#now we're moving towards longer days and more sunshine!!

[chemblrish]

26 December 2023

The weather is awfully depressing today and I'm really struggling to focus. It seems I'll only have three finals this exam sesh, but two of them are such enormous monsters of exams that I'm starting to worry (the inorganic chem one is famously 3h long...). A month no longer seems enough to revise everything, but I gotta try

[xdirtyxlittlexgirl]

Love in the Lakehouse

Pairing: Henry Cavill X Reader

Summary: He surprises you with a getaway

Warning: Fluff, sly smut

___

As you two lay in bed finally ending a tiresome day, Henry breaks the news. "I got a little surprise for you princess. I know you've been very tired with work. So have I, and I decided that we can both have some time off. So I planned us a surprise getaway." he says and chuckles when he sees your face light up. "For real?" you ask excited and he nods and you lean in and kiss him. You have been blessed by Aphrodite to be able to get a boyfriend like him. "But where are we going?" you ask pulling away just a little from him. "It's a surprise baby." he said simply and kissed your head knowing if he doesn't fall asleep now, you will ponder him with more questions.

The next day, you wake up all excited and Henry smiles winding up his work and asks you to pack your stuff soon. But when you asked him for more details, he simply smiled and shook his head. "It's a surprise, (y/n)," he said, with a grin. "I want you to pack your bags, and I'll take care of the rest." You had protested, of course, insisting that you at least needed to know the location so you could pack accordingly. But he had been firm, telling you to trust him and let him take care of everything.

And so, a few hours later you stood in front of your wardrobe confused about what to pack. You hear Henry chuckle as he enters the room and kisses your head. "Move, I'll help you pack, although I'd prefer you without anything." He said and winked at you as he started to take out some sundresses, swimwear, and then you see him dig through your lingeriewear and pick out a whole pile. You raise an eyebrow and look at him, and he just grins at you like a baby. What was he planning? There's always something on his mind.

"Okay, Henry, spill the beans," you said, as you wrapped your arms around his neck. "Where are we going?" He had simply grinned and kissed you on the nose. "Nope, not telling. Just trust me baby. I promise you're going to love it."

You chuckle and let him pack as he helped you put everything in his car and tucked you in as well.

As the two of you drove down the winding roads towards countryside, you couldn't contain your excitement any longer. You had rolled up the roof of the car and let the cool breeze wash over your face, taking in the fresh scent of pine and wet earth. You feel Henry keep his hand on your thigh as he gently gives it a squeeze. He loved seeing you like this. He could stare at you for hours and you do catch him looking at you. "Are we there yet?" you asked, your voice filled with eagerness as you lean in and kiss his cheek. In that moment he wanted to stop the car and crash his lips to yours. There was something about the sundresses, your hair flowing with the breeze, your eyes bright with excitement that turned him on so much. He took your hand and kissed it instead. "Almost there sunshine. Just a few more minutes." he said as he kept smothering your hand with kisses.

As you drove closer, you saw the outline of a cozy wooden cabin appear in the distance. It was surrounded by towering trees and looked like something out of a postcard. "Oh, Henry, it's beautiful, is this where we're gonna stay?!," you gasped.

He chuckled and pulled you out of the car bridal style and then set you on the ground. "Glad you like it, my love. This was my family's cabin. When I was a kid, I spent every summer here, fishing in the lake, hunting and hiking in the woods." he said and you just looked at the place in pure amazement. He took you inside you were just taken aback with the whole ambience. The warm, earthy scent of wood hits your nose. The interior was cozy and rustic and tasteful, and you can see his family pictures adorning the wall. There was a huge fireplace in the living room and there was also a huge library next to it. Henry's family were all bookwarms and this clearly explained it. "Baby this is beautifull. Thank you so much for bringing me here." you say as you wrapped your arms around him and leaned in to kiss him.

Later, as you two freshen up, he takes you out to tour around the area. You listen intently as he shared stories of his childhood, feeling like you were getting to know a new side of him. "You know, dad loved fishing here. We would all compete to catch the biggest fish and later we would all cook it for mum." he says reminiscing his old family days. "We would also do these swimming and hunting competitions. One time we pranked Charlie and pushed him off of the dock." he said laughing and all you could do was adore this man as you laughed with him.

After a while of exploring around the woods Henry sets up a warm jacuzzi bath for you, filling it with fragrant lavender bubbles. The jacuzzi was outside the cabin, facing the beautiful scenery and all you could do was admire. He gently helps you out of your sundress and you bite your lip as the cold air caresses your skin. He poured you two some rustic red wine as you sink into the water, feeling the tension in your muscles melt away. He soon joined you in as you felt the warm water massage you while you lay with him, your back pressing to his front as he had his arms wrapped around you. You can feel him kiss your shoulder and head and you couldn't have asked for more. This was it. This is what you've dreamed about and now you have it. The peace and serenity in the landscape was laced with his love, making it a pure fairytale.

"You know my love, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met," Henry says, as he gazes into your eyes breaking your train of thought. You feel yourself blushing as you hide your face in his shoulder, "Stop it...." you say shyly. There was something about the way he looked at you that made you feel this shy. "It's true (y/n)." he said as he gently lifted your chin so you could look him back in the eye. "I love the way your hair falls on your shoulders, and the way your eyes light up when you talk about something you're passionate about. You are the most amazing person I have ever met, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life." You feel your heart swell with emotion, and you lean in to give him a kiss. It is a soft, gentle kiss, filled with love and affection.

After a while, you two get out of the jacuzzi and get dressed. Although Henry throws a huge banter explaining you a million reasons you should just ditch the clothes and stay naked. You chuckle as he pouts when you put on one of his shirts on, but gets over it quickly when you flash him your bare body underneath. You then try to help him cook dinner but he lifts you up and puts you on the couch and hands you a book. "Tut tut tut, you are staying here while I cook. Let the experts handle it." he said as you raise an eyebrow at him and he chuckles. "You know I cook better than you." he says simply shrugging and giving you one last kiss before he jogs back to the kitchen. After a while, he called you out, and you couldn't help but admire Henry's attention to detail. He had set the table with a vase of wildflowers and lit candles, making the cabin feel like a romantic restaurant. "Baby! This is beautifull!" you say excited as you hug him giving him another kiss. "Not as beautiful as you." he says holding you close and pecking your lips. "I love you so much" you say between kisses. "I love you more" he adds and then you both sit for dinner. It was indeed one perfect meal. If it wasn't for his successful acting career, he could have been an excellent chef.

"You know, I will have to leave next week for shoot again. So I wanted to spend as much time with you as I can." he says almost a little sad that he won't be seeing you for a while. You feel your heart drop at the thought of him leaving but you fix yourself, trying to enjoy the moments you have together. "Don't worry. I won't forget you." you joke a little to lighten him up and stroke his hand as you two eat. "I will come visit you. I promise and you won't be gone for long. It'll all be okay. I have you here with me now and I want you to enjoy it. We can worry about you missing me later." You laugh as he laughs too shaking his head. He loved it. He loved how you always made things better. Even if it was for the worse, you always somehow helped him through it easily.

"Babe, let's go for a swim?" He said as you two were taking a walk after dinner beside the lake. "Now?" you ask him almost surprised and sensing the mischief in his voice. He just nodded and literally tore his shirt off of your body, discarding his own clothes too, as he picked you up and threw you over his shoulder. It all happened too fast for you to process and protest. "Henry!" you almost screamed as he laughed and jumped in the lake with you. You felt the cold water as you scream a little again and he pulls down holding you to his chest. "You're a kid. You know that?" you said, trying to sound annoyed but he leans in and kisses your lips. "But you still love me" he said as you two enjoyed swiming for a bit. You felt him pull you in by your waist as you two see the stars in the sky. He gently starts to kiss your neck and shoulders. Fuck. He starts to suck a warm hickey against your cold skin and you moan a little. His hands travel around your body, cupping and massaging your breasts. You had lost yourself completely in him but soon you felt heavy rain pouring out of nowhere. "Fuck!" Henry growled as you can see the disappointment in his voice. You chuckle as you try to kiss him again but you shriek with the chilling air hitting your body. Within no time, your body starts to shiver and Henry picks you up taking you back inside, without wasting a minute.

"Shhh baby. Relax. I'll get the towels." he said giving you a kiss as you stood dripping wet and shivering. He came back quickly with a towel now already secured around his waist, as he leans in and starts to dry you up. You smile a little as he then carries you to the fireplace. "Mm come here honey." he says as he pulls you on the couch and cuddles you. You feel the warmth of his body and that of the fireplace, relax your body. "Thank you so much." You say as you lean in to kiss him softly. Both your naked bodies intertwine together. He gives you a deep passionate kiss, and slowly enters you. You both make love on the couch and you fall asleep holding him. He later carries you to bed gently tucking you in with him.

As the night goes on, the thunderstorm grows louder and more intense. You feel yourself getting anxious and scared, and you can't help but subconsciously cuddle closer to Henry. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning illuminates the room, followed by a loud clap of thunder. You jump, and your heart starts racing. You can feel your palms getting sweaty, and you start to breathe faster.

"Baby, are you okay?" Henry says huskily as he sits up and pulls you in his lap, stroking your hair. "Shhh baby, it's okay. It's just a storm. You're safe here with me." But you can't shake the fear. Another bolt of lightning flashes, and you can't help but whimper in his chest.

"Shh, it's okay," Henry says, as he pulls you into his arms. "I'm here with you. You don't have to be scared." He starts to rock you gently back and forth, humming a soft tune. Slowly, your heart rate starts to slow down, and your breathing becomes more steady. "You're doing great, princess," he whispers. "Just breathe with me." You try to focus on his words and his touch, and you start to feel more at ease. The storm is still raging outside, but you feel like you can handle it now that he's with you.

After a while, he tucks you back into bed, pulling the covers up around you. "Are you feeling better?" he asks, as he brushes a strand of hair away from your face. You nod, feeling more relaxed than you have in a while. "Thank you for being here with me," you say, as you reach out to take his hand. "Always, my darling," he says, with a smile. "I'll always be here for you." As you close your eyes and drift off to sleep, you feel grateful to have someone like Henry in your life, someone who will always be there to hold your hand and calm your fears. This man made you happy and you wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of your life with him.

----

A/N: Please send in requests for both smut and fluff for Henry Cavill and Chris Evans. My asks are open!

[muzzzzle]

Buttons 🔞 Garreth Weasley x f!MC NSFW drabble

Teasing 😈 Jealousy 😤 Smut 🥵 The AI art was generated and edited by the wonderful @medaris , my personal Jesus visuals sponsor ❤️‍🔥 About time I paid more attention to my second favourite guy in HL, hope you like it!

I can feel you watching.

In all our classes today, I sat at the opposite end of the room, and always next to the other boys. You stared at me incomprehensively at first, when at breakfast, ignoring you completely, I slumped down next to Prewett, laughing deliberately loudly at his stupid jokes. In Transfiguration, I sat next to Thakkar, batting my eyelashes and playing dumb, and asked him to explain some insanely obvious little thing to me, then marvelling at his incredible intelligence for a long, long time. Oh, Weasley, you should know how bloody hard it was to force myself not to look in your direction for an entire lesson. But it was worth it when, as I was packing up, I caught your gaze, wild and uncomprehending. Of course, what else could I expect, when just yesterday we'd been sitting cuddled together by the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room, our fingers intertwined. You walked me to my bedroom and pulled me in for a kiss, and this morning it was as if you didn't exist for me. 

You catch me by the elbow as I try to slip out of the classroom and disappear among the other students in the Transfiguration Courtyard.

“What's wrong?” Concerned, impatient tone. 

“What's that?” I flap my eyelashes naively again, with the pleasure of pure sadism spilling through my veins. No, I don't want to hurt you, sweetheart. Just tease you. I'm leaning in closer. “Is something wrong?”

Oh, that look on your face! I wish I had a camera to take a moving photograph. Your eyebrows are furrowed, your eyes are running, even your freckles seem to have darkened. 

“What the hell, why have you been avoiding me all day?” Oh, Mr. Weasley, that's a tone I've never heard you use before. 

“Oh, come on, sunshine," I barely restrain myself from patting your pouty cheeks. “I'll see you at Potions?”

And before you know it, I'm rushing towards Sharp's dungeon. My plan hasn't been put into action yet, not completely. I know exactly who could make you jealous.

“Is it taken?” I ask in a casual tone and walk over to the brewing station.

Sallow's eyebrow flicks up and he gives me a surprised look.

“No... Did you and Weasley have a fight or something?” He eyes me suspiciously as I pull out my Potions handbook.

“What makes you think that?” 

Sebastian barely has time to open his mouth before you're literally flying into the classroom, searching me out with your eyes and heading resolutely towards my and Sallow's station. Oh, I've never seen you so furious – I could feel your burning gaze on my neck. Just bear with me a little longer, sweetheart, just don't make a scene now!

“Mr. Weasley!” Sharp's voice came to the rescue. “The class has already started, you may be paired with Mr. Gaunt today!”

Oh, Professor, great timing! You press your lips together irritably and get behind the free station with Ominis, keeping your eyes on Sallow and me. 

Sharp is saying something about the properties of shrivelfigs, and I'm whispering with Sebastian, keeping my eyes on you. You're half-listening to the professor, trying to read the explanation for my behaviour in my eyes. Just a little longer.

Making sure all your attention is on me, I tuck my long lock of hair behind my ear and, tilting my head back a little and sliding my fingers casually around my neck as if by accident, pull the red tie down a little. Your frowning eyebrows straighten and creep upwards. Oh, Weasley, I know what levers to pull to get your attention. Even half a class away, I could unmistakably detect your noisy exhalation. Making you forget about Potions? I should be proud of myself. But we're not done yet, darling.

As if I am incredibly hot, I fan myself with my notes and slowly undo the top buttons of my shirt one at a time, exposing my neck and collarbones. You stare point-blank, not even trying to pretend you're paying attention to anything Sharp says. I tilt my head to the side and squint my eyes at your heaving chest and light blush on your cheeks. Come on, honey, read my signals. Maybe I'd be ashamed of my behaviour, but you know, for that hungry look in your eyes, I'd play this game every day. 

Still keeping my eyes on you, I bring the quill to my open mouth and casually run the tip of it along my lips and the contour of my chin to my exposed neck. You must be furious with me. 

Now. 

Still playing with the quill, I tickle my parched lips with it. Sallow's nearby fiddling with chopping some ingredients and paying no attention to me. I touch his forearm and slowly slide my palm down his arm, seemingly casually holding my hand at his elbow to ask how many ounces of grinded asphodel root are we supposed to add. 

Oh, darling, it's so hard to stand even a few seconds without turning my eyes on you. You could probably boil a cauldron right now just by looking at it. No, I have to hold it, just for a few more minutes! Ah, screw it.

I pull away from Sebastian and stare at you defiantly across the classroom. 

“Bitch," you mouth with your lips only, and mine curl into a satisfied smile.

Your jaw is tense, your lips tightly pressed together. Your dark green eyes darken even more, especially when you look down at me like that. Merlin, I think I've trapped myself. There is still almost fifteen minutes to go before the class ends. 

Fourteen. Keep that feeling. Not to look. Not to look at you, no matter what. I can do it. I can do it, right?

Eleven. I don't even have to cover my eyes to imagine what you'd do to me for that. 

Nine. I hope Sharp won't read out homework for another ten minutes after the end of class.

Six. A clap, and the entire classroom fills with thick, purple smoke in an instant. It doesn't clog my lungs or make it hard to breathe, but I can't see anything further than the palm of my hand. 

“MR. WEASLEY!” Sharp's voice thundered.

You, emerging from the foggy smoke, grab my wrist and drag me resolutely out of the classroom to the general hum of incomprehension and the snarl of the Potions Master.

“MINUS HUNDRED POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!” That's the last thing we hear before we burst out of the smoke and turn to the nearest staircase leading to the Long Gallery.

You stride confidently and quickly ahead, literally dragging me by the arm like a guilty kitten by the scruff of the neck. Well, I can't argue with that, I'm definitely not the paragon of innocence today. Suddenly you stop at the entrance to the potions closet and push me inside, pressing my body against the door and lifting my arms above my head. Your hot, hitched breath blows the hair around my face, the pleasant heaviness of your body making my legs wobble. 

“Is that a wand in your trousers, Mr. Weasley, or are you just happy to see me?” I say playfully, rubbing my hips against your groin with pleasure, making you almost growl and push forward, pressing me even harder into the wooden door.

“Bitch," you say aloud, sliding your blurred gaze across my face, stopping just to the right of my cheekbone and then greedily digging into the sensitive skin of my neck, just below my ear, burning it with your breath and pulling the lobe away with your teeth. “What are you playing?”

I yank my wrists, trying to free them from the lock of your fingers, but you hold them tight. You lift your knee and, forcing my legs wider apart, press it lightly in between. Too pleasant.

“Aren't you afraid Sharp will catch us here?” I asked instead, breathing hard and sliding my crotch up your leg now.

“I don't care," you gripped my chin tightly with your free hand, pressing and lifting it, and finally catching my lips with yours.

Oh, Merlin, I think I'm going to suffocate from the sensations overwhelming me. You've never kissed me so greedily and sweetly. So fiercely intertwining our tongues, so desperately sucking and biting my lips. How I want to burrow into your hair now, how...

As if reading my thoughts, you let go of my locked hands, which at the same second wrap around your neck, and in one swift movement you rip the buttons of my shirt, exposing my breasts in lacy lingerie. Such unreliable guards of my chastity scatter all over the closet floor, like large beads from a broken necklace. You bite my sore lips once more and then move down to my breasts, covering them with kisses and hickeys, making me shiver and squirm on your leg again in impatience.

“Trying to tease me?” You exhale hotly again as I try to unbutton your waistcoat with my fingers shaking slightly in anticipation. 

I didn't answer, just smiled contentedly, breathing hard, and tried to pull you in for another kiss, but you shook your head and, suddenly removing your knee, grabbed me under my hips and lifted, holding me tightly against the door. I, immediately realising what you're about to do, wrap my legs around your waist and press my back into the door for more stability. 

Holding me down with one hand, you undo the belt on your trousers with the other and release your aching boner. I wonder if you were having it in class. Probably, since you had to sabotage it like that.

You're so impatient, Garreth. If I were you, I'd be sure to tease myself back, punishing that kind of behaviour. But I'm not going to pretend I'm not panting with the urge to feel you inside me right now. My underwear has been wet for a while now, and you feel it as you run the tip of your cock along the slippery fabric, whimpering in anticipation before you pull the wet strip aside and push inside me with your other hand back around my hips. 

I exhale noisily, breaking into a moan, and you immediately cover my mouth with a kiss, starting to move inside, squeezing my ass tighter and impaling me on yourself. The wet sounds of your cock moving inside me seem to excite you even more, the pulsing of my blood throbbing with the drumbeat in my temples, the tips of my fingers digging into your neck, each thrust echoing with a frenzy of excitement down below. Even without any foreplay. Although... I guess all first half of the day can be considered a kind of foreplay.

The thrusts get faster then slower, only for you to start hammering me into the door with renewed vigour, filling me completely, pressing harder. I can't see your face – my chin is already on your shoulder, my fingers gripping the loose red curls, your neck too conveniently right next to my greedy mouth – and I bite into it, not about to deny myself the pleasure. You growl, and speed up even more – you must be getting close.

Shit, wait, please don't cum, I'm almost there too, I just need to concentrate just a little bit more, just a bit more!

“Garreth, wait, I…”

“I know, I'm trying," you tensed and slowed down again, clenching your teeth and panting loudly in my ear.

I close my eyes and try to concentrate on the sensations, the throbbing, and your greedy, wild stare directed at me in the potions class. I try to imagine what we must look like right now, in a cramped closet that anyone could barge into at any moment, pressed into each other, flushed and with hair sticking to our foreheads, moaning in each other's ears and biting our swollen lips. 

A thrust. So hard I nearly hit the back of my head, throwing it back.

“You're mine, understood?” You growl in my ear.

“Y-yours-" I breathe out, feeling the muscles around your cock begin to contract as I start to shake in your arms.”

Pausing for a second to feel my orgasm, as if you'd received the signal, you immediately speed up and with a loud moan, cum right inside me. We've never done that before. I snap back to reality from my wave of pleasure to feel your back shaking under my fingers, your neck soaking under your collar, and you holding me so gently, pulling closer. We stand like this for long seconds, until you lower me to the floor and cover my bitten lips with yours – this time gently and sensually.

“I'm s-sorry," you brush the sticky hair off my forehead. “I didn't mean to... into you, but I couldn't help myself. I have a potion, please don't worry!”

I shifted from foot to foot, still trying to keep my knees from shaking and my heart from pounding. You look at me with such concern – how could I not have fallen in love with you?

“I liked it," I stroked your freckled cheek and kissed your nose. “Let's get out of here before Sharp takes our scalps off in addition to that hundred points.”

“Totally worth it," you smirk, and with a wave of your wand, you return the buttons from my shirt to their proper places. 

