shut up or I will book a flight back to Korea at this second and roast your laptop on a bonfire!" you threatened weakly.

Your cheeks grew red at her words, your man. You let out a soft scoff, rolling your eyes at the thought. Suddenly, a beautiful image of Han Jisung himself appeared in your line of vision. A slow motion version of his lips slowly spreading into a heart shaped smile, a small soft chuckle being elicited from his throat.

The small memory of the way his fluffy hair would swoosh to different directions from his movements in the morning during breakfast as he sneakily grabs the three slices of cheesecakes on the dessert trays subtly came into your mind.

5:41 AM

You were woken up on the crack of dawn for a small shoot shared between you and Jisung's character. You were on break when you decided to wander around the studio, waving and passing by busy staff members, make up artists and multiple directors.

You suddenly found yourself walking towards the food area, where you were free to munch and snack on whatever they served as long as you were on break and didn't sneak it on set in filming.

You let out a soft wide yawn, clutching your black coat against your body to gain more warmth in the cold breeze. You shuddered at the cold wind that smacked against your body as you walked over to the food area, passing by exhausted staff members on the way.

"I'm seriously not ready for a long distance relationship with my bed," you mumbled to yourself as you opened the door to the food area, poking your head into the room. To your surprise it was empty, though it appears a few staff members had snuck a treat or two but nonetheless you had the place to yourself.

Or so you thought.

As you grabbed yourself a plate and some utensils, you heard soft sounds of footsteps. You jolted in alarm, crouching down to your knees to hide in case your manager comes in to call you in for another scene to shoot. You're definitely not leaving without finding a perfectly good cookie if you were going to step outside in the cold weather.

You crawled across the floor, peaking through the table cloths to see who it was but the trays on the other tables blocked the face of whoever had entered. You assumed it was one of the directors considering they were wearing the same thick black coat they gave specifically for the directors and cast members.

You heard footsteps echoing the room, signifying that the person was walking towards the cake section of the room. You stood up slowly, careful as to not make a noise. You furrowed your brows when you saw the person scurrying around the table with the hood over their head.

Your curiosity got the better of you. You tiptoed slowly towards them, trying not to gain their attention but wanting to find out who it was. Step by step, you slowly came closer to said person eventually standing beside them and poking your head to see what they're doing.

You raised your head up and froze when you realised you were now face to face with none other than Han Jisung, himself, who's eyes widened at the sight of you as you both just froze in place, staring at each other in a good awkward silence.

How ironically cliché.

Jisung took a step back in shock, letting out a startled noise, almost dropping his plate in the process. "Talk about a late delay, Han." you snickered, rolling your eyes at the boy. Jisung scoffed, relaxing his tense muscles as he realised it was just you and not some creepy sasaeng fan.

"Oh, it's you." he stated with a not so amused tone, sighing in relief as he placed his plate on the table cloth beside the trays. "You sound pleased to see me," you teased, giving him a cheeky grin. "What gave you that idea?" he sent you a fake smile, showing his pearly white teeth.

"What are you doing here?" Jisung asked with a raised brow, his fake smile subsiding as he grabbed a fork beside you. "That's my line," you muttered, watching him grab some cookies from the jars. Jisung gave you an incredulous look, shoving a cookie in his mouth.

You giggled at his expression, shrugging simply at him. "Got bored, decided to snack." you smiled sheepishly, grabbing a cookie from his plate and shoving it into our own mouth causing Jisung to retort, trying to pull the cookie out of your mouth. "That's mine you thief!" he whined, causing you to stick your tongue out after you gulp the contents down.

"What are you doing here?" you asked, tilting your head at him as you grabbed a glass and filled it with some milk from the drink section. "I heard from a few staff that there were only three cheesecakes leftover. You know I won't survive a day without a cheesecake as an energy boost," Jisung shrugged, showing you the cheesecakes in his plate.

"Plus, we still have hours and hours of shooting after this. There's no way I could live on without having some creamy goodness in my mouth," Jisung hummed as he started to eat his cheesecakes, savoring it bit by bit. "You make it sound so wrong," you scrunched your face in disgust, your mind going places.

Jisung's eyes widened as they bore into yours. "Hey! That's on you. It's not my fault you have a dirty mind," he tutted, flicking your forehead in the process which elicited a small yelp from you. You pouted, rubbing the sore spot on your forehead as Jisung continued to stare disappointingly at you with chubby cheeks.

For a split second, you basked in his appearance. Taking a moment to look at how fluffy his hair is considering you both shot a scene where your character and his character went on a little morning stroll after waking up. You knew your make up artist didn't make you appear any less messy than Jisung, but you still couldn't comprehend why he looks so wholesome right now.

Fluffy brown hair with strands going in different directions, a simple makeup that gave him the perfect 'bedhead' look, puffy cheeks stuffed with the sugary dessert as he munched on the cookies. The pajamas they had you both wear for the shoot, making you feel as if you were in said kdrama yourself.

"Earth to Y/N!"

You snapped out of your trance at Jisung's concerned tone, blinking rapidly as you tried to comprehend what's going on around you. Jisung's fingers were snapping excessively in front of your face, brows furrowed in concerned as you divert your attention away from his face to his fingers.

"Sorry I spaced out," you grinned sheepishly, avoiding his eyes when you realized you were watching him eat his cheesecake the whole time like a weird pervert. "Dang girl, are you really that tired? You looked as if you were bout to eat me alive" Jisung said with a light laugh, grabbing his fork to shove a piece of his cheesecake into your mouth.

You let out a muffled noise of surprise when you felt the sugary dessert began to overwhelm your taste buds. "Here's a little energy boost," he grinned cheekily, pulling the fork out of your mouth before taking a bite of cheesecake for himself. You chewed as you had come into two realizations.

One. Jisung was using a fork for his cheesecake, this boy never fails to surprise you with how odd he is considering he sang bout Americanos five times when you visited the local cafe near your hotel, thus embarrassing you in public.

