#oh his homecoming is going to be so grand

[addamvelaryon]

When a character dies in the narrative but still remains alive, and it leads to a path to godhood for them >>>>>>>>>>>

[theonewiththefanfics]

Love Conquers All (one-shot)

Synopsys: The wedding is finally afoot. Astarion and his love have fought for it tooth and nail, but could there be more to life after happily-ever-after?

Set after the main events of BG3 This is a follow up to Homecoming (one-shot). Would probably advise reading it beforehand :)

Pairing: Astarion x fem!Reader

Genre: fluff, maybe a bit of angst, insecure Astarion, but just pure teeth-rotting fluff

Warnings: talks of blood, injuries, swearing, mentions of abuse, mentions of SA

Word count: 8875

A/N: I have not played Baldur's Gate 3 (I don't own a PS or a PC where to play it. all of this is based on the info gathered online and through Neil's own gameplay etc. Please be kind :) )

Astarion knew ever since he met Y/N, she was the only one he could imagine spending the rest of his life with. They had gone through hells and back for one another, quite literally going head-to-head with a devil. They’d fought for their happily ever after tooth and nail, and now, the biggest day of their lives (yet) was here.

           The vampire spawn woke up from his trance jittery and excited for what was to come. It had been ages since he’d felt this way, such joy while looking forward to what the day had installed for him because he was finally going to marry the love of his life.

           Their day would be perfect, Astarion had done everything to ensure it. He’d taken to wedding planning like a cat to cream, making sure that once their day arrived, even the smallest detail would be flawless.

           It had taken them two years to settle on a time of the year, let alone a date, but that had given him enough time to grow the flowers for the arrangements that now decorated their house, fussing with them like one would with a child (and sometimes threatening a certain rose if it didn’t grow the way he wanted it to). He even invertedly created a couple of new variates in the process, but those were specifically relegated as the flowers Y/N would weave in her hair for the ceremony.

           He had even meticulously studied cookery books, having his parents along with his love be his taste testers, seeing he couldn’t really enjoy eating human food, but he’d be damned if something disgusting would be served in his house, no less on his wedding day. Unless it had a ten out of ten approval from everyone involved, Astarion scrapped the recipe and started over. He was fairly certain the caterers hated him because he’d made them prepare the food before and until they got it absolutely right, he was on their asses day and night.

           But if he had to pick a favourite process throughout all the planning, it was when Y/N had come to him late one night as he burrowed himself in his sowing room and requested, that he design and make her wedding dress. Astarion almost got down on his knees in reverence as she looked at him with such tender eyes. And, well, let’s just say – during fittings, his hands might’ve skimmed the inside of her thighs on more than one occasion, and his head might’ve slipped below the skirt to taste between her legs, wholly unprofessional.

           Oh, and that dream of a house with a grand library, where shelves of books stretched from one corner to the other, and a large ballroom to host parties until daylight broke – no longer was it a simple dream, but rather his reality. Not only that, he could hear people fussing all across the house as hired staff prepared final details and decorations for the ceremony.

           The new house, or let’s be honest, the manor, Astarion and Y/N lived in, had not come easy though. He’d pretty much brought his lover to the end of her wits when they’d gone on the search for their dream home. In the end, it boiled down to her threatening to make them live in the forest like Halsin, sleeping on the hard ground, if he didn’t come to a decision.

           Astarion was aghast at the suggestion, crossing his arms and pouting hard. “Why are you so upset about this?” He couldn’t understand what the big issue was with him being so picky. “We’re looking for the place to start our new lives in! It has to be no less than absolute excellence! Do you not want that?”

           “Of course, I do!” Y/N rolled her eyes, putting her half-drunk wine glass on the bedside table and shifting her body to completely face him. “But nothing is perfect in this world, Star.”

           When he narrowed his scarlet gaze at her, she huffed and shifted to sit on her knees, cupping his face between her palms. “Nothing in life is without its flaws, but that’s the beauty of it all. It gives us a chance to grow and change. And it’s the same with a house. Floors are fixable. Sofas and divans can be reupholstered. Walls can be repainted, those dilapidated wallpapers ripped off, hells we can knock the wall down if we want to… but we will never find our perfect home if we don’t put the work in and make it ourselves.”

           Y/N’s soft thumb ventured up to smooth out the grumpy lines that had appeared on Astarion’s forehead. “If you want perfect, you have to do the work to make it so. Because that last house we saw, the one you said could be ours, if it didn’t have those stains on the table or that feeling wallpaper or the hole in the roof that needs fixing – that was someone else’s perfect home because they made it that way.”

           Astarion scrunched his nose. “Did a shitty job, that’s for sure.”

           If Y/N could roll her eyes any harder, he was sure they’d get stuck in the back of the skull like that. “My point is, we have to make it that way. Yes, the whole process will be long and tedious and I’m fairly certain, there will be moments where we want to kill each other, because, gods forbid, I want the blackout curtains to be emerald not burgundy. But none of that will matter because it will be ours… what can be more perfect than that?”

           The vampire always had a comment on the tip of his tongue, he always had a sarcastic remark or some sort of critique to offer, but to this, he had nothing to reply, as he pondered the words.

           Y/N tilted her head, a smile blooming on her lovely mouth. “I know you want everything to be exactly how you see it in your head, right from the very start. I know you don’t want to fight anymore, and gods, my love, you don’t deserve to fight for anything, but this isn’t it… this is change. And I think you’re more scared than annoyed at all the little things that might need mending.”

           Astarion averted his gaze, looking past Y/N and to the window, the bright light of the moon illuminating the woods beyond. From the corner of the eye, he could see her engagement ring, the ruby glinting like a star in the sky. A finger brushed over his brow, soothing him. “I think you’re nervous to go after what you want, so you’re trying to find any possible reason as to why every house we’ve viewed has had something unfixable to it.”

           Closing his eyes, Astarion leaned into her touch. “I hate it when you can see through me like that.” He hated to admit it. It felt like some sort of weakness to be seen so clearly, but he also knew Y/N would never judge him for his fears. But it was still hard to voice them. “I just – I’m scared it will be different.”

           “It will be.” She shrugged. “But different doesn’t mean it’ll be bad.”

           He didn’t seem convinced though as his mind and attention drifted off, and she had to tilt his chin towards her, a kiss to his forehead bringing him back into the moment. “My Star, we can always stay right where we are. I love this house. And as long as we’re together, it doesn’t matter where we make our home.”

           “Oh, don’t be ridiculous, my love,” Astarion let out an undignified scoff. “As darling as this place is, I still want that library. And, well, maybe a tailoring room would be lovely. And I can’t say I would be opposed to a walk-in closet, instead of that little dresser we have now.”

           More and more his lips turned into a smile and his gaze lightened as they went on until the morning dawned, talking and mapping out what their perfect abode would be like. They talked about the colours of the walls, where they’d like to hang paintings and how many mattresses their bed should have. Astarion insisted on at least three, so it would feel like resting on a cloud. Y/N thought it was a bit ridiculous, but if that was what he wanted, it’s what he would get. As long as he promised her to have separate duvets, the cover hog that he was.

           They settled on a manor near the city, but far enough from the crowds to still keep some sort of privacy. She had been right about the restorations being long and mind-numbingly taxing and took them over a year and a half to return the manor to its former glory. All of their funds sank into it, and as Y/N had also warned – there came a moment where it seemed like they would rip one another’s heads off, having to spend a night in separate rooms. But now they got to relish in the fruits of their labour as the ballroom Astarion had manifested was being transformed into their wedding chapel.

           He lazily stretched out his limbs, curling around his still-sleeping love. If he’d had a tail, the cat that he was, he would weave it over Y/N’s middle and curl it, trying to pull her closer if possible.

           The woman grumbled something unintelligible, tightening the hold she had on one of the four pillows she had.

           “Good morning, my wife. Our big day is here. Time to get up.” Gently, he brushed strands of wild hair from her face, placing them behind her ear, to which he leaned down and gave a playful nibble. To Astarion’s delight, he felt a shiver run down her spine, her toes curling against where she’d pressed them to his calf.

           “Not your wife yet,” Y/N grumped, turning so that she could hide her face in the crook of his neck, tickling the sensitive skin there with warm puffs of breath. “And your bride needs her beauty sleep unless you wish for her to look like a troll at the altar. Didn’t give me much of it last night.”

           A wicked grin formed on his mouth, one incisor lightly biting on her earlobe. “I didn’t hear you complaining though. In fact, I didn’t hear you say anything but my name.”

           Teasing fingers brushed against her ribs and the underside of her breasts, a breath hitching in Y/N’s chest. When he splayed his hand against her stomach, she hummed in pleasure, the sound reverberating through his chest and seeping into his bones.

           Her own palms moved from hugging Astarion’s side to his back, nails softly scratching up and down the skin there – so very tenderly over the scars, but with a bit of a bite right above his rear. If he could purr, he would be, but alas, he just moaned and melted like an icicle in the sun.

           It was almost tempting to just stay in the bed like that, twining together and just relishing in one another’s touch.

           “When are your parents getting here?” Y/N yawned and pressed a kiss to his collarbone. “Your mother promised to help me with the dress and hair.”

           “Right as the sun goes down. We should have plenty of time before the moon is high.”

