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xoxo-teddybear · 4 years ago

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Oh, The Lies You Tell - Bakugou Katsuki - pt. 1

Bakugou x f!reader

Warnings: angst, trauma, abuse, betrayal, fluff, slice of life, smut, cursing, manipulation, possible spoilers, physical harm, 18+

BAKUGOU’S MASTERLIST

Ep. Warnings: cursing, mentions of abuse and manipulation, slice of life(ish), manga spoilers!!

A/N: Ok so this is just what I daydream about, and since ima tv addict, I’m involving some “Avatar: The Last Airbender” related things, but a little different. This is more of an introduction to our character but I hope you enjoy!

Pt.1 Pt.2 Pt.3 Pt.4 Pt.5 Pt.6 Pt.7 Pt.8 Pt.9

Summary: It’s Y/N’s first day at UA.....as a “former” villain

“Y/N L/N. She’s a new transfer student. Treat her with your respect and do your best to take care of her.” The tired teacher spoke.

“.......Hey. Please treat me well.” The intimidating girl said as she bowed in respect.

Now if you were to see Y/N on the streets as a stranger, you wouldn’t even think she would have this threatening aura. The class agreed. She’s gorgeous. From a far, you would think she’s a sweetheart, But the girl had a cold, calm stare in her E/C eyes. There was actually no way to describe it. It was just chilling to the bone.

Not only that, but it was clear you were a little rebel. Mainly because of the way you decided to change up your uniform. Your sleeves were torn off to make your button up top some sort of tight fitted turtle neck with a tie that was complimenting your busty figure. Especially since it was tightly tucked into your skirt, pressing against your torso instead of loosely sitting in there like the other girls. You also added a small dark brown belt to cover where your skirt and top meet. Your waist gave the perfect show of how curvaceous you truly were. Your thighs were deliciously thick and your ass must’ve been a perfect peach, considering it caused your skirt to seem a little too small for you. Instead of the typical shoes and knee high socks, you opted for thigh high dark brown leather boots that folded at the top to match your belt. No heel though, of course. Gotta keep it casual. You finished off your rebellious look with a pair of black leather fingerless gloves. Do you look like trouble? Yup. Do you look hot as hell though? You bet.

“You may be seated next to Katsuki Bakugou.” Your new teacher spoke. Before anybody else could give an indication of who this “Bakugou” boy was, an electric blonde spoke up.

“Be careful with that one pretty lady, he’s our resident hot head.” The boy spoke while the entire class giggled.

“Shut it dunce face.” Your eyes shifted from one blonde to another. This time with a spiky head of ash blonde hair and piercing red eyes. As you walk towards your new seat, you made eye contact with the spiky blonde, you saw the look on his face. Just like everyone else, a face of fear and shock, except this time the person didn’t know who you were.

Bakugou could definitely say upon first glance, you were definitely something fierce. It threw him off just how powerful your presence was. He quickly turned away as you took your seat.

As class began, everyone had their eyes on Y/N. Some admiring her beauty, others wary of her aura, and some too nervous to mention their newfound fear of her. In the middle of Mr. Aizawa’s boring lecture, a scratch at the door could be heard.

‘A scratch?’ Everyone thought. But Y/N knew exactly who it was.

When Mr. Aizawa went to open the door, in came what appears to be a wolf-dog. Mr. Aizawa seemed to casually accept it and just expected you to explain. He was too tired to deal with this crazy shit.

“Oh..there you are Rumor. Took you long enough to find this place.” The creature, also somehow intimidating, simply just huffed at the girl and layed down next to her seat in between her and Bakugou.

“L/N, please explain to the class why Rumor is here. They clearly seem to be confused.” Y/N looked around the room to see her new classmates staring at her and her furry friend.

“*sigh* he’s my animal companion.” You simply stated. Apparently it didn’t satisfy your peers because a freckled, green haired boy spoke up.

“Animal companion? Like a service dog?” The timid boy asked. You secretly rolled your eyes at the fact you’ll have to answer this question again. That is until Bakugou spoke.

“You damn nerd, if he was a service dog, she woulda said that now, don’t ‘cha think?” ‘Dunce face and a damn nerd huh? Wonder what new nickname this hedgehog will give me.’ Your little quip made you give the smallest smile with a quiet laugh to yourself

What you didnt realize was that during your little moment, Bakugou was watching you the entire time. He fought the blush that was threatening to rise and successfully won. ‘The hell?’ Bakugou thought. Since when did he blush?

“He’s right. Rumor isn’t my service dog, he’s my animal companion. And no, not my pet. He’s more like a close friend. My best friend if anything. He’s also not a dog either, he’s a changeling.” You explained hoping someone else knew what a changeling was. Thankfully, the “damn nerd” did.

“Changeling? I thought they were just a myth.” He said. “What the heck is a changeling, Deku?” You turned and saw it was a girl with a round face and pink cheeks. ‘Deku? How rude’ you thought to yourself.

“Changelings were rumored to be magical like beasts who could take the form of any animal they chose. Those forms could be as real as eagles and bears or as mythical as dragons and unicorns. They could also change the size of their form too. Am I right, L/N?” Deku asked you.

“You’re completely right, Deku.” The green haired boy blushed at his nickname on your tongue. “Rumor can be any creature I command. His wolf-dog form is his casual form though. It’s the form he took at birth I guess.”

“You guess?” Bakugou asked.

“Yes, I guess. I didn’t have Rumor since he was born. I found him while I was on a walk in the forest. We just clicked, and he followed me home. That’s when I discovered his powers and what he was, and seeing that changelings were only rumored to have existed, I thought it would’ve been a fitting name. We’ve been together ever since, and not only does he work as a friend, he’s a fighter too. He’s like a partner to me which is exactly why principle Nezu allowed him to attend UA with me. I guess you could say he’s part of my...uhm..quirk” You thoroughly explained. You couldn’t help it. You loved talking about Rumor. He was your best friend and definitely one of a kind.

Rumor looked up at you and barked. You turned to pet him on the head and gave him a little smile. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by the resident hot head, which once again caused him to fight back a blush. ‘The fuck is going on with me today?’ The blonde thought to himself. Finally satisfied with the answers, the class picked up where they left off and continued to learn about quirks which didn’t seem all that useful to you since....you don’t have one.

——————————————————————————

Later

“Remember, we will all be meeting at gym gamma tomorrow morning, so don’t bother coming to the classroom. Just meet up there with any comfortable gym wear.” Mr. Aizawa said at the end of the day.

“Yes sir!” The class all said. “L/N stay behind, I need to speak to you and Rumor.” The tired teacher said with a yawn.

“Yes sir.” You calmly replied.

As the class gathered their things to leave, some came up to speak to you. First it was Deku and the round faced girl.

“Welcome to UA L/N. My name is Izuku Midoriya!” Deku said.

“Oh my apologies. I thought I heard that your name was Deku.” You said so nonchalantly with your sweet voice.

“Well it’s just a nickname that started up with Kacchan.” The boy was now blushing in slight embarrassment while rubbing the back of his head.

“Kacchan? I’m sorry, I don’t know who that is.” You said.

“Oh right! My bad, Kacchan is Bakugou. It’s a name I gave him during our childhood.” He stated.

“Seems a little mean.” You chuckled

“Yeah but he’s always been like that.” The boy smiled with a small laugh.

“I think I can tell. He must be really nice to Deku and Dunce face.”

You both shared a laugh at your little sarcastic poke at the explosive blonde that the girl was feeling a little left out.

“Anyways, I’m Ochako Uraraka! I was really hoping I could talk to you more but Deku over here can’t seem to keep his mouth shut.” the girl slightly teased.

“Meh. No worries. We’re gonna be stuck together for the next few years. We have plenty of time to get to know each other.” You so kindly spoke as you gathered your stuff.

“Totally! We can-“ Uraraka was cut off by a very handsome two toned boy with a scar. He definitely reminded you of some you knew. You watched as he came up to speak to Midoriya.

“Hey, Midoriya. Did you want to...” you tuned out his conversation. You simply just stared at him in awe. No doubt about it. He was definitely Dabi’s brother. But he was a whole lot more handsome.

The boy caught onto your staring and introduced himself.

“Hello L/N, my name is Shoto Todoroki. You may know me from my father, Endeavor, but I assure you, I’m nothing like him. In fact it’s safe to say I hate him.” He stated ever so calmly. ‘Wow. So blunt. And I guess hating Endeavor runs in the family’

“Hey it’s fine. I get it, daddy issues.” You nervously laughed but this seemed to strike an interest in Todoroki as he seem to have wanted to continue bashing both of your fathers until he was interrupted by Bakugou.

“You’re in my way Icy-hot.” ‘Jeez, another nickname?’ You thought.

“Then move to another side.” Todoroki quickly came back with.

This caused you to now openly give a quiet laugh, you could already tell what kind of relationship those two have. During your small laugh, Bakugou once again caught himself staring, except this time, he was caught. And it was by you.

You both made eye contact once again. As he stared into your E/C colored eyes, and you stared into his rubied gems, you both grew a slight blush on your cheeks and the 3 standing next to you both took notice.

“Hey..” you sweetly said.

“..........hey.” He replied and quickly looked away embarrassed. That peaceful little moment made your heart stir. Something that hasn’t happened in a long time. If felt calming, loving, happy...and weird and confusing. Thankfully, Dunce face came up to flip the switch.

“Wow Kacchaaannn,” the electric blonde said wiggling his brows. “Never seen you blush like that. You got a little crush on the new gir-“

“SHUT UP SPARK PLUG!” Bakugou exclaimed as he quickly made his way out of the classroom.

“Hey why you gotta be so mean all the time man!” Dunce face cried out.

“I SAID SHUT UP” Bakugou screamed from down the hall. ‘Well he certainly is interesting.....and cute’

“Ah jeez, whatever,” the blonde sighed before you seemed to have caught his attention.

“Well hey there pretty lady,” he started “I’m Denki Kaminari and you are one gorgeous girl. And you definitely got a rockin’ bod-“ he was cut off by our scary teacher.

“That’s enough Kaminari, I need to speak to L/N. Now all of you, out.” He commanded.

They all took their leave thinking about how cool and kind you were. Oh how wrong they were. The little act you put up sure was convincible. Hell, the only thing you genuinely meant was that Todoroki and Bakugou were cute and the blush that came up whenever Bakugou stared at you. You still couldn’t explain it but you brushed it off.

When all were gone, you mentally took notes of their names and possible quirks.

Izuku Midoriya. Alias: Damn Nerd and Deku. Quirk: unknown.

Ochako Uraraka. Alias: unknown. Quirk: unknown.

Shoto Todoroki. Alias: Icy-hot. Quirk: possibly related to cold and heat

Denki Kaminari. Alias: Dunce Face and Spark Plug. Quirk: possibly related to electricity

Katsuki Bakugou. Alias: Kacchan. Quirk: unknown

“L/N.” Your teacher snapped you out of your quick thought and got you focused.

“You seemed to be very comfortable with telling them about Rumor.” Mr. Aizawa said with an eyebrow raised.

“Well he is my best friend. I could go on and on about Rumor for hours if people didn’t stop me. And you can’t lie, he is pretty interesting. Especially his fighting style. You would know all about that, wouldn’t you....Eraser Head?” You said with a sinister smile.

You were well aware that Aizawa knew Rumor’s capabilities very well. You were also aware he knew much about yours too. I mean, you both have fought each other before. And one of you almost didn’t make it out alive. Hint hint, it wasn’t you.

“You are to address me as Aizawa Sensei or Mr. Aizawa, Titania.” He sternly said.

“Ouch, the villain name? I thought the past was the past. There’s a good inside me, dont you remember? You were the one who said it after all. You were even the one who recommended an S-Class villain like me should join UA.” You snidely replied.

*flashback*

As you fought against the skilled pro, you could tell he was getting weaker and weaker by the second. You used your air bending to push him back, crushing him into the wall, and keep him far away. Before you could send Rumor in to finish the job, a hand on your shoulder stopped you.

“Kurogiri? What are you doing here?” You stopped fighting and quickly turned to your superior in a fearful and shaky manner. Although you were much stronger than him and could easily take him down, you knew better. Your mind had already been so manipulated into thinking you were the weakest villain in the league, when it reality, you were strong enough to take down Shigaraki in a snap...but you didn’t need to know that.

Eraser Head, too tired and beaten to even pick himself up off the ground watched the interaction from the distance.

“You were told to collect intel, not fight a pro.” The black fog stated.

“Well yes, but he tried to stop me an-“ he silenced you with a smack to the face. Kurogiri was a respectful man...in ways...but he was just following orders on how to treat Y/N.

“If he tried to stop you, you run away.” He said, matter of factly.

“But he-“ once again, he cut you off but this time with a louder voice.

“But nothing! You were to gather intel and report back to base. Not fight. If you got into trouble, you are to run away, and use your bending and Rumor as assistance.” He stated.

“Yes sir. I’m sorry sir.” You said with your head bowed down in dishonor.

Aizawa could already tell from afar how controlled you were. In past fights, he’s noticed how you were so quick to succumb to any villain in the league, and you were always so willing to go back to them no matter how many times you could’ve ran away on your own. It was like they had something you needed, or more so it was them that you needed. For survival, perhaps?

“Did you even gather the information we needed?” Kurogiri asked.

Your silence gave him all the answers he needed. With a disappointing glare he reached for you, when you flinched at just the slighted movement, Aizawa knew something was wrong. Yes you were a villain, but it was clear you were also a manipulated child. So he acted quick, and attacked Kurogiri, knocking him out, and grabbed you. Before you both took off, you threw one of your earrings at kurorgiri’s unconscious body, knowing he’ll know what to do once he sees it. As he ran with you, he took notice of the animal behind him that followed you. When he finally landed on a cliff hanging over the city, he placed you down to sit on the grass and looked at you before speaking.

“I can see it. All of it. They’re controlling you aren’t they?” The pro-hero spoke.

“Excuse me? Nobody is controlling anybody! I choose to follow orders!” You yelled as Rumor came up to you.

“What is that thing?” Aizawa asked.

“He’s my friend and you won’t harm him!” You said while grabbing onto Rumor.

The pro took note of that word you used. Friend. Villains don’t have friends, they don’t have anybody but goons and partners in crime. Literally. You were definitely different compared to these other villains.

“I have no intentions on harming you or your friend.” The pro spoke.

“So what do you want with me.”

“....Simple. I want you to go to school, live in the dorm rooms, eat good food, train more to become better as a person and fighter, and make more friends. I see a good in you Titania, you deserve a good life. Not one controlled by villains where you do their bidding for what? Survival?” Aizawa said as he crossed his arms while looking at you.

You were in shock. He was able to figure you out. Well, he figured out why you were with the league. Survival. But it doesn’t matter, you were so brainwashed that you were convinced anyone outside the league wanted to kill you...at least that’s what the LOV told you.

“I don’t want to go to school, I want to go back home to the league.” You said while looking down and holding onto your furry friend.

“Home? UA could give you a better home.”

You looked up in shocked at his words. He wanted you to attend school at UA? You know that place. That’s the one place where the league has been so invested in ever since All Might joined the staff there. Suddenly, an idea came into thought. You knew exactly how you were gonna get into the league’s good graces and out of the cold shadow.

“UA?....That’s where you want me to go? How the hell am I supposed to get in there? I’m a known villain genius.” You sarcastically said.

“A villain hidden behind a full face mask. People don’t know your true identity, and did you ever think that maybe the league wants it that way?” He said

“Are you saying you know who I truly am?” You questioned him.

“No, but that doesn’t matter right now. If you want to go to UA, I can help you. I’m a teacher there and I can put in a good word for you. Sure it will take a lot of convincing but I’m willing to do it. Using UA as a reformatory program for you could be benefitting you in more ways than one. So if going to UA is what you really want, I’m more than happy to help you Titania.”

You couldn’t believe it. Your heart was so excited. You were finally going to get away from this horrible life of crime and killing. Away from the abuse and blood. Away from the league. But your brain was telling you to deny it all. You were safer with the league, everyone is out to get you, and you will die without the villains help. But a bark broke you out of thought.

You turned to your side to see what seems to be a smile on Rumor’s face. He was wagging his tail and sticking his tongue out while giving you puppy dog eyes. It appears he knew what was going on and he seemed excited. For your best friend, the world. So you gave in...happily.

“Y/N.” You said while getting up off the ground.

“Huh?” The pro spoke.

“My name is Y/N L/N, and I’d be happy to join UA.” You said with a smile and tears of joy filling you eyes. Rumor happily barked at the pro as well.

“Well alright then,” the pro said sticking out his hand for you to shake, “Y/N L/N, welcome to UA.”

As you shook his hand your smile held a thousand words. Happiness, excitement, villainy, and sin. Sure you were going to benefit yourself, but you were also going to benefit the league.

*Present Time*

“I was hoping I’d get more respect from you considering I was the one who got you into UA,” Aizawa tiredly said while turning his head towards the ceiling and crossing his arms. “But I guess that mischief and attitude just comes with the deal.”

“Correct.” You simply said.

“So are you willing to tell them what your “quirk” is? You seemed so open about Rumor, I thought your powers would be the same.” Aizawa pressed on.

“Not sure yet. I only just met the students. They seem nice.” You said while looking at your now very interesting shoes.

“They’re a crazy bunch, but they’re incredible friends. They could be great friends to you too Y/N.” You looked back up at him with hope, but quickly remembered why you were there in the first place.

The teacher took noticed of this and continued. “Either way, they’ll have to see what you got tomorrow. In gym gamma we’ll be doing some sparring including our quirks, so you’ll have to show them all that you can do.” He said.

He saw how that made you nervous. Not because you were scared to speak about or show your abilities, but because you knew you would be hit with thousands of questions. Oh how annoyed you must be.

“Understood.” You said to him as if you were a soldier. He won’t get used to that. He’ll have to make sure you know it’s ok to speak to people as..well people, and not like everyone is your superior.

“Good,” he began to walk to his yellow sleeping bag to pick it up, “now head to the front of the school. I left an escort for you to help guide you to your dorm room. That person will also be a guide in all things UA for you so be nice. You’ll be stuck with them for awhile. That is all, you can go now.”

As you and Rumor made your way to the front, you had so many questions going on in your mind. Should you make new friends or keep them at a distance? Should you completely drop the league and join UA? Should you blow your cover and expose why your truly there? What to do, what to do.

When you made it to the front, you finally saw your escort, and you couldn’t help but give a little smirk.

“Hey..”

A/N: If y’all wanna see the clothes that inspired Y/N’s uniform, check this out!!!

A/N: Damn guys, I know I’ve only just started writing but this is kinda the story I imagine in my mind at night. So I thought it would be fun to give it to reality. So here’s my first FanFic😅 hopefully it doesn’t turn out too terrible, but I promise to work on my skills and improve. Also, if you need a reference to what Y/N’s uniform looks like, search up “Akame from Akame Ga Kill.” That’s the look that heavily inspired Y/N’s new uniform. And if you’re confused on what the boots look like, search up “Lucy Heartfilia thigh high boots,” bc those are the EXACT boots I imagine on Y/N except in a darker brunette color to match the belt. Once again, NOT spell checked so my apologies for any mistakes. I hope you enjoyed pt. 1! And if this goes well, tell me if you’d like a pt. 2! I love to hear feedback! Thx <3

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infinitegalahad · 4 years ago

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Hi! Could you please do 4 or 24 from the fluff prompt list for brad or nate from generation kill?❤️

ROSY RED SKIES (AND CHEEKS)

Summary: Brad acts differently around you, and you begin to notice his little quirks and tease him endlessly for it.

Word-Count: 1.4k

Prompts: “you’re blushing”, “am not”, and “could you hold my hand?”

Warnings: N/A

Taglist: @theboardwalkbody

Notes: Decided to give gen kill some love since my love for it has resparked! I need to rewatch the show when school ends istg🥲 This is my first time writing for the show as well-so please bare with me! I just love when the iceman goes to the puddleman. Enjoy!

Masterlist | Send In A Prompt!

The chill brush of the waves crashing into your bare feet made goosebumps form all over your skin. Wyoming, even in the middle of July, became brisk as soon as the sun would hide behind the mountains. It was a spectacular sunset with the mountains and orange and pink sky, minus the temperature. As soon as Brad had parked his bike, you had hopped off and ran to the nearest lake to get the best view of the sunset. You threw off your boots and cuffed your pants, feeling one with nature. You couldn’t help that you were from the northeast-Ray would poke fun at you, but there was something about nature that was so soothing. You’d simply show him a smile, and roll your eyes. It was just Ray after all.

Your boyfriend, however, was the polar opposite of you.

Brad knew that you were too good for him, and the world. He didn’t understand how optimistic and empathetic you could be. Normally, those types of people were an annoyance, but you were different to him. At first glance, he thought of you as a pest. Ray would bother you since you stood out in the company, so he kept to himself. There was a point where you would be the driver instead of being in the rear, and that was when Brad felt at ease. Many troops — but certainly not all — see female flesh as a justified spoil. Most of Hitman, or a solid majority, were like rabid dogs. If they saw a woman, they’d foam at the mouths and talk about them like objects. Brad never wrapped his head around how open these men could be-especially around you. That’s the moment he knew, or at least Ray knew, that Brad Colbert had the world’s biggest crush on y/n.

It was an unforgettable day. You had been the driver of the humvee and Brad had been in the passenger things. Ray had started running his trap, and Trombely had remarked “at least the women can drive.” Brad had turned around, a flushed face (he claimed it was from the heat), and had Trombely shut the fuck up. Trombley was a psychopath, everybody knew that, but he targeted you the most with lewd remarks. After Brad had defended you, Trombely never bothered you again.

And you weren’t a horrible person-just y/n with a smile that made Brad’s cock twitch in his pants.

You wanted to thank Brad, but he simply iced you out.

One day it was raining, you and Ray had been in charge of fixing the humvee. The two of you were drenched, soaking, and weighted down by the heavy and brisk weight of the rain.

“Man, this is what it must feel like in a girl’s panties whenever the big, strong Viking known as Brad Colbert speaks to a chick,” Brad remarked as he looked down at you with a shit-eating grin. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he took great pleasure in doing so. “Tell me, my dearest pal. How does it feel?”

You were under the humvee, doing some final checks as Ray annoyed you. As you secured the final screw, you let out a sigh.

“My god, I normally don’t like saying this, but shut up Ray, please.” As you rolled out from the jeep, you threw the tools laying around back into the box. “It’d Fan-fucking tastic if maybe he didn’t repress his feelings.”

Turning around, Brad Colbert stood right behind you, his blue eyes piercing into your soul. Water dripped down his skin as he had a stoic expression on before turning around and exiting. Ray Person takes full pride in being the reason you two hooked up in the back of the humvee later that night.

A year later, here you and Brad were. The two of you had nobody but yourselves, so you chose to live where nobody could find the two of you. Brad thought that the state of human nature allowed people to be selfish and savage. The horrors of war had proved his point, which further increased his hatred for people.

But a simple smile or stolen touch from you-and Brad would go from the iceman to the puddle man.

You brought the good out in Brad. He hated everybody, but you, and he wanted to spend his time with you in the most unpopulated state in the United States. And you had no issue going with him. You had dreams to work as a Park Ranger, and as long as Brad had you by his side, then he was content.

Even though Brad loved you, as alien as it was, he occasionally didn’t understand you.

Brad had seen you hop off the bike and throw your helmet to the side, jumping towards the lake as he watched you like a hawk. He assumed he let you do your own thing and be “one with nature” or whatever zen-shit Rudy was into. But as you walked further into the lake, his brown leather jacket hanging off of your shoulders, is when he stepped into action.

“Y/n,” He called out, his voice echoing. You looked over, and Brad was starstruck. His jacket draped over your smaller frame as your eyes were widened like a deer in headlights.

“Yeah?” You questioned, nudging your shoulders.

Brad stood close to the shoreline, his icy blue eyes burning into your soul. His lips pursed against each other as his cheeks showed a red tint. No words came from his mouth, just the silence of the water and wind. He stood in place, looking right at you.

A smile curved up on your cheek. He was never like this around anyone else. After his fiance had left him, he was torn-at least in your eyes. You and Brad weren’t that different-your boyfriend had left you and had broken the news with a damn Christmas card. It was the strange way the two of you bonded. It wasn’t all mushy emotions and crying or cuddling-it was unprofessional, as much as you needed it. Instead, your bond consisted of long conversations on top of the humvee, looking at the stars. Iraq, despite it being hot during the day, turned freezing at night. Brad had given you his hoodie, which was like a nightgown on you. It was gray, the words ‘colbert” embroidered on the front.

You still kept it in your closet, wearing it for when you needed reassurance.

“You’re blushing,” You giggled as you turned your body fully around to look at your boyfriend.

Brad snapped out of his trance as his hand came to feel his cheek. He shook his head, “Am not.”

A smirk appeared on your face, “Really?”

Kicking off his sneakers and rolling up his jeans, he began to walk into the lake. “Really.”

“You sure?” You took a few steps back, but he kept gaining onto you.

Brad was close enough to grab your hand, restraining you with his strength. “Positive, ma’am.”

Jumping up, you gave him a quick peck on the cheek, which once again caught him off guard. “You're hot,” You noticed, “Well, literally. But you’re burning up, liar.”

“You realize how annoying you can be sometimes?”

“You chose to date me,” You shrugged your shoulders as you slid past him in the water, “Let’s head out before it gets dark.”

Once again, Brad grabbed you and held you back, but instead of taking your wrist-he took your hand.

You turned back and looked up at him. He had the expression of a baffled child, unable to explain what predicament he had gotten into. It had your heart melt-here was the notorious iceman, cold and cunning, melting into the puddleman.

“Brad?”

“Could you hold my hand?”

Pulling him forward, you locked your hands into his and gave them a squeeze. “Of course-why wouldn’t I?”