After tidying up, smoothing our hair, and fixing our ties, we hold hands and look round, and then we are off, away from the scene of the crime. There's no sign of a chase.

“So what was that all about?” you ask when we're outside, looking into my eyes with interest.

Oh, Weasley. I've forgotten there’s been a reason for that little provocation.

“You looked at Nellie for too long yesterday," I shrugged. “I thought I should have taught you a lesson.”

You stood stock-still and raised an eyebrow, your still swollen lips curling into a smile.

“If this is how you punish me, I guess I'll have to look at her more often!” You start in a teasing tone but stop yourself when I pour a bucket of ice water over you with my wand. “Okay, I get it, I get it. “

“That's the spirit, Mr. Weasley.” 

[bohdisharma]

𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐬 | SELF PARA

And if you're still bleeding, you're the lucky ones 'Cause most of our feelings, they are dead, and they are gone We're setting fire to our insides for fun Collecting pictures from a flood that wrecked our home It was a flood that wrecked this home

ft. @elenabradshaw , @austinparker , @emmelinehq , @charliexabbott , @dakotaxatwood , @cfremy , @theandipowers

TRIGGER WARNING: death, murder, stabbing

it was an odd way to think about it, but bohdi had always wondered if the sun and the moon died every night in turn for each other. they would return to living, produce a light that shone over the world before soon leaving once more so that the other could take their turn. some might have jeered and told him bohdi, you're overthinking it. as he always did. even still, he would rather cling to such a notion than go about his life living in an endless pattern of normalcy and lies.

not every case was that way. some had a genuine need for protection from the legal system that sought to take their feet out from underneath them and drag them asunder. however, in hidehill they seemed to be the exception to the rule. despite the career that atwood legal had given him, a bleary-eyed student of the craft fresh from the confines of law school, he knew he couldn't be there anymore -- but perhaps he'd find some solace as their opponent. a prosecutor, who put the likes of carter thompson and izaiah wheatley behind bars in the deepest depths of the prison system for the rest of their natural lives.

meeting elena bradshaw had actually given him the chance to believe that he could be something other than the man he had been conditioned to be. that he could actually make decisions for himself, chase after the life that had always aspired to. a future that had once been dim now shone just as bright as the sunshine, a prospect that could only be blinded by his devotion to her.

this particular evening had been a quiet one, as many had been since sasha's passing. he had never known sasha very well, but the way elena spoke of her was enough to bring a certain amount of sadness. he never forced her to speak more than she was ready for -- even then, he wasn't sure if she ever would be.

he doesn't know that the very papers he once thought might kill him would truly be his bitter end. reading glasses are perched on the tip of his nose as he scans the file he has been so engrossed in -- even if his eyes fight to close. but the bleariness soon dissipates as there is a sudden knock at the door. it seems odd that someone would make themselves present in elena's home at this time of night, unless it was someone in need of help. it seemed like everyone needs help these days, to lean on each other after the amount of loss that has been ripping the town to pieces.

oh, how wrong could bohdi have possibly been.

❝ elena? ❞ he calls out to every crevice of the apartment, taken aback by the lack of response. he moves slowly towards the bedroom door, shutting his computer as his eyes scan the hallway that couldn't have felt longer. he hopes that he is met with a positive scene, with the sight of a familiar face, someone he cared for. austin. dakota. remy. charlie. andi, unexpectedly back when he knew he had to tell her to keep running. to be happy with nicola. even emmeline, even if their relationship wasn't as close. as the weeks past by, he had found himself genuinely enjoying her company.

when he finally reaches the main room, his stomach drops in horror at what he sees. the woman he loves, tied to a chair with her eyes completely shut and a piece of fabric tied over her mouth. the shadow. they had finally come for her. he should have known, with elena's notoriety. it's within seconds that he's pushed backwards into the kitchen -- where his body hits the ground and all he can see is a faceless figure overhead.

the first thing he can think of is elena. he didn't know if she was still breathing, but he was going to fight for her. with everything he has, with everything he is. the second thing he thinks of is gain evidence. bite, scratch... if he can get his opponents dna in his teeth, in his fingers, this would bring them one step closer to getting them justice.

the first stab to the gut causes him to yelp in pain, but he continues to go with the punches. he lands as many as he can, but then comes another, and another, until his body becomes all too used to the feeling. the numbness that washes over his entire body becomes warm, comforting, calling for him to let go. but he can't. she's in the other room, and he can't help but wonder if he still has time to get to her. he'll grasp at whatever second he can...

until he can't.

bohdi sharma's body gives out, right there on elena's kitchen floor -- where he would never know if she made it out. she had to.

for he was the sun, who would die over and over again just to let her breathe.

[thepaintedlady00]

The Sandman and The Girl Without Dreams

Chapter 15: Crossroads of Fate and Grace

TW: mentions of depression, suspense, dark images, slight horror, Destiny is cryptic af, Desire is an absolute ASS, manipulation, mentions of alcohol, drugs, kissing, hickeys, bad thoughts, minor suicide attempt (nothing graphic)

Once again I have to give a huge thanks to @true-queen-of-mischief for all the help with these two chapters! You are amazing and I adore you! 🥰🥺 Just a small note, I did a quick edit so if there are any mistakes I apologize! Please enjoy everyone!

The realm of Destruction was a quiet and lonely place. It made me wonder if it had always been that way, or if it simply was forever mourning the loss of its maker. Olethros… Destruction… As angry as I still was at him for abandoning me I couldn’t help but miss him in the time I spent among the little that remained of his belongings. Curled up on the bed I inhaled the smell of Pierres smoke, letting the last remnants of him soothe the ache of the numb space that once was filled with stardust and wonder and love… the space that had belonged to Dream.

It had been three days since I left Hobs house. Three days spent in the crumbling realm without a sound save my breaths and occasional crying. Even when I tried to sleep I couldn't, perhaps Dream had found a way to punish me by taking my sleep. I'd stopped crying, too exhausted to do it any longer. At one point I'd even walked around the museum, hoping that maybe just maybe Olethros would sense me here and come to offer me comfort or at the very least a decent fight. But, I remained alone, my thoughts never able to stray far from Dream.

God, he’s probably so angry with me. I thought, curling up even more. Would me leaving be enough for him to finally hate me? Would I even be welcome to go back now? A thousand questions and worries swirled in my head, all of them slowly consuming me bit by bit until a voice echoed around me. “Penelope.”

I sat up, looking around the space for a moment. The voice was faint but familiar, soft and pleading as if it was asking for permission to be heard. "Weaver, can you hear me?"

"Destiny?" I answered softly, pulling up the threads to find his glowing brightly in front of me. I reached out, setting my hand on it and closing my eyes, focusing as I had before on Destiny.

The sunshine lit up the green hedges and butterflies greeted me as I moved through the maze. Destiny was already waiting for me, standing with his back turned and his eyes cast up at Dreams statue. I watched him for a moment, taking in the way he held the book tightly, the way his shoulders tensed. "Des?"

"Penelope," he answered softly, turning to offer me a small smile. "I apologize for having called you here at such a difficult time."

Of course he knew. I shook my head. "Has Lyria returned?"

A flash of sorrow passed over his face. "No, but a friend of yours visited me with something for you."

"A friend?"

A loud caw echoed in the courtyard and Destiny moved aside to reveal Matthew perched beside the stone raven at Dreams feet. He perked up visibly at the sight of me. "Hey, Penny, it's good to see you "

I smiled at him. "You too, Smokey."

"Don't worry, the boss isn't watching. He's busy."

"Is he…" I took a deep breath, trying to reign in the tears that stung my eyes. "Is he angry?"

Matthew tilted his head a bit. "I think it's more hurt than it is anger. The Dreaming took quite a blow after you left though. I've never felt winds so cold."

Panic settled into my gut. "Is everyone alright? I can come back-"

"No, no, everyone's alright. We're proud of you. All of us."

I shook my head. "Proud? Of what? I left… I…"

"You stood up to him," he answered. "You called him out on his shitty punishment for Gault, his attitude towards the people… And his refusal to let you be what you are, the heart of The Dreaming."

"He is the heart of The Dreaming." I sighed.

"And yet everything only started falling apart after you left." He argued. "Look, all I'm saying is you're just as important as he is, and, well, we have your back."

He tapped his beak on the book he stood on. "Lucienne found it?"

Matthew moved, letting me lift the book up to examine it. "It's not the book you were looking for, but Storm heard from some nightmare or human, someone, that this book could help you find the other one."

"Ahh, a good old treasure hunt!" I cheered halfheartedly. "Just what I need."

"I'm sorry, Penny." The raven said. "I wish I could stay and help you out but…"

"But the second Dream finishes whatever he's doing and sees me through you, he'll hunt me down and drag me back to The Dreaming so he can scold me?" I finished for him.

Matthew shifted a little. "I don't think he'd drag you back… Not immediately that is."

I smiled down at him and smoothed a hand over his feathers. "Thank you, Matthew. Keep an eye on them for me, even Dream… Especially Dream."

"You got it, Penny." He moved to take off but paused, looking up at me with glistening black eyes. "Be careful and… When you're ready, come home."

"I will," I promised. "Tell Lucienne and Storm I said thank you."

I watched the raven fly off for a moment before turning to Destiny and showing him the book. "Is this going to be helpful?"

His misty eyes looked at the book and then to me. "Perhaps."

"I know you know," I said with a sigh. "Could you just this once help me without the riddles?"

"No." His fingers curled tightly around his book. "I am afraid I cannot interfere. Whatever paths you tread now you must do so alone. As much as I long…" He stopped himself. "My garden is open to you, Weaver, should you choose to stay here."

I sighed and set my hand on his shoulder. "I'll find a way to bring her back, Des, I promise."

As I turned to leave, following the green thread I could have sworn I heard him whisper, "She is not the one I fear for."

When I turned to ask what he meant he was gone. I kept going, returning to Destruction's realm and settling back on the bed, opening the book to start looking for answers. It was long winded and boring, but it helped occupy me enough that the thoughts of Dream were pushed to the back of my mind, for a little while at least. 

The book revealed a lot of history, realms and names I'd never heard of. It painted the picture of a vibrant world, full of life and loyal subjects and an ambitious god that ruled. At one point this god's ambition grew too great. It made a deal with the devil, one so bad even Destiny couldn't stand aside. War broke out against a few gods, the devils demons and the Endless. It was how Dream got his helm and how Destiny earned the ire of the demon now possessing Lyria.

There in dark black ink a name was written. "Mephistopheles."

The realm shook around me, the whispers of the weapons outside the door grew louder until it stopped completely and dark mist oozed from the cracks of the doorframe. I set the book on the bed, grabbing my daggers and securing them on my thighs. This was no doubt going to lead somewhere bad and I sure as hell wasn't going in unprepared. I opened the door slowly and took a deep breath before moving through the mist and into the unknown that lay before me. It was dark, no light of any kind to be seen in any direction. A biting cold swept over me as I continued to move forward. I summoned the threads, using the golden light of the burning thread to guide me forward through the darkness until I reached the base of a stone ruin.

The dark mist filled the air, curling like vines over the staircase of cracked stone. I could hardly see my hand in front of my face the deeper I got into this strange place so I began relying solely on the glowing thread to guide me forward. Faces of fallen statues were overgrown with dark ivy plants and black flowers that seemed to curl up as I passed by with the light. What was this place? I asked myself, straining to see anything in the darkness ahead. 

The sound of something scratching against the stone echoed from the left, causing me to halt my steps. My heartbeat quickened as I waited, but silence had once again filled the stale air. Two steps forward and more scratching echoed, this time from the left and the right. Sickly gray shapes darted through the mist, running on all fours, visible for only a moment before vanishing into the darkness again.

I wasn't alone here. I forced myself to keep walking. One foot in front of the other. As I moved to take another step one of the shapes rose from the mist right in front of me. It was perfectly still for a moment before it tilted its head sharply to the right and then to the left. From what I could see it looked like a man, but as it turned toward me I had to stifle a startled noise at the sight of its facelessness. Smooth white skin stretched over a twisted mouth of sharp teeth, straining and tearing each time it opened its mouth.

It took a step towards me, leaning in and tilting its head a few more times. The smell of rotten corpses and sulfur filled my nose as it leaned even closer. Every inch of my skin rose up at the creature, my body itches at me to run and never look back but I stood still. Crumbling rocks echoed in the distance, the creature's head snapped to the noise and ran off towards it, five or more following it through the mist.

Okay, time to get the fuck out of here. I moved to turn around, but as I did another figure stood in the mist. This one was taller, with long clawed fingers. Its lidless eyes watched me and a wide smile spread on its face. Fuck. My hands gripped the blades on my thighs tightly as I kept eye contact with the beast. I expected it to lunge at me or perhaps call its friends but it did neither. Instead it knelt down, hunching over its too long legs and stretched out toward me. 

One long finger pointed at my forehead, a light emitting from the center of it. The light hit the creature's face, melting away its grotesque outward appearance to reveal a human face beneath it. Their eyes were frozen open, cheeks spilling with tears and their lips quivered as they said in a hoarse and ancient voice, "At last… You've come to free us, Penelope."

"You know me?" I whispered, throat dry and fingers curled around the hilts of my daggers.

"By name alone." The creature said. "A Weaver born of fate and dreams… Star kissed by the old goddess of the night. You alone have the power to free us."

More creatures stepped out from the mist, all twisted and deformed. "Who are you?"

Low painted moans filled the air. "We are the forgotten ones… The ones that did not contain the power to hold it."

"It?" I asked. "Meaning Mephistopheles?"

The creature twisted away from me, dragging its claws over its ears and writhing in pain. "Do not speak its name! Do not speak its name!"

Shrieks filled the air as all the other creatures reacted the same. The one in front of me slammed its hands down on either side of my body and its weeping face came inches in front of mine. "You are running out of time, Penelope. Climb the stairs. Find the book. Run."

"I don't understand."

"Climb the stairs. Find the book. Run. Climb the stairs. Find the book. Run." The creature continued to chant the words over and over again as it slid back into the mist and its voice faded away.

Cold wind howled, growing louder and more powerful as I moved up the steps. My heart pounded louder in my chest and the air felt thinner and thinner. This place was poisoned, the soil and the stone and these people… The creatures they were now, right down to the wind. Everything here was laced with a heavy darkness, powerful and old. I climbed higher until the stairs shifted into a flat space. It looked like a throne room, and there in the center of it was an altar with a black book sitting atop it. Shadow oozed from the pages, seeping down into the floor and seemingly filling the space. 

As I approached, a laugh echoed around me. "What's this? The little Weaver has come to my domain to play?" Get the book and get out. I reminded myself not to falter in my steps even as Lyria, the demon, appeared behind it. "Did you think I would just let you take it?"

"I'm leaving with that book." I said continuing my strides forward. “Mephistopheles.”

It laughed, coughing up a glob of black. "You’ve finally learned something interesting it seems, but you forget yourself Weaver. You cannot kill me, not without killing poor little Lyria.”

We stared one another down. “You tricked her, manipulated her fear and forced her to free you.”

“Of course I did. Weavers are the only ones strong enough to hold my power, all the others… as you’ve seen, bend to it.” She smiled. “Lyria was strong. In the beginning she fought so hard, but after her little tiff with Destiny she fled her home and slowly bent to me, just as you will.”

“I won’t bend to you, demon.”

“No, perhaps not. But, you will be staying here with me for eternity just like all the others."

It lunged over the altar toward me and I dodged to the side, just barely missing its claws. Making a dash towards the altar I grabbed the book just as it grabbed my arm and turned me to face it. The gold of Lyrias eyes greeted me as she fought against its hold. "Go."

"I'll come back for you," I promised her.

She smiled, a pained noise echoing from her. "Hurry!"

I ran as fast as I could, gripping the book tightly in my hands as I dodged the creatures that now seemed hell bent on catching me. The golden light led me through the darkness and back toward the open door, bathed in white light. I could hear the shrieks and scratching of everything lurking in the dark, I could feel them swiping at the air beneath my feet and behind my heels as I dove through the door and landed in the stone of Destiny's garden.

Panting and curling into the warmth of the ground I almost missed Destiny standing above me. I looked up at him and smiled. "I got it."

He gestured to my shoulder, "Not without paying a price."

I looked at the long jagged claw marks that now married my skin and sighed as the adrenaline began to wear off. "Ow. Worth it."

"I'll do what I can for it. Please, sit."

Destiny cleaned the wound and bound it tightly as I flipped through the pages of the book. “It’s in some kind of dead language. Can you read it?”

As I held the book to him he stepped away. “I cannot interfere, Weaver.”

“Oh come on, just look at it for two seconds.”

“No.”

My head cocked to the side at his odd behavior. “Des, what’s going on?”

He sighed heavily. “Penelope-”

“Petal,” A voice cooed around us. “It’s time to uphold your end of our deal.” 

“Fuck.” I grumbled setting the book on the table and meeting Destiny’s eyes. “I have to go, but… Are you okay?”

He nodded stiffly. “Yes. Be cautious, Weaver.”

“Desire is an asshole, but I doubt they’ll hurt me.” I answered.

“You should not be so trusting of them,” he replied. “Goodbye.”

The path led me to a vibrant red door and into Desire’s realm. Just like last time I’d been, the glossy red floor echoed with my steps as I ascended the stairs and walked towards their black clothed figure lounging across some kind of red couch. Their upsidedown head twisted to look at me with a grimace. “Oh dear, you look truly awful! Has my brother been such a neglectful host?”

I grit my teeth and shrugged, letting my arms fall to my sides. “I’m here. What do you want?”

Their smile grew as they sat up. “Oh, you haven’t been staying with him!”

“It’s none of your business,” I answered tensely.

"Come now Petal, don't look so glum!" They purred, pulling me to sit beside them and stroking my hair. "I did warn you that this was going to happen."

I sighed, pulling away from their touch. "Can we just get this over with? Summon your fancy food and gossip so I can..." So I could what? Go home? Dream won't change. Not for anyone... Not even you.

Desire stood, offering me their manicured hand. "We're not staying here."

"We aren't?"

"No, of course not! Unlike my big brother I know how to have a little fun!" They smiled widely. "What do you say, sweet Petal? May I, just this once, offer you what that precious heart of yours truly wants?"

I stared up at them for a moment, the elegance of their clothes and posture almost covered up the mischievous gleam in their smile and the way their golden eyes seemed to flare with a knowing look that pierced my soul. What was it I desired? I didn't even know anymore... Maybe I never knew. The gold of their eyes burned brighter as I placed my hand in theirs. A wave of power pulsed through me. It wasn't like Dreams, not cold or filled with shadows and dreams. Their power was bright and burning, sending tingles and phantom touches up my arm and all along my body. "I..."

"Shh," they cooed, pulling me to my feet. "Let me show you all you've been deprived of in my big brother's boring little bubble." Their eyes were glowing now as the red glossiness of their realm faded away and foreign fabric smoothed over my skin in place of my plain clothes. Their smile grew wider as their hands settled on my shoulders. "Let me show you the freedom you desire."

The glossy red of their realm faded away to dim lights and loud noise as we moved to a bar. Desire sat beside me, their hand still holding mine, in a plush red cushioned booth. “Where are we?”

“London,” they answered. “A fancy little establishment called The Golden Petal. I thought it was fitting, all things considered.”

I looked down at the clothes I now wore with a scoff. A bright red dress clung to my body, short with thin straps and a high thigh slit with red fishnets covering my legs. “Really?”

Desire laughed. “Come on, you look far better now than when you arrived!”

The waiter brought us a menu and drinks, and Desire ordered everything on it. They made light conversation until the food arrived and then attempted to dig up the past and call it gossip. I didn’t care. Not when they mentioned the asylum, not when they brought up Nada, not when they implied Dream cared less for me than he did her. I ate in silence up until Desire couldn’t stand it anymore. They pushed a drink over to me. “Drink, petal.”

“No thanks,” I said.

“Drink,” they insisted. “Or we’ll be here all night. I’m not going to be satisfied until you loosen up a bit.”

I glared at them, their gold eyes glowing once again as they stroked up my arm, that powerful burning sensation returning and washing over my body until I found myself light headed and lifting the glass to my lips. The alcohol stung my throat, but it didn’t seem to bother me as much as I was expecting. Beside me Desire offered more and more and more until alcohol turned into a cigarette or two which turned into other substances. All the while my mind grew blurrier and blurrier until I thought I’d pass out, but didn’t. Desire’s golden eyes glowed at me the whole time.

The smoke tickled my lips as I slowly exhaled, watching the ceiling sparkle with stardust. Everything swirled and blended together, colors and lights and people dancing all of this energy and noise surrounded me, but it felt empty… I felt empty. As I moved through the crowd of people, my body either too slow or too fast, I squinted trying to focus my eyes enough to find Desire in the sea of bodies.

Had they left me here? It wouldn't be out of character for them, especially after they'd gotten what they wanted. I could only assume they had, I mean we had dinner and I'd effectively gotten drunk and high. That was what they'd wanted, to "show me freedom". This didn't feel like freedom though. It hadn't from the start. I was fucked up.