           They had decided on a night-time wedding, so the following celebrations could be moved outside into the lavish gardens Astarion had so lovingly created. He may not be able to walk in the sun anymore, but he’d be damned if he didn’t enjoy at least the moonlight. Besides, daytime weddings were so casual, and he was anything but.

           He rested his palm in between Y/N’s breasts, but he just kept it there, didn’t try and stray any further. He simply wanted to feel how her heart beat against his palm, the rhythm a steadying and grounding feeling, and it somewhat calmed his fluttery nerves.

           “Then we have a few more hours to sleep,” came Y/N’s slurred response as she hitched a leg over his naked hip, but she didn’t try to go any further either. “And you are not getting out of this bed, my personal pillow.”

           Astarion smiled at her words and kissed her forehead. He’d been smiling an awful lot since he met her. “Wouldn’t dream of it, my love.”

           And even though he itched to go downstairs and supervise every single thing, he allowed the peace that came with being next to Y/N to settle over him as well. It was their day. His day. And starting it off with his little human sweetheart wrapped around him like a vine, keeping him close to her, was nothing short of wonderful.

           At some point, she did fall asleep again, Astarion’s movements as his deft fingers massaged the back of her head, lulling her to dreamland. His mind drifted a bit but remained more alert than when he tranced, wandering to how exactly he’d gotten to a moment where in just a few little hours he’d become someone’s husband.

           Not only did he have Y/N, but he had his parents to relish in the moment with. He had friends, something that was competently out of the question for two hundred years, and all of them would be arriving to witness the most joyous day of his life. Him! With friends! He even had a true sister, something that’d surprised even him.

           That had come about when Astarion had ventured into the Underdark once and reconnected with Darylia. At first, he’d thought there would be too much bad blood between them, no pun intended. It’s why he’d strayed away from the region after he’d freed the rest of the seven thousand spawn from Cazador. Too many painful memories bound them, but instead of admonishments, he found comfort.

           He’d bumped into Dalyria at a tavern as he was tracking down an artefact. Astarion was nothing short of astonished when she invited him to a tavern for a drink. The conversation was awkward at first, but as they talked more and more, she seemed to be actually happy for him as he confirmed he was still with Y/N, had a little house by the forest to call their own and spent his days keeping in touch with the party that’d formed during the tadpole adventure while trying to get a sowing business off the ground. She was even more ecstatic to hear when Astarion announced he was engaged.

           Dal had a wistful smile on her face. “I would be a liar if I said I didn’t envy you, but… you deserve it. All that happiness… after what Cazador put you through, you deserve all that’s good.”

           He didn’t want to, but a ball formed in his throat at her words. “Cazador wasn’t kind to any of us.”

           “No,” she mussed. “But you did free us from him. And when you had the chance to take his power for yourself, to become the most powerful vampire in existence, you didn’t. You allowed us to go out there and regain the years we lost under his control. To make our own lives. For that, you deserve only the best.”

           A snort escaped him as he swirled the remains of his wine. “Y/N would say not committing mass murder is quite a low bar, if that’s why I’m worthy of happiness.”

           “Maybe, but no one would fault you had you gone for it.”

           “Maybe…” Astarion pondered. “But I would not have been worthy of Y/N, then. That is for sure.”

           Dalyria clinked her glass of blood against his before emptying it, and he was glad he had not been drinking himself as he sure would have choked on the drink. “Will you teach me how to find love? I – I think I’d like to find what you two have. Become… worthy of having it.”

           Astarion didn’t know how to respond, but ultimately said he could only try, yet unless the change came from within, there wasn’t much he could do. And the hardest part wouldn’t be learning how to find love, but learning how to love oneself. Only then you could learn how to love others.

           “Seems awfully tedious,” Dalyria’s brow had furrowed.

           He chuckled and nodded. “It is. But I’ve learned, as much as it can be boring, it’s worth it in the end.”

           It had taken time for the vampire to start the process of self-acceptance and processing the trauma, but Astarion was right there by her side, and now, she would be by his, a partner of her own next to her, a human at that, as he tied the knot.

           Y/N’s nose scrunched in her sleep as their blissful moment was interrupted by a bell chiming through the house. She grabbed a pillow and smushed it over her head hitting him in the face in the process. “We should’ve eloped.”

           “My love, you know as well as I do, our dear friends would’ve hunted us down like prey and dragged us before an altar by the ears. And honestly – I would help them with that.”

           When they had rolled out the announcement of their engagement, Astarion’s mother helping them write beautiful little cards to send to their party most had actually shown up to congratulate them in person.

           Karlach had been the first one to arrive, banging on the door to let her in, seemingly bursting with excitement. “If my engine wasn’t fixed, I think I would have levelled a whole block when I got the card!” She jumped up and down as she smothered them in a hug.

           The second the Tiefling reluctantly released Y/N and Astarion from her grasp, Shadowheart appeared, a bit more subdued in the way she showed her happiness, but still very much so thrilled. She’d even brought along a bottle of wine, as such an event had to be celebrated.

           Gale along with Tara teleported right into the living from straight from Waterdeep, a chest of tomes with him, a gift for the library Astarion wanted.

           “I even cancelled today’s lectures, and my students were so delighted, they also got you something.” He extended a smaller box, a gorgeous set of feather pens inside. “A thanks for the day off and congratulations on the engagement.”

           Wyll, now Grand Duke, joined the festivities right as the sun started its descent.

           “I would’ve come sooner, but duties call.”

           “Ever the honourable man.” Astarion hugged the once Blade of Frontiers. “I’m lucky Y/N doesn’t care much for honour, otherwise I would be fighting a losing battle.”

           “It’s all the blood loss,” she chimed in, hugging Wyll as he congratulated her. “Questionable decisions are not uncommon when oxygen is depleted in the blood.”

           Her vampiric love pointed a finger at her. “Well, there are no takebacks, so deal with it.”

           Oh, how far he’d come such jokes didn’t sting, and instead he could laugh at them because he knew she wouldn’t leave him. It was certainly not something he ever had to fear.

           Halsin and Lae’Zel were last to join Dalyria accompanying them as the night settled, completing their little group.

           They spent hours drinking and laughing, enjoying red drinks, some wine, and some other ethically sourced, of course, substances as they lounged by the fireplace.

           “So, when will the actual wedding be?” Gale asked as he stretched over a loveseat, Tara having claimed his lap as a napping spot, her purrs echoing through the room. “I would be more than happy, and well, my students most definitely, to cancel the exams for it. Such an affair cannot be missed. Two heroes of Baldur’s Gate wedding each other.”

           Wyll pointed a finger at the wizard. “You know, you are onto something. I might just have to make it a day of celebration in the city!”

           “Actually…” Y/N shifted next to Astarion. “We were thinking of just going to a magistrate and signing the papers as soon as possible. Nothing grand really.”

           A stunned silence settled before Dalyria snapped her gaze toward her brother. “You must be joking,” she deadpanned. “Astarion, I think you might need to lay off feeding from her for a while.”

           “Y/N was thinking that,” he rolled his eyes at the outburst. “I disagree.” Turning on his best pout, the vampire glanced at the woman pressed to his side. “You would so willingly deprive me of seeing you in a wedding dress like it isn’t the most important day of our lives. I, for one, wish for this to be my only wedding, yet you break my heart into pieces with your words.”

           Lae’Zel let out her signature “t’chk” of disapproval at Y/N’s amused huff. “I cannot believe I am saying this, but the spawns are right. A ceremony must be held. None of this magistrate nonsense, but a real, proper ceremony.”

           “You all just want a party.” The Y/H/C-haired woman crossed her arms over her chest.

           Halsin boomed a chuckle. “Well, we will not say no to the one a wedding comes with. But if you do not wish to have your dearest companions, people who love you most in the world, to be next to you on such an important day, that is completely dine. It is your wedding after all.”

           “Oh, come on!” Y/N threw her hands up with a laugh. “That is so unfair! I mean, I just don’t care for the pageantry of it all.”

           “Sweetheart, you are marrying the most pompous man to walk this earth. No offense, Astarion.” Shadowheart looked at the elf, but he simply shrugged, as it was true. “And you mean to tell me there will be no grand display of love?”

           Her lover nodded at the cleric’s words, batting his lashes at Y/N. “Besides, would you truly be so cruel, that you’d deny my parents such a day? After everything they’ve gone through.”

           “Alright, now you’re just blatantly blackmailing me.” She gave him a humour-filled look.

           Astarion put a hand on his chest in mock outrage. “Blackmail my darling intended? I would never! However, if I were, I would also mention that the ring on your finger did belong to my mother, who so lovingly passed it onto you, saying she wished for you to wear it when she saw you next. You know, just a little information, to tug on your heartstrings.”

           And tug at her heartstrings it did, as Y/N’s Y/E/C eyes widened, no doubt mind whirling from the statement.

           “This is your mother’s ring?” She looked down at the piece of jewellery like it was the most precious thing in the world. “You didn’t tell me that.”

           He didn’t intend for her to cry, but he wiped at her cheeks as a couple of tears rolled down her face. “She gave it to me the night we went to see my parents for the first time. I was already preparing to do it, but it just gave me the final push I needed to actually ask you. Even though I technically never did ask.” Astarion nudged her side, and Y/N snorted, dabbing at the corners of her eyes.