“We haven’t done this before.” He responded as the two of you walked out of the law, your feet drenched, “I’m not into the whole romance thing.”

“Wow-I never noticed.” You said, sarcasm in your voice, “I like it, puddleman. At Least your not calling me corporal.”

After the war, it took time for Brad to differentiate you as his girlfriend and his corporal. As much as he cared for you, he found it hard to do basic things such as showing his affection and even calling you by his first name. But with time, you showed up, and it came to him.

“You go from being my RTO to my girlfriend,” Brad says as he whispers into your ear, “And yet you're still the same-stubborn.”

“And you love it.” You smiled at your boyfriend, not expecting anything back from him but an annoyed face.

But Brad looked down at you with awe in his-and a subtle smile on his face.

#generation kill #generation kill x reader #generation kill imagine #Brad Colbert #Brad Colbert x reader #Brad Colbert imagine

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angloie · 3 years ago

Text

Charms.

(2/?)

> Annabeth would rather not have her ordeal with some of the world's biggest malefactors exposed. Not when her multi-million dollar company could be on the line. But a certain sea green eyed assassin had a little thing out for her-- things consisting of attempting to eventually kill her.

> Assassin! Percy x CEO! Annabeth.

> Warnings: angst + fluff, some violence. Nothing too explicit. Mentions of alcohol.

pt. 1 || pt. 2 || pt. 3 || pt. 4 || pt. 5

a/n - pls this took so long to write-

“A twenty one hour trip.” Percy deadpanns. “And you thought you'd tell me a couple hours in advance?”

“Oh, come on! It isn't that much of a trip! I'm sure you'll be fine.” Apollo laughs over the phone.

Three in the morning. Three in the damn morning, yet here Percy was, chatting with his infufferable boss. That time of morning was much to early for his coffee to settle in, or even let him open his eyes fully- for that matter. Apollo had all the time in the world to tell Percy about the details. And he chose only a mere couple of hours before.

Mrs. O'leary waited at Percy's side along with his luggage. She panted so care-free and happily; he sometimes wondered how she wasn't tired like Percy was.

“I’ve sent you a ride. When you get to the airport, go to terminal-"

Percy cuts the blonde off. “Terminal two. Yeah, yeah, you told me a while ago.”

“Make sure you arrive in one piece!” Apollo could almost be seen grinning by that point. What he would to to slap it off of him. “Don’t forget, I'll be there in New York too.”

“Got it.” Percy tastes iron on his tounge. “See ya.” As he declined, he exhaled deeply. It would take a while for him to be fully awake. His eyes still found themselves drooping every once in a while. Much to his dismay.

Percy tugged on Mrs. O'Leary's leash, nudging her to come along. Luggage, dog, wallet, phone... He checked them off his mental checklist. Once he tucked his passport safely into his pocket, the duo ventured into the long hallway of the building.

“You excited to see Estelle and Paul? Mom?” He laughed at the bounding dog, drool spilling from her lips. “Me too.”

They got to the large elevator, doors sliding open with a curt 'ding!’ The ride down only took a couple of seconds. Glass windows showed the city skyline storeys below; twinkling with a certain calmness. All the fading stars were lighten so dimly Percy had to squint to see them. He scoffed at the horribly basic music choice. Smooth jazz, of course.

Well, Percy thought to himself, I won't be back here for a while. He looked over to the tall building one last time before sighing. Would that really be a bad thing? I mean, he would get to be back in New york. Gods, did he miss the shitty pretzels you could get on the streetside. The honking of cars twenty four seven made him homesick- no matter how weird that sounded.

Speaking of which,

“Yo!”

The car in front of him honked obnoxiously. Too obnoxiously in fact, it made the nearly serene night air turn into a much chotic one. Percy grinned.

“It’s been a while,” He came up to the sleek black vehicle. “Travis.”

“It certainly has.” Travis says coyly. “Now throw your bags in. If I don't arrive on time, Apollo is going to murder me.” He shuddered. “That bastard.”

“You and I both know he wouldn't do that.” Percy opened the trunk and threw his luggage in rather un-gracefully, landing with a loud thump.

“It wouldn't be the first time he would try!” Travis complains as the engine grew louder. Hes brown eyes locked onto Mrs. O'leary glued to the other man's side. He frowned disatstefuly. “You are not getting that creature in here.”

Percy smirked evily.

“Don’t you even dare!”

“Mrs. O'leary isn't some creature!” Percy puts a offended hand to his chest and gasps dramticaly, emmiting a eye-roll from Travis.

“Just don't get slobber all over my seats!” He grumbles at the unsightly vision of the dog entering the back seat. Percy takes the front. Mrs. O'leary is what- maybe half the size of Travis? Maybe even more when the thing stood up.

Travis knew all about Percy's little job. He himslef wasn’t a assasin, but rather something that could go under the term's wing. A con artist. A very good one at that, Percy could even admit. He had replied on him a couple of times to get out of sticky situations. Just maybe he'd owe him his life if it weren't for Travis's annoying behavior.

“A new mission? Already?” The car drove along with deserted highway. Yellow lights above them gleamed at every angle. “You never catch a break, down you.”

“Yeah. Its fine, though, this one's going to be interesting.”

“How so?”

“You know Thalia Grace, Luke Castellan and Annabeth Chase?” Percy looks at him from the side. “Iv’e got a intel mission with them. Gotta get info on Chase and kill her.”

Travi's eyes widen with surprise. “Damn lucky.” He mutters under his breath, staring at the fast-coming road. “I would kill for a mission like that.”

The rest of the ride is calm. That is, if you excluded the constant bickering from the two over the aux and Mrs. O'Leary's barking. The shut fuck up! Travis says at one point, fed up- but that causes Mrs. O'leary to howl louder. It's only when Percy snaps his fingers is when it stops. Sea green eyes sparkle smugly. He nearly crashes the car.

But it's nice, jamming to music without a care in the world. It might make Percy's head pound in a few hours, but hey, it was worth it.

“...And we're here,” He says tiredly. The trip took about thirty minutes, give or take. “Now get out. Please.”

The Sydney Australian ational airport is loud, even if it is the dead of the night. That's expected. People flew in and out of the counrty, no matter the time of day. Or night. Cars honking and

“Rude much?” Percy sighs and opens the door, Mrs. O'leary jumping out of her seat with him. The luggage feels rather heavier now.

“Hey, don’t get yourself killed.” Travis's voice comes from the car just as Percy turns his back. “Alright?”

“Yes, Dad,” Percy says jokingly as he flashes a small smile of familiarity. “And don't make it seem as if I will die. See you around.”

“Yeah. Have a fun trip.” He says before he drives off, waving widely. Percy returns the wave two times more ensuthiasticaly, yelling a 'BYE!’ to the already long gone car.

Percy's going to miss him. A lot.

The airport bustled lively, intercom announcing delays and arrivals here and there. It was easy for Percy to navigate- his identity as an assassin was kept completely secret. Meaning he had no dirt or criminal record on him. To the naked eye, he was simply another civilian trying to get to New york. He was genuinely surprised at the fact. Was he really that good at hiding his alternate identity?

I suppose so, Percy thinks when he passes security with ease. There was nothing in his bag, of course, no weapons or anything illegal. Just the basics. Mostly clothing. How clueless were the airport staff were to just accept his passport? All they did was bat thier eyelashes at him, clueless. In fact, one of them even asked to pet Mrs. O'leary. He let them, of course, why wouldn't he?

The swarm of people move every which way in a frenzy of franticness. Percy just barely managed to get something to eat from the long line of stores. A cafe, gift shop, and candy shop? And one of those air-travel stores you see in almost every airport. Dimly lit sunshine just so happens to peek over the building, small light shining through the huge glass panel windows. The early morning commute has just begun for some. Not him, though.

It's going to be a very long trip.

“Miss Chase, your ride is here.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Annabeth stands up from her seat as she tears her gaze away from the flat screen television. The news is plastered on there, buzzing about the newest Olympian news. Everyone seemed to be talking about the damn thing so much already- she just didn't get it.

Luke is truly insufferable, asking her to do something so risky as to call her over for brunch. At her own company no less.

“Are you alright, Miss Chase? Your face is wrinkling.” Her assistant points out rather cluelessly. She brings a hand up to cover her embarassed face. “I-I’m, sorry! I didn't mean to comment on your appearance!” She stammers, a glowing red blush on her cheeks.

“It’s fine.” Annabeth sighs at her watch. 9:47, it reads. The sun is barely shown, hidden underneath the thick grey clouds. One can only imagine the strom brewing at the moment. “Let’s just go, yeah?”

“Of course.”

The car rolls up at the courtyard curb, driven by some chauffeur. Annabeth leaves that type of things to her assistant; she doesn't have time for small details like those. The two get into the vehicle, Annabeth sitting in the back beside her assistant.

“You have a meeting at 11:30. Conference room B, sixth level.”

“Noted.”

Rides like these have become a routine for Annabeth. Wake up, freshen up, drive to her building. A twenty-five storey building that she's grown accustomed to. It was big, sure, but it was getting so regular. She felt like it needed a change. Of what, Annabeth didn't know yet.

As the white car nears, the tall looming building seems more visible. Water runs from the huge fountain placed right at the front as per usual, the crystalline waters glistening in the dull sunlight.

“You’re recommended to meet back at the office at eleven,” Her assistant speaks up as she clutched her handbag. “No later.”

“Got it. Thanks,” Annabeth waves curtly as she exits the car, engines running. She takes a deep inhale of the city air around her. Not as clear as the countryside, but better than most places. She'll take it.

People greet Annabeth from inside the building as soon as she enters. Marble floors click beneath her every step from her slingback clad feet. A camera clicks and Annabeth winces. Were pictures really necessary? She tugs the hem of her blazer down, eyeing herself consiously; all while keeping a straight face. No time for pictures, for they would only delay her. No time for smiles, for it would be unprofessional.

“Annabeth!” Luke greets from inside the room. The 'room' is a lounge area with an array of food options lined on the white pristine walls. Wide windows overshow the outdoors. "Hey."

It might seem rather impulsive for such a well-known criminal like him to waltz in, with zero disguise. But much like Percy- Luke has no criminal record. No one knows his true identity except for the infamous alias Kronos. His alternate and much more intricate alias. Well, no one other than Annabeth and Thalia.

“Luke.” She greets, sitting down on a seat opposite of the glass table.

“I’ve heard you talked with Thalia the other day.” He starts, picking up a piece of egg with a fork. “You’re still in, right?”

“Why wouldn’t I be? You guys would be dead by now if it wasn't for me.” Annabeth takes a sip from her tea. Barley of course- simple yet soothing.

“I dunno. It just seems like you've been a little off lately.” Luke bites down on the egg, “Could be just in my mind.”

“I have a company to run. So I think you can imagine that what I'm doing, willingly, is kind of risky. But yes, I'm still in.” Annabeth says. “What about you? Having doubts of your own, Mr. I'm always sucsessful?”

“No way! I've got this in the bag. As long as I've got you and Thalia, we'll be fine. We've never failed a mission after all.” He laughs.

“Damn straight.”

“Anyways...” Luke tilts his head to the side, eyeing the breakfast sandwhiches. “I’ve got something to pick with the Olympians. It'll be gold if we can pull this off.”

“You mean when, right? We're doing this. It'll all go according to plan.” Annabeth takes a muffin into mouth, chewing the soft texture.

“Of course! But... You do realize that this'll be the biggest heist literally ever? As in, no one's done this before?”

“Weren’t you all optimistic before? Don't go bailing on me, Castellan.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Would you look at that,” Annabeth looks over to the t.v screen on the other side of the room. A deep scowl makes itself onto her already frowning face.

“Four of the Olympians have arrived here, this morning, at John F. Kennedy International Airport. They have yet to appear, but-" The newscaster stops. “Oh, it looks like they're here!”

The three Olympians certainly make a statement from the very way they walk. the big three: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. All brothers and yet they look nothing alike. Zeus seems to be in the bigger position out of the three, his authorative aura could be sensed even from the other side of the screen, his expression meaning no funny buisness. And Apollo- A sunshiney, blonde man weary Ray bans and a blinding smile. Why he was wearing them was beyond Annabeth. A fashion statement perhaps?

Luke stiffens at the sight of them.

“For some of our viewers memories, the Olympians are an group of wealthy buisness owners from around the world. The twelve of them have gathered here for one hell of an auction.” The newscaster exclaims. “Though all of them have yet to band together. Stay tuned for more news on the Olympians and-"

Annabeth shuts the t.v off with a mere click of a button. “Our targets.”

Luke nods. There's a certain dark look in his eyes, one that can mean absolutely no good. “Uh huh.” He stops eating to cscoff and look away.

Its a very limited time, but it provides some relief for both of the two. Thalia would be meeting up with them later in the day. Her reason being caught up in some shitty buisness. They catch up on their lives, after what- months of zero contact? It's truly a breath of fresh air. Even if they were conspiring a plan meant for the eventual downfall of the Olympians.

“Yeah, i’m on my way.” Annabeth says into her phone. A call from her secretary meant her leave. “I’ve got a meeting now. I'll meet you and Thals later.”

“You really are busy these days.” Luke grins. “I’ll be on my way.” He exits the room before Annabeth and into the hall, where people chat only meters away. She shakes her head.

"They're waiting for you in there, Mrs. Chase." Her secretary leads her to a tall mahogany door at the end off the hallway. He bows politely before taking his leave, shoes tapping on the marble floors.

Athchase's partners were two companies that's also specialized in architecture and construction. Good and well-structured, Annabeth could admit, but their CEO's were something else. As in sleazy scumbags.

"We've made it nearly worldwide, but we can do better. If we invest in more land around here," The presenter- a young woman maybe in her thirties, pointed to the board. "I think we'll gain some more and progress."

Annabeth wasn't listening. Call her irresponsible, but how could she when about three creepy old men were staring at you? she could do nothing but curse them internally. Wrinkles stained their faces matching with a horrible residing hairline, grey and stringy. It makes her frown in disgust. No, she's absolutely repulsed. So much that bile rises in her throat.

"Your opinions on this, Miss Chase?"

"Hm?" Annabeth looks up at the board. She had been gripping the pen in her hand like a vice now, knuckles almost white from the action. "That seems like a good plan." She says absent-mindedly.

Annabeth thinks she's about to lose it when one of them grins creepily. They're all adults there, professional adults. They certainly must have trouble acting like one.

The conference room isn't that high up compared to the other floors, it beingthe sixth. It shows a portion of New York before it gets overshadowed by the much larger buildings. Annabeth never fails to get distracted by the view.

"I believe that concludes this meeting." A new presenter snaps his notebook shut with a quick nod if dismissal.

"Hey," Annabeth calls her secretary a few moments after the meeting, "Cut all ties with our sister company."

"Which one?"

"The ones I just had a meeting with."

"M-may I ask why, Miss chase?" Her secretary stutters over the phone.

"For inprofessionalism. I can't work with someone so... immature." She scowls as she enters the elevator. Its empty, fortunately.

"Are you sure? They're our biggest providers. Cutting them off would be impulsive."

"We have other partners, right?" Annabeth now stands in her office, one of the more higher levels than the rest. She stands in front of the windows. "I can always replace them."

"Right away, Miss Chase."

Annabeth wasn't one to be this impulsive, but people like them really put themselves to change her mind. Her office was mere meters away. She would have to make a few changes herself.

Turns out, a twenty one hour trip from Australia to New York can take a major toll on you.

One that's less than refreshing.

Percy was fine during the first few hours or so. Flying first class wasn't too bad. Leather seats and gourmet foods, what more could he ask for? It soon turned out that his stomach did not correspond correctly with that piece of meat: leading Percy to be stomach sick for the rest of the flight. Gods, he didn't even get to enjoy the bar or the chocolate mousse cake.

Mrs. O'Leary was much better. Even through takeoff, she was blissfully asleep. One can't even guess how.

Groaning, Percy walked out of the airport, hand on his stomach for support. Apollo's shrill voice did nothing to tame that.

"Annabeth will be heading to a bar in Manhattan. I hear Luke and Thalia will be there meeting up." He says.

"Okay, how the hell do you know that?"

"I've got connections." Apollo chuckles. "Anyways, I've booked you a hotel near Athchase's headquarters. Theres a little something waiting for you in there. Make sure you wear it to the bar."

"It better not be some sort of Halloween costume," Percy grumbles. "Alright. What time?"

"9 o'clock, sharp. Remember- just listen to their conversation. Get info. The real mission will get started soon." Apollo hangs up on him.

Percy sighs, hailing a cab. He hated this part of missions, the most boring and bland parts. But if the mission were to commence... then that didn't really matter.

If it were up to him, then Percy would rather visit Sally first. If it were up to him, some blue cookies he'd been so homesick for would be amazing.

If it were up to him.

Percy knew that visiting them could potentially put them in danger. That would not be happening not on his watch. He knew they could wait. But could he?

"...Right over here, thanks." Percy says as the cab stops short at the curb, looking up. It almost hurts his neck to do so. The tall hotel certainly stands out, it's modern both exterior and interior makes it all have a very bold sense.

Apparently Apollo had already booked quite beforehand, because the staff comes up to him expectantly. They flash him bright smiles that don't quite reach their eyes, questioning if he's Mr. Perseus. When he says yes, they send another staff member to escort him to his room, handing Percy and card that gives only him entrance to it.

Would room be a appropriate word for it?

Because this wasn't a mere room.

A glass chandelier hangs from the high ceilling; maybe about twenty feet high? Dark hardwood floors are pristine from any specific of dust. There's a kitchen to his left, a living room to his right, and more rooms and hallways. It's not as big as his penthouse, but it's more alike than he'd like to admit.

Percy can't stop Mrs. O'Leary from running full speed into it, loud barks echoing off the walls. He just laughs it off, heading to his own room. It takes about ten minutes of searching, but he finds it. Large and spacious (Percy would rather have it more smaller and homey) interior is the first thing he notices. Next-- the article of clothing on his bed.

A deep blue suit lays on the bed, dress shirt and all that shit. He snarls. Suits just were never Percy's forte. They were stuffy, not to mention hot, and just even more stuffy the longer you wore them. You'd think after wearing them for so long he'd surely get used to it.

He was sure to think that, too.

But here Percy was, standing in the full-length mirror in the huge walk-in closet. The finely tailored suit clung oh-so perfectly to his body, making him almost want to keep it on. Maybe it felt nice, but he was sure he was going to rip it off later in the night.

“Perseus!”

The floor seems to drop beneath him. It can't be. Actually, scratch that, it must certainly can be. Of course.

“Oh, fucking fantastic.” Percy mutters under his breath. “Apollo. What are you doing here?”

“I just happened to arrive today," The man says, flicking his eyes over Percy. He smiles. "Or have you forgotten im an olympian already?"

“Hell no.” Percy walks past him, into the hall. The huge hanging clock on the wall displays 8:36, only about thirty minutes until his pursuit. “I should get going soon. What’re you even doing here?”

“I Can't have my little junior all alone in the big scary new york.” Apollo says. "So why dont I come with you?"

“I used to live in New york? I probably know this place better than you know the back of your hand.” Percy rolls his eyes. “The real reason? A hookup, i’m assuming?”

“Bingo.” He clicks his tounge.

“You disgust me.”

"Im just going to ignore that little remark." Apollo sighs. "Well, what are we waiting for? Miss Chase is waiting."

There's a little hostility hidden in such a simple saying. Maybe Percy was imagining things, but he knew Apollo was a very good actor. In all things- including in both hiding and acting his feelings. He'd just hoped that they weren't directed towards Percy.

"You really go all out, don't you." He notes as he enters the limo. A little cheesy for his taste, but fine nonetheless.

"Only the best for me of course!" Apollo beams. "...And you I guess." Percy rolls his eyes.

"Check your pocket." The blonde says suddenly, streetlights illuminating the car in red, green, and white. "The moon just shines ever so, outshine by the tall buildings.

And so Percy does.

"What's this?" He asks, pulling out what looks like a earpiece.

"I can talk to you through that." Apollo explains, yawning. "Make sure I can hear from you're side when you're with Miss Chase."

"Just make sure you don't moan into it." Percy scoffs as he puts it on. "Testing." He says into the piece, looking at the man only opposite of him. He gives a thumbs up of approval.

"Mm, looks like we're here." Apollo says, putting his sunglasses above his head. Percy wasn't sure why he always insisted to wear them. Maybe he'd recalled him saying it was part of his 'outfit'. Whatever that meant.

The bar isn't very- its not quite-

Pleasant.

More specifically: its an alleyway.

"Are we lost?" Percy groans at the dark void. Was it just him, or did that trashcan just move?

"Just follow." Apollo ushers him over.

As they walk, he explains. "This isn't some ordinary bar. Enterance is very exclusive to select few." He looks over to Percy. "You're lucky! This might be the only chance in your lifetime you'll get to see this."

Apollo stops in front of a large metal door. With a few taps of a button in the built in pad, it clicks open with a green light. And what awaits them?

Stairs. Cold, metal stairs. He shivers.

"Well come on. The night's only getting started!" Apollo grins ear to ear, walking in the hallway. Blue lights are the only visible source of light. Their shadows cast on the tiled floor, and Percy almost wants to make a run for it.

"Apollo." At the end of the hall stands a bouncer. I big burly one. His eyes seem to overlook the two's every move, like he has a hundred eyes. But maybe he does.

"Don't worry, Argus," Said man laughs carelessly. "He's with me."

Argus eyes Percy condescendingly, blue eyes meeting his sea green ones. He nods after a few beats of silence. "Come on in."

Percy sucks in a breath when he opens the door, loud music thumping through the floors. He didn't know what to expect. Maybe a more calmer environment with less people- or less flashing lights?

Not whatever this was.

It was much too crowded for Percy too get a full glimpse, even from his tall line of sight. But what he could make out there were people every which way. Alcohol reeked off from the passing bodies, bumping into his shoulder. At one point Percy had to shove a few of them back, muttering a few curses.

"Apollo?" Percy called out to no one in particular. When he realized that the man was gone, he couldn't help but let a tight frown make itself across his face. "Shit." He looked over to the bar.

A drink seemed good right now.

Sure, his mind traveled across to his intended mission, but surely a drink would loosen things up a tad bit. Get him into his groove.

"This seat taken?" He asked to the woman beside him. Grey eyes looked over at him, scanning his attire.

"No."

Percy smiled. "Thanks." He ushered the bartender over, where she was in the process of pouring a drink.

"One coke, please."

The lady beside him gave him a questioning look. "You don't drink?" A strand of curly blonde hair fell on her face, to which she tucked behind her ear. Gracefully, Percy could notice. The bartender slides the tall glass over, redish-blackish drink glistening with droplets.

"You certainly are curious." He sips his drink, exhaling with a small smile.

"I didn't mean it like that." She was quick to say. She cleared her throat. "S-sorry."

"Dont mention it."

Awkward silence. The lady took a painfully slow sip, the liquid finding itself down her throat. Percy looked away eyeing his own bubbling glass.

"I just don't have some very good experiences with alcohol." Percy says. "Its complicated."

"Oh, don't I know. But its been a while since I had time to unwind. A drink seems really great right now." She laughs lightly.

"I guess this is my time to agree with you," Percy places the glass down. "Speaking of which, do you have a name or something?"

The lady looks away, avoiding eye contact. She fiddles with her fingers. "You don't recognize me?"

"Should I?" He asks uncertainly.

She sighs into her drink. "Annabeth. Annabeth Chase."

oh.

Oh.

His target.

#percabeth fanfic #percabeth oneshot #percy x annabeth #percabeth #percy jackson #percy pjo #percy and grover #percy and annabeth #percy jackon and the olympians #pjo #annabeth pjo #annabeth chase #percabeth angst #percabeth fluff #percabetn #percabeth fanfiction

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sadistgalore · 4 years ago

Text

Chapter 4: This Is Where The Fun Begins

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CW: Starvation, human trafficking mention, suicide mention, dehumanization, implied torture, implied non con, defiant whumpee, humiliation, slapping, electrocution, master/pet, beating, broken bones, torture, conditioning

Harper couldn’t sleep that night. She was fucking scared shitless.

She was locked in a cold, dark room being starved, and was being reduced to sleep on a cement floor. Not to mention, she was fucking kidnapped by a pervert that killed her father and took her brother.

She and Beth had read missing person cases, and investigated strange networking of human trafficking. They never got anywhere close, but they met survivors, and the stories they told were horrible.

Being reduced to be another person’s pet, being dehumanized and forced to crawl like a dog or cat, being kept in a cage and getting dog food.

The worst one Harper remembered was a girl her age, who escaped from her “master” a few weeks before. She was visibly thin, likely starved, and she had several scars on her body that she was afraid would never heal. She described her life for three years, where she was mostly confined to a bed being used over and over again. She was nothing more than a toy for her owner however they wanted, and she mentioned the punishments she would have to endure if she didn’t follow exactly what her master said.

Harper still got goosebumps whenever she thought of that poor girl’s story, and will never forget the day when she saw her body in the police station morgue.

Death by suicide.

“Oh god,” she whispered. “Oh fuck, that’s gonna be me.”

She shakily drew in a breath, and exhaled in a sob. She broke down crying, regretting everything she ever did bringing herself here, and could not stop thinking how she would end up exactly like that survivor.

I don’t wanna be...oh my god I can’t even think about it. Will I even get out of here? What will he do to me? He said he won’t hurt me if I follow his orders, but what will those orders be? I don’t wanna degrade myself for him...should I submit or be defiant?

After a moment of thinking, she made up her mind that she wouldn’t break like that girl. She would be strong, for Beth. Beth would find her, or Nic. She won’t be here for long, she knew it.

They already got his name, Alpha team was about to raid the Vault, so they’ll save me...right?

