#now that sunshine boy set has been made it's time to work on that long awaited tak set 🫡

[p2harmony]

good p1harmorning !!

[meyhew]

“WHAT WE MOURN FOR THE DEAD IS THE LOSS OF THEIR HOPES.”

I never thought I’d make this post. Any time I imagined a One Direction member dying, I pictured myself weathered and grey. This was an eventuality that wasn’t supposed to be actualized until the boys and I had lived full lives. To have to come to terms with Liam’s death—his perpetual absence moving forward���in my mid twenties feels absurd. I wrote a long thing the day after I found out, so I’ve already gotten some thoughts out. I’m going to try and keep this short. I likely won’t succeed.

Liam was kind. If he’s remembered for anything, I hope it’s that. I know he helped out with food banks in London during lockdown because there were photos of him packing boxes, but I didn’t know until now how much money he gave them. £80,000 without any publicity. And it wasn’t a one-time donation. He kept working with various orgs to help food insecure people. In the week leading up to that unfortunate Wednesday, he gave away thousands to fundraisers—primarily set up to help people with severe illnesses. He’d been part of Soccer Aid for years. He was involved with anti-bullying campaigns. He worked with Rays of Sunshine to make hundreds of sick children happy. Over the years, he also donated to nonprofits that help children in Gaza and other places. The T-shirt he designed for Choose Love has garnered nearly £200,000; Choose Love has been working with the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Medical Aid for Palestinians to provide desperately needed aid in Gaza. Liam understood the value of his wealth, and what his social responsibility was. He did his part to make this world better.

All that without taking into account everything Liam did for us. The youtube videos he started during quarantine because it was a way to distract people, give them something to look forward to. His comedic timing was something special. The discord server where he talked to fans and highlighted their creative endeavors. His livestreams, the endless culture-defining tweets he made. I still see people laughing about his tweets. We all remember Mrs. Horan, yes? I mean, go all the way back to TwitCams. Just google the phrase and one of the first videos you get will be Liam’s. From day one, he took it upon himself to make sure the fans were happy. That we felt seen, heard. And he kept One Direction alive for us, on occasion at a great personal cost. He performed deep cuts we’d never seen sung live, he was always so enthusiastic about everyone else’s projects, he never shied away from talking about the band—because it made us happy. He knew what the band meant to us, the blend of hope and nostalgia many of us clung to, and he held on with us. For us. The masses ridiculed him for his clinginess, and he didn’t let go—for us. I’m sure he knew there are those of us for whom the name One Direction still means everything. And how right he was. Look at the global charts for the past two weeks. We’ve made history again. Because of Liam. He had been the glue holding a lot of the fandom together, whether people realized it or not. He brought us all together again in the most heartbreaking of ways.

One Direction came into my life at a time when I was becoming lonelier by the day. I had moved to a new country two years prior, and I didn’t yet have many friends because I knew only enough English to get by at school. Outside of school, I had no friends. They were all back home in the place I’d left. All I had was my two siblings—and when you’re 13 years old, your 14 yr old sister is hardly the person you want to spend all your time with. I didn’t have space for me, to do and to be something that was just mine.

Then I found 1d through a girl at school and they became that something for me. I bettered my English by watching them talk. I found this community because of them, and I have learned so much from being a part of it. So many wonderful people have touched my life because of them over the years, some I’ve fallen out of touch with and some I hung out with just this month. They—and, by extension, Liam—have made me wealthy in friendship.

Claudia, Ingrid, Mery; Thank you for putting up with my insanely specific demands and making headers for me. Ingrid, you’ve been so patient about teaching me how to gif. Mery, I still have your rec list for learning Spanish saved in my notes app. The TPWK print you gifted me hangs on my wall. Cloudy, do you remember that lineart you made of me? I still have it. You’ve all been so kind to me.

Rafa; You have no idea how much you’ve helped build my confidence as a writer. Lyab is a thing of the past now, but those hours you spent fleshing out the details of that fic are priceless to me. I’d never written anything so ambitious before. And, frankly, I don’t think I would’ve attempted a novel if I hadn’t written a 100k fic—which I couldn’t have done without your encouragement. I think this is my first time telling you I finished the first draft of my novel in September. Thank you <3

Yas; Beloved you are so dear to me. You have shown me such kindness over the years, at times I wondered what I had done to deserve it. Not many people check in with me the way you do. I value your presence in my life beyond words. You have so much love and affection to give, and I’m glad I get to receive so much of it.

If I wrote a personal note to everyone who’s in my life because of Liam we’d be here for hours and hours. Jess, Bella, Alex, Jack, Hayley, Hope, Soni, Kayla, Sara, Arsh, Tina, Ola, Cristal, Kylee, Hana, Ali, Antonise, Clare, Abby, Nina, fnh, mert, people I don’t follow anymore, everyone who’s come into my life because of liam—I love you. Literally every single person I follow should be named here because I wouldn’t even be on this website if it weren’t for 1d. You’re all so special to me.

I still can’t believe Liam is gone. I was at the grocery store and it hit me that it’s real, and I thought, no, there’s no way. It feels so fucking weird having this invisible hole in my life that’s never going to go away. But I’ll always be grateful for everything Liam brought into my life. I know I’ll grow old with a whole bunch of you in my life—I’ve already spent a decade with some of you in my life—and I wish Liam got to grow old and weathered with us all.

This is such an inadequate goodbye. I think I’ll keep coming up with things I wish I could tell Liam, or things I want to say to you all. There’s so much history here, so much to reminisce about. He took a piece of my adolescence with him. I’ll miss him forever. Too many of my memories are intertwined with him and I’ll miss him forever.

Sleep easy, Liam. I hope, in time, you’re remembered for your limitless capacity for love and your desire to do better, be better. You deserved more. 🤍

—————

tagging 1d people here because i know many blogs aren’t active on a regular basis. apologies if i missed someone (i’m sure i did). hugs for everyone

@1dclowns @hrrytomlinson @sandiazucar @fookinfreezin @hoeranghae @wlwmermald @tomlinsun @epubgf @heyangel @fireproofs @90sgrungelouis @lirry @iconichalo @itsnotreal @aquickstart @roguecurls @harryscuddles @hoteyelinerguy @babyy-honey @goldencereza @kindathoughtprovoking @kindofsharethat @fuchsiasea @queerbloodyangel @tofiveohfive @aboutmetamorphosis @wastelandbabyblue @delicatepointofview @twentybiqueen @girlcrushau @chaoticsue @chimnation @akasakasads @icouldbeluckyagain @alloutshirt @half-lightl @halohamilton @willowfey @meltedwings @softandslow @loustyles @onedirectiom @pop-punklouis @pridesobright @finexbright @femstyles @baawree @iamnathanscott @avocadolouie @userautumn @niallerer @itsnothesameasitwas @usignedupforthis @svpportive @svncourt

[milswrites]

Hobbies Epilogue.

~ Azriel X Reader

Summary: In an attempt to keep Azriel away from Elain, Rhys sends him on a sabbatical to the Day Court. With a lot more free time on his hands Azriel needs to find something to keep him occupied. Unfortunately he meets Y/N who has the annoying habit of not staying away. Can she teach him that there’s more to life than he thought?

Grumpy!Azriel X Sunshine!Reader

Series masterlist

Warnings: Mentions of sex. Mentions of drinking. Crippling sadness over the fact that this series is over maybe? (Just me? 😭)

Feyre and Y/N were hurriedly running through the streets of Velaris towards the townhouse, Nyx held lovingly in the latter woman’s arms, his little legs too small to be able to keep up with his rushing family.

They were running late, the two having decided to meet for a coffee in the Rainbow before Y/N and Azriel set off on their long travels. A honeymoon of sorts, Azriel’s gift to Y/N for finally accepting the golden bond between them after a year of taking it slowly.

A year of the two taking in turns to visit the other’s court, of spending every minute they weren’t working in the other’s company. Azriel’s shadows were a great help in this, aiding the male in swiftly travelling to her home at the end of each day, ensuring that the pair slept soundly in the comfort of each other’s arms by the time night fell.

A year of Y/N getting to know her mates family. Her family. Who didn’t just see the woman as Azriel’s mate, but as their sister. Her bright aura being the missing piece of their puzzle, her shining presence a sign that their family was now complete.

And what a family it was. Azriel sometimes miserably complained that he swore Y/N only visited him to get to spend her precious time with everyone else.

To paint with Feyre in her studio, using Nyx as their giggling muse as he failed to sit still for them. Wriggling and squirming, as the women attempted to capture his beaming face on the canvas. Wanting to capture every minute of his youth as they could before he grew old.

The drinking with Cassian and Mor and Rita’s, there being many nights where a grumbling Azriel had to hide his smirk as he had to lift a wobbly Y/N into his arms in order to carry her home to sleep away the alcohol in her system.

Amren and Nesta were always up for a reading session with Y/N. The women spending hours of their time perusing through the dusty shelves of all the quaint bookshops in Velaris. Excitedly exchanging reviews whenever the woman from Day returned to the Night Court.

Y/N had even began to help Elain in her garden. Bringing trimmings of the plants that blossomed in Day, hoping that with Elain’s tender nurturing they would bloom just as beautifully in Night. Growing a piece of Y/N’s home in Azriel’s court.

Life had been perfect. A constant upwards spiral of contentment. The shadowsinger doing everything in his power to ensure that Y/N always had a dazzling smile across her face, the male undertaking this task with a grave seriousness as if it were a matter of life and death.

Now the shimmering bond had been tethered permanently between them, life could only keep on getting better and better. And it was going to, starting with this magical trip he was going to take her on across the courts, just as Azriel had promised Y/N before the bond between them had even made its appearance.