           “Wait, hold on.” Dal leaned forward, a scrutinous gaze turned towards the elf. “What do you mean he never asked the bloody question? First no wedding, now no proper proposal?”

           Karlach though seemed to have other more pressing thoughts in her head. “Holy shit, Fangs, you robbed your mother’s grave!? I mean that is messed up even for you!”

           “Rewind.” Gale swirled a finger in the air. “You have a mother?”

           All these questions and statements were said one over the other as the room exploded into a full-blown interrogation, everyone flinging queries their way. It took Astarion and Y/N about an hour to respond and tell the full story, but not before they stopped laughing.

           At that moment though, Astarion clad in his silk pyjama set, the face greeting him was so full of delight, Karalch shone brighter than the set sun.

           “I feel like I could just burst!” The tiefling hugged him, and he responded in kind. It’d become one of his favourite physical ways to show and receive affection. “But where is the wife-to-be herself?”

           “Still in bed. You know Y/N and mornings, well, nights I guess, do not mix.”

           “Ah, yes,” a male voice agreed and Karlach stepped aside to allow Wyll to enter. “You know, there were moments during our adventure when I genuinely thought our fearless leader would be the one to end us. Remember that time Gale woke her up before dawn because he needed an artefact to consume? His poor eyebrows.” The Grand Duke shook his head. “Honestly thought it might’ve very well have been the last moments of our dear wizard.”

           “And yet, it wasn’t!” As if summoned, the Wizard of Waterdeep himself poofed into existence in the foyer. “I live to see yet another day where I can bless my friends with my presence. Eyebrows intact this time.”

           Astarion couldn’t control the eye roll as it was almost reflexive when it came to Professor Gale Dekarios, but he couldn’t deny the happiness rushing through his veins seeing the man. If he ever saw Mystra in the mortal plane, she’d better start praying to a god herself, for what he put his friend through.

           “It was… quite the look, I have to say,” Lae’Zel commented as she entered the house, joining their group. It seemed like they had a tendency to appear in the same places at the same time even without scheduling such a thing. “But do not attempt to upstage the bride, Gale. Astarion will already be doing his best. Though if these are your chosen clothes,” she gave him a onceover. “I believe Y/N has absolutely nothing to be concerned about.”

           Astarion scoffed. “This is handwoven silk.”

           “That is poor excuse for wedding attire.” Shadowheart appeared behind them all. “For once we agree, Lae’Zel, so enough with the chitchatting. A wedding needs to happen, and you need to get dressed.”

           The only reason he’d decided to put on some clothes was because the thought of his parents walking in on him naked, was enough to pull out all the stashed winter attire and cover himself up so much nothing but his nose would be showing. Now though, Astarion almost wanted to rip them off just to spite the gathered crowd but abstained.

           Before he did scamper off, he showed where they could go and mingle while he checked on the final details, especially how the ballroom was looking, and he had to admit, the drow in charge of decorations had turned it into something from a fairy tale.

           The room had high windows, all the shutters open to let in the pale light of the moon garlands hanging from the ceiling and walls, the many mirrors on the sides, giving an effect that the room was larger than it truly was, creating an illiusion of a forest inside their home. At the very end between two columns of chairs was the altar where Shadowheart would officiate, two golden cups already placed on a velvet pillow.

           There was hired staff in the gardens where food and drinks were being handed out.

           Astarion took in a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting it out. Everything was going to be just fine. He had promised as much to Y/N. This nervousness had been one of the reasons he’d wanted to take on the whole wedding affair onto himself.

           “I don’t want you to lift a single finger.” Astarion had brushed his nose against Y/N’s cheek after it was settled a full-blown wedding was happening and their friends had dispersed, leaving the two lovebirds on their own. “Just leave it all to me.”

           “I mean, I can’t do that,” she exasperated. “It’s our day. We both should be involved. I won’t put such an event all on your shoulders.”

           “But I want you to! Listen to me – me getting to order others around as they have to bend our every wish and whim, while all you have to do is nod for yes, and shake your head for no – sounds like a great time to me.”

           “Sounds very unfair to you.” Y/N was still sceptical frowning hard at Astarion’s proposition.

           “Look,” he sighed, taking her hand in his. “Let me do this for you. For us. You saved me back when I thought I was beyond it. I fully believed I was relegated to nothing but a life of pain and darkness and then… you showed up. You helped me through so many horrors, held me when it felt like the walls were pressing in… I would not have been able to do so without you. So please… let me make this day something you can enjoy and not have to worry about. I am very convincing when I set my eyes on something I want.”

           And when he pulled his puppy dog eyes on her, Astairon knew he had her right where he wanted. Y/N could never resist him when his eyes got all soft and round. He could practically see her resolve melting then and there like fresh-fallen snow.

           “Alright,” she conceded, and with a passionate kiss against her lips, he pulled her to sit in his lap. “But if it becomes too much, you have to promise to ask me for help.”

           “I swear it.” Astarion pecked her lips once more, and though he had no intentions of letting her lift a finger, he was truthful when making such a vow. With Y/N, he’d learned it wasn’t a crime or sign of weakness to request aid.

           He left the door open, surely more guests would be arriving, but before he could disappear, two more frames rushed up the steps, his mother and father practically beaming with pride as they saw him.

           “I think your druid friend is also on the way,” his mother said, pressing a light kiss to Astarion’s cheek and pulling him in for a hug. “But he stopped to pet a flock of sheep along the way.”

           The vampire snorted. “Well, we can only hope Halsin actually arrives for the ceremony on time. Or doesn’t bring the lambs as guests… appetizers though.”

           She gave him an amused smile, before squeezing his hand. “I’ll just go and say hello to that wizard of yours. I think I saw him walking somewhere in the gardens and then I’ll be right up with Y/N. Has the sleeping beauty awoken yet?”

           “Yes,” he mumbled, frowning. It was a well-known fact his love was a notorious sleepyhead, but that was not his reason for watching with a grimace how his mother practically skipped to the terrace in search of Gale.

“How does she know him?” he directed the question at the male elf standing beside him.

His father sighed, looking at his wife as she disappeared behind the corner, but not before she made sure she looked good, fluffing up her hair in the mirror before the grand entrance to their house. “She’s been quite obsessed with his cookbook. Just be glad she didn’t bring it along for an autograph. But enough of that. You need to get dressed, my Star. The moon is almost nigh.”

All other thoughts vanished from Astarion’s head as he noted how the white orb was pretty much at its peak, and the notion of getting married suddenly became a tangible thing. In just a few hours, under the pale light, he would vow to protect and cherish Y/N, they’d fill one another’s cups and drink, before tying strands of magical gold around one another’s fingers as a symbol of their unity in the ancient elven traditions. Astarion was about to become a husband with Y/N as his wife. If his heart had still beaten, it would’ve been jumping out of his chest.

“Did you feel like this as well when you married Mother?” the vampire’s hand shook as he entered the sowing room he’d claimed as his dressing room for the day. A naked mannequin stood at the corner. It’d born Y/N’s dress which was now surely being slid onto her frame, perfectly fitting against her body, and it was just another reminder of what was to come.

His father closed the door, going over to a suit that was hanging on another mannequin and slipped it off, laying it gently onto a settee. “Like what, Star?”

“Like unless in twenty seconds this whole thing is over, you’ll pass out.”

The deep chuckle the older elf let out was like a reassuring hug, somewhat calming Astarion. “Yes. Very much so. Add onto that wanting to throw up and black spots across my vision, I was pretty much hopeless. But then I was by the altar waiting for your mother, and when she appeared… nothing else mattered. It’s just the waiting that’s horrible.”

“Gods, maybe Y/N was right,” Astarion breathed out, sitting down by his tailoring table, head in his hands. “We should have definitely eloped. I mean it’s not normal to feel this way, is it?”

“Dear Star, it might have taken us two hundred years to find you, and we’ve only been lucky enough to have you back for two, but make no mistake,” his father deadpanned. “Your mother is not above murder and physical restraint if needed.”

“Yes, I know, you kidnapped my bride,” Astarion said. “But, I mean, what if it’s not perfect?” He looked at the elf. Blue reassuring eyes stared back, but even the conviction he saw in them couldn’t quench the lingering fear. “What if she isn’t there? What if I’m left a fool standing by the altar and she does not come?”

Those last words were barely a whisper, shame running through his veins as he said them, but it had been something plaguing his nightmares for weeks on end – Y/N finally realising she deserved so much better and leaving him heartbroken.

When he awoke in a cold sweat and she asked what was wrong, Astarion wrote it off as having a bad dream about Cazador. In truth, he hadn’t dreamt of his master in a long time, his only fear being Y/N tossing him to the side for something better.

           “Astarion,” his father said sternly, but not unkindly. “That woman has walked through literal hells for you. And taken on a devil, as you yourself have told us. I highly doubt now would be the moment she gets cold feet.”

           Deep down in his heart, he knew the words rang true. Astarion remembered after having killed Cazador, how strongly the urge to Ascend took over. Such power right at the tips of his fingers, yet at the cost of seven thousand souls. But at that moment, he was willing to pay it. He’d never have to be afraid of anything anymore if he finished the ritual. All he needed was for someone to copy the runes on his back. He’d turned to Y/N, someone who he knew supported him, but to his shock, she refused.