The already blurred faces of the crowd began to melt together, heat rolled over my shoulders and the smell of smoke that filled the air brought the tangled twisted vines of The Stewards home curling around me. Screams and shouts filled the night club as I stumbled and pushed my way out of the crowd. Manic giggles echoed from somewhere in the room and before I could stop I was falling.

A hand wrapped around my wrist and an arm curled around my middle, pulling me up into a black clad chest. The blurred figure led me to the wall far from the crowd and gently stroked my hair, mumbling incoherent words to me as I steadied myself. After my eyes had cleared I looked up and a choked sob caught in my throat. "Dream?"

His soft skin and unruly black hair seemed to glow in the dull red light as his dark eyes, swirling with golden sand, stared down at me. Had he come looking for me? Oh god, I probably looked terrible. Tears streamed down my cheeks. "I'm so sorry."

"Shh," his thumb wiped away my tears and his head tilted closer to mine. The air between us smelt of peaches and bourbon, something electric and consuming sunk into my skin where his hands touched me.

My body hummed, burning with the irresistible urge to touch him. It felt odd, felt out of my control as my body moved. My hand curled around the back of his neck and I pushed myself up and pressed my mouth to his desperate and wanting. This felt different… His lips moved against mine in a way they didn't before. His touch was filled with fire, grabbing and pulling and taking. "Morpheus, please."

One hand squeezed my hip harshly while the other ran up the length of my spine sending chills through me. His hand fisted in my hair, pulling far more roughly than usual. Then his lips connected to my throat, sucking and biting with a fast and burning need. My hands fisted in his coat as the moan tore through my throat, vibrating against his lips.

My eyes locked onto the mirror behind him, through the hazy blurred reflection I could have sworn I saw Dream behind us before he was gone. He lifted his head from my neck, eyes of gold flared down at me for a second before they pulled their lips back to mine. Desire. My hands slammed against their chest, tearing them off of me. Slowly Dreams' face faded away, revealing their signature grin. They held my face in their hands. "Come on, Petal. Let go and I can show you what it feels like to really be desired."

I shoved away from them, chest heaving and world spinning as I pushed back through the crowd making a break for the glowing exit sign. I could hear their laughter echoing around me as I shoved the door open and stumbled out into the chilled midnight air. The darkness of the alley twisted around my legs, pulling me to the ground. Rats scattered away from me as I hit the floor.

I was shaking now as a pair of arms pulled me up into a soft lap. Fingers ran through my hair as the figure of Dream's sibling rocked soothingly. I let out a strangled breath and she shushed me gently. "Don't worry. It's alright. I'm sorry for last time. I didn't know that you had so much pain under the surface. You won't drown this time."

“Everything hurts,” I whined.

She sighed and pressed her cheek to my forehead. “I know it does. I can feel it. They brought it all to the surface with their games… you don’t deserve that. I told them to be nice, I told them you were hurting.”

"I have to get back…" I mumbled after what felt like forever, or maybe it felt shorter? Rolling out of the comfort of her arms I pulled myself up and stumbled towards the door. My body threw itself against it, pushing through it with ease and sending me flying through it and off the ledge of a roof.

A hand grabbed mine at the last second, pulling me back into the familiar smell of bitter wine. Soft hands lovingly stroked my cheeks and pulled my hair away from my face as I settled on my back on the rooftop. The blurry figure quickly laid down beside me and held my hand. I watched the night sky twist together as the figure's finger pointed up. "So many stars out there, you'd think she'd be a bit more bright and open. But she doesn't think like we do, and doesn't see things the same even with her big eyes."

I turned my head, eyes finally focusing on the rainbow streaked hair and the rainbow fishnet tights and untied boots. "De?"

She turned, the fishes on her eyes were now toads, one pink and one blue sparkling in the dim light. "You look tired, butterfly."

A sob tore through my throat as I rolled over, wrapping myself around her. "No offense, but I don't know if I should be happy to see you or incredibly worried."

"I think you should be both. So silly to cause conflict over something so little." She held me tighter. "When I told you to visit I didn't mean like this."

"It's that bad huh?" I asked, pulling away a little so we lay facing one another, our hands locked between us."

"Oh! Your eyes are leaking!" Her mismatched eyes shimmered as she looked at me, wiping away my tears. "You've looked worse. Better than the last time. White is NOT your color!" Her eyes looked down at the dress Desire had given me and she scrunched up her nose. "Red isn't the best for you either."

I laughed, something that quickly turned into crying. I held onto her tighter. "How did you get here?"

"I followed you, silly!"

The feeling of her velvet touch eased some of my discomfort. "I missed you, toad."

"I missed you too, butterfly." She pressed her forehead to mine. "You still look so sad."

"I want to go home," I said desperately.

"Then go. He wants you to go home too."

Shaking my head I forced myself to sit up. "No. No. He doesn't want me, not when I'm…" I sobbed again. "Not when I'm like this. So broken and desperate I let Desire trick me." My hands fisted in my hair at the vague memory of him in the mirror, tugging at the roots hard. "Oh God. He saw! He saw me kiss them!"

"Butterfly," De tried to pull me back to her voice. "Breathe."

"He hates me now. I finally did it. I finally fucked it up like I always do!"

"That's not true."

I stood, stumbling around until I found the stairs. De offered me her hands and helped me walk. “I have to go. I have to…” My brain felt so full of things, everything was bright and loud and too much. “I…”

De pulled me in close as we walked down the busy sidewalk. “Just relax, butterfly, it'll wear off soon.”

“No,” I mumbled. “If it wears off you’ll leave again.”

De’s eyes grew sad as she smiled at me. “You can always come visit. Just not like this next time.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“Butterfly, you can’t keep this up.”

A bright bar sign came into view and I hurried toward it. I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I didn’t want to feel all the pain and the hurt and everything anymore. Just this once I wanted to feel nothing, wanted to be nothing. “Yes I can.”

“Butterfly! Penelope!” She yelled after me, her voice fading into the loud music and the sounds of the crowd as I shoved my way to the bar.

I ordered and sat in the stool, drinking half of the glass before sitting there frozen as tears slid down my cheeks. Useless. Nothing. Human. Weaver. Lady. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. The glass clattered against the bar and I stood, nearly falling to the floor when two strong arms wrapped around me. The smell of ink and steel wrapped around me, cocooning me in warmth for a moment. “Careful, Inky.”

Pulling back I looked up at some gray haired drunkard with a frown. “I’m sorry.”

Moving with a newfound desperate speed I walked until I could hear the river and see the hazy bridge up ahead. My heart was beating too fast, so fast it felt like it was about to burst from my chest as I stood up on the ledge and looked down at the rushing water below. I was out of control, whether it was Desires doing or the drugs or my own it didn’t matter. I won’t go back. I told myself, the memories curling around my neck like a noose. I won’t let you die. Elias’ voice echoed in my head, urging me to step forward.

A warm hand fisted into my dress and roughly pulled me back into a solid chest. I struggled against them for a moment before going limp in their arms as they dragged me away from the edge of the bridge. Rough hands rubbed my skin. “Oh, Ma moitié… What has driven you to this?”

“Pierre?” I sobbed, curling my face into the warmth of his neck. “Am I dead?”

“No,” he chuckled, his arms tightening around me. “The lovely Death brought me to help you.”

I felt her hand against my shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Penelope. Desire should never have used their power against you.”

Looking up at her warm eyes I sighed. “How did you find me?”

“Delirium came to me,” she answered. De… Delirium. God it made so much sense. “She was afraid you’d do something drastic, so I enlisted the help of a face you could trust.”

My fingers curled into his jacket and I smiled at her. “Thank you.”

She looked up to Pierre. “You can’t stay for long.”

“I know, fair Death,” he answered, kissing my head. “I know.”

I didn’t remember sitting on the bench, but I didn’t care so long as Pierre was beside me. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he spoke about Death and the beauty of the Sunless Lands. He looked happy. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.”

He stroked my cheek. “Do not apologize, Ma moitié. You are alive, free, that is all I could have ever hoped for. Now, tell me what has the lover done?”

“Nothing,” I replied, pressing a hand to my aching head. “It’s my fault. I expected too much-”

“No.” He said sternly. “Do not take the blame for him. You deserve the world, Ma moitié, more than that. I know you, anything you asked of him was something reasonable and fair. You do not ask for much to be happy, my half.”

I smiled unsteadily. “I miss you.”

Pierre pressed his forehead to mine. “I’ve missed you too.”

“I wish we could stay like this forever.”

“I don’t.” He said holding my face in his hands. “You are meant for so much more than sitting on a bench with a lowlife like me. You are strong and brave and loyal and you are powerful beyond my comprehension.”

“What if I fucked it all up?” I asked with a weak sob. “What if he hates me?”

Pierre shook his head. “It is impossible to hate you, Penelope. You are the most beautiful and wonderful person in this world. The lover knows this, and I can assure you he does not hate you.”

I gripped onto his jacket. “You have to leave don’t you?”

“I do. But you’re in good hands, Ma moitié. Stupid, but good hands.” He pressed a kiss to my lips. “You two will find each other again. I know you will. Just, do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Make him work for your forgiveness. If you can manage it, I’d like to know you made him grovel a bit.”

I laughed. “You’re an ass.”

He shrugged. “Always.”

“I love you, Pierre.” I whispered.

“I love you too, Ma moitié.” The warmth of him began to fade away as he returned to wherever Death had taken him. “Goodbye.”

His touch was replaced by slightly colder hands as I opened my eyes to see Johanna kneeling in front of me on the bench with worry etched onto her face. “Pen?”

“Johanna.”

“Thank fuck,” she whispered. “I thought you were dead.”

She punched me in the shoulder. “OW!”

“That’s for scaring me!” She pulled me up into her arms and hugged me tightly. “You stubborn bitch. Why didn’t you call me sooner?”

“I’m sorry Jo.”

“Let's go,” she said, tugging me toward the cab. “It’s gonna rain soon.”

Johanna had definitely let the apartment go down in my absence. The floor was littered with things, her hoard of demon tools growing larger by the looks of it spilling out of her office. She led me to my old room, now bare of all decorations and absent of that warm feeling of home. She helped me out of my dress and I changed into an old tank top and some pants that had gotten left here. Johanna tucked me into the bed, laying down beside me for a while until I drifted off into a light sleep, one that didn’t last long.

A loud thunder boomed overhead, shaking the room as I sat up straight in bed and covered my ears. I wasn’t in the bedroom anymore, the hedges of Destiny’s garden looming over me as the dark sky swirled with storm clouds and lightning. I stood and quickly moved toward the center of the maze expecting to see Destiny waiting, instead being met by three figures clothed in white. The Fates.

“Fate touched,” the Maiden said with a smile. “It gladdens us to see you.”

“Fate kissed,” the Mother’s eyes roamed down my form. “Are you well?”

“Fate bound,” the Crone sneered. “The time has come to see if your wings are strong enough to weather the storm.”

I sighed, my head still slightly spinning. “Now really isn’t the best time.”

They laughed in unison, each different and powerful. “A Weaver you may be, but even you are not above the call of fate.”

“What do you want from me?”

The Maiden sighed. “Two paths lie ahead of you. One known and the other clouded in darkness.”

The Mother turned her head toward the maze of hedges. “Two paths. One of life and one of death.”

The Crone smiled, sharp and twisted. “Two paths. One bound in fate and threads, yours and yours alone. The other blessed of night and time with either a crown of grace to rise you up or chains of darkness to bind you and this world to ruin.”

A hand touched my shoulder, the haziness of my mind and the sluggishness of my body lifted from me Destiny stood beside me, face emotionless as he regarded The Fates with a nod of his head. “Hecate.”

They all regarded him with respect. “Destiny.”

I looked up at him and sighed. “What’s going on?”

“This is your final test, Weaver.” He answered, gesturing towards the maze.

Now only two paths stood before me. One lined and swirling with butterflies and the other. I gasped at the sight of a thread leading down it. “Dream.”

Thunder cracked in the sky and lightning followed. “This time the path you choose will determine not just your fate but that of this universe and my brother.”

Fear filled me as I took in his words. “Why? Why me? Why now?”

"You were born before the death of the previous Weaver, of Lyria, such a thing should not have been possible. But, the book revealed your purpose." Destiny's eyes did not falter as he placed his hand back on my shoulder. "You were always meant to be the last Weaver of this world. Should you pass, another shall not take your place."

"What happens to the world if I die?"

Destiny, for once, spoke clearly. "This world will enter its age of destruction and the end of all things will be on the horizon."

"Follow the butterflies as you always have, love." The Mother said.

"Do not meddle in matters beyond your station, Weaver," The Crone sneered.

The Maiden spoke, "The Dream Lord's fate has been written."

The Crone smiled, "It would take much power to alter the path he has forged."

The Mother sighed, "Much power, even for you."

"You would be stripped of your light and left to darkness should you try," The Maiden said.

I looked to the right path, to the butterflies that lined the hedges, swirling out towards me. Then I looked to the left where Dreams thread was pulled taut, the mark on my arm pulsing with him. One path was a guarantee that I would live on with the world, but at what price? Dreams life? The other was unknown, even to Destiny, but all seemed certain that my life would be the one to hang in the balance.

A flash of green flew away from the crowd of butterflies. The softness of its wings glistened in the moonlight as it landed on Dreams thread. I didn't speak a word, not to Destiny or The Fates, I just moved forward following Dreams thread down the left path. There would be no life without Morpheus, not for the humans that relied on him for hope and not for me.

The unfamiliar doors appeared before me, muffled voices behind it, and I didn't hesitate to walk through. A sea of chairs and sleeping people greeted me and there on a stage stood The Corinthian and Dream, his back facing me as he listened to his creation. "Here you are, alone, just as you've always been… As you always will be."

“He's not alone," I said as I walked up the stairs, ignoring the way my heart ached as I slid in front of Dream.

I could feel him for the first time in days. The steady hum of his power sending goosebumps along my skin, the smell of night and stardust and home. His breath fanned across the back of my head as he whispered, his voice sending a wave of relief crashing down over me. “Penelope.”

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[imatechbummerliketomholland]

sorry seems to be the hardest word - h.o

Word count: 3171

Warning: angst, swear

Pairing : harrison osterfield

Request: no.

N/A: It took me so long to write this. I remember i asked @soft-haz to write something with the "sorry seems to be the hardest word" vibe, it was so good! But i wanted to write something by myself too. Remember, english is not my first language, so be kind if you spot mistakes, i really try my best. Italics parts are flashbacks

Thanks to @petersasteria because she correct a big part of this fic! Love you. Don't hesitate to tell me what you think of the fic! Love you all! xx

ღღღ

part 2 (harry hollad x reader) - part 3 (harry holland x reader)

The few rays of sunshine in London today and England's victory over the Croats had improved your mood. Tom and Harry were home as soon as the game was over, they found you sitting on the couch with a glass of wine. You hadn't wanted to join them at the bar for obvious reasons: to keep your privacy as much as possible. Living with four boys was not easy, but living with four boys, one of whom was a world-famous actor and another in the midst of the media boom, was even more so. Of course, fans knew that Tom, Harrison, Harry, and Tuwaine had a female roommate. But you've always managed to never appear with your face uncovered in any media activity of your four-favorite divs.

The bottle was already nearly empty and you were already on your drunken streak, not wanting to stop when two of your drinking buddies had just entered. What a good opportunity to continue the evening.

"Will you join me, boys?"

“Mmm yeah, sure, love.” Harry said.

But a problem presented itself to you: the boys drank beer, you drank wine. You had two options now: either open a new bottle of wine for yourself or continue the evening with beer. Your eyes turned to your glass, spilling the rest of the bottle into your jug before swallowing it dry. Harry had a stunned expression on his face as Tom smirked.

"I see hanging out with us leaves its mark."

"You wish, Holland. I knew how to do it before I even knew you existed."

"You've known me since I was 19."

"And you think I waited for you to learn how to drink?"

"Fair enough."

You met the boys in a pub. You’ll never tell Nikki that, when you met them, her precious twins drank too many beers even if they weren’t old enough to drink (technically, they weren’t criminals, drinking beer at 16 is legal and come on, it’s England!)

❀❀❀

So, you met the boys in a pub. It was one of the nights when your friends and you wanted to drink until you're blackout drunk. You were in that pub/club, looking up after one of your friends. She had detected some pretty boys in the back and left you there, alone. You moved around the room without paying attention: glass in hand, your phone you stared at in the other. You suddenly felt an arm blocking your chest with force. The surprise had made you drop your glass.

“What the heck?!?”

“You will not pass, miss.”

“Oh yeah? Why? Is the pope there?” You said sarcastically

The man who stood in your way raised an eyebrow and you looked at him, waiting for a response.

“You are very funny. It’s a VIP space.”

“Once again, why is that?”

“None of your business.”

“Actually, I don't care if Sir Elton John is in that bar or if it's even the Queen of England. I'm just looking for my friend: tall, blonde, balloon-sized fucking boobs, red dress."

“Not seen."

You sighed. The situation annoyed you to the highest point. You had lost your friend and that big asshole had broken your glass. The man in front of you seemed to be marble. Short answer, arms crossed, and an imposing posture. All you wanted tonight was just to have fun. You didn't care that God-knows-who, any famous or rich enough to book a VIP space, was in that bar.

"Would the asshole that hired you tonight, at least be kind enough to buy me the glass you broke with your bullshit?"

From his side, Harry had noticed the altercation. He then walked towards you, he laughed when he heard you insult his brother through the bouncer's fault. And as the Colossus' bodyguard was about to tell you that you could always dream of getting that free drink, Harry spoke up.

“The asshole, maybe not directly. But the asshole's brother. Certainly. It will be on his check anyway.”

“For God's sake, what are you waiting for then?”

And just like that, you met the boys. Harry paid you for the glass that the other jerk broke, invited you to this precious VIP space and you could talk and dance the night away. You had exchanged your social media and over time, your phone numbers. And as fast as you couldn't imagine, you had found yourself stuck in an apartment with four adorable idiots as roommates.

❀❀❀

"Hey, y/n, where are the others?" Harry asked.

You grumbled and grabbed the beer the curly had just opened. He protested as you took a sip. Tom gave you a curious look and you frowned behind your bottle.

"y/n?”

"I don't know where T is, but Harrison's gone on a date with Gracie."

The two brothers exchanged a look heard in the face of the bitterness they had perceived in your voice. It was no longer much of a secret that you had feelings for Harrison. You had feelings for Tom's best friend for almost as long as you'd met him. Harry had noticed it first, because you were much closer to him than to Tom. The actor had understood at the start of an evening, at the beginning of the relationship between Harrison and his girlfriend.

However, you didn't hate Gracie. She was beautiful, kind, and very funny. She really brought out the best in Harrison, she made him happy and you could see that because of the distinct smile on his face. You didn't hate her; she just wasn't you and you just weren't her. And that was the whole problem. Jealousy consumed you and you hated yourself for it.

“Are you alright, darling?” Tom asked you since silence filled the room after your last sentence.

"I'll be fine after one more drink" you simply answered.

You took a sip of the beer you stole from Harry. Drowning in alcohol was certainly not the solution. But you just wanted to forget the blond a bit for tonight. Tom's worried look made you roll your eyes.

"Oh come on, Tom. Don't give me those eyes. I will be fine ..."

“Yeah, sure.” he said with a doubt.

"Can we just watch a silly movie or play a silly game to make my night better?"

Harry seemed to hear you as he shrugged and took a sip of his drink. He knew you by heart. At this point, he really considered you his best friend. So he knew you needed something to clear your mind. Something where your mind should be quick to think about.

“One,” he said nonchalantly.

"Two" you responded with a huge smile on your face.

"You are both stupid." the Holland elder complained about the game you had just started.

"You say that because you're a lousy actor who can't remember his lines. Play Holland!"

"Three". He capitulated.

And you continued like this until 21. Then, there followed a multitude of rule additions each time you reach the number 21. The 7 turned into "I'm a poor liar", the 18 into "I'd rather kiss a guinea pig" ... And every time one of you made a mistake, he drank. After an hour, the game looked like a strange conversation from the outside.

"Squirrels are scary, man." Harry said, mimicking his older brother.

"Black Widow is the best president of the United States" Tom said

"But she’s a bad lay." you responded, with a fake sigh of disappointment

"I'd rather kiss a guinea pig"

"Because you have no taste"

"Twenty"

It was at this precise moment, in the middle of the conversation, that Harrison decided to enter the living room. His blissful smile gave way to an air of amazement and disbelief at the talk between his three roommates. It was Tom who first noticed his best friend. He nodded to greet him. Harrison wore a simple black t-shirt with chinos. You took a look at your roommate and your cheeks flushed a little more than they already were.

"Hello mate! How was your date?" asked Tom with a big smile on his face

"Awesome. Can't believe it will be a year in 3 freaking days." Harrison said.

You could see his large smile, and blissful air. He was sweating happiness and although you were happy for him, it tore your heart. You purse your lips to avoid comment. Harry spoke up.

"We're playing 21. Do you want to land with us?"

"In fact, you can take my place." You got up from the couch and walked over to the kitchen to drop off your beer drain. Harrison frowned as Tom exchanged a new look with his brother.