Two. He used the same fork that he had used to feed himself. Which lead you to thinking that you just had an indirect kiss with him. Your face becoming even more flustered by the second as you let the thought sink deeper and deeper into your mind.

"Here, have some more. You looked as if you've seen an alien, geez." Jisung poked his fork through the cheesecake and moved his hand closer to your mouth. You shook your head, cupping your mouth dramatically when you saw him coming closer. Taking a step back, you let out an awkward laugh. "No thanks, I'm good."

Jisung raised a brow at you, "really? You always nag how I always steal the last piece, you should be grateful I'm willing to share right now." he chuckled, taking a step forward to aim the fork at your mouth once again. "Say 'ah'!" he cooed, but you simply shook your head and gently pushed his hand away from you.

"I'm good, Jisung. It's not good to have some sugar this early, you know?" you rambled, silently cursing yourself for not accepting the cheesecake for the sake of your own pride and ego. Jisung wasn't buying it but he let's it go with a shrug. "Oh well, more for me then." he said before shoving the fork into his mouth.

"Y/N! Stop spacing out bout Jisung and talk to us, God dammit!"

You blinked, realising you were spacing out again when you realised your members had gathered together in front of the camera, waving at you in concern. "Sorry, what?" you muttered under your breath, your voice almost inaudible for the phone to pick up as you internally slapped yourself for thinking bout Jisung despite the awkward situation you're currently in.

"Stop spacing out bout Jisung, God dammit!" Jaehwa joked, causing you to involuntarily choke on your own spit at her words. "Jaehwa, no." you shook your head vigorously. "Don't make my situation any worse than it already is, for fucks sakes!" you groaned, burying your head into your pillow once again.

They snickered softly, enjoying your suffering for their own entertainment. Sometimes you wished you had debuted with people who don't make you want to roast yourself over the kitchen stove like marshmallow on a stick.

"It'll all be over when you know it. Don't worry, you're not that awkward of a person, so you should be fine." Haneul waved her hand off with a casual shrug. You rolled your eyes. "Shut it, you're still the maknae. You don't understand shit of what the grown ups are talking bout." you teased.

Haneul clicked her tongue in annoyance, sending you a sharp glare. "I'm only 15 months younger than you and you know it!" she hissed in retaliation, threateningly pointing her apple pen directly at you through the screen when you stuck your tongue out.

"Alright, we'll let you get some rest now before Haneul over here flies to Japan to shove her pen up your ass." Cheonsa chuckled nervously, pulling the younger member, who was glaring daggers at you, out of the camera by her shoulders.

"Okay then, I'll call you guys tomorrow, yeah?" you nodded, waving at them as your thumb hovered over the end call button. "Yeah, of course. Say hi to the manager for us, Jeongin, too!" Jaehwa waved back as you let out a giggle. "I will, see you guys later!" you rolled your eyes at them.

"By-" you pressed the end call button before they could finish their sentence, wanting to sleep the stress off of your body before you have to face Jisung the next day. You pulled the covers over your body, closing your eyes with an exhausted sigh.

Hopefully things would be better tomorrow.

You tiptoed your way into the set, as if hundreds of staff members and prop makers weren’t passing by you and greeting you with questionable looks. Now, why were you tiptoeing like a really crappy secret agent in an overly crowded place, you may ask?

Mostly to avoid your co-workers from giving you smug expressions and teasing looks with the memory of the events that had happen the previous day. Your members had wished you luck on your journey to get through this awkward day, wishing that you could just erase the events that had happen so you could go back to stepping into set with pajamas without a care in the world.

As you made your way to the dressing room, to your surprise all of the cast had gotten into costume and are currently shooting their respective scenes, meaning you had less than two or three hours to gather your mentality and ignore the awkward tension in the atmosphere.

Was this what every actor who had to kiss their co-star had to go through?

Yikes, you couldn’t imagine how Lee Dongwook could bare being love interests with the same co-star for two whole dramas. Your eyes widened when you caught Yeoreum walking towards your way, reciting her lines with the her manager. You gulped, walking back slowly as to not catch her attention, not knowing who or what was behind you.

It appears that the universe isn’t on your side today, because apparently you walked too far backwards to bump into your co-star’s back. Jisung let out a grunt as your back bumped against his, causing you to let out a yelp. You turned to shush him, scolding him for almost blowing your cover when you realize who you were talking to.

You and Jisung jumped apart when your eyes met, making sure to at least stand a feet far apart. Jisung cleared his throat as you both tried to mask your shocked expressions. You both avoided making eye contact as you tried to think of something to say to fill in this awkward tension between you two.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Jisung coughed, eyes looking everywhere but yours.You gave him a pointed look. “I work here,” you deadpanned, rolling your eyes at him. “Give me some crap, I’m trying to make this less awkward, you’re not helping here, y/n.” he stuck his tongue out at you.

You huffed in response, adding another moment of awkward silence between you two. It was so awkward you could practically hear crows and crickets in the background, “Where are you going, anyways?” you mumbled, wondering why he wasn’t at his usual spot at the food area, munching away at the desserts and snacks before Youngheum could finish them.

“I was heading back to my trailer to get my script,” Jisung mumbled, running a hair through his messy hair. “Isn’t your trailer that way?” you raised your brow, pointing to the direction behind him. Jisung huffed, rolling his eyes. “I’m taking the long way round, got a problem with that?” he spoke hesitantly, eyes finally meeting yours before gulping.

“I’ll take your word for it,” you mumbled, looking down as you lowered your finger to tuck it into the pockets of your hoodie. “What bout you?” Jisung added on, eyes wandering to his dirty white converse. “Trying to get to the dressing room,” you answered with the same hesitantly awkward tone.