At least it would be if Y/N actually got there in time.

~~~~~

“And you’ll make sure to write to us every week right?…And starfall! You have to come back for starfall!” Feyre panted heavily as she spoke to Y/N, the shadow of the townhouse appearing in the distance as they continued to quickly dash towards it, the figures of their impatient mates coming into their view the closer they got to the building.

“Oh of course we wouldn’t miss it Fey! Besides I promised this little man that I’d save him a dance this year” Y/N lovingly pecked Nyx on the cheek as she answered Feyre, the young boy blushing profusely at the action. His little heart belonging entirely to the woman who held him in her arms, Feyre’s child having a youthful crush on the lady. Threatening Azriel that whilst Y/N was his mate, he would be the one to marry her.

“I know” Feyre flashed a gentle smile over to Y/N as they slowed in their approach to the waiting males, “I just know Azriel would keep you wandering around Prythian for an eternity if he could.”

“No, we’d miss our family far too much. We can’t stay away for too long, we wouldn’t want to.”

Y/N plastered one last affectionate kiss onto Nyx’s cheek before passing him over to Feyre, the boy starting to cry as he left her tender embrace.

“Finally” Azriel huffed, walking over to the two women, giving Nyx a gentle squeeze to his cheek when he finally came to stand before you, “I was thinking you’d started to have second thoughts about this.”

“Second thoughts about spending night after night alone with my dashingly handsome mate? I think not” Y/N teased, her eyes moving to rake over her mates form. Azriel was once again wearing one of her own creations, it was all he wore these days when he didn’t have to be in leathers. He said it was because he didn’t like to waste money on clothes, Rhysand said it was because he was whipped.

Feyre rolled her eyes at the scent which had started to radiate from the shadowsinger, his dark eyes locked onto Y/N. “Save it for the trip Az” she chided, tapping him on the chest as she passed by him, moving to stand by Rhys.

Azriel came to stand behind Y/N his arms wrapping protectively around her as he pulled back into his chest, leaning down to whisper in her ear, “Thank the mother you’re here, the sooner we set off the sooner we can get away from Cassian.”

The woman looked over the silvery-eyed male who was hiccuping from the overwhelming force of his emotions, tears rolling down his cheeks at the realisation that his brother was leaving him for a few months.

“Oh come on Az he’s not so bad” Y/N muttered, eyes going wide in shock as the General released a particularly loud sob.

“He spent three hours crying last night at Rita’s over the fact we’re going.”

“See he loves you!”

“I think he was more so crying over the fact you were leaving him” Azriel said this jokingly, but failed to cover the bitter jealous edge to his voice. The frenzy of the bond’s acceptance still not quite fading, even after the two months you had spent feeding his desires.

“You’ll miss him” you smiled softly, warm eyes looking to your family who had gathered to wish you goodbye as you set off on your journey.

“Yeah” Azriel admitted, his own contented amber gaze taking in the same view of yours, “but something tells me we are going to have a lot of fun these next few months. We have to make the most of our time together before you go back to Day.”

Y/N stilled, going slightly stiff in Azriel’s arms as she lifted her head to meet his face, shyly speaking to her mate, “What if I told you that I don’t have to go back?”

“What?” Azriel asked, anticipation building in his chest as he turned Y/N around until her body faced his, needing to properly absorb her expression to see if what she was saying was really true.

“What if I said that Helion offered me a promotion? Emissary to the Night Court. He seemed to think that you guys needed some cheering up, something about you being miserable whenever I wasn’t there.”

Azriel laughed, a deep, earthshaking laugh. Sweeping Y/N into his arms as he spun her around, his enthusiastic movement gathering the attention of his family.

“Then I would tell you,” Azriel started, his forehead pressing lovingly against his mates, “that I’m ready for whatever adventure life will throw our way.”

“You’ll never be bored again” Y/N grinned, eyes bright and lively at the prospect of an eternity with her mate in Night, “not if I have anything to do with it.”

“My love” Azriel breathed deeply as he hovered his soft lips over Y/N’s, “It’s impossible to be bored when I have a mate as captivating as you are.”

There was no doubt in his mind that Azriel would never find himself short of anything to do again. After all Azriel was no longer alone. He had found his mate. His other half. And he would allow himself to spend an eternity trying out new things, as long as he meant he got to do it with her. With the woman who stole his heart.

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

Notes: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Excuse me while I go cry.

Just want to thank you guys for all the love and support and comments and enthusiasm you’ve shown this series. There’s absolutely no way this would have been done without you guys and you’re all amazing and I appreciate each and every one of you so so much <3

Taglist:

@thelov3lybookworm @minnieoo @going-through-shit @iluvyewman-blog @laughterafter @amysangel @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @aaronwarnerobsessedmylove @justvibbinghere @honeybeeboobaa @willowpains @tele86 @mysticalfuncollectorus @mybestfriendmademe @starryhiraeth @gorlillaglue25 @moonlwghts @darling006 @anuttellaa @serendipityx150 @xxxalicerogersxx @that-one-little-soybean @scatteredstardustt @naturakaashi @nyx-the-alien @lostinpages13 @namelesssav @dreamlandreader @fightmedraco @maxmouse001

[hairmetal666]

au where Steve is a famous Disney kid and Eddie is a teenaged singer-songwriter. They get pushed together at events because they're close in age, but they just quietly dislike each other.

Steve's got a new show starting, a spinoff of the one that made him a household name. They hire a newcomer, Robin Buckley, to play his best friend and the two quickly become BFF in real life.

The show runs for two seasons but when it comes time to renegotiate contracts, neither star is interested. They're older now, ready to live life on their terms and not the company's, or in Steve's case, his parents.

As soon as the finale airs, Robin and Steve celebrate by going to a gay club. A few weeks later, an interview is released where Steve comes out as bi and talks about how his parents mistreated him; how they worked with the network to pressure him to be a perfect "all-American" kid even off screen.

Meanwhile, Eddie's an impossible level of famous. He's had number-one hits, won a Grammy, headlined an arena tour, achieved every dream he had for himself as a kid growing up in a trailer park in Indiana. He's not shocked by the news that Steve is leaving Hollywood, but he's flabbergasted that the guy isn't straight. When Eddie reads the interview, he gets this weird pang in his chest, almost like regret. But he never even liked Steve.

Steve isn't in the news again and Eddie doesn't think of him for a long time.

Steve goes to college. He loves it. Not because he's great in his classes, or anything, but because he's free to be himself for the first time. He makes friends and goes to parties and relaxes. He and Robin share an apartment.

After a few semesters, Steve decides to take a couple of theater classes, and is quickly cast in campus productions. In the vague anonymity of college theater he rediscovers his love of acting. No one has expectations of him, no one forces him to perform. He graduates and slowly starts appearing in small roles in Indie films, gathering critical acclaim. He feels good. Happy. Hopeful.

Eddie is blissfully unaware of Steve's career resurgence, experiencing his own musical highpoints, until the day where he's scrolling Twitter, sees a Variety headline that's getting a bunch of attention, "Steve Harrington in talks to star in Max Mayfield's first film." Eddie's livid.

"Maxine, what the fuck?" He growls when she answers his call.

They grew up together in the same Indiana trailer park. When she moved to Hollywood to start a career as a screenwriter, Eddie was by her side. And when her first script wound up on the Black List, his involvement on the soundtrack and original songs sealed her production deal.

She gives a long suffering sigh. "Munson," she grumbles. "I know you have a weird history with this guy, but I swear he's the right choice."

"He's a stuck up rich boy who's never been in trouble in his life."

"He's changed."

"Doubtful," Eddie sneers.

"Look. I'll set-up a meeting. Come hang out and you'll see what I mean." Before she hangs up she adds, "Call me Maxine again and I'll end you."

They invite Harrington to Eddie's recording studio. His hopes are not high for this meeting, so he's already a little thrown when Steve Harrington walks in, all grown up. He's in a crimson sweater, tight jeans, hair grown long so that it flops around his face in tousled waves that actually look genuine, windswept and golden. Eddie's eyes instinctively trace the scatter of moles on Harrington's face and neck, a pang of something hitting deep in his gut. Fuck, this dude is beautiful.

"Harrington," he greets, sticks out his hand. Eddie barely hears the answering, "Munson," because instead of a handshake, Harrington pulls Eddie in for a hug. Muscles bunch under the sleeves of the sweater, against Eddie's chest, and he's assaulted by the scent of cedar and sunshine and Steve. Eddie's not prepared for any of this.

They make small talk, Harrington sharing about going to college, falling in love with theater, Robin Buckley who he calls his soulmate. Eddie's head rings with how wrong he was about this guy; the pretty kid he grew up alongside who seemed to have the world in his hands. Max was right, he's perfect. Except.

"Let's get down to it, Harrington," Eddie says. Can't bring himself to call him Steve yet, feels that will somehow change everything and he's not ready. "I'll admit that Mayfield had the right idea about you, but can you sing? Play guitar? You have to perform my music, dude. That's not a small ask."

Harrington smirks, asks for a guitar. He gets it settled across his lap before he speaks. "I started taking piano lessons when I was 4. Voice and guitar at 7."

Eddie belatedly recalls that Harrington's parents were the worst kind of stage-parents, pushing their cute kid to perform even as he sobbed about wanting to play soccer with his friends instead of going to auditions. He has a moment of shame that he forgets as the other man begins to play. It's one of Eddie's biggest hits, a ballad about a teenaged broken heart from a kid whose name he can't even remember.

Harrington's hair flops in a swoop over his forehead, his fingers move across the strings with ease, skill. His voice is a rasp, close mimic to Eddie's own, but not quite deep enough. Goosebumps spread across Eddie's arms, his neck, and warmth pools low in his gut.

Steve finishes the song, looks up, cheeks glowing pink, honey eyes bright. Eddie's fucking gone for this guy. He wants so badly he might choke on it.

"Good?" Steve asks.

Eddie's embarrassed suddenly. Unsure. He tugs at his hair. "Yeah," he laughs. "Good."

He reaches out to take the guitar, the one Steve's already handing to him, and their hands brush. Eddie flushes. Their eyes meet and Steve smiles. Eddie's thoughts are consumed with the desire to kiss his plush pink mouth.

"You wanna get dinner? Just you and me?" Steve asks.

"Yeah, Steve," he laughs. "I'd love to."

🎬🎸🎬🎸

Fifteen Months Later

"Former Teen Heartthrobs Make Love Connection?"

Fans of musician Eddie Munson and former child star, Steve Harrington, were in for the surprise of their lives last night as the men arrived together for the premier of Harrington's new movie, Small Town Sins, written by up-and-coming screenwriter Max Mayfield, featuring original music by Munson. While Harrington's performance and the movie itself are garnering quite a bit of positive buzz, it's being overshadowed by gossip about Harrington and Munson's budding romance. They walked the red carpet together, pausing for photos as a duo, holding hands and flirting. When asked for confirmation of their relationship, Munson answered, 'we're bros,' before winking and pulling Harrington close.

There's a TikTok video embedded below the article, showing the men being interviewed on the red carpet. Their arms are loosely around each others' waists, and when their eyes meet they catch and hang for a beat.

"So, longtime fans of both of yours are going feral online right now because of the rumors that you two used to hate each other. Is there any truth to that?" An off-camera voice asks.

The men laugh. "We've always been great friends," Eddie answers.

"Eddie thought I was stuck up," Steve giggles.

"I did not." Eddie slaps at Steve, who gives him an affectionate smile.

"Liar," Steve answers.

Eddie leans into the camera like he's telling a secret. "Harrington here was afraid of me."

"Fuck off, I was not." They wrestle around for a couple of seconds.

Steve shrugs Eddie off, straightening his suit jacket. "Okay, maybe I was a little intimidated back then, but then this morning you found a pretty rock and cried about it."

Eddie shrieks, swatting at Steve until someone in a black suit and name tag shoos them down the red carpet.

Eddie walks off first, so he misses Steve withdrawing a hand from his pocket and saying, "Still have the rock, though." He flashes the red, grey, blue striped stone at the camera.

His gaze drifts away, landing somewhere in the distance, hazel eyes soft and heart-wrenchingly fond.

[bunnliix]

The Invisible Strings that Bind Us - Chapter Two

Chapter Two! We have some good cute fluff because it's gonna start getting angsty after this chapter, so prepare for that. But for now, we have some wholesome interactions between y/n and the boys. For anyone that saw this posted before, no you didn't.

a.k.a., I may have had to make a couple changes to it after it went live that I forgot about haha

Masterlist

word count: 1.8k

warnings: food, canon skz chaos, I think that's it

Y/n woke up slowly, feeling a bit disoriented. She felt whatever was beneath her shifting, before she heard an Aussie accent. 

“Good morning sunshine.” She heard, opening her eyes to see Chan looking down at her.

“Huh? What the fuck? That wasn’t a dream?” She mused out loud, forgetting that she wasn’t thinking about it. She heard laughter coming from across the room, finding Changbin and Han bent over laughing.

“This isn’t a dream, we promise you. Now, do you wanna sit up?” Chan asked her, to which she nodded. With his help, she sat up and moved to sit against the back of the couch. 

“You can stop laughing at me, god dammit. It wasn’t that funny.” She lightly glared at the two men. It really wasn’t that funny, honestly, she was ready to slap them. If only they were in reach of her.

“Guys, chill out, please.” Chan scolds the two members, raising an eyebrow at them. The boys apologized to Y/n, bowing and saying sorry to her. She waved away their apologies, telling them it was fine. She really didn’t mind, but it’s still not fun to get laughed at.

“So, where do we go from here?” Y/n spoke up, wondering what would happen now. It may not have been the ideal soulmate meeting, but obviously fate didn’t care about that. There may not have been a big outward sign that they were, but she had never felt more at ease with anyone else ever. Even prior girlfriends she had, that she almost thought were her soulmates, never made her feel this right as these eight boys were right now.

“Well, seeing as you landed right in our laps, and also Binnie has our initials plus one more set, and once we match yours up with the last initial, I’d say you’re our soulmate. We can figure everything else out from there.” Chan said, taking charge of the situation. 

Y/n told them all her full name, and her initials matched up with the last set on Binnie’s arm. This prompted Felix to come over and hug her, whispering in her ear how much he’s glad to have found their last soulmate. He laid his head on her shoulder, his arms still wrapped around her, not letting go of her now that she’s here.

All of the boys’ phones went off, pushing them to check and see who’s messaging. Hyunjin groaned, “Ugh, we have to head back to dance practice, they’re looking for us.” He told the rest of them. This prompted many complaints and cries, the boys not wanting to leave their newest soulmate yet. 

“How long do you have to practice? I can just stay here, honestly, it’s not that big of a deal. I have my phone and I can entertain myself till you all return.” Y/n said, smiling up at them. She didn’t mind being by herself for a little while, it would give her some time to process everything that’s happened.

“If we’re lucky, an hour? Depends on how much of a hardass Minho-hyung is today.” Hyunjin replied to her, not managing to dodge the slap from the aforementioned person. He rubbed his shoulder, feeling the pain from the hit.

“Yah! I don’t want to be away from our soulmate either, but keep it up like that and I’ll make you practice for hours.” Minho snapped back at Hyunjin, looking annoyed.

“Okay, let’s chill out, okay? No need to get violent.” Chan tried to pacify the situation, and thankfully it worked

The boys begrudgingly packed up, Minho leaning in close to Hyunjin as they left, telling him that he’d make a nice snack after 20 minutes in the airfryer at 180 degrees. Y/n laughed as she watched them leave, before moving to sit against the armrest, getting comfortable. She decided to think about her situation later, and grabbed her phone, opening up tiktok and scrolling the time away.

An hour later…

Y/n hadn’t realized how much time had passed, and when the door to the studio opened, she jumped and threw her phone up into the air, as she panicked. She however, managed to not fall off the couch, but her heart was running a thousand miles a minute as she tried to calm down. She held onto her chest, looking at the door to see the entirety of the group standing in the doorway, a couple of them trying to hold back their laughter, as others looked concerned. 

“Could give a girl a bit of a heads up, yeah?” She said to them, a bit over the panic.

“We didn’t think you’d be that absorbed into whatever you were doing, honestly.” Chan replied to her, moving to grab her phone from where it had been thrown, and bringing it over to her. 

She sat up, letting Chan sit down next to her. “That’s fair. I didn’t realize an hour had passed, to tell you the truth. But that’s because I’m bad at telling how much time has passed.” She explained. She truly had very little concept of time. She could look at the clock and five hours had passed when it only felt like it had maybe been an hour. It was one of her greatest weaknesses.

“Don’t worry, some of them get like that too.” Felix piped up, moving closer and sitting on the arm of the couch. “Chan especially, the man works and zones out while doing so.” He continued.

“Yeah, and the rest of 3racha are the same way.” Hyunjin pointed out, to which Han hit his arm. 

“Yah, we’re not that bad!” He shouted, pouting afterwards. His little quokka cheeks made an appearance as he did that.

“I don’t think I believe that.” Y/n told Han. 

He continued pouting, even his newest soulmate was being so mean. He couldn’t believe it, and there were giggles from his other soulmates, showing that they were on her side, not his.

“Well now that you’re all back, and I assume free from idol duties for a little while, I’d like to talk about where we go from here, now that we’ve confirmed I’m your last soulmate.” Y/n spoke up, trying to steer the conversation in another direction.

“Well, I think the first thing to discuss is how prepared you are to be the soulmate of eight other people, who I assume live very far away from where you are from?” Felix asked her.

“Well, considering that I’m from Canada, that’s not horribly far, but still a bit farther than I think is reasonable. So I think I’d be moving here, and not the other way round.” She told them, starting to think about the logistics of moving here.

“Ah, yeah. You’d have to move here, but we can help you with every step you need to take. We wouldn’t leave you to do it all alone.” Chan turned to look at her. “We’d have to move into a bigger place too, unless you’d want your own space?” He continued.

“I wouldn’t mind either option, really.”

“Okay, that’s fine, we can sit down with management and get that figured out. They can also help us look for a place for you as well, just as an option.” Chan said.

Y/n nodded, fine with that. She wasn’t picky, it really wasn’t a big deal to her where she’d be living. She’d just be happy to be near her soulmates, honestly.

Everyone went silent as Y/n’s stomach grumbled, the girl herself curling in on herself to try and hide. 

“And maybe now is a good time for food.” Felix said.

“I’m hungry!” Changbin shouted, making a couple of the boys chuckle.

Chan stood up, holding a hand out to Y/n, who took it as she stood up as well. He pulled her along as they followed the rest of the boys towards the JYPE cafeteria, as it was the easiest place to get actual food. It thankfully wasn’t that packed when they arrived, and the boys quickly picked out their food, while Chan helped her decide on what she wanted. She went for some tteokbokki, and the other boys decided that they didn’t mind sharing bites of what they chose, so that nothing was wasted if she didn’t like it

Y/n tried bites of everyone’s food, and enjoyed most of it, with a couple exceptions. Despite that, everyone enjoyed their lunch, and after everyone finished and cleaned up the table, they all headed back up to their practice room, deciding it was a better place to talk than squeezing into the studio.

“So, obviously we have to tell management about this, and also figure out how long you can stay here before heading back to pack up your stuff.” Minho spoke up, breaking the silence.

“Yeah, and I have to talk to my university and try and get that figured out as well. I’m almost finished with my degree, so I’d like to actually finish it off fully.” Y/n told them.

Wows came from a couple of the younger boys, and Y/n blushed a bit. 

“What do you study?” Seungmin asked her.

“History is my major in university.” She told them, proceeding to tell them some of the subjects she’s studied within history. She talked more about her favorite periods or topics to study, after the boys asked some questions about what in history she enjoyed and why she decided to study it as a degree.

The group continued talking about their own hobbies and other things they’d like to do in life, as Chan moved to check his and the others schedules, as well as notifying management that they needed to have a meeting. He found their schedules to have been cleared for the day, after he got a response from management that they could have the meeting in 30 minutes. 

“Well, good news and maybe good news?” Chan piped up, everyone else going silent, waiting to hear the news. “So, we now have a free schedule for the remainder of the day, but we also have a meeting with management in 30 minutes.” He finished. 

A round of groans commenced at Chan’s announcement, as the boys dreaded the meeting with the managers. Y/n looked around in confusion, wondering why they were reacting this way. 

“What’s so bad about the meeting?” She asked, tilting her head slightly in confusion.

“They’re not fans of the bureaucracy of being an idol, so they dread meetings with our managers and team.” Chan explained, rolling his eyes at the boys’ antics.

“Ohhh.” She understood now, it made sense that the whole bureaucracy of being an idol would be boring. She herself didn’t enjoy those things either, let alone how much of this administrative stuff goes on in the background of idol agencies.

The boys decided to go change into something a little less casual for their meeting, and thankfully, the boys had something that she could fit into. It wasn’t much, but it fit and didn’t look horrible on her, so that was what counted. They just joked around and the boys fought playfully until about five minutes till the meeting, when they all headed up to where the meeting was to take place, where they arrived just in time. Chan did a head count, before he pushed and held the door open for all of us to enter.

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Taglist: @queen-thiccness

[supercriminalbean]

Fight Club. Part four.

Aaron Hotchner x Male!Reader.

Part: One. Two. Three.

Summary: The team finally gets a lead on location but has to much damage to you already happened? Are they going to find you alive, will you survive the curl thing called life.

Warning: Dark fic. Blood, fighting, death, killing, abuse, kidnapping, swearing, drugs, unsub violence, angst, murder, criminal minds unsub violenceness. This whole fic series is just dark and strange the ask it self is amazing and may help you know if this is something you can handle. (Any other warnings let me know xx)

Words: 6.4k

A/N: I AM SO SORRY FOR THE DELAY. But hey here you go, part 5 will be posted in a few weeks and it will be the aboustel last part do enjoy this. Love y'all so much for the support and love.

Three more days go by, everyday there is a new livestream. You look worse and worse each time, the light in your eyes drifting away, the hope dying away. You have been forced to fight one more time, and it

ended the same way. You gave the poor boy mercy in the final moments of the fight only for him to end his life. You did everything you could to get him to stop but nothing you did made him turn the knife onto you, so you laid on the ground once more holding the young boy in your arms as he bleeded out. On the days you wouldn’t fight he would come in and take his anger out on you, trying out some new knives he had, your body is nothing but a meat sack covered in bruises and scars. You grew tired, no longer fighting against him, the sas has long left you as you wait for the impending end. 

~~~

Aaron paces the room as his mind spiralling, it's been over four days since they took you, and concentrating is getting harder with each minute passing. The team got a new lead this morning, Garcia, Reid and Morgan are sitting in the other room going through the geographic profile once more, while the rest of them map out what the next moves of the unsub could be. So far deadends keep being hit but new hope has been lit inside the team, everyone seems to be pushing through the fear of losing you, everyone but Aaron. The door flies open, making everyone's head shoot up as Morgan and Garcia stand there looking shocked. 

“We got the location, we got him” Garcia gasps breathless as she sprints into the room carrying her laptop, quickly followed by Morgan and Reid.

“What, you're sure?” JJ eyes brighten up, leaping into action.

“Positive, three hours south from here there's an abandoned underground gymnasium that has a huge pool, there's only two entrances into it” Garcia speaks quickly, Reid lays down the map, pointing it out.

“Also its a 7 hour drive from where they found (Y/n) many years ago, he could have ran from there” Reid adds.

“Let's go then” Hotch orders, and in a split second the team is sprinting out of the room.

~~~

Your energy is gone, you don’t care about staying alert anymore, when you're alone all you do is sleep. Your mind's way of escaping as your body works on healing itself. Someone yanks your head back, waking you up, a quiet noise of pain slips through your lips. 

“Morning sunshine” He laughs as he walks in front of you, his sickening smile is one thing you will never get used to. 

“What now?” sighing softly, as you stare up at him, as he kneels down staring at you with interest. 

“It's time for another fight sweetboy” His chuckles grow louder when you don't react. He’s done it, he’s broken you, there is no strength of fight left inside of you any more.

“Fine, where is he?” You groan softly as he unties your hands, giving you time to stretch, rubbing your sore wrist. 

“He’s coming” He smirks at you before removing your chair, and climbing out of the pool, setting up the camera and lights before the door opens.

“Ah Victor, you’re here” He grins at you as your face falls.

“Yes sir” A dark cold voice response, before walking closer making himself visible. He’s grown, he’s bigger than you now, a lot stronger by the looks of it too. His eyes are dead and when he glances at you, there is no look of recognition as he meets your eyes. The boy you once knew is gone, and that's your fault.

“Are you ready, Jupiter?” Ma’am giggles, your eyes glance at her, not even nothing beside Ryan before.

“I’m not fighting him” You shake your head at them.

“Making it easy for me” He smirks darkly at you before jumping down into the pool, his eyes never leaving yours. 

“Ryan you don’t have to do this” You try to reason with him, staying still.

“That's not my name” He hisses at you, his eyes narrowing. 

“It used to be, do you remember me?” You take a deep breath stepping forward.

“No, I don’t” He scoffs, he slams his eyes shut before reopening them with new rage.

“I bet you do, and you don’t want anything to do with those memories because I hurt you when I left you, Ryan” You speak calmly but firmly keeping eye contact with him.

“Bullcrap, I don’t fucking know you!” He snaps at you, his body lunging towards you, you dodge him. 

“Don’t hide from me” His smirk darkness as he watches your slow movements, focusing on your limp. 

“Why not, you're analysing me because I’m slow because I'm injured and that's the only way you can beat me” You smirk back at him, knowing his techniques, having discovered them together. 

“Oh I could beat your ass easily” He chuckles, advancing on you.

“Lies Ryan lies” You smile at him, watching as a small light appears in his eyes for two seconds. Two seconds of hope then suddenly, he’s got you. A few quick hits in your face and chest to disorientate you, blood drips from your mouth as he eases up for a moment and then you can hear his yells.

“I don’t know you, I don't know Ryan!” He screams as he goes back to using you as a punching bag. You manage to get your leg out, tripping him over as you gasp for air, climbing on top of him, doing your best to pin his arms down. 

“You do know Ryan, It's you, and I’m (Y/n), come on man we used to be best friends” You argue, watching as anger flares into his eyes.

“I don’t fucking know you” He snarls at you, and in one quick movement, he flips you both over, winding you. His hands wrap around your throat, pressing down hard as you struggle to breath, forgetting all your training. You try your hardest to find words to speak but nothing can get past your lips, soon everything starts growing darker. 

“Forgive you” You cough up, it's barely loud enough as you give up fighting. What is there to fight for anyway, no ones coming to save you anyway. Soon darkness overcomes you and you feel yourself floating.

~~~

It's cold, a cold feeling on your cheeks as fresh air fills your lungs. You gasp, your body shooting up, pushing the coldness away from you, blinking rapidly as your eyes adjust to the dark room. 

“(Y/n), (Y/n), It’s okay it’s just us, It’s JJ” A firm but calming voice calls to you, before something soft touches your shoulder. Your head spins around, your eyes landing on her, a weak smile crawls onto your face, before falling away.

“I..I'm dead aren’t I?” Yours words are barely audible as you stare at her, the new hope fading away. 