           Fury took him over. He’d thrown insults so vile it made bile rise in his throat nowadays when thinking back on it. Words wishing her a painful and slow demise, telling her he hoped she died screaming. Astarion had expected her to leave, yet as his mind had cleared, processing the grief and agony he was going through, she was there by his side.

           Even though he didn’t deserve it, Y/N held him as he cried, and whispered comforting words when he could do nothing but slump over himself in physical and emotional exhaustion. She was there for him like an unmovable rock, that not even time or tide could erode.

           “I’m sorry,” Astarion had begged that night for her forgiveness while she cradled him in her arms. “I’m sorry for what I said. I was – I was blinded by the power. By what I could be, what I could do… I – reality was no longer visible to me. And I’m sorry.”

           “I know you are.” Y/N’s kiss was a balm to his wounds, especially those that no one else but her could see or soothe. “And I forgive you.”

           Astarion’s father put a hand on his shoulder, bringing him out of the reminiscing. “She will be there because if there is one thing in this world I don’t doubt, it’s her love for you.”

           He wrapped that thought around his heart. She would be there. Y/N would always be there for him. But first, he had to be the one to await her, so with his father’s help, he stood up and got ready.         

           After a year of getting reacquainted with his parents, he’d told them some of what Cazador had done. With Y/N holding his hand through it, he even felt brave enough to show his scars. There were a lot of tears and hugging, and much to his surprise, talks of resurrecting the vampire lord by his mother, just so she could drive a stake through his heart. And Y/N was very eager to agree.

           His love had a vicious glint in her eye, and Astarion had to swallow his arousal as she leaned closer over the table where they’d been drinking afternoon tea and said, “I know how to skin a man and keep him alive the whole time.”

           “Yes!” His mother accepted the idea immediately. “Let’s do that! My Star, how do we contact that Withers friend of yours?”

           Honestly, the fact that Astarion was the one trying to quench their bloodlust and be the peacekeeper, for a moment, made him think he’d been thrown into some different universe. That was not how he expected the conversation over some tea and biscuits to go.

           His father smoothed down the back of the white linen shirt and Astarion tucked it into the white trousers while the older elf helped with the cuffs, onyx squares glinting in the warm light of the candelabras. Looking down, he surveyed the intricate frock he’d slaved over days and nights.

           It was matching a ivory to that of Y/N’s dress, the chest decorated with weavings of golden threads, much like what he’d sown across the bodice and through the hemlines of her gown. Astarion smiled, a gentle finger skimming over his work, knowing what the scribbles meant.

           To the unknowing, it looked nothing more than a pattern of leaves and flowers, but to those who could read ancient elvish, the truth was laid bare. The idea had struck him late one night as he’d sketched Y/N’s dress. With the help of his parents, as his memory of what once used to be his mother tongue was not so good, he stitched into the fabric little love confessions.

           Throughout her wedding attire, he’d sown the words of his undying love, of what she meant to him, and on his own jacket, he’d sown the promises he intended to keep as a husband, to always make sure she was safe and loved.

           By the time he was tying the cravat, Astarion’s knees were shaking, and his father had to take over, tucking in the piece of cloth by his chest.

           The vampire ran a quivering hand through his white hair. “So?” Gods, even his voice was trembling. How was he supposed to say his vows and not sound like a growing youth whose voice was on the verge of breaking? “How do I look?”

           For a moment, his father didn’t say anything, just smoothed down the fabric over his shoulders. “Like a man ready to start the best chapter of his life.”

           “Good.” Astarion nodded. “Because now I’m feeling that nausea you talked about.”

           The older elf let out a warm laugh before nudging his chin towards the open window and when he looked over, he saw the moon shining bright in the sky, a smattering of millions of stars behind it. “It’s time, Star.”

           With a shaky breath, Astarion nodded. He was ready. As long as he remembered how to move his mouth and say words, nothing could go wrong.

           As he walked back towards the foyer, gentle music greeted him, meaning the string quartet of bards had arrived and their family and friends were filtering into the ballroom.

           It was as if he was floating, barely being able to acknowledge the gathered people. Some patted him on the back, some asked if he was excited, and all of his responses were like through a haze, especially as he took his place by the altar.

           Shadowheart was already there, giving him an encouraging smile.

           “Don’t you clean up nice.”

           Astarion wanted to give some sort of a sarcastic quip, but all he could manage was a hum of acknowledgement. He was really truly, nervous. The breath entering his lungs was shaky and came out the same way. He didn’t even need to breathe, but if he didn’t, he might just pass out.

           “If it’s any consolation, Y/N is calm as a cucumber,” the cleric said. “Or maybe she’s just a better actress than you.”

            The vampire’s pale brows scrunched, as he looked at the woman. She just shrugged.

           “She said she knows you’ll be here. What more is there for her to want or be afraid of?”

           And that trust, the belief Y/N had in Astarion, settled something in his heart, and when his parents entered, taking their seats in the front row, both elves beaming, all that fear disappeared like mist in the morning.

           Beautiful music swirled around them, and all of the guests stood.

           The whole world stopped turning the second he laid his eyes on Y/N.

           Her body was clad in the white gown he’d poured all his love and care into, the gold thread shimmering in the candle and moonlight. Her hair was free as she always preferred, but small, intricate braids inlaid with diamonds as if rain had settled atop her head, a flower crown gracing the top of it. Y/N’s skin was also covered in a shimmery powder, that made her absolutely glow, as if from within, and the Y/E/C eyes he loved to get lost in, were lined with kohl giving her gaze an intense look. Had it not been for her rounded ears, Y/N would be the epitome of a true elven queen.

           Astarion released a breath that’d gotten stuck in his chest and tears welled in his eyes, rolling down his cheeks.

           He’d been lucky, especially in these past few years where he’d been able to witness a lot of beautiful things. But nothing was as beautiful as her walking toward him.

           Y/N’s head was high, as her gaze bore into his – his scarlet not looking away from her Y/E/C ones – her lips pulled in the widest smile he’d ever seen on her face.

           Gods, she was beautiful, and his ego also revelled in how that grin was directed at him. At only him. It seemed like it took her ages, but at the same time not even a couple of seconds to be standing before him, handing off her bouquet of lilies of the valley to his mother and placing her palms in Astarion’s awaiting ones.

           He couldn’t take his eyes off Y/N, but she couldn’t take hers off him. Vaguely he heard Shadowheart offer blessings and words of wisdom for the new couple as they started their joined lives. Astarion only snapped back to reality when it was time for him to take the golden thread and tie it around her finger, an ancient elven tradition – instead of simply exchanging rings, one would take a twine of gold and imbue it with the power of their words, before the vows were sealed.

           No longer did his hands shake, and his voice didn’t crack once as he said his vows, as he gently twisted the twine and looped it back around where it moulded together by magic on their own, creating a gorgeous ring.

           Then it was Y/N’s turn.

           “I vow to protect your life as my own,” her voice was soft and steady as she spoke. “I vow to walk the dark paths and lead you to the light when needed. I promise to be your reassurance when doubts come, and I promise to love you until the stars no longer shine.”

           Astarion didn’t care as more tears slid down his cheeks and wetted the neckline of his frock when finally, the golden thread connected and solidified itself on his ringfinger.

           He was married. He didn’t care that Shadowheart hadn’t said yet he could kiss his new wife, that they needed to drink the blessed wine from the cups, as he surged forward, taking Y/N by the wrist and smashing their lips together. From somewhere afar he heard whoops and cheers, and a “you could’ve waited for just a second more,” but it was all background noise with no meaning as his love’s palm slid to cup his jaw and pull him in for a deeper kiss.

           All the nerves had been worth it. All the pain and suffering he’d gone through – it was all worth it just for that moment alone, when Y/N had to press him back a bit, a breathless laugh escaping her lips as she took in greedy gulps of air, but put her forehead against his, not straying far from his touch.

           “I love you, husband.”

           His cheeks hurt from so much smiling. “I love you, wife.”

           They didn’t get to stay in the small bubble for long as people were stepping up, congratulating them, and pulling them in embraces from left to right.

           The revelry slowly moved outside where drinks and food flowed without stopping. Slow melodies turned into fast foot-stomping beats, as people twirled and danced, celebrating the union between two of Baldur’s Gate’s heroes.

           It was during a moment of reprieve when Y/N was chugging down glass after glass of water and champagne, Astarion following suit with some blood, when his parents came up to them, a small, yet intricate box in their hands.

           The frame was of old oak, no doubt, scuffed at the edges and corners, while the top of it was engraved with a whole flora and fauna piece, but that didn’t matter. He’d said them being at the ceremony would be enough of a gift and that him and Y/N didn’t need anything, yet here the two elves were.

           “Don’t even start, my Star,” his mother interrupted Astarion’s rant before he could even go on one. “There was no way we would’ve come empty-handed to your wedding. Besides, we think this might be of great interest to you two. And of use”

           Gently, as if the box might crumble if touched any harder, the older elf opened it. Inside, laid on green velvet sat two golden bracelets, their visage moulded like wreaths of leaves and budding flowers.

           They were handmade, that was certain, and ancient if his eye for jewels and jewellery didn’t deceive him. And it rarely did. But the oddest bit was the sensation it radiated as if it was imbued by vibrating energy, barely contained in the circlets.