“Cool,” Jisung sighed out. You both stood there for another excruciating few seconds before making eye contact. It appears the tension had gotten a little too awkward for the both of you, therefore you both instantly looked away with a loud groan. You both turned back with a bold “fuck it!” coming out of your mouths in unison as you ran off in the other direction.

How were you gonna survive this?

a/n: this was a short chapter. IM SORRY FOR KEEPING YALL WAITING FOR SO LONG. Omg look at that sexy title cover, yeah I'm gonna change that eventually. Anyways, thank you for waiting this long I completely forgot this fic existed.

[yikesharringrove]

I love your trans Stevie au so much! I was wondering were Stevie and billy already together when she came out or did they get together after?

I’m gonna write the big fic I have planned for mtf stevie, so I decided to explore something different than what my plan is for that one

modern

Under the cut for some very brief transphobia and a mention of self harm/vague intonations of suicide, Billy talks about his dad (nothing is graphic, but still thought I’d warn)

-

Billy figured he would be the talk of the damn town he stomped out the Camaro and into the school like he owned the place.

He thought everyone would stare at the vintage muscle car, thought girls would whisper behind their hands as he walked down the hall.

And as he looked across the parking lot, he got a taste of what he wanted, saw a few curious glances to his California plates.

But then a sleek black BMW pulled into the space next to his, a beautiful brunette girl getting out of the driver’s seat.

It was like a hush fell over the lot.

Everyone stared at her as she walked into the school, head held high, shoulders back.

Billy followed her into the school, watching her closely.

Her hands trembled as she opened her locker, carefully placing textbooks inside.

He wanted to know what her deal was.

He leaned against her locker.

“You new here, too?” She looked over at him, smiling weakly.

“In a way.” He held out his hand.

“Billy Hargrove.”

“Stevie Harrington.” He took her hand in his, made sure to smirk just so.

“You think you could help me find my first period? I just moved here, and didn’t manage to get a tour before the first day.” She flushed a little.

“Um, can I see your schedule?” She scanned over it.

“Oh man, you’ve got Andrews for English. She was a nightmare. I had her two years ago.” Billy furrowed his brows.

“I thought you were new-”

“Harrington’s a fucking tranny!” Stevie’s reaction was immediate.

The second the shout came from down the hall, she slammed her locker shut, shoving Billy’s schedule at him.

“Have a good first day.” She practically ran down the hall.

Billy looked back at the group of rowdy guys, all laughing as Stevie darted down the hall.

“Hey! What the fuck?” Billy stomped up to them, shoving the one that yelled against the lockers. “Don’t fucking say that!”

“Dude, that’s fucking Alex Harrington. He like, disappeared last year. He’s a fucking tra-”

Billy didn’t let him finish the sentence.

Punched him square in the nose.

“Don’t ever fucking using that word. You’re fucking disgusting.” He glared at each of the guys in turn. “If I fucking see, or hear, or get any kinda wind of y’all fucking with her, I’m gonna break all ‘a your noses.”

He smirked as they fucking cowered.

Yeah. Bow to your new fucking King.

-

He found Stevie back at her locker a few minutes into the lunch period.

He leaned on the lockers next to hers again.

“This place fucking sucks.” She gave him an odd look. “Apparently y’all have to eat in the cafeteria. At my old school, I used to eat out on the football field.”

“Yeah, we don’t really have a football field.” She closed her locker quietly. She was fidgeting with her hands.

“You don’t got a lucnh?”

“I, uh, I usually buy it. But I don’t really wanna, wanna face everyone in there.” Her voice was small, and she was avoiding eye contact.

“I could bring you something. Or stand in line with you, or something.” She looked up at him, biting the inside of her cheek.

“Is this a joke?”

“No?”

“Or like, like a prank?”

“No. I’m really offering.” He tried to keep his face open, wanted her to trust him.

“Um, I guess it would be okay if you stood with me.” They set off down the hall. “But you don’t have to sit with me, or anything.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” She huffed a laugh.

“Did you hear what Tommy yelled this morning?”

“Yeah, I did. Punched him out for it.” Stevie stopped in her tracks, whirling around to look incredulously at Billy.

“You what?”

“He shouldn’t’ve said that.”

“Billy, he wasn’t lying-”

“That’s not what I meant. He shouldn’t have used that specific word, and he shouldn’t’ve fucking outed you. It’s your choice if you want to be out or not.” Her eyes were even fucking bigger than usual as she looked at him.

“I mean, I don’t really have a choice in a town this size. Especially because, because everyone knew me before.”

“Still, it was fucked up. And that wasn’t okay.” They began walking again.

“Um, thank you, Billy. I was wondering who busted Tommy’s face. He’s gotta big mouth. Gets punched a lot.” Billy laughed, and was delighted to see Stevie give him a little half smile. 

The smile was gone when they reached the cafeteria.

But Billy stayed in line next to Stevie. She insisted on buying him a cookie, but he split it in half when they found a table in the back corner of the cafeteria, nudging part of it over to her.

She was tense all through lunch, waiting for something to happen.

Billy reached across the table, taking her hand.

“You’re really brave. You know that, right?” She bit her lip.

“I’m so fucking scared.”

“I know you are. And honestly, it makes sense you’re scared. But I’m here for you, and if anyone gets fresh, they can fucking catch these hands.” She laughed softly.

“Thank you. I really don’t think I could’ve made it today without you.” She took a shaky breath. “You know, I came out to my parents a few years ago. They were, it was bad. And I had to, you know stay in the closet. And at the end of last year, in like, Novemner I, I went through some stuff, and I just, I snapped. I tried to hurt myself. And I think it really opened my mom’s eyes that, that I wasn’t faking. So she talked my dad into letting me transition.” She was playing with her napkin.

“Thank you for telling me.” Billy squeezed her hand. “We moved here because my dad got arrested. And he wanted to come start fresh.”

“Do you, can I ask why he got arrested?”

“He broke my collarbone. Pushed me down the porch stairs. Our neighbors saw.”