Harper shook her head, she couldn’t think like that. She had to remain strong and not lose hope. She got up and put her back to the wall next to the door, and soon as someone came in, she would attack.

Not even after a minute of standing there, Harper heard a voice from the ceiling.

“Tsk, tsk, little dove. We’re not playing that game. Get back to your little corner, else you’ll regret it when I get there.”

Harper looked around, there’s was no one in the room how did he-

“There’s a camera, dumbass.”

Harper’s face flushed red as she noticed the camera in each of the corners of the room. She sighed and walked back to her corner in shame.

Not gonna submit, huh?

“Whatever,” she mumbled to herself as she put her head in between her knees.

She laid there for about an hour, occasionally whimpering whenever her stomach growled, until the door opened.

Harper scrambled up to her feet and clutched the wall behind her once she saw who it was.

“Good afternoon, Harper,” Dark said as he stepped into the room.

Harper said nothing when he walked right in front of her face, then slapped her.

“What the hell?” She yelled as she clutched her stinging cheek.

“Lesson one,” the man said as he walked into the center of the room, pulling out a cattle prod from his belt.

“You address me with respect, not silence and a scowl,” he finished as he turned on the cattle prod, causing blue sparks to form. It took every ounce of Harper’s willpower not to flinch.

“Let’s start from the beginning, shall we? If I were to call you, you would walk over to me, head down. Do not look at me in my eyes without permission, and be prepared to crawl if I command you to. Now, little dove, come.”

Harper stared at him with a mixture of shock and disgust. “I’m not a dog.”

Dark rolled his eyes and flipped a switch on the cattle prod, which shot a string with the taser heads attached to it. It latched onto Harper and shocked her, causing her to scream immediately.

“You’re whatever I goddamn say you are,” Dark growled as he retreated the tasers back from his captive’s chest. “Now, come. I don’t like repeating myself.”

Harper blinked away tears, those tasers fucking hurt like a bitch, and slowly walked over to her tormentor, eyes on the ground.

“Good girl,” Dark said, patting her head, and Harper couldn’t resist her flinch.

“Next step,” the man continued. “When I say a greeting to you, you respond the exact same thing, ending your sentence with either Sir or Master and, only if I allow it, Edward or Mr. Darmine. I hate the name Dark, the public and your little police force gave me. You will not address me with any other title, no bastard, asshole, bitch, none of that else your punishment will either be a muzzle attached to your face or your lips sewn shut. Speaking of muzzles, you will continue to address me properly even if you are gagged.”

Harper swallowed while she stared at the ground.

What. The. Fuck?! Master? No, no, no, no fucking way. Absolutely fucking not. I guess calling him Sir is fine, but no Master.

“So let’s try this again. Good afternoon, Harper.”

No, fuck please no.

“Look at me, Harper.”

Harper’s blue eyes met his cold, dark brown ones. Not even dark brown, more like black; there's barely a hint of color in them.

Dark rested the cattle prod under her chin. “One last time, pet, address me as Master. Good afternoon, Harper.”

The girl’s mouth opened to speak, further investigating the fear just beneath it, but no words came out.

Dark glared, raising an eyebrow as a small sign of mercy but still, Harper chose to stay nothing.

He turned the cattle prod back on.

Harper couldn’t even scream as her body seemed to freeze in place, but the searing pain still remained coursing through her veins.

Dark threw the cattle prod back and forth between his hands. “I can do this all day, little dove. Just call me Master and all this pain will end.”

“N-never...asshole-” Harper was cut off by her own screams.

“Now, what did I say about those no-no words, dear?”

Harper was twitching, struggling to keep upright, and Dark noticed this.

“Another good lesson you should learn, sweetheart, is to kneel when your owner tells you to.”

“O-owner?”

“Yes, Harper,” the man said while gripping her chin. “You’re my property now.”

Despite her pain and the consequences, Harper spit in the man’s face.

Dark threw her back, disgusted, and reached for a handkerchief to wipe off the saliva from his face.

“You,” he murmured. “Are going to regret that.”

He flipped another switch on the prod which caused a chain reaction to extend the base and retract the taser so the cattle prod looked more like a baton.

He lunged at her, not perturbed by his captive weakly covering her face with her arms. The baton hit the side of her waist, then landed another hit in her calf. He continued till Harper was on the ground, and continued even as a few of her ribs and bones began to break. He finally stopped when he heard a blood-curling scream from Harper, and saw bone sticking through her arm.

“Oopsies,” he chuckled awkwardly. “Sometimes I just see red and just can’t hold back, you know?”

Harper just sobbed as she clutched her arm. Her entire body was in white hot pain, and she wanted to throw up once she saw her bone piercing her own skin.

“Alright,” Dark said with a playtime is over tone. “Get up and let’s try this again.”

“No, please,” the broken girl whimpered. “Please I can’t.”

“Yes, you can because I’m ordering it. I don’t care what you want or how you’re feeling. You do whatever I say, no questions asked.”

Harper still remained on the ground, sobbing, making no effort to move.

Dark sighed and raised his arm, clearly in Harper’s line of sight even through her tears.

“No, please! I’m s-sorry, okay? I’ll try again...I’ll try.”

Dark retreated his arm and stepped back, giving Harper room to get up.

She was shaking all over, and it seemed damn near impossible to just prop herself off the ground. But still, she tried and managed to get on your knees, crying out in pain as she did so.

Harper flinched as she heard the cattle prod crackle. “I don't have all day, pet. Hurry up before I give you another beating, this time with a bat of nails.”

“I’m sorry, sir.” You’re a quick learner. “Please, I can do it just no more-“

Again, cattle prod lifted up her chin and she was met by a deathly glare.

“I hate excuses. I don’t care, keep going.”

Harper nodded as he removed the tool, and finally stood up straight again.

“Try again from the beginning, no mistakes.”

Dark stepped back into a separate corner of the room.

“Come, pet.”

Harper walked over to him, eyes down.

“Kneel.”

She took it as a mercy and listened, considering it a rest from her sore and broken body.

“I’m leaving. Have a good afternoon, darling.”

Still, Harper couldn’t bring herself to do it. She couldn’t degrade herself like that.

She cried out again as she was met with a harsh slap. Dark grabbed her chin.

“You will learn very quickly that I am not a patient man. When I tell you to do something, you do it, understand? Now, address me as Master or I’ll cut out your tongue.”

How could he say that so casually? Plus, he wouldn’t do that...would he?

Dark cleared his throat.

“Have a good night...Master.”

Dark kissed the top of her head. “Good girl, just do that from now on and follow orders, and you won’t get anymore beatings.”

“S-sir…?” Her voice was barely a whisper. She clutched her arm, still in very much pain.

“I’ll give you some pain relievers with your food in a few hours. Oh, and don’t blame me; it’s your fault that happened.”

And with that, he left with a composure that he didn’t just beat the shit out of someone.

Harper fell to the floor, still clutching her arm in pain. She eventually managed to crawl her way over back to her corner, leaning against it in the most comfortable way possible.

I can not believe this is actually my life now. I’ve spent every day trying to find my father’s killer only to be taken as his fucking pet! He seems attached, will he treat me differently than all of the other people he kidnapped? Or will he end up killing me when he gets bored? Maybe he’ll keep me, and if I seem like I submitted to him, he’ll show me around, maybe slip a little, and I can find out as much information as I can from the inside. Maybe he knows what happened to my brother.

Maybe he’s like me, and is in a cell somewhere.

Maybe I could save my brother.

Harper stared up at the ceiling, with a new goal set in mind.

“I’m coming, Harry.”

#whump #lady whump #sadistic whumper #original work #my writing #whump community #implied torture #implied noncon #torture #conditioning #pet whump #defiant whumpee #electrocution #beating #dark aesthetic #Harper #Devil's Playground

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excuseme-howdareyou · 5 years ago

Text

Birthday Prompt: Jason

@redhoodrage

They did it again. And by 'they', he meant Bruce.

Jason didn't know if he wanted to curse, sigh, or blow up the damn thing. Maybe all three? Either way, the fancy wrapped box sitting in front of his door, done up in shiny gray paper and yellow ribbon was doing way to much to fuel his anger. And the little tag on top, with just a 'B', was a bit much.

He just got off patrol, and all he wanted to do was go home, sleep for ten hours, eat his weight in chili dogs when he woke up, and enjoy an entirely Bat-free day all to himself. Was that too much to ask? So with a grumble and a glare, he nudged the box (probably full of something stupid and expensive and fancy) with his foot a good couple feet to the right.

Once the box was out of the way, Jason unlocked his front door and stepped inside. He left the present sitting outside in the hallway.

A minute later, his door opened back up again and his arm reached out. A yellow sticky note with the word "FREE" was slapped on top, then he retreated back into his apartment.

.........................................

Jason was a light sleeper. He knew this. His friends knew this. Everyone knew this. So who in their right mind would break into his apartment at 4am, when he's only had two hours of sleep, and much more likely to blow someone's head off?!

Cassandra Cain. That's who.

Cassandra and her idiotic girlfriend Stephanie Brown. If Jason didn't have such respect for Cass, he would've called them the Dumbass Duo. But that nickname was reserved for Dick Grayson and Wally West. So it was just Cassandra and the Dumbass.

Cass was the only one skilled enough to get into his apartment at 4AM. Steph was the only one dumb enough to actually do it.

"Fuck off!" Jason roared at them, leaping out of bed with the knives he kept under his pillow for exactly this kind of trespassing. Cass silently caught the knife he threw at her face, but Steph eeped and ducked at the next one that came flying at her.

"Whoa, hey!" she yelled, ducking down behind his dresser," We come in peace!"

Upon realizing that they weren't ninjas/assassins/monsters/Untitled sent to kill him, Jason lowered the third projectile in his hand (his trusty laser-sharpened hunting knife) but did not put it down. "What," he breathed in deep, trying to blink the green away from his eyes," the fuck are you two doing here?"

Cass, still in her all black suit and really not making Jason feel all that better about the two of them breaking into his place in the middle of the night, hauled Steph out from her hiding place. "Umm, happy birthday?" the blonde laughed nervously and held up a purple gift bag. From... somewhere, Cass produced a matching gift bag in pastel pink.

Jason could only stare incredulously at the two of them. "Get out..." he whispered.

Steph blinked," But aren't you gonna-"

"GET OUT!" he roared at them.

They left, leaving the presents on the dresser.

Once they were out of sight, and Jason wasn't seeing as much Lazarus green, he took a couple deep breaths. Then he grabbed the two gift bags, walked up to the window which they exited out through-

-and from the 21st floor, dropped both bags out the window and slammed it shut.

...............................................

"Well of course he kicked you guys out!" Duke groaned, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his palm," What kind of crazy...and at 4 in the.... did it just not occur to you that breaking into someone's bedroom in the dead of night is just kinda this side of creepy?"

Both Cass and Steph had the decency to look ashamed.

"We wanted to be the first ones to wish him happy birthday," came Steph's explanation," He hasn't... I don't think he's had a birthday since he was put six feet under and dug his way back out."

Not exactly a tactful way to say it, especially on such a sensitive matter, but... well she wasn't wrong.

"And it's Alfred's birthday too," Duke murmured thoughtfully," Didn't they use to celebrate their birthdays together or something?"

From across the room, Tim piped up," They used to bake cakes together."

A contemplative silence fell over the room. "No," Tim deadpanned," You're not gonna succeed in whatever you're thinking."

"I didn't say anything!" Steph protested.

"But you were thinking it."

"Thinking what?" of course, Dick chose that moment to walk in, rubbing his wet hair with a towel.

"It's Jason's birthday and Steph and Cass tried to give him a present but he refused to accept it," Duke told him, as it didn't even occur to him to not mention the elephant in the room to the man who loved elephants more than anything.

At the words 'Jason's birthday', Dick froze and his eyes lit up. At the word 'present', a devious smile spread over his face.

"Dick, No," Tim directed his glare over to him.

"Dick, yes!" said man just grinned all the wider," It's Little Wing's birthday, we should celebrate it!"

The energy in the room now sufficiently reignited, both he and Steph smiled widely and bounced ideas off each other.

"Birthday party?"

"Nah, too big. Family dinner?"

"We could make both him and Alfred matching cakes."

"I've already got them both presents."

"So did we. But... Jason threw ours out the window."

"He did what?"

"Well can you blame him?" Tim sighed," Jason's not gonna come to a birthday dinner here at the Manor, Dick." He tried to explain, and wow it was really hard to explain this to a man who looked too much like a kicked puppy," He hates it here, you know that." Jason had made it plenty and obviously clear anytime he was forced to so much as come near the place.

"And he's not going to accept any gifts you guys give him. It's Jason. He's paranoid and temperamental and he's not going to trust anything that comes from us."

Dick thought a moment, rubbing his chin in deep contemplation. Tim didn't like that look. "So you're saying..." Dick hummed thoughtfully," ...that Jason will only accept a gift from someone he trusts? Someone he actually, truly considers family?"

'Oh no,' was all Tim had time to think before both Dick and Steph exclaimed," Challenge accepted!"

"Challenge?"

Oh no, Tim thought again as Damian descended down the stairs with an intrigued expression on his face. "What challenge?" Damian demanded.

................................

Jason straight up buried his head under his pillow when there was a persistant knocking at his door. 'Go away,' he pleaded and tried to fall back asleep,' I'm not here.'

"I know you're in there, Jason!" came Dick's voice from out in the hallway," You can't hide in there forever!"

'I can, and I will,' Jason grumbled and rolled over.

The knocking continued.

"Fuck off, Dick!" he yelled.

"No, it's your birthday and we're going to celebrate!" came Dick's reply," Now open up or I'm going to come in whether you like it or not."

There was no answer, so Dick waited all of three minutes before picking the lock. (Took a couple minutes more though. Little Wing was getting good at arming electrified locks)

The apartment was empty when he got inside.

.....................................

The day was hot and muggy and Jason loved it. Gotham would probably never feel as warm as the tropics (except during heat waves, but even then those were just uncomfortable) but he liked the warm and if it was sunny and warm, Jason could be found outside soaking it in.

Annoying, persistent Bats aside, not a bad day for his birthday. Last night he'd successfully taken down a small drug ring, got a couple messages on his phone from Roy and Kori wishing him happy birthday, and the Joker was locked up in Arkham. Now all that was missing was-

-Jason stopped dead in his tracks.

Tim Drake stood in front of Jason's favorite hot dog cart, where the owner made the best chili-dogs, with an almost expectant expression his face.

Part of Jason -a large part- wanted to spin on his heel and just march away from Tim and his stupid face and everything else Bat. But his stomach was protesting loudly and he mentally swore at Dick because he hadn't had a chance to grab breakfast before fleeing out his own bedroom window.

"I hate you," he hissed as he passed Tim entirely to get him some chili-dogs.

Tim didn't look too upset about it. "Mmhmm," he hummed, as if didn't believe a word Jason said. "So who's all harassed you so far?" he asked.

"Including you?" Jason added with a glare," Dick, Cass, Steph, and Bruce."

That last one seemed to surprise the brat. "Bruce stopped by to see you already?" he blinked," I thought he was still asleep."

Jason took a bite of one of his three chili-dogs ('The best chili dogs in town.') and very purposely didn't offer one to Tim. "Left a present on my doorstep," he answered and walked away. Tim, the asshole, kept in step with him. Though Jason took a little glee in the fact that for every one of his steps, Tiny Tim had to take two.

"What'd he get you?" Tim asked, genuinely curious," It's always something stupidly practical and mission-related. Last year he got Dick a thermal insulated Nightwing suit with built in heaters."

Jason shrugged. "Dunno. I put a ‘free’ sticker on it and left it outside." So yeah, that had definitely been taken by some stranger already.

"And I heard you threw Cass and Steph's presents out the window."

Finishing off the last of his first chili-dog, Jason turned and gave Tim the stink eye. "And if you try to do anything for my birthday, I'm gonna throw you out the window."

Tim just scoffed; not like it would be the first time. "Sorry, you're not on my list of 'People I Buy Presents For'," he replied," But I suppose I do have some kind of birthday gift for you..."

At Jason's groan of despair and annoyance, he couldn't help but laugh. "Just a warning, you drama queen," Tim added," Dick and Steph sorta... made it into a competition..."

"What kind of competition?"

"The kind where everyone in the family is going to try and get you to accept a birthday gift. The first one you accept is the winner, and you've officially come back into the fold."

"....Fuck."

..........................................

"I hear it's your birthday, ya big lug."

Great. Now he's being harassed while out grocery shopping. Clutching his basket of food closer, Jason prayed for patience before turning around and looking at Harper Row. "Whoever told you that was lying," he said.

Harper looked like she couldn't decide if she wanted to laugh or scoff. "I'll be sure to tell Alfred that," she snarked back and ouch- She really knew where to hit him hard. "Anyways, I already gave Alfred his gift, so..." she held out a little red box with a white bow on top.

"Happy birthday."

Now, Jason didn't mind Harper. Not really. They never really hung out or talked, and as far as Jason knew she hadn't really done anything to piss him off. Hell, she wasn't even a Robin which went miles in his book. But then Tim's warning this morning about the competition rang through his head and Jason would be damned before he lets anyone of the Batfamily think he's one of them.

So without a word, he took the box out of her hand (she seemed genuinely surprised at that) then turned right around and found a little kid about 5 standing a little bit down the aisle.

"Happy birthday, buddy," he smiled widely at the little boy and held out the box," Here's a gift from the Red Hood, okay?" The little boy, staring up at him with wide awed eyes, clutched the red present to his chest before running off yelling," Mommy! The Red Hood gave me a present!"

Jason sauntered off out of the aisle -wouldn't do to have the mom come back and find him- with Harper on his heels.

"You know there was a taser in there, right?" she asked skeptically.

......................................

"Here."

Well, it wasn't the rudest way in which someone's shoved something in his face, but it was pretty far up there. Damian 'Demon Brat' Wayne looked like he'd be anywhere else when he sat down on the city bus with Jason and held out a perfectly wrapped present.

Jason Todd never thought he'd see the day in which Damian would willingly ride public transportation.

"Nope," he said, largely ignoring the present being shoved in his face.

The scowl on the kid's face was highly amusing though. "Just accept the damn gift," he snarled at him.

"Language," Jason found himself retorting before really realizing it," And I'm not taking it. I know about your guys' stupid contest and I'm not having any part of it."

Damian was oddly silent.

Incensed, Jason's scowl was even more impressive. "You guys seriously think you can just buy me back with some stupid things on my birthday and pretend like the past nine years hasn't happened? I know Dick's an idiot, but I expected better of the rest of you."

Damian still didn't say anything and for five city blocks, their bus ride continued in silence.

When they came to the next bus stop, the brat stood up and walked off without another word. 'Huh, not even an argument for once?' Jason thought. It was odd, for sure, but he decided to count his blessings and not dwell on it.

.......................................

All he saw was a hint of yellow, a smidgen of black...

...and the instant Jason saw Signal drop down in front of him, he threw a brick at his head.

.......................................

There was another box sitting in front of his door when he got home. This time, it was big and bright and blue. He didn't even have to look at the tag to know it came from Dick. He sighed, a put upon sigh that rattled down to his bones, and nudged the box away from his door with his foot, just like he'd done for Bruce's.

It was large and bright and had it been just a square foot bigger, he would've half expected Dick Grayson to have squeezed himself inside only to pop out with a confetti gun like some kind of smiley jack-in-the-box.

He really wouldn't put it past Dick.

So he dug his grocery receipt out of his pocket and a marker. And just like he did for Bruce's, he wrote FREE on the back of the paper, shoved it under the ribbon so it wouldn't blow away, and left it there in the hallway.

....................................

Inside his apartment is....

Well, the first thing Jason noticed was the smell of something herbal and sweet. He knew that smell. And he knew for a fact he didn't have any Oolong tea in his cupboards.

"Ah, I see you've returned with groceries, Master Jason," came Alfred's voice from the kitchen," I hope you remembered to get milk. It would appear you are out."

Wide eyed, confused, and just a little bit apprehensive, Jason stepped into his own kitchen. And yep, he wasn't hallucinating. There was Alfred, black suit and all, with a pot of water boiling on the stove, Jason's tea pot sitting on the counter, and a mug of tea in his hands.

Also spread out on the counter was a number of baking ingredients such as flour and sugar.

Jason set his bags down on the table, staring at Alfred. "What..." his voice squeaked and he cleared his throat," What are you doing here, Alfred?"

"It's my birthday, and I have the day off," Alfred answered in his usual no-nonsense tone, as if Jason had asked him what the weather was like outside. Then he poured some tea into another mug that Jason hadn't even realized was there. "Tea?" he held it out to him.

Still baffled, but he did love Alfred's Oolong tea, and well... he did love Alfred, Jason silently took the cup from him.

Alfred waited until Jason took his first long sip before saying," Happy birthday, Master Jason."

"Not you too!" Jason groaned.

There was a smile on Alfred's face as he sipped his own tea before setting the cup down on the counter. "Do you know why I'm here, Master Jason?" he asked. Alfred apparently decided to busy himself with unbagging Jason's groceries while said man tried to come up with an answer.

"Because you're in on this competition too?" he guessed sourly.

Pulling out the milk and a couple cans of soup, Alfred replied succintly," Because what I want for my birthday is to spend the day with my grandson on his own birthday."

..."I'm not really your grandson," Jason mumbled into his tea. His face was red and he felt warm and cozy inside, but he tried to not let it go to his head. He wasn't really Alfred's family. He wasn't really anybody's family. Family's not exactly his forte and time has proven multiple times that Jason Todd's never really been good at the whole thing.

Alfred shot him a look like he wanted to prove him wrong. "And do you know why everyone is insisting on giving you birthday gifts?" he asked instead.

"Because they want to win the contest?"

"Yes and no."

Great, a cryptic answer. Jason's favorite.

"Because they're a bunch of competetive fools who are bored out of their minds, so Dick and Steph came up with this stupid contest that will occupy them for a day, then everyone will go on with their lives like today never happened," Jason haphazarded a guess.

Alfred very nearly rolled his eyes, but they lit up in surprise when he pulled something unexpected out of one of the grocery bags. "Hello, what is this?"

It was a little white box with yellow ribbon, professionally wrapped, and Jason recognized it immediately. "That little brat!" he exclaimed," He must've snuck it into my bag on the bus!"

That would finally explain why Damian left without a fight.

With the knowing little twinkle back in his eye, Alfred set the present down and turned to Jason. "They want to celebrate your birthday because they care, Master Jason," he finally said," Yes, there are sadly few in this family who are any good at actually talking to each other, but you must understand that everyone, Master Bruce especially, do things for each other because it's the only way they can show that they care."

Jason opened his mouth to argue, but didn't dare interrupt Alfred. "They try to give you gifts because they know you won't accept an invitation to a family dinner," Alfred continued," Master Bruce gives practical gifts because he wants all of you to be safe. Master Dick gives hugs because to him, physical contact is how he shows his love. Master Tim doesn't get gifts for people, but he will set aside time to spend with those he cares for. And for this..." He held up Damian's little gift," While yes there is a competition going on, Master Damian snuck this into your bag not because he wanted to win some silly challenge, but because he simply wanted you to have it."

"But even more importantly, you must know this: What is the reward at the end of this contest?"

Significantly cowed, Jason sipped his tea and thought. He never really thought of it in that way. That other people showed the way they cared in different ways.

But it was still a hard pill to swallow.

"Bragging rights?" he replied, more of a quiet question than an answer.

But even still, Alfred smiled at him," No my dear boy. They get you. That's why they try so hard, because they want you know you're still part of the family."

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imnotwolverine · 4 years ago

Text

The girl next door - For dummies

The Girl Next Door - Chapter 5 FOR DUMMIES*

Summary: Henry decides to treat Lizz to an evening of home spa, but neither one of the two are clear on what should happen next. Are they still just friends?

Word count: 2.439

Warnings: strong language, fluff, touch of (dubious consensual) smut, alcohol use

Author’s note: And another! I really don’t think I’ll ever write THIS much in so few days, but once you’re on a roll..you best just keep going, right? So here goes another chapter. Enjoy it while another very sweaty, sweaty night is here to greet us ;)

(Link to my Masterlist)

Lizz quietly gazed at the woodgrain texture of the garden table, her lips hovering over her cup of tea. She was lost in thought, blowing wistfully over the liquid that sure had gone lukewarm or even cold by now, her big brown eyes seemingly on “stand-by”.

‘Are you still going to drink that?’ Henry’s question lingered in the air as he studied the pensive red head that sat next to him. As per usual she sat on her chair and he on his - the poor chair holding on for dear life as Henry was anything but a small man. Not so usual was the placement of Henry’s chair, which was seated much more closely to Lizz’s then it had been a few weeks ago. First Henry sat at the far end of the garden table, but now he sat so very close to Lizz’s spot that their knees were close to touching.

A lot had happened in these few weeks and let’s just say that the two of them had broken the Corona protocol so many times by now - be it consciously or unconsciously - that they had simply given up on even trying to keep up good appearances.

Lizz finally woke up from her death stare, looking up to her side and meeting Henry’s eyes, her shoulders shrugging with an indifference. ‘Iced tea is nice too.’

Henry chuckled, shaking his head and leaning over to take the cup from her, putting it back on the table. ‘I have the feeling you could use a well-deserved…break.’ He said, nodding at the house.

The once ruin of a building was now slowly being whipped back into shape by the fearless redhead. The roof and water boiler had finally been fixed, a large part of the front yard was made more presentable and this week she had started sanding down and repairing the woodwork of the doors and windows. Which, honestly, was one hell of a job when it’s hot out and you’re all alone. But that couldn’t stop Lizz from trying, her energy endless as she fought her way through years and years of decay.