"y/n, you can stay, It's an unlimited players game." Harry almost begged.

"No, I'm tired. I'm going to take a shower and then go to bed."

“y/n” Harrison tried to call you to hold you back a little longer.

But you were already gone. You've never climbed the stairs so fast to run away from your roommate/best friend. Harrison looked at Tom and Harry, worried about your behavior. The curly one just shrugged his shoulders as his brother shook his head, silent. They weren't intending to get involved in this. You were the only master of your feelings and the time you'll decide to confess them to Harrison. That is why they preferred to be quiet.

☙♡❧

You spent the whole next week to avoid Harrison as much as possible. Established more distance with him was your solution to protect yourself from your feelings especially after his one-year anniversary date with Gracie and his absolute cute instagram post. It broke you down. Your heart was in peace but you couldn't blame him or his girlfriend. You were in love with the wrong guy, that's all.

But you couldn't hide from him forever. After all, you both lived in the same house, you had the same friends. So, it was hard to pretend he didn't exist.

Today was not your lucky day. You bumped into him in the kitchen. That was his opportunity to hold you down. He grabbed you by the shoulders, preventing you from burying yourself. Now he would finally find out what was wrong with you. Because Harrison wasn't a fool. He had noticed that you acted with him differently. Your behavior remained unchanged towards the other boys in the house.

“y/n. Don’t avoid me; please, please y/n, look at me”

You have plunged your eyes into its bewitching blue irises. Big mistake. You were drowning now in the turmoil of your feelings for the blonde. He had always had that effect on you, always. Tears started to bead at the corners of your eyes, you were biting your lip to hold back the torrent of tears that was already beginning to flow. Harrison's throat tightened at the sight of you like that and his hold on your shoulders slowly loosened.

“I hate seeing you like this. Please talk to me” he almost begged you

“Harrison…” your voice struggle as soon you pronounced his name.

“Please darling…tell me what’s goin’ on”

As a perfect angel, Tom was the one who saved you by interrupting this quick talk. You wiped away your tears with the end of your sleeve and run away to your room. Harrison sighed in despair. He didn't understand why you were running away from him like the plague.

“Dude, do you know why she's like that. What did I do? » He finally asked to Tom.

"I can't tell you Haz. She's the only one having the right to tell you about this"

"Bullshit. Fuck you all." Harrison said, frustrated.

Then he just quit, leaving the kitchen.

☙♡❧

Sunday came and Tom asked you all to spend the night with him before his LA trip the next evening. It was a normal night with friends. And despite your pent-up feelings and wanting to avoid Harrison at all costs, you didn't want to miss Tom, he was your friend.

There was only the usual gang: Harry, Tuwaine, Tom (obviously) and you. But the tension was felt within the group. The lingering unspoken words about your feelings for Harrison were beginning to weigh on all of your friendship. It was so bad that it hurts to stay in the same room as Harrison. All you could see was his constant happiness, this wonderful man he had always been but in a more radiant version of himself. And you weren't the cause of that. You hated it, you hated being selfish that much. You were ready to sacrifice your friendship with the young Netflix actor for two reasons: you wanted to protect yourself ... and you weren't ready to be that obstacle in the midst of Harrison and Grace's happiness.

You were in the kitchen with Harry, pretending to help him with drinks and snacks. The curly boy could see you dragging your feet, repeating like a mantra this phrase "come on, you can do it ... do it for Tom, it's his night. Don’t be selfish, you can make it." And you really wanted it ... have a good time with your friends.

Sometimes Harry felt guilty for introducing Gracie to Harrison. They worked together as set PA in 2018 and became close friends but not as close as you were with him. You considered him like your best friend. It made sense for him to feel a bit responsible for your broken heart. But you never said a word about it.

“I’m sorry, y/n” confessed Harry.

“For what?” you simply responded.

"For having hampered your happiness. I was stupid to introduce Grace to Harrison and ignore your feelings. I wanted to help my friend. "

"Bullshit Harry. Never apologize for that. You've been a great friend to Harrison."

"But not for you."

"Who cares?" you asked, trying to minimize your feelings

"Me ... you are one of my best friend y/n"

"Just like Harrison is your best friend. Don't apologize for making him happy. Fuck, I'm the one who should apologize." You said, with a tone of anger and despair in your voice

And that's how you crack, breaking in all your sensitivity. You couldn't hold back your tears from falling as you blasted everything that was on your heart. You don't even realize that Harrison is a few feet behind your back. The weight of your feelings, your anxieties explode in the kitchen as when a cup is dropped on the immaculate tiled floor.

“What I got to do to make him love me? What I got to do to make him care? Not as the sweet friend Harry. I’m deeply in love with him and it’s gonna drive me insane! What I got to do to make him want me? Huh Harry, can you tell me? All those question in my head…and no answer to that. And you know what? It's sad, sad situation…more than that it’s a shitty situation, because I'm getting away from him and it makes us sick. Because I'm unable to tell him why.”

“You just told me.” Harrison finally said.

You jumped for a second before you froze. Harry is caught off guard and rushes into the living room stammering an apology. You are trapped. You are trapped and you can hear the footsteps of your roommate coming closer to you, so close, that now you can feel his breath on the back of your neck. Gently, he places his hands on your arms and exerts pressure for you to face him.

"You love me"

"It depends ..." you replied with difficulty

"On what?"

"On what you heard before."

"Enough that you can't contradict me."

Her thin smile doesn't help you relax. Instead, you look down, admiring your two pairs of feet. You felt like being stripped naked and you didn't like that feeling. If you could have kept this secret in your grave. But now he knew and you felt even heavier than the Titanic.

"So ... is that it? Nothing more to tell me?"

"What do you want me to add to what you've already heard?"

"Sorry?" he tried.

"For what?"

"For what? y/n are you kidding me? Sorry for being distant with me, maybe? Sorry for hiding all these things from you? Sorry for not trusting our friendship to come to me and speak?" he exploded…

"What would that have been for, Harrison? You don't love me back…" you screamed back.

"I ... I’m ..."

"See, sorry seems to be the hardest word."

After that last ironic reply, silence fell in the kitchen. So was that it? Was that how your friendship was to end? The great giants of the universe had reserved this dramatic scene for you to break years of bonding. You didn't know how to get out of this situation. You didn't even know if there was a few more things to save. You were broken and had just spoiled the happiness of one of your best friends.

Harrison was silent. He seemed to be probing your body, your attitude, analyzing any gesture that might give him the opportunity to take a step towards you. But the solution was there, finding everything ... It was enough, for both of you, to swallow your pride.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" you echo your previous conversation

"Sorry for not feeling the same as you. For not being who you want me to be to you."

"You know ... I don't hate her."

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Gracie. I don't hate her. She makes you really happy. I just hate the jealousy I feel towards her… I hate that I am not her. But I don’t hate her, she's a really good girl."

A small smile dawned on Harrison's lips, the blonde toyed nervously with his fingers and the ring he always wore as an accessory.

"Yeah ... yeah she's great."

"I'm really sorry ... about everything."

"It's ok. We don't control how we feel. I..I can understand"

"Yeah..."

"y/n?" he tried; a little bit shy about what he’s gonna ask.

"Mhmm?"

"Do you think we can be friends again?"

You bow your head, taking a minute to think. Was everything really broken? Were you going to be able to rebuild a solid friendship after this conversation? Were you going to be able to squeeze out your feelings? You sighed before plunging into those beautiful blue eyes that you loved so much.

"Maybe. I hope so with all my heart."

"I hope so too. And I hope you find someone like I found Grace."

"You can always dream. You dripping with love, it's impossible to find someone like you two."

"Don't despair. He might be closer than you think."

He winked at you and you looked at him confused. But after a few seconds, a smile appeared at the corner of your lips. No, you had no hope of him talking about him. But you were happy, because that little sentence opened the door for you to a bond that you were trying to find.

[loverholland]

sunrise. pp x reader

summary: y/n finally arrived back in new york after a year in cali. not only does she find that her little corner of the world is disappearing, but that he little crush just so happened to not have disappeared. word count: ~1,900 warnings: none that I can think of. a/n: i hope you like this. this has been in my drafts since 2019 i think.

✨☁️💭🪴🪐🧋🛼🎐

Y/N’s hand touched the railing of Peter’s balcony. It was a simple apartment, one that she would expect for him to have. It was a small, one bedroom and one bath apartment that sometimes had hot water and sometimes had mice, but nonetheless, Y/N loved it. It was the first time she had ever seen his apartment other than in FaceTime, which were far and few between. He had such a perfect view of Queen’s where the tree’s sang beautiful songs and the bird’s would join in with harmonies. It reminded her of those times when she would go to Aunt May’s apartment and sit on the fire escape. She missed the yellow chipped paint and the abundance of plants. It was small and minimal but it was home. Pictures would line the walls and almost every surface that she could fill - many of them were Peter and her or Peter and his parents, but when he began bringing home Ned and Y/N, the pictures became more inclusive of their friendship.

Y/N always brought a Kodak camera everywhere. Those pictures felt the most authentic. The most real, so those were the ones she gave Aunt May. Every Christmas, every birthday, were just months worth of pictures that she could put anywhere she imagined.

Everything felt so normal, but they weren’t. Of course, they weren’t. Washington Heights experienced a blackout, one that hadn’t hit for ages. Everything was going away from her in so little time. Nail Venom was moving, shops are closing down, people are leaving. Her humble abode is leaving and it was getting close to her parent’s closing up their ?? and leaving Washington Heights for good. Leaving what she knew for good.

“Y/N?” Peter yawned. She turned her head to look at him in all of his glory. He jue woke up but he looked so stunning in the rising rays and he looked like a Renaissance painting. His curls were much messier than they were last night and his beautiful chocolate brown eyes looked like the perfect coffee that she would get back at UCLA. He was shirtless and only wore a pair of gray sweatpants and my Gods he was made right out by the Gods themselves.

“I’m here.” She whispered before turning her head back to the world in front of her. Not wanting to give it up for just a moment longer. They had practiced some Spanish, drunkenly, she must add. He was good at it, not that she would ever tell him that. Never would she imagine giving him such a big head like that.

“Are you ready to try again?” Y/N asked, implying to the previous Spanish lesson. It was so early, but she felt so at peace. The corners of her lips rising a bit more when Peter answered:

“I think I’m ready.”

“Okay,” Y/N paused, turning to leverage herself on the railing, pushing back for a moment, a wide smile spreading across her face as she looked at Peter. “Let’s go.” There was a moment as she thought of what to say. Something that he knew? Give him something hard. A curse word? She would laugh if given the chance but then the idea of her home. En Washington Heights. Her esquina was slowly leaving this earth for good, only few being able to tell the story of Washington Heights.

“Esquina?”

“Corner.” Peter answered correctly, a short lived smile creeping towards the corners of his lips. He knew he was right.

“Tienda?”

“Store.”

“Bombilla?”

“Lightbulb!”

“Too easy” she thought to herself. She turned her head to look over the horizon. The world was wonderful with how the sky was painted orange and pinks. The moon was still out, it was beautiful. And not only that but this world had Peter, the most wonderful man she had ever been lucky to know. Well, shit. Maybe not wonderful.

Last night was a lot. The lights were brighter then than any light now. The screams of joy and laughing from everyone around her, we're nothing like her experience. A drunken Peter was angry that Y/N’s father didn’t accept their relationship. He was so angry and the way he threatened his internship at Stark Industries (not that papi would get anywhere). The world felt like it was ending and it kind of did. All of Washington Heights suddenly became dark, a forgotten and hidden place in the world. The once joyful noise turned into horror and fear, everything quickly declining. And then she was alone.

In the middle of chaos, she was alone.

But now, here she is on Peter’s fire escape. The beautiful and peaceful world going on around her. Sure, it was hot. But the world was so much better. The people were quiet and asleep while the sunshine danced along the buildings. Animal’s running the streets freely before everyone woke up. Everything was right.

“You’re sure?” Y/N questioned after a moment of reminiscing. She gave him a smile after biting her bottom lip for a moment. He was right and she knew it but she just wanted to see if he was confident in himself and his answers. He hadn’t taken Spanish since high school and he claimed that he forgot a majority of it, but she always questioned it but never pushed him to speak in her native language with her.

Peter paused and pushed himself off the brick wall, taking a step towards her. His eyes searched for a reason to stop, but he couldn’t find one. Hell, he wouldn’t be able to ever find one. “I’m sure.”

“Three out of three, you did alright.” Y/N pushed herself off the railing and took a step towards Peter, her head tilting back to look up at him. She couldn’t help but be infatuated with Peter. She had only been back for a few days and all of the past feelings came flowing back. She spent so long believing that she would never be good enough for Peter that she just hid the idea of ever being with him or him sharing the same feelings. Oh, how she was wrong.

“Well teach me a little more…” he trailed, his hand going to touch Y/N’s cheek. He didn’t immediately touch her however, he wanted some form of consent and when Y/N leaned her face to touch his hand, he took that as an ‘okay’ before brushing her cheek with his thumb.

“Calor?”

“Heat.”

“Anoche?” Y/N raised her eyebrows.

“Last night.”

“Dolor.

“Pain?”

“That’s right.” She confirmed, eyebrows knitting together. She lifted her right hand and laid it on Peter’s chest, staring at it as the words left her lips like endless lullabies. Not taking any longer to think of what to say, she knew what needed to be said for both of them. “Llámame?”

“Call me.”

“Ámame”

“Love me.”

A breath escaped Y/N’s lips. They felt so close yet so far away from one another. Her eyes lifted away from being set on her hand on Peter’s chest to look at his beautiful, comforting eyes. “Perhaps I do-”

“Well, how do you say “kiss me”?”

“Besame.”

“And how do you say “hold me”?”

“Abrázame.” Y/N inevitably whispered, the words all making the flutter in her chest more intense. Her eyes were filled with so much joy yet so much anxiety at the same time. “Al amanezer. At sunrise.” [need to look up]

“Anything can help at sunrise.”

Y/N looked up at Peter’s eyes, she just wanted to kiss him right then and there. They held eye contact for a moment before her eyes dropped to his lips, leaning in a bit closer. She could feel how clammy her own hands were. She hated the feeling of it, but she knew this could dictate so much more especially considering her future. This action could change so much between them and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it. But maybe she should just dive in head first. Her heart thumped against her chest, eyes closing for a moment as her lips parted, allowing air to escape and to his Peter’s lips.

“What will he say?” Peter pulled back, removing his hand from her cheek and dropping it down to his side, fiddling with the pocket that was hanging out of the sweats.

What a dramatic ass.

“Que dirá?”

“When he sees me around you?” He asked, eyebrows knitting together with concern. Y/N understood exactly how he felt. The fear of losing one another to her father. Losing this connection again. Y/N always believed that the time wasn’t right and that if it were destined to be, it would be.

“How do you say “Promise me?”” Peter asked, quieter than before. His forehead was pressed against hers, eyes closed as they took in the moment, hands briefly touching as a spark traced up their arms.

“Prometeme.”

“Promise me you’ll stay beyond the sunrise and that we won’t care what anyone has to say -”

“Beyond the sunrise.” Y/N cut off Peter. Their eyes met, searching for an invitation to kiss one another. The world seemed to stop at this moment. The trees' sweet songs slowed down as Peter leaned into the small space between he and Y/N. The birds stopped their harmonies and the cars stopped the melodies, it felt like the perfect interlude to any great story.

And then it just happened. Peters hand cupped her cheek like an angel cupping a baby for the first time. He softly guided her lips to his; it felt so soft and secure. His lips touched hers and in the moment she swore she was infinite. She was so alive and free in this moment. His lips melded with her like a beautiful piano melody being played. Everything that she could ever love and more was right here. Her heart pounded to the thought of him. To the action that was being played out.

Never in her wildest dream did she think she'd be kissing Peter Parker. During the sunrise. In Queens. She always thought that maybe one day, when they're older and they finally come to the conclusion, or maybe her accepting it more than she did before. She wasn't too sure how it would happen, but this was never the plan.

As quickly as it started, it ended. Peter pulled away, breathless

“Promise me you’ll stay.” Peter whispered against her lips as he pulled back. There was a moment of hesitation. Stay… how? With him? In New York? She wasn’t too sure what he meant, but those were the words she’s always wanted to speak to him. Just the act was something she thought about many times in high school. She had told herself that if she didn’t go to UCLA she would finally man up and tell Peter about her little crush and go to a school in NYC. But then she left.

“I’ll stay.” Y/N promised, her fingers interlinking with Peter’s. The pad of his thumb rubbing across the top of her hands. A promise that she would swear to fulfill. If not for her, then for him. She couldn’t imagine the world that he has around him but that world would be her’s. He would become her world in such a short amount of time.

Beyond the sunrise.

[greenygreenland]

Sink or Swim: Kai x Reader [kinda angsty]

-tbh i had a tiny crush on Kai growing up

-i still swoon over him when he's cool but like, lloyd has stolen my heart

-you all live in yang's temple still

-as a note, i write for female readers because uhhh yeah plz don't be mad at me ;-; (and either way, you can always change the words around in your head if it bothers you)

Summary: Kai needs help. You're there for him, catching him before he sinks.

Kai's got Lloyd, but who's got Kai?

Ninjago was filled with a variety of perils. Some were easier to see, such as destruction of any population within the premises of Ninjago city. Other times, it was minuscule, like a speck of dust. If you looked hard enough without blinking, you could see it. But most times it was invisible.

The sun was bright today, shining past the swiftly moving clouds as you clashed under its heat. Sparks flew as your katana slammed into Cole's, who skillfully parried your blows. You readied another combo, twisting to the right and faking a slash before spinning and striking to the left.

"Cole look out!" shouted Kai. Cole wasn't fast enough, and you knew it was because he wasn't used to using a katana. His hammer lay on the platform leading inside, right by Jay's side under the sunshine.

You suddenly realised Cole would be split in half if you didn't stop. But how could you when the inertia practically sent you flying towarss him? "Cole--!"

Clang!

Kai parried the attack. He hit your blade with so much force that it was sent flying across the courtyard, thankfully, clattering harmlessly on the ground. You heaved out a harsh sigh and slapped your knees. "That was close. Sorry Cole." He chuckled, giving Kai a good slap on the shoulder.

"For once our Hot-Head wasn't distracted by his 'oh-so-perfect' looks." Cole said. "How did you do that so fast?" Kai sheathed his sword with a shrug. It was odd to see him so quiet, especially around this time in the day. His expression remained relaxed, but it was void of its usual smug smirk. "I don't know, I just improvised."

You can't help the frown settling on your lips. There was an edge to Kai's voice, as if he had just returned from an unseen battle between life and death. He looked normal, yet the way he forced out a small laugh made you cringe.

"I'm going inside, think I might shower." he abruptly announced. "Don't train too hard or you might bake in the sun!" You watched as he fiddled with the strap on his sheath, twiddling it and running it between his fingers. He caught your stare and flashed a fleeting smile your way, yet it didn't feel genuine. "Kai--"

He pretended not to hear you and rushed through the temple doors. Your frown deepened. "He looks upset." Jay rested his cheek in his hand with a snort. "I'll say. He looked like he was thinking hard about something."

"But what?" Cole inquired with a sigh. "Nothing's been happening around Ninjago, shouldn't he be happy about it? He can play video games all he wants now, or, I don't know, talk to Skylor on the phone? Morro's gone and Lloyd's fine now." Zane raised doubtful brow. He took a seat by Jay and leaned his head back against one of the supporting beams. It was an odd sight to see everyone so deeply in thought again, especially since none of you should have been deeply in thought in the first place.

"Lloyd has not fully recovered." Zane notes. "He suffers from mental trauma and is regaining his strength as we speak." Nya hummed in agreement. She set her weapon down with a thoughtful nod and leaned against a supporting beam. "I don't know about you, but he seemed kind of sad. Why don't you talk to him (Y/n)?"

"Yeah, you're his girlfriend so you guys share a special connection." piped up Jay. You cam't deny that. Your relationship with Kai was special, so he told you certain things no one else had ever known about him. Whether it be about his past, or even what he dreams for the future, you knew it all.

Well except this.

You stood up, ignoring the low cracks from your aching body. "I'll be back." You pulled open the temple's doors, gently shutting it behind you as you surveyed the vast room. The main hall was empty, save for Sensei Wu who sat at a table drinking tea. He turned to you, eyeing your troubled expression knowingly. "Kai is in his room." he simply stated. You smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you Sensei."

You sprinted up the stairs, caring not if you skipped the creaky steps or walked right over them. It was quite tranquil in the halls of the quiet temple, yet somehow, it made you uncomfortable. "Kai?" You stopped in front of his door. "Kai--"

Sniffling. That was the first thing that caught your ears. Your fingers paused on the door handle, slipping past the cool metal as you continued to listen to the sounds. You knew what crying sounded like, but this? It was earth-shattering. The way he cried sounded exactly like raw agony. It was painful to listen to, yet you couldn't bring yourself to walk away.

If Kai was suffering, you had to be there for him like all the times he had been there for you, or Lloyd, or Nya and Jay and Zane and Cole.