“Billy, oh my God, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. I mean, it’s not really, but I just wanted you to know. I get the shitty parent thing.” She smiled at him.

“Would you, would you want to come over? After school?” Her cheeks were a little flushed.

“I’d love to.”

-

Stevie had neglected to tell him that she lived in a fucking mansion.

Billy stared at it as he parked behind her.

“When the fuck were you gonna tell me you were loaded?” She blushed.

“Um, I kinda forget you’re not from here. That you don’t already know all my business.”

She led him upstairs to her bedroom. It was immaculately clean, but so very plain.

“My mom was real serious about designing our whole house. She’s in the process of redoing my room right now. I mean, I didn’t really mind, but I think she’s trying to make amends, really show me she accepts me.” Billy sat down at her desk as she made a home for herself on the bed.

“That’s pretty cool of her.”

“Yeah. She’s trying. My dad still calls me Alex most days, though.”

“Do you mind if I ask you why you picked Stevie?”

“Um, Stevie Nicks, actually. I just really respect her and I always liked the name.”

“God, my mom loved Fleetwood Mac. She had all their albums on vinyl, and we’d listen to Tusk, and just like, scream it.”

“Your mom sounds nice.” Billy smiled tightly at her.

“She was.” Stevie’s eyes went wide.

“I’m sorry.” Billy shrugged.

“My stepmom’s not too bad. And my little sister’s a hoot. She’s such a little spitfire, you two would so get along.” He sat back in the desk chair, looking at the things on her desk.

There was a jar she had written on with gold sharpie. It had a few bills and was about half full of change. Curling handwriting spelled Pussy Fund. Billy snorted when he saw it. He held it up to her.

“Pussy Fund?” She laughed.

“I was gonna call it the Coochie Collection but that felt a little crass.”

“That felt crass?” She laughed again.

“My dad’s insurance covers hormones, but nothing else, really, so I’m saving up for confirmation surgery.” Billy dug through his pocket, found three wadded bills, slapping them through the little opening in the top of the jar. “Billy, wait, you don’t have to-”

“Oh, come on. It’s three bucks. You’re my only friend in this damn town. Gonna support the garbage outta you.” She beamed at him.

He phone chimed.

“Oh, hell yeah. It’s hormone o’clock.” She pulled a black bag out of her backpack. She rifled through it, loading a syringe. “Okay, I’ll be back.” She closed the bathroom door softly behind her.

He peaked at the contents of the back. She had a few pills, needles in sterile packaging, antiseptic wipes, sanitizer and latex gloves. Billy stood up to look at the little bottle of clear liquid, estrogen.

She smiled brightly when she came out of the bathroom.

“How long have you been on hormones?” She cleaned up her little bag.

“Um, since January 6th. So just about nine months now. I was just on blockers for a while, and then they introduced the estrogen. And I though giving myself shots was gonna be a big nightmare, but I actually kinda like it.”

“I think that makes sense. It’s helping you.”

“Well, and I feel like everything changed so fast, like looking at pictures from before, I look so different. It’s like my body was just waiting to catch up to my brain.”

“I think it was. Just needed a push in the right direction.”

“Plus, I was always kind of a pretty boy. Like, once I figured out how to do my makeup, how to soften some of the edges, it was pretty easy to really feminize my face.” She stood in front of him, showing her a picture on her phone. “That was from like, last October.”

It was a nice selfie, and she looked quite similar. In the image, Stevie’s hair was shorter, but still closer to her shoulders.

But Billy thinks there was a huge difference between the Stevie in the picture, and the Stevie right in front of him.

Her cheeks were fuller now, her eyes brighter. Her hair was long, bu it was also way thicker.

She just looked so much fucking happier.

“You look a lot happier, now.”

“I am. A lot happier.” She was quiet, swiping through a few more old photos.

“I’m happy for you.” Billy reached out for her, touching her waist softly. “Would you, would you want to go on a date sometime?”

She took a step back.

“Look, you can say no, and I’ll still happily be your friend, I just, I like you a lot, Stevie.

“I um, I don’t know.” She sat heavily on her bed. “Last year, I was dating this girl. We had been together for like, a few months, and I really, I really loved her. So I came out to her, and she, she called me a freak, and disgusting, and stuff.” She was hugging herself, looking the floor.

“Is that one of the things that made you snap?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry. We don’t have to date, that’s okay, Stevie. Focus on yourself. I’m still your friend.”

“I think, I think I do want to date you. You’ve been nothing but kind to me, and I mean, you already know all my baggage. And I’ve known you for like, ten hours.”

“Don’t pressure yourself into something if you’re not ready to date.”

“It’s been almost a year, Billy. And I’ve spent a lot of time in therapy in that year.” She looked up at him, her eyes bright. “Yeah, I wanna go on a date with you.”

And then she did the cutest little wiggle, moving her hips like she couldn’t contain her excitement.

“Friday night? Pick you up at eight?”

“Better make it seven. Things close early around here.”

“You honestly might be the only good thing about this fucking town.”

[imagine-loki]

The Arrangement

TITLE: The Arrangement CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 1 AUTHOR: the-resal10 ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine being in an arranged marriage with Loki. You aren’t too unhappy about it, but he is and is at times rude to you. You two argue and bicker a lot before you both begin to fall in love. 

Imagine you are marrying Loki. It was an arranged marriage and you are not too happy about it. Loki is quite happy as he has always secretly liked you. But he sees how unhappy you are and plays along.

RATING: T NOTES/WARNINGS: So it has been a LONG time since I submitted one of these (like two yrs), I apologize in advance if there are any typos or I made any mistakes with the way I submitted this. There are two imagines for this and they kinda intertwine so yeah, keep that in mind. Thank you for reading and I appreciate any feedback.