           “Could it really be – but no. That is only a legend,” Halsin’s and Gale’s eyes were wide as they beheld what lay in the box as the two had snuck up on the group and shadowed behind them. The druid gave Astarion’s parents a bewildered gaze. “How in the worlds did you come by this?”

           “Let’s just say, you are not the only ones with connections.” His father threw Halsin a mischievous smile, but Astarion didn’t like that.

           “And the cost for such a thing?”

           His mother smiled. “My dear, you talk like your skill of words and stealing didn’t come from somewhere. We might be old, but that doesn’t mean we cannot have adventures of our own.”

              “I’m sorry for interrupting this moment,” Gale said, “but can we get back to the fact you have the True Love’s Curse sitting in that box.”

           “The what?” Y/N’s brows furrowed, but no one bothered to answer as Gale went on.

           “I can feel the magic.” The wizard laid a reverent palm above the bracelets but didn’t touch them. “The Weave… I’ve never felt something so strong. As if it could change the matter of the cosmos around us at any second.”

           Astarion lifted a finger, just as confused as his love, pointing at the bracelets. “What exactly is this curse? And, I do apologise, mother, as we appreciate everything you've done for us, but why in the worlds did you think a curse would be a great gift?”

           “True Love’s Curse is simply the name,” Halsin said. “It’s an old elven legend of two lovers – one forever meant to walk the dark, the other meant for light. In the myth, they are so convinced they are soulmates and meant to be, they create two bracelets, symbols for their loves, imbued with a mirroring spell, but not just any average enchantment. It gives the nightwalker the ability to walk in the sun, but there is a cost – if the other person is no true love, no soulmate, the nightwalker will succumb to the rays and perish forever.”

           Y/N grimaced. “Seems quite harsh. And unfair.”

           Astarion’s father closed the box. “It’s why it’s called True Love’s Curse. But if there is anything we all can learn from you two, is that love conquers all.”

           Hope ignited in the vampire’s chest, as he accepted the box.

           Could there really be a chance he would be able to live his life with Y/N by his side, and also live it in the sun?

           He used to be scared of what the future held for him, especially what the future with Y/N would be like. He’d had his doubts – that she probably didn’t actually love him. How she was with him only for pity or to use his body like so many others had before – but those no longer existed. She’d meticulously shattered every single brick of the wall that was his mistrust and built a castle of love in his heart. If what Astarion’s parents said was true, he had nothing to worry about – Y/N had been ready to walk her life in darkness with him and not asked anything in return apart from his devotion.

           But he pushed the thoughts of the bracelets, of the True Love’s Curse, to the side as he was pulled in a dance by Dalyria, then her girlfriend, and at some point, even Lae’Zel allowed him to lead her in a slow waltz before once again returning to Y/N’s side. His rightful place

           His arms wove around her waist, while her cheek leaned to rest against his chest. She sighed, closing her eyes.

           Astarion pressed a kiss to Y/N’s head. “I don’t know what I might have done in a previous life, but whatever it was, it had to be something exceedingly good for me to end up with you.”

           She hummed in contentment. “You deserve all that is kind in this world, my love. I am the least of it.”

           He wanted to argue, to tell her she was his whole world, but instead, he closed his eyes too and smiled, relishing in the love. He did deserve good. He deserved all that was kind. It was time Astarion finally embraced it, and if that was Y/N in his arms, he would hold on a bit tighter then.

Hours later they stood alone by the cliffside, a slight breeze ruffling their hair as they waited for the sun to fully rise, the gardens empty, their house as well, as the wedding party had ended, leaving people satiated and tipsy on their way home.

           “What if it doesn’t work?” Astarion asked. “What if they were wrong?”

           “Then I have the cloak right here, and all the shutters have already been closed at the house.” She took his hand in hers, the bracelet clicking against his.

           She didn’t try to convince him, give him false hope of how it would work, because not everything in life did. Not everything was perfect and not everything was supposed to be perfect. Of course, he would be devastated, if the True Love’s Curse was not real. But Astarion also knew he’d never be alone in it. He’d have Y/N by his side, as he always had. She wasn’t going anywhere and that was enough.

           As the sun rose, the sky turning from a deep blue to pink, then orange and red, Astarion took in a deep breath. Then – on the first day as a married man – the first rays of a new day touched him for the first time in four years.

           A tear rolled down his face, scarlet eyes not daring to stray away from the stunning view that was the dawn and greeted the sun like a long-lost friend.

           Y/N gave him the widest smile ever, a match to the one she’d sported when seeing him by the altar. “Where to first, my love? We have the whole world for the taking.”

           He looked at her, cupping her face. “First, to home. And then – to the very edge of the universe.”

Tags:

Astarion tags: @spacebarbarianweird @omggiannarosa @poisonquinzell @iffazu @alisoncdariel

Everything tags: @palaiasaurus64 @supernaturalbaesduh @thatawkwardlittlefangirl @sea040561 @staryeyedgirl @deathbyarabbit @m-a-t-91 @maladaptive-ninja-returns @averyrogers83 @gallifreyansass @dewy-biitch @avxgers @unlikelygalaxygiver @magicwithaknife @ollyoxenfrees @bnhvrdy @tvwhoresblog @thatkindofgurl @sj-thefan @lestersglitterglue @im-squished @strangersstrange

A/N: I've re-written this whole thing like 3 different times because I just couldn’t get it right, but now I feel like this is how it's meant to be :) I do have like extra 8k words of stuff I might release as smaller fics set around these two specific versions of the characters. Let me know if you'd like that or want to be tagged in future fics :)

I might edit this at some point a bit more. English is not my first language, so I need time to step away, before I can see additional mistakes.

Please don't repost on other platforms without specific written consent! That is called plagiarism

[divinesolas]

Flowers

Summary | In a world where the dragons do not dance it's time for Jacaerys Velaryon to choose a wife as the heir to the iron throne. When House Targaryen invites all the eligible ladies in the seven kingdoms to meet the prince, chaos follows. In comes you, a lady from a minor house who makes an impression on a certain prince.

Pairing | Jacaerys Velaryon x Fem!Reader

Taglist (Open)

Chapter One: Introductions

Summary: As a lady from a very minor house you are very displeased to be journeying so far away from home for a boring trip. but your first morning tells you this trip is going to much more interesting than you thought.

Chapter Two: Aftermath

Summary: After the first morning of the event emotions run high for both parties. A calm before the storm of sorts occurs.

Chapter Three: The Garden

Summary: You come to find it's hard to avoid someone when the one person they want to talk to just so happens to be you. especially when that someone just so happens to be the prince this whole event is for.

Chapter Four: Worries, Worries and Worries

Summary :After a brief yet meaningful conversation with daemon, jacaerys has only one goal in mind. You.

Chapter Five: The Opening Feast

Summary: The opening feast is a wonderful event, though you are feeling a little miserable, a certain person helps make the event a little more bearable. Though it is not who you thought it would be.

Chapter Six: Odd....

Summary: You have a very... Odd? Second morning. You didnt think it was possible to get anymore unbelievable than yesterday. But it had.

Chapter Seven: Oh.

Summary: Jacaerys reflects, is annoyed by his family and learns some troubling news.

Chapter Eight: Fight it out.

Summary: Many things happen at the training grounds, many unexpected things.

Chapter Nine: Truce? Truce.

Summary: what could joffery possibly mean by a truce ? and what does rhaenrya targaryen, the queen, want with you ?

Chapter ten: Afternoon tea

Summary: Queen Rhaenrya invites you to have tea with her but your mind is still running wild. Your conversation ends up being more important to you than you thought.

Chapter Eleven: A challenge

Summary: prince jacaerys has a very terrible day and makes some rushed and quiet frankly stupid decisions.

Chapter Twelve: The question.

Summary: The prince has shown up at your doorstep! what could he possibly want?

Chapter Thirteen: The Grand tourney!

Summary: its finally time for the grand tourney! but you happen to be stuck in your head

Chapter Fourteen: Calm before the storm

Summary: it is the aftermath of the tourney and the surprises that come with it

Chapter Fifteen: The final dance

Summary: there is a week grace period between the final big ball and the tourney were you and jacaerys begin to spend a lot more time together. all seems to be going well, a little too well, maybe there is something bad coming on the horizon

Chapter Sixteen: Homecoming

Summary: Heartbroken, you return home and attempt to take your mind off your time at the keep, you have some unexpected visitors, and it seems the prince is also not in high spirits also.

Chapter Seventeen: Surprise!

Summary: You receive even more unexpected visitors and receive some upsetting news that you are not looking forward to.

Chapter Eighteen: Highgarden

Summary: 🤭🤭🤭

++ More

[elephant-in-the-pride-parade]

Prodigy Recap

I love it I love it I love it I could watch it forever

I'm truly irrevokably in love. I'm done for. I'm probably going to rewatch this all month before I am satisfied I've fully taken it all in. I NEED to rewatch Mindwalk and Supernova again ASAP because knowing what I know now about the memories HJ had just recovered. I know it is going to wreck me to watch her in those episodes with S2 in mind.

My ship HELD HANDS GUYSSS. HE TOLD HER SHES HIS HOME. HE DIDNT FEEL LIKE HE BELONGED ANYWHERE UNTIL THEY MET. SHE BROKE TIME FOR HIM AGAIN AND AGAIN. HER EYES GOT SO BIG! THAT HUG LOOKED SO GOOD. (I'm getting off topic a lot but i need to get the "my ship is canon - in a way i don't hate!!!" fangirling out of my system.) breathe. breathe. okay gonna keep going.