The only real breaks she took were her morning runs and tea breaks with Henry. And that wasn’t because she chose to. He simply insisted on it - one couldn’t possibly resist him when he used his very convincing puppy eyes - and Lizz cracked every single time. And so, once more, they sat here, in Lizz’s front yard. His tea now finished and hers practically gone cold.

‘A break? We literally are just finishing our break, Mr. Cavill.’ She snickered, giving him a teasing poke.

‘No. I mean. Longer than ten minutes of sipping on some tea. A REAL break. How about you come over tonight and I’ll surprise you? Hmm?’

Lizz guessed he just meant this in a friendly manner, but still her heart skipped a beat as Henry offered her one of his million dollar smiles. This man was criminally handsome. Gosh, she just couldn’t ever say “no” to him, could she?

‘Fine.’ She agreed.

‘Be there at 6 o’clock. I’m cooking.’ He said simply, getting up from his chair - the frame wobbling dangerously - and laying his hand on her shoulder. She looked up when he didn’t move his hand. ‘What?’

‘Okay?’

‘Yea yea. I’ll be there. I’m not one for being late..or breaking promises.’

‘Good, because neither am I.’ He winked, brushing his thumb over her cheek and tsk’ing to alarm Kal that they were about to leave.

Even long after Henry left, Lizz felt the slight blush on her cheek where Henry had rubbed his thumb. Was she misreading the signals? Did he like her? Or was he just being friendly? Or ..was there something on her cheek? Quickly she brushed the back of her hand against her cheek, looking at it. No. Nothing there. Hmm.

‘Gods Henry. It smells way too good in here.’

‘Thank my mom for that. She taught me a few tricks.’ He winked, moving around the kitchen while wearing a much too dainty apron. If people said only real men wear pink… Then perhaps they could add; only real men wear kitchen aprons. Gods he looked like a SNACK, Lizz all but drooled, her sundress-clad body leaning against one of the counter tops as she sipped on some red wine.

‘Well you are literally the only man I know who is this comfortable with cooking.’ Lizz smiled, her cheeks slightly flushing as Henry brushed passed her to grab something from the drawer next to her knee.

‘Good.’ He stated simply, rising back up to full height and hovering mere inches away from her face, smiling broadly before moving back to the stove and using a fork to stab some of the vegetables that lay in the oven.

‘Well good lady. Looks like dinner is ready. If you’d please escort your pretty behind to the dining table, we can feast!’ He smiled, gesturing Lizz to move.

‘Can I help?’ Lizz tried, full knowing the answer; “NO”. Or better yet: Please woman, just do as I requested and leave the kitchen.

‘Lizz…please.’ Henry shushed her away, smiling from ear to ear.

Getting into the living room she finally got WHY he had shushed her away. Do friends do…this? Her eyes skid over the neatly laid out table - table cloth, glasses, cutlery, kerchiefs all set - with a few candles burning a soft woodsy scent.

Somewhat unsure of the very intent of this dinner, Lizz sat down on one of the chairs, offering her a good line of vision on the hallway. After a few minutes Henry appeared, proudly carrying two very meticulously made up plates of food.

‘Steamed fish, roast vegetables with a fresh lemon-dill sauce and new potatoes, baked in their skin. Simple, yet delicious.’ He nodded, placing the plates on the table. Lizz applauded, her lips turning in a giddy smile as Henry removed his apron and also sat down. ‘I don’t know why I deserved this, but, I’m glad I did. This looks amazing Hen. Thank you.’ She cooed.

‘Well, it’s just part of the ..surprise. I was actually thinking we could have a little..in-house..spa evening.’ He rose his eyebrows and let the words slowly roll off his tongue, like he were tasting them one by one.

’Spa night? Really?’ Lizz giggled, shaking her head. ‘My..Henry. Who are you? And what are you? I doubt you are even a human male. It just can’t be.’

‘Well, some call me superman. Or Kal. Kal-el.’

At the word “Kal”, the large like-named dog came trodding into the living room - he had been chilling outside on the porch -, his face speaking of slight confusion. Did you call me, human? KAL?

Henry snickered, looking over his shoulder and gesturing Kal to come over for a scratch, to which the Akita gladly obliged. ‘And then there’s of course THIS Kal.’

‘Both good boys.’ Lizz nodded, laughing.

With the end of spring bringing them a particularly gentle night, the two of them had moved to Henry’s patio. Laughing and talking, they had made themselves comfortable on his outdoor lounge sofa, faces fresh after a face mask and their hands plucking at strawberries with whipped cream. For someone who had only brothers, Henry was particularly comfortable with indulging on things that were generally considered “feminine”. He even made a very poor attempt at helping Lizz file her toe nails, which made her roll with laughter - he had many talents but that certainly wasn’t one of them.

‘Luis would have NEVER done that.’ She said, her laughter quick to die down. Even after all this time, Luis held a strong hold on her heart. It seemed like she simply couldn’t will herself to forget about her manipulative, selfish ex. And of course it hadn’t helped that he had shown up out of the blue just two weeks ago. It was back to square one for whatever was happening between Lizz and Henry.

Henry sighed as he let himself sink further into the couch, propping his feet up on the ottoman and humming in satisfaction.

‘It’s not often that British springs are THIS nice.’ He smiled, his voice so deep it made his chest rumble.

‘Yea. Almost a shame to go back inside.’

‘Mhmm..So let’s stay a little while longer.’ He said, looking up at Lizz, her feet pulled up to her chest and a glass of red wine tucked in between. She grinned at him and smiled, a glint of sadness still touching her eyes.

Henry hated it. Seeing that. The sadness. He saw it no matter how she tried to hide it. With the working from dusk till dawn. The sweet smiles. He knew she was still struggling. And he hated it not only because he cared for her, but also because he wished she could care for him too. Seeing that sadness in her eyes he didn’t dare to bring up that touchy subject, instead deciding to stay on the safe side.

Just friends. Good friends, yes. But still. Just friends.

They were quiet again, their eyes looking out over the rural landscape as the last rays of sun glittered over the rolling hills. And, though they were quiet, the world around them sure wasn’t. Birds singing, crickets spinning, insects buzzing. They all savoured every last bit of sunlight until darkness finally came.

‘How about we make a little campfire, hmm? No need to go inside.’ Henry said, groaning softly while sitting up a bit and looking over at Lizz. She chuckled, her cheeks rosy from the glasses of wine she had been nipping on throughout the evening. ‘Sounds good.’ She agreed, smiling at Henry and leaning into him slightly.

Gosh, what a man, she blushed. Cook her dinner, pamper her all night and make a fire to keep her warm? Heck. She probably was the luckiest woman in the northern hemisphere right now.

The campfire was now but a pile of burning embers, the night mild, but definitely not chilly. Henry looked up at the galaxies that stretched far and wide above their heads, Lizz lying but a few inches away from him, their legs brushing, the lush grass tickling their skin.

He had looked at her for a little while as she had been telling him a story she had learned from her mother. A mnemonic to remember the horoscope patterns. With slightly inebriated gestures she pointed out all the ones she could remember - a few seemed to be “on a holiday”. Henry hadn’t really listened all that closely, his eyes instead brushing over her sweet features as the fire cast her in a soft glow. She looked so very beautiful. Over and over again he tried to tell himself; just friends, just friends. You’re just friends.

He bit his lip and turned his gaze back to the sky.

‘Were you looking at me, bear?’ She stopped her blurry story and quirked her head at him.

’Me? What makes you think that?’ Henry teased, looking back at Lizz and seeing her eyes sparkle with cheekiness. Goodness, she was well into her cups.

‘Yes you! Big bear! It’s very impolite to…’ She crawled up to him and hovered just mere inches away from his face, biting her lip playfully as her eyes locked with his.

‘..Stare?’ Henry added, grinning awkwardly, his whole body freezing as Lizz suddenly pressed her lips against his, her body quick to lock him between her thighs as her hands started to tug at his shirt.

Henry was a bit at loss with what to do. What to do with this hot, but totally drunk neighbour, lover, friend…? What to do? Shit.. His mind started going overtime as his body lay there frozen, frozen with the passion Lizz was kissing him. He wanted this. But also not. Not like this. But..he wanted..it all the same.

‘Let’s get big bear out to play.’ She growled, her hands making quick work of his belt.

‘Gods Lizz. No.’ He said, his voice so unconvincing it was closer to a lustful moan. And thus, she continued, her legs now astride him as she started to unzip his pants, his boxers pulled down to free his length.

He felt almost ashamed of how quick he grew hard for her. FUCK. He wanted her. Yes he wanted her. Reaching up he hooked his hand behind her head, pulling her down towards his face and settling for a slower pace. Tongues dancing an ancient duel that could last for many lightyears... were it not for Lizz’s impatience, her hand palming his cock with greediness. ‘Lizz, Lizz..Lizz.’ Henry could all but utter, the feeling just too much.

Her palm was hot, strong and slightly calloused from the manual labour she had been doing in and around her house. It made for perfect friction, his precum making her hand slide up in a smooth, tantalising pace. Henry started to pant, his arousal soon peaking as his eyes met hers. ‘Fuck.’ He growled, clenching his jaw and squeezing his eyes closed.

Breath, breath, breath. FUCK.

‘Stop.’ He finally said, resolute and final. And thankfully, she stopped at once, her head quirking in confusion.

‘Not like this Lizz. Not like this.’ He choked, his eyes finally opening again.

‘What..? Want to go.. upstairs again? Afraid Mrs Gatter will see us?’ She snickered, poking his chest.

‘No Lizz. Not now. I mean. Yes I want this. But..you’re drunk..and I know you are still thinking of Luis. I…only want you if you really want me. Sober.’ He placed his hand on her cheek, seeing her face contort with more confusion.

‘Don’t you like me?’ She pouted, seemingly uninterested in her partition in Henry’s plea.

‘I do like you Lizz. I like you..a lot. I mean, why else would I be here, laying in the grass with you?’ He smiled, pulling her back to her initial position by his side, his hands quickly rearranging his boxers and pants.

‘Pfft. Not fair.’ She pouted again, laying her head on his chest and wrapping an arm and leg around him.

Henry didn’t know what to say, but also here, thankfully, Lizz made it easier; she fell asleep then and there on his chest.

‘Hmm. I just hope you’ll chose me someday, okay Lizz?’ He whispered softly, pressing a sweet kiss on her forehead. She looked so sweet when she slept, Henry thought, looking at her again like he had done just minutes earlier. He couldn’t help but feel a certain flutter in his heart when she was near. And if only ..if only..

‘I like you too, dummie.’ She muttered, sleep drunk.

Did she mean that? Or was this the wine talking?

| Chap 6 >

#henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill smut #henry cavill fuff #henry cavill x oc #the girl next door #about dummies #home spa #cooking #apron #kal #henry bear #superman #outdoors #drunk

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zamilemzizi · 3 years ago

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A trip down lockdown memory lane!

A trip down memory lane

As my business steadily builds itself back up, with a new face and some Covid-influenced changes, I look back at what it was like for a few months last year as just the “Mom.” The South African lockdown, one of the strictest in the world at that time, forced most of us Marketing and PR SME owners to close our doors and focus on creating a safe and “new normal” environment for ourselves and our families.

My parents both contracted the Corona Virus and so, it was left up to me to care for ALL five grandchildren for a few months. Including my own children, I had two five-year-olds’ (one boy; Wandi and one girl; Koli), one nine-year-old girl (Thotse), a twelve-year-old girl (Lungi) and the legend himself, my two-year-old son (Bugsy) whom you will have read a lot about on my personal Facebook page. As if that was not enough, we rescued an eight-week-old puppy (Luna) too!

Being a person known for preferring the company of all the Mzizi grandchildren, I was up for the challenge of this time spent being reacquainted with the daily struggle of just-being-the-mom-with-no-work without the pressure of having to go to work.

I acknowledge that my experience of this time is grossly different to that of a majority of my fellow countrymen/women, who struggled to make ends meet. Zam’s Hive started a fund, which generously received funds donated by almost ALL of my clients, close friends and colleagues from my place of work. We used these funds to assist families who wrote in via WhatsApp and SMS stating what their urgent needs were and paired them with the correct donor. I was astounded at how the people I knew were able to look beyond their own experience of the Lockdown, and were able to give the little (or lot) that they had to keep hope alive.

However, being the stay-at-home mom yielded quite a few hilarious experiences, which naturally, I shared on social media as they happened. Here are some of these posts. I hope they make you chuckle a bit at my expense. I hope they remind you that no matter how bleak the situation, our inner circle, our families, our children, the people that matter most to us are the ones we should keep our focus on.

How the wars began…

Wandi’s benevolent fart

Raising boys is a BREEZE!

My Wandi has reached that age where every hug and cuddle is a conscious decision on his part to be with me. It says, ' I choose to be near YOU. I choose you, mommy'

So imagine my joy as I was working in my office and my big boy chose that moment to sit on my lap...

He sat facing me, flashed his special smile and said' 'Mommy, let me show you how much I love you'

He put his hands on my shoulders and closed his beautiful brown eyes. I could see him mentally reaching deep within himself in order to share what he had to say. Then...

I felt it. A persistent drill-like hammering on my sturdy thigh where his bony bum was perched.

The stench was instant and the fog it created in my mind was confusion personified. I could not immediately compute that my baby came all this way just to fart on me. As realization dawned on me, my little angel held onto me just a little bit tighter to keep me in place as the hammer-drill was still operating. My thin leggings were no barrier from the barrage of bodily functions battering my poor skin.

During this assault, Wandi did not change his facial expression at all. He looked like a little Buddha bestowing a blessing upon a lesser mortal.

When he was done, he nimbly sprang off my leg and bestowed a beguiling cherubic smile upon me. Slowly reversing from the room with his cheesy smile and eyes closed, he blessed me with his benevolent ' enjoy the smell mommy' and quietly closed the door.

Bugsy drinks shit water

I'm on my knees begging for this changeling to be taken. Return Bugsy pre-terrible twos to me please!

I went into the toilet for a teensy while. I'd been holding it in for some time chasing my kids around. To my knowledge, fake Bugsy was safely chilling on my bed.

As my empty bladder and I float out the bathroom, changeling proudly displays a cup of water he is drinking...now this is a problem because all taps and cups are beyond his reach. This cup looks like the dirty one I ignored on the floor a teensy while back- are you judging me Karen?!

I frantically urge fake son to show me if he got water from the other toilet. He proudly replies, ' I no drink here Wandi peepee here' This is good. It's great actually. Wandi has diarrhea and drinking from his toilet could kill someone. Never mind Corona.

So I drag the smirking not-really-my-son into the kitchen to wash this mysterious cup. At this stage I'm fuming at the lord thinking 'turn this crap into wine NOW'

As I wash the still alcohol free cup, I turn to find swopped-at-birth guy smacking his lips and drinking from the bucket mqobothi style.

MY HEART SKIPS A BEAT!

I used water and Jik to clean dog poop just now. I spilled the water but clearly not all of it. What's worse here? Jik poisoning or dog poop poisoning?

The terror child is ok. I gave him milk and surrendered the rest to his creator.

I'm ok. I have a new twitch in my eye and I think I might have peed my pants a little. But otherwise baaah I'm good.

No really.

Just fine.

Look- fake son took the tin of milk and smeared the stuff on himself.

I'm just FINE!

Then the tensions were rising

The stand off

In a bid to demonstrate his defiance of my authority, my two year old has taken the long life milk and some shopping bags to an undesirable corner of the house. He has boldly announced that, 'I puttinnnin me in noty cona' This is his strategy to deprive my authority of putting him in a corner myself. The standoff continues...

Sulking in the shower

I swear I don't make this stuff up...

Wandi just played with matches and his cousins came to tell on him. Naturally I gave him 'the look' times 10. He says to me,

'I know you're cross with me and wont talk to me.'

He stalks off to the shower and sits there while singing his new and spontaneously composed struggle song. The words weren't too clear but this is what I heard:

Take me away in peace, take me away in peace.

Please note he has taken to eating some of his meals in this shower.

Can someone please send me a bottle of gin??! Its for the kids.

The breaking point

Exacting revenge in small ways

My kids broke my hair clippers machine while I was cutting them. So now I'm leaving them with unfinished cuts because one needs to take revenge wherever the opportunity may present itself-even if it's your own kids. They think they know me. Mxim!

Mom flu strike

I've been in bed with flu for a week now. During this my kids haven't given me an inch of space and rest.

I'm still a horse, jungle gym, chef, personal snot cleaner and unwilling audience to dance shows and song decompositions.

Tonight was just the worst! I went to the chemist for more meds and so needed a nap from the trip. Only to realize that I'd over slept and it was supper time.

After a mad dash to cook, serve and feed the royal highnesses, I'd had enough.

Where am I now? What am I doing now? These are all relevant questions I'm happy to answer for you.

I'm in my bedroom. For the first time since I became a mother, I have done the only sensible thing a tired parent can do...

I'VE LOCKED MY BEDROOM DOOR BIYAAACHES!

The situation update is as follows:

Hostile!

1. Two year old has attempted breaking door down

I DON'T CARE!

2. Five year old has resorted to creepy body plastering against door and quietly chanting 'mooommyyyy can we have ice cream while you die?'

I DON'T CARE

3. In a rare show of solidarity the boys are now howling like wolves outside the door, throwing in the odd 'moooommmy where are youuuu'

I D O N T C A R E!

4. Nine year old niece has increased the volume and frequency of her coughing

IIIIIIIII DOOOOOOOONT CAAAAAAARE!

I'm at peace in my warm bed. Let the siege continue I have all that I need in here. A bathroom, all the toilet paper in the house, the only phone with airtime and did I mention -I'm the only person tall enough to cook. Muhahuahua!

They will know me!

The resolution?

Wandi prays for peace

So as usual the kids were acting up and driving me crazy before bedtime. This time however, the transgressions were extreme.

Someone didn't pee INSIDE the toilet but decided to mark his territory next to it instead.

Another decided to generously leave food on a dinner plate and put it in the kitchen sink for Santa maybe.

Another was dejectedly roaming the passage without pajama bottoms like a homeless person. Left to wander the night in shame and bottomlessness.

This was the last straw and I blew my top off.

EVERYONE TO BED WITHOUT A STORY NOW!

Even the little one understood that Armageddon was nigh, and scurried into bed as fast as his fat stubby legs could carry him (only half way up the bed usually).

In an unusually respectful and hesitant tone, Wandi bravely reminded me that I forgot to pray. So fine! I asked God to please help me make my children good etc.

Wandi again bravely offered to pray too and this is where he played his master plan into action (he never wants to pray):

Wandi: Dear God, please make all my dreams come true. The end.

Yes. He said the end and not AMEN. I felt a reluctant smile coming on but I was wise to the enemy.

The next morning the kids all came to greet me in that way guilty kids do hoping for a cease-fire.

'Good morning rakhali' etc.

Then the master played his Ace move.

Wandi: In the name of Jesus, good morning everyone!

How could I remain grumpy after my son evoked the name of Jesus?!

He's goooooood. One point to Wandi. None to me.

Please subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media for more insights into; what goes on in the life of a working mom building an empire. All the links are below. My women’s network as well as my courses are also available on this site.

#workingmama #workingmom #zamshive #liveyourbestlife #zamilemzizi #startsomething

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i-dream-of-twilight-sparkle · 4 years ago

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Chapter 9: The Sands Of Time & Love

While the ponies that make up the Elements of Harmony and their friends and family prepare for the upcoming Royal Ball and Wedding in Saddle Arabia. The capital city is also preparing from as high up as the Royals to the average everyday citizens that are just excited that Twilight’s coming back once more. Since the last time they were here, Saddle Arabia has been well, though the aftermath of the battle with Zathir was surely felt throughout. A good amount of cheers from the entire city were said to be heard when Zathir was sentenced to life in prison officially. And the Sultan immediately made it a directive of the army to apprehend any Desert Dogs, who still maintain some sort of loyalty to the former Vicegerent.

Though aside from stomping down anything remaining of the evil of Zathir, the citizens were kinda afraid the experience would scare Twilight and the others from ever coming back, as it didn’t exactly help that both times Twilight has come here, something happened whether it changed the course of her life by changing her into a genie in the first place, and being forced by a madman to almost kill all her best friends and her adopted dragon son, Spike. Thankfully, the news that Twilight is not just coming back but also being involved a big event where the populace can see more prominent Equestrian citizens, entertainers, and allies from other nations close to Equestria. Twilight’s surely making this her grandest reappearance yet, and that has brought great joy.

Not to mention two citizens who were now renowned as among the heroes that defeated Zathir are getting wed: Malakhar Manat and Kubuya Atka. A pottery shop owner and a librarian respectively. Both also were key players when Twilight was first genified, Malakhar being the first pony in a long time to successfully genify somepony, while Kubuya mainly helped with Twilight and Spike getting information in the library she works at. They met shortly after Twilight first left Saddle Arabia after deciding to stay a genie after all, stroke up a friendship that bloomed into love. And now about 4-5 years later, they felt they were ready to be wed. They’re delighted that the Royal Family are pulling out all the stops for their wedding coming up, hosting a grand event as a precursor though they definitely know that not everybody that will be at the ball, will also stick around for the wedding just days later. But they’re a modest couple that thought at first holding it at the Royal Palace was overdoing it a bit, but the royal family insisted. Regardless of the location of the ball, they’ll be grateful for any number of friends and family that come.

For now however, they’re on a very solemn occasion currently. As before the wedding happens, Malakhar wanted to visit his grandfather’s grave at the Saddle Arabia Cemetery, Kubuya also coming with. Malakhar bringing a bouquet of Flowers, before going in a prayer position. On the stone itself is the words “Here lies Hisan Manat. Proud Grandfather, Father, and Husband. May Wishes Return One Day”. The two just sit quietly for a few moments. In a little bit of time, Kubuya speaks up to ask something of Malakhar.

Kubuya Atka: Say um… if I i may ask. How did your Grandfather come across the Dragon’s Tear that would genify Twilight?

Malakhar Manat: He actually had a secret Dragon’s Tear that he didn’t tell me he had until he was on his death bed. Before then, we were still simply two ponies looking fruitlessly for years for another Dragon’s Tear to show up. Though there was one moment, where we briefly thought we had one come practically in our own backyard.

Kubuya: Oh really? Can you tell me about that?

Malakhar: It wasn’t literally in our backyard, but we were behind our hut at the moment…

*Flashback*

Hisan Minat and Malakhar Manat was up in the morning on what was expected to be just another normal day for the pottery-selling family. A young Malakhar in his teens was shaping up the clay on the spinning tables. His grandfather smiling at his grandson’s work.

Hisan Manat: You’re doing a wonderful job with your clay pots. You’re getting close to mastering them! Once you have, it’ll be time to teach you how to make glass bottles.

Malakhar: Thanks Grandpa!

In a little bit, Malakhar finishes his pot and procedes to place it on a table to later put it in the kiln. Malakhar stretches and proceeds to go outside for some fresh air, his Grandfather follows him. Malakhar looks around the are a little bit before seeing something faint far in the distance, but from the looks of it was something really big. He can just make out what looked like to be big wings and a long neck. He immediately calls out to his Grandfather to look at what he’s seeing. Hisan goes to his son’s side and watches what his grandson pointed to.

Hisan: Malakhar… that might be a dragon!

Malakhar: Oh wow!

In a few short moments, suddenly a big thud could be heard that might of vaguely came from the direction the dragon was coming.

Hisan: That sound… is the dragon dying? Malakhar, we have to go over there right away!

Malakhar: Won’t that be kind of dangerous, especially if it’s still alive?

Hisan: Maybe, but there’s a strong possibility that by the time we get over there, we won’t have to worry about it being still alive.

Malakhar and Hisan immediately head out to trek towards to the direction the dragon might of landed in the desert. To add to the intrigue, they weren’t alone. Sultan Theandri, Princess Celestia, and some Saddle Arabian Guards were also on there way there. Which raised Hisan and Malakhar’s hope that this was something big happening. in time, they find a nearby cave where just near the entrance a big mark in the sand that would fit if a Dragon that fell. Though also from the mark is the prints of a dragon crawling into the cave. Sort of worrying that the Dragon could still be alive and thus would be dangerous to approach the cave. The Sultan’s bravest guards decide to check if it’s safe before anyone else comes in. In time, they come back and say it’s safe because the dragon is deceased. Hisan can barely contain his excitement as this is perhaps the 1 in a 1,000,000 chance that a huge Dragon’s Tear has appeared. Providing enough to chip out to potentially make dozens of genies

However, when the entire group enters the cave. Hisan’s excitement slowly turns into nervousness as he sees no sign of a Dragon’s Tear, and eventually despair as he’s looked everywhere in the cave and see’s nothing. Not even a chip. He falls on his knees and just bangs his hooves on the sand in frustration. Malakhar shows concern for his grandfather though he decides to help by making a closer look around the Dragon. Malakhar first looks at the dead dragon itself, it had light pink scales all over with green back plates, and somewhere near the dragon’s legs was a small egg. It was purple, with darker shades of purple spots spread across it. Malakhar walks up to it, picks it up, and shows it to his grandfather as well as the royals in the cave. He in fact lets go of it carefully, and lays it at the ground near the tall princess, Celestia herself with a solemn sad face with concern for the egg.

Celestia: How awful that this dragon will not have a live mother to care for it. And if nothing is done about it, the dragon inside may never hatch at all…

Sultan Theandri: Is there perhaps a chance we can find the father of this egg?

Celestia: Unfortunately not, Theandri. Or at least it certainly wouldn’t be easy. Dragons don’t have marriages, they have many, many, many mates in their lifetimes. Only the mother takes care of the young. And other dragon mothers aren’t usually open to adoption. I’ll have to take it to Equestria and come up with an idea of what I should do with it.