“No, you're alive, we got you” She smiles softly at you, rubbing your back gently.

“Y you came for me?” Your voice wobbles as tears start filling your eyes, a sob begging to escape.

“Of course we did kiddo” Another voice speaks beside you, moving your head slowly you spot Dave kneeling down beside you, wrapping his arm around you which you lean into.

“Th thank you” A sob leaves you as you reach a hand out to JJ, taking her hand in yours earning a soft sadden smile from her. 

“Always, we are family” She smiles at you before helping you up. You lean on them both for support, before your eyes scan the room, stopping on the body just a few feet from you.

“Ryan…” Your heart breaks as you stare at him, and the blood pooling underneath him.

“I’m sorry (Y/n)” Dave's soft voice pulls your attention to him and his guilt filled eyes. You can’t focus on that now, you just can’t, you give him a quick nod.

“Let's get the hell out of here” Gulping thickly as you let them lead you to the side of the pool, taking your time.

“Rossi, you got him?” A loud voice calls from the doorway before four agents make their way inside the room.

“Yeah Morgan we got him” Rossi calls back, beckoning him over. Morgan and Prentiss quickly make their way over, smiles of reliefs flooding their faces as their eyes set on you. 

“You are a site for sore eyes” Morgan chuckles softly, holding out a hand as you try to climb out, him and Prentiss grabbing your arm gently pulling you up. 

“Good to see you too, Morgan” Smiling weakly, leaning into him as Prentiss helps pull the other two up. His arm wraps around you as you use him for support, resting your head on his arm, earning a few back rubs from him. 

“Hey, your boss is calling for backup there's more kids than they thought” One of the swat agents speaks up, his hand on his comas. 

“Go, we’ll get him out of here” Rossi orders, nodding at Morgan and Prentiss. 

“I can get myself out, go help Hotch” You wince a little, pulling away from Morgan's support. 

“Not tonight (Y/n)” JJ smiles before wrapping her arm around you once more.

“We’ll see you on top” Prentiss smiles, squeezing your hand before following Morgan and the other agents out.

“You two should go help, I got this” You look down as you speak.

“No kiddo, we aren’t leaving you” Rossi smiles, before taking your arm, helping support you.

“We are never leaving you, ever” JJ chimes in, smiling sadly at you. You smile weakly at them before nodding.

“Then let's get the hell out of here” You declare, a small chuckle leaving you as you let them lead you out.

~~~

You never thought cold air would feel this good, you shiver uncontrollably as you sit on the back of the ambulance, watching your team and swat bring the boys up out of that hell. The normally empty field is filled with flashing lights from police cars and ambulances, your eyes scan the area as you wait for the two members of your team still yet to appear from down below. 

“We saved those boys, we saved them!” Her screeching voice causes your eyes to flash over, spotting her in the custody of Morgan. Your eyes meet his and they are filled with anger and hatred, he smiles forcefully at you. Followed behind them is the man you hate the most, he stays quite his eyes scanning the area, stopping once he sees you a gut twisting laugh escapes him as he stares daggers at you.

“You're a waste of talent boy, should have killed you when you were just a kid boy” He screams at you, making Rossi yanking him forwards, his eyes darkening on the man in front of him. You don’t take your eyes off them until you watch them get put in separate police cars and the doors slam closed and their screaming stops. You take a deep breath and the air tastes more clean, a smile pulls at your lips as your eyes meet Rossi, his are filled with sympathy as yours fill with hope. It's over, it's over for good. You turn back to watch the entrance, watching the last few agents walk out, Reid walks out carrying a young boy aged seven in his arms. Your heart breaks as you see the boy cling to Spencer, the tear stained face, but then your heart soars, leaping to your feet as Aaron finally appears. You don’t care about the pain radiating throughout your body as you push your body forward, not caring about the tears sliding down as you focus on him.

“Aaron” You scream out, and he stops spinning around to look at you, his face fills with relief as he walks towards you, faster than his body could take him.

“(Y/n)!” He exclaims, watching as you fall to your knees as you reach him, falling forward into his arms. He lowers you both to the ground gently, his arms wrapped around your body firmly as your body shakes with sobs.

“It's okay, I got you, you're safe now” He strokes your hair as he comforts you, holding you closely. He whispers words of comfort as you cry into his chest, he holds you for a long time allowing you to let it all out. 

You two sit there for a long time, even after all the tears have long dried. 

“Hey we need to get you checked out” Aaron whispers as he runs his hand over your back. 

“Stay with me?” Gulping thickly as you look up at him.

“Always” He smiles, kissing your forehead before taking your hand and pulling you up. “Always” He repeats as he leads you back to the ambulance where Emily and Rossi now wait. 

“You two going up to the hospital?” Emily smiles softly, she can’t help but feel relieved every single time she looks at you.

“Yeah” You nod, leaning into Aaron's arm wrapped around you finding comfort in his touch.

“Good, I texted Garcia she's on her way there now, she's worried about you” Rossi adds, smiling lovingly at you.

“What.. Penelopes here.. Why?” You look up at Aaron confused only to watch his face fall. 

“Because she cares for you, we all do it's why we are here” He smiles softly at you, before helping you into the ambulance, where the EMTs are waiting.

“Oh, right” You gulp a little, before sitting back down, your eyes staying on Aaron as he sits beside you.

~~~

Once you get to the hospital you don’t get time to have a break before you are wheeled straight into having x-rays and other tests. You are away from Aaron for hours, and it hurts they keep prodding you and questioning you, it's exhausting. Finally they take you to room, and you're alone, fear creeps into you as you wait for Aaron, your heart races faster every second you're alone. 

“”Oh my gosh, you're here” She squeals as she runs into the room, her eyes brightening up as she spots you, rushing towards your side being careful not to touch you.

“Penelope” You breathe out, fresh tears sprouting to your eyes as you see the queen of sunshine. “Gosh I missed you” You let out a small whimper as you reach for her hand, her eyes widen before quickly capturing your hand in hers.

“Oh my love, I’m right here” She smiles at you before sitting down, never letting your hand go.

“Where's Aar?” You whisper, feeling groggy from all the drugs.

“He’s talking to the doctor first, sweetie, but that brings us to something” She smiles cheekily at you. “WheN did you start calling him Aar?”

“Before he kissed me” You chuckle softly, closing your eyes as exhaustion starts taking over. You never saw Garcia's mouth fall open, her eyes almost falling out.

“Um Garcia everything okay?” Hotcha asks as he walks in worry filling him instantly.

“Uh yep everything is fine sir” She quickly collects herself, smiling softly as she stands up. “But I should let him rest, you staying here tonight Hotch?”

“I will” Hotch smiles as he notices you still gripping Penelope's hand tightly.

“He's warming up” Penelope comments, glancing down at your hand.

“That he is” He smiles more, moving to your side, sliding his hand over yours, so you can finally let Penelope go.

“So is that why you two kiss?” Penelope can’t hold it back anymore as she makes her way to the door. Hotch's head shot up, catching her knowing look, he can’t help but smile back. 

“Goodnight Penelope, keep that to yourself okay” 

“Got it boss” She giggles as she leaves. 

~~~

The next day goes by slowly, they keep taking you away for tests. Checking over your wounds and changing the bandages, it felt exhausting everyone kept asking you questions and dragging you away from Aaron. Why can’t they just let you rest, why can’t you just go home, all you want to do is go home and deal with the aftermath of this case. Finally the nurse wheels you back into your room, leaving you alone, you're not sure how long you have laid on your bed staring at the ceiling for. But the tears keep flooding your eyes as you realise the team now knows your deepest darkest secret, your job is in jeopardy and all you want is Aaron. Aaron to hold you, Aaron to tell you that everything will be okay, you know it's wrong to crave someone like this but you can’t help it. You aren’t ready to lose him, he won’t want you now that he knows how damaged you are, he won’t want you around his son now knowing what a cold blooded killer you used to be. You didn’t realise the machine beside you was beeping away until someone entered the room, making their way towards you urgently.

“(Y/n), you're okay” Aaron sits on the edge of your bed grabbing your hand, your eyes flash towards him. You're hyperventilating, gasping for air as you squeeze his hand, shaking your head as you try to speak.

“I can’t, can’t breath” You whimper softly, his eyes soften as he pulls you into his arms, rubbing your back gently.

“Listen to my heart beat darling, copy me okay” He speaks delicately, his voice as sweet as honey. “Deep breaths, in and hold for three seconds” He takes a deep breath, as you copy him. “And out” He blows out, smiling softly as you copy him. “Just like that darling, and again” He takes a deep breath, listening closely to you, falling silent as you work on your breathing. 

“Thank you” Breathing out slowly, as you glance up at him with a tear stained face.

“Don’t need to thank me” He smiles lightly at you, laying down on your bed, pulling you with him. To his surprise you don’t argue instead you cuddle up to him, entwinding your fingers with his. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” He murmurs, his free hand running through your hair.

“Yes, but not today” Sighing softly as you close your eyes, your mind finally feeling empty.

“That's okay, later then get some rest” He smiles a little as he takes in just how peaceful you look.

“Stay with me?” Your words mumble together as sleep takes you.

“Always” Hotch smiles, kisses your head softly. 

~~~

The doctors finally discharge you and give you permission to fly, so now you and Aaron are on your way to the jet where you're meeting the rest of the team. You haven’t seen anyone since they reduced you, you know they are going to have questions and alot of them, but you don’t want to answer them, you just can’t. You’re staring out the window, lost in thought while Aaron drives, he can’t help but keep glancing at you, worrying about what's going on inside your mind.

“You want to talk about it?” Aaron asks, his eyes focusing on the road.

“The team is going to have questions” Sighing as you rest your head on the window, watching the world go by.

“They will, but you don’t have to answer them tonight” He replies, before adding. “They will wait as long as you need”

“What about Chief Strauss?” Looking over at him, as the anxiety of her questing and debriefing fills you. 

“We will have to face that tomorrow morning” Aaron does everything in his power to keep his eyes on the road and not look at you, he doesn’t want to see that broken look in your eyes, because he knows if he does you two won’t make it to the jet. 

“We?” Your voice is lower, he can barely hear you but he does.

“Yes we, Im not letting you face her alone, whatever happens we will deal with it together” He gives you a small confident filled smile.

“Thank you” You return that smile lightly, but it doesn’t meet your eyes, other things playing on our mind.

“What else is going on inside your mind tonight?” 

“I…It’s nothing” Shaking your head as you look back outside.

“Whatever it is, I can help”

“Even if it's stupid?”

“Yes even then” Aaron chuckles softly, earning a small laugh from you. 

“I don’t want to be alone tonight, normally I love it but the thought of going back to my apartment tonight, it's unsettling…” You struggle to find the words, ending up playing with your fingers as you speak. His hand reaches out capturing your hand with his, a smile slipping onto your lips as his fingers linking in with yours.

“You can stay with me tonight, whenever you like to” Aaron's voice is soft as he pulls up to the runway.

“Thank you Aar”

~~~

The flight goes by quickly, you and Aaron get there before the rest of the team so you drag him to the couch, settling in and accidentally falling asleep with your head resting against Aaron's chest before the rest of the team arrives. You somehow woke up halfway through the flight, the rest of the team also asleep, Aaron deep asleep with his arm wrapped firmly around you. You can’t help but smile, feeling safe in his embrace as you scan the jet, seeing the team all spread out sleeping and a guilty feeling starts to eat at you. How could you ever think they would leave you there, how could you think that hiding your past from them was a smart idea when things started turning south feels wrong now. But that's behind you now, and it may seem silly but you feel so much closer with them all, and knowing that you have to answer all their questions is something you no longer dread. Smiling to yourself as you snuggle back down, falling back asleep in Aarons arms, knowing at one point you’ll have to deal with the way your heart throbs with his touch. 

“(Y/n) wake up” His voice is soft as he rubs your arm, trying to get you to wake up. Grumbling softly as your eyes slowly open, groaning quietly as your eyes adjust to the lighting, the jet is so bright but soon your eyes fall on Aaron, smiling sleepily at him.

“Hi” Yawning softly as you sit up, stretching a little. 

“Sleep well there?” Derek smirks, sitting opposite you there. 

“Like a peach” Chuckling softly as you see the team sitting opposite you.

“Sorry, we are about to land” Aaron smiles apologetically as you stiff back another yawn.

“Its fine”

“Here, It's also time for your meds” JJ adds, passing you over a bottle of water and your pills.

“Oh right, thanks JJ” You smile politely before taking them, swallowing down the pills and the water. You can feel the team's eyes on you, and the guilty feeling re enters you, slowly you pull the bottle away meeting the eyes of your team.

“Look I know you guys have questions—” You start, suddenly feeling defensive.

“We just want to know if you're okay?” Emily speaks, her eyes filled with concern that when you realise they don’t care about what you did, their looks are ones full of worry and concern a new feeling fills your chest. A small smile filled with love and affection fills your face as you think over your answer. 

“Honestly no I'm not, I got a lot of healing to do a lot of things to work through, but give me time and I’ll be okay” You lean into Aaron as you answer, smiling a little.

“If you ever need anything, we are right here okay” Morgan smiles kindly at you.

“Just give me time and patience” You smile back at him, enjoying the way Aaron rubs your back in comfort.

“We can do that,” Rossi nods, giving you a light smile.

“Are you going to be okay at home, I know you don’t have a bed and its not good for you to rest up only on a couch” Reid adds in, staring at you with concern.

“You don’t have a bed?” JJ eyes almost fall out, giving you her best mum look, causing you to feel sheepish.

“Um no but i’ll be fine”

“Bullshoot, you will stay with me. I have a spare room” Garcia speaks up staring at you firmly, daring you to argue with her.

“Um I appreciate that, but I don’t need to”

“You are not sleeping on a couch” Emily shakes her head. “Its either my place or pens so pick”

“Look I appreciate it but I already have a place to stay” You smile shyly at them.

“Wait you have other friends” Morgan gasps dramatically. “Who?”

“Me” Aaron laughs at the shocked faces of the team, everyone but Rossi and Garcia. 

“Huh, fine, can't argue with bossman then” Garcia smirks, looking away.

“That's settled then” Aaron smiles, before picking up his phone. “It's Strauss, she says we get the next few days off” Aaron smiles as his team cheers quietly. 

“Does that mean we did a great job, or are we in trouble?” Rossi jokes, turning to Aaron.

“Both” Aaron half jokes, glancing down at you, feeling you tenses up. 

~~~

ONE MONTH LATER.

You hadn’t seen the team since they all had dinner at Dave's house a few days after they got you back. It was a small celebration, you opened up them just a little bit, you all grew closer that night. Sadly the day you got back you were suspended pending an investigation, you talked with Strauss and she told you there wasn’t much she could do, because it was all out of her hands, but it didn’t matter to you because you had a plan. Today you finally found out what the decision is, and so after your meeting you head down to the BAU floor. Yes the team is out of town on a case, but luckily they are on their way home tonight and Dave is throwing another dinner tonight to celebrate the good news of yours. So you make your way to the one person you can’t wait to see anyway, because four weeks without seeing her beautiful smile is too long, you knock lightly on her door. 

“Come in” She calls out, her voice full of happiness.

“Good afternoon Penelope” You smile as you push her door open, she gasps while spinning around in her chair, smiling up at you with excitement. 

“It's youuu, you have come to see me” She exclaims, grinning up at you, climbing to her feet, holding out her hand for a small high five. It's your guys' small ways of saying hey, but instead you dismiss her hand, and pull her into a small hug.

“I missed you” Smiling softly as you feel her freeze only for her to quickly hug you back giving you a small squeeze. Penelope swears her face is going to fall off with how much she is smiling right now, she never imagined you would ever give her a hug and she can’t help but enjoy it. Closing her eyes as she soaks it in, holding herself back with the way she wants to squeeze you tightly. 

“You're hugging me” She giggles, dancing just a little before you pull away, a big smile across your own face.

“That was okay, right?” Your smile falters a little as you double check with her.

“You can hug me whenever you like my love” She grins more. “But um what brought that on?”

“Well I want to be less scared of physical touch so I thought what better way to start working on it to give in and give a hug to someone I’ve been dying to” You shrug your shoulder, trying to act like its no big deal as your body tingles with the feeling of someone's else touch.

“That's a big step, I'm proud of you” Penelope smiles more at you, her heart soaring at the look of the new you. She knows she only saw you two weeks ago but you have changed even the energy around you. You cut your hair, it's more short now, and you look like you glow, there's a shine behind your eyes. You’re clearly sleeping more and eating regularly, looking after yourself is finally starting to sink in for you and she couldn’t be more proud. 

“Thanks pen” Smiling back at her.

“So how did your meeting go?” she sits back down, as you grab her spare seat.

“It went really well, I can’t wait to tell everyone tonight at Dave's” You smile, enjoying her presents, soon you two just start catching up on everything that has been happening.

~~~

A soft knock on the door indicates that Aaron is here, smiling as you grab your phone making your way towards the door, opening it quickly glad to see both your boys there.

“Hi (Y/n)” Jack grins up at you, you can’t help but smile back as you bend down to give him a quick hug.

“Hey kiddo, oh I’ve missed you”

“You saw him the other day” Aaron teases as you pull away, smirking as you turn to him.

“What, is that your way of saying you didn’t miss me, Hotchner?” Smirking lightly as you tease him, enjoying the way he pulls you into a hug.

“Never” He chuckles softly, kissing your cheek lightly, sliding his hand into yours as he pulls away.

“Lets gooo, I wanna see Henry” Jack giggles as he leads you both down the hallway. You can’t help but laugh at him, he definitely does have his Dad's patience. 

“We coming Jack” Smiling over at Aaron as you follow the boy closely.

“So the meeting with Strauss, how did it go?” Aaron asks you, glancing at you, his concern with how quiet you have been this afternoon growing. You were meant to text him, but he never heard from you.

“It went great, I’m no longer under investigation and i’m all clear to return” You smile slides away as you reach the car, Jack gets in leaving you two outside to talk freely.

“Are you still doing what we talked about?” Aaron speaks softly, his hand rubbing your arm softly as you lean against the car.

“I think It’s time Aaron, it's just going to be hard” You can’t help but sigh heavily as you lean into his touch. 

“I know, but you need to do what's best for you and I will be right here beside you every step of the way” Aaron declares, smiling lovingly at you.

“I know, thank you and I mean it Aaron. You have been my rock the past few weeks” Smiling up at him.

“It's the least I can do, you need to know how much I care for you” Aaron smiles as he slides his hand gently on to your cheek, cupping your face gently as you lean in giving him a quick kiss.

“I appreciate it, now come on we need to go see our team” Smiling as you pull away from him, biting your lip as you climb into the car.