Its gonna take me a few more watch throughs to fully wrap my head around the paradox. And around how you fit a humpback whale in the original ISS Voyager (seriously. has that been there the whole time? does OG Voyager have a whale? was she retrofitted in the AQ? did Mirror J steal a whale from 1996?) And if that timeline where KJ was lost on the infinity means shes also trapped on future solum with Chakotay or just dead. and and and... so many things. so many fic ideas. so many plot bunnies

(wait no -- shoves the plot bunnies away -- go away. not ready for more wips yet)

There. was. so. much. that I loved. it was such an ambitious story to tell in 2 seasons and oh my god, i really feel they mostly pulled it off. They brought back Voyagers legacy characters and put them to work in a plot that fit them, and it was such a joy to see them again. They stay true to who they were on Voyager - thoroughly wonderfully 100x better than on Voyager in Chakotays case. and i really believe theyre the same characters with a few more years of life since ive last met them.

And the new characters too. I love Dal and Gwyn and Rok and Murf and Zero and Jankom and Maj'el to pieces. (Majel!!! is such a perfect tribute!) I want to see so much more of Noum and Tysses. I am in tears over Adreek. God how much i want Season 3 just to see how their stories continue.

But I think... what strikes me most and what I appreciated the most was how much this show wholeheartedly respects its fans!!!

It never dumbs things down or babies it's younger audience. its very mature for a kids show. it is a great introduction to star trek and the universe without over explaining. there are storylines in these 40 episodes that would be right at home in TNG or Voyager. it's really more of a fun for the whole family show than a kids show in that way. (it says something that it's the first "cartoon" my parents have ever cared for and they are watching it wholely for themselves.) It really manages to tell the story in a framing thats aimed at kids without taking anything away from the story its telling for all ages.

And it's adult audience...

I worried about how it would feel to have enjoyed such a rich fanon universe in the 3 decades since the show ended. There were advantages to having a ship with very little canon. the fan universe thrived on how much room there was to work within. After that - having headcanoned and written and imagined so many futures for the characters - I feared having some new canon come in and make a new story for them that would invalidate so much if that imagination, or create something so unsatisfying or rigid or antithical to their last canon encounter that nothing new would be inspired by it. (P/C in Picard was like that for me)

Prodigy didnt do that. Prodigy made no grand sweeping canon for the years in between Voyagers homecoming and the new show. Prodigy didnt shoe horn any character into a rigid relationship status. Prodigy picked them up, set them on a new adventure, sprinkled in tantalyzing new details, and left a wealth of room around the events of the season and the relationships between the characters for so much fan imagination to thrive. The possibilities before and during and after the seasons for the characters are bountiful and perfect for imagining their other adventures. I couldnt have imagined my ship becoming canon (or maybe affirmed by the canon is a clearer way to put it) in a better way.

And then they went and added Tank Top Action Janeway in there as a treat.

Truly a masterpiece. i'm so grateful for this show. i hope it gets the 3rd season it so dearly deserves.

[semperamans]

going to one of those celebratory parties at the base when the 100th boys make it home safe from another mission. you’re gale’s girl and of course had to be at the party to celebrate their success. gale being gale kinda hangs back while everyone else gets drunk and rowdy and has fun, and bucky being bucky has tried over and over to get him to actually join in. that’s not to say gale hasn’t gotten up and danced with you for the songs “boogie woogie bugle boy” and “just one more chance”, but he’s quiet and thoughtful so he just sits and watches mostly. but then frank sinatra’s song “people will say we’re in love comes on and gale is immediately up and guiding you to the dance floor. it’s sweet and slow and gentle and you have your head on his shoulder and he’s got one hand on your waist and the other holding your own hand. and you’re just swaying softly around the other couples. and then gale speaks quietly and with care.

“so whatdya say; you wanna get married?”

and you pause for just a second before looking up at him with a gentle smile and saying “sounds good to me.” and you both return to your positions and keep dancing :(((

:'( oh i will actually start sobbing.

this life is a strange one and the age is peculiar, but you have found tender joy in the flicker of gale's smile. these parties are deliriously fun, but a bittersweet sorrow lingers like wayward ghosts. to celebrate the homecoming of a few serves as a reminder of those who were not as fortunate and it's not lost on you how easily you could lose the man whose fingertips delicately drum against your hip. he is so here, so present it is hard to imagine that ever not being the case because my oh my, how you love him. your sweet gale with the kindest eyes and gentle spirit. your darling gale who asks the question you've wanted to hear since you met and it's then you know that he will always come back to you. gale doesn't make promises he can't keep.

"sounds good to me,"

gale's smile is so serene - so fond - that your heart lurches into your throat. how is it that you found such beauty amid ruin? your mother raised you under the constant reminder that princes were fictitious and that storybook love was unattainable but she had no idea that gale cleven existed. gee, even you have a hard time believing he exists sometimes, but he's there. right there. his solid chest pressed to your ear as he sings ella fitzgerald's words into your hair.

your hand feels so grand in mine, people will say we are in love.

and you are.

[jasontoddiefor]

Absolutely begging for the trans WWX who’s living her best life as Lady Mo, I’m obsessed with this au

(Also I just want you to know there is now a crack version of this incredible au in my head where upon meeting “Lady Mo” playing Wangxian for Sizhui, Lan Zhan has a full on falls to his knees clutching WWX’s going “you’re as beautiful as the day I lost you” alla HTTYD 2, gets a dramatic (to Sizhui, read confused for WWX) “Lan Zhan!?” in response and the Lan Zhan (in an actual miracle of being able to communicate) goes “I raised A-Yuan all of these years for you, I’ve raised our son into a wonderful cultivator” (the miracle has ended, and WWX is currently bluescreening trying to connect the dots of teen I am traveling with is baby I loved what do you mean our son ooo wait Lan Zhan thinks I’m pretty!)

And thus creates the misunderstanding for Sizhui that “Lady Mo” is actually his apparently not-dead mom who’s apparently been vibing as a wandering musician for the past 13 years. Sizhui goes through the five stages of grief before settling on “I can work with this” as a-niang starts showering him with affection and apparently thought he was dead and thus began Sizhui’s grand scheme of luring his incredibly oblivious mother into marriage with his father and it becomes “unstoppable force vs unmovable object, second times the charm on baby trapping, right?” adventures.

This doesn’t matter but it’s important to me that you know this popped into my head. This au is absolutely incredible and there is so much comedy gold. NHS has been left alone in the group project but he still manages to scramble together enough to pass decently, good for him)

1 (Ao3) | 2 (tumblr)

aaah I'm flattered to hear that!! and tbh, it's not so much that NHS has been left alone in the group project but that he decided on the project and then didn't call anyone to do their parts. never got to write it but i figured the whole reveal would go sth like this:

Gusu doesn't look like Wei Ying remembers it, but it has been decades since her attendance. After the war, well, for all that Lan Zhan had asked her to visit, she'd never accepted it.

And look at her now! Going to the Cloud Recesses voluntarily, accompanied by Lan Zhan's little juniors. They're good kids, polite and inquisitive and opinionated and so very alive. She wondered how much Lan Zhan must have changed in the last years to raise them this well.

What if Wei Ying doesn't recognize him at all? No, that can't be. Lan Zhan was too memorable for Wei Ying to ever forget a single detail about him.

"Just ahead now, Lady Mo," says Lan Sizhui. "I'm not sure if my father is home. He's taken to traveling more...."

He trails off, his face splitting into a smile as he looks ahead. "He's there!"

Wei Ying expects some unfamiliar Lan, but no, standing there is Lan Zhan. He looks older, refined, and happy at their return.

Oh, thinks Wei Ying. I always want him to look at me like that.

Playing the dizi isn't always for pleasure, especially chenqing, summoning all kinds of evil, but the song Lan Zhan taught him is like homecoming. Wei Ying watches in delight as Lan Zhan's eyes widen in recognition, she thinks.

The juniors look at her in wonder, but Wei Ying pulls the dizi from her lips with a smile.

"Lan Zhan!" she calls, "Lan Zhan, I heard you're walking around, clearing my name!" And then, just for pleasure, just for herself, she calls his name again. "Lan Zhan, I've been traveling! I've seen the world and it's alive."

I'm alive, I'm here, won't you ask me to come with you a final time?

Wei Ying can't place Lan Zhan's expression until it breaks into something hopeful, something grieving, something lost.

"Wei Ying?"

[novankenn]

Perfection - A Homecoming (Ch6)

Pyrrha could tell Jaune was conflicted. Torn between doing what others asked of him, what he should do, and what he wanted to do. Much to her relief and she was sure, his sisters, Jaune elected to stay in the little shallow valley. Pyrrha stayed in the position she had been assigned, down on one knee, her finger resting on the trigger guard.

As the two she thought she had heard called Vert and Jade set about reloading each of the sentry guns, and Joan sat in the "truck" her hands on the hand grips of the machine-gun mounted on top of it. Every couple minutes she would pan the massive weapon about the valley.

Jaune stayed with sight of everyone, but he walked, up and down the length of the little valley, his weapon always at the ready. Considering how unskilled he was with Crocea Mors, Pyrrha was a impressed with how well he seemed to be at handling the firearm.