Malakhar smiles to himself that perhaps he saved a baby dragon’s life by handing over the egg to the benevolent leader of Equestria, who will no doubt know what to do with it. Though he and his Grandfather then just accompany eachother as they leave slowly out of the cave. His grandfather still visibly disappointed the hope for a dragon’s tear went bust.

*Flashback ends*

Kubuya: Awwww, sounds adorable that you saved a dragon egg. I hope the dragon you helped save is somewhere out there.

Malakhar: I certainly hope so too.

Kubuya: Though that is a shame for your Grandfather to be given so much hope that a good sized dragon’s tear was imminent, only to find nothing. Though when do you think you Grandfather got hold of the dragon’s tear he handed you on his death bed?

Malakhar: I’m not exactly sure, though I’d be kinda surprised he found it sometime after the dragon in the cave. I think it’s more likely he had it since before then. But since it was only one chip, he had to be really careful who they ultimately chose to Genify. There was no one in Saddle Arabia that quite made him light up that they were perfect to try to genify at the time. So when he started thinking that maybe the next genie might have to be someone foreign to Saddle Arabia, that’s what led him to his eureka moment, when after reading the news about Nightmare Moon’s return and subsequent defeat by the Elements of Harmony, his eyes lit up and must of decided that the next genie must be one of the Elements of Harmony for the one shot to work. In fact, his very last words on his deathbed to me was “Please, genify the Element of Magic”, handing over the dragon’s tear he had all along to me as his last action before finally passing.

Kubuya: I see, thank you for the insight on your grandfather. I figured I’d ask since we are going to be family soon.

Kubuya gives Malakhar a short kiss.

Kubuya: Though I think I’m going to head on over to another grave that’s here if that’s ok with you.

Malakhar: No problem, I’ll follow you.

Kubuya starts on walking on over to a different area of the cemetery. Before finally stopping at one of the grander designed graves where it’s tall, and on top is a fastened brown ceramic bottle. This was the grave of Jinn. The first genie, who also remained a genie until the time she was the last genie before Twilight’s genification. She went back to being mortal for rather mysterious reasons as the day she finally came back to Saddle Arabia the populace found that she was a normal pony again. From there she’d have a peaceful life in Saddle Arabia, raising a family that after many, many, many generations eventually gave birth to Kubuya. She was the youngest in the bloodline of Jinn’s family still going on. Kubuya herself even as a family member doesn’t know what Jinn was personally like given it was so long ago she was still around, but her family has always revered her perhaps on a stronger level then most Saddle Arabians already did.

Kubuya: She must of been a great pony, would of been nice of her to remain a genie even to this day so I could of seen her. But perhaps I wouldn’t have been born since she was hesitant to have children as a genie.

Malakhar: I imagine the thought of outliving your own children is a bit tough to swallow. But yes, at least being able to speak with Jinn would of been interesting. Not just because she’s our nation’s most revered figures, but given she spent so much time in history. She probably saw many events across the entire world’s history. Granted, she couldn’t say a lot about Saddle Arabia during a long period since she put herself in exile to make sure she didn’t fall under the hooves of that radical part of the regime that wanted to do what Zathir did to Twilight to genies like her. But wherever she was hiding, she probably found ways to keep up with what was going around.

Kubuya: Twilight would of probably liked to spend a whole month just talking personally with Jinn just to hear all about all the historical events Jinn may have witnessed. *giggles*

Malakhar: I wonder if Jinn would of even been able to handle an excitable Twilight like that, haha.

Kubuya: I think ultimately though they’d be great friends. Twilight would probably get so much insight about being a genie from her, and Jinn herself seeing a new genie around.

Malakhar: Most certainly

Kubuya: But we are where we are, how about we head on back home, dear.

Malakhar: Sure

((Story continues after the break))

Malakhar and Kubuya head out of the cemetery and in time gets back to their home. The place used to simply be a hut, but was since upgraded to a full on house and has windows that display Malakhar’s latest pottery designs for customers to buy. They relax for a moment in the living room.

Kubuya: I wonder how Twilight and the others are doing it at this moment.

Malakhar: If I know them, Twilight already has them hard at work finding their invitees. We’ll probably be married within a month or 2 knowing how effective Twilight could potentially get everybody on board quickly enough.

Kubuya: Hehe, may actually be nice to have it done pretty quickly. I can’t wait myself until we’re officially wed.

Kubuya and Malakhar have a prolonged kiss.

Kubuya: Though… I hope it’s not too much to start possibly thinking about having kids? *Kubuya blushes*

Malakhar just smiles while blushing himself

Malakhar: Don’t worry about it, I definitely intend on being a father. And I think we’ll raise great kids. Though I do have a semi-related question for you.

Kubuya: Oh, what’s that?

Malakhar: We did bring Genies back with Twilight, but of course she lives elsewhere. If we can raise our child in the right temperament, and they consent to it. Perhaps we can bring Saddle Arabian born genies again too.

Kubuya looks off to the side with a rather concerned look, she may not like that this question is being positioned now of all times.

Kubuya: Hm, I wouldn’t be completely against it if done the right way. But I don’t want us to be indoctrinating any children we have that they absolutely must become genies when they’re older. We need to focus on being caring parents first before pressuring them to decide to become genies.

Malakhar: Of course, I know through my own Grandfather’s and my Father’s relationship that the next born may not exactly want to follow everything their father wants. I will definitely focus on being a good father first before thinking of genies, but I’m only saying if we should succeed at both raising a good child and they choose to decide to become a Genie when they’re all-grown up.

Kubuya: Just wanted to make sure that you weren’t saying this was the sole reason you wanted to marry me. I’d like to see more genies around too, but as of right now this is about us and our love. Time will tell if our children decide to do anything significant when they’re older. We shouldn’t be deciding what they do before they’re even born.

Malakhar puts a hoof around her shoulder and gives a gentle smile

Malakhar: Don’t worry, honey. I love you, for you. If there was anything I was doing that made you unhappy, even if it meant I got closer to making more genies I would much rather do anything I can to cheer you up. I’m not going to become obsessed with making more Genies as much as my grandfather was, as in all purposes our mission was completed the day Twilight decided to stay a genie. You’re absolutely right that we probably shouldn’t try to push our child to a direction and let them feel things out naturally. It would be much better if hearing things about the genies as they grew up made them curious about it rather then us trying to push them even subtly towards it. Just based on my father, that’s actually the fast track to make sure they never do what you hope they will.

Perhaps if I were a single parent, I might of made the same mistakes. But the more grounded and quite frankly smart approach from you is part of why I love you so much, you know how to make sure I remain grounded myself and think critically.

Kubuya’s eyes tear up in joyful relief for her to-be husband’s words.

Kubuya: Thank you, dear. That’s what I wanted to hear. The possible motive of that question just slightly worried me.

Malakhar: Yeah I admit, maybe that wasn’t a good time to spring a question like that. But at least we’re an honest enough couple to talk about our concerns and remain level-headed if perhaps something we say are worded strangely, or otherwise odd timing.

Kubuya gets up close and kisses Malakhar once more.

Kubuya: Let’s just relax until we get word the Royal Ball is underway. It’ll be exciting to see Twilight, Spike, her friends we saw last time, and even all their friends that we ourselves haven’t met yet!

Malakhar: Indeed, it will be. It should be a great night, but most assuredly our wedding will be the best part. *winks*

Kubuya just winks back and the loving couple hug it out and giggle. Before relaxing once again, as they await word for when the Royal Ball and also thus their subsequent Wedding begins.

Meanwhile, at the royal palace. The Sultan and Sultana are supervising the work the many butlers, staffers, and guards who are setting up the preparations for the ball. The stage where all the entertainers about halfway done and all the tables in their spots, albeit folded up. The Royal Chefs are also fast at work preparing the kitchens for what will certainly be a large number of guests.

There’s also being work done on the Palace courtyard where the wedding of Malakhar and Kubuya will take place in, but there’s less of a rush since it’s slated to be a few days after the ball. And some of the things from the ball’s preparation are going to be easy to simply move to the courtyard such as the tables, for whenever they make a headcount of whomever decides to stick around after the ball for the wedding too, as it’s expected to be a smaller crowd for the wedding, though there will still be some important guests at the wedding such as Twilight herself and her friends.

Sultana Elona: Looks like the preparations are going alright, Theo.

Sultan Theandri: Indeed Elona, I am absolutely looking forward to this.

The Sultan and Sultana of Saddle Arabia has generally remained a peaceful rule since the last time Twilight and the others are here. Though the military actually did get to see some action in hunting down the Desert Dogs and forcing an ultimatum of disavow Zathir’s ways or face the same fate of life in prison.

Aside from clamping down on the aftermath of Zathir’s attempted takeover though, things remained pretty normal in Saddle Arabia aside from said battle with Zathir making Twilight and her friends instant living legends, and anyone involved in the cavern that lives in Saddle Arabia known as local heroes, from Malakhar and Kubuya, the Sultana, and even the Prince who had once been considered the #1 suspect for Twilight’s disappearance for a brief time, since the gossip had come out that he had a date that went wrong with her. When the truth came out that while he did have a rather petty ending to his date with Twilight, he was in the heat of the moment and was going to apologize to her just before Zathir’s plan was put in place. And he along with his mother sneaked up on Zathir at one point to try to make Zathir fumble the lamp. Thus, Theandri II was now considered among the heroes.

Though despite the adulation a hero usually gets, Theandri II still hasn’t quite gotten what’s he’s been looking for: A suitor that he mutually loves, as either he just doesn’t have feelings for any native girl of marrying age, and/or he finds out said suitor doesn’t mutually love Theandri II for him, and were simply trying to eventually become the next Sultana for the fame and fortune, nothing more.

The Sultan takes a brief break from supervising the preparations to visit his son in his room. He finds his son lying on his back in his bed, with a bored expression.

Sultan Theandri: What’s wrong, son? Aren’t you excited for the Royal Ball coming soon?

Prince Theandri II: Kind of, I suppose. I’m sure it’ll be a grand event to attend. I’m just… thinking about other things…

By now, the Sultan usually knows what his son means by other things.

Sultan Theandri: I see, still a little down regarding finding a suitor... I understand it can be hard, it took a while for me to find the right one.

Theandri II: You didn’t exactly find Mother, though. She saved your life, and it was through that you met

Sultan Theandri: True…

Theandri II: The closest to anyone who’s saved my life is Twilight after she gave that beatdown on Zathir. And there’s multiple reasons why me and Twilight aren’t going to happen… I’ve already done all I can to make sure I’m over her. Though I am starting to worry that my slight joke to her before she left Saddle Arabia that someone half like her would be enough… is no longer a joke. I may actually need to find someone out there at least close to being like Twilight…Saddle Arabia has plenty of fine mares… but I can’t say any of them were like Twilight…

Sultan Theandri: I see… well the good news is perhaps someone from Equestria that Twilight and her friends bring might interest you. Granted, there’s always the caveat that they might not be willing to move to Saddle Arabia so easily, and of course you should always keep in mind that they may say no just like Twilight did.

Theandri II: Knowing my luck, that’s probably going to happen…

The prince just kind of slumps off to his side in slight frustration and sadness.

Sultan Theandri: Well, whatever happens at the Ball. You have plenty of time left in your young life to find a suitor. So don’t feel like you have to find someone right away.

Theandri II: I know I have plenty of time, but I’d also like some of that said young life spent with someone who might care for me, as I would them… so it’s been hard on me regardless… Don’t worry about me too much father, I’ll still attend the ball and probably Malakhar and Kubuya’s wedding regardless. I don’t expect to find a suitor even from this, but I’ll try to have a great time regardless what happens. You’re free to go back with Mother and continue watching the preparations coming up. I’m just thinking on my own.

Sultan Theandri: Alright, son. But if you need us for anything, you’re always welcome to come out and help with anything you may want.

The Sultan leaves his son’s room and closes the door. He himself has been somewhat worried about his son’s inability to find a suitor that’s mutual in feelings for one another. But continues to just try and be a supportive father and making sure the stress doesn’t get to his son. Even though it would be nice for him personally, to know who one day he and his wife will step down to give the reins of Saddle Arabia to as well.

He soon returns to the side of his wife, as they await for Twilight to show up with the Equestrian invitee list.

UP NEXT: Chapter 10: Dragon Love

#Secrets Of The Dragon's Tear #Saddle Arabia #Malakhar Manat #Malakhar #Kubuya Atka #Kubuya #Hisan Manat #Hisan #Sultan Theandri #Princess Celestia #Sultana Elona #Prince Theandri II

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hsmtmts-fangir1 · 5 years ago

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Just For A Moment part 7 (Ricky Bowen x Reader)

Masterlist

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / PART 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 /

“You ready?” Y/N asked as she walked into Joe’s room and saw that he was struggling to tie his shoes. “You need help bubba?” Y/N asked as she bent down to do it for him. She made sure that she did it slowly so he could see how. “Thank you, mommy,” Joe said when she was done. “Let’s go.” Y/N smiled picking Joe and left the house.

They arrived at East High when she saw Gina walking in. “GINA” Y/N yelled walking up to her. “Oh hey Y/N and Joe” Gina smile when they catch up. “I see that you straighten your hair for the picture.” Y/N smile looking at Gina’s hair. “I know, I thought that it would be nice, you know” Gina replied. “Well, it looks amazing” Y/N comment. “You look very pretty,” Joe said shyly. “Aww thank you.” Gina smiled at Joe.

They walked into the dressing rooms. “You should get dressed. I’m going to see if Carlos or anyone needs my help.” Y/N said walking into the auditorium. She saw Big Red and Carlos setting everything up. “What’s up,” Y/N said as she put Joe down. “Y/N I see that you brought your little wildcat” Carlos smiled as Joe ran to Big Red. “I just thought he would enjoy this. Seeing everyone in costume.” Y/N smiled as she saw Nini and Kourtney talking with Joe. “Okay, people, let’s do this!” Ricky yelled as he walked in. Everyone just started to laugh at him. Even Joe looked a bit scared at Ricky’s wig. “Joe do you think I look good,” Ricky asked as he bent down as Joe jumped into his arms. “You look scary but it’s okay” Joe replied as he pokes at Ricky wig, while everyone laughs at Joe’s words. Ricky picks him and puts him on his hip. “Hey if Joe says that it’s okay then it’s okay” Ricky tickles Joe’s sides making Joe laugh and hides his face into Ricky’s neck.

“Let’s get some air, Wildcats” Gina spoke, posing in front of the camera in which Red took a picture. “Good morning, Gina.” Ricky walked up to Gina while still having Joe in his arms. Gina turned to him and started to laugh. “Pretty good, right?” Ricky replied. “Troy, you look the best” Gina replied, “Thank you. I try” answer while flipping his hair. Y/N walked up to them. “I should take Joe,” Y/N said, while Ricky handed Joe to her. Gina smiled at them. Even when Ricky was giving Joe back to Y/N. They looked like a family.

At the dance, Ricky apologized. Then Ricky gave her a ride to her house. In the car, they talked about Y/N. Ricky confessed about his feelings towards Y/N ever since he caught Y/N and Ashlyn singing, along with how he thinks Joe could be his. He even told her the timeline. Gina was convinced but had told Ricky, not to get his hopes up just in case Joe wasn’t his. But right now, she could see it.

“Okay, guys. We’re gonna get one in for practice, okay” Red spoke, Y/N gave Gina a wink and walk to stand next to Carlos. “We’re all gonna jump on the of three,” Red instructed. Everyone gets themself in line. “Ready? “ Red said. The first shot wasn’t good since Kourtney was still fixing EJ’s pants. Then come on the second shot, everyone was confused and Seb broke a heel. Making Carlos call for a five.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next day, they were in the cafeteria. They found out about Miss. Jenn, that night they met at Big Red’s house and made a plan. So now they are waiting for the signal. Until Ricky’s dad spoke, “Excuse me.” He stood up. Ricky looked up in shock. “I’m sorry, We’re not opening up the floor to parents on this” Principal Gutierrez replied. “Let him speak,” One of Nini’s mom spoke. “Go ahead, Mister Bowen” he sighed. “I’m a little late to this party, but I gotta say the real crime here would be booting a teacher who’s making a positive impact. I’ve never seen my kid this invested in anything, and I don’t think that’s something we should punish your… Honor” Ricky’s dad said. Y/N nudged Ricky’s shoulder, making him look at her. “Your dad is amazing, just like you” Y/N whisper, making Ricky smile at her. “Mister Bowen, I appreciate your statement, but I think we can all agree that theater isn’t unique in this regard. It doesn’t have some special fairy dust that can’t be filled by another extracurricular. ” Principal Gutierrez replied. That’s when Kourtney started.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Y/N was with her Eugene and Joe outside, celebrating the victory of getting Miss. Jenn to stay. Ricky was walking outside with Gina, when he stopped when he saw Y/N with Joe. Gina looked over at what he was seeing. “You know, you won’t know until you asked,” Gina spoke. ”What if he isn’t mine and I’m just getting attached to him for nothing.”Ricky questioned. “What if he is yours” Gina questioned. “I don’t know Gina, I’m kinda scared of the answer. I mean, if he is mine, I lost three years with him and what if Y/N doesn’t want me to be in Joe’s life that why she didn’t tell me. Or what if he isn’t, I just got attached to him and I got my hopes up just for him to crash now. I like Y/N more than a friend's way, what if me asking pushing her away. I mean last night after we left Red’s house. I had a dream where all three of us are a family. We had a house together and even a dog. What if all of that is just inside my head?What if we’re just like my parents build to fall. ” Ricky ranted with tears in his eyes as he spoke. ”Look I can see Y/N has feelings for you. I mean you can’t fake that. Your parents are another story. It doesn’t have to be your story. “ Gina spoke, making Ricky wipe his tears away. “Go and find out” Gina pushed towards Y/N.

Ricky walked up to Y/N and Joe as her brother walked away. “RICKY” Joe yelled excited as he saw Ricky walking up over Y/N’s shoulder. Y/N turn and saw Ricky. “Hey” Y/N put Joe down for him to run up Ricky. Joe quickly ran to Ricky and threw himself in Ricky’s open arms. Ricky picked him up. “Did you enjoy the small show?” Ricky asked, Joe quickly nodded his head. “He loved it.” Y/N replied smiling. “Well, I’m glad” Ricky smiled as he stared into Joe’s brown eyes. “So…” Y/N started but Eugene came up again. “Y/N, do you want me to take Joe home for his nap before dinner,” Eugene asked as he met Ricky’s eye. “Hey, Eugene, Y/N older brother” Eugene raised his hand for Ricky to shake which Ricky did. “Ricky Bowen”. “Sure take him.” Y/N answer looking at Eugene. Ricky gave Joe to Eugene. “Bye bubba. I love you and I will see you at home okay” Y/N kissed Joe’s forehead. “Okay,” Joe whispered. “Bye Ricky” Joe called out waving at him. “Bye, little man” Ricky waved back.

“Can we talk?” Ricky asked looking at Y/N. “Sure,” Y/N answered, sitting down on a bench. Ricky follows her. “Look I know that this might be a bit bold of me to ask but where is Joe’s father?” Ricky asked nervously. “Why do you want to know?” Y/N question crossing her arms. “Because I remember that New Year’s party, where you and I had sex,” Ricky replied making Y/N stand up. Ricky stood up. “Look, Ricky-” Y/N started but Ricky was quick to speak up.

“I did the math, It leads to that party. Please Y/N I need the truth because I’m slowly falling for Joe and you. That party was the first night where Nini wasn’t in my mind and you were. After that night I convinced myself that it wasn’t real. That I made you in my mind. But when I caught you and Ashlyn singing, you been in my mind, non-stop. Whenever I see you and Joe, I go crazy at just the thought of Joe being my son and you being my girlfriend. And us being together and just being a family. I swear that Nini or anyone doesn’t compare to you. I have been going crazy not knowing. If he is, I swear that I’m not mad. I just want to know why you didn’t tell me. Was it that I left before you wake up? Were you scared to tell me? Was it that I had something for Nini? Was it me? Did you not want me in Joe’s life? “ Ricky ranted breathing hard. Y/N just let the tears fall.

“We didn’t know each other. We just hooked up, I was scared for a lot of reasons. Everyone knew you and Nini had feelings for each other. I didn’t want to ruin that. I had a crush on you since the fifth grade but you didn’t notice me. So I just thought that you forgot or chose to forget that night. I continued with my life.” Y/N spoke meeting Ricky’s eyes.

“Wait Joe is mine?” Ricky asked getting closer to Y/N. “Yes,” Y/N whispers nodding. Ricky just smiled and hugged her. Y/N was shocked at Ricky’s action. “You’re not mad?” Y/N asked, pulling away from the hug. “No, I can’t because I can see where you come from,” Ricky answered. “I’m sorry that I kept him from you.” Y/N apologize. Ricky shook his head. “Don’t say sorry. I get it but it's just, I really want to be part of his life. I want him to know that I’m his dad.” Ricky replied shyly. “We can tell him when you want to. Just tell me when and we can do it or if you want to do it alone. It’s fine.” Y/N answer. Ricky smiles and nods. “I want to do it together. Maybe I can take you guys out and we can do it” Ricky suggests shyly. “Whatever you want. But can we hold off telling anyone from drama please?” Y/N asked which Ricky nodded. “Of course” Ricky replied.

#ricky bowen #ricky #ricky bowen x reader #ricky bowen imagines #bowen #high #high school musical the musical the series #high school musical #high school musical: the musical ; the series #HSMTMTS

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sabraeal · 4 years ago

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All That Remains, Chapter 5: The Flower Garden of the Woman Who Could Conjure [Part 2]

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Written for @claudeng80‘s birthday, and only....a few weeks late! Had this thing not become a BEAST it would have arrived on time but...who doesn’t want a 9K birthday gift?

Perhaps it is lies that make men human.

Ah, you shake your head-- surely not, for man is more than vice, more than our venal sins--

But it is stories that bind us, is it not? Tales that start as words between friends, that then are pulled as taffy in the teeth of those that tell them, that become exaggerated, distended in their telling.

If at the kernel of every story is a truth, then it is one that is surrounded by lies.

Or perhaps that is only what liars tell themselves when they must live with what they’ve done.

Why would you leave Wistal for Lilias?

It was the first question any of them asked-- unless her reputation had preceded her, and then the conversation would shift sharply to Garack and her apprenticeship, to whether all the rumors they had heard about Wistal’s Head Pharmacist were true.

(They had only been disappointed when she didn’t know; she’d hardly been there a year, and though she’d studied closely under her, Garack hadn’t seen fit set aside a lesson to rifle through the rumor mill’s latest)

It’s cold here, Suzu had reminded her that first trip, as if she could forget with how both her heaviest cloak and double stockings that still could not keep out the chill. At least then she’d had a mission she could speak of, an excuse she could throw up a shield against more unwanted questions. After all, all of them abhorred missing data.

It had been harder the second time, when the whole of this golden opportunity had seemed stained with Izana’s touch, had seemed tainted by his test. She’d been lucky those first few days; they’d been less interested in her answer, and more interested in issuing their dire warnings. It gets colder than this, Kazaha had told her, puffed up with his own importance, colder than you’ve ever known.

Then Obi had arrived, coming in with the snow, as he’d told everyone that would listen, and well-- as interesting as Garack Gazalt’s red head assistant was, her mysterious attendant was even more so. At least, for a while, and then they were just another part of Lilias, another pair of heads over a sea of furs.

Still, you must miss it, Yuzuri would say, wistful, it’s so warm there.

I miss the mornings, she had said once, tucked between her and Ryuu at the commissary. Birds would sing me awake.

Too early, Obi had scoffed, wrinkling his nose. They see the sun and go crazy.

Just early enough. The corner of her mouth curved as she met his grin. You just get to bed too late.

Talk to my mistress about that. It’s too much to look at him sometimes when he teases like that, when he pretends it isn’t her that he’s talking about. She’s the one who likes to burn candles at both ends.

Stories are apt to praise the little girls who walk them as kind, as obedient, perhaps even clever should they outwit a sufficiently evil witch or an especially corrupt king. But this little girl-- kind as she was, clever as she was-- was dogged, was stubborn.

Ah, how rare such a thing is, at least in stories. It is a detail to be left out in the telling, to be lost to the years, to be replaced with a kindly figure that gives her wisdom, but now--

Now the tale is fresh, heavy with the truth, and you may know: even with assurances from the adults around her, the little girl did not take the boy’s disappearance lying down, oh no.

She would not suffer losing her home.

Even though it is the birds that wake her, it does nothing for the bleak knot in her belly, only grown tighter as she’s slept. Or rather, as she didn’t; her mattress may be feathers and her sheets may be silk, but neither were any help as she lay there, finding faces in her canopy.

Still, the morning will not wait, not even for a princess. Her hours are full, from sunrise to moonrise, and on most nights, beyond. If she means to keep pace with her promises, she has to start early.

A woman of proper standing would have a maid to dress her-- no, a woman meant to be Zen’s wife would have a team of them to do her entire toilette, but Shirayuki has only herself. A pharmacist’s purse was nothing to sneeze at, but it didn’t pay the way an estate would, and even if she could afford the expense--

Well, Kiki dressed herself. There was no reason she couldn’t either, not when she was already in the practice of it.

“I’m not wearing court dress,” Kiki reminds her, mouth canted kindly, when she sees the state of her morning gown, hook and eyes flapping open like a wound down her back. “They aren’t meant to be put on alone.”

“That’s what Haruka said, too,” Shirayuki murmurs, hands braced on her vanity.

In the mirror, Kiki’s brows raise. “You had Marquis Haruka talk to you about your toilette?”

“Against his will,” she assures her, breathless, before she realizes what that sounds like. “I mean, not that I-- he was berating me--”

Kiki holds up a hand, lips quivering. “I can picture the scene.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks heat, glowing pink in the glass. “Of course.”

“I’m nearly done.” Her fingers are nearly as deft as Obi’s, making quick work of the horde of hooks. “Since I’m back here, is there something I could put in your hair?”