Chapter 1: Reconnection

The bright, warm sunlight shined on his face as he peacefully slept in bed. He slowly awoke and blocked the sunlight out of his eyes with his hand before sitting up in bed. He wiped the sleep off his face before getting out of bed and getting dressed for the day.

Loki happily walked down the corridor to the throne room where he was called by his parents. “Good morning,” He said to his mother, kissing her cheek, then bowing to his father, who sat on the throne. “You’ve called for me?”

“Yes, I have news for you and your brother.” he answered.

The doors opened and Thor entered. He gave his mother’s cheek a kiss then bowed to his father before taking his place next to his brother.

“Now that you both are here, I can give you the news I received last night.” Odin said, “My sons, as you know your mother and I made an agreement with leaders outside of Asgard for an arranged marriage between their eldest daughters and both of you. Well, the time has come for you to reconnect with your fiance and wed her.”

“Reconnect? They’re coming here?” Thor asked.

“Yes. They’ll both be arriving this afternoon.” Frigga happily said.

“But it’s been so long.” Loki said, “We haven’t seen them in years and you still expect us to marry them?”

“Yes, that is why it is called an arranged marriage.” Odin responded. “These marriages will strengthen our alliances with your bride’s father. To end the engagement now would show weakness and create enemies. For the good of Asgard, we must keep peace within the nine realms.”

“I know the news is so sudden,” Frigga said, catching their attention, “but you both knew this was going to happen one day. You know what is expected of you. I know it has been years since you two last spoke to these girls, that is why we agreed to give you some time to catch up with them before the wedding.”

“How long do we have?” Thor asked.

“A couple of weeks. The wedding will have to be within the next month so I want you to do the catching up as soon as possible.” Odin said, “For now, we must get ready for our guests to arrive.”

X

She peeked her head around the wooden wall and smiled when she saw her eight-year old sister running towards the stables. She quickly hid back in one of the horse’s stalls as her sister got near. “I’m gonna find you!” she said aloud.

She held her breath as she heard footsteps getting closer to the stall, but they continued on to the next stall. She quietly left the stall and snuck up behind her little sister, scaring her and earning a scream from her which made her laugh.

“Rosalind!” her sister pushed her, “you scared me!”

“I’m sorry.” she continued to laugh, “I got you!”

“No fair!”

She cleared her throat, “Alright. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I want a redo.”

“Ce, you know I have to leave in like an hour.”

She sighed, “why do you have to go?”

“I already told you. I’m getting married.”

“To a prince. Ugh, it’s not fair.”

“Do you want to marry a prince?”

“No. It’s not fair because you’re gonna leave us behind to live with him.”

“It sucks, I know.”

“You barely know him.”

“We were once childhood friends.”

“But that was a long time ago. I wish you didn’t have to go.”

“I wish I didn’t have to go too, but you know I have to. Nothing can stop this, it’s been arranged.” she crouched down to her height and took her sister’s chin between her forefinger and thumb, “hey, at least it’s me doing this, not you. When you’re my age, you won’t have to worry about being in an arranged marriage because you’ll be able to choose whoever you want to marry. You can fall in love with whoever you want to.”

“I wish you could too.”

“I know, but you know how the rule is. The eldest chosen will never get to experience anything like that because of the arrangement. I’d rather do it so you don’t have to.”

She hugged her, “I’m gonna miss you.”

“I’m gonna miss you too.” they pulled away, “No matter what happens, I know I’ll always have you.”

“Rosalind.” A voice called out, “What are you doing here?”

She stood up and turned to see her father, “I was just playing with Ce before I have to go.”

“I know you’ll miss your sister, Rosalind, but you must get ready to leave for Asgard.”

“I know, father. I’m sorry.”

“The servants have drawn your bath and are waiting for you. Now, hurry to your chambers.”

“Yes, sir.” She picked up the skirts of her dress and ran back to the palace.

Her little sister stood next to their father. “Does she really have to get married?”

“Yes, Celia, she does. Come now.” he picked her up and kissed her temple, “let’s get you changed out of those dirty clothes.”

Rosalind arrived at her chambers where she found the tub waiting for her. As she bathed, the servants gathered her things for her, her clothes were taken from the closet as well as her shoes, her jewelry and notebooks, all were gathered and placed in storage trunks. She entered her room to get dressed and found most of her stuff gone.

There was a knock at her door that stopped her from getting dressed. She answered it to a surprise - her secret lover.

“Mika!” She pulled him into her room and hugged him.  “What are you doing here?”

He held tightly onto her, “I managed to sneak away from my post and past the guards to see you.” They pulled away, “I had to see you one last time, Rosalind. You’re leaving today and I may never have another chance to see you again.”

“I know. I’ve been dreading this day for the longest.” she hugged him again, “I wish I didn’t have to go.”

“Me too.” he pulled away enough to kiss her, “I can’t believe you have to marry someone you don’t even know. Someone you don’t even love.”

“But I have to, you know I do. If I don’t, my father could have an enemy and a war could break out between our realm and Asgard. I couldn’t do that to him or anyone here, I couldn’t be that selfish.”

He sighed in frustration, “why did it have to be you?”

“Hey.” she cupped his face, “I don’t want your anger to be the last thing I remember about you.” her hands moved to his chest then slowly down his abdomen, “we have a few minutes before the servants return.”

He kissed her again, “How much?”

“At least ten.” her lips hovered over his, “nine if we’re just gonna stand here and do nothing.”

Mika chuckled, picking her up by her waist and holding her close, “how could I not give the beautiful Rosalind a proper, pleasurable goodbye?”

X

Loki met up with Thor in the corridor. “What took you so long?” He asked as they walked together to the front of the palace.

“My thoughts. I can’t believe they still expect us to do this.”

“It’s an arranged marriage, Loki.”

“Arrangements can be broken.”

“Broken because you don’t want to marry Rosalind. Loki, you and her were once friends.”

“Friends can grow apart as we have.”