It took about 45 minutes, give or take for the pair of sisters to finish refreshing the box magazines of each of the automated guns. Joan stayed on over-watch as Pyrrha, Jaune, Very and Jade had a quick meeting near their truck.

Jaune: So?

Jade: I checked fire-control, aside from that burst you were here for, there hasn't been any unusual activity up here.

Vert: None of the guns were lower than 75%.

Pyrrha: Does that mean we just happened to be here when those... things tried to...

Vert: Escape.

Pyrrha: Escape?

Jaune: This is the only way out of the valley, everything else if sheer cliff face...

Jade: Those things are Shriekers... their eating machines. The more they eat the more of them there are. So they were trying to get out and find larger sources of food.

Pyrrha: Oh.

Jaune: Don't worry about understanding it all right now, Pyr. We'll discuss everything back at the compound.

Jade: What is it Jaune? You look worried.

Jaune: It's been what 10 years since the last out break of those little bastards. So what's changed between now and then?

Vert: I get you. We've only had to worry about Grande Blanc... and now we have Shriekers...

Jade: That means we had or have other graboids in the valley.

Jaune: Yeah... let's get back home. You know the drill.

Vert: Drive safe, drive alert...

Jade: And if any of those little fuckers get in front of us...

Vert: Run 'em down.

Jaune: We'll be right behind you. Be safe.

The trio of blonds chuckled, before sharing quick hugs and separating.

Jaune: Let's get to Pyr. The soon we get to the compound the sooner you'll get a better understanding of what's going on.

Pyrrha: Jaune?

Jaune: Yes?

Pyrrha: How long? How long has you family been living like this?

Jaune: As long as I can remember. We need to get going.

Pyrrha nodded and quickly fell into step besides Jaune. Joan nodded to them as she did another sweep of the valley. Clambering inside, Jaune closed the hatch with a hydraulic hiss, before squeezing past Joan and into the driver's compartment.

Pyrrha latched onto the garb strap as the "truck" lurched forward, on a continuation of their journey to Jaune's home.

(==[Table of Contents]==)

[abysskeeper]

WHABAM!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love ❤️

Yay, thank you! Ok, I'm back from a weekend trip now and can pick 5 I think. I'll mix it up for fandom and go in order of publication.

A Thousand Ways to (Never) Say "I Love You" - Baldur's Gate 3, Gale/Tav (Named F!Tav), act 2, emotional hurt/comfort, fluff with a sad ending Gale hasn't been the same since Elminster delivered the charge from Mystra. Nox has finally figured out how to offer a distraction, at least for a few hours. It does not go quite according to plan. Please read this. I understand it's a 13.5k one-shot but I poured a lot of heart and time into it. It's spawned a 6 part series dealing with act 2 and I'm simultaneously working on parts 2 and 4 because I'm so incredibly normal about wizards.

Just You, Just Me - Baldur's Gate 3, Wyll/Tav (Named F!Tav), act 3, childhood friends to lovers, fluff Late one evening on the road to Baldur's Gate, Wyll is pulled away from camp by the sweet sounds of a violin. The woman he finds playing is familiar; unfortunately, he had hoped to never see her again. Result of my first Tav. Unlike the 30-something wizards above, Fi and Wyll really are just two kids trying their best, and I should write more for them.

Exit, Stage Right - The Great Ace Attorney, Herlock Sholmes/Mikotoba Yujin, Herlock Sholmes & Iris Watson, canon compliant, fluff and hurt/comfort A proper homecoming, a precious hour and a half before they needed to step on stage for the final act, and more than enough of a fool's notion of sentimentality. Herlock Sholmes was set to enjoy what little time he had with his partner before the grand finale of their ten year dance. It was a shame, then, that he had to ruin it. 3 months and nearly 20k words for a hyperspecific headcanon that maybe one other person has and appreciates. Also one of my most favorite things I've ever written.

Rebirth (oh cursed cycle that you are) - RWBY, Oscar Pine & Ozpin, volume 8 canon divergence, character study There's a fullness in his mind that's ready to burst at the seams. There's a clawing in his heart searching for the presence now missing. When Oscar said he didn't want the merge to happen, he didn't realize how close he really was to having everything he never wanted. Tied for first as my favorite thing I've ever written for RWBY*, and easily one of the top five things I've ever written at all. Weird and speculative are what Oscar deserves for his situation.

Under Guise - SWTOR, Jedi Consular/Cipher Nine, OCxOC, fluff, Tumblr prompt fill A night at an Alderaanian ball is not exactly how Trick wants to be spending her time. Pestered by a man she has a distaste for even less so. Until suddenly, it was exactly what she wanted. Beloveds having fun. For as much as I dislike looking back and editing some stuff, this has really withstood the test of time, and I had an absolute blast writing it.

*(Bonus shout out to Chapter 4: Interlude: Children of Fate of my fic A Funny Little Thing Called Trust. I can't recommend the whole fic because I do someday want to go back and edit it up to my current standards, but the chapter itself is the other thing tied for first as the best thing I've ever written for RWBY)

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1079: Tech Trio's Homecoming (Sonic X Crash Bandicoot)

1:34 p.m. Insode the Babylon Rogues' Air Blimp......

After a hard of month of traveling across the Babylonian Ruins to search for it's prized treasure and nearly escaping every traps and encounters the place itself has to offer, the Tech Trio retreated themselves inside the air blimp as they examine the golden, red jewels eyed statue inside a test tube.

Tails: The Divined Guardian of Babylon......(Grabs his Chin) Who or whatever made this statue sure made it live up to it's name sake....

Coco: I know, right? So buff and bulking.....(Turns to Wave) You really think it's alright to put in it here for the time being?

Wave: Given everything we've been through to try and it get, I'm not taking any chances of examining it carelessly. ('Sigh') But here's hoping it's more useful than a magic carpet I suppose.....

Coco: (Eyes Widened a Bit) Wait, you guys owned a magic carpet at one point?

Wave: Yeah, back when Me, Tails, and our respective crew competed in one of Eggman's Grand Prix a long while back.

Tails: Aside from it's rich fabric, it functions exactly the same as how most Extreme Gears would usually work.

Wave: Yeah. (Crosses her Arms in Uncertainty) Buuut......

Flashback to an Unknown Desert....

Storm cheers happily as he flies the Magic Carpet around in the air as his two teammate, Jet and Wave, test it's performance in a far distance.

The process itself went smoothly for approximately twenty five minutes until the mystic gear abruptly stops working in midair causing the albatross to fall face down onto the sandy landscape.

'THUD'

Storm: (inside his Body Inprinted Hole) Owwwwwwwwwwwww......

Jet and Wave look at each other for a brief second before turning back to their clipboards and wrote down the results of the test, deeming the magic carpet as an unfortunate failure.

End of Flashback

Wave: ('Sigh') Turns out even flying magical carpets can have an expire date, given it was made hundreds of centuries ago....So naturally, we had to store it inside.....(Presents Tails and Coco a Door with a Sign That Says the Words.....) the Hall of Failures.

Coco: (Raised an Eyebrow in Confusion) You guys have a room dedicated to all the failed projects you made?

Wave: Yeeeeeup. (Rolls her Eyes) And believe it or not we have tons of them too. I would give you twerps the tour around the place, but-

The sound of the door opening up is heard as Storm walks out of the Hall of Failures Room sniffling and wiping away the remaining tears he has left across his face.

Wave: (Glares at her Co-Work) Storm! What the hell were you in there? You know Jey is only one allowed to go in there.

Storm: I know! ('Sniff') I just.....('Sniff') I wanted to visit Carpy one last time....('Sniff ') For ole time sake.....

Tails/Coco: (Raised an Eyebrow in Confusion) Carpy?

Wave: (Sighs While Pinching the Back of Her Beak) Oh God you gave it name....I..

Storm: (Glares at Wave) Of course, I gave it a name, WAVE! ('Sniff') And Carpy's not an it, he's a boy!

Wave: Storm, this is getting ridiculous! We gave it-

Storm: Him!

Wave: IT! A fair test run and was deemed a failure. Let it go already!

Storm: (Tearfully Points at Wave) EASY FOR YOU TO SAY! At least you have those two snot nose brats to rely on!

Tails: Hey.

Coco: (Places her Habds on her Hips Wothna Glare of her Own) Rude.

Storm: I HAVE NO OOOOONNNNNE!! (Burst Out Crying as He Runs Away to his Room)

Wave: (Facepalms Herself While Groaning in Pure Annoyance) Let's get out of here already before our brain cells rapidly decreases by more of his stupidity.....

Tails/Coco): 'Kay.

Moments Later in Smash Town........

Coco: (Lets Out a Relaxed Sigh as She Stretches her Arms Up While Waking to the Smash Mansion's Gates Along With Tails and Wave) Home at last.....And here I thought our treasure hunting journey would take longer for us to get here.

Wave: I'm glad it didn't. That statue better be worth in the long run or I swear to God, I'm gonna sell it for cash. Our shopping day is in order.

Tails: Ain't that the truth....

Coco: (Happily Wraps her Arm Around her Best Bud's Shoulder) So Tails~ How's it feel to travel with us for the first time?~

Wave: And your first time not playing the sidekick role for once? (Gently Ruffles the Top of Tails' Head With a Smirk om her Face)

Tails: (Chuckles Ticklishly by the Hair Ruffling) I was never Sonic's sidekick. (Playfully Swipes Wave l's Habd Away From his Head) At least not recently. (Smiles Softly) And trip itself was fun despite everything we've been through. We should do this again sometime.