“Oh! If you don’t mind.” Shirayuki reaches out to where she keeps her clips, flipping open the chest, and--

And they lay next to each other, stark against the pale velvet: her hairpins. The ones Obi had given her. Her hand shakes as she brushes against the carved flowers of one, against the smooth tassel of the other. She has a box of combs as well, bought on her travels under Obi’s urging, and--

“Is there any news?” She wishes she could sound brighter, less worried, but--

You don’t know anything about me, Miss.

--but despite all Zen’s assurances, this knot in her gut only sinks further, heavier with each passing hour.

Kiki hisses, fingers slipping on a clasp. “No,” she says finally, hooking it with a violent jerk. “Not yet.”

Her heart clenches, ribs squeezing as tight as any corset. “Ah.”

Kiki lifts her gaze, meeting hers in the mirror. “Don’t worry, it’s only been a night.”

“Oh, right.” Still, the tightness in her chest doesn’t ease, doesn’t let her breathe easier. “They probably need-- time. To search.”

“Yes.” Kiki’s gaze drops, fixing to the last clasp. “Exactly. Did you find what you wanted?”

Shirayuki stares at the hairpins, the best she has--

Shouldn’t Master be helping you with this, Miss?

And closes the box.

She turns to Kiki, smile bright, tight. “Why don’t you just pick out one of my combs? Any will do, I think.”

It is not that the girl was not trusting-- for all girls in these stories must be trusting to a fault, must first fall for the lies meant to keep them safe-- but it was only that unlike other before her, she trusted herself as well.

The boy was her home, a part of her. Just as she might step through the door and know that there was still an ember smoldering in the hearth, she knew that something was wrong with the waiting, with the way those around her would say, he will come back on his own, he only needs time.

One does not need to see smoke to know a fire burns. And the girl did not need to prod wounds to know her boy was hurting.

Kiki cannot come to her every morning, she knows-- if Shirayuki were a princess in more than aspiration, she might be able to merit a countess as a guard, but as little more than a pharmacist living off the goodwill of the crown, she knows the assignment has caused tongues to wag, and not just below stairs.

Good, Obi would say, about time all those fancy nobles started guessing what you’re worth, Miss.

That would bring a smile, usually; as uncomfortable as this sort of attention was, Obi always made it sound exciting, as if each drawn eye was an accomplishment. As if every turned head was a coup.

But he’s not here now. And who lays beyond her door--

“Mitsuhide!” she gasps, glad she chose a gown she could close herself. “Are you with me today?”

“For a while, at least.” He smiles, stepping closer to loom pleasantly over her. “You’re looking well today.”

--Often sees only what he wants to see. Or, maybe, speaks only what she wants to hear.

“Do you think so?” she ventures, searching his face. Sleep has not come easy these past few nights, and though she knows she must, at some point, lose consciousness in order to wake, she remembers none of it. No moment where she dozes off, no burst of restfulness when she opens her eyes, no dreams.

Though perhaps that last is a mercy.

“Of course!” His smile is earnest, crinkling the corner of his eyes. “You’re practically glowing.”

Her smile is tremulous, but she manages to hold it, even if just for a moment. It’s enough to please Mitsuhide, which is what matters. “Thank you.”

He turns, offering his arm, and she nearly takes it, hand hovering over the dark cloth--

Dark cloth that isn’t wool, oh no, but lighter stuff. Cotton, perhaps, or a stiff linen. Summer fabrics. Obi had been wearing them weeks ago, and Haruka chided him for being too early, that the palace guard wouldn’t change over until the equinox--

“Is there any word?” The words stumble off her tongue on wobbling legs.

Mitsuhide blinks, eyes wide and brown and guileless. “Come again?”

“About Obi,” she presses. “Have they found anything yet?”

“They?” he murmurs, brow furrowing, but a moment later-- “Ah, you mean-- ah--?”

“The men Zen sent out to look for him.” She lays her hand on his arm, fingers clenching in the cloth-- cotton, she was right. “They must have news.”

“Oh, ah...” He clears his throat. “No. I haven’t heard anything.”

His hand engulfs hers, and oh, she hadn’t realized she had been gripping him so hard. Her fingers ease, smoothing the wrinkles they left.

“Shirayuki,” he rumbles, “I know you’re worried.”

Her throat is too tight to manage anything more than a squeak.

“Zen will take care of it,” he tells her, no doubt dogging his voice. “And I’m sure that-- that--” his gaze slips off her, fixing across the hall-- “I’m sure Obi will be back any day now.”

Ribs squeeze tight, her breath trapped in her lungs, and oh, how she wishes she could believe that, how she wishes he would just drop down onto her balcony like he never left, but--

You don’t know anything about me, Miss.

She can’t.

“After all, it’s hardly been a week,” he continues, confidence limping.

A week. Shirayuki’s mind whirls, starts counting the days, but she stops herself. She knows well enough how long it’s been; there’s no need to do the unkindest arithmetic and find the difference between that and when they’d told her.

“Right,” she says instead, plastering on a smile she does not feel. “Any day now.”

The girl is dogged, is determined, but in the end-- she is just a little girl.

Have you seen him, she would ask, did you see him when he left?

The townsfolk would only look at her with pitying eyes, would only shake their heads. He is gone, girl.

Then I will find him, she would say, and the townsfolk would sigh, would grimace, would tell her, it is time to accept it.

It is not any man that she knows the next morning.

He’s young, dark haired with an oval face, the same as so many guards at Wistal. She knew nearly every man on Lilias’s walls from walk alone, from veteran Jirou-- always a sergeant and never a commander, just the way he likes it-- to fresh-faced Hiro, only recently given his pike and hat. But here-- well, Obi had not been so involved with the guard in Wistal, save to avoid them.

No name comes to her. With the spray of freckles over his nose and the roundness still in his cheeks, he could not have been more than a recruit when she headed north, probably assigned to one of the lesser-used gates or sent to guard doors.

“My lady!” he gasps, bowing his head. “I’m to be your escort.”

Her smile stiffens, pulling tight like pressed paper. Perhaps she had been too generous with his age-- he was more likely one of the lanky boys hanging off the gate, rather than one of the young men guarding it.

“Oh,” she manages, poorly burying her disappointment. “T-thank you.”

Who does he work for? Her hand tightens on the door, the faint lilt of of Obi’s voice drawing her short. He had always been so much better at this game that her, plucking out which overtures were insult or ingratiation. Without him in her ear, she’s playing this game half-blind, never calculating the angles soon enough for safety.

Still, he is a young guard, surely too new to be in anyone’s pocket, and Izana was always so careful with the men that surrounded the royal family--

“Just for the morning!” he assures her. “As a favor to Lady Kiki. She’s busy this morning, my lady.”

That answers that question handily. “Oh. Well. I suppose...that’s fine.” She pulls the door closed behind her. “Do you know Kiki personally?”

“Hardly,” he tells her with a humble flush, falling into step just behind her. “My father is a tenant of Seiran. I didn’t even know she knew my name.”

Shirayuki’s smile settles easier on her face. “But you knew hers.”

“Everyone knows Lady Kiki,” he says, hushed and reverent, and oh, does Shirayuki recognize that breathlessness, that wonder. Even now it would catch in her chest when the light captured Kiki in just the right moment, like one of those paintings where ancient goddesses emerged from the sea or decapitated faithless kings. “She’s magnificent.”

She hums, smothering a smile. “Have you been in Wistal long?”

“The last three seasons,” he says, as if Wistal has anything other than this eternal summer and a slightly more mild winter. “They say I’m almost ready for the Poet’s Gate, if I want a little more bustle in my day.”

The Poet’s Gate. There’s a pleasant ache as she remembers those early days, as she remembers the two guards who would open it for her if she only asked-- Kai and Shiira, a bare recruit and a man hardly a handful of years his senior, both always greeting her with a smile. She hadn’t seen them since she’d returned; Obi had laughed when she’d mentioned it, worried, that first week.

They’re both veterans now, he’d told her, smile fondly curving a corner of his mouth. They won’t waste them on gate duty. Probably have plum assignments in the court, by now.

She means to ask about them, about whether he has heard where life and duty have taken the men who were kind to her before she earned her place, but instead--

“Have you heard anything about Obi?”

Heat floods her cheeks, but that is a familiar betrayal. That her mouth and mind no longer obey her, that she’s so liable to spit out her first thought with no warning--

That is new. That is worse.

Still, the boy only blinks. “Obi, my lady?”

“Sir Obi.” The title is odd on her tongue, like a shoe slipped on the wrong foot. “Zen-- His Highness sent men out to look for him a few days ago. I thought you might have heard something, seeing as how you live in the barracks.”

And guards are more loose with gossip than fishwives, Obi would say with a wink.

His brows draw down, mouth bowed in confusion. “Is Sir Obi some kind of nobleman? An exile, or something?” His eyes light as he adds, “An outlaw?”

Shirayuki can only stare, a terrible foreboding crawling in her gut. “N-no! Sir Obi is a guardsman-- or at least, he was, before. Now he’s a knight of the Royal Circle.”

The boy’s interest wanes. “Oh, no, haven’t heard anything about that. Not too strange though-- the knight’s circle tends to take care of their own.” His mouth rumples thoughtfully. “Though I haven’t heard of any of them missing, of late. Or anyone being sent out after them.”

“But the search,” she presses, the foreboding’s claws sinking deep into her belly, “you’ve heard of that, haven’t you? At least from the men who have gone out?”

Still he looks at her, uncomprehending. “My lady, I don’t know any that have.”

The girl has known kindness before.

Kindness was a hand in the market, leading her home when she was separated from her grandparents. It was the basket of food on her doorstep when they died, still warm from the oven. It was a dexterous hand deep in a rose bush, untangling branches so they might grow straight, might bloom in their season.

It had never before been the man who said, He will not come back, for it was the the river that took him, and he has drowned.

But honesty is its own kindness, in its way. Even when its message is cruel.

“You are distracted.”

Shirayuki blinks, and it’s only then that she feels the liquid at her wrist, thickly winding down her palm. Her toast sits outstretched in her fingers, forgotten, egg yolk dripping on her hands, her cuffs, the table--

“Oh!” She drops it, alarmed, onto her plate. “I’m-- I’m sorry, I just--”

“You weren’t paying attention,” Haruka admonishes gruffly, handing her a serviette. It’s a lost cause; the yolk may come off but it leaves a runny yellow blotch on the cotton. Unsalvageable, according to the court; ripe for the garbage.

She frowns. Maybe she can convince them to just replace the cuff; she’d heard just the other day that lace was soon to be out of fashion anyway.

The marquis grips her elbow, guiding it away from her tea. “You’re still not paying attention.”

She blinks. “Did you just reach across the table?”

He settles back into his seat, dabbing absently at his mouth. “Only to save the wash-maids their scrubbing. They’ll have a hard enough time with what you’ve already spilled, let alone adding to it.”

Her cheeks flare with heat, but she keeps her hands in her lap, worrying at the cloth there.

The marquis grunts, setting down his fork. “I see you have no intention of putting your concerns aside and dedicating your attention to the lesson.”

“No! I mean, yes! No, wait, I mean--” she shakes her head-- “I’m trying.”

With a sigh, he places his napkin on the table, shifting his plate away so that he may fold his hands above it. “What could weigh so heavily upon you that you cannot make it through a single egg?”

“Nothing,” she promises. “It’s just...”

Haruka raises his brows, as encouraging a gesture as she’s ever seen from him, but--

But to say she’s worried about Obi, that he’s run away and he won’t come back, that perhaps she’s chased him away--

Well, to a man like Haruka, she might as well be complaining about the dishwasher in the kitchens, or a hound in the kennels. A bodyguard should be beneath a princess’s notice.

Her mouth thins. Besides, that’s only half of the concerns she’s been wrangling with these last few hours.

“Zen told me that he would-- he would handle something.” Every word wobbles under its own weigh as it stumbles from between her teeth. “But it seems that he might not have...that he didn’t...”

The marquis clears his throat with a sharp nod, approving. “It is the prerogative of princes to keep their promises. Or not.” He fixes her with a stern look. “He must do what’s best for the kingdom.”

What’s best for the kingdom. The words rankle, rattling her right down to her bones. Obi was his aide, his staunchest ally, his friend--

“It is what’s best.” Shirayuki can do no arithmetic where Obi does not benefit Clarines, and that Zen might-- that Zen could-- “He knows that.”

Haruka lifts a shoulder, a careless shrug so like the Izana’s she nearly shivers from the chill. “Then perhaps he has been kept from keeping it. He is, after all, not the highest power in the kingdom.”

It’s tempting to believe; Izana often relished his role as a caltrop to their happiness, adding bizarre twists to his expectations that left Zen scrambling to meet them. But still, still--

“No.” If there is anyone that can do the complex calculations of loyalty and risk, it’s Izana. “I don’t think he would have stopped him. Not for this.”

“Then perhaps it is a lack of time,” Haruka offers, begrudgingly helpful, “or the resources. Or perhaps--” he hesitates, sending her a long look-- “the will.”

Her breath gasps from her, a palpable hit, and she doesn’t want to believe it, doesn’t want to think Zen wouldn’t believe finding Obi is as much of a priority as her, but--

There’s no reason to get so upset. It’s not odd for Obi to disappear with no explanation.

“Then why would he tell me he would?” She wishes she could keep the raw edge from her words, the accusation. “He must have done something. Kiki and Mitsuhide both said that he...”

Her words dry up at the pitying look on the marquis’ face, gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual stony expression.

“Not that I care to insert myself into your petty concerns,” he says, his tone thick with disinterest, “but it would behoove you, as a princess, to have a keen eye for who is most loyal to you, and who is most loyal to your husband.“

She blinks. “But--”

“It would be a mistake of the highest order to believe they are the same thing.” He gives her a long, meaningful look. “Kingdoms have fallen from such folly.”

Trust is a strange thing, is it not? It is a badge of honor, freely given. It is a privilege, hard to earn.

Doubt is easier; it lives with us, a tenant that never leaves, feeding our darkest thoughts and deepest fears. It is so easy to glut oneself on uncertainty, on indecision, and yet--

And yet we will fight hardest when trust is on the line. Even with the bleakest evidence, we will beg for one slight more, for another single shred of proof until it buries us. Anything to keep from believing it has been broken.

For once trust is lost, it can never be regained.

Her stomach still churns when the marquis releases her from her lesson, his words sitting as poorly as her egg and toast.

He must do what’s best for the kingdom. The words ring loud in her ears, inescapable. Perhaps it is a lack of time-- or of will.

It is only the tweak in her jaw that warns her how tight she is clenching it. This is-- she can’t-- she shouldn’t--

Her hand drops from the door, and she takes a deep, collecting breath, drawn right up from her toes. No matter how much Haruka may pretend he knows about Zen, about his motives, he’s still not him. A man like the marquis may make false promises, but Zen--

She squares her shoulders, glaring down the door. Zen has never not kept his word, not to her. He doesn’t deserve this doubt.

The knot in her stomach squirms. If only her surety could kill it.

It’s Kiki who waits for her in the hall; her lean is casual, one boot placed on the wall behind her as if this were some simple tavern and not the royal palace. For a moment, Shirayuki nearly laughs; few dare to treat the heart of Clarines with such irreverence-- Obi, for one, though she suspects he constitutionally incapable of awe; Izana, for another, though she supposes he has the most right out of anyone to treat the palace like any other home; and--

Zen.

It would behoove you to have a keen eye for who is most loyal to you, and who is most loyal to your husband.

The world tilts, and suddenly the casual lean seems studied, affected. Every line of Kiki’s body is tense, coiled for confrontation, her head hanging heavy and shoulders bowed, as if the weight of her thoughts were a burden. It’s only when she turns to her, smile tilting her lips, that it eases, but--

But even that is a conscious effort, an act that she is performing for Shirayuki’s benefit. Something is wrong, and Kiki doesn’t want her to know.

“Shirayuki.” Kiki peels off the wall, faint, friendly smile in place. “Did you enjoy--?”

“Have you heard anything?” Shirayuki nearly winces at the edge in her voice, at how terse she sounds. “Anything at all?”

There’s a moment, so quick it would be missed were she not waiting for it, where Kiki’s face quivers, where her carefully constructed smile pulls tight like tanning hides. It’s gone the next, replaced by a concern so genuine Shirayuki aches to believe it. “No, not yet. I’m sure that--”

“It’s been nearly a week,” she pushes, “and no one’s heard anything.”

Kiki shrugs a shoulder, too casual. “It’s Obi. He goes off all the time.”

“Not for this long.” She shakes her head. “Not without telling me. What if something’s happened, and he--?”

“You don’t need to worry, Shirayuki.” Kiki lays a hand on her arm, giving her a comforting squeeze. “Obi can take care of himself. If he talks himself into trouble, he’s fully capable of talking himself right back out.”

Her nails bite painfully into the flesh of her palms. “But he shouldn’t have to,” she says, so softly, meeting Kiki’s hard gaze. “We’re his friends.”

Kiki’s grip tightens, but her only answer is a harsh breath, echoing in the hall.

“He was already by himself for so long,” Shirayuki pushes, “we shouldn’t let him be alone again. Not like this.”

“Shirayuki--”

“Did Zen send anyone out to look for him?” she asks so baldly, Kiki rocks back on her heels. “Or was that...”

She can’t bring herself to finish the thought. Not without knowing for certain.

“Zen,” Kiki grits out between her teeth, “is doing what he think is best.”

It’s not the answer Shirayuki is hoping far, and it’s far and away from the one she wants.

“I think,” she says, drawing herself up to her full height, “that I need to see Zen. Now.”

It is said that the depth of a wound has little to do with how it heals, but rather depends on the way that it is left, on the shape of the weapon that made it. Trauma, they say, is the difference between a clean cut and a poor death.

There is no way to prepare for betrayal. Perhaps that is what makes it so hard to swallow, so hard to forgive. It is a ragged knife, pressed to the most sensitive parts.

And no matter how shallow the wound, the rent it leaves is ragged, slow to heal, if it ever does. Traumatic, to be left with a gash that will not close, that can open and bleed again, if it chooses to.

A killer, some might say. Just another type of poison.

In her first days at Wistal, she had heard the complaints: Prince Zen is never in his office. The second prince keeps lords waiting in his antechamber for hours. The prince has no respect for the time of the members of the small council.

It had made her laugh then, small giggles smothered by the collar of her lab coat while Ryuu watched her with wary eyes. Even before the kiss in the tower, before she’d known about his feelings for her-- and discovered her feelings for him-- she’d felt a thrill knowing that she was often the reason he crept off his balcony after tea, or slipped out a window after brunch. He kept important men waiting, but her-- never.

Or at least, not until now.

Shirayuki’s hands are rarely idle.

At Lilias, she had rarely been without a book to hand or notes to make; all too often Lata had remarked on the stack of tomes that seemed to follow her wherever she went, or Shidan complained about the number of notes he found littered outside his office door.

What is it they say, Miss? Obi would tease, his mouth rucked in one corner, brow cocked. Idle hands are wickedness’s tools?

She’d given up on smothering her smiles by then; he’d always known anyway. Then I guess that makes me all goodness.

Ah, he’d sigh, looking over the yard, breath misting on the air. I suppose it does.

Even as a child, she’d been under the bar, playing shell games with the glasses, or in the kitchen, learning how not to cook away from her grandmother’s watchful eye. A busy thing, the townsfolk would laugh.

But a princess is not busy. Or rather-- she only plans to be busy. She doesn’t carry a stack of books under an arm, or have ink spilled on the web between her thumb and forefinger, nor does she feel the need to fidget when she’s left to wait on what amounts to little more than a cushioned stool.

Ten minutes after she sits, she tears the lace on her sleeve. Another five, and she’s lost a button, hidden somewhere underneath her voluminous skirts. Not three minutes later, one of the guards takes pity on her and gives her his handkerchief.

“Hard to ruin a simple thing like this, my lady,” he says with a wan smile, casting a nervous look toward the door.

Shirayuki takes one look at the lovingly embroidered initials in the corner and swallows down, I wouldn’t be so sure.

All told, she waits an hour, the sun sinking under the horizon before Zen leaves his office, half-dressed for dinner.

“Shirayuki!” His eyes pulse wide as he sees her, swinging towards Mitsuhide in question. “I didn’t know that we-- did we have plans tonight...?”

“No.” It’s an effort to keep her voice even, calm. “I needed to see you.”

His mouth flares wide, the weariness gone from his face, as if it had never been. “Oh?”

She takes a breath, bracing herself for the conversation to come, but she chokes on it as he takes her hands so softly between his own.

“I don’t have time tonight,” he says, gentle and pleased, “but tomorrow-- dinner, just the two of us. I promise.”

“That isn’t--”

He squeezes her hands before he leaves, smile wry and tired, and she--

She stands alone, hands still warm from where he held them, the unsaid words caught in her teeth.

Have you seen him? the little girl asks, day in and day out. Have you seen my boy?

He is gone, the townsfolk tell her, as they always do. If it were another girl, this tale might end here; determined and dogged she might be, but everyone has a breaking point. It would be too easy to accept it, to forget, to let her boy become a faded memory from childhood.

But this little girl-- she learns.

Where did he go, then? she asks instead, and the townspeople shrug their shoulders. The city, some guess, or the wood. Perhaps he followed a traveling band, or a woman.

What does it matter? one finally says, cross. What would a little girl like you even do?

Ah, for that is the trouble with stories; they make us think of virtuous, obedient girls, girls who remember to offer old grandmothers lunch from their basket, and remember all the words to the magic rhyme. We forget the most important thing:

Little girls can do anything, so long as they haven’t learned they can’t.

She nearly loses herself in the city.

The streets of Lilias had been as familiar to her as the lines on her palm, their winding paths worn into the very fabric of her heart so that even on the darkest nights, she could make her way back to her chambers with little more than her legs alone. She’d thought she’d known Wistal the same way; she’d lived for months in that little apartment outside the palace, the one with the pot-bellied stove, and even when she’d moved into the dormitories, she’d spent hours perusing the markets for pharmacy stock. But now that she’s here, standing in its night-darkened roads--

Ah, she feels every day of those years away.

Still, she remembers when Obi would stumble onto her balcony, pockets a fair bit heavier than when he’d left her, crowing about the pub just outside the gates where the guard would go to drink away their days. And gamble away their paychecks, it seemed, if Obi’s suddenly flushed fortunes were any indication.

He’d never told her its precise location-- she’d gone to drink with the guard in Lilias, more times than she could count, but in Wistal she’d been reserved, wary about mixing company outside of Zen’s influence, and either Obi had sense her hesitation, or--

Well, or he’d just not wanted to go out drinking with the bookworm who kept him cooped up in the library all day. Still, she knew it wasn’t far from the Poet’s Gate, and not far from the market district, somewhere close to the river that ran through the city, and from there--

From there, she just followed the guards.

The water hungers.

You laugh; how can waters hunger when they have no mouths to eat, no bellies to sate. But that is the thing of it-- waters run deep, and they long to be filled. That is why we talk of pond reflections that reach up to pull children in, or monstrous horses that lure men deeper, or great, terrible beasts that live at the bottom.

The girl knows it, as all clever children do. But she knows just as well-- a beast that hungers can be bargained with, as long as you pay the price.

Hood drawn low, Shirayuki slips in to the steady stream of patrons that saunter into the bar.

The pub is dim, much more than she expects. Wistal has ever been the bright spot in her memory, the city of eternal summer; that it has places where the lamps burn low too gives her pause.

Not for long; she’s the daughter of a bar-- or at least a granddaughter-- and she’s used to these dark places. As a child, she’d sit under the tables, listening to the custom talk, hearing about plans she only half understood and people she would never known. She’d learned words to never say, too, or at least that was what her grandmother had told her, sending her to bed without dessert.

She knows what to look for-- a shadowed table, not too far from where the guards are losing their coin, just close enough to eavesdrop without--

“Ah, sorry,” a man says, shouldering her hard enough to make her gasp. “I wasn’t looking...ma’am?”

He wraps the last word in a question, and with a cursory glance around the room, Shirayuki realizes her mistake. She’s the only one in the room wearing skirts that isn’t also serving drink.

Of course, of course. Her grandparents might have seen both husband and wife for their evening drink, but a place like this, meant for guards who were done with the day but yet didn’t want to face their duties at home--

“Ma’am?” Another man, dressed in the uniform and nearly as young as Ryuu steps up to her. “I think you might be turned around.”

“N-no.” She digs her heels into the floorboards, and the soldier trying to steer her stumbles, jostling her. “I’m right where I--”

“Lady Shirayuki?” The other man stares at her owlishly, and it takes her a full minute to realize that if she made the cheeks rounder, the skin more freckled--

“Kai?” She grips his wrists, relief nearly choking. “Kai. I’m so glad to see you.”

He blinks, staring down at where she grasps him. “Ah, of course, my lady. I’m glad to see you too. Been a long time.”

“I hope you’ve been well,” she says, breathless, “but also, I need your help.”

There are rules this sort of bargaining, to gaining favors from the wild.

They are not like any you know. We live in a world of reason, where one can exchange paper and the promise of precious metals and receive goods in return. But to do so with a wild thing, with a tree or a deer or a mountain or even a river--

Impossible. Their price is fixed, a single thing.

And oh, it is high.

Every little girl has her precious treasure, an item of unfathomable worth. They are secret things, sometimes kept hidden under floorboard or pressed between pages of a beloved book, and sometimes kept in plain sight, for clever girls know that no one will look for what they can already see. And secret these things much remain, for once someone knows of it--

Well, there is a kind of power in knowing what someone loves most, is there not?