Your fingers wrapped around the door handle. You gently knocked and peeked inside. He sat on his bed with his back facing you. His katana lay on the floor instead of of by his bed or next to his pillow like he usially did.

"Kai?" Your voice came out as a gentle whisper. "Are you okay?" His crying ceased so quickly that if you hadn't been standing outside listening, you would have thought everythimg were your imagination.

"Yeah." he steadily said. "I'm okay. I just needed to take a break after that spar. It got really intense." He laughed. It wasn't a happy one. If you knew what it felt like to have your organs ripped out, you'd describe it as listening to Kai fake his laugh and fake his happiness. He put on a brave face for the world, and perhaps that was because he knew people relied on him to step up when Lloyd couldn't.

You opened the door a little wider and let yourself in, softly closing it behind. "If something's wrong Kai, you can tell me." He sniffled quietly. "No, I'm fine." He laughed; you didn't miss the quiver in his voice. "I'm just a little tired."

"No, it's something else. I won't judge you, promise."

Kai sniffled and grabbed a tissue from his nightstand. He blew his nose with a shaky breath and tossed the tissue in the bin. For a good minute, he sat there in silence, slowing inhaling and exhaling rattling breaths. You made your way over to him and took a seat at the edge of his bed. He kept his back towards you as he sniffled some more, so you sat there, watching his shoulders quiver.

Slowly, Kai entertwined his hand with yours. He gave it a good squeeze, as if reassuring himself you were still there. You didn't want to say anything to him yet. If you did, you were sure it would break his already fragile tranquility. Thankfully, he made the first move.

"I know you wouldn't leave me," he began, "but sometimes I can't help worrying. What if we go on a mission and none of us make it back? Lloyd almost died, Cole's a ghost.... What if something happens to you? Or--or Nya and Jay or Zane?" He let out a rattling breath that spoke of all the battles you both endured. It was hard to believe you both survived every single one of them.

"Kai, we've lived this long." you said. "Why not longer? And even if one of us does die, life will go on. It always does in Ninjago, and it blooms again into something new." You squeezed his hand. "You're thinking about your parents too."

The quiet Kai stayed in was enough of an answer.

"I understand it hurts. You know, my parents died when I was very little. I don't remember how they looked like, but I remember what I felt. They made me so happy. It was short, but I found it again in you and the others. Even if something disappears, it's never truly lost." You smiled even though Kai would never see it. "Lloyd's still here because you saved him. None of us are going anywhere for as long as we can help it."

Kai's shoulders slumped. A sigh left his lips and he finally turned to face you. What strikes you the most about him isn't the puffiness under his eyes, or the bags and crinkle in his brow--it's the life that's been sucked out of his expression. His eyes were hollow, as if someone had completely wiped the emotion of happiness from existence. The deep frown tugging at his lips is even worse. It's thin, tight, and quivering.

"I-I'm sorry..."

You placed a hand on his cheek. "Kai." It's all you can muster, a name, a look of sorrow, and worry. Howw had you not seen this? How had you missed something so plainly put?

You gently pulled him closer, wrapping your arms around his warm body as the rain fell from his eyes. "You have nothing to be sorry for. If anyone should be sorry, it's me. I should be there for you, but I didn't notice. I love you though and I'm here now." you gently whispered.

"You're not alone Kai. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. We're all here for you and no one is leaving." His cries started out soft, but with each word that left your mouth, his whimpers grew, gaining and gaining in volume until a heart-wrenching sob ripped through his throat.

Tears gathered in your eyea and you allowed yourself to cry with him. It hurt to think about losing anyone, it hurt to see your boyfriend so battered, so beaten and defeated. What cure could you offer to remedy his pain you shared?

There was no answer to that. And so you sat there, keeping your arms tight around each other as if either of you would disappear. Right now, it was sink or swim. You had to fight the ache and push forward, even if it felt like you were both drowning.

Please don't forget to reblog so this can reach more people! Thank you all for reading!

[tevatstavern]

Injuries and affections.

- bennett seems to feel a little worn out after all his adventures lately, maybe its time to head back to Mondstadt and pay you a little visit too while he's at it.

[Bennett x g.n reader] [no t.w] [slight fluff at the end]

a.n my apologies, I made this at like 23:48 and I can't seem to keep my eyes longer lmaoo

-•-

With a huff, he clenched his sword tightly, before wiping off any dirt or sweat that came near in contact with his eyes. One of the last remaining's of Hilichurls, now lying and evaporating into small and thin blue particles, slowly drifting away to the skies.

Grabbing the damaged mask it left on the bristling grass, he decided to keep it. After all, it's a fortune to see a drop from these creatures after all!

As much as he was having fun adventuring off from Mondstadt to Liyue for the first time- including some bad luck striking him down here and there. -he felt tired. Drained, even. At first he thought maybe it was some type of tiredness he didn't know about, but that was proven fake by himself feeling the same as each day passes by a new dawn.

But then it strucked him! Both literally and figuratively. It was how he never stopped himself to relax as he continued on his journey along Liyue.

Most of the time, it was either he got chased down by a swam of Hilichurls, a massive thunderstorm with a high chance of being struck down and losing heat, and some group of Geovishaps that managed to cross paths with him, causing him to retreat in alarm as he watched them quickly roll towards him in such great speed.

He never had a chance to breathe at all. And besides, most of the chests he've found had only vegetables with a occasional artifact and such within them. He appreciates it, he really does! But its taking such a toll on him.

And so, he decided to stop his adventures for now and head back towards Mondstadt. A little break, he says to himself. A little break.

Following the pathway, he slowly made his way towards the bridge. The familiar city with its opened gates filled him with euphoria. The sun rays beaming down on the city, it's windmills moving with the wind, all together. It was truly a sight. And oh boy, he sure does miss it!

Breathing in the air, he sighed happily. The weight on his shoulders while he was traveling in Liyue had suddenly disappeared. Lifting his head high, with his grin plastered across his face, he took his first steps across the bridge.

"I'm--!

-baaaaack..." He groaned out, rubbing his forehead as he lets [y.n] scold him for his reckless behaviour. "Yes I know, and I'm happy to see you! But did you seriously trip over nothing while you were crossing over the bridge?" They sighed, wiping off the excess dirt that nudged his skin from across the table.

"Don't worry, about me [y.n]! I'm already used to it, hehe. Besides, I'm here to relax and see you too!" He grinned, giving them one of their signature thumbs up. They could only shake their head in disbelief, the curve of their lips turning upwards slightly at his adorable gesture.

"A ray of sunshine as always, I see." They replied, their hair flowing gently from the winds. His green eyes observing each strand as the wind blew stronger, his eyes shining brighter with a slightly gaping mouth. Snapping back to reality, he quickly nodded. A small blush slowly forming across his face, he could feel himself heating up.

"Y-yeah! Of course! There's no need to get sad and mopey at such a small thing after all!" He replied, his jumbled up words in the beginning messing up his delivery. With a chuckle, [y.n] retracted their hands before clearing their throat. "Well, at least this time you didn't cause such a mess here, in Good Hunter." A full smile now seen across their face.

Now acknowledging the fact he, infact, didnt cause a single mischief in Good Hunter yet, he gasped in surprise. "You're right! And I've just noticed it now! Is it because... you're right here with me and my bad luck isn't as bad it was before? Hehe, just a guess." He nervously laughed, scratching his head as he felt his face heat up more than the previous one.

Laughing, [y.n] slowly stood up from their chair and walked towards Bennett. Their eyes immediately finding one another as the spark burst through their veins. Though, they were both sure that their hearts were beating faster than usual.

It was no secret that the both of them have been crushing on one another for such a long period of time. The both of them were completely oblivious! 'They were a match made in heaven' the citizens of Mondstadt would say beneath their breaths. Even Kaeya himself, the charming yet flirtatious man could tell they were both lovestruck from a mile away.

"Maybe, but I think thats mostly just you and your positivity today. Come on! we still have to go to Timaeus for some of your equipment and talent skills." Nodding along to their words, Bennett quickly stood up and placed his chair back to its original position, before quickly catching up with [y.n].

"You know... I never gotten to ask how you were doing today." Bennett spoke out, walking slowly as humanly they both could be. Tracing behind them as he stared at the Cathedral from above. The bushes moving softly as the wind blew harder once again. Shielding his eyes with his hand, he blinked a few times before retracting his hand back.

It almost felt like the wind was trying to tell him something...

"Oh, well. Same old same old, I never changed much while you were away. I'm still the good ol' Mondstadt citizen you know."

"Huh? You didn't do anything at all while I was away?"

"Yeah, I didn't find much fun in anything with you gone and away. It was boring, but there wasn't anything I could do."

He was sure his heart skipped a beat, but in a more rapid way. Shaking his head to remove the fuzziness in his mind, he then placed a hand across his chest. Feeling his heart beat in such a rapid pace, just because of their words...

Is this what it feels like to be in love?

"W-woah! That's such a big compliment coming from you... B-but maybe we can hangout with eachother while adventuring! And we can find some treasure chest while we're at it too!" He exclaimed, making his hands turn into a fist before raising it high up to the air with such enthusiasm.

"Well, if you want to! Of course, hehe." He quickly added in. [y.n] could only just chuckle in return, a blush apparent in their features, accepting the invitation in a heartbeat.

"Of course, I wouldn't mind it one bit! Anyways, we're here. Go ahead and do what you need to do with that alchemist powers of yours!" With a chuckle, he gave his signature thumbs up and grin that seems to always be apparent on his face. And immediately went working on the materials needed to build and talents to upgrade.

Though it might've taken quite longer to craft the materials. With them standing by his side, as they idly chatted about common things, sometimes Timaeus would also join in. He could feel his free hand being intertwined by theirs slowly, and then gently squeezing it. So, with a happy stretched smile across his face, slightly hidden by his hair. He squeezed it back reassuringly.

Even if he doesn't get to confess his love yet, a simple affection was enough to make him feel happy and contented the whole day.

"Huh? How come I've only received 10 of these, when I made 23?"

"Bennett, I think your bad luck is starting to come out again..."

-

Not the best;; since it's my first time writing anything for a actual Character. But! If there's any request. I'll try my best to write them down!

[multifics-canary]

Marinette's New Shield ch. 2

Ch.1

A/n: guys, thank you so much for your interest in my first posted miraculous story!!! I do have others that I play around with(literally wrote one while at work) and might decide to post those in some near future. This is a little longer than the first one. And I might make a little chapter series. I don't own miraculous ladybug!! And please dont steal this :D

°·°·°·°·°·°·°

Plans are simple, especially if you do it accordingly. Lila's plan was easy to see through. Make a few little lies about your life to get people's attention, shed a few tears to get what you want, make sure no one stands in your way.

Things seemed to have backfired with Marinette, so Lila made sure to spin those lies towards Marinette. Little bullying antics and maybe one or two threats. Ruby doesn't like amateurs, especially ones like her who take advantage of others. It's also the class's fault for believing things that could be checked online.

In the few weeks she's been here, she knew everyone's name and other information. One surrounding factor was that Marinette has helped all of them and has gotten nothing in return. Genuinely, that's what a good person does. But in Marinette's case, they take advantage of her kindness. And since Lila arrived, they've ignored all the good things she did for them and thought the young designer was a jealous bitch.

Be confident in yourself. She told the designer before leaving that day. There's a complexity to making plans. The crucial thing is that it doesn't backfire. Somehow, Marinette trusted Ruby to make things right. And Ruby would make sure to rightfully deserve that trust.

Alya's friendship with Marinette was more or less normal at first, a friend trying to encourage the other to be more confident and stand for herself. It worked wonders. Then Alya starts accusing Marinette of not having facts when she should have them first. She's the journalist, not Marinette. And yet, believed those lies a pretty Italian was spilling. Hypocrite.

They would regret doing losing Marinette. Ruby would make sure of it.

"Rubes!" The girl in question looked up at her name being called, seeing Alya walking towards her, Lila next to her. She had a scowl on her face but quickly changed to a smile when Alya turned to her. Your reaction times are pathetic.

"What can I do for you ladies?"

"We're having a picnic later at the park and we were wondering if you wanted to join us. The whole class will be there!" Alya says excitedly. Ruby had a feeling it two certain people weren't invited, however, she didn't say anything.

"I'll have to check if I'm able to. A family member of mine asked for a small photoshoot session and I promised I'd be there on time."

"Oh Wow!" Alya's excitement seemed innocent enough, her interest viewable from miles around. "You're a model like Adrien?" Lila seemed interested in the conversation, seeing as she looked up in surprise.

"Not really. I pose for a few photos, but I'm more the one behind the camera. Well that's what I'm still learning anyways." She replied watching both girls reactions. One of pure excitement and the other of skepticism. If Lila didn't believe her, that's her problem. Even her uncle Gabriel was impressed with her skills, so she had no interest in impressing a common liar.

Her beginning plan is simple, befriend the class to get to know them. But not get close to any if them but Marinette, who needed the most support. That was step one. Lila already has the mindset that Ruby could be planning, but that was the point. So the liar could be aware of what was to come, just not know how much. And how Ruby loves it when they don't know.

"What else do you do?" Alya states excitedly, bringing the girl out of her thoughts. The 'reporter' had her phone out, filming her.

"Nothing special really. I write for a small media company. They're helping me with getting both my informative and creative pages out there. I have friend editing a small book I'm writing in English as we speak."

"In English?! What a scoop! You have to give me details, girl!" Alya practically screamed, her eyes shinning brightly. Surprisingly Lila hasn't said anything, but Ruby had no doubt the girl would make up a lie that related to what she heard.

"Maybe later. There's some things I have to do. As well as homework." Ruby stated, leaning back on the bench she was at in the first place. Alya deflated a bit but understood, both girls waving goodbye before leaving. Lila looked back at Ruby, glaring a little at her, but the girl wasn't worried. She raised an eyebrow before rolling her eyes, taking out her phone to study.

°·°·°·°·°·°·°·

True to Ruby's word, she was the one behind the camera. But she wasn't alone. One of the model's that works for Gabriel Agreste himself was there, along with Adrien, his photographer, Gorilla, Chloe, and Marinette. Ruby invited the girls and ran into Adrien who wanted to talk with Ruby when they both got breaks.

The photo shoot was going well, both Marinette and Chloe impressed by the professionalism Ruby had.

"You lied to Alya and Lila?"

"Technically I didn't. This model is actually a close friend, almost family. And Adrien is a family member, so only you guys know this. But what they don't know, won't hurt em." Ruby replies, when they get a small break to stretch before another shoot.

"And yet it could if they see us here." Adrien says, walking up to the three girl's. Guess it's time. Adrien glanced at Marinette before turning back to his cousin, his eyes telling her everything.

"Guys I'll be back. Me and Adrien are going to talk for a bit." Marinette and Chloe shared a look before nodding, watching as the cousins moved away.

"I know what I said to her was wrong," Adrien started, not waiting Ruby to speak. "Taking the high road isn't really ideal, but I want to help her. The smile I used to see is so fake now, and I can see she's hurting." Adrien had small tears in his eyes, and Ruby saw something shift in his shirt.

"Rubes, I don't know what to do." The blonde boy said and he looked like the same 6 year old who wondered why his father barely had time for him. Silently, she stepped forward and gave her cousin a hug, feeling him wrap his arms around her. They stayed like that for a little bit, before she pulled away and ruffled his hair.

"Admitting that is already progress. All you have to do now is talk with her. Apologize and listen to her side of the story. These so called akumas may target Lila if she gets found out, yes, but that would also make her a willing target. I heard from Marinette that she has been akumatized 3 times. You have every right to not join in me taking down Lila, but as long as you're there for Marinette, that's enough." Ruby spoke gently, patting her cousin's blonde little head. He smiled brightly, his watery green eyes shinning.

"Thank you Rubes. I don't know what I would do with you."

"You'd mope around the mistake you made until it was too late." She deadpanned, and the blonde laughed.

°·°·°·°·°·°

Not far from where the cousins were, two girls watched in shock of what was happening. Alya quickly took out her phone and recorded, all while Lila fummed next to her. Adrien is mine!

"Lets ask them! Maybe Ruby's a rival." Alya said, wiggling her eyebrows at Lila, who quickly changed her facial expression to shock. The blogger grabbed Lila's arm and dragged her over to the two.

"...of course I love her, she's family you idiot. And one of the best female models around. Unless we got Marinette to join. She gives off two tones, I'm surprised you havent noticed."

"Well you do have a special sense for these things." Adrien shrugged lazily, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"Well she gives off a type of flower princess for one. Think about it. She already has flower designs, I've seen them by the way, and with her modeling one of those outfits and you with your title as sunshine child? The fans will go wild! But underneath that flower princess is a storm. Like a female warrior naturally leading everyone to peace." Ruby ranted off, fully aware of company they were gonna have.

"I never thought about it that way. I mean yeah, I call her our everyday ladybug, but flower princess makes more sense. Actually--"

"Hey guys!" Ruby and Adrien turned to see Alya with her phone out, loosely followed by a dragged Lila, who glared dangerously at Ruby.

"This is Alya coming to you with a new scoop! This is Ruby, she's a new student at out school and have we got news! She's a photographer, a model, and a writer! Granted, she hasn't traveled or given us a bunch of stories like my best friend Lila, but she's already up in the charts. And look at this!" Alya turned the camera to show Ruby and Adrien hold each other rather intimately. "Could they be a couple? Or is Ruby a rival to famous Lila?"

"Wait what?" Ruby raised an eyebrow, glancing at her cousin, who practically wanted to facepalm.

"Come on, girl! We know Adrien is the ultimate heartthrob with his sweet personality. Now, spill. Do you guys like each other? This is another rivalry between two well known people?" Alya said, practically shoving the camera at their faces. Ruby frowned deeply, moving the camera out of the way, much to Alya's confusion.

"I don't like cameras so close to me, thank you very much. And second me and Adrien are friends, we've known each other for years." Ruby stated, growing annoyed with Alya.

"But even friends become couples! If I didn't think Lila had a chance with Adrien, you guys would make a cute couple!" Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say. Ruby watched as Lila fummed even more, her eyes now on all three of them. Alya blissfuly unaware while Adrien slowly backed away, Ruby standing in front of him.

Lila radiated so much negative energy, Ruby knew it was only a matter of time before an akuma came. True to her thought, she spotted a black butterfly fluttering over to the Italian girl. Somehow, as if sensing it, she turned, spoting the akuma before smirking. Thinking quickly, she pushed Adrien back and dashed past Alya, just as Lila was about to grab the akuma.

Ruby grabbed her wrist and with her other hand, let the akuma flutter to her family bracelet. Everyone stared in shock as Ruby let go of Lila and fell on the floor, holding her head. She vaguely heard Alya and Adrien yell out her name in concern.

Not far from where they are, Marinette felt her purse shift in the direction where the cousins had left and turned, gasping when she saw Ruby holding her head as Adrien, Alya, and Lila --in her case pretend-- to calm Ruby down. She saw the purple outline and dashed towards them, Chloe right behind her.

"Hmm, you are not ms. Rossi. No matter, your protective anger of wanting to help a friend is powerful. White knight, I give you the power to protect your friend from a manipulative liar. In return, I want Ladybug's and Chat Noir's miraculous."

"No." Ruby said loudly, her eyes snapped open as she slowly stood up, wobbling in her place. No one touched her, but stayed close in any case. "You made a mistake, Hawkmoth. Because I know now who you are." She said quietly, a hunt of saddness in her voice. Everyone around her was freaking out, but Marinette just kept staring at Ruby, slowly inching toward.

She wrapped her fingers lightly on Ruby's akumatized bracelet, and the girl snapped her head to the young designer. "Have fun trying to get your akuma back, Hawkmoth. I'm keeping it until Ladybug comes to purify it."

"You insolent girl! Give in to your anger!" Hawkmoth practically yelled, sending a wave of pain to her. She winced, closing her eyes tightly as she felt Marinette grab both of her wrists, grounding her.

"I have no anger. You're trying to give me yours. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do." Ruby calmly stated, severing the connection between her and the villain. Once it was gone, she groaned, falling forward. If it wasn't for Marinette holding her, she would've collapsed.

"Rubes can you hear me?" Marinette says quietly, Chloe trying to shush the growing group around them. Ruby blinked a few times as her eyes began to focus on blue eyes.

"H-hey maribug." The girl finally said, watching as Marinette let out a sigh of relief. She let Ruby lean on her, keeping a careful eye of the akumatized item.

"Ruby thank you so much! I would've been akumatized if you hadn't saved me." Lila spoke first, smiling brightly at her, though her eyes held a dangerous glint. Somehow the whole class was there, thanking her and asking if both she and Lila were okay.

The girl just smiled weakly, still feeling the negative effects of the akuma. It took a while bit eventually the class left, having a picnic to go in another area of the park.

Only Alya and Lila stayed behind, one filled with worry while the other was filled with silent anger. "Ruby, you sure you're okay?" Alya asked, warily glancing at Marinette, who was still holding on to the girl.

"I'm fine. Marinette can take care me. It's not like I have anything against her." Ruby deadpanned, before quickly relaxing so the akuma can't turn her. Alya seemed shocked by the statement, and had no time to respond, feeling Lila pull her away.

"Chloe, help me get her out to a more secluded area." Marinette spoke, the blonde nodding. Adrien had disappeared, probably getting something or going back to the photo shoot.

Both girls helped Ruby to the back of the bakery, which was the closest. Marinette left, saying she'll bring some water and cookies. So Ruby stayed with Chloe, who for some reason was having a mental breakdown, though she hid it well.

Ruby closed her eyes and leaned her head on Chloe's shoulder, waiting for Marinette or Ladybug.

Only after a few minutes, both Ladybug and Chat Noir arrive quietly, not wanting to startle the girl. Chloe-- who had a red face, Marinette would talk to her later-- gently woke Ruby up, and saw saw the heroes in front of her.

"Are you okay?" Ladybug asked softly, chat helping her sit up.

"I'm fine, Ladybug. Just a little tired. The akuma is in my bracelet." She holds up her arm, and a darkened bracelet practically glares at the heroes.

"Chat Noir said that he saw you were keeping the akuma, and not being akumatized is very brave of you." Ladybug smiled, removing the bracelet and handing it to Chat Noir.

She summoned a lucky charm, catching it and staring in confusion at the item. It was a phine that had a picture of Chloe, Ruby, Adrien, and Marinette. Chloe face was red while Ruby held her possessively, and Marinette and Adrien were smiling in satisfaction.

Later. The heroine thought to herself as Chat Noir destroyed the bracelet and she caught the akuma, purifying it and throwing the lucky charm in the air. The little ladybugs fixed the broken bracelet and Ruby practically relaxed against Chloe.

"Do you know how the akuma came to you anyways?" Chloe said after a while, her face beet red.

"Alya thought me and Adrien were flirting with each other. Which one, gross, and two we're cousins. And even if we weren't related, he'd be like a little brother to me. So the reporter, who really doesn't know what she's doing, kept saying all this stuff that made me seem like a big deal and could rival Lila. Obviously she didn't like that. Then Alya said that if she didn't think Lila and Adrien would look good, I'd look great with him." Ruby said, rolling her eyes while Ladybug pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. Ladybug, you need to do something about lie-la. And the supposed 'ladyblog' that is filled with lies." Chloe huffed, watching Chat Noir nodding a little in agreement.

"Actually. I have a plan, and I could use your help." Ruby stated, smirking at the heroes.

The Paris saviors looked at each other, the black clad hero nodding at his partner. Turning back to Ruby, Ladybug smirked, a hand on her hip.

"We're listening."

°·°·°·°·

Requested tags: @ezio-demon @ignorantly-apathatic @marilee98 @tinybrie @kuroko26 @claaydoh @mewwitch @taleeuuhhh @starrosecolors @zebrabaker @miraculously-quality-content @slytherinqueen2432 @rayray384 @starberry-mina @royalchaoticfangirl @book-r-the-best (I was generous and did 16)

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[galaxierowls]

The Great Gatsby

by

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Then wear the gold hat, if that will move her;

If you can bounce high, bounce for her too,

Till she cry "Lover, gold-hatted, high-bouncing lover,

I must have you!"

—THOMAS PARKE D'INVILLIERS

Chapter 1

In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.

"Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."

He didn't say any more but we've always been unusually communicative in a reserved way, and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that. In consequence I'm inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores. The abnormal mind is quick to detect and attach itself to this quality when it appears in a normal person, and so it came about that in college I was unjustly accused of being a politician, because I was privy to the secret griefs of wild, unknown men. Most of the confidences were unsought—frequently I have feigned sleep, preoccupation, or a hostile levity when I realized by some unmistakable sign that an intimate revelation was quivering on the horizon—for the intimate revelations of young men or at least the terms in which they express them are usually plagiaristic and marred by obvious suppressions. Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope. I am still a little afraid of missing something if I forget that, as my father snobbishly suggested, and I snobbishly repeat, a sense of the fundamental decencies is parcelled out unequally at birth.

And, after boasting this way of my tolerance, I come to the admission that it has a limit. Conduct may be founded on the hard rock or the wet marshes but after a certain point I don't care what it's founded on. When I came back from the East last autumn I felt that I wanted the world to be in uniform and at a sort of moral attention forever; I wanted no more riotous excursions with privileged glimpses into the human heart. Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction—Gatsby who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn. If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away. This responsiveness had nothing to do with that flabby impressionability which is dignified under the name of the "creative temperament"—it was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again. No—Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men.

My family have been prominent, well-to-do people in this middle-western city for three generations. The Carraways are something of a clan and we have a tradition that we're descended from the Dukes of Buccleuch, but the actual founder of my line was my grandfather's brother who came here in fifty-one, sent a substitute to the Civil War and started the wholesale hardware business that my father carries on today.

I never saw this great-uncle but I'm supposed to look like him—with special reference to the rather hard-boiled painting that hangs in Father's office. I graduated from New Haven in 1915, just a quarter of a century after my father, and a little later I participated in that delayed Teutonic migration known as the Great War. I enjoyed the counter-raid so thoroughly that I came back restless. Instead of being the warm center of the world the middle-west now seemed like the ragged edge of the universe—so I decided to go east and learn the bond business. Everybody I knew was in the bond business so I supposed it could support one more single man. All my aunts and uncles talked it over as if they were choosing a prep-school for me and finally said, "Why—ye-es" with very grave, hesitant faces. Father agreed to finance me for a year and after various delays I came east, permanently, I thought, in the spring of twenty-two.

The practical thing was to find rooms in the city but it was a warm season and I had just left a country of wide lawns and friendly trees, so when a young man at the office suggested that we take a house together in a commuting town it sounded like a great idea. He found the house, a weather beaten cardboard bungalow at eighty a month, but at the last minute the firm ordered him to Washington and I went out to the country alone. I had a dog, at least I had him for a few days until he ran away, and an old Dodge and a Finnish woman who made my bed and cooked breakfast and muttered Finnish wisdom to herself over the electric stove.

It was lonely for a day or so until one morning some man, more recently arrived than I, stopped me on the road.

"How do you get to West Egg village?" he asked helplessly.

I told him. And as I walked on I was lonely no longer. I was a guide, a pathfinder, an original settler. He had casually conferred on me the freedom of the neighborhood.

And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees—just as things grow in fast movies—I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.

There was so much to read for one thing and so much fine health to be pulled down out of the young breath-giving air. I bought a dozen volumes on banking and credit and investment securities and they stood on my shelf in red and gold like new money from the mint, promising to unfold the shining secrets that only Midas and Morgan and Maecenas knew. And I had the high intention of reading many other books besides. I was rather literary in college—one year I wrote a series of very solemn and obvious editorials for the "Yale News"—and now I was going to bring back all such things into my life and become again that most limited of all specialists, the "well-rounded man." This isn't just an epigram—life is much more successfully looked at from a single window, after all.

It was a matter of chance that I should have rented a house in one of the strangest communities in North America. It was on that slender riotous island which extends itself due east of New York and where there are, among other natural curiosities, two unusual formations of land. Twenty miles from the city a pair of enormous eggs, identical in contour and separated only by a courtesy bay, jut out into the most domesticated body of salt water in the Western Hemisphere, the great wet barnyard of Long Island Sound. They are not perfect ovals—like the egg in the Columbus story they are both crushed flat at the contact end—but their physical resemblance must be a source of perpetual confusion to the gulls that fly overhead. To the wingless a more arresting phenomenon is their dissimilarity in every particular except shape and size.

I lived at West Egg, the—well, the less fashionable of the two, though this is a most superficial tag to express the bizarre and not a little sinister contrast between them. My house was at the very tip of the egg, only fifty yards from the Sound, and squeezed between two huge places that rented for twelve or fifteen thousand a season. The one on my right was a colossal affair by any standard—it was a factual imitation of some Hôtel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming pool and more than forty acres of lawn and garden. It was Gatsby's mansion. Or rather, as I didn't know Mr. Gatsby it was a mansion inhabited by a gentleman of that name. My own house was an eye-sore, but it was a small eye-sore, and it had been overlooked, so I had a view of the water, a partial view of my neighbor's lawn, and the consoling proximity of millionaires—all for eighty dollars a month.

Across the courtesy bay the white palaces of fashionable East Egg glittered along the water, and the history of the summer really begins on the evening I drove over there to have dinner with the Tom Buchanans. Daisy was my second cousin once removed and I'd known Tom in college. And just after the war I spent two days with them in Chicago.

Her husband, among various physical accomplishments, had been one of the most powerful ends that ever played football at New Haven—a national figure in a way, one of those men who reach such an acute limited excellence at twenty-one that everything afterward savors of anti-climax. His family were enormously wealthy—even in college his freedom with money was a matter for reproach—but now he'd left Chicago and come east in a fashion that rather took your breath away: for instance he'd brought down a string of polo ponies from Lake Forest. It was hard to realize that a man in my own generation was wealthy enough to do that.

Why they came east I don't know. They had spent a year in France, for no particular reason, and then drifted here and there unrestfully wherever people played polo and were rich together. This was a permanent move, said Daisy over the telephone, but I didn't believe it—I had no sight into Daisy's heart but I felt that Tom would drift on forever seeking a little wistfully for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable football game.

And so it happened that on a warm windy evening I drove over to East Egg to see two old friends whom I scarcely knew at all. Their house was even more elaborate than I expected, a cheerful red and white Georgian Colonial mansion overlooking the bay. The lawn started at the beach and ran toward the front door for a quarter of a mile, jumping over sun-dials and brick walks and burning gardens—finally when it reached the house drifting up the side in bright vines as though from the momentum of its run. The front was broken by a line of French windows, glowing now with reflected gold, and wide open to the warm windy afternoon, and Tom Buchanan in riding clothes was standing with his legs apart on the front porch.

He had changed since his New Haven years. Now he was a sturdy, straw haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner. Two shining, arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward. Not even the effeminate swank of his riding clothes could hide the enormous power of that body—he seemed to fill those glistening boots until he strained the top lacing and you could see a great pack of muscle shifting when his shoulder moved under his thin coat. It was a body capable of enormous leverage—a cruel body.

His speaking voice, a gruff husky tenor, added to the impression of fractiousness he conveyed. There was a touch of paternal contempt in it, even toward people he liked—and there were men at New Haven who had hated his guts.

"Now, don't think my opinion on these matters is final," he seemed to say, "just because I'm stronger and more of a man than you are." We were in the same Senior Society, and while we were never intimate I always had the impression that he approved of me and wanted me to like him with some harsh, defiant wistfulness of his own.

We talked for a few minutes on the sunny porch.

"I've got a nice place here," he said, his eyes flashing about restlessly.

Turning me around by one arm he moved a broad flat hand along the front vista, including in its sweep a sunken Italian garden, a half acre of deep pungent roses and a snub-nosed motor boat that bumped the tide off shore.

"It belonged to Demaine the oil man." He turned me around again, politely and abruptly. "We'll go inside."

We walked through a high hallway into a bright rosy-colored space, fragilely bound into the house by French windows at either end. The windows were ajar and gleaming white against the fresh grass outside that seemed to grow a little way into the house. A breeze blew through the room, blew curtains in at one end and out the other like pale flags, twisting them up toward the frosted wedding cake of the ceiling—and then rippled over the wine-colored rug, making a shadow on it as wind does on the sea.

The only completely stationary object in the room was an enormous couch on which two young women were buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon. They were both in white and their dresses were rippling and fluttering as if they had just been blown back in after a short flight around the house. I must have stood for a few moments listening to the whip and snap of the curtains and the groan of a picture on the wall. Then there was a boom as Tom Buchanan shut the rear windows and the caught wind died out about the room and the curtains and the rugs and the two young women ballooned slowly to the floor.

The younger of the two was a stranger to me. She was extended full length at her end of the divan, completely motionless and with her chin raised a little as if she were balancing something on it which was quite likely to fall. If she saw me out of the corner of her eyes she gave no hint of it—indeed, I was almost surprised into murmuring an apology for having disturbed her by coming in.

The other girl, Daisy, made an attempt to rise—she leaned slightly forward with a conscientious expression—then she laughed, an absurd, charming little laugh, and I laughed too and came forward into the room.

"I'm p-paralyzed with happiness."

She laughed again, as if she said something very witty, and held my hand for a moment, looking up into my face, promising that there was no one in the world she so much wanted to see. That was a way she had. She hinted in a murmur that the surname of the balancing girl was Baker. (I've heard it said that Daisy's murmur was only to make people lean toward her; an irrelevant criticism that made it no less charming.)

At any rate Miss Baker's lips fluttered, she nodded at me almost imperceptibly and then quickly tipped her head back again—the object she was balancing had obviously tottered a little and given her something of a fright. Again a sort of apology arose to my lips. Almost any exhibition of complete self sufficiency draws a stunned tribute from me.

I looked back at my cousin who began to ask me questions in her low, thrilling voice. It was the kind of voice that the ear follows up and down as if each speech is an arrangement of notes that will never be played again. Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth—but there was an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to forget: a singing compulsion, a whispered "Listen," a promise that she had done gay, exciting things just a while since and that there were gay, exciting things hovering in the next hour.

I told her how I had stopped off in Chicago for a day on my way east and how a dozen people had sent their love through me.

"Do they miss me?" she cried ecstatically.

"The whole town is desolate. All the cars have the left rear wheel painted black as a mourning wreath and there's a persistent wail all night along the North Shore."

"How gorgeous! Let's go back, Tom. Tomorrow!" Then she added irrelevantly, "You ought to see the baby."

"I'd like to."

"She's asleep. She's two years old. Haven't you ever seen her?"

"Never."

"Well, you ought to see her. She's—"

Tom Buchanan who had been hovering restlessly about the room stopped and rested his hand on my shoulder.

"What you doing, Nick?"

"I'm a bond man."

"Who with?"

I told him.

"Never heard of them," he remarked decisively.

This annoyed me.

"You will," I answered shortly. "You will if you stay in the East."

"Oh, I'll stay in the East, don't you worry," he said, glancing at Daisy and then back at me, as if he were alert for something more. "I'd be a God Damned fool to live anywhere else."

At this point Miss Baker said "Absolutely!" with such suddenness that I started—it was the first word she uttered since I came into the room. Evidently it surprised her as much as it did me, for she yawned and with a series of rapid, deft movements stood up into the room.

"I'm stiff," she complained, "I've been lying on that sofa for as long as I can remember."

"Don't look at me," Daisy retorted. "I've been trying to get you to New York all afternoon."

"No, thanks," said Miss Baker to the four cocktails just in from the pantry, "I'm absolutely in training."

Her host looked at her incredulously.

"You are!" He took down his drink as if it were a drop in the bottom of a glass. "How you ever get anything done is beyond me."

I looked at Miss Baker wondering what it was she "got done." I enjoyed looking at her. She was a slender, small-breasted girl, with an erect carriage which she accentuated by throwing her body backward at the shoulders like a young cadet. Her grey sun-strained eyes looked back at me with polite reciprocal curiosity out of a wan, charming discontented face. It occurred to me now that I had seen her, or a picture of her, somewhere before.

"You live in West Egg," she remarked contemptuously. "I know somebody there."

"I don't know a single—"

"You must know Gatsby."

"Gatsby?" demanded Daisy. "What Gatsby?"

Before I could reply that he was my neighbor dinner was announced; wedging his tense arm imperatively under mine Tom Buchanan compelled me from the room as though he were moving a checker to another square.

Slenderly, languidly, their hands set lightly on their hips the two young women preceded us out onto a rosy-colored porch open toward the sunset where four candles flickered on the table in the diminished wind.

"Why candles?" objected Daisy, frowning. She snapped them out with her fingers. "In two weeks it'll be the longest day in the year." She looked at us all radiantly. "Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it."

"We ought to plan something," yawned Miss Baker, sitting down at the table as if she were getting into bed.

"All right," said Daisy. "What'll we plan?" She turned to me helplessly. "What do people plan?"

Before I could answer her eyes fastened with an awed expression on her little finger.

"Look!" she complained. "I hurt it."

We all looked—the knuckle was black and blue.

"You did it, Tom," she said accusingly. "I know you didn't mean to but you did do it. That's what I get for marrying a brute of a man, a great big hulking physical specimen of a—"

"I hate that word hulking," objected Tom crossly, "even in kidding."

"Hulking," insisted Daisy.

Sometimes she and Miss Baker talked at once, unobtrusively and with a bantering inconsequence that was never quite chatter, that was as cool as their white dresses and their impersonal eyes in the absence of all desire. They were here—and they accepted Tom and me, making only a polite pleasant effort to entertain or to be entertained. They knew that presently dinner would be over and a little later the evening too would be over and casually put away. It was sharply different from the West where an evening was hurried from phase to phase toward its close in a continually disappointed anticipation or else in sheer nervous dread of the moment itself.

"You make me feel uncivilized, Daisy," I confessed on my second glass of corky but rather impressive claret. "Can't you talk about crops or something?"

I meant nothing in particular by this remark but it was taken up in an unexpected way.

"Civilization's going to pieces," broke out Tom violently. "I've gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things. Have you read 'The Rise of the Coloured Empires' by this man Goddard?"

"Why, no," I answered, rather surprised by his tone.

"Well, it's a fine book, and everybody ought to read it. The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be—will be utterly submerged. It's all scientific stuff; it's been proved."

"Tom's getting very profound," said Daisy with an expression of unthoughtful sadness. "He reads deep books with long words in them. What was that word we—"

"Well, these books are all scientific," insisted Tom, glancing at her impatiently. "This fellow has worked out the whole thing. It's up to us who are the dominant race to watch out or these other races will have control of things."

"We've got to beat them down," whispered Daisy, winking ferociously toward the fervent sun.

"You ought to live in California—" began Miss Baker but Tom interrupted her by shifting heavily in his chair.

"This idea is that we're Nordics. I am, and you are and you are and—" After an infinitesimal hesitation he included Daisy with a slight nod and she winked at me again. "—and we've produced all the things that go to make civilization—oh, science and art and all that. Do you see?"

There was something pathetic in his concentration as if his complacency, more acute than of old, was not enough to him any more. When, almost immediately, the telephone rang inside and the butler left the porch Daisy seized upon the momentary interruption and leaned toward me.

"I'll tell you a family secret," she whispered enthusiastically. "It's about the butler's nose. Do you want to hear about the butler's nose?"

"That's why I came over tonight."

"Well, he wasn't always a butler; he used to be the silver polisher for some people in New York that had a silver service for two hundred people. He had to polish it from morning till night until finally it began to affect his nose—"

"Things went from bad to worse," suggested Miss Baker.

"Yes. Things went from bad to worse until finally he had to give up his position."

For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face; her voice compelled me forward breathlessly as I listened—then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk.

The butler came back and murmured something close to Tom's ear whereupon Tom frowned, pushed back his chair and without a word went inside. As if his absence quickened something within her Daisy leaned forward again, her voice glowing and singing.

"I love to see you at my table, Nick. You remind me of a—of a rose, an absolute rose. Doesn't he?" She turned to Miss Baker for confirmation. "An absolute rose?"

This was untrue. I am not even faintly like a rose. She was only extemporizing but a stirring warmth flowed from her as if her heart was trying to come out to you concealed in one of those breathless, thrilling words. Then suddenly she threw her napkin on the table and excused herself and went into the house.

Miss Baker and I exchanged a short glance consciously devoid of meaning. I was about to speak when she sat up alertly and said "Sh!" in a warning voice. A subdued impassioned murmur was audible in the room beyond and Miss Baker leaned forward, unashamed, trying to hear. The murmur trembled on the verge of coherence, sank down, mounted excitedly, and then ceased altogether.

"This Mr. Gatsby you spoke of is my neighbor—" I said.

"Don't talk. I want to hear what happens."

"Is something happening?" I inquired innocently.

"You mean to say you don't know?" said Miss Baker, honestly surprised. "I thought everybody knew."

"I don't."

"Why—" she said hesitantly, "Tom's got some woman in New York."

"Got some woman?" I repeated blankly.

Miss Baker nodded.

"She might have the decency not to telephone him at dinner-time. Don't you think?"

Almost before I had grasped her meaning there was the flutter of a dress and the crunch of leather boots and Tom and Daisy were back at the table.

"It couldn't be helped!" cried Daisy with tense gayety.

She sat down, glanced searchingly at Miss Baker and then at me and continued: "I looked outdoors for a minute and it's very romantic outdoors. There's a bird on the lawn that I think must be a nightingale come over on the Cunard or White Star Line. He's singing away—" her voice sang "—It's romantic, isn't it, Tom?"

"Very romantic," he said, and then miserably to me: "If it's light enough after dinner I want to take you down to the stables."

The telephone rang inside, startlingly, and as Daisy shook her head decisively at Tom the subject of the stables, in fact all subjects, vanished into air. Among the broken fragments of the last five minutes at table I remember the candles being lit again, pointlessly, and I was conscious of wanting to look squarely at every one and yet to avoid all eyes. I couldn't guess what Daisy and Tom were thinking but I doubt if even Miss Baker who seemed to have mastered a certain hardy skepticism was able utterly to put this fifth guest's shrill metallic urgency out of mind. To a certain temperament the situation might have seemed intriguing—my own instinct was to telephone immediately for the police.

The horses, needless to say, were not mentioned again. Tom and Miss Baker, with several feet of twilight between them strolled back into the library, as if to a vigil beside a perfectly tangible body, while trying to look pleasantly interested and a little deaf I followed Daisy around a chain of connecting verandas to the porch in front. In its deep gloom we sat down side by side on a wicker settee.

Daisy took her face in her hands, as if feeling its lovely shape, and her eyes moved gradually out into the velvet dusk. I saw that turbulent emotions possessed her, so I asked what I thought would be some sedative questions about her little girl.

"We don't know each other very well, Nick," she said suddenly. "Even if we are cousins. You didn't come to my wedding."

"I wasn't back from the war."

"That's true." She hesitated. "Well, I've had a very bad time, Nick, and I'm pretty cynical about everything."

Evidently she had reason to be. I waited but she didn't say any more, and after a moment I returned rather feebly to the subject of her daughter.

"I suppose she talks, and—eats, and everything."

"Oh, yes." She looked at me absently. "Listen, Nick; let me tell you what I said when she was born. Would you like to hear?"

"Very much."

Thank you.

[pixiescriptures]

We Can Be Freaks Together

Chapter 4 ;

For You, Daily Dawn

There was only one thing that Hyunjoon loved more than his computer and that was the Daily Dawn. And it was his, all his. Of course, he shared the show with a few co-hosts, but he started it. He created it, he perfected it. A proud smile was on display as he walked towards the AV room, listening to the whispers about his show.

"Felix! Did you hear yesterday's Bloom Bloom segment?" "Hyung! Did you hear the Gossip King segment?" "Noona, the Uni News segment was so satisfying!"

Hyunjoon shivered at the praise, even if he didn't host the segments, he hand picked each and every host. He hand picked each and every topic that was brought up. His show.

Stepping into the AV room, he wasn't at all surprised to see that he was the first one there. It was still only 9:00 AM and the Daily Dawn started at 10:00 AM, but he had things to do. Starting with checking to see that everyone had their segment ready.

Hyunjoon opened the group chat with a small smile, proud of the people he'd chosen for his show. He couldn't stop himself from praising them, so he did.

// A/N: ignore the time stamp at the top pls!!

Hyunjoon sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Another bully on campus," he grumbled as the door opened, revealing Kevin with bags under his eyes. "Hey Joon-ah," he hummed, walking to the table and sitting down. "Can my segment be second to last? I need to finalize the script I wrote up."

Hyunjoon nodded, "sure little moonlight boy," he teased. Kevin grinned brightly up at Hyunjoon, "thanks,"

The door opened to reveal Chanhee and Sunwoo, each sporting a box of doughnuts. "We texted Hak to get coffees," Chanhee spoke, setting the doughnuts on the table. "Hyung," Sunwoo spoke quickly, looking at Hyunjoon. "Could I use you as a guest speaker since no one knows Hwall's real identity?"

Hyunjoon thought for a moment before nodding, "Sure, sunshine."

One by one the rest of the crew filed in and around 9:45 they were ready to go. "Okay so, the intro song is 3 minutes long so sunshine, turn us on at 9:57, okay?" A slight nod was exchanged between Hwall and Sunwoo as everyone moved to sit around the table, setting up their microphones.

At 9:57 AM, Sunwoo flipped a switch and the 'On Air' sign turned red. The soft acoustic guitar ( played by our very own Jacob Bae ) was accompanied by a soft voice, Kevin's voice, and sang the sweet intro to the show.

Hwall smiled at his co-hosts, took a breath and then began, "Welcome back to Daily Dawn! It's Hwall here, ready to send you into the sunrise! Today's show might run a little longer than intended because, well, we have every segment running today! I hope you enjoy today's show as much as I do."

Then Younghoon spoke, "Hi guys, its Hoon! The first segment we'll be starting with is..." he glanced around the room, spotting Sangyeon's hand, "University News!"

Sangyeon cleared his throat, "welcome back to Uni News with your host, Sangie! I'm very pleased to say that most of the news I have today is good! Mrs. Min just delivered her baby and will be back to the Arts department in a little under a year!"

A chorus of applause came from, well, somewhere when Sunwoo pressed a small button. "Culture Night is coming up, so remember to stop by the office to sign up! And finally, congratulations to Mr. Kim for his engagement! This is Sangie, signing off."

Hwall smiled before he spoke, "and next, our resident flower boy, New, with the Bloom Bloom segment!"

New grinned, "Bloom Bloom pow! I hope you're listening, today's Bloom Bloom arrangements are sure to give you a cavity! I'm your host, New!" A soft giggle left the pink-haired boy's lips as he glanced down at his notebook. "First off, we have a bouquet of carnations, which typically mean either women or love, but in this case, I assume it's both! The recipient is none other than our gorgeous Tzuyu! Looks like someone's got a secret admirer!"

"Next, a bouquet of an assortment of flowers. Let's start off with the white clovers which mean think of me! The next flower is a blue salvia, these flowers are quite rare to see in a bouquet but they're so pretty and they mean 'I think of you,' which is such a cute message! And finally, red roses, which I'm sure everyone knows mean love! Ah! To Felix, love Chan! How sweet! Aren't they cute together? Chanlix for the win!" He laughed, biting his lower lip. "And I believe that's all for today!"

Younghoon hummed, "and now we go to a song break, courtesy of our resident moonlight boy! What's the song, Moonie?"

"Our first song of the day is a throwback song for me and is dedicated to someone I met a few days ago! It's Mean by Taylor Swift. Enjoy!"

As the song came on, each member turned off their microphones and began to chat, but Kevin's eyes were glued to his phone where he was texting with Jacob.

As the song ended, everyone got back to their seats and turned on their microphones. "And we're back! The next segment is Gossip King!"

Haknyeon took this as his cue to begin, scrolling through the Gossip King twitter page and humming. "Welcome back to Gossip King, your daily tea fix! So, let's sit back, relax and spill some tea!" He chewed on his lower lip, stopping suddenly when he read a comment, "oh my~ how utterly gossip worthy. My fellow students, did you know H.J got caught sucking L.M's dick in the bathroom? Quite hot, if you ask me."

And if everyone saw Haknyeon look at Sangyeon, well, no one said a word.

"Oh wait! This is cute! Canada boy, Kevin Moon, spotted saving several kittens from the rain! How sweet!" Haknyeon giggled as he looked over at his co-host who was currently hiding his face which was, undoubtedly, bright red.

"Hmm.." Haknyeon hummed, letting out a little gasp, "No way! Fuckin' finally! Jennie and Lisa, we all knew you'd end up together!"

Everyone rolled their eyes at Haknyeon's antics, knowing he truly loved the gossip, even when he tried to tone it down. Chanhee had glanced at the twitter page, flinching when he saw one about himself. 'Choi Chanhee, gay or straight?'

Haknyeon simply deleted the comment with a glare at the screen, knowing Chanhee wouldnt like to be outed. "Looks like we got another sinister deed to report. Silent Report time. Oh! It's one of our regular anons, Moon. Hello Moon, hope you're okay! Moon says that Kim Daichi, the son of CEO Kim of Kim Inc. has taken it upon himself to beat the absolute shit out of a sophomore! How dare he!"

"Well, on that note," Haknyeon sighed, "I'll have to sign off. Quite frankly, I'm appalled. I didn't know bullies still existed in college. I thought people would've matured by now, but I guess idiots truly don't. Bye, y'all!"

"And finally, Moonlight Boy, play us a few songs!"

And with that, and the three songs Kevin played, the show was over, and everyone turned off their microphones, settling in and talking about God knows what.

The only person who seemed off was Chanhee, staring blankly out of the window as tears pooled in his eyes, but, well, that's a story for another day.

[rnufharose]

Blood, Sweat, and Tears - Chapter 5

Words: 1.7k

Trigger Warnings: References to sexual themes and post traumatic stress.

︻デ═一 ♥

Haneul's eyelashes fluttered, stirring from her short nap before looking around the bus. The driver was fixated on the road, and there weren't any passengers that had joined in on the ride. Pulling her head away from the window, the brunette stared out toward the lights that illumined each street and the towering buildings.

It seemed she had arrived in Seoul.

She stood up from her seat, rolling her suitcase slowly as she made her way toward the driver, "Ahjussi," she began and the elderly man smiled at her.

"What can I do for you?"

"You can drop me off at the next stop," she replied. "I can walk the rest of the way..."

"Oh... are you sure?" He frowned. "It's dangerous late at night. Why don't you tell me where you are headed and I can drop you off there?"

"Gwenchana," Haneul assured him. "It's not far from here."

"Alright then," he nodded and the next stop closed in. The bus came to a halt and he opened the doors for her, allowing her to step outside. "Be careful, little miss. Wherever you are headed, go there as quickly as you can."

"Goodnight," she bowed, watching the bus driver leave the stop, and Haneul remained on the quiet street. She stood in silence, exhaling before grabbing her suitcase again and rolling it alongside her, walking toward her destination.

The city was dead at night, with no signs of cars or people walking the streets. The violence must have made the citizens fearful, and they didn't dare come outside unless it was in broad daylight.

The brunette was beginning to feel slightly afraid, shivering slightly as the cold air bit away at the skin of her cheeks. She thought if she looked over her shoulder, someone might be following her, or worse. Instead, she walked, eyes planted straight ahead as she made for her destination.

In several minutes, Haneul found the place she was looking for, staring at the sign that would have been glowing brightly hours ago, but given the state of the city right now, it had to be closed until morning.

She dug into the pocket of her black jogging sweats, pulling out the key to The Magic Shop and rolling her suitcase inside. Haneul closed the back door, locking it quickly lest the criminals of Seoul's underworld came following her, and she turned on the heat. The cold, empty storage room was beginning to warm up, and she turned on the lamp on the table, welcoming the comforting silence that surrounded her.

Crouching to the floor, Haneul opened her suitcase and took out a spare blanket, turning her phone off and placing it on the desk as she settled on the couch, pulling the warm cover over her body and laying on her side, curling into a ball and attempting to sleep. She no longer felt terrorized by the sound of gunshots. She couldn't see the puddle of blood as it pooled toward her feet, the comfort and safety of The Magic Shop shielding her from the painful memories of the past few days.

︻デ═一 ♥

A tall young male with black hair and youthful features pulled up near the curb, the engine of his car going quiet once he pulled the keys out of the ignition. He stepped out of the car and walked toward the back door of The Magic Shop, unlocking the back door and stepping inside, the warmth of the heat gracing his skin when he entered the storage room.

That's odd, the boy thought as he straightened the lapels of his black suit jacket. I could have sworn we turned off the heat last night. He continued to walk deeper into the storage room until he came across the low light of the lamp, a phone on the desk, and curled up on the sofa was Haneul, sleeping soundly with a blanket tucked under her chin.

"Noona!" Soobin knelt before her and shook her gently. "Yah, Noona! Wake up! What are you doing here?!"

Haneul stirred from her slumber, her lashes fluttering and coming into contact with deep brown eyes. She rubbed her bleary eyes and sat up slowly, glancing at the younger male, "Soobin..."

"Why are you sleeping here?" He asked. "You should have called us and let us know you were coming!"

"I..." She began, pulling away from the blanket. "I couldn't stay there... not when..." She swallowed the lump in her throat, fisting her hands as she recalled how unbearable it was to live in that house.

"We were planned on going to Icheon this morning," Soobin explained with a soft grin. "but since you're here, I'll call the others."

She nodded and watched him stand, pulling out his phone to call Namjoon. In the next hour, Soobin opened The Magic Shop to allow the people to find safety from the rest of the city, and in that time, Haneul was able to take a shower, putting on an elegant sleeveless buttoned flower dress after drying off, the skirt cut short on the right side, making it asymmetrical. She got into her heels and did her makeup, knowing full well now that she was here, she would have to work. She placed her essentials back into her suitcase and stepped into the club, listening to the instrumental music which created a sense of solace for the patrons that filed in. She walked toward the bar, standing behind the counter and ready to serve.

Namjoon stepped inside, wearing a navy vest over a ruffled white buttondown and slacks, searching the club until he found the counter, his eyes widening slightly, "Haneul!" He ran toward her as she poured a drink for a young woman, her chocolate brown eyes set on the older male. "You came! We wanted to pay—"

"I did," she interrupted with a frown. "I think... it was best you didn't go to Icheon... you wouldn't want to see me in such a mess..."

"You should have called at least," he scolded her gently.

"I told her the same thing," Soobin crossed his arms and smiled at her before bowing his head. "The least you could do is allow us to pay our respects to Halmeoni... we're sorry about what happened. You have our condolences..."

The brunette gripped an empty glass tightly, staring at the shiny counter while the onset of tears prickled at her waterline. A stray fell, landing onto the counter and Namjoon noticed how tense she was, his brows raised as he leaned over to place a large hand on her small shoulder, "Haneul?"

"I couldn't stay there," she choked, trying her hardest to hold back her sobs, but it was all in vain. "All I could hear was the gunshot! I kept seeing her fall at my feet over and over again! How can I stay there knowing she was killed in our house?!"

The two males stared as she buried her face in her hands, her shoulders quivering as she cried. She didn't want anyone to remember her grandmother at that gruesome moment. She wanted them to remember her when she was most vibrant—when she sang and played the piano, when she fed them her most delicious food... when she helped other people. 

Haneul wished more than anything that she took the bullet instead of her Halmeoni. Why would anyone want to hurt them when they lived a quiet life away from all the terror? She didn't know anything anymore, and the world that was once full of sunshine and smiles was now dark, selfish, and full of blood. 

︻デ═一 ♥

Sehun opened his eyes, meeting the light of the morning through the small crevice of the dark curtains. He could feel a slight weight on his arm and he recalled the night before after he had killed Seungri. He went into one of the many bars in the red light district to have a drink, and he ended up talking to the woman seated next to him. After a few more drinks, they ended up back in his apartment, and he was able to piece together what happened next.

The woman's black hair pooled onto the pillow and he carefully removed his arm from under her head, checking his phone to find several texts from Suho and then some from Chanyeol. He made a mental note to call them once he dealt with the woman in his bed.

The raven-haired male grabbed his boxers and slacks, slipping into them before he felt the mattress shift. He didn't have to turn around to know the woman was awake. Her arms loomed around his midsection and she pressed several kisses along his shoulder, "Why don't you come back to bed...?" She suggested quietly. It seemed she was hoping they would end up as more than a one night stand.

Sehun moved away from her arms and shook his head, entering the password on his lock screen so he could text Suho, "Just get out," he told her. "Don't expect to see me again..."

"Oppa," she whined slightly, pressing her chin to his shoulder this time, pouting. "...please?"

"I said... get. Out." He spoke, his tone deathly calm.

The woman frowned, pulling away slowly before rolling her eyes with a huff. She mumbled under her breath and grabbed her things, putting on her dress and shoes as she let herself out of the apartment. Sehun was now alone, looking over the replies that came from the older males, instructing him to meet them in Gangnam where G-Dragon would be holding a meeting. He prayed it wouldn't start a war between EXO and BIGBANG and that he would able to understand why they killed Seungri in the first place. BIGBANG was one of the richest crime syndicates in Seoul and anyone who messed with them was known to disappear off the face of the Earth.

After sending a text to confirm he would join them soon, Sehun stood from the bed, heading toward the washroom to take a shower. It seemed to find that old lady's killer would have to wait. He hoped her granddaughter was doing alright and he knew what came once an innocent civilian got caught in the violence. He imagined she must have been scared.

The killer surely made her a target now and he had to figure out why they were his targets in the first place.

[scaranne]

Leave Me Lonely

Pairing: Mark Lee x Reader x Lucas Wong

Words: 1.9K

Genre: Angst. Bad Boy AU

Warnings: Suggestive Smut for like 2 lines.

( A/N I didn’t proofread before posting this so if you find a spelling mistake Sorry! Also, this is my first Imagine so please let me know if you liked it!)

“Y/N will you hurry up already we’re gonna be late!” Taylor, your best friend, shouted from several feet in front of you.

“Taylor slow down school doesn’t start for another 20 minutes!” A chuckle fell from your lips jogging to catch up to Taylor. You two walked through the school gates rolling down your uniform skirts to the appropriate lengths.

“Hey what’s going on over there?” Taylor asked pointing over to the field in front of the school. Both of you came to a halt as you observed the crowded group of students from a far.

“It looks like a fight! It’s Lucas like it always is and wait... is that?!” Taylor’s eyes widened at the sight of the other boy fighting.

“Oh my god... Mark!” You sprinted over to the crowd shoving your way through classmates to the front of the crowd. Unfortunately you had seen correctly it was your other best friend, Mark, fighting with Lucas. Without another thought you ran in between the two boys trying your very best to break them up.

“Y/N! Get out of here!” Mark yelled shoving your shorter frame out of his way.

“Mark stop fighting! Please Mark he’s not worth it!” You begged him trying once again to step in between them with no avail.

“Why don’t you just listen to your girlfriend and give up Lee!” Lucas taunted throwing yet another punch to Mark’s already bruised face.

“Shut up Wong! She’s not my girlfriend, we aren’t even friends!” Mark shouted back at the older boy. Mark’s words hit you like a fist to the jaw or maybe it was because Lucas had ducked Mark’s punch and accidentally hit you instead. You stumbled back on to the hard cement tears filling to the brim of your eyes as the words rang in your ears. Marks eyes widened as his mind registered the events, he wanted to run to you but a soft hand intertwined with his own stopping him in his tracks. Your heart sunk to the pit of your stomach at the sight of the schools popular girl, Mina, holding hands with Mark. The crowd quieted into an occasional whisper waiting for the scene to unravel. Lucas sprinted over to you dropping to his knees tending immediately to your bleeding elbow.

“You heard him right, Y/n. You guys aren’t even friends. I mean why would he want to be friends with a low life like you when he has me.” Every one of her words seemed to dip with venom as an evil laugh fell from her lips. You looked up into Mark’s hazel eyes looking for an explanation but all you received was ice.

“I’m only going to say this once so listen carefully. Stay far away from my boyfriend and myself or else I’ll make sure no one sees you at this school ever again.” Mina threatened her lips curving into a smirk as she stormed off with Mark on her heels. The crowd began to disburse one at a time like the tears falling from your E/C eyes.

“Just forget about him Y/n and don’t you dare listen to that bitch she’s all bark and no bite.” Lucas whispered swiping the pad of his thumb across your burning red cheek catching the stray tears. You tried to respond but no words came from your quivering lips. Lucas wrapped his muscular arms around your smaller frame and lifted you into his arms.

“Let’s get you to the nurse's office and in the meantime just focus on your breathing, okay? I’m right here Y/n.” Lucas whispered as you leaned your head onto his chest. How had you gotten here? Where did you go wrong? You asked herself. You felt yourself beginning to slip away, “I’m not leaving you this time.” You heard Lucas mutter as your mind finally fell dark.

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

Your eyes fluttered open to reveal a far too bright room. You brought your fingers up to your jaw, blinking the sleep from your eyes. Gently you ran your fingers over the sore spot wincing away from the sharp pain it caused.

“Y/n?” A deep husky voice echoed through the room. You snapped your head towards the source of the voice your eyes widening at his bruised face.

Lucas Wong, The school’s notorious bad boy.

However, you knew he wasn’t all that bad he had just been sucked in with the wrong group of people.

“Lucas...” You paused, conflicted about whether you should speak to him or if you should ignore him in order to keep your good reputation. Oh fuck reputation.

“Why are you here? Not to be rude but we aren’t exactly friends or acquaintances.” You questioned your eyebrow raising slightly.

“It wasn’t my choice. If it had been I would’ve spoken to you a long time ago.” He started leaning forward in the rather uncomfortable chair. You narrowed your eyes at the handsome boy in front of you. Yes, he was handsome but you would never admit that aloud.

“Why wasn’t it your choice? No one can make your choices for you.” You said shifting on the thin mattress.

“You ask too many questions.... but let’s just say your “friend” Mark isn’t who you think he is.” Lucas stated standing from his rather uncomfortable chair, walking over to you.

Your curious eyes locked with his what once seemed cold but now inviting eyes. Your hand ran down the pressed material of his school dress shirt allowing yourself to feel his toned stomach underneath it. You felt his gaze burning into you as his lips twitched into a smirk.

“Hmm, Sunshine have you really missed me so much that you can’t even wait till we're off school property to get me undressed?” He groaned feeling your hand rest on the waistband of his school trousers. He placed his hands down onto either side of your head for support clearly getting worked up over your suggestive actions. You dragged your hand back up his chest grabbing a handful of his shirt pulling him closer to you. Your faces only centimeters apart so close you could feel his cool breath on your lips. You had to admit to yourself that you certainly missed being with Lucas but you could never admit that to him.

“If I could go the past two years without you then I can go a couple more. Now tell me, Lucas... Who is Mark really?” You glared at him, “because at this point I know he’s not the Mark we used to be best friends with. So who is he?” A chuckle fell from Lucas’s cut up lips as he closed the gap between your lips and his.

“Like I said before, babe. You ask too many questions.” His lips ghosting over yours as replied. You fought ever urge in your body not to pull him to a deep kiss because as much as you wanted to you wouldn’t let him back into your life again. You shoved him away, rolling your eyes as far back into your head as humanly possible. A smirk could still be seen on Lucas’s lips just before he turned on his heels walking towards the exit.

“It’s nice to know that even after 2 years we’re still intoxicated by each other I won’t lie about that but back to my first question. Why are you here Lucas?” Your curiosity had gotten the best of you but you hated not having the answers that you wanted or rather needed. Why would he stay with you? Questions began filling your mind all of which you painfully knew would remain unanswered. Lucas’s tall frame stopped in the hall glancing over his shoulder at the curious girl in front of him.

“Because I’ve always wanted to be here with you...” he paused amused by the wonder washing over your face, “Forewarning sunshine, I plan on sticking around.” He stated disappearing down a hallway filled with one too many snobby teens. Your eyes drifted up to the plain white ceiling above you with thoughts of Lucas dancing around in your mind. You used to be so close to him almost as close as you once were to Mark.

Actually, the three of you used to be inseparable. You three used to be best friends, the group everyone wished they could be apart of until one day Lucas decided that being an innocent rich kid just wasn’t his thing.

~~~~ Flashback ~~~~

You would never forget standing on The Wong’s front porch long past midnight with Lucas’s parents and Mark worried to death about where Lucas could possibly be. The feeling of your heart sinking to the floor as you witnessed the cop car pulling up in front of their house as Lucas appeared stumbling out of the car, metal cuffs hanging around his wrists that was the moment your heart tore. You couldn’t bring yourself to walk the narrow path to him unlike his parents and Mark had done. It felt as though your shoes were glued to the porch or perhaps it was because you couldn't bring yourself to let go of the white railing. Lucas’s desperate gaze met directly with your own refusing to break away as if they had been bound to each other. The cops removed his cuffs and guided him towards the house with his mom in tears and his father scolding him by his side. Lucas came to a sharp halt in front of your small frame refusing to move even with his fathers iron grip on his arm. Standing shoulder to shoulder he leaned down to say the words you never quite understood but could never forget.

“He didn’t give me a choice, Sunshine... You have to believe me. I did this to protect you. Please don’t leave me.” His begging words slipped from his bruised lips something that would become normal over time but you refused to put your trust in him any longer. He had broken the promises he swore he would never think of breaking in such a short span of time. No amount of love for him would allow you to believe him any longer.

“You broke the thing you swore to protect with your life. You’re dead to me, Lucas Wong.” You spit the words at him as if they were a poisonous venom. Turning on your heels you refused to even give a thought to the idea of looking back at him. You stood motionless and emotionless until a gentle hand rested upon your tense shoulder, a hand you knew all too well. Mark’s.

“We’re better off without him, Y/n. He was toxic, he always was but you loved him too much to realize it.” Mark whispered into your ear turning you to face him. Your tear-filled eyes rested on his broad chest as his eyes fell upon your downturned lips. The sight was compelling enough for him to pull you into warm embrace wrapping his toned arms around your shorter frame.

“Maybe you loving him so much was what got him into this situation in the first place.” Mark whispered so lowly you almost hadn’t heard his words. Maybe Mark was right, you thought your mind racing with the past weeks and tonight's events. Maybe Lucas was toxic.

~~~~~~ Back to present ~~~~~~

“What are you thinking about so intensely?” Taylor laughed walking into the depressing room plopping down into the chair Lucas had occupied moments before.

“Did it have anything to do with hottie bad boy Lucas leaving your room just before I got here?” Her eyebrow perked as a smirk tugged on her deep red lips. Your eyes widened darting across the room to meet with hers. The lively sound of your combined laughter erupted throughout the room. “Maybe it did.”

(I hope you guys liked it and let me know if you think I should make a part 2!)

[itoshit]

Time passed, I didn't even know how many hours I stayed here, laying on the floor. But then I realised. Why would Vee leave me? Except for the obvious that is. But she could have left me on so many occasions. So why now?

And then I remembered. Natalie.

This bitch.

Standing up again, I went for my room. Opening the drawer and taking my gun out, I put it in the holster. Turning around, I looked at the bed. It was undone this morning and now, it was perfectly clean. Did Vee do it? As I was going to check my pillow, my phone rang loudly, startling me.

What the hell do-

It's me, Ran. I've one good new, and a bad one. What do you choose first?

The bad one.

The girls have been kidnapped by the Yamaguchi-gumi and-

What??

I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to. I tried so hard to keep Vee safe, I did everything to make her live. And the first time that I'm letting her alone, she gets kidnapped??

BUT. The good new is that we found their hideout.

Tell me

Wait I-

I. Said. Tell. Me. Ran

Hearing his sigh through the phone, I tightened my grip on it.

Come, we're getting ready

Hanging up after his words, I tried my best to stay calm. I really did.

But then, something switched. I can't even remember what happened, but the moment I regained consciousness, the whole place was destroyed. Mirrors were shattered on the floor, broken chairs were laying here and there, the bedsheets were all torn apart. But strangely, I relaxed quickly, taking deep breathes.

Those fuckers will have their head ripped off their bodies.

What happened? I need the full explanation.

Now all sat around the wooden table, I was looking over the informations given by Ran. The other executives looked stressed as fuck, because they probably knew that if something happened, I would kill them all.

Natalie and Vee left your apartment only an hour after you went outside. According to the security cameras, Vee has been dragged all the way out of your building.

She didn't consent then

Turning to Koko, Ran smiled a bit while looking at the papers.

No she didn't indeed. They took a cab. Following the city footages, they arrived at an intersection and a car drove right into theirs. The taxi driver died directly, and the girls survived. But, one member of the Yamaguchi-gumi took them.

Sanzu didn't look particularly distressed, but the man never gave a shit except for his pills.

What else?

Our meeting got interrupted by the door opening, revealing my advisor,  Takeomi Akashi, accompanied by a very familiar face.

Amico mio! Glad to see those injuries of yours healed quickly! I told you we were going to see each other again!

The guys seemed astonished by Dante's apparition but I wasn't. We stayed in contact, and he told me the Yamaguchi-gumi would plot something. Guess he wasn't wrong.

Dante. Come sit with us

So, what's the plan hm? Gonna blow some brains out yeah?

Grinning at me, Dante shook his gun in a playful manner.

That's the plan yeah

Laughing loudly, he patted my shoulder. Turning to Ran, he nodded.

What I was saying. Natalie's father is dead, as you all know it. The most logical explanation for her move is-

She thought we were toying with her. We didn't inform her about her father and she probably came up with this because of that. She supposed we didn't know much and she decided to find him by herself

But corpses don't speak, her father won't come back

Listening to Rindou and Takeomi discussing, I turned to Dante.

Did you bring your men?

Of course! La Cosa Nostra isn't joking with allies.

Standing up and slamming my palms against the surface, I looked at my executives one by one.

Get ready to go, we're gonna show them what Bonten's members are made of

Bellissimo! Let the war begin!

-Mikey

It's starting to look like a movie now 🥴

YUP WE SAID HBO MAX. STARZ. DISNEY +

I woke up tied to a chair, mouth gagged. The déjà vu was a bitch. A hostage once again, this time at the hands of my friend. My eyes burned. The entire time we had been looking for the mole and I had brought it right to Bonten’s doorstep. I was so stupid, I thought to myself in that chair, tears pooling beneath my lash line. Natalie was pointing out my weaknesses this entire time, using them against me while she was weaponizing them whenever it pertained to Mikey.

Mikey. I thought about how he was so quick to question Natalie about why she was such a bitch to me that day she came to the hideout all bruised up. He was angry at her for mistreating me even then. Did he know what happened? Was he coming? As if I had summoned it, the image of him pointing the gun at Nat popped up into my head. He’d be sure to pull the trigger now.

A door creaked open to my right and a tall man emerged from it. He grinned upon seeing me. Good morning, Sunshine, he beamed, leaning close into my face. I titled my head back, away from him. Oh don’t be like that, Vee.

Venus, I hissed.

Natalie was right. He whistled. You don’t like strangers calling you by your nickname.

The mere mention of the traitor sent rage flooding through my body. Where is she?

He beckoned his head near my back where I couldn’t see, and moments later Natalie came walking into the room. Small bandages littered her arms and face, a plaster on her nose, but otherwise she looked fine.

Are you proud of yourself, Nat? I asked. Usually I’d be crying but I was too angry for tears. I wanted to rip her throat out, carve out her insides. Maybe Mikey was rubbing off on me more than I thought? Do you feel accomplished?

More than I ever have sitting like a duck in Bonten. Manjiro can’t even run an organization. I was foolish to think he could find my father.

Don’t speak his fucking name. The venom in my tone surprised us both. Do you think you’ll live after what you did? That he’d let you walk away for what you did to me?

You overestimate yourself, Venus. You’re nothing to Mikey but a one night stand that he just got to fuck again. I tried to pretend like her words didn’t hurt. Like the possibility of them being true didn’t sting. See how quick Senju came along? That’ll be him a week after you’re gone. Don’t think for a second your pussy’s so good Mikey’d start a losing war for it.

I fought off her hurtful words with ammo of my own. This isn’t just about me though. You disrespected Bonten. Spit in the leader and Second in Command’s faces as you betrayed them, after they saved your life no less. Do you really think they’d let that slide? That you’d get to run off with your dad after this and live a happy life? I laughed. You’ll be running the rest of your life, Natalie. That’s if you make it out of here alive.

She stormed toward me and slapped me with blazing eyes, my face turning at the impact. I slowly turned my head back to her. For your sake, I hope he’s alive. Maybe never being able to live in a place for longer than a week will be more bearable if it’s with your father.

Natalie backed away from me like I was poisonous, face horrified. The consequences of her actions must’ve just settled in. She stormed out of the room, leaving me with the unknown man again.

What a cat fight. You’re feisty, Vee. And you’re right. Natalie isn’t going to live long. And do you want to know a secret? Her father didn’t either. We killed him almost as soon as we took him as a hostage. He’s been rotting from before Natalie started working for us. My stomach dropped at the ease in which he described their barbarism. A part of it sunk for Nat. She bet her life on a dead man. I’d have never thought you had that in you from what Natalie described.

And what else did Natalie say about me?

That you were Mikey’s plaything, close to him in fact. It’s a part of the reason why we brought you here. See, we want to know more about Bonten. And what better way than to ask the woman who sleeps with its leader?

I looked at him bewildered. Did Natalie really think Mikey told me stuff about Bonten? I’m sorry to disappoint, but if my pussy’s not good enough to start wars over it’s certainly not good enough to have Mikey divulging top-secret information to me.

See. He clicked his tongue. I don’t quite believe that. But it’s okay, he began, walking over to a metal table and picking up a knife. Natalie also told us about certain injuries you obtained in Mikey’s care. His hands grazed my thighs, and even though they left no stitches, I tensed exactly where the wounds once lay without meaning to. Right there? Now what if I just—

He shoved the entire knife into my thigh, sending a searing pain running through my entire body. A blood curdling scream erupted from my throat.

Can I let you in on another little secret, Vee? We’ve been recording this VoiceMemo on your phone the entire time, he confessed, leaning close to my face, which was now hot and wet with tears. Uh huh. Survived the car accident. We’re gonna send this to Mikey right now. So let’s give him a parting scream for the road, aye?

And as much as I didn’t want to, I couldn’t help the wail that shook my vocal chords when he yanked it out.

Mikey, I sobbed internally. Please help me.

[skaihedaofthe100]

"Xenos" series

Chapter 1. We're back, bitches!

description: "Xenos" from the Ancient Greek "stranger, foreigner". Xenia Kane and the other 99 delinquents are strangers for everyone who managed to survive on the Earth. Her story has just started. Enjoy

Everything is black but suddenly I open my eyes and I'm in...Wait, what? Where the hell am I? The last thing I remember is punching the guard who tried to drag me out from my "beloved" cell and well, this time I wasn't so happy to leave it. This man scared the shit out of me, I was thinking that the chancellor decided to float me a little bit earlier. Saying "a little bit" I mean REALLY too soon, like guyyys, this is 17 year old girl in front of you who was going to spend nearly one "full of adventures and happiness" year with other young criminals. So I don't feel bad for punching this guard. Mentally. Speaking about my physical state, the things are worse. Everything hurts and it seems like I was electroshocked. There is also some kind of a big bracelet on my wrist which is way too heavy to be an accessory.     

After looking around I realize that I'm in a dropship with other delinquents. Suddenly everything is shaking and the boy in the seat in front of me starts to float. A big smile covers my face when I see his. This is Finn. The boy seems to notice me too because he is moving closer to the place where I'm sitting and greets me with a loud "Hi, Commander!". Pfff, wanna know how I got this nickname? Well, the guard I punched earlier today wasn't the first one to be attacked by me. The thing is that the latter was not just a guard but commander Shumway. This is why I got a "warm and comfortable" cell and eventually ended up here, in the dropship. -Listen, Finn, call me by my real name or I will call you a Spacewalker till the end of your life, got it? - Yeah, Nia,- he chuckles, - Anyway, wanna fly around with me? - There would be a firm no. And I don't advise you to do it or you'll eventually get yourself killed today but my plans were to call you Spacewalker for a long time because I'm more than sure you won't stop calling me a Commander, okay?- was my answer

Unfortunately, there were two other guys who decided to follow my friend's actions unbelting themselves and while this trio is flying around carelessly and another delinquents are listening to the Jaha's words (in which I'm not so interested anyway) from the television screen I will tell you a little bit about myself.

So, as Fin has already said, I'm Nia and Xenia is my full name. I have no idea why my parents gave me this name. Speaking about them, my father, Marcus Kane, is the only one left alive. Something has happened to my mom but I'm not in the mood to tell you now. What else? Em, I'm 17, have brown hair and brown eyes...WAIT, you'll here more later if everything will be okay 'cause I have thoughts that the dropship is CRASHING! Oh my god, I don't want to die like this neither I want my friends to do the same.

Remembering careless Finn I start to look around searching for him. Our eyes meet the moment the dropship lands and the boys are thrown on the floor. I'm staying shocked for a few seconds but then I here someone saying "Listen, no machine hum" and it is the signal for me to unbelt myself and run to check if Finn is okay. When I get there I see more familiar faces - Clarke's and... Wells's?? What is he doing here? This day is full of surprises, you know. We've been knowing each other since we were kids and no one in our trio could think that one day we'll be

1) with young criminals 2) ON THIS F****** PLANET EARTH

  They both nod to me and I gaze at Finn. Fortunately, he is alive but I can't be sure about the other boys. There is no one around us by the time my friend stands up from the floor and together we try to reach the big doors getting through a large crowd. Oh, now I understand why we're still in the dropship.    

There are warm greets and hugs between a girl who is nearly my age and a guy in a guard's uniform. That's kinda cute, actually, but I don't want to stand here forever watching it. -That's Octavia Blake, the girl who has been hiding under the floor for 17 years!- someone from the crowd cries. - If you won't shut the f*** up, you'll be the one hiding under the floor from me searching to beat your ass!- I snap back Some delinquents chuckle but most of them don't find my threat funny, probably because they're well aware that I'm a "looks like a cinnamon roll but can actually kill you" type of a person. - Y'all better listen to the Commander,- Finn says to the crowd and I look at him expecting to see a sarcastic smile on his face but it turns out that he looks pretty serious. My eyes meet the siblings' after that and they both are grateful. - Let's give them something else, O,- the older one says -Yeah, like what?- Octavia ask surprised and I'd like to know that too -Like being the first person to step on the ground in 100 years

After his words there are Clarke's meaningless corrections that only 97 years have passed and the air could be toxic and blablabla, I can't wait any longer. -Open the doors, we're going to die either inside or outside, - pissed off me tells them and there are actually words of agreement coming from the teenagers.

Finally, I can see the most incredible thing in my 17 years. The Earth, green forest, blue sky, everything like it was on the photos. The difference is that while looking at the pictures I couldn't feel warm sunshine on my face or breath such fresh air! I look at the young girl in front of me and she is already standing on the grass. -We're back, bitches!!! - her words cause everyone to leave the dropship and go explore the place where we've landed. I wanted to enjoy the Earth standing still for a while but was pushed forward by the youngsters and had to move from the way. I spend a few minutes admiring the surroundings and then head towards Clarke who seems upset. When she is a few meters away someone stops me.

-Hey, Commander, wait!- I turn around and see that it was said by Octavia, her brother standing behind her,- I wanted to thank you for your words, you know, in the dropship. That was kinda badass. -Well, you're welcome, I guess,- I answer her don't know why confused,- My name is Xenia by the way, Commander is just an old nickname from which I can't get ri..., - there is no time for me to end 'cause the older Blake interrupts me. - Xenia from Ancient Greek "Xenos" - a "stranger"?-he asks -Forgive him, he is a weirdo, all in this Ancient and Mythology stuff,-O chuckles -Okay, I'm impressed,- I answer not joking,- and you are... -Bellamy,- the guy tells shortly and nothing else.   Well, he at least answered. I want to say more but Clarke calls me. She is standing with a map and still looks worried. Suddenly there is a boy in the googles in front of me and the blond saying "Cool a map! Where is the bar in this town, I will buy you a drink!" I don't have time to answer 'cause he is being pushed by Wells. Rude. That's the first joke on the Earth in 97 years we all have to clap this guy. -Don't touch him, he is with us, - we hear threatening words coming from a small group of boys.

My friend starts to explain himself and while he is doing it I reach the boy on the grass to check him. I've seen him back on the ark, he's a good guy and didn't deserve such attitude towards him. -Hey, you OK?- I ask the boy -Yeah, totally, thanks for asking. My name is Jasper and this is my best friend Monty,- he answers me clapping a teen near him on the shoulder - Nice to meet you guys, I'm Nia, - I say and feel amazed of how many people I got to know today. And the day has only started! That's really unusual for me 'cause for all the years I'm resting my ass in the cell I was friends only with Finn and that was enough for me. Of course I talked to the others sometimes and then Clarke joined me but she was in another part of the "jail" so I didn't see her that much. I decide to look around and see that there is a crowd again near us. What the hell is wrong now? Oh, I see, Wells got some problems, nothing new.

-You heard my father's words, finding Mount Weather is our first priority, - he tells all of us. What Mount Weather? Guess I had to listen to the Chancellor's speech. Now I have no idea about what is going on. -Screw your father! Do you think that you're in charge here? You and your little princess?- Octavia cries and I scoff. She is right, partly. -Do you think we care who is in charge? We need those supplies and there is a 20 miles trek to Mount Weather. We have to leave now!- was the blond's answer. Now I'm completely confused because Clarke is right too. -I have a better idea, how about the privileged do all the work for once and go get everything for us by themselves?- Bellamy offers and the crowd cheers. Idiots. I have to end it, now. - This "privileged" don't have to risk their asses to get you food and clothes! Y'all have to thank this two for being the only people down here who care about you!- I snap at young criminals and see that some of them nod in agreement. My eyes meet Bellamy's, he doesn't like that his authority was shaken.

- You heard her, we all need to go,- my dark-skinned friend says -Look at him, the Chancellor of the Earth!-the same guy who protected Jasper laughs. Well, he is not as good as I thought at first. Huge intention to fight him spills in me but Wells already moves to him. I don't want my friend to get hurt so I try to stop the boys. -Guys, you've had your fun, now stop it, we don't have the time for this stupid show! Maybe calling their "serious like all strong grown-up men have" fight "a show" pissed this pale-skinned boy off because he headed towards me with a threatening look in his eyes. Okay, l'll let him try me, he doesn't scare me anyway.

-Why so talkative today, my Commander?- he asks sarcastically. I roll my eyes at the nickname. -I'm starting of thinking of how to make you shut up and not get on my nerves! We're moving closer to each other when suddenly Finn jumps of from the dropship's roof between us.

- Only try to touch her, Murphy, - he snaps. That's nice but I don't need his protection. - Just give him a try, Finn, I didn't waste time in the cell and you know it,- there was no opportunity for me to tell the others how I've been spending my time due to the "best" pick up line I've ever heard in my life from Octavia. -Hey, Spacewalker, rescue me next!   But she managed somehow to "clear the air" making some teens to smile and some to go mind their own business including Murphy. And I was thinking about making more friends today! Just great!

-I hope your speech back then meant you're coming with me, Nia,- I hear Clarke's voice -Is Wells staying? That is a really small group of you, I'm coming too, - Finn tells us -And these guys also,- I add, taking Jasper's and Monty's shoulders and dragging them to our party.

-Make it six!- Octavia near me tells too much exited. Well, no one has the right to blame her, I bet she haven't left the Blakes' room at least once for 17 years and now it is a whole forest to explore. The same moment there is Bellamy in front of her saying " you can't go, something will happen to you" stuff which is not so interesting to listen to so I ran after my friends in the woods hearing O's footsteps behind me a little bit later.