~~~

“You made it” JJ squeals softly as you walk in, you’re trailing behind Aaron and Jack. Jack is quick to run outside where Henry and half the team is. 

“I did” Smiling lighty you walk over to her, Emily and Reid. 

“How have you been?” Reid asks, smiling a little.

“I’m okay, so over resting all the damn time” Laughing softly, your heart melting with the comfort of being surrounded by your family. 

“I remember that feeling, but you have to look after yourself” Emily gives you a stern look before sipping on her drink.

“Im trying” You reason, biting back a groan.

“We know, but we also know you” JJ smiles, a motherly look in her eyes.

“How did your meeting go today anyway, when are you coming back?” Emily presses on to her burning question, the one thing everyone tonight has been dying to now.

“Can we just wait until everyone is around, I don’t feel like repeating myself a million times” Forcing out  a chuckle as you watch the hope and excitement fade out of your three friends eyes.

“That bad huh?” JJ sighs, turning to the others.

“No, no it's not bad” You smile, glancing behind you at the incoming footsteps.

“Here, you don't have a drink yet” Rossi speaks from behind you, turning around smiling up at the man.

“Thanks Rossi” Taking it from him taking a deep breath as your fingers brush over his, glancing up you spot the rest of the team making their way over.  

“So (Y/n), when are you getting your ass back” Derek grins up at you, Penelope and Aaron following him over. 

“That's a complicated question” Sipping on your drink as you go over your answer, grateful to have Aaron coming to stand beside you. You can do anything with him beside you.

“What does that mean?” Penelope's eyes widen, fear entering her at the thought of her family breaking up.

“Look if Erin is giving you a hard time I will talk to her” Rossi automatically defends you, everyone's mind racing.

“No, Strauss isn’t the bad guy here, in fact she has been extremely helpful” Taking a deep breath before you continue. “I’m no longer under investigation, in face I’m welcome to return but I don’t want to, It’s my turn to move on, and look I know I owe you all so much for coming to my rescue, but I can’t do this job anymore I want to do something different with my life now” Your words come out filled with regret and guilt, your eyes full of sorrow as you talk, meeting everyone in your team's eyes. You have never felt closer and further away from them as you do right now, today is the start of a new beginning. 

“You’re leaving us?” Garica's eyes tears up, her heart racing.

“Look, we understand why you want to leave, but is there anything we can say to make you stay?” Emily looks hopelessly at you, but a small proud smile pulls at her lips. 

“Nothing, but hey I’m still going to be working at the FBI just not with the BAU anymore” You sigh, the feeling of sadness squishing your heart.

“I hope you know this doesn’t get you out of team nights still” Derek smiles at you, he knows how hard this decision was for you to make. 

“Oh I know” Laughing softly.

“So what are you going to be doing instead?” Rossi smiles at you, a lovingly proud look in his eyes. 

“I'm going to be the new FBI forensic scientist, so you guys will still have to work with me occasionally” Smiling at them, joy refilling the room.

“Oh, you’re taking over for Mary?” Garcia's face fills with excitement of course, she’s the one who works closely with that team more than the others.

“I am, so you guys can’t get rid of me that easily” The room fills with laughter once more.

“So that means you’re still coming to team nights right?” Reid asks. “You can’t just leave us all”

“Of course I will, plus” Smiling up at Aaron, catching his eyes his own smile grows as he gets the hint, his arm automatically wrapping around your waist as you lean into him. “Plus as your unit chiefs boyfriend I’ll be around more often” Pulling your eyes away from Aaron you glance around at the rest of the team, everyone's faces seem to be a mix of happiness and shock.

“Oh finally” Rossi cheers, laughing at the shocked looks around him.

“Wait, wait what” Morgan's open mouth slowly turns into a grin. “Seriously, you two thats awesome”

“Oh I knew there was something going on, I told you Emily” JJ smirks at Emily, who shakes her head smiling.

“Congrats you two” Emily smiles.

“That's so great, I'm happy for you both,” Reid smiles.

“Um Penelope, you're awfully quiet” You smile over at her, meeting her mischief filled eyes.

“I have been dying for you two too finally admit, I mean after you told me you kissed him months ago I have been waiting” She squeals.

“Wait, I told you, what, when?” Your eyes widen as you rack your brain trying to think.

“At the hospital when you were all drowsy from the medication” Aaron smirks down at you.  

“And you didn’t tell me this, traitor” Smirking at him teasingly as you kiss his cheek, earning a bunch of awws and laughs fill the room as Aaron blushes deeply, which he returns with a stern glare at you. 

The night slowly moves on, all full of laughter and chatter as the team all catches up and demands all the gossip on you and Aaron's relationship. Which you don’t mind at all talking about, happily opening up with your team. The only family you will ever only need by your side.

Tagging thoes that seem interesed or asked: @xweirdo101x @alecmores @yn-addams @winter-world @xdark-acadamiax @rexspersonalhell @hunterispunk @sammy-4103 @222244445555 @spiritzofthedead @sweetnothingsvulnerability @hepbaestus @bunbunbl0gs @mrblue-kai

Happy to untag or tag people let me know.

[mediumgayitalian]

fic rec friday 10

hi!! welcome to fic rec friday. every week, i pick five fics i have bookmarked and rec them with a little review. check them out!

something borrowed by @rosyredlipstick

In the Solace Wedding Planning agenda, on the fifth page into their summer schedule, there are carefully scrawled out notes reading this: Bride and Groom - Hazel Levesque & Frank Zhang Best Man & Maid of Honor - Percy Jackson & Piper McLean Wedding Court - Annabeth Chase & Jason Grace Mellie & Gleeson Hedge Reyna Ramírez-Arellano & Leo Valdez Ring-bearer - Chuck Hedge Flower-boy - Nico di Angelo - Will plans wedding and now, apparently, Nico stars in one. Except...sometimes there's a bit more confusion on that last part. AKA the AU where Will plans weddings and thinks Hazel and Frank are going to have to cutest, gap-toothed ten year throwing flowers down the aisle, all while wondering why this 'Neeks' guy is always hanging around, and what business he has looking that good.

yes i am back on my rosyredlipstick (dude she's GOOD okay). however this one is my favourite i think. this is the kinda story you could use to explain to people what dramatic irony is bc LORD i wanted to SHAKE THEM 😭😭 will falling like deeply in love with nico and being intensely stressed about everything the whole time is so real and on brand. i love him and i love the fond exasperation that just bleeds from this fic its GREAT

2. Rental Love by @rosyredlipstick

*Read Terms & Conditions - Male/22/Long Island N.Y.C. Tired of showing up stag at holiday events? Want your family to stop thinking there’s something wrong with you? Just want some arm candy for a work event? Look no further. Your solution is here! I will attend holiday events with you as your paid date. Accepting all genders as applicants. Email solace.w@fastmail.com if interested. Interview & application will be set up there. - Nico di Angelo has been telling Hazel Levesque about his boyfriend for weeks. The bad part? Nico doesn’t have a boyfriend, the holidays are coming up, and not all of Jason’s ideas are horrible. They’re all a bit surprised about the last one.

THE LEVEL OF STUPID THAT THEY ARE...😭😭 kills me fr. like this whole fic is just a manifestation of truly one of the best tropes of all time…..like what if we took a hallmark movie and made it gay as all hell. iconique indeed

3. A Match in the Making by @coconutcranberries-blog

“You’re a morning person,” Nico muttered, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his palms. He ran a hand through his black hair, which stuck up in disarray, the same way it did every morning. He was a mess, and Will Solace looked annoyingly put together, and Nico didn’t even care, really, he didn’t.

friendship is the core of romance!! it is!! every time!!! and it's such a core in this fic....which is fucking??? ten years old??? im just realising?? jesus christ??? anyways. "Nico had the sudden, warm feeling that Will Solace had never bought his act." i YELLED

4. Perception by scorchedtrees

In which everyone thinks Nico and Will are together.

i love this trope i love it SO BAD. both ways. when your love is so obvious that no one misses it.....love to see it truly. and will can have one second of beingn smooth and not a dweeby loser. as a treat

5. the world is brighter than the sun now that you're here by @finalizer

It was hard, Nico eventually concluded, to maintain one’s air of spooky otherworldly detachment with a blinding ray of sunshine trailing one step behind him every minute of every day.

grouchy nico my beloved truly. honestly hes such a bitch i love him like "Seriously, give the guy a perm and a few cats and he’d be that weird aunt that everybody avoided around the holiday season." why does he ALWAYS have something vile to say 😭😭 hes a mood fr

thank you for joining me this saturday friday!! happy reading!!

[possessingtheproperspirit]

It's @mppmaraudergirl's birthday! In celebration, have this random load of nonsense: sixth year Jily flirting by the lake.

“Ah, June.”

She doesn’t lift her gaze from the book in her lap, although she can’t seem to stop the smile already tugging at her lips. 

He is not discouraged by her lack of response. “To be young and in love in June,” he sighs, and flops down next to her. He smells like mint and pine and sweat. Not that she notices that sort of thing. “How can you bear it, Evans?”

“What, June?” she asks, still not looking up. Over the course of their sixth year at Hogwarts, she’s become used to his meandering threads of conversation: his mind works in mysterious and, yes, amazing ways. Now that they’re friends, she’s more attuned to it than ever. “One day at a time, Potter. Just me and my will to survive.”

He snorts and her smile strengthens; finally, she allows herself to look up, squinting in the sunshine as she takes him in. His tie has long since been abandoned, his hair its usual dishevelled mess. His legs are stretched out in front of him, and he rests back on his elbows, a louche sort of insouciance that, again, she wishes she didn’t find as charming as she does. 

“Not June,” he corrects her, and nods towards the lake. From their vantagepoint, under the shade of an ancient willow tree, they have the perfect view of two fourth years, flirting for Britain in the shallows. “Love’s young dream over there. It’s a bit much, isn’t it?”

“Is it?” she wonders. She recognises the boy—he’s a Hufflepuff prefect. Seems nice enough. “All they’re doing is standing there.”

“Standing there,” he repeats dryly. She can tell that he’s enjoying himself, that he’s committing to this train of thought even if he doesn’t really care. Sometimes he says things and he means them; sometimes he says things and he’s looking to have some fun. She likes both versions equally. “Flaunting their happiness in front of us!”

She turns to look at James, biting her lip as her smile threatens to overwhelm. “Oh, I’m sorry, Potter,” she says, and he meets her gaze, his own grin blooming. “I didn’t realise you were suffering so.”

“Being single,” he shrugs, waving an airy hand in the direction of the lake. “The secret sadness, even on a sunny day.” He glances down at her book. “Even in your fine company. Even though you’d rather be reading—what is that?”

“Pride and Prejudice,” she replies, showing him the cover. “It’s a classic.”

“That’s what girls want, is it?” he smirks. “Regency romance, contained desire and declarations of love at a polite distance?”

“Well,” she considers. “That, and paddling about in a lake.”

James’ laugh warms her, and she follows his gaze back out to the flirting pair nearby. “Maybe that’s where I’m going wrong.”

“Or maybe,” she says, and she’s not sure why, because it makes her stomach feel like it’s turning inside out, “you’re not going as wrong as you think you are.”

He looks round again, an intrigued eyebrow raised. For a moment, no comment, and she thinks she’s messed this up. They were having a rambling joking conversation, and she made it into something real.

But then he smiles again, and says, “We’re often our own harshest critic, aren’t we?” A pause, then, “Most of us, anyway. Sirius thinks he’s the bee’s knees.”

“But that’s only because he is,” Lily replies. Her heartbeat is returning to a normal rate. “Ignore the lake lovebirds. Lie back and I’ll read you some of my book.”

He chuckles, but does as he is asked, settling comfortably back against the grass. “Can I try to guess the ending?” he asks. “Who dies first, pride or prejudice? My money’s on prejudice.”

“James,” she says patiently, opening her book up again. “Shut up and listen.”

“Harsh,” he murmurs, and grins up at her. “But fair.”

And that was where they stayed, until the sun started to set over the lake.

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Winter's Bite (Twilight Princess ficlet)

HAHA YOU THOUGHT I WAS INCAPABLE OF WRITING SOMETHING >:) (I'm sure literally no one thought this except me, it's fine, this is a joke)

@nancyheart11 this was far too long to be sent in an ask and I said what the heck I'll make it a ficlet, so enjoy :)

Summary: Link usually shows up at Rusl's house every day. When no one has seen or heard from him in the middle of a sleet storm, Rusl goes out in search for him.

(AO3 link)

It was a dreary day. The blissful break in winter from yesterday, filled with sunshine and gentle breezes and warmer temperatures, had been harshly shoved aside for a return of ice and bitterly cold rain. Rusl found himself wanting to lay in bed - Hana was getting better at sleeping through the night, but there were still interruptions, and between his broken up rest from the last few months and the abysmal lighting he was set to sleep all morning.

Rusl rolled onto his side, his arm reaching out for his wife, when he felt just the mattress beside him. Frowning, he opened his eyes a bit more and saw that Uli had already gotten up somehow, despite the entire world indicating that it was a good day to sleep in. Sighing, he decided he should get up too.

With a mighty yawn and a lazy stretch, the Ordonian swordsman finally rose out of bed, stumbled a little as his world spun, and then made his way to his daughter's crib. Hana was fast asleep, her little chubby face relaxed, and Rusl smiled at the sight of it. He went to his son's room next to check on Colin, who was out cold. Pulling the blanket up a little to better tuck him in, Rusl left quietly so his son could enjoy a sleepy morning.

The smell of breakfast filled his nostrils, perking him up a bit more. Uli was boiling some eggs and making biscuits - Rusl couldn't imagine a more perfect start to the day.

"Good morning," he said softly, wrapping his arms around her from behind and planting a kiss on her neck.

Uli giggled a little, leaning her head back into his chest. "Mornin'."

The couple spent the rest of the time in silence, Rusl helping with making tea while Uli finished cooking. When Hana awoke, Rusl took over in the kitchen so Uli could feed her, and Colin eventually dragged his feet into the main room of the house just in time for breakfast.

The day progressed pleasantly and lazily. Rusl worked on making some farming tools for the villagers while Colin stayed indoors and took care of Hana, giving Uli time to rest and make some clothes. Rusl gazed outside occasionally, wondering if Link would stop by - it had been a couple weeks since everything that had happened, and though Link was fully recovered and had settled back in his own little home, Rusl still worried.

Particularly since he hadn't seen him today. Usually he'd catch sight of Link on his way to the ranch in the morning, or the boy would stop by for lunch or dinner.

Lunch had passed by now, so Rusl assumed he would see his boy in the evening.

He didn't.

Worry started to settle heavily in his gut. The last time Link had disappeared for a while...

Well... actually, now that he thought about it, Rusl had never questioned why his ward had been lounging around as a wolf in front of his home all those nights ago rather than gone inside to sleep.

It still made him uneasy. It had been too recent, everything that had transpired that night. He felt anxious thinking that he hadn't seen Link at least once today.

Rusl hardly touched his dinner, and Uli picked up on his anxiety as well. When Colin took Hana to her crib, his wife used the opportunity to walk over to him and ask softly, "Have you seen Link?"

"No," he answered. "But I'm going to go look for him."

Uli nodded, glancing away worriedly. "I was outside gathering some ingredients and I overheard Fado mentioning that he hadn't seen Link today."

"What?" Rusl nearly yelped. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"Honey, it was right before dinner; Colin was there by the time I got back," Uli argued quietly. "You and I both know he'd go running off into the woods with nothing but a wooden sword to find him. Besides, I wasn't sure if you'd seen him."

Uli blew out a shaky breath, staring at the floor guiltily. "I didn't--he has to be okay, right?"

"I'll make sure of it," Rusl stated firmly, grabbing his sword. Uli gave him a quick concerned be careful as he headed out, hood pulled tightly over his head as the freezing rain continued to pour forth from the sky, pelting his skin with tiny scratches of winter's claws.

It didn't take long to clear the village of any sign of Link, and his house was equally empty, making Rusl worry even more. He bent down to the ground, looking for any signs of either Hylian or wolf feet, and instead saw the heavy footprints of horseshoes.

Epona.

Perhaps Link was alright if he'd taken his horse with him? Rusl had to confirm, though. Heading into the forest, he followed the footprints, which were filled with ice, indicating it might have been a while since Epona had been there. He went across the bridge and into Faron Woods before he found Link's mare close to the mouth of the cave that led further into the forest, looking agitated.

"Epona," Rusl acknowledged as he reached out to the horse. She had taken shelter under a few trees, but it was very unlike Link to leave his steed out in the elements like this. He looked over her saddle and the single bag packed. Link hadn't planned on being gone for long based on how little was being carried. "Where's Link?"

Epona whinnied, her feet shifting nervously. Rusl pat her reassuringly, glancing around. The encampment where the lantern merchant usually stayed had been abandoned in lieu of the storm, which made searching for clues...

There. Smaller footprints, first those of a Hylian and then suddenly shifting into paw prints.

Rusl trotted ahead, growing steadily more nervous.

Only one beast popped out to cause trouble, a keese, and Rusl felled it quickly. The beast squealed in protest before gurgling into silence, its last gasp covered by the sound of icicles falling from the sky.

And then Rusl heard whimpering.

Sheathing his sword with a conscious effort and haste, he rushed ahead, finding his charge.

A black wolf was curled around himself, tail and paws tucked under him, ears peeled back, fur glittering in icicles that had long since frozen to him.

"Link," Rusl gasped, falling to his knees. The wolf whined when he placed his hand on his head. "Link, what happened?"

When the only response he got was another whine, he glanced over the young one once more. No sign of injury, no bleeding... though he couldn't see his paws with the way they were tucked in. Gently, Rusl coaxed them out from under the wolf, one leg at a time, and saw no wounds, though the wolf was clearly freezing.

"Link," Rusl tried again. "Come on, son, change back. Talk to me."

Link whined more loudly, tucking himself more tightly into a ball as if he were ashamed or scared. Rusl watched him, baffled and concerned.

"All right," he muttered before pulling off his cloak and wrapping it around the wolf. "We'll do it this way, then."

With a deep breath he pulled the bundle into his arms, Link giving a soft growl and twitch, twisting in his grip a little. Rusl looked at him discerningly, gazing into the intelligent blue eyes and markings as confirmation that he hadn't stumbled onto some other wolf, but no - this was definitely his boy. Why was he acting like this?