“Loki, I’m sure you both will get along just fine. How could you not? She always did like you.”

“Yes, I know.” He looked at his brother, “What about you? How do you feel about this?”

“I’m not really sure. I mean, we knew this day would come and now that it’s here… I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I haven’t seen Josephine in so long.”

“Well, I know you both will get along right away. You and her were the best of friends. I’m surprised that you and Josephine haven’t spoken since we were six.”

Thor chuckled, “Yes, well, I can’t wait to see her.”

The two met their parents outside and stood next to them, waiting for their old friends. Not long after, Josephine arrived first. She approached the royal family and bowed before going over to Thor, and kissing his cheek. He did the same to her.

“It’s been so long. How have you been, Thor?” She smiled.

He smiled. “Good. And you?” 

“Just wonderful.” She looked over at his brother, “Loki! It’s so good to see you.”

He gave a small smile, “Hello, Josephine. I hope your trip here wasn’t a problem.”

“Not at all. It feels so good to be back in Asgard.”

“Josephine.” Odin said, “perhaps you’d like a tour of the palace to refresh your memories. We’ll speak with you later. Thor, if you’d be so kind.”

“Of course, Father.” Thor looked back at Josephine, offering his arm. “Come on. Let’s see if you can remember everything.” She took his arm and followed him into the palace.

Minutes later, Rosalind arrived. Loki watched as she approached the royal family with a smile, she bowed before them then stood in front of Loki.

He cleared his throat, “Rosalind, it’s good to see you.” He smiled.

“Prince Loki,” she grinned, “my, how you’ve changed.”

“It’s still the same old me.” He chuckled nervously.

“Rosalind,” Frigga said, “perhaps Loki could show you around, bring back some memories.”

“Alright then. Lead the way, Prince.” She followed Loki into the palace.

When they were alone, Loki turned to her. “I’m sure you remember your way around the palace.“

“Of course. I could never forget. After all, this is my future home.”

“Well then, should I show you to your chambers?” She nodded. He led her down corridors and found her room, “these are your chambers.” He said, pushing the doors in.

She stepped in after him, looking around the room in awe. “Now, the chambers are something I forgot. How could I forget such a beautiful room like this?”

“And your chambers back at home?”

“The palace isn’t as big as this one and neither are the chambers. They’re at least half the size of this one.”

The servants entered the room with Rosalind’s storage trunks. When they left, Loki looked at her, “Well, I better let you settle in.”

“Thank you for showing me to my chambers.”

“You’re welcome. Oh, and there will be a party tonight for you and Josephine. I’ll be waiting outside the ballroom whenever you’re ready.”

“Okay. I’ll see you then.” She watched Loki leave then went over to the nearest window and looked out at the towns nearby.

X

Rosalind unpacked her things and made herself at home. When she finished with her chambers, she roamed around the palace, remembering a few things that made her smile to herself.

Towards the evening, she returned to her chambers where a handmaiden waited for her. As she got dressed for the party, Rosalind thought about Loki. Was this arranged marriage something he was okay with? She certainly wasn’t but she didn’t know if Loki felt the same way. To ask him would be wrong. What if he was okay with the arrangement? What if he wanted to marry her?

She was brought back from her thoughts when the handmaiden zipped up her dress. She finished getting ready on her own then she left the chambers in search of the ballroom.

Loki stood outside the ballroom with Thor and Josephine, patiently waiting for Rosalind who quickly made her way toward them. Josephine hugged her tightly, happy to see her.

“Oh, Rosalind, it’s been forever.” She said as they pulled away.

“I know! I hope I didn’t keep you all waiting for so long.”

“We just got here.” Thor reassured, “you don’t need to apologize.”

“Very well then.” She then whispered to Josephine, “we must catch up soon.“

The doors opened, revealing the princes and their future brides. As the couples entered the room, the guests approached them, wanting to meet the girls who were going to marry their princes.

The four got separated during the party. They all spoke with important people about the other, recalling their memories about the other. Nothing bad was said.

As the party continued, most of the guests were enjoying themselves and allowed the couples to enjoy the party before it ended. It was getting late for Rosalind and she decided to leave the party, but she had to find Loki first.

She searched the room before taking a look outside in the nearby courtyard. She saw Loki and Thor standing near a balcony rail. She was ready to approach them but stopped when she heard them talking, their backs were turned to her so they couldn’t see her.

“I hope you’ve been enjoying yourself.” Thor said.

“You know I haven’t.” Loki responded.

He sighed, “Are you telling me you still don’t like the idea after spending a whole day with her?”

“I didn’t spend the whole day with her, I had better things to do.”

“She’s your future wife, Loki. Give her a chance.”

“I don’t want to give her a chance.”

“Loki.”

“How many times do I have to say it? I don’t like this arrangement, I didn’t ask for it and I don’t want it.”

Unnoticed, Rosalind slowly stepped back into the ballroom, shocked. Josephine saw her and went over, placing a hand on her arm. “I’ve been looking for you. Are you okay, Rosalind?”

She slowly shook her head, “I, um, I’m feeling a bit off. My head hurts so much.” She lied, placing a hand on her forehead.

“Oh. Well, I can go get Loki so he can…”

“No.” She stopped her, “I’m just gonna leave. Retire to my chambers and get some sleep. I’ll explain it to Loki tomorrow.”

“Okay. I hope you feel better.”

She nodded then left the ballroom, heading straight to her room.

[fundielicious-simblr]

New House! 🏡

(AN: I’m going to attempt to try 1st person, I’m trying to convey the emotions of having a new house and I found it best to do it in 1st person. This is also like 2 days late because my weekend was jam packed and I didn’t have time to sit with my laptop - but there’ll be 2 posts today because of that!)