Coco: Definitely!~ If that's okay with Wave of course.

Wave: (Grabs her Chin) It's gonna take a while to look for another treasure location. (Smiles a Little) But I'll be sure to keep you twerps updated if I find something interesti- What the heck is that?

Coco and Tails looks up at the sky to see something that caught Wave's caught.

Coco: (Places the Side of her See on the Forehead to Have a Closer Look) It....looks like a flying pink....medium size fireball or something?

Tails: Whatever it is, it looks like it's....(Eyes Slowly Begins to Widened in Fear) about to head down towards us RIGHT NOW-

As predicted and before anyone could try to predict what is happening right now, the flying pink light flies down and manages to swoop Tails off the ground he was standing on as the two goes back up into the clear blue skies before stopping midair. It didn't take long for the two tailed fox to find out that the pink light itself turns out to be a new yet very familiar face staring straight at him.

Tails: A....Amy!?

Amy: (Smiles Brightly) Tails!~ (Happily Hugs Tails in her Arms) You're back home!~

Tails: (Still Surprised by Amy's New Look) Yeah.....(Immediately Comes Back to Reality as He Shakes his Head a Little) B-But wait. You can turn Super now!?

Amy: (Giggles Softly) Yep!~ It's kind a funny story behind that actually which I will more than happy to tell you later. (Gives Tails a Sisterly Like Glare on her Face) Right now, I wanna know why you haven't called Sonic and I for a half a month!

Tails: IIIIIIIII.....(Slowly Shrugs with an Awkward Smile on his Face) Kinda forgot to charged it a couple of nights ago?.....

Amy raised an eyebrow in silence.

Tails: I'm not getting off the hook for that one, aren't I-

Amy: Miles Tails Prower, I cannot believe you!!

Tails: ('Sighs in Defeat') Well, that's answers my question effortlessly.

As Amy begins to scold Tails while continuing to hover in the air, the rest of the Tech Crew is still standing on the ground, staring at the two of them.

Coco: Biggest guess I'm gonna make here, but.......Was that pink fireball Amy this entire time?

?????: Yep.

Coco gets startled and Wave close to her as she shortly turns to see Sonic the Hedgehog standing right next to the two of them with his signature grin on his face..

Sonic: 'Sup.

Wave: (Rolls her Eyes) As unpredictably fast as ever I see.....

Coco: (Lets Outs a Sigh of Relief as She Gets Off of Wave) No kidding. (Points Up at the Flying Pink Hedgehog in the Sky) Is that really Amy Up there?

Sonic: Yep again. (Puts Both of his Knuckles on his Hips) Not to brag or anything, but I just so happened to teach her how to go Super in a past few days of your absence~

Coco: Really now? Neat.

Wave: I thought only you and that Shadow guy can tap into that transformation.

Sonic: Nah, there's some folks I know who could do that too. Tails, Knuckles, Silver, even Big and Froggy went Super at once point

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

Big (In Golden Fur): Froggy and I are the hope of the entire Mobius.

Froggy: Ribbit.

Big: (Charges Himself Up as He's Hovering Himself and Froggy the Air) HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

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

Sonic: It was a pretty crazy turn of events that happened on that day......But let's forget all about that noise and focus on something much more cooler.

Sonic reveals a Fire Flower from behind his back and eats it in one bite before a wall of fire suddenly appears around his entire body, with a bit of a loud booming noise to boot causing the two girls to get started and quickly hold each other in fear. The sudden flames dies down shortly after as the once Blue Blur reveals himself have a blazing red fur and yellow shiny eyes.

Sonic: (Puts on a Very Cocky Smirk on his Face) Ladies, prepare to feast your eyes on the one and only.....(Does a Top Spinning Break Dance Bfore Introducing Himself as......) Fire Sonic!.......

'A Bit of Silence'

Sonic: Or was it Blazing Sonic.......Inferno Sonic maybe?.....('Sigh') The name's still a work in process.....(Grins Again) But yeah. I have a fire form now.

Wave: (Completely Flabbergasted) H-H-How!?

Coco: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock) I thought that Fire Flower was only used as a Flamethrower!

Sonic: Yeah, in the Smash Tournament. But out here, it could instant make you a pyromaster, no problem. My Pop's movie is about to be out in a few days, so I figured a snag one of these flowers from out the item storage and take this form out for a spin or two.....or whenever the transformation wears off.

Wave: Well, in the meantime, do you mind if we go to a clear area for a few test runs? I kinda wanna see what you and your girlfriend can do in your equally unique forms.

Coco: Yeah, same! Also.....(Twirls the Front of Her Hair Around a Bit Shyly) Do you mind if I see how those Chaos Emerald of yours work? I promise I won't use them recklessly.

Sonic: Alright, but I have to teach you guys how Chaos powers works. I'm not a huge expert of it myself, but-

Mario/Peach: (From Inside the Smash Mansion) SOOOOOOONICCCCC!

Mario: Why is the Item Storage Room open!?

Peach: And WHERE are all the Chaos Emeralds!?

Sonic: (Eyes Widened in Fear) Shoot, they're on to us. (Turns Back to the Girls) Let's get out of here and fast. (Looks Up at Amy) Ames! Come down here quickly! We're heading to...(Turns to Wave) Where are we going?

Wave: Desert? I guess?

Sonic: (Turns Back to Amy) Desert! We're going to the desert!

Amy: 'Kay!~ (Hovers Down to the Ground While Still Holding Tails in her Arms) We'll continue this discussion later, young man.

Tails: (Sighs While Rolling his Eyes) Yes, ma'am.....

@keyenuta

@cyber-wildcat

@albion-93

@bestpony666

@ma-lemons

@caleb13frede

@taiils2

[rancidpancakebatter]

Drop In-Chapter 4 [P.P.]

Pairings: Peter Parker x AFAB Reader

Summary: You like Peter, and Peter likes you. This should be simple, so why isn’t it? Well, maybe it’s because you were already friends? Maybe it’s the stress of senior year? Maybe it’s because someone had to get bit by a spider? Who’s to say?

Word Count: 3k words

Content: MINORS DNI: 18+ Swearing, Marijuana Use, Underage Drinking, Bullying,

( Previous | Chapter List | Next )

Chapter Summary: Homecoming is coming up, but who cares?

A/n: When describing Peter’s friends I felt like I was making a dating sim Also, the texting isn’t very 2013 but like, I wasn’t really texting in 2013 so you get this

You had made it three weeks into your senior year, and so far, you couldn’t complain. Your course load wasn’t too insane, almost as if your teachers knew you were practically out the door. This gave you an unfortunate amount of free time, however. You’ve been trying to get into new hobbies: writing, painting, and most excitingly to Aunt May, crocheting.

Making friends had always been a little harder for you. Your father raised you to be unabashedly yourself. You didn’t know how to be anyone else. Peter was much better at camouflage. You had seen him start to come out of his shell a bit and you were very excited for him. He had made a few friends in his new classes.

That is what brought the both of you into a very interesting predicament on this Wednesday afternoon. Since getting these new friends, he no longer walks you to your classes.

You can’t say you mind all too much. You see him almost all day so to be upset over missing five minutes between classes was ridiculous. You did miss the proximity though.

A gaggle of boys came through the door to Mr Stringer’s class with boisterous laughter. Only one grabbed your attention, it’s airy and its raised pitch cuts through the air.

You give Peter a small wave as he makes his way to his desk, which he returns with a small smile. You continue working on your bellringer, feeling grateful that you wrote down the question as Peter has now blocked your vision of the board as he continues talking to his friends. He had introduced you to them before.

Silas was a stringy boy, similar to Peter in a lot of ways. Much to Peter’s dissatisfaction, Sy had a few inches on him, standing at a solid 6’2”. He also had curly blond hair that often fell into his kind blue eyes and a grand smile. He was pretty chill all things considered.

Nicholas was a bit shorter than his friends, closer to your height. He had black hair, pin-straight and short. You could see evidence of gell pushing his hair into a point on his forehead, a common style that he wore well. Peter had met both of them in his advanced calculus class.

Michael was a kind boy with wavy brown hair he wore long, grazing his shoulders. He had mesmerising green eyes, flecks of gold sprinkled throughout his irises. He was just as tall as Silas, with a much stockier build. He was a junior and friends with Silas though you weren’t sure how.

You’re favourite was Miles. He was a freshman, full of energy and hope that you were slightly jealous of. You were also unsure of his connection to this group but never questioned it.

You tried your best to give Peter space with his friends, letting them talk and sticking to your task, but something was said that caught your attention.

“No, but really are you asking anyone?” Michael was leaning against Peter’s desk, arms crossed, while the rest of the boys crowded around him. Peter only shrugged in response but Silas refused to let it slide.

“Oh, come on Parker. You can’t say you ‘might go to the dance’ and then say you’re not taking a date. What? You gonna show up solo?”

Now that was interesting. Peter had never said anything about wanting to go to homecoming but here his friends were saying he did.

Michael gives him that winky nudge thing before asking “Well, are you talking to anyone?”

Peter sounds confused, “Talking?”