Well, whatever the reason, they could figure it out in the warmth of his home.

Rusl headed back towards the bridge leading to the village, and Epona practically ran to him when he reached the clearing. She poked Link with her face, and the wolf whined again, though his tail unfurled a little to wag before he yelped and it curled back in.

Rusl paused. "Link, are... are you in pain?"

Link whined again, his muzzle leaning against Rusl's shoulder.

That had to be what was wrong. But he wasn't injured...?

"Does... does it hurt?"

"Not like it used to. I'm okay, Pa."

The puzzle pieces slowly snapped into place, and Rusl silently made his way back to Ordon. Epona followed along, waiting patiently at Link's home as the swordsman continued to his own house. When he got there, Uli was waiting for him in the den, and she immediately grabbed as many pillows and blankets as she could find and laid them in front of the hearth. Rusl settled Link by the fire, and he stayed very still.

"What happened?" Uli asked.

"I'm... not sure," Rusl answered. "But I think he's in pain."

"Is he hurt?"

"No. I think it's..." Rusl mulled it over. "Storms like this always bother me, my old injuries, my joints."

Uli huffed a little as she knelt beside Link, running a hand over his fur. "Well I may not have scars, but my joints are starting to get a little grouchy with this weather."

Rusl grabbed some herbs that he usually ground up into a tea for pain relief and then paused. Could Link even drink this as a wolf? "I think that's what's wrong. Would transforming back hurt too much, Link?"

Link moved his head to hide his face under a blanket. Uli hummed worriedly, leaning over and kissing the blanket where he was hiding. "Oh, honey... Rusl, what can we give him?"

Rusl stared at the herbs helplessly. "I... we might just have to wait for the storm to be over."

Uli bit her lip thoughtfully. "No medicine, but we have other methods. I'll make some hot water bottles."

As his wife rose to do so, Rusl sat on the ground beside Link, slowly peeling the blanket off his face. His boy's blue eyes watched him sadly, almost seeming ashamed. His brushed his hand over his boy's head, settling for scratching gently behind his ears. Link's tail lazily swished back and forth in acknowledgement.

Sighing a little, Rusl adjusted himself to be more comfortable as he ran his hand along Link's back in a soothing motion. His boy was trembling less, pelt cool and damp rather than frozen solid. The gentle massage helped ease the wolf's tension as well, and eventually Link settled his head on Rusl's lap.

"Don't worry, Link," Rusl whispered as Uli returned with some more items to assist. "We'll take care of you."

[bigfrozenfan-fanfics]

Chapter 72 - Halvard's final honour 🔞

Links: Chapter overview, Character list, Map, Glossar Rating: M over all Publishing cycle: around every 2-3 weeks

Remarks: all my chapters contain carefully selected music tracks (try to use headphones). It’s your own decision if you want to use them or not while reading. The purpose is to musically support the respective mood of the plot. If you can please use a browser for reading (not the Tumblr app) due to the text formatting and music.

A chilly wind in Arendelle's capital was blowing around the noses of the citizens and was the first harbinger of the approaching winter. It had been an unusually long golden autumn with lots of sunshine and mild temperatures, it was now high time for many to provide firewood and spend the last few days enjoying nature before everything disappeared under a cold, white blanket of snow.

          Anna and Elsa had agreed to accompany Yelana and the other Northuldra home last night. They told Mari that morning that they would visit Vesterland's royal house on their way back and wished her and Ambassador Mitya a safe journey home.

          Elsa had the brilliant idea of sailing with the new ship instead of riding. Anna immediately agreed and told her sister that it would certainly be much easier for her to think of a new name for the confiscated vessel this way.

          Yelana was thrilled when she heard about it, because she found Arendelle's ships fascinating and had long wished to travel on them one day. That way, everyone would arrive at the Northuldra camp much earlier and there would also be a way to transport men and equipment, including prisoners back to Arendelle and the naval base, Elsa told her.

          However, not all Northuldra would travel by ship, this was especially true for the merchants whose camp was in the northern forest, not far from the capital. They would also take Yelana's reindeer with them. Indu, too, who did not fare particularly well on the last ship voyage, decided instead to accompany the others on his reindeer by land and then leave for the far north in a few days to join his family.

          Anna had also agreed the night before to Yelana's unusual request to show the castle's stable boy the forest where she and her people lived. She had promised him and his reaction had made her smile. The boy had shown genuine interest and also a knack for reindeer. Yelana immediately made her way to the stables, also to check on her reindeer.

          “Hey, stable boy, do you still remember me and my promise!” called Yelana as soon as she was standing inside.

          The boy turned in surprise and peeked around the corner of one of the horse stalls to see who was calling out to him. As soon as he recognised Yelana he called back.

          “Lady, you bet I remember! But please don't joke, because you must know that my work here is extremely important to me!”

          “Come out, for I have asked your queen's permission! You will accompany me to the Northuldra region, as promised by me, and then you will see what has always interested you.”

          “Are you really serious, Lady?” he asked back, uncertain.

          “I'm dead serious, lad. So get ready, because we will set sail together with the queen and her sister in about an hour!”

~~~

It was hard to say who was more impressed by the ship's voyage, Yelana, a more than true Northuldra, or a perhaps sixteen-year-old stable boy who was leaving Arendelle for the first time, and on a ship of the royal fleet at that!

          Both stood at the bow and let the wind blow around their ears. Neither spoke a word for a long time, but the royal siblings smirked at the two as they strolled across the deck, inspecting the new ship.

          “Do you think I could start a new future as a ship's boy?” he asked Yelana excitedly at one point.

          “Who knows,” she replied, “but I think you'd better stay a stable boy, because you're very good and loving with the animals, especially reindeer. Not everyone is cut out for it, but you certainly are, believe me.”

          He looked at her thoughtfully and then nodded slowly, “Perhaps you are right, Lady Yelana. Animals have always been a part of my life, even when I was very small. Somehow I understand their needs and know when they are well or when they need something, and the horses in the stable like me, I can feel that. On the other hand, Arendelle's big ships fascinate me and make me dream of far away adventures.”

          “Well then, you're experiencing one right now,” Yelana replied with a smile, “and you'll certainly be thrilled by our life in the great forest. And I can feel that, you know.”

          He smiled broadly, clung excitedly to the bow rail, closed his eyes and breathed in deeply the fresh wind that blew around his nose and brought the distant adventure he had always dreamed of.

~~~

“It is fast, the ship, and in excellent condition. Our people have done a good job in getting everything ready, don't you think, sis?”

          “Yes, I like it too, and it just flies over the water, all without Nokk and Gale,” Elsa replied, and they both had to laugh at their comparison. “Have you thought of a new name yet? Jarls Pride is kind of inappropriate, I think, and it still reminds me too much of Thord.”

          “Not yet, but I'm sure I'll have found one by the time we return. By the way, as for Thord the usurper and the current ship name, I was thinking the same thing as you. I hope we never see him again, though I'd love to give him a taste of my fist.”

          Elsa shook her head in amusement and chuckled softly, “You've had that before with your ex. Be glad you don't have to face Thord again! But now, enough of this tiresome topic, let's go and see how our Northuldra friends are doing instead.”

          “You're right, I'm sure they'll be wondering why we haven't joined them.”

          The sisters made their way to the quarterdeck and as they climbed the short flight of steps they saw everyone sitting good-humouredly on the deck planks or standing at the rail, a new flag with the crocus, the symbol of the House of Arendelle waving in the breeze between them. Anna briefly looked up behind her and there, with great satisfaction, she made out a large, long flag with the same symbol on the main mast. She smiled, for this was now her and Elsa's ship. Their very own!

          And who knows, maybe next year they would both go on a long and beautiful voyage together to friends in other kingdoms, in fine weather and a summer breeze, not as chilly as it was at the moment. How about calling the gaff sailer the 'Voyager'? Anna smiled up to her ears as she imagined it all in her mind.

          “Well, how are you?” asked Elsa of the others, snapping Anna out of her daydream. “You are certainly looking forward to returning home with your friends in a little while, am I right?”

          “Yes, you are absolutely right, Your Highness, what me and Ryder are looking forward to the most is seeing Honeymaren again. I miss her so much,” Linnea said and stood up.

          Ryder stood with his back casually leaning against the railing and nodded happily. “I had seen her at least briefly when I was there with the soldiers … and well, at our joint fight with Kolgrimr of course. I'm so proud of her and I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about in the days and weeks to come. I'm really looking forward to it.”

          “I'm mostly looking forward to my forest and being able to gather herbs again,” Myrtha said, “Besides, I'm sure our people have missed a good healer … without wanting to praise myself, of course,” she laughed. “I miss everyone very much.”

          “And I can finally ask Ikka's parents for her hand in marriage. Then next year we plan to get married, after I have put myself in her parents’ service. Because that's the custom with us … not just the proposal ceremony with butterflies and reindeer, the way Ryder helped Kristoff in his proposal,” Joná grinned and, sitting up, put an arm around his beloved, who leaned her head against his shoulder with a smile as she nodded in acknowledgement.

          "But then instead of Anna, Yelana suddenly appeared and you should have seen Kristoff's surprised face," Ryder smirked and everyone laughed, even Anna.

          "I didn't know that," she said. "He'll have to tell me more about that when he gets a chance. It's a pity I didn't see that … I mean, of course, the butterflies and all that. But anyway, we are happy for you, for all of you," she said. "By the way, do you know anything about what Yelana wants to show us and why we should definitely come along?” she added, but only received a shrug of the shoulders in reply. Myrtha did not respond at all, but looked out over the fjord.

          Anna somehow had the impression that Myrtha knew all about it but didn't want to say anything. But no matter, Elsa and she would find out before evening, so she also shrugged and turned to her sister.

          “Come on, let's both go below deck and have a look at the captain's cabin, Elsa. I haven't seen it yet.”

          “Me neither, good idea. See you, guys. If you need anything, tell the boatswain down there, the one with the blue cap on his head,” Elsa said and headed for the second exit, closely followed by Anna, who was still smiling and waving to the others behind her.

          “'Hey, Elsa, I think I've already come up with a great name for our new ship,” Anna said enthusiastically as they walked down the short hallway towards the cabin.

          “Our ship, you say, it almost sounds like you've already reserved it for just the two of us,” Elsa laughed as she opened the door. “And what are you going to call 'our' ship?”

          “The Voyager, because we'll both be making a lot of trips in it in the future.”

          “So without the ARN designation in front of it? Doesn't sound so bad though, Anna. I like it.”

          “Well then, it's a deal! The ARN Voyager it is. It could do with a new coat of paint, though. What do you think of white?”

          Elsa looked at her in surprise, pondered for a while and finally nodded with a dreamy smile. “Oh, I can imagine that quite well, it also emphasises the streamlining of the sailer. Good idea, Anna!”

          Anna grinned back and then looked around the captain's cabin. All of Thord's private things had been removed, except for the heavy wooden table and three reclining chairs, so they could furnish the room to their liking. Including everything that was still missing, i.e. sea charts, nautical books, instruments and all things for the personal outfit for a land trip on distant shores. The room offered enough space and also a separate working area for the two of them.

          Anna was already picturing everything as she walked around, while Elsa stood at the slanted stern windows looking out over the wake and the Arenfjord.

          “A few flowers are missing here too, Elsa, maybe crocuses and in the summer some sunflowers too. We could have the walls and all the frames redecorated in the Arendelle castle design. What do you think? I already have everything in mind,” Anna asked, joining her to look out as well.

          “I trust your taste, sis. I'm sure it will be nice and cosy.”

~~~

In the afternoon, Anna had the Voyager anchored on the second beach and three dinghies lowered into the water. First they loaded the food they had brought with them, mainly flour for baking breads and also some fruit, various mushrooms from the area around Arendelle, some lamb and freshly caught crabs from the night before, which Yelana said were hard to find up here in the north. And of course Olina's famous chocolate. That was not to be missed.

          Next the Northuldra got into two boats, followed by Anna, Elsa and their bodyguards in the third. The stable boy was all excited as he shimmied down the rope ladder into the second boat and sat down right next to Yelana.

          They had not been travelling for five minutes when they were spotted by two Northuldra fishermen who were unloading the catch from their boats. One of them was gesticulating wildly and shouting something at the other, but they couldn't understand it because of the distance. But that wasn't necessary, because the second fisherman was already running towards the camp. So their little surprise would no longer be a surprise, because very soon everyone there knew who had just arrived.

          Shortly afterwards, the dinghies pulled onto the sandy beach with a slight crunching sound. The first to disembark were all the Northuldra. Then followed the royal bodyguards, who together pulled the heavy third boat far up the beach so that their highnesses would not get their feet wet when they disembarked. The fisherman who stayed behind immediately rushed to his people and especially greeted Yelana joyfully and effusively. Anna and Elsa exchanged happy glances.

          After that, they all had to walk another half hour before they came around the bend and saw the camp in front of them. Actually, they heard it already before they caught sight of the first Northuldra there. Almost everyone there was already shouting excitedly, loudly spreading the happy news and many were already running towards them to greet them.

          The sisters watched excitedly as all their Northuldra friends were welcomed as joyfully as if they had been away for years. All of them did not advance one step further because the hugs and greetings just would not end. It was loud and many tears of joy flowed on both sides.

          And then Honeymaren came towards them smiling broadly and with her head proudly raised. As soon as she was spotted, everyone formed an alley for her, for the long-awaited family reunion.

          Linnea just stood there staring towards her for a little while, looking her over from head to toe, before finally spreading her arms wide for her daughter with tears in her eyes. Honeymaren ran the last few meters towards her and fell into her mother's arms. Everyone around them clapped and some of them even sang a joik.

          Elsa watched the reunion closely and it was undeniable that Honeymaren had somehow changed since the last time. Elsa couldn't put her finger on what it was, but the young woman seemed more mature to her and, above all, her first glance was not at her but at her people, especially her mother. Elsa noticed contentment in her clear gaze, but also determination.

          When the two broke away from each other again, Honeymaren had time to embrace her brother and also greeted everyone else with heartfelt hugs. She stood a little longer in front of Yelana, then looked questioningly and with a raised eyebrow at the boy standing next to her.

          “This is the stable boy from the castle who I promised to show our people and the forest to someday,” Yelana said and the boy bowed to Honeymaren, which made her smile. “But you and I have something very important to talk about, Honeymaren.”

          “Of course, Yelana, but I'm sure it can wait. I'm really glad you've finally returned. But tell me, what is actually in the sacks you brought with you?” she said, casting an astonished glance at them.

          “Some food and flour for baking.”

          “That's nice that you thought of it, but let's all go to the camp for now,” Honeymaren said a little louder, “you must be a very hungry and your return must be celebrated properly. Besides, I have an announcement to make later.”

          After she said this and waved ahead, everyone followed her with expectant expressions. Shortly after, everyone sat comfortably around the cooking fires while the women in the camp began to prepare a feast, baking fresh flatbread and asking Anna and Elsa about the method of preparing these strange sea creatures. They gladly gave them information and asked about the whereabouts of General Mattias, Fabian and the other soldiers.

          As they were led towards the tent camp, they wondered about the two wooden cages at the edge of the forest that undoubtedly housed the prisoners of the recent battle.

          “You got them all, I see,” Elsa said with satisfaction, and Anna showed an expression that was difficult to interpret. She said nothing and avoided looking the prisoners in the eye between the wooden slats. Bad memories sprang up in her and she quickly took Elsa by the elbow.

          “Come, let's go quickly to Mattias and Fabian. I can't stand this any longer.”

          Elsa looked at her worriedly and then nodded in understanding. “I can understand that, Anna.”

          When they arrived at the tent camp, in front of which several cooking fires were also already burning and above one hung the large cooking kettle, in which it was bubbling and spreading a familiar scent, the excitement was great. Word spread quickly among the soldiers that their queen and sister had arrived unexpectedly.

          The general and the fencing master blew the tent cover aside when they noticed and hurried out and towards them. Everyone around the sisters bowed deeply to them and saluted appropriately.

          “Your Majesty, Your Highness! We were not expecting you, this is really a nice surprise,” Mattias said.

          “How is the leg?” Fabian added immediately, turning to Anna with a somewhat worried expression.

          “It's all fine, Fabian. Thank you for asking. Hello, General Mattias.”

          “So you actually did it and were able to apprehend all the fugitives,” Elsa said, “That's excellent! Then we can take them to the penal camp first thing tomorrow, for we came by ship and it is anchored close by on the upper beach. It's over at last and we'll take you all home.”

          “That will make the men happy and me too, for I miss my Halima very much. Is she still at the castle with Elin and are they both well?” asked Mattias, looking from one to the other sister in turn.

          “Yes, Mattias, you need not worry at all. She has returned home, though, because she missed her house and the garden,” said Elsa. “But I'm sure we have a lot to talk about and we could talk more back at the camp. There they are preparing a feast in honour of the Northuldra we brought with us. I guess that will last all night.”

          “We'd love to, wouldn't we, Fabian?” said the general.

          “Unless there's that weird bread with birch bark again,” Fabian said, making a face, “I miss the food from Arendelle and a fragrant fresh loaf of bread from the baker.”

          “Fear not, Fabian, for we have brought flour for baking and many other goodies … even chocolate from the castle kitchen!” Anna reassured him and Fabian was already licking his lips.

          “Well then, let's go,” Elsa said and Anna added, “But by another way, please.”

~~~

An hour or two later, after everyone in the camp was full and satisfied - there had even been fårikål, an extremely delicious lamb stew, for the guests of honour - the cosy evening began.

          The royal sisters had discussed everything with Mattias and Fabian in the presence of Yelana and it was slowly getting dark in the sky when the Nattura family came out of their kota again. Everyone wore their best clothes and the women an elaborately made scarf over it. In addition, they all wore colourful shoelaces, attracting everyone's attention, because every Northuldra immediately knew what this clothing meant. Everyone stood up with serious expressions and partly bowed heads as Honeymaren led them to Anna, Elsa and Yelana.

          “What does this mean,” Anna asked Yelana, who now rose as well.

          “This is our traditional mourning attire, Anna. We call these shoelaces voedtege and they are only worn when someone in the family has died,” she whispered back

          “Halvard!” breathed Elsa in sudden realisation, and without looking, motioned Anna to stand and pay respects as well. But Anna was already standing and looking sadly at the Natturas.