Adalynn’s POV

We’re moved into the new house! I can’t believe after all this planning, penny pinching, and praying that the project is finally complete! The crew had worked so hard on the house and we’ve been so blessed to have them give up their own time to work on the house! This has been a dream since Mason and I moved into that tiny 1 bedroom house when we first got married! We are so grateful for family and friends who put themselves in the position to help us get to where we are now, it took a lot of effort from everyone involved. Whilst some of the boys are a bit sad to be leaving grandma Angie’s house, they’re all excited for their new house with room to play! Let me show y’all the inside!

This is probably my favourite part of the house - the kitchen! If you remember at our old house, the kitchen was the first part of the house you walked through and was literally 2 counters, a sink, the stove, and a fridge - here the kitchen makes up a substantial corner of the house and that makes me so happy! There’s a large table that can fit all of us, especially with the boys growing at the rate that they are. The dining table is also meant to double as the school table, there’s enough space for the boys to do their lessons in the morning after they eat their breakfast. There’s also large double doors that lead out onto the deck and out into the garden, my brothers promised the boys that they’d build them a set of monkey bars, so that’s one thing we’re helping the boys practice their patience for! 

(I forgot to press ‘g’ in build mode but I wasn’t going back in to redo it 😅)

Here is the view from the kitchen, the living space is the first area that you come into when you walk through the front door. There’s the boys toys space and their scout board by the front, with the piano next to the play area for piano lessons. Our bedroom is that door on the left, and the other 2 bedrooms are accessed through that door by the fridge on the right. 

This corner is competing with the kitchen as my favourite place to be honest. We didn’t have the space (or the money) for a washing machine and a dryer, so all of our laundry had to be hand washed and hung on the washing line - and after 4 boys who love getting dirty, doing washing gets old fast. Mason’s parents got us the washer and dryer, especially after we stayed with them and they saw how the laundry basically quadrupled in our time there. We still have the bucket and washing line outside, but that’s for the delicates that can’t go in the machine, and now with the hot summer weather things dry much faster, so if there’s a load that needs to be dried and the dryer is occupied, I can hang it outside and it’ll be dry quickly. 

Here’s our room! We traded in our old bed and upgraded to this one, our old bed was second hand and not very comfortable, which did wonders on my back throughout my first 4 pregnancies. There isn’t much decoration yet, I’m working with my sister Maggie on getting different photos framed and on the wall, she’s helped us frame the ones that are outside in the main part of the house, so now it’s all the matter of time. It’s so surreal seeing all of our memories on the wall to see a visual timeline of our progress, it seems like just yesterday we were getting engaged! 

Here’s the boys room! Whilst theres two bedrooms, all the boys wanted to be together as they were at their grandparents house and they find comfort in it right now and haven’t wanted to split. And if I’m being really honest, my inner hope for the second bedroom (which is currently empty) is for if the Lord chooses to bless us with a girl, but for now if the older boys want to move into another room then it’s available for them - we’re about to be adding 2 more babies to the family so we’ll see how things go.

[princessjungeun]

It’s Normal: Chaeryeong x Reader

Request: hi love, i was going to request a scenario where itzy are your best friends and they comfort you when your parents don't show up to your graduation but i wasn't sure if this topic is triggering or not and i was wondering if it fits your rules?

‼️CW: Family Issues ‼️

So the way I wrote this, I read the ask wrong cuz once again. Your favorite Admin can’t read. So the reader is Chaeryeong’s girlfriend and the rest of the girls are the best friends. As always, I’ll redo it if you don’t like it 🥺

High school was an incredible four years, especially for you. You came to Korea the summer before high school. Thankfully you were hip to kpop and k dramas so you had a basic knowledge of the Korean language. That and the Duolingo owl that popped in your emails every day you missed a 10 minute Korea. lesson.

On the first day you met Lia, a fellow freshman. She was perhaps the nicest and smartest person you ever met in your life. She also spoke English fluently so you could easily communicate with her. In addition to her, you also met her friends Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. Although Yuna was two years younger than you all, she was very smart and skipped 3rd and 5th year in elementary school. Hence why she’s graduating with you all. The six of you took on high school together, not letting anything get in your way...kind of.

Sophomore year you realized rather quickly that you had a gigantic crush on one of your best friends, Chaeryeong. Lia and Ryujin told you that Chaeryeong liked you too but you never believed them. In addition to this, Chaeryeong was still quite shy when it came to talking about her love life. As much as she wanted to confess to you, she was too shy.

Until one day your best friends were fed up with the two of you being such chickens. Ryujin and Yuna devised a plan which Lia and Yeji followed through with. They locked you two in a room and didn’t let you out until you both confessed. You both ended up confessing after almost 12 hours, shortly after you fell asleep on the floor with her in your arms.

That was truly the only bump in the road between you and your friends. But now it was graduation day, the day you six looked forward to since the beginning of high school.

“Baby come on we’re lining up.” You pulled Chaeryeong’s arm and led her to her spot in line before finding your spot. The music played and you all walked to your seats. Thankfully the way the students were arranged was by homeroom, so you got to sit right in between Yeji and Yuna. Whereas Ryujin and Chaeryeong were the opposite side from you. Lia on the other hand was Valedictorian so she was in her own section in the front.

You saw Yuna out of the corner of your eyes, she was scanning the crowd for her parents. When she found them she smiled widely then pointed them out to you. Yeji did the same thing but slightly more descreet.

Yuna asked you “where’s your family?” You kept you eyes ahead and answered “don’t know. Definitely not coming though.”

•

•

•

The girls knew you had a rocky relationship with your family. It was best described as disfunctional and chaotic. When you were younger, things were better but as you got older that wasn’t the case. Especially as you started nearing the end of high school.

It was now to a point where you loved your parents, but you did not like them. They didn’t seem to really care anymore about anything you did. The support they once showed disappeared. In place of it was harsh criticism and unkind words that were forever engraved in your mind.

However the only one who knew very well about your current situation (besides Chaeryeong of course) was Yuna. You spent much of your time in her house. So much so you called her mother and father “mom and dad” than your own parents.