This one keeps hers under the bed, peeking out just under the skirt. It is special thing for special occasions, hardly worn save to impress. The red shines when she puts them on, the patent leather hugging to the small curves of her feet, and although some others may have better, may have silk slippers or heeled boots soft as a glove--

Here, her boy had said, hands scarred from thorns, blood smearing into the leather. I found them.

--hers are far more precious all the same.

The table is well lit, and Kai sees to it that the barmaids keep it laden with food and drink aplenty, but--

“This is kind of you,” Shirayuki says, hesitant, “but I need your help.”

“Anything,” he promises, and the men pressed in beside her nod, eyes wide and innocent.

She stifles a sigh. A part of her-- a non-small part of her-- wishes it had been Shiira instead. “It’s Obi. He’s missing.”

Kai goes pale beneath the lights. “Missing?”

She nods, hands gripping the edge of her cloak. “I need to know if you know-- know anything. If anyone has seen anything.”

The men exchange concerned glances, the kind adults do over the heads of little children. Her nails bite hard into her palms. This is what all her years of learning, all her hard work has come to: for everyone to treat her as if she is as unable to hear simple truths as a child.

“Please.” She hates how her voice cracks under the weight of her worry, of her anger. “If anyone knows anything-- anything, I don’t have much, but...”

She places a long, wooden box on the table, and with a practiced motion, pulls the lid open.

“What I do have,” she says, watching the glass bead wink in the light, its orange gloss as alive as fire, “is yours.”

The river is a force of nature, relentless, ruthless, and uncaring, but--

So are little girls, when they have been crossed.

Is it true you took my boy from me? the little girl asks the river, her words lost in its rapids. I don’t have much, but what I have is yours.

It does not answer; water may be ever-changing, ever-flowing, but it waits on tradition.

If I give you my shoes, she asks, brushing their shiny leather for the last time, will you give him back to me?

The men are silent, eyes fixed to the hairpin glistening on the tabletop. Lady Mihoko may say it is the least among her ornaments, lacking the precious stones and fine filigree that most nobles favor, but-- it has worth. The bead may be glass, but the pin is gold, and what it lacks in precious jewels it makes up for in rarity; in all her travels across Clarines and Tanbarun, Shirayuki has never seen another like it.

It only strikes her now that maybe, just maybe, it was too fine a prize for a bare-knuckled fight under a bridge. That maybe--

Maybe it might be more precious than she could have ever known.

Her chest tightens as one of the men reaches out. Here she is, with Obi’s greatest treasure, and she is giving it away.

Maybe it’s no wonder why he left.

The little girl watches as her red shoes float back to shore, watches as they are left so delicately on the bank, and forgets how to breathe.

Did I not throw them far enough? she asks, using all her strength to hurl then into its current. Give me back my boy!

Still they drift back to her, cutting through the river’s relentless flow, now even a drop of water left on them.

Where is he? she asks the river. If he is not with you, then where has he gone?

But that is not the bargain, now is it?

He slides the lid shut. “We couldn’t possibly take this, my lady.”

Another of the guard nods, eager. “It wouldn’t be right.”

“Not when you’re looking for Sir Obi,” Kai tells her. “I didn’t see anything, but one of the recruits mentioned something the other night.”

Her heart flutters painfully in her chest. “What did he say?”

“I don’t...” Kai’s cheeks flush, and his eyes won’t meet hers. “Are you sure you want to know?”

“Yes!” She’s breathless, so close to her answers.

“The recruit doesn’t know Sir Obi, not by anything but reputation, so we can’t be sure--”

Her hands dart out, grabbing the close weave of his sleeve. “Kai, please, anything.”

He glances up at the other guards, uncertain, and says, “He saw a man leaping over the walls the night Sir Obi went missing. He thought it was odd at the time, but since they were leaving from inside and going outside--”

“They?”

Kai grimaces. “Yes, they.”

She stares, uncomprehending. “He wasn’t alone?”

“No.” Kai hesitates, looking sick, before he adds, “He was seen leaving with a woman, my lady.”

It is funny how we want answers, how we need them, how we are desperate for them-- but only when they are the one we are looking for.

A woman. The air in this pub is too thin, she can hardly breathe. “I need to stand,” she says, hardly thinking, “please.”

The guards all scramble to move, offering hands to help her forward, but--

He wasn’t alone. He had left with a woman. He had planned to leave--

“I think,” says an all-too-familiar voice, “that this is quite enough.”

Shirayuki raises her gaze, fixing on the cloaked figure before her, on the pale of her hair in the gaslight, on the nigh-black indigo her eyes have become in the shadow, on the pale outstretched hand that hovers, expectant before her.

“Come on,” Kiki says, gentle yet firm. “It’s time to go back.”

It is magnificent, is it not, how we survive?

It is said it is our strongest instinct, the call we cannot refuse. When there is nothing else left to us, when not even thought can be counted upon, it is still in us to live.

A body may have a thousand cuts, a back may be pricked with a dozen arrows, but oh, how we will still stand, how we still take the next step, and then another. How we will walk a mile as we still bleed, if only to to take another breath.

And yet still, it is possible to die of a broken heart. And old man may lose his lover, and when he lays down that night, he never wakes.

A poison, a blade, our longing: it is up to the heart to decide what we can take.

Isn’t it magnificent how it is impossible to know which will be the killing blow?

It is lucky that her arm is tucked so nearly into Kiki’s side as they walk back; Shirayuki’s mind cannot hold a thought for more than a moment, let alone try to trace her steps back through the market.

“He wasn’t alone,” she manages. “Someone left with him.”

Kiki hums.

“A woman.” Her brow furrows. “She must have gone over the gate with him. Do you think that it could be Torou?”

“I couldn’t say,” Kiki replies, tight.

“Do you think that he...” She cannot seem to make the words settle on her tongue. “Do you think that he planned...?”

She cannot make herself say, do you think he meant to leave without saying goodbye?

Kiki is silent, the sort of silent that isn’t empty but heavy instead.

Shirayuki stops, and Kiki pauses beside her. “Did you know he didn’t leave alone?”

Kiki’s mouth pulls thin, and she looks away. “It’s late. We should get inside.”

Shirayuki lets out a long breath, finally glancing at the door before them, and--

“This isn’t my room.” She blinks. “This isn’t even my wing.”

“No,” Kiki says with a long sigh. “It isn’t.”

Not every lie is meant to wound. Oh no, some are meant to be shields, a cushion between our softer parts and the sharp edges of reality.

After all, not all of us are ready for the harsh light of truth. Some of us would prefer to remain blinded all our lives, if only we could keep from hurting.

“I must admit,” the consort says, as elegant on her ottoman as if she were keeping court. “I did think you would last longer than this.”

Shirayuki drops into a genuflect so low her head nearly brushes the carpet. She has dined with princes and traded quips with kings, but there is something about the consort of Clarines that intimidates her as not even Izana does. “Your Majesty.”

“Please, let us not stand on ceremony.” She gestures for her to sit, though there’s no chairs to take, only the floor before her. “Especially since we are so soon to call each other sisters, are we not? Unless--” she darted a pointed glance at Kiki-- “I am to take from this ill-conceived jaunt that you have changed your mind.”

“N-no!” she yelps, taking a step forward, only halted by the mild-mannered brow the consort lifts. She haltingly drops to her knees, tucking her ankles beneath her on the carpet. “I mean, yes. I mean-- I still want to marry Zen. I just...I can’t let my friend--”

“Shush.” She holds up a hand, mouth bent in a kindly curve. “I understand your worry. But I have always been told you are a clever girl, and you are going to have to be much cleverer than this if you wish to marry my brother.”

Shirayuki frowns, annoyance building. “I just went into the market--”

“And into a tavern frequented by commoners,” the consort interjects, cross. “I know that you have, to this point, been far more free to roam as you see fit, but my husband place this restriction upon you for a reason. Surely you must know that a woman of your standing must be entirely above reproach if she wishes to...elevate her station to the degree you do.”

“I’m not trying to--”

“You are,” she is informed. “Perhaps you do not want the title, but Clarines cannot be cloven from a Wisteria, no matter how much you wish it. It is best that you resign yourself to that reality now, if no one else has seen fit to impress it upon you.”

Shirayuki squirms, the carpet rubbing at her knees. “Haruka did tell me something like that.”

“I would expect so. He’s a realist, unlike some.” Haki shifts on her stool, leaning close. “If you are to maintain the reputation needed to make this scheme work, you cannot go haring off to find your friend. Not when Zen has everything well in hand.”

She sits back, gracing Shirayuki with a significant look. “Especially after another man.”

Heat creeps up her cheeks, and oh, that implication knots her dread tighter in her gut, makes it sit as heavy as lead. “It’s not like that. I just can’t sit by if something’s happened--”

“It’s not easy,” the consort allows, with all the weight of someone who knows from experience. “But a princess is not a hound. It is not our place to search.”

Her hands clench tight in her lap. “I can’t do nothing.”

“Nor did I say you should.” The consort’s lips tilt, sly. “When one cannot act themselves, they rely on their people to act for them.”

Frustration wells up in her. “I don’t have people. I only have myself.”

“Come now, you cannot believe that.” She tilts her head, laying a thoughtful finger to her chin. “You have Zen, who in turn has people. People who he is using to find your Obi as we speak.”

Shirayuki darts a glance at Kiki, but she’s inscrutable, as always. “Is he?”

The consort raises her brows. “You doubt him?”

“I...” She doesn’t want to. “The guard--”

“As if my brother would send our guards to find a man of his aide’s caliber.” The consort laughs, so easy. “Did he not promise you he would find him? Give you his word?”

“Y-yes.” She can still feel his hands around hers, the warm way he had looked at her. “He did.”

“Then how can you worry?” The consort smiles brightly. “My brother’s word is his bond.”

“I...” Something twists with her, dark, but she swallows it down. “Right. Of course. Zen is-- handling it.”

The consort nods, business concluded. “Good. Now come, I’ve been told you are struggling with your lessons.”

Oh. She hadn’t been aware that was...common knowledge. “I...”

“It’s only to be expected,” the consort concludes, “most ladies are trained their entire life for this, and you have only just started. But worry not,” she smiles, so warm, “I will help you.”

Shirayuki’s eyes pulse wide. “M-me? That’s...very generous of you.”

Haki’s mouth curls in amusement. “I won’t pretend my motives are not personal. I’ve seen the list of candidates for if this experiment fails, and you are fully the most interesting person out of all of them.” Teeth flash from behind her lips, gone in a moment. “I refuse to have to plan every gala with someone whose most nuanced opinion has been formed over the difference between carmine and crimson.”

Shirayuki frowns. “Aren’t they both red?”

“See, already you are more tolerable than half of them.” She sighs, waving a weary hand. “What you don’t know about this life can be learned. And unlike some, I believe in setting up people to succeed. It must be my soft northern heart.”

Now that her heart is calm, she remembers the enormity of what she’s done. “So you won’t-- I mean, Izana--?”

“Ah, your little jaunt. No, this will be our little secret.” Shirayuki isn’t sure who that shark’s smile is for, but she’s glad it’s not her. “Women must have some, after all.”

But that is the thing, is it not? That which is hidden never stays buried. Reality never halts its siege.

In the end, all we have done is allowed the truth to hone its blade. In the end, it is a betrayal we never meant to make.

It’s funny how we may hurt the ones we love so easily, without ever even trying.

#obiyuki #akagami no shirayukihime #snow white with the red hair #my fic #All That Remains #snow queen au #this part has gotten a little out of control #i mean it makes sense it's like the longest part of the original story #but there's like one or two more parts to this 'chapter' still coming #we're juuuuuuust getting to the woman who can conjure #like 15K into this part ughhhh #WHATEVER IT'LL BE WORTH IT #ENJOY YOUR PAIN YOU MASOCHISTS

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bakugous-abs · 4 years ago

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Day 4 of Halloween 2020!

~ Brought to you today by Admin HeroWeekly

~~~

My human doesn’t know that something other than me watches her when she sleeps. Her big brown eyes and her big round face are my favorite in the whole world, and I am so jealous when the others watch her. It’s not fair! She’s my human and she chose me! I was just a little puppy in the streets when she took me and kept me safe!

Now, I have to keep her safe. While she dreams and mummers “Deku-kun”. I don’t know who this Deku human is but they must be good if my human likes them! But, the other isn’t a very nice one. He’s a weird shadow. Sometimes he shows up but sometimes you just feel them there. My fur stands up and I start barking, but then I get in trouble. I don’t know why I get in trouble when I’m just trying to warn her!

There was a night a few weeks ago that I don’t know what happened, but the other was really angry. It was really late and, like usual, I was laying on my human’s feet. It was nice and cool and the window was open but I wasn’t chasing the squirrels because I’d hurt myself. Or, that’s what my human says when I look out the window. Squirrels make fun of me from the window though. I don’t like them much.

Anyways! The other thing! It’s some kind of shadow human but it’s really tall and has a really weird smile. Like, part of its non-fur is missing or something. It gives me the creeps so I always growl at it.

So this other night I was sleeping soundly when the creeping sound came from the hallway. Sometimes it scrapes its fingers against the wall or whatever and it makes a really scary noise. It never stays on the walls which is confusing, but my human never seems to mind it so I guess it’s fine. The scraping sound came closer and closer to the bedroom and my human still didn’t wake up! She just snored away on the bed.

So, what did I do? I growled at the door. My tail was between my legs but the shadow couldn’t see it so I was fine. My growls got louder and my human mumbled at me to be quiet. But, my growls were what was keeping it from the bedroom! I stopped growling and the sound started again. It came closer to the room until the door was pushed open.

I didn’t want to but I was brave for my human. I stuck my nose out there and almost ran right into it! The shadow was right outside the door and my human was still sleeping! I gave a bark but she didn’t listen. So I did what any good dog would do: I ran down the hallway away from the bedroom like the scared dog I was. While I ran by the shadow, it reached down and swiped at me. My neck felt like it was on fire and I yelped in pain. I bolted down to the living room with little pride, or confidence? I don’t know the word.

My human came running as I yelped again when the shadow came closer. I kept barking at it and just before my human came into the room the shadow left. What a coward! He didn’t even want to stay to show what he’d done! I would be so ashamed if I was him. Wait, I’m getting sidetracked again. The story, right.

So my human came into the room and ran over to me. Naturally, I nuzzled into her touch and whimpered. If I showed I was really hurt maybe I’d get treats.

“What did you do, Grav? Your collar is burnt a bit and your neck has a really bad burn! What happened? Are you okay, boy?” She said before taking my collar off. Usually I’d run around when that happened but not this time. I looked towards the wall where the shadow had gone but of course my human didn’t understand. There were things we just couldn’t understand.

Instead I got a little pat on the head before she got this really, really cold thing and put it on my neck. It didn’t feel good, but the peanut butter she gave me was great so it was okay! She couldn’t figure out what had happened so we went back to bed but the door was shut very well, or so she said, so that I couldn’t hurt myself again. I wish I could tell her that it was the shadow that did it.

Everything has been calm for a few days. Tonight seems especially calm. We went for a walk, said hi to this boy with really weird green hair that my human acts strange around, and came home to watch tv all night! She even scratched behind my ears forever! It was good.

When we went to bed I felt really weird. Like something bad was coming. I tried to tell my human but she didn’t listen. “We went for a walk already!” She said before tucking me in next to her. I tried to sleep but kept staring at the door. It didn’t move but I was waiting for the shadow to come back again.

I must have fallen asleep because I woke up with my tongue making my chin wet. I slurped it back before shifting closer to my human. She pet my ear before turning over so her back was touching me. I always liked this spot, it was nice. But then I heard the door open. The shadow crept into the room and I growled slowly. It almost looked at me, I’m not sure it can do that but it seemed like it, as it moved closer. My human was sleeping next to me soundly without a care in the world and there was the shadow staring us down.

What am I supposed to do other than try my best to get it to stop? I nudged my human and they stirred but then went rigid. It scared me so much that I started to whine. That’s when I noticed that the shadow was standing next to her and leaning over her. I think she noticed too.

Her scream filled the room and hurt my ears. She never screams so it really must have scared her. I was scared too. I jumped off the bed and moved away from it. She followed. But the monster followed her too. It floated above the bed towards us and I started barking at it. I don’t really know what I was doing, I just felt the need to.

It reached out and grabbed me by the collar. Before I knew it I was against the wall. The burn in the neck spread to the rest of my body and I howled in pain. I saw how scared my human was and I tried my best to stand up. I gave a small growl before hitting the floor again. I couldn't stand up!

Instead I had to watch as the shadow stood over my master and stared her down. She started to cry as I crawled towards her. Instead of hitting her, it hit me again. I used the last of my strength to bite down hard on its hand. It tasted gross, like the burnt food my human sometimes dropped. I watched the shadow fade before my vision went dark and I fell asleep.

#boku no hero #boku no hero academia #my hero academia #bnha #mha #Uraraka #Bnhahalloween2020

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purplesurveys · 4 years ago

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1026

Do you like bacon? I’m not as wild about it as I used to be, but I’m still definitely into the whole put-bacon-on-everything schtick and I have no problem trying out novelty items that put bacon in donuts, or oatmeal, or cake, or whatever it is haha.

Have you ever wished for something to come true and it did? I mean, yes. It’s ranged from something as simple as “I wish it rains today,” to something as big as wishing that the person I like liked me back.

Do you like Rammstein? I’m familiar with the name but I’m not necessarily a fan.

Do you know a friend of a friend? Yes. I used to drink with Angela’s friends from arki. We never ended up being close but they were always great people to have a few drinks with.

Do you smile for no reason? I usually smile for a reason.

if somebody paid you a million dollars to get a green mohawk would you? Sure. I only stay at home anyway and that makes this whole thing not that big of a deal, honestly.

Ever had a BLT? Did you like it? It’s too basic a sandwich for me, but I wouldn’t turn it down if it were the only option available. I’d still remove the tomatoes, though; I never liked those in my burgers or sandwiches.

Are you in College? Not anymore; I graduated a few months ago.

Have you ever been to a State Fair? We don’t have those here, first of all because we don’t have states haha.

Do you like Youtube? I enjoy a number of YouTube channels and I certainly visit the site everyday, but I don’t like the way the corporation itself runs their website. It’s since become very different from what YouTube used to be.

If so whats your favorite channel? At the moment it’s Good Mythical Morning, but I also have a number of other subscriptions like BuzzFeed (for their Worth It series), First We Feast, Try Guys, PewDiePie, Anthony Padilla, Anna Park, a couple of channels dedicated to pro wrestling, some eating ASMR channels, among others.

Do you enjoy compulsively cleaning electronics? Can’t say I do.

What is your favorite small dog breed? Are beagles considered small dogs? I love them.

Do you smell bacon cooking? Nopes but I do have a dark chocolate macadamia cookie from Starbucks beside me that I can faintly smell.

Have you ever bitten anything for any unknown reason? What was it? I like biting on straws, but that’s about it I think.

Do you like the movie "The Master Of Disguise"? I don’t think I’ve heard of it before.

What is the closest thing to you thats red? A paper bag under my desk that holds all the artsy stuff I’ve bought over the years, like my coloring books and paintings.

Have you ever gone into a toystore just to play with the toys? That’s always made me feel like a freeloader haha, so I never go to toy stores just for that purpose. I’d sometimes play with whatever exhibits they have, but I make sure to go through the different toy sections too.

When was the last time you went through a Mcdonalds Playplace? Maybe when I was 5 ot 6 maybe? I went to Burger King’s playground way more often since we dined there more. Also, there were always fewer kids so it was more fun to play there.

Do you have an annoying dog? Cooper’s a beagle, who are notoriously big balls of energy, and so there are days I just can’t keep up with his energy and for those moments I do have shorter patience with him. It’s really not his fault, though.

What was the first comic book you ever had an obsession over? I was never into comic books. I tried for a long time because my two favorite wrestlers are into them, but just couldn’t jump on that train.

Do you like kids pop-up books? Loved them as a kid but I was never obsessed enough to have them for my own. I was content reading pop-up books in the school library.

Does anybody else think bugs are cool and interesting? I’m sure there are tons of people out there, but not me.

What kind of toothpaste do you use? Colgate.

Do you own a pair of striped socks? I don’t think so, no.

What is the most random thing in your bedroom? An inflatable pig.

In a normal conversation do you slip out Latin? LOL no. I don’t think I’ve done that before, unless I was singing something in Latin on purpose.

Can you sing? No. I’m not tone-deaf, but I’m not anywhere near decent either.

If so, what is the highest note you can reach? -

Have you ever been to the cream cheese capital of the world? I don’t know which one that is.

Was this survey random? Enough for me to have a good time with it, yes.

Have you ever been in a parade? I’ve been to several Pride marches if they count.

What is your mothers, mothers maiden name? I don’t actually remember haha, so I wouldn’t be able to share it anyway. It’s a very Chinese-sounding name, though; that much I can share.

Do you have a different hairstyle? No. I just have bangs, which a lot of people already have.

Am I annoying yet? I don’t feel annoyed, so you’re good.

Do you like soybeans? I haven’t had actual soybeans. < Same, but I’m sure I like food products that have soybeans in them or are made out of soybeans.

Do you press buttons just to see what they do? Hahahahahahahaha yes that’s me, I’m that person with the restless fingers.

Do you still play pokemon? I never got into the video games because I was never any good at strategy-based games, but I did play Pokemon Go for a while especially when I was in freshman year of college. Overall, I was mostly into the anime.

What is your favorite pokemon? Jigglypuff.

Have you ever put blue streaks in your white cats hair? I have a white dog, but I wouldn’t do this to him even if you gave me dog-friendly dye. Just not my preference.

Are you blond? Nope.

Does it bother you when people have a collar turned up? No.

Are your nails painted? If so, what color? If not, do you like nail polish? They’re never painted. No, I personally don’t see the appeal of nail polish for myself but you do you.

Are you awesome? I’ll let other people be the judge of that.

As a kid did you like Barney, Baby Bop, or DJ more? Wasn’t it BJ? Anyway, I liked him the most, then Barney. I found Baby Bop way too whiny.

Have you been to the Bzoink Forums yet? I just go there to look for surveys. I don’t actually try out the other features.

Does any key on your computer and or laptop stick? No.

Does fire excite you? Fuck no lmao, I’m terrified of fire.

Have you ever sung in a choir? Never.

Do you go to church? Until March this year, I had attended mass every Sunday all my life. When Covid hit, we started watching YouTube recordings at home. So yeah, no escape.

Have you ever had a theme (pirate, ninja, civil war) day? Like, in school? Yeah we had a themed day in high school once. I forgot what the actual theme was but I remember going as Lara Croft. In college, we used to go with color-coordinated outfits for Valentine’s Day, e.g. people who had dates can wear red, those who are single can wear black, those in complicated relationships can wear brown, those who had crushes but can’t have them can wear yellow, etc. It wasn’t an official rule, of course, but it was always fun for those who chose to join haha.

Can you touch your tongue to your nose? Nopes.

Have you ever been to Philadelphia PA? No. It has an amazing reputation for being a passionate wrestling city though; it’d be cool to go there and see a local show or two.

Do you think Orlando Bloom is hot? He’s not unattractive, but I just never had a crush on him.

Do you think Twilight is over-rated? At some point I think it was, but it also got (and continues to get) so much hate that I think that has since been able to balance out the initial overrated-ness of it.

When was the last time you where sick? what did you have? I had a UTI in May, which I never would’ve known if I didn’t take a urine test because all I got was a high fever that never went away. Peeing was never painful for me during that time and my kidney region never hurt either.

What is your favorite number? 4.

Look at your toes. Sure.

If you are a girl do you hate girl drama? Idk what you mean by that. I never grew out of liking gossip, though.

If you are a guy do you hate girls who prolong the drama? -

ZZZ, im tired....are you? A little, but I have coffee so I might stay up for a bit because it’s Fridayyyyyyy.

Favorite indie music group? alt-J.

Have you ever pet a monkey? I don’t think I have.

Have you ever ridden a camel? Nopes.

Have you ever punched somebody? Never to hurt someone.

Do you like cupcakes? Love them.

Orange or lemon flavoring? Depends on what I’m consuming. I like orange chewy candies, but I like lemonade juice too.

Can you sing opera? Not a chance.

Touchpads or Mouse's? Touchpad.

Have you ever been to a Disney theme park? Nope, I haven’t.

#survey #surveys

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kaffeinic · 5 years ago

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Caffeinic | Bang Chan

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Epilogue

Pairing: Reader x Barista!Bang Chan

Genre: Fluff // Romance

Warnings: Fem!Reader

Preamble: You’ve been going to the same coffee shop for the past four years. You’ve ordered the same thing almost every single day, and you never, ever skip on that part of your morning. So, when Mrs. Park hired a new barista and the once serene café was suddenly flooded with people every second of the day, you were less than thrilled.

Suddenly, you heard footsteps from the bottom of the staircase.

“Get out of my café. Now.” Mr. Park ordered the man outside. He looked at you, then Mr. Park, and lastly, Chan, before sneering and cursing you all to hell. Once he was gone, you felt a hand touch your back between your shoulder blades.

“Are you alright?” Chan asked. He looked genuinely concerned.

“I-” You stuttered. “I don’t know.”

The time passed slowly since you had first arrived at the coffee house, but it was now past eleven o’clock, and the once dimly lit windows had become a sea of darkness. Mrs. Park and Junyoung walked in the door and said their hellos and goodbyes, then went off to bed.

“When do you plan on going home?” Chan asked. You looked at the clock.

“I guess I should go soon.” You started to pack your things, shoving the rest of your textbooks into your book bag, struggling to fit everything inside. Chan helped you with the last of your things as you slung the strap of your bag over your shoulder. Mr. Park watched tentatively.

“It’s a bit late, Y/n.” He looked around. “I would give you a ride home, but I’m too backed up with paper work. I’m sorry.” He told you. You waved your hands in front of you.

“Don’t be sorry! I hope you can get everything done soon.” You smiled warmly at the man. His hair was beginning to grey at the edges and wrinkles were slowly becoming more prominent on his face. He still had a kind light in his eyes all the same. He left you and Chan as he went back upstairs.

“I’m off the clock in a few minutes.” The blonde boy said. You looked up at him inquisitively.

“And?”

“I could take you home.” He offered. You looked at him, and then outside. You weren’t exactly excited to try walking home alone in the dark after what just happened. You sighed.

“Alright, but I - and I really mean this - I don’t want to hear any of your pickup lines, okay?” You laid out your conditions.

“Of course.” He walked behind the counter to finish wrapping up his work. “For tonight, at least.”

You waited patiently before watching Chan go to the back of the café, explaining that he needed to change and gather his things. When he reappeared, he still wore the same lazily buttoned shirt, minus the apron he donned before. For the first time, you got a good look of his entire body.

His hair was a little curly, but styled. His black roots were buried deep in a sea of blonde waves. You could tell he had ran his fingers through a few times. Part of you wondered what his hair felt like.

He wore the black button-up you had noticed earlier, paired with dark grey ripped jeans. Little bits of skin showed through the holes, all white and milky and rippling with muscle as he walked. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing his forearms. He held his bag in his right hand, the veins in his arm popping slightly from the added weight.

“Are-” He began to speak, his face slowly twisting into a smile. “Are you checking me out, Y/n?”

For the second time today, you choked at his words.

“What? Me? No.” You rolled your eyes. “When would I ever?” Chan looked at you, and you could swear that his eyes themselves smiled at you.

“Uh-huh. Let’s go, Babyg-” He stopped himself, remembering his promise not to bug you tonight. “Let’s go.” He held out his hand.

“I do not want to hold your hand.” You lied.

“Lucky for me, I was only offering to carry your bag.” He paused, his hand still held out. “There’s at least four textbooks in there. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to hold it.” He looked at the way you stood, leaning to the side your bag was hanging. The weight was a little difficult for you to handle.

“I think I’m good, but thanks.” You said, turning around toward the exit. You felt the weight literally being lifted off of your shoulder as Chan scooped up the bag in his left arm. He walked to the door and pushed it open.

“Come on, let’s go.” He said, holding the door for you. You had to admit, the Aussie could be a gentleman when he wanted to be. You walked out of the doorway, past Chan and onto the sidewalk.

“Which one?” You asked. He gestured with his head to the right of both of you, fiddling with his keys. A sleek black car unlocked its doors and he opened the back seat door, lightly tossing both of your things inside. You moved to the passenger door, but he reached across you and opened the door.

“Madame.” He held out his hand like a chauffeur and waited for you to sit. You rolled your eyes.

“Dork.” Your words mocked him, but your pink cheeks and goofy smile said otherwise.

“Mhmm.” He hummed and closed your door, walking around and getting in the car himself. He shoved his keys into the ignition, turning to you. “Where to?”

You replied with your address, and watched as he changed gears and began driving.

“You already know where my house is?” You asked. “Most people need more specific directions, or a GPS.”

“I have some friends in the neighbourhood.”

“Oh.” You stared out of the windshield in front of you as Chan pulled out of his parking spot. It was then that you took the time to appreciate the interior of his car.

It was mostly black and brown. The seats were made of a light brown leather and the floorboards had a matching brown floor liner. His steering wheel was also a perfect match. The dashboard was black with brown lining and the radio had dimmed LED lights that displayed the time, weather, and radio station. All in all, a very nice car. Part of you wondered how he could afford such a thing.

“You’re awfully quiet.” Chan said. His eyes stayed on the road as he drove. You mentally thanked him for that. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just getting caught up in my own thoughts, I guess.” You half-heartedly laughed and tucked some hair behind your ear.

“Do you live with family?” He asked. You shook your head.

“No, I moved out of the house about a year ago.” You paused. “What about you?” You began imagining a whole house full of Aussies and struggled not to giggle.

“Nope, just me.” He said. “I still keep in touch, though.” With that, you smiled.

“Do you ever miss them?”

“Everyday.” He replied quicker than you thought he would. His face showed just how much he meant those words.

“I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how that must feel like. My family is only about an hour away.” You looked down.

“Don’t apologize, I chose to come here.” He adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. “Can I tell you something?” The car approached a red light and his head turned to look at you.

“Yeah, shoot.”

“I-” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I wanted to tell you that- um... When I flirt with you, it’s only you. I know that I’m always making a joke out of it, but... There’s some truth to it.” He watched your face for any sign as to what you were thinking. You stared out the windshield. The light turned green.

“The light, Chan!” You pointed and he nearly jumped out of his skin.

“Right, sorry.” He began driving again. Before you knew it, you had arrived at your street. “What was the building number again?”

“Four seventy-two.” You replied. He pulled up to the curb in front of your house and removed his keys from the ignition.

“What are you doing?”

“Walking you up to your floor.” He stated. You opened your door and got out, grabbing your things from the back seat. Chan took your bag from you again. You both began the journey up to the fourth floor, using stairs.

Once you arrived, Chan handed you your bags and shoved his hands in his pockets.

“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It probably wasn’t the best night for me to tell you that.” He wouldn’t look at you directly. It was a stark contrast to his usual self.

“Honestly, no. It wasn’t.” You said. “But it’s okay. I wondered about it sometimes.” Chan looked at you in the eyes for the first time since he said what he said in the car.

“Really?” A smile played on the corner of his lips.

“Yeah.” You replied. After a bit of awkward silence, you grabbed your things and unlocked your door, inching your way inside.

“Wait-” Chan said. You turned around to find yourself enveloped in a soft hug. His arms were wrapped around your shoulders and hooked behind you to hold your back. His chin rested on the top of your head. He held you firmly, but with enough wiggle room that you could escape if you wanted to. You could feel his quick heartbeat with the rise and fall of his chest. Your arms found their way around him, too, your bag falling to the crook of your elbow.

You both stayed like that for a long while. He only pulled away when the sound of your neighbour’s dog barking in the apartment next door jolted you both back into reality.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” His tone was hopeful, but weary. You smiled at the shy boy in front of you.

“Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow, Chan.”

“Channie.” He corrected you. You blinked at him. “Everyone I know calls me Channie except for the Parks and you. You can call me Channie if you want.” He explained himself, laughing a little at the end. You nodded and giggled.

“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow, Channie.”

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🏷 @a-toxic-galaxy • @hoshithehamster

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mystery-star · 6 years ago

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Buddy - Fred Weasley (Epilogue)

Pairing: Fred Weasley x reader

Warnings: swearing, mentions of sex, mentions of death

Words: 4211

A/N: This is a (long) list of events that happened after the end of the Buddy series because I still had soooo many ideas for the story and I wanted to share them XD. Hope you like this Headcanon-like style. Consider it as a very belated birthday present, @rochelle-the-ravenclaw^^

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms!

You almost had no peace in the following days because everyone came over to see Fred and celebrate with you

And it was a huge deal in the medias

Suddenly “The boy who lived” was snows of yesteryear

Now everyone spoke of “The retrieved Retriever”

You couldn’t go anywhere without people talking to you

And it was the best advertising for the shop

According to Fred, their sales were increased by about 220%

There was so much to do that you and Mrs Weasley had to come and help

Also Ron and Lee Jordan helped in the evening after they finished work

The twins almost couldn’t keep up with the production

In the end they hired two more sellers so that they could focus on producing new supplies

And experimenting with new ideas

But after two stressful months, the whole fuss about Fred died down anyway

And soon the flocks of customers stayed away as well

Not that the shop wouldn’t be crowded anymore

Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes still was as popular as ever

Still it was a welcome change

But it seemed the twins weren’t ready do take a pass on the extra earnings

They bought Zonko’s shop in Hogsmeade anyway

Goodbye repose

During two days in which they let the shop in Diagon Alley closed, their new premises were equipped with everything they needed

Each twin would be a manager of one shop

George in Diagon Alley

And Fred in Hogsmeade

Your husband betrothed even bought the rooms above the new shop as well, as a place where you three (soon four) could live

George didn’t like that you’d live on the other end of Great Britain

“Stop whining George, We’re only a handful of floo powder or a portkey away. And we all can apparate”

But the younger twin still decided to pout about the decision

When you moved out from the flat in Diagon Alley, he didn’t even help you

And he threatened he’d never come to visit you

But it was George

He almost spent more time at your new place than at his own

Just in time for the next Hogsmeade weekend, the new shop opened

Of course the younger twin was here to help you while their employees would take care of the shop in London

Even Ron had come to help you in Hogsmeade

Better said to see Hermione

Fred threatened to throw both of them out if the snogging didn’t end anytime soon

The students LOVED the shop

And the twins, let’s be honest

Mostly Fred though

He was always surrounded by a group of kids that wanted to know everything about his return and what being a dog was like

If you were completely honest it made you a little jealous

This was so different from when they interacted with him in his dog-form

Speaking of dog-form: a little after the new shop was opened, the twins decided to start the process to become animagi

Since they had to keep a mandrake leaf in their mouth for a whole month, Fred almost never kissed you properly in fear he’d lose it

(Because then he’d have to start over again)

George would always tease him about it and tell him to make sure he wouldn’t lose the leaf

But funnily it was George who had to start over after he swallowed the leaf when he got drunk on his birthday

Needless to say Fred laughed him out of court

(Almost lost the leaf himself because of that though)

But he managed to keep it in his mouth from full moon to full moon and could continue by brewing the potion

Then he had to wait for the next lightning storm to complete the whole process and become an animagus

But first there was the anniversary of the battle

It was the first time in a long time you remembered that you had actually lost Fred a year ago

Making you even happier to have him back

Of course there was a memorial in Hogwarts and speeches were made

And someone forced or persuaded Fred to hold one too

The rest of the event was merrier

Although you were still surrounded by people who wanted to know more about Fred’s story or see Chris

It did good to be reunited with old classmates and catch up on your lives

Much to Fred’s dismay you talked a lot to your ex-boyfriend whom you hadn’t seen since Fred shooed him out of the shop almost two years ago

And typically Fred, he had to make it clear you were his

What made you angry

“But if I say something about the flocks of women that surround you while wanting to know everything about Buddy I am the jealous beast!”

“That’s something different. I never was in a relationship with them”

“Oh and what about Angelina? Shouldn’t I be concerned about her?”

“That was one date! And the only reason I asked her was because you’ve been in a relationship with someone else at the time”

You sighed and decided to drop it

Later in the evening, Skeeter barged in and wanted to know if she could write an article about the fate of people who lost someone in the wizarding war

Oh wonder, she chose you…

But Fred knew how to handle it

“Listen, I know you’re bitten by the bug with this whole story but if you don’t stop bugging us and don’t bug off right now I might let something slip the next time I’m at the Ministry. Which will be when I’m going to get registered as an animagus.”

It didn’t surprise you that she left

And it also was clear that her next choice was none other than Harry Potter

Who conveniently was sitting with the rest of the Weasleys

(Ginny)

A simple ‘Oi beetlebrain, don’t put a bug in his ear’ from Fred was enough to make her leave the Great Hall

In the middle of May Fred could complete the process of becoming an animagus

As you had almost imagined, his animal form was indeed Buddy

Even though Fred was happy about that, he also found it a shame that he wasn’t another animal

But after a while he saw the advantages in Buddy being his animagus form

“Now I can keep my clothes on and you don’t need to put me into ugly clothes before I change into a human. And I’m finally not depended on you to transform me”

(Because George had developed the habit to transform Fred into a dog when he was getting annoying over the past months

(Needless to say it pissed Fred off and made sure to get his revenge))

And after the registration he never let a chance to piss you off by using his animagus ability pass by

But mostly he transformed when he wanted something from you, to have more convincing puppy eyes

And it worked damn well

Mid-June George finally became an animagus too

The result was interesting

He was a brown haired dog as well

But not a Chesapeake Bay Retriever like Fred

(A muggle veterinarian told you he was a Flat-Coated Retriever and it made sense since the breeds were pretty much alike but not exactly the same, just like the twins themselves as humans)

But George didn’t believe your theory that he was a Retriever because Fred was one too

He made it his mission to find out why he was “just a dog and nothing cooler”

Fred transformed and peed at him for that comment in case you wondered

Then George transformed too and they were fighting each other

Chris was amused and laughing while you were annoyed, having an anticipation what you’d have to put up with in the future

And you were right

Their new abilities meant more possibilities for pranks

Like setting one up and being able to enjoy it as dogs without being suspected

At least as long as they did this in the Muggle world or around people that didn’t know them

But the Weasleys were so fed up with them after half a week

And probably even Fred wished his brother wasn’t an animagus

Because George’s fur was way, way more fluffier than Fred’s

In other words

Petting Fred = Nice

Petting George = Nicer

Which had the consequence you petted George more

Result of that:

A jealous Fred

(According to him, even Chris betrayed him by petting his uncle more than his father)

And George wasn’t helping

No, he even made it worse by constantly transforming in front of you

And how could you not pet him?

Inevitably you had two wrestling dogs almost all the time

Even when you went on walks with both of them (when both twins were in their dogform)

George always got more attention

“Poor thing. How did it lose its ear?”

Sometimes Fred pretends to be limping, just to get attention too

But always denying he’s jealous or doing it on purpose

Typically Fred

Or incidents like this: Since Fred was reborn as a dog he also enjoys being petted when he’s a human

One day, Chris sat on his chest after playing with his father

And fondles him

Fred let out content growls

“Oh yes that’s nice. Like that”

As if that wouldn’t be funny enough George entered right in that moment

He didn’t see what Fred was doing, only heard him

And leapt to conclusions

“Oi! No fucking when kids are around”

You left the kitchen to have a look when George grew pale

And Fred almost choked from laughing

Later on the younger twin told you he’d be distraught for life because of this

Fred’s and yours wedding was on the 2nd of August

The same date as your first wedding because Fred claimed then he wouldn’t have to remember two dates

At least the wedding was much better than the initial one

After all there were no Death Eaters who ruined it

But one of the best things was that you could reuse your old dress because your baby bump in 1997 had been about as big as it was now

Nevertheless Molly tried to persuade you to get a new one

A dress, not a baby bump of course

But you absolutely didn’t want to

You had too much to do anyway and let’s be honest, being pregnant wasn’t a bed of roses

But luckily your boss aka Fred gave you holidays for as long as you wanted

And Fred was very sweet with you and never wanted you to do too much

He helped you wherever he could

However he was still working 100%

And the seller that he hired to fill your job wasn’t the best as it seemed

For you, this wasn’t such a bad thing

Because in the evenings he’d always rant about the worker

And the best way to calm him down was to rake your fingers through his hair

Which you loved

At times he’d even transform and curl up in your lap, enjoying the thorough petting you’d give him

All in all the last month of your pregnancy was pretty much like two years ago when you were pregnant with Chris

Fred taking care of you and being extraordinarily sweet

But on the other hand you both are so worried

What if you hadn’t thought of everything?

What if something was missing?

Would Chris like his sibling?

Or would he get jealous?

(Fred thought that was impossible but given the fact he was one jealous man you weren’t that sure)

At least you now had some experience with taking care of a baby so one sorrow less

Molly gifting you baby clothes almost every second day

Getting a little nostalgic when digging through Chris’ old stuff to see what you could use again

Chris getting mad when you told him that he baby would get his old playsuits and baby bottles

Or worse, when you tried to throw some stuff away

Yelling around as if he was being tortured and kicking his foot against furniture

100% Fred’s temper

And Fred thinking it’s adorable how your son freaks out

Four days after Chris’ second birthday you went into labour

Fred grabbed your packed bag, told Chris to behave for a couple of minutes before he accompanied you to St Mungos

But as soon as you were taken care of, he left again to get your son to a babysitter

Namely George who only wanted to relax on his free day as you were told

Much to your relief this time the whole process was shorter than the first time

Then he healer placed the baby in your arms

Another boy

Your husband seemed overjoyed about that

(And again tried to persuade you to call him Fred, although you sad no so many times before)

Finally you settled on Fabian

After Fred’s uncle

He was sure Molly would freak out when she heard

But first George arrived with your firstborn

Whereas George seemed absolutely thrilled, Chris had no idea what was so special about his new sibling

As it seemed he was very disappointed

Because his brother would be too young to play with

“Hey! You’ve still got Uncle Georgie and me to play”

But Chris didn’t seem impressed

He pouted until the rest of the Weasleys arrived

George must have told them you went into labour

The delight was huge and to your amusement, Molly held her eldest son a lecture since Fred already had two kids and he still none

“He’s just more careful than Freddie”

The younger twin got hit for that comment

By both Molly and Fred

They all stayed until a healer told them to leave

Only Fred was allowed to stay for the night if he wanted

And hell he did

However, he wasn’t allowed to sleep in your bed

Of course he snuggled up next to you anyway once the healers left for the night

Back at home you had to realise that Chris could get really jealous

He thought you liked the baby more than him because you spent more time with Fabian

Then he got angry because he couldn’t hold his brother or got annoyed because he cried all night

It got better when Fred brought home a Pygmy Puff from work

So that Chris too could look after a living being and realise that there is stuff you have to do to make it happy

Now Chris had a task and dragged his pet everywhere

One day even on a walk

Not even a minute later, the animal dashed away, never to be seen again

Chris was on the verge of tears when Fred promised he’d go and find it

Two hours later he came back with a Pygmy Puff

Of course you knew it was a new one but Chris didn’t

But he did notice it behaved differently than before

Fred assured him that was because it was all alone and scared without your son

As much as he loved his pets, after three month he thought Pygmy Puffs were boring

He wanted a more challenging animal

Much to your chagrin Fred thought this was a good idea

A day later you owned a baby Niffler

Although you were mad at him you made it plain that Fred was supposed to take care of any mess it produced

One day after work Fred seemed quite excited

“He’s got a girlfriend!”

“Who?”

“Georgie. Met her on a walk”

After that Fred stuck to his guns until you got to meet her

She was a Muggle and seemed very nice

Suddenly George didn’t hang out at your place that often anymore

Although he never would admit it you knew that Fred was jealous of her because she spent more time with his twin than he did

Which often ended in George having his dates ruined by a certain dog

And you actually thought Fred had stopped using his dog form to mess up with people

Think again

Your husband would never act his age

When Chris grew older, he developed an interest in experimenting as his father

When Fred didn’t lock up the office door Chris would sneak in all the time to brew his own potion

Sometimes accompanied by Fabian who really seemed to enjoy the show

Luckily that was something Fred didn’t let him get away with

But oh, Chris had his ways to continue experimenting

Though not with potions anymore

Years passed by and before you knew it Chris was eleven and got to go to Hogwarts

Even though you lived in Hogsmeade, Fred insisted he’d take the train from London like everyone else

Chris hated him for it

The goodbye at Kings Cross wasn’t as tearful as you had imagined it

After all you lived in Hogsmeade

Chris was Fred Weasley’s son

And Fred and George probably had sneaked out to Hogsmeade more than they went to classes

So it only was a question of time before your son was home

Most likely to refill his stack of joke items

Although he already had one trunk full of them

Somehow you pitied the Hogwarts teachers

This might be a good time to mention that he still had Jingle, his Niffler

Which he wanted to take to Hogwarts

And he even wanted to take another pet

Though that wasn’t a pet

But his father

You had to explain several times that he couldn’t take Fred to Hogwarts as his dog

Among other because others knew it was your husband

After everyone said goodbye Chris got on the train

Everyone meant not only Fred and your kids but also, George with his kids Molly, Arthur as well as Harry and Ginny (who also came to see Teddy Lupin off)

And yes your kids

Plural form

Fabian wasn’t the youngest anymore

You had two other kids now: Virgina, who turned seven this spring and Ben who’d become six in three months

And another yes; George was a father too

Meet your nephews and niece: Gideon, Matthew and Nathan and Jennifer

Gideon was eight now, Matthew and Nathan (twins obviously) would turn six in a month and Jennifer was two

This meant George’s twins and Ben would start at Hogwarts at the same time

And this would also be the time Harry’s firstborn James Sirius would first go too

If you pitied the teachers now, what would happen then?

When the train arrived in Hogsmeade Fred made sure to “randomly” pass by the station

You didn’t want to go with him so you never knew what happened

However you were quite sure that a few students got more joke supplies than they already had

Especially your son

So it didn’t wonder you when there was an owl with a letter from Hogwarts on your window ledge the following morning

And in the evening your son showed up in your living room

To tell you he was sorted into Ravenclaw

And to tell everything about his pranks and what he learned

Your other kids and Fred were extremely happy and excited about it

But you didn’t think it was such a good idea when he always came here

Not only because he wasn’t allowed but also because it would do him good to be away from the family some time

Because somehow a part of you had the suspicion Chris could come here as often as possible

To your surprise he didn’t

Okay, he came home about ten times during the year, especially when he didn’t feel well

In a way you found that very cute of him, it showed how much his family meant to him

But he was a Weasley after all

They put family above everything else

Fabian was the next one to go to Hogwarts

When Chris started his third year

(Fred joked he wouldn’t sign the Hogsmeade permission with the words one never knew what kind of scum might be lurking there)

Since it was Fabian’s first year, Fred insisted he’d take the Hogwarts Express as well

(In his second year you just brought Chris to Hogsmeade station when the train arrived there)

And again you went through the same discussion

“No Fabian, you can’t take your Dad to Hogwarts as your pet. Besides you got your owl”

(He actually wanted a cat but Fred wouldn’t allow it because he loathed cats since he was reborn)

Although Fabian usually was more insecure than Chris, he only showed up at your place on Hogsmeade weekends

Or when Chris came to visit you

Most likely because he didn’t want to go alone and felt safer when Chris accompanied him to Hogsmeade

And also in the following two years you went to King’s Cross on the first of September

First to see your nephew, Gideon off

(He too sneaked to Hogsmeade a lot and somehow on that days George was at your place)

And a year later your only daughter started her first year

George laughed at his brother when you heard that she was sorted into Slytherin

But you had other sorrows

Since Fred was reborn as a dog it was likely he’d only life a dog’s life span

And now he already lived as a dog since 15 years

So every time he turned into a dog you feared he might would shorten his life even more

Of course you didn’t tell him

Or the kids

And somehow you knew that if he died, he would find you again if he was reborn

Worst was the uncertainty how long he still had

You decided to go and ask around

But this was a special case

No one could give an answer for sure

All you could do was make sure to make best of the time you had left with him

That was when he got suspicious

You told him the truth

He sighed and hugged you tight

“I promise that if I should die shortly, I will come back if I can”

“And what if you can’t? I mean what if you are reborn but you’re on the other end of the world? How are we supposed to find you?”

he chuckled and kissed you

“I’m Fred Weasley. I’ll find a way to stand out for you”

Another year later you were almost sure that somehow Fred would live longer than a dog

To say that you were happy about that is an understatement

Yet there always was the fear you had been right earlier

Or maybe Fred would age like a human if he didn’t transform into a dog that much?

You told him about your suspicion and he shared your thoughts

So you decided he’d stop transforming all the time

Because like hell was he gonna die if George’s twins and his son alongside James II would go to Hogwarts soon

He just had to hear what kind of mischief they got up to

And if that meant he had to give a source for his own mischief making (his animagus form) a miss, then so be it

Before you knew it you were at King’s Cross again

The kids were threatened with disinheritance if you didn’t get a load of owls from them soon

As if they needed anymore stimulation to cause mischief

Now it was valid to pity the teachers of Hogwarts

And Filch

Now George stayed at your place even more because he had frequent visitors

Not that you minded though

Or Fred

He eagerly listened to what his nephews and your son had to tell them

And even gave them new ideas

Or tips on how to improve their pranks

And the kids thankfully accepted them

You rolled your eyes

All you needed now was that Fred and George decided to go to Hogwarts to help them with a prank

But they did

One day after the Christmas break the kids visited you again

And hell, they seemed insecure

“What happened now? In what kind of trouble are you this time?”

you asked, feeling a little concerned

“Actually we need your help”

“For something mischievous?”

Oh sure, that’s all Mr Weasley can think of

Not some school project

The younger twins nodded

Their father asked what it was they needed help with

“It said that if we are who we claim to be our Dads could help us”

Your son nodded at his cousins

“Show them”

Nathan seemed reluctant

“What if they confiscate it?”

“Why should we?”

“Because maybe it’s a dark artefact. James found it in his father’s stuff”

Your husband and his twin exchanged a look

“Alright. If it is a dark artefact we will have to confiscate it because it’s dangerous

“If not, you may keep it”

“But now do show, why does it say we can help you?”

Nathan nodded and pulled out something from under his robes and put it on the table

An old piece of parchment

Fred and George exchanged another glance

“George?”

“Fred?

“You think what I’m thinking?”

“Definitely”

They pulled out their wands

“I solemnly swear that I’m up to no good”

And I made a little timetable about Fred and George’s kids for my own reference. Thought I could post it too, for extra information XD

1997 Birth Chris (Early September)

1999 Birth Fabian (Early September)

2001 Birth Gideon

2002 Birth Virginia (In spring)

2003 Birth Matthew & Nathan (October) / Birth Ben (December)

2007 Birth Jennifer

2009 Chris starts at Hogwarts (Ravenclaw) / Teddy Lupin starts at Hogwarts (Hufflepuff)

2011 Fabian starts at Hogwarts (Hufflepuff)

2012 Gideon starts at Hogwarts (Ravenclaw)

2013 Virginia starts at Hogwarts (Slytherin)

2015 Ben, Matthew & Nathan start at Hogwarts (all Slytherin) / James Potter II starts at Hogwarts (Gryffindor)

2018 Fabian graduates from Hogwarts / Jennifer starts at Hogwarts (Gryffindor)

Taglist: @ta-ka-shi-ma, @malindacath, @muggleborngirl

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