          As the family stopped and Honeymaren turned in a circle to look at everyone, the Northuldra moved closer and formed a large circle around the mourners. Not only to show their deep respect, but also to understand every word that would now presumably follow as a promised announcement.

          Alena also joined them now, followed by Árnason with the young stable boy in tow, and nodded knowingly to Honeymaren. The latter nodded back and then raised her voice.

          “Only yesterday I was at papa's grave for a few hours, telling him that his family would soon be complete to visit him. Now the time has come, and not only that, for I would like to ask you all to take a day of mourning and join us. I have learned that you have not yet had the opportunity to do so, or that you have been waiting for this moment. I would like us to place reindeer antlers on his grave and honour him with a traditional joik.”

          Honeymaren paused for a moment and then asked Alena to join her.

          “As probably only the older ones among you remember, we haven't had a noaidi go into a trance session and check in the spiritual plane for decades to see if Halvard's free soul has made it there and is doing well. Since I was born a long time after that, I didn't know about it either until I learned about this meaning from Alena here next to me. She is an experienced noaidi and will help us with this task for the first time in a long time.”

          She looked around and then said, “Now please prepare yourselves and accompany us to Halvard's grave.”

          The Northuldra dispersed to put on their best clothes, get their birchwood staffs and the large reindeer antler. Yelana excused herself and left the group from Arendelle to go to her old kota.

          However, there she found that her belongings, which she had not been able to take with her when she was banished, had been removed when Gyda moved into her hut. At first she was very upset about this and hoped that the things had not been burnt and had been taken to safety by her people in time. And so it was. She took the bare necessities with her and changed in her kota.

          Alena and her young companion were of course not prepared for such an event. While she whispered to him that she wanted to quickly fetch her drum, he remained waiting where he was. The boy from Arendelle had become somewhat friend with Árnason, who was about his age, in the last few hours and had told him about the reason for his journey. He was now standing beside him a little uncertainly and was very surprised by this event.

          “You are about to experience something very special, Lars” whispered Árnason, “but just stay by my side. Watch and listen, for you will surely not forget this.”

          Anna and Elsa, standing a little apart with their escort from Arendelle, waited patiently until all the Northuldra were ready and the procession was about to start. The royal bodyguard did not quite know how to behave and the commander politely and quietly asked his queen.

          “Follow us in silence and stay close to us. Just try to behave according to the sad occasion.”

          Half an hour later, all the Northuldra gathered in festive dress. Some of them also wore colourful shoelaces and Mattias said quietly to Anna and Elsa that they too had lost relatives during the war, though he did not know if their dead had been buried near Halvard. But as Honeymaren had said, it would be a full day of mourning and surely the following event would be repeated at the gravesites of the fallen tomorrow, he said quietly.

          “You have experienced this before, haven't you? While you were locked up here in the forest,” Anna whispered back.

          “Not at first, because my men and I kept ourselves separate from the Northuldra for a long time. After all, they were still the enemy in our eyes then. But later we did, after we had all inevitably come to terms, several times even. It is a beautiful ceremony, similar to the one you have experienced here before, when the Northuldra welcomed you as theirs.”

          Movement now arose in front and eventually all set off in silence, following the Natturas ahead. The group from Arendelle followed at the end.

          And as if summoned, at the same moment some riders on reindeer appeared. They were the merchants returning from Arendelle, together with Indu. They had made it just in time and as soon as they received information about the reason for the event from the nearest person in the vicinity, they hurried off to also equip themselves appropriately for the occasion. Only Indu felt a little lost, but joined them in the end.

~~~

There was hardly any space between the trees around Halvard's grave, but a large circle formed anyway, which many lit with torches. The Northuldra with the reindeer antler laid it gingerly on the grave and then stepped back. Linnea and Ryder knelt before it and now spoke to their father's soul, much as Honeymaren had done before, only a little more quietly. Honeymaren stood silent beside it with her head down and her hands clasped together. Meanwhile, Alena began to beat her drum and sang herself into a trance. All the others remained quiet and in devotion at first.

          When the drumming stopped, everyone looked expectantly at the noaidi.

          When she opened her eyes again, a small smile appeared and she said, “It's all right. He has found his peace.”

          And then the great ceremony began, with both women and men intoning a funeral yoik and singing Halvard's praises. Those who had a fighting stick with them struck their birch woods together in pairs and rhythmically to the chant, in tribute to Halvard as their best Skalastet fighter, thus producing the typical 'clack - clack' when two fight against each other.

          Elsa and Anna looked at each other in amazement, for the last time the men had only stomped their fighting sticks rhythmically on the ground. Even touching each other on the shoulder was not the case here, and yet. It was as Mattias said, a beautiful ceremony and the singing expressed affection and honour for Halvard, their friend. At the end, the women raised their heads and sang a little louder and more carrying into the night sky, until the singing slowly died away and absolute silence fell, interrupted only by the faint flickering noise of the torches.

          When Linnea and Ryder finally rose, the ceremony was over and one by one everyone went back to camp.

          Honeymaren came over to Anna and Elsa, looked around again briefly and then said to them “Thank you both for being there, especially you, Elsa. It meant a lot to me.” Then she nodded, turned away and walked back into camp as well. She walked slowly, keeping her head down while walking.

          The sisters looked at each other, puzzled at first, then gazed after her until she was out of sight and disappeared into the shadows of the night.

          “I don't know, but it almost sounded like a goodbye somehow,” Anna said quietly and Elsa nodded slowly and very thoughtfully.

~~~

Some kotas had been cleared for the guests from Arendelle to spend the night and lined with plenty of reindeer skins. Two of the royal bodyguards took positions in front of it as the sisters entered to go to sleep. They would take turns with the rest of the guard every four hours. The whole camp was quiet now and many of the fires had already been put out.

          When the sisters had undressed and covered themselves inside, they lay quietly next to each other, but thoughtfully with their eyes open. Both of them looked up at the flue, where a small section showed the sky with bright twinkling stars.

          At some point it was Anna who quietly wished Elsa good night, turned to the side and closed her eyes. Shortly afterwards, her light snoring could be heard.

          Elsa looked over at her, threw the reindeer blanket aside and stood up. She made an automatic gesture with her hand and in this way literally put on her dress in an instant with her ice magic. Then she left the hut and said quietly to the guard that she wanted to be alone and made her way to the Natturas' kota.

          She knew where the hut was and stood in front of it in the pale glow of the half moon, undecided. Should she call quietly for Honeymaren or just go in? Elsa didn't know where exactly her sleeping place was, so the chances were three to one of finding it right away.

          She decided on the latter and very carefully and quietly opened the flap. Elsa was lucky because the half moon was right behind her in the sky and its light showed Honeymaren's face in the sleeping place just ahead on the left.

          Elsa slipped inside and had Honeymaren's position and how many steps it was to her in her mind's eye as she closed the flap and quietly entered. Elsa felt her way to Honeymaren's head by means of the reindeer fur, listened to where she was breathing and gently covered her mouth.

          Honeymaren startled and Elsa breathed into her ear, “Be quiet, it's me, Elsa.” She felt the slight nod at her hand and let her up. Then Elsa held the flap open for her and for the first time saw Honeymaren's body completely naked in the moonlight before her. Elsa couldn't help but look at her and her gaze lingered on Honeymaren's sparse pubic hair under which her sex was clearly visible. Honeymaren paused for a moment, looked at her in surprise but without any shame, and only after a second or two put her gakti on. When she had slipped into her reindeer boots, she followed Elsa outside.

          “What are you doing here?” she asked in a whisper, her eyes wide.

          “I want to talk to you, Maren.”

          There it was again, her short name, the kind Elsa hadn't used since escaping the forest from Kolgrimr. It astonished Honeymaren all the more now.

          “All right, but not here.”

          “Then let's go to our beach.”

          Had Elsa actually just said “our beach“? Honeymaren couldn't help wondering, but nodded quickly and pulled Elsa with her.

          A little later, they were both sitting on the weathered old tree trunk lying in the sand across the sea, its bare, barkless wood reflecting the moonlight. Both looked out at the glittering, gentle waves and enjoyed this quiet moment of beauty for a few moments.

          Honeymaren turned briefly to the edge of the forest, first checking to see if anyone had followed them, before looking at Elsa with her eyebrows drawn together. Then she began to speak softly.

          “So I'm really curious now, Elsa. You show up in the middle of the night, sneak into my parents' kota just to talk to me? What's so important after you've been avoiding me all this time in Arendelle, not even being able to look me in the face. And now you even call me by my pet name again and say “our” beach. What has changed that you suddenly behave like this? And then, too, those scrutinising glances you've been directing at my nakedness!”

          “You're upset, I can tell,” Elsa agreed.

          “You bet I am! You have pushed me away, rejected me, even despised me.” She had spoken up a little louder than she meant to, but feelings couldn't just be suppressed like that.

          “I'm sorry. I didn't want all this. I was just … afraid,” Elsa confessed, lowering her head ruefully.

          “Afraid? Afraid of what? Of me, perhaps? Or of being touched …”

          Elsa's head jerked up and Honeymaren suddenly realised the truth, holding her hand in front of her mouth as she stared at her counterpart in deep realisation.

          “By the gods, I'm beginning to understand. I thought you …”

          Elsa shook her head slowly. “No, never, Maren.”

          “Have you made it yourself at least once … I mean…”

          Another shake of the head and a rather embarrassed look to go with it. Honeymaren had the impression Elsa's cheeks were turning rather red at the moment.

          “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be tactless, I …”

          “It's all right Maren. It's just that half of my life has been dominated by fear. Ever since I was eight years old and had to be separated from my dear sister for thirteen long years.”

          “But why is that? Who forced you to do such a thing? Family is one of the most important things in life. I can't even imagine being separated from them for so long.”

          “It's because of my ice magic. I was born with it. Everything was halfway fine at first, but then …”

          “What happened?”

          Elsa decided to tell Honeymaren everything and she listened very attentively, not interrupting her with a single word, her expression growing sadder as she did so.

          “Do you remember our evening in the hut after we went to the beach and I could no longer remember my life? I told you about someone important to me, someone I vaguely remembered, a face I couldn't recall. That was Anna. She was and is the most important person in my life. Unlike me, she is really outgoing and knows so many people, in fact everyone in the capital. And now with Kristoff she has experienced something that was previously foreign to me and that I never really thought about or missed. You can guess what it is, Maren.”

          “Love and tenderness towards another human being.”

          Elsa nodded. “Anyway, that's how it was until now.”

          Honeymaren drew in her breath and her heartbeat quickened on the spot.

          “Anna knows. I told her about your love for me in the night camp when we went to war and didn't know if we would survive. She … wouldn't mind such a relationship, she confessed. She had even suspected it herself with you.”

          “She is a really good and lovely person. I understand now how much she means to you and why. You must love her very much.”

          Elsa nodded, “She sees the potential in me that I never saw myself and was always afraid of.”

          “And now? Where do you go from here? How do you imagine the future now? Or will you perhaps even stay with us as Ahtohallan's fifth spirit?”

          “As for the latter, no. I promised Anna and she needs me. All is well here now after all and there is no longer any threat to you or the forest. Of course I'll check on things from time to time and with Nokk I'd be there in less than an hour. But as for the rest, I honestly don't know what to do. I have no experience and I'm not attracted to men in any way, especially not to their bodies. Just the idea …”

          “… scares you,” Honeymaren added, “I feel the same way, you know?”

          Elsa nodded, “But how do you deal with it and what experiences have you had with love in your young life?”

          “Honestly, none yet. But I feel it deep inside … this desire … and I dream about it and …”

          “About who and what …”

          “I dream of you, Elsa.”

          “And what are you dreaming about me? I mean … I can't really imagine.”

          “Hmm … you saw me naked earlier and … looking … down there. How did that make you feel? Or were you just embarrassed …”

          “No, no …, I …” Elsa stammered, unable to describe her feelings. Her body was reacting, in a place she hadn't expected, but how was she supposed to describe that to a beautiful young woman who probably had far more experience with it. Or maybe that was why she didn't need to? Elsa looked deeply into Honeymaren's eyes, her head probably flushed. She felt the heat rising inside her.

I had to remove the following scene because of the Tumblr community guidelines for 18+ content and created a new blog for it. If I had labelled this chapter as mature, my entire fanfic blog would only be visible to people over 18 and that was going too far for me. So only follow this link if you are over 18 and ready to read an explicit Elsamaren love scene.

          “Let's go to sleep, Elsa, and dream of me as I will dream of you tonight, as I never had before.”

~~~

---

Remark: I hope you have enjoyed this chapter! Please leave a comment if you liked the story, I would be pleased to read your opinions, even criticisms. But please only comment to the normal content here, to the outsourced scene only on my new blog. If you want to be tagged as soon I publish the next chapter please let me know, except you are already tagged :-)

Tagging: @true--north @annaofthenorthernlights @dronning-formynder05

[aloneinthehellfire]

The Battle Begins

It's You And Me, Always: Part 9

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

It’s You and Me, Always [Masterlist]

Summary: You and Eddie have been best friends since elementary school and you both assumed that friendship was all you were destined for. However, when you both experience Chrissy’s supernatural death, you are pulled into the secrets beneath Hawkins and find that your feelings for eachother aren’t what they seem.

Warnings: swearing, visions, mentions of death, descriptions of Vecna’s curse

Word Count: 2.6k

[A/N: wow wow so sorry this series is being written so slowly, i've just been so busy with other works and uni that i didn't have time! but we are close to the end now, and i promise it'll be worth it]

<- Part 8: Right Person, Wrong Timing

The Battle Begins

“Hey, Y/n, can you pass me the box?”

Dustin’s cheery voice snapped you out of your haze, reaching out across the grass and raising the box to the boy’s hands, earning a grin.

As Dustin set down the box of nails, rattling against the crate, Eddie couldn’t help the worried frown as he looks down at you, your gaze fixated on the grass as you twisted pieces between your fingers.

You had been silent the whole ride here, barely glancing at anyone and continuously keeping your eyes on the road behind. He had tried asking you about it, but you simply dismissed him with a smile and stepped off the RV, helping Robin carry a few bags.

The smile you had given him was far from your usual gleam of sunshine he had grown so fond of.

And now, he was scared that something had happened between you. Usually, you’d be open with him about your problems, even if you were sworn to silence. Yet you were almost avoiding him. Eddie’s insecurities were kicking in; did you regret the kiss?

Truthfully, you haven’t been in the right mind since your vision. The image of your dead parents was stained into your subconscious, constantly reminding you that Vecna could take you at any time. That Vecna wanted you dead.

It was a dreadful feeling to know that you were cursed, but that escalated to terrifying proportions when finding you were related to the monster. He killed his mother and sister, then your parents… now he was coming for you.

And you couldn’t tell Eddie. Not when the idea of you dying was excruciating for him to hear. So, instead, you did your best to hide your symptoms. Every nosebleed was wiped away as quickly as it fell, your dark jumper hiding the stain. Any headache was simply masked with a sigh, pretending you were tired.

All the visions of your parents just didn’t exist.

“How’s it looking?”

You whip your head up once Eddie’s voice found its way to your ears, a smile on your lips as he sported his half-finished shield, comprised from a trash can lid and a few shiny nails.

“Badass.” You nod and he grins, glancing to Dustin before setting his shield down and flopping onto the grass next to you.

Your smile must have faltered, the mask slipping, because Eddie was bumping your shoulder, his eyes searching yours.

“You okay?” He asks quietly, sure to keep the conversation private from the boy happily hammering away in front of you.

“Yeah.” You say, voice so cheery that it even made you wince at the poor attempt.

“What’s going on?” Eddie’s eyes are wide as he waits for an honest answer. But when you don’t reply, he decides he needs to know if it is what he’s been fearing. “Is it… us?”

“What?” You look up in surprise as he shakes his head.

“It’s okay, if it is, I mean. We- It was all kinda rushed and I don’t blame you if you regret it, or-”

“Eddie.” You intertwine your hand with his, cupping his face with your other and gently tilting his head to look at you. “I don’t regret what happened. I promise you, it has nothing to do with that.”

He leans into your touch, releasing a long breath that he didn’t realise he had been holding.

“I…” You start, sighing. “I guess everything’s just catching up to me, you know?”

He nods, thumb mindlessly rubbing the back of your hand.

It was a lie. Well, it wasn’t the whole truth, at least. It was all catching up to you, way too fast for you to even react anymore. You hated keeping your symptoms from Eddie, however. You knew what it meant, you all did. You had mere hours before Vecna would try and kill you again. And considering how strong your visions were becoming, you knew it would be the last time.

So, you do what you do best. You pretend like it was all fine.

“We’re not doing this again, Y/n.”

Your father’s voice echoed behind you and your hairs stand on end, goosebumps forming along your skin.

Slowly turning behind you, your breath hitches once you see him standing there, blood running from his eyes.

“Why didn’t you save us?” He asks, your mother suddenly appearing next to him, tilting her head.

“It’s because you wanted us dead.”

“No.” You whisper out and Eddie frowns, whipping his head to you.

“What?” He follows your eyes, glancing behind him. But he doesn’t see anything. “Y/n?”

“I…” You blink, and they’re gone, leaving you breathless as Eddie searches your face, hand cupping your cheek.

“What’s wrong?” He panics slightly, recognising the expression on your face. He had seen it before. After Vecna cursed you. His eyes widen. “Y/n, what did you see?”

Your eyes fill with tears before you shake your head, pulling out of his grasp. “Nothing.”

“Like I’m gonna believe that.” Eddie says, still grasping onto your hand. “Seriously, Y/n. Is it Vecna? Is he in your head again?”

“No.” You lie, “I’m fine, Eds.”

“You’re not.” Eddie looks at you, exasperated.

“Just… just leave it, okay?” You insist, reclaiming your hand and quickly standing, wiping the tears starting to fall. “Focus on trying to kill Vecna.”

You hurriedly walk away, clock chimes pounding in your mind as a sob leaves your lips.

You weren’t going to make it, you knew that. Vecna had a hold on you, using your parents to chip away at your defences. You were going to die.

But Eddie wasn’t ready for that to happen.

The RV was quieter, three kids less as the final descent into battle begun.

It left you, Eddie, Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Nancy to carry out the rest of the plan. You had the easier end of the deal, your only job was to wait inside the trailer for when the boys returned and get the hell out of there.

“It should be me.” You mutter once Steve announces Phase Two.

“She’s a stubborn kid.” Steve shrugs, sighing.

You insisted on being the bait, not wanting to put a 15 year old’s life in danger. But she was even more persistent, and you knew you weren’t going to win that fight. You didn’t have the energy.

“Phase Three?” Nancy prompts and Dustin clears his throat.

“Me and Eddie draw the bats away.” He nods, Eddie ruffling his hat. “Y/n will be on lookout below.”

Nancy continued to utter out phases, everyone merely nodding along for the third re-run tonight. Eddie was too distracted to hear the end of the plan again, however, when he was too busy looking at you.

He remembers when you offered to take Max’s place, voice steadier than he ever thought he’d heard it be. It made his stomach drop just a little, part of him grateful that the Mayfield girl had a strong will and something to prove.

“Nobody moves on to the next phase until we’ve all copied. Nobody deviates from the plan, no matter what.” Nancy said sternly, looking around at everyone’s faces. “Got it?”

“Got it.” You all repeated back, grabbing gear and heading out.

There was no turning back now.

Passing through the gate was different this time, partly from the anxiety and adrenaline coursing through Eddie’s veins. They were going to kill the very thing that threatened your life. A week ago, Eddie knew nothing of Hawkins’ secrets. And now, he was voyaging into the flipped nightmare to save the town that hated his guts. But he’d do it over and over again if it kept you safe.

“Hey, guys, listen.”

You all look over to where Steve stood, concern on his face.

“If things here start to go south, I mean, at all, you abort.” Steve commands and you smile. “Okay? Draw the attention of the bats. Keep ‘em busy for a minute or two. We’ll take care of Vecna. Don’t try to be cute or be a hero or something. Okay? You guys are just-”

“Decoys.” Dustin interrupts with an obvious tone, rolling his eyes. “Don’t worry. You can be the hero, Steve.”

“Absolutely.” Eddie joins in with a smirk, “I mean, look at us. We are not heroes.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I have it in me.” You shrug, Eddie nodding along next to you.

Steve seems to accept the answers and turns away.

“Hey, Steve?” Eddie calls out just as the boy walks away. His eyes flicker to yours before he settles back on Steve, narrowing his eyes. “Make him pay.”

They exchange a brief nod before Robin, Nancy, and Steve all set off to the Creel House, leaving you with Dustin and Eddie.

“Was that…” You raise your eyebrow, hiding a smirk, “Was that some sort of… bromance I just saw?”

Eddie clicks his tongue while Dustin gasps dramatically.

“Why, Y/n,” Dustin adds, placing a hand on your shoulder and sending a shit-eating grin Eddie’s way. “I think you’re right.”

“Shut up.” Eddie chuckles as you and Dustin laugh, “Come on, let’s get this baby fortress-fied.”

“Fortified.” You correct and he just stares at you with exasperation. “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t care if we’re literally in hell, fortress-fied is not a word.”

“You let me have no fun.” Eddie gawks at you and Dustin clears his throat.

“You are adorable but Y/n’s right, we need to get this fortified.” He shuffles away to start grabbing at boards of wood while you fold your arms with a smirk.

“See?” You say and Eddie shakes his head with a smile. He missed this part, the constant banter thrown beneath you both. It almost made everything feel right again.

You helped barricade the trailer, using metal wire and literally anything else you could find to help fend off the bats. The distraction was one thing, but escaping the tiny critters would be another. You didn’t need the scars coating your body to remind you of that.

As promised, you stayed behind the ‘safe wall’, looking out into the red sky, while Eddie and Dustin made it onto the roof, setting up their equipment. You just knew Eddie was having a field day with his guitar. The song he had chosen was one he had spent weeks practising, so much in fact that you not only could sing along to the words, but you could definitely perform a vocal version of their guitar solo.

“Is she-”

“Yes, Eddie. She’s safe.” Dustin reiterates once again. They had only been on the roof five minutes and Eddie’s already asked after you a thousand times. "If you’re that worried, we can always have her up here with-”

“No.” He said firmly, shaking his head as he plugs in his guitar. “She’s already been torn up by those bats once, I’m not risking it.”

Dustin looks up at him with a tilted head. “You really love her, don’t you?”

Eddie takes a breath, simply nodding his head in agreement. He was afraid to say it out loud. As if some malevolent force would take his confession as a signature to your death sentence.

When the blare of the radio in Dustin’s hands alerted them to their orders, Eddie took a deep breath.

“Copy that. Initiating Phase Three.” Dustin responds, giving Eddie a quick nod, and running to the edge of the roof to peer over.

“Y/n!” He called out and you span around to look up at him. “Initiating Phase Three!”

You give him a quick thumbs up and a smile, heading to the door of the trailer.

“We’re good.” Dustin alerted Eddie, relaying your gesture and crouching beside the speakers.

Shaking off his nerves, he spins his guitar around and looks out into the distance, glaring at the red bleed of the sky. This was his moment to prove he was useful. This was his movement to prove to himself that he was more than just ‘the freak’.

He tugs his guitar pick off from his neck.

“This is for you.” He whispers into the darkness, sure that you were safe inside and waiting for their return, and plays the first chord.

As the music starts to blast from above, you find yourself smiling. You had waited until he started playing, hand already on the handle. To hear his talent out in the open like that was important to you. Because you knew it could be the last time you ever heard it.

As your smile falters, you start to pull open the door.

“Y/n.”

You stop, a chill running down your spine. Every nerve in your body felt electrified in the worst way possible. Don’t look, Y/n, don’t look-

Taking your own advice, you swing open the door before immediately freezing, eyes wide.

Chrissy’s hollowed-out eyes stared back at you from inside the room, blood running down her face as her mouth hung open in a silent scream.

Tears started form, the image of your friend so broken was too much to bear.

“This isn’t real.” You whispered to yourself, shaking your head.

And then she moved towards you. Fast.

Your body reacted before you could, already sprinting down the steps from the trailer and rushing to the gate, heart beating erratically. Even as you tried to squeeze yourself through the gap, you could feel her bony hands clawing at your hair, the metal wire scratching your skin.

You yelled out for help, but the music was too loud for anyone to hear. You were alone with your nightmares.

When you finally broke through, stumbling onto the dirt, you barely managed to catch yourself before you fell, spinning around. But Chrissy was gone.

“Y/n.”

A sob leaves your lips when you reluctantly look behind you, your mother’s own haunting face glaring at you.

“Please, no.” You beg, tears slipping down your cheeks.

“Y/n.”

The next voice came from behind you again and you spin around, shaking your head. Your father stood between you and Eddie’s trailer.

“You’re not real.” You chant to yourself, shutting your eyes and taking deeps breaths, trying to focus on the chords of Eddie’s guitar vibrating through the air around you.

“But we are.”

You open your eyes and a choked gasp leaves your lips.

Their faces are barely a breath away from yours, close enough for you to see the severity of Vecna’s attack on them, faces surely searing into your brain.

Fight or flight instincts suddenly kicked in. And you were never one to fight.

Your legs took you as fast as you could, feeling like your muscles were on fire. The attempt of escape was leading you further from the trailer, further from Eddie.

Once your vision began to darken, you come to an abrupt stop, hands on your knees and trying to blink away the progressive blindness. You couldn’t die. Not now. Please not-

The air changed. You felt… light headed, almost. Goosebumps prickling your skin before you even looked up.

Vines slithered around you, coating the dark room with their greasy skin. Your breath hitches.

You remembered the rocking horse in the corner, collecting dust from years and years of neglect. The ancient chest that didn’t hold anything of importance coated in the same age beside it, the light beaming onto it from the window.

You remembered these because you had spent days rifling through this attic. You were back in the Creel House. The house where your life started to end.

“Hello Y/n”

Your blood ran cold. Body shaking, you slowly turn around to meet Vecna’s milky gaze. He tilted his head.

“It’s time we officially met”

TO BE CONTINUED...

Part 10: ...Always ->

taglist: @aedicn | @yourdailymemedelivery | @toobsessedsstuff | @tayhar811 | @idkidknemore

[binchansbiceps]

I Have Been Playing With A Superstar Chapter 3

You could hardly believe that Lee Felix was standing in front of you asking if you were your username in discord meaning this had to be … “ALYFT?” you asked. Felix smiled and nodded “yep that’s me it’s great to finally meet you!” he says as he pulls you up and into a hug. You are more than sure he has seen the shocked disbelieving look on your face at who he is considering everything you ever told him on what you think about him and his group. Which may have gotten a little simp talking over some members if not all at least once. “Big surprise huh?” he asked, finally releasing you from the hug all you could do was nod. “Have you ordered anything to drink yet?” he asked you shook your head “i'll grab us some teas” he said and went to go order them. 

As you sat down in your chair you did everything you could to pull yourself together. You now realised his work meetings are the concerts, and that his project was all the practices for his blocking and singing. And that in fact the man you had been friends with for over a year has been LEE FELIX! The deep voiced Australian, and sixth oldest member of Stray Kids. 

“Peach tea lemonade right?” he asked as he set the drink in front of you and took his own seat across from you. “Yes thank you Felix and my name is Y/N” you told him finally having the words to speak to him. “Your welcome Y/N” “so how bad were you laughing at me as i said everything i did about you and the others?” you had to ask as it was the only thing on your mind. “I did a little giggling but you are a stay so i was not as surprised as you think”  he told you “get a lot of that on bubble huh?” you laughed out. He nodded as he took a sip of his drink “I can't believe you're you and I've been playing games with you … wait! That means the other friends you brought into some of our games were the others?!” you realised, that yes sometimes instead of just you two playing with randos in the world on some games mostly mario kart and smash bros A. or Felix would ask you if some of his other friends could played with you two, which you always said yes too, never having a problem with it as you wanted to maybe be their friend to one day, if meeting him ever happened, and hangout in real life happened often after words. “Yeah it was the others, they really like playing with you, they also snuck in on more games then you are probably thinking too” he laughed at your shocked face that kept getting more shocked as more things keep dawning on you about him and who he is with most of the time. 

After your many little freak outs you settle into how you would usually talk to him in discord. Finding it not that different talking to him in person, he really was the bright sunshine boy you and many other stays called him, as he just kept smiling and laughing talking to you and it was all completely honest. Of course being an empath this made you the same way and you absolutely loved every second of it. Nobody else in the world was like Felix and you were glad to have been his friend. 

Teas finished and the sun having moved pretty far to the other side of the sky but neither of you noticed the time flying by, having too much fun finally hanging out in person. Till Felix’s phone rang and he immediately answered after reading the caller id. Not understanding a thing as he spoke in Korean you looked at your own phone to see Mini having texted you and just sent a message saying if you did not answer her right now she was coming to hunt down the bastard who thought he could kidnap you. Telling her you were okay and that she didn’t need to hunt anyone down, you weren't kidnaped and you would try to explain everything to her later. Felix hung up and sighed as he put his phone in his pocket. “That was Chan he’s worried where i am and how long i’ve been out since i was supposed to be practising with everyone else today but he gave me the time off secretly to meet up.” he explained “it’s okay Mini just said she was about to hunt you down for kidnaping me too” you laughed out

 “Oh speaking of Mini, did you two get tickets for the concert?” he asked. You shook your head “i didn’t and Mini was just a little short before they sold out in the section” you explained. He looked a little happy at hearing this “good now i really don’t feel bad about getting you these” he said as he passed you an envelope. You gave him a look before taking it “what?” you asked as you looked inside and pulled out 2 front row at the damn barrier standing tickets for both performances and sound check tickets and backstage passes.

Your mouth dropped open and slowly you looked up at Felix “wha? how? when? where? why? wha?” you so intelligently asked, unable to form words. “I wanted you to come and have really good seats and to be able to hang out after the show too and i know you wouldn’t want to come alone and would have felt bad if you left Mini behind and i should meet your best friend and you should meet mine” he explained. You continued to just stare at him, unable to say anything to this god sent sunshine boy. You stood up and walked to his side of the table and hugged him “Felix this is so sweet of you thank you so much” you tell him and pull away to look at him then asking “it’s okay to tell Mini who you are? i thought i would have had to keep you a secret even from her" "if the two of you can keep this to yourselves that would be great but Chan said it’s okay to tell her and for her to meet the group too” he told you. “Well now i need a concert outfit 2 actually” you laughed out as Felix got up and grabbed his things “i can’t wait to see them” he said as he gave you another hug and started to head for the door “so i’ll see you at the concert then” he waved as he left the cafe and ran to his driver

You called Mini and told her you had to come over right now cause you had to tell her everything that just happened. Walking right into her place you yelled out that you were here, and she called out that she was in her gamer room. Upon entering the room you saw her sitting at her computer playing a game of Valorant. Waiting for her to finish her game you sat bouncing on the couch she had in there.

When she finished she turned around and looked at you expectantly. “Okay so for starters I'm not lying to you” you tell her “you never lie Y/N so what he a serial killer or something?” she asked “no he’s Felix” you tell her. She just sits there looking at you for a few minutes. “What?” she asks “he’s Lee Felix, i know, i was shocked when he asked if i was me and then when he pulled me up to hug me” you explained but she cut you off “WHAT?” “yeah and he is exactly like he seems and he even gave us these” you told her handing her the envelope. When she opened it and took out the tickets and passes she froze. “He wants to meet you and he wants us to meet the others too after the concert” you tell her. She looks up at you “how the hell did you manage to find and befriend Felix of Stray Kids?” “I have absolutely no idea” you tell her. “Wait so we get to meet the others? Like all of them?” she asked, seeming to just now absorb all your words. “Yes they want to meet me and Felix wants to meet you and so you get to meet them too” you explained. ”the only thing is i don’t think we can tell anyone else so it has to stay between us” you let her know “okay i can keep this a secret it’s SKZ i will do anything just to meet them” she tells you. You both laugh at the situation and the random luck you seemed to have for this to happen and figure out what to wear and how the make up Mini was going to do on the two of you would go.

[thekristen999]

The summer has been a positive one, lots of sunshine and long days. I’ve been trying to enjoy being outside more and less inside, but boy it is a busy one.

My workplace is unionizing and the talks between staff and management have stalled.  The Admin staff was approached to join in the Union in which we were originally excluded. While we wait to be recognized I’m involved in the bargaining. Holy cow that takes up a lot of time. Nightly group-chats and weekly zoom calls. I set boundaries for my time and when they are ignored I just turn my phone off. Seems to be working for now.

The last two months I’ve been researching and touring nursing homes that are closer to my house than where my mom is now which is over an hour away. That has been a slog-fest, but I finally have settled on two, even if they have long waiting lists.

On a super positive note, my personal trainer gave me the most wonderful offer. I have been seeing her twice a month for almost two years and I’ve made great strides in my physical and mental health as a result. On Thursday she told me she wanted to see me weekly becasue it’s difficult to keep building my progress.

 I told her that I couldn't do that, but she clarified that she’ll only charge me for two sessions. I can’t believe she was willing to do that for me. She told me I was one of her hardest-working students and she knew how much I’d benefit from from weekly instruction. She didn’t want to see money get in the way of that.  I gave her the biggest hug!

 So, if you don’t see me online as much during the week, you know why. But the weekends are definitely my fandom time and I try to catch up on reading and writing with all of you!

How is everyone else?

[absentcaryatid]

On Call

An ATEEZ Yunho fanfic by AbsentCaryatid

Doing a little neighborly tech support for Yunho's grandparents who live down the hall from you comes with an unexpected benefit as they try to rekindle your childhood friendship with their grandson, and maybe something more.

2.6k words, Content note: gender neutral reader, they/them pronouns used for reader, all ages, food mention

~

One benefit of your job handling tech support by phone was that taking the early shift let you out by mid-afternoon. Crisp, fall air filled your lungs as you walked home from the train station. After a quick stop for three muffins and a specialty coffee to go, you were back in the sunshine to make the final leg of your trip home. By the time you made it to your building, the cup was empty and tossed in the trash can by the elevator bank along with the wrapper from a pumpkin muffin. If headed straight to your apartment the snack would have been unnecessary, but you were seeing friends first.

The building was a nice place for someone your age, only made possible by continuing to live with your parents. Everybody got along well so there was never any desire to move away from the only home you had ever known. The people in the surrounding units had seen you grow up and by now were a cherished extended family. That included Mr. Jeong and his wife on your floor. They were about the age of your own grandparents and helping them out from time to time was something you liked to do for the kind couple.

Earlier today when the call came in at your job with the small local internet company, it had not taken long to recognize Mr. Jeong's voice. He and his wife had been having trouble getting their video streaming service to work. Relieved to be talking to a familiar voice, he went through the steps suggested, checking other devices, and the problem was not one of internet service but presumably the smart television itself. So, you were now headed to their apartment not on behalf of your workplace but as a neighbor.

Mr. Jeong answered the door with his wife close behind greeting you with a warm hug and an exclamation how tall you were getting. In your early twenties, you had reached your full height some time ago but you recognized it as the loving words of someone who had known you since infancy and accepted the remark in that spirit.

“Thank you so much for coming over. This is the kind of help our grandson Yunho used to do for us before he moved to Seoul for his studies.” Mr. Jeong then gestured to the multi-generational family portrait on the wall from over a decade ago.

Yunho's grandmother beamed with pride. “He has a good job in music, even travels internationally.”

You remembered Yunho from his frequent visits as a child. He had been a gentle boy who laughed easily. Looking back, your playtimes together in the apartment complex's courtyard playground had probably provided a much-needed break for the older couple when hosting their grandchild. Even the best of children could still be taxing to older people as you saw for yourself when your niece and nephew visited your parents.

Returning to the present, you handed over the remaining muffins and set to work looking into the connectivity problem while your hosts brewed tea to compliment their unexpected snack. Their voices were quiet, but still carried from the kitchen. You caught scraps of “Just as thoughtful as Yunho” and “picture them together” over the bubble of the water boiler.

More familiar with technology, you recognized the problem immediately when the streaming service message popped up on the television. The account was already in use on a one device at a time plan. “Are you watching on another device right now? A desktop computer, tablet, or a phone maybe?”

They shook their heads no to that and the follow up about sharing the password with a friend. Stumped, you had Mr. Jeong log into their account from his phone to look at the details. The latest access came from a far distant city to a television the same model as their own. In a flash of insight you asked, “Did you get rid of your previous television? I remember it used to be smaller.”

They had indeed, and as you suspected it had not been reset to factory settings before being donated to the local hospital's charity shop. Rather than a glitch, the kids' shows being reported as in progress for the past month were probably being watched by a child who had no idea the account was not their family's. A simple 'logout all devices' cured the problem, and after making sure the television was logged in again and functional, you prepared to leave laden with copious thanks and a container of homemade kimchi to share with your family.

It was a surprise when you nearly bumped into a young man in the doorway, finger raised to the buzzer. After apologies on both sides you were about to head back to your door down the hall when the senior Mr. Jeong boomed, “Yunho, we weren't expecting you!” Motioning to you he added, “You remember our neighbor from down the hall of course. All grown up now, just like you.”

When Yunho blurted out your name, his fond look matched your own. Despite the changes due to maturity, it seemed you were both recognized and remembered well.

After a hug to Yunho, his grandmother exclaimed, “Oh, if we had known Yunho was on a break you would not have had to come help.”

You caught the low conversation Yunho whispered to his grandfather. “I texted her yesterday about my visit and she responded. Is her memory okay?” His grandfather shook his hands waving off the concern.

Smiling at the older woman you reassured her, “It was an easy thing, that's what neighbors are for. After all, you did so much for me as a child that it feels good to finally be able to give back.” Regretfully taking leave of the young man you tried not to stare at longingly, you managed to force yourself to go. “I'll get home now, but it truly was good to see you again, Yunho.”

“May I walk you to your door?” His request was sudden, but not unwelcome. Accepting eagerly, it only took a few steps to reach your own door on the same floor as his grandparents.

Reaching out to him for a goodbye handshake, Yunho ended up clasping your hand in his. “Hey. Um. I'm in town for the weekend. Do you mind if I take you out to eat as thanks for handling some of the grandchild tech support duties for me?”

“As much as I would like to, I don't want you to miss out on time with your family.” Watching his face fall, you amended, “Some other time then?”

The reply came quickly and with a lot of enthusiasm. “Yes. I would like that a lot.”

Parting, you watched Yunho go back to his grandparents' door, and noticed it had remained opened a crack. Perhaps it was to let him back in, but there seemed to be a shadow in the light from the window as if a person or pair had been listening at the gap.

Time passed and every other month or so there was a little task your neighbors would call on you for. Always something easy for you but daunting to someone approaching eighty years old, such as setting up a new phone or getting the hang of ripping a CD collection. Each time thanks from the grateful couple came in the form of a treat to take home to your family or teatime together where you had the chance to chat about your lives.

Yunho came up often as they praised the work their grandson did while remaining vague about his profession other than music. A recent portrait of him appeared on the wall and each time it caught your eye it occurred to you how handsome he was, but even more so in person when animated. Unaware of the smile that crossed your face when looking, it was noted by the two others in the room.

Eventually another fortunate day came around and an encounter with Yunho happened again. There you were solving the mystery of the stereo remote control failure due to the batteries suspiciously not being dead but completely absent when Yunho arrived for another visit.

He grinned to see you but chided his grandparents after a round of hellos and putting his weekend bag down. “I could have helped you with your remote. You have known all week I'd be showing up.”

With badly concealed guilty glances, the pair both claimed to have forgotten his planned visit.

“I didn't even make dinner for you, Yunho,” his grandmother fussed. “Why don't you and our neighbor go get something together while I make up the guest room for you?”

Yunho's light frustration showed in the tongue poking his cheek out. “I am beginning to feel like we are being set up.”

With a laugh you agreed. With an eye to the mischievous older couple you answered, “Perhaps we should go out once, for their sake, though I know I would not mind it myself. I have missed having you in my life.”

The way his family beamed as they sent you off made it feel like you were doing them as much of a favor as they had done you through their scheming. As they closed the door behind you, a lighthearted argument was overheard complaining Mr. Jeong was too obvious creating the problem with the remote control by removing the batteries instead of putting some discharged ones in.

Yunho exchanged a glance with you over his cupped hand as you both tried to keep from giggling. Turning serious, Yunho apologized for the way they had maneuvered you together. “I am so sorry about my grandparents. They aren't exactly subtle pushing us out the door like that.” He paused and looked down, adding, “You don’t have to go out with me just to make them happy. I understand if you don't want to be pressured.”

Not knowing him well, perhaps Yunho was just shy, but it could also have been a tactful way to get out for his own sake. When you responded, “Yes, I really want to be with you tonight. I truly like you and would enjoy a chance to get to know you better,” the grin that lit Yunho's face told you he was just as interested.

“I'm glad for the chance to thank you while spending time together. My grandparents should not keep calling you though. They can afford to hire someone, and by now my brother is old enough to take the bus here by himself, they could be asking him instead.”

Taking Yunho's arm for the walk to the nearest restaurant, you put your surprise date at ease. “You know how it is with old people, they’ll accept the help from the people they want. My family went through this with my own grandparents. They really don’t need things often, anyway. It’s just so easy to call me since I’m already in the building.”

Once out the door and onto the street you were so invested in talking to your companion that you missed the looks he was getting from passerby. “Your grandparents said you are in music. Did you leave for Seoul to become a teacher, or are you in an orchestra or something like that? I still remember when you played the piano at your grandparents' place one time.”

Yunho gave a subtle smile. “My work is a little different. I danced and sung my way into an idol group, if you can believe it. If it does not sound too vain, we are actually pretty successful.”

“An idol? Wait, you are the Yunho in TVXQ?” Not really attuned to popular music, some trivia about groups and member names had entered your awareness, but belatedly you realized that group had been around since your childhood so not likely the same Yunho.

Yunho covered his mouth again as he laughed. Thankfully he did not seem embarrassed by your mistake. “With the shared name your confusion is understandable. My group ATEEZ has not been around as long as TVXQ but we work hard to have the same amount of name recognition one day.” He reached out as if to hold your hand as you had done walking to the playground so many years ago then seemed to stop himself. “Even though we lost touch once I moved away from Gwangju for my studies, you have stayed on my mind.”

This was unexpected. You had always wondered what had become of your friend, but were too timid to ask his grandparents. Still, little tidbits had been dropped when you socialized with the neighbors and they always spoke of Yunho with pride. It was underselling it a lot however with the simple description of him working with music. Biting your lip, you offered to change dinner to carry-out or a street stall. Trouble raised by an idol seen on a date was the last thing you wanted to do to your friend.

After holding the restaurant door open, Yunho trailed you inside, marveling how the little mom and pop operation remained untouched by the decade or so since his last visit. The lady busy at the register waved to take a seat anywhere. Recognizing you as a regular once she looked up, she nodded and smiled to see you had come with a companion.

Yunho seated you first then took a chair himself. Gazing gently into your eyes, he confirmed that being seen together was fine by him if it happened. “My agency KQ Entertainment does not have a dating ban. If I am lucky enough that you are willing to see more of me after this we can discuss how much privacy you would like. As much as I would want to tell the world I have a partner, I could not protect you from scrutiny, even more so in a long-distance relationship.”

He had leaned in during the conversation and now Yunho straightened up with a start. “Of course, I am getting ahead of myself. It remains to be seen if you are as into me as I am you.” Nervously looking back at you, the radiance of your smile hinted at the success of the date already.

It would be several hours of enjoyable conversation before Yunho made it back to his grandparents' apartment, after dropping you off at your door with a chaste kiss to the cheek. Worried they were in trouble with their grandson for being so forward, instead they were met with the news that Yunho was taking you out again if his grandparents could spare him. They happily agreed and congratulated him.

In bed that night while Yunho slept in the other room, they whispered cheers to each other for bringing the young people together. Not only did they dream you might join the family, in the short term they stood to benefit since Yunho might visit more often with the extra incentive of coming back to Gwangju for a partner. He might not spend as much time with them on his trips as he used to, but if the new relationship led to more it was well worth it. By his age, Yunho's parents had already married. While the elderly couple did not know a lot about life as an idol, they hoped Yunho's work and fans would not get in the way of living a full life off the stage on a schedule that worked for him.

~

Yunho Masterlist

General Masterlist

[dearracha]

POV: jisung gets turned on by u at the beach and vice versa.

stranger!jisung, fem!reader, contains smut, fingering, squirting, dirty talk, public sex.

The sun was shining in your face as your best friend drove to the beach. The warm breeze blew against your skin and you wanted this day to yourself.

Once you arrived at the beach, your best friend unpacked everything and you stood on the shore, watching the sea through your sunglasses as the wind blew your dress. “Y/n !” your bestfriend called. You took your sunglasses off, furrowing your brows as the sunshine made your eyes close.

Time passed, you and your bestfriend ate, spoke, made some tiktoks, but little did your bestfriend know what you were actually thinking about. Next to you was a group of boys, all of them were attractive and had abs, but only one managed to grab your attention. He had jet black hair covered by his snapback, his shoulders were broad, his hands big and pretty. You wondered what his name was. You were lost in thought when suddenly your bestfriend waved her hand in front of you, interrupting your thoughts.

You were trying so hard to listen to what your bestfriend was saying, but all you could think about was his pretty long fingers. A feeling erupted in you after watching him come out of the water with wet hair and water dripping down his defined abs. “Jisung!” one of the boys called, to which the guy who made you press your legs together responded to. “Oh” you sighed “Jisung.” You smiled to yourself.

You decided to take your dress off even if you weren’t going to swim in the sea. Your hourglass body was now on display, your red swimsuit making your curves show perfectly. You got up twirling around to show your bestfriend making her smile. “You look hot y/n” she said. And all you had to do now, was sit down and look pretty.

Well it seems like you have caught Han Jisung’s attention because he can’t stop staring at you. You played with your bikini strings, threatening to untie them as Jisung watched in excitement. He was now looking at the way your bikini top held your boobs so perfectly in place and was wondering how they would feel on his hands.

You decided to take this a step further. You made eye contact with him and he immediately panicked, turning his head away. You chuckled to yourself and it seems like your bestfriend has noticed what’s going on and she smirked at you. “Y/n are you in love with a stranger?” she asked in confusion. You looked at her and winked. She shook her head in annoyance and you were amused.

“I’m going to the bathroom.” you told your bestfriend. You got up and turned your head to see that Jisung was already looking at you. You smiled at him and winked, signalling him to follow you. You ran to the bathroom, excited for what’s to come. Jisung immediately followed. Once you were face to face with him, you couldn’t hold yourself up. His pretty face, his hair, his abs and chest were all on display for you.

“Fuck you’re hot” you spoke, while Jisung smirked at you. “You’re even hotter” he said while putting a strand of hair behind your ear. Once you heard his voice you were losing it. You could feel the wetness pooling in your underwear as his deep voice pierced your ears. He cupped your face while holding your waist to bring you closer to him. You attached lips. He licked your bottom lip for access and you opened your mouth enough for his tongue to go in.

Now you were having a makeout session with a stranger. You don’t know if it’s been 3 hours or 3 minutes. All you could think about was Jisung Jisung and Jisung. His lips worked professionally against yours while you gripped on his neck, bringing him closer to you. He set you on the counter making you yelp at how strong he was. He then massaged your boobs through the fabric that was engulfing them. Your underwear felt uncomfortable at this point and you just wanted it off.

He grabbed your hair and pulled it for better access to your neck, and sucked hickeys while massaging your tits. “Jisung..” you moaned, which made him stop his ministrations and look you in the eye. “You know my name?” he asked while you shook your head, telling him you heard it from his friends. His lips curled up into a smirk as he continued what he had started.

His free hand went from your waist to your bikini bottom, massaging your clit through the fabric. A soft moan left your mouth at the feeling of his lips on your neck and his fingers on your clothed clit. He then looked at you, making sure you were ok with this and you nodded. He slid your underwear off, throwing it somewhere while the cold air hit your pussy, making you squirm.

“You’re fucking dripping.” He spoke while keeping his eyes on yours. He ran a finger through your slick making you shudder at the sudden contact. He then started circling your clit making you bite back a moan. Your grip on his biceps got harder as he entered you with his middle finger. “Fuck-“ you said in pleasure. Your legs were quickly put onto his shoulders, giving him better access to your cunt.

He quickly started fingering you, and you couldn’t contain your moans anymore. Squelching sounds filled up the bathroom as you held on him for dear life. He started rubbing your clit while fingering you, the whole sensation making your legs close, but Jisung held your thighs open. “Fuck im gonna cum!” You whined and he bit his lip after saying “Be a good girl and cum on my fingers yea?”. His words sent you over the edge as you came, convulsing around his fingers and screaming his name. “That’s right baby. Scream for me.”

[djmossback]

Spacebar Downtown Boise Underground

Third Space Saturday 06/15/2024

2103 START TIME

Track List

Chic, My Feet Keep Dancing (12 INCH)

Sylvester, You Make Me Feel Mighty Real (12 INCH)

Yvonne Elliman, If I Can’t Have You (LP CUT)

Gazebo, Masterpiece (7 INCH)

Ashford & Simpson, Solid (7 INCH)

Dazz Band, Let It Whip (7 INCH)

Isaac Hayes, Theme From Shaft (7 INCH)

Super Girl Debora, Yo Vivire (I Will Survive) (7 INCH)

Ready For The World, Oh Sheila (7 INCH)

Tears For Fears, Change (7 INCH)

Eddy Grant, Electric Avenue (LP CUT)

LL Cool J, Big Ole Butt (12 INCH)

Tom Tom Club, Genius Of Love (12 INCH)

The Smiths, How Soon Is Now? (12 INCH)

The Rolling Stones, Hot Stuff (7 INCH)

Dillinger, Cokane In My Brain (7 INCH)

Hot Chocolate, Every 1’s A Winner (LP CUT)

Otis & Carla, Tramp (7 INCH)

Ohio Players, Fire (7 INCH)

Taste Of Honey, Boogie Oogie Oogie (LP CUT)

Prince, Erotic City (12 INCH)

Emotions, Best Of My Love (LP CUT)

Sinead O’Connor with MC Lyte, I Want Your Hands On Me (12 INCH)

Dolly Parton, Baby I’m Burnin’ (12 INCH)

Pet Shop Boys, Always On My Mind (12 INCH)

ZZ Top, Legs (12 INCH)

Romantics, Talking In Your Sleep (7 INCH)

The Kingsmen, Louie Louie (7 INCH)

Go-Go’s, We Got The Beat (7 INCH)

The Police, Message In A Bottle (7 INCH)

Heatwave, The Groove Line (7 INCH)

Alan Jackson, Chattahoochee (7 INCH)

Toni Basil, Mickey (7 INCH)

Cyndi Lauper, Girls Just Want To Have Fun (7 INCH)

Exile, Kiss You All Over (7 INCH)

Bee Gees, Jive Talkin’ (7 INCH)

Simple Minds, (Don’t You) Forget About Me (12 INCH)

Commodores, Brick House (12 INCH)

B Team, Something For Nothing (12 INCH)

The Time, 777-9311 (LP CUT)

Thundercat, Them Changes (10 INCH)

Kendrick Lamar, Yah (LP CUT)

Lakeside, Fantastic Voyage (LP CUT)

Grace Jones, I Need A Man (12 INCH)

Human League, Love Action (12 INCH)

Kylie Minogue, Can’t Get Blue Monday Out Of Ny Head (12 INCH)

Joy Division, Love Will Tear Us Apart (12 INCH)

Roots Manuva, Again & Again (12 INCH)

Vince Staples, Norf Norf (LP CUT)

Sweet, Love Is Like Oxygen (LP CUT)

KC and the Sunshine Band, Shake Your Booty (LP CUT)

Abbysinians, Declaration Of Rights (LP CUT)

Steve Miller Band, Abracadabra (7 INCH)

The Cramps, What’s Inside A Girl? (12 INCH)

Jimmy Gilmer, Sugar Shack (7 INCH)

0105 6/18/2024

Tasting Notes

Plan? Who needs a plan? Although, I did want to follow up a Dolly Parton track with a Pet Shop Boys track, and I succeeded in that. So, hooray for planning, I guess? A Dolly Parton disco remix. Who knew.

I’m late, and the first 20 minutes of the set are pure chaos. My opening song has a skip in it. I have to quickly switch to another track. Sylvester. What a jam. “YOU MAKE ME FEEL, MMMM MIGHTY REAL.” Makes me realize what a huge influence the gay club scene has on my aesthetic, but I’m too much of a dilettante to ever stay in one groove long. I love the totality of the musical experience, and I try to fit things together in a pleasing way. And tonight I did some of my best work. Will dialed in the sound system this week and provided booth monitors, which made a huge difference, since I have a kind of hybrid mixing technique. I like to listen to the house to make sure the transitions are working the way I want them to. I’m still learning, even after decades of doing this.

There is no one in the bar. It’s weird. Then, there are a lot of people in the bar. Saturday night in downtown Boise! The continual crawl. People come, people go. I hope they tip well.

The crew is different from last month. Except for Beth. The door person Abby introduces themself, but I never meet the second bartender, Emma. They all work hard, and take care of the crowd. Abby even works some crochet into their night! It rules.

Apparently there have been complaints from upstairs at the speakeasy about our volume, which is part of the reason Will put in so much work on the PA. No complaints this time around. I work hard to make sure I keep the music present, enveloping without being overwhelming. There is fellowship and hooking up happening, and I want to complement it, not ruin it.

No one I know is there, and no one is making any requests. A dude comes up to the booth and says, “I’ve got Cokane running around in my brain” and gives me a fist bump. “Man, I never expected to hear that around here!” I was gratified, because I often wonder what goes through people’s minds as they listen to my set. I must say, I was chuffed.

DJ Retronaut and his traveling party, which included Mrs. DJ I.G.A., roll into the bar. I am happy to see them. They are family. They also understand the life, and realize I’m at a job, and allow me to do it. I love them for that. Happy Birthday, Henry Dryden. Big Red is 21!

They stay awhile, but I don’t get to play “Headhunters” by Herbie Hancock for Retronaut. That would just be showing off anyway.

I played many of the 12” records that I acquired since the last time I played. They are thick and cheap on the resale market right now. Germboy Newcox scouted out a killer single for me, “Something For Nothing,” and I played the A-side next to the Time, and it fit so well. I had not heard of this record before, a 1984 slice of Electro Funk mastered by Brian “Big Bass” Gardner at Bernie Grundmans. So I obviously have much left to discover! The search goes on.

I started late, so I tacked on another couple of minutes with “Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs. This amuses Beth behind the bar, which was a nice note to end on.

Next Third Space Saturday is July 20th, 2024.

Thanks for reading.

PS. I promised last month to play Sleaford Mods twice tonight. I ended up not playing them at all. THREE TIMES NEXT MONTH!