It broke Chaeryeong and Yuna’s hearts that there was nothing they could do to fix it. Chaeryeong especially. She constantly voiced that she wanted to help but you always told her not to worry. Always telling her you can’t necessarily fix what’s already been broken, it takes two sides to fix the problem. And one side isn’t even there to think about fixing it.

•

•

•

“And now we will have our Valedictorian speech. Please welcome Jisu Julia “Lia” Choi.” Your principal a moved so Lia was now standing at the podium. She stepped down and pointed at the microphone. “It’s too tall...” Everyone laughed as they moved it for her height. Lia started her speech “Hello everyone-” Yuna shouted to her happily “HI LIA UNNIE!” From that moment forward you and Yeji made sure Yuna stayed quiet.

As they called names for diplomas as well as awards you cheered for your friends. When they called your name, you went up and accepted your several awards. You saw Yuna’s parents smiling proudly at you, waving a taking pictures.

After you all got your diplomas and the ceremony ended you all found your parents. In your case your “parents”. You and Yuna found her mom and dad and greeted them. Her dad and older sister talked to her while her mom spoke to you.

The woman wrapped you in a warm hug “I’m so proud of you sweetheart.” You smiled and said “thank you so much eomma. And thank you for always being here for me...truly it means a lot.” She moved a stand of your hair behind your ear, “of course, and i’m sorry your parents weren’t here...” You responded “it’s normal. I’m just happy you all are here and that’s all that matters.”

You left them so Yuna could have her moments with them, after all they were her family to begin with. Looking around you saw hundreds of other students, your eyes scanning the crowd until you saw Chaeryeong.

Her older sister pointed you out and she immediately ran over, hugging you tightly. You kissed the top of her head and laughed “what’s got you so excited all the sudden?” She interlocked her hand with yours “I just love you that’s all.” She smiled then dragged you over to her family. You knew her family very well, and they adored you at that. However, you always seemed to get just a little nervous around her parents.

“Y/N! Congratulations on your awards, were so proud!” Chaeryeong’s dad congratulated you with a wide smile. You talked to her parents a little bit before meeting back up with your friends. You decided to go home then meet back up with each other in an hour.

•

•

•

You walked into your house, as usual it was pretty quiet. “Hello? Anyone home?” You called out loudly so your parents could hear you. Walking upstairs you saw your dad asleep in his bed, but your mom was awake. “Where were you?” She asked with an attitude. You responded “my high school graduation.” She rolled her eyes and looked back at her phone “so nowhere important”. You sighed, and walked to your room.

You wished you had a better relationship with your parents but you knew it wouldn’t happen. They just didn’t care. They made sure you had the necessary things to live like clothes and a home and access to good healthcare. But supporting you and having an actual relationship with you? That ship sailed at least 5 years ago.

Quickly you yanked off your cap and gown, leaving it in the plastic covering in your closet. You changed into shorts and a cropped t shirt and your favorite sneakers. “Hey I’m going back out.” You poked your head in your mom’s room. She responded blankly “ok tell your eomma and appa I said hi.” You sadly nodded before bolting our the house before tears could leak from your eyes.

Your mom found out long ago that you called Yuna’s parents eomma and appa. It slipped out one day when Yuna’s parents gave you a gift on the last day of your freshman year. Her parents didn’t seem to mind and constantly called you their daughter anyways. When your actual mom found out she didn’t care, as expected. The worst part was she acknowledged the fact that they weren’t your parents but they cared for you like they were. That’s what hurt the most.

•

•

•

When you got to the usual meeting spot for your friend group, a convenience store in between all of your neighborhoods, Chaeryeong was already there. “Jagi?” She hugged you when she saw you looked upset “what’s wrong?” You responded “just family things, the usual.” Quickly you wiped away the few tears that fell before placing a smile on your face.

“Hey love birds.” Ryujin came with Lia on her back, the older girl smiling happily. You all looked around before you saw Yuna sprinting down her street yelling “IS HE STILL THERE?” You all laughed and shook your heads.

The youngest of you all held herself up on a wall as she said “my neighbor’s dog was trying to kill me. Oh my god. Phew.” You asked her “Your neighbor Mrs. Park?” She nodded still trying to catch her breath. You all laughed harder “her dog is a Chihuahua!” Yuna whined “OK BUT HE IS FAST AND VISIOUS.” Yeji finally walked over, already knowing the topic of conversation “oh please Bija is an angel. He loves us.... just not you.” She whined and led you all to your destination, your favorite ice cream place.

•

•

•

As the night started to fall you all sat around a table outside, laughing about memories you made during high school.

“Remember when Lia fell asleep and we drew on her face?” Yuna smiled at the memory of your first sleep over as a 6 friend group.

“And that time Y/N pretended she didn’t speak English so she could get an easy A+ during year 2.” Yeji pointed to you with her spoon.

“Oh! That time Yuna got gum stuck in her hair and had to cut it so Ryujin cut her hair too.” Chaeryeong chimed in.

“When Yeji auditioned for that company to be a trainee because she lost that bet. Then she got in and didn’t tell us until she declined the offer.” You spoke up.

Yeji responded “in my defense I had no interest in being a YG or SM trainee...i’d rather JYP.” You all nodded in agreement.

“Remember when we locked those two in a closet until they confessed. And then they did and are now the power couple of our whole grade?” Lia pointed to you and Chaeryeong.

You looked at your girlfriend, eyes filled of love. Slowly you saw her cheeks heat up, your friends teasing her loudly. She turned her face into your shoulder out of embarrassment. You patted her head and placed a kiss on the top of her head before saying “i love you all so much. Thank you for giving me your friendship.”

All 5 of them looked at each other and shared a collective “awwww” before surrounding you in a group hug. You were always going to be grateful for your best friends and girlfriend. They filled that hole of love that you lacked for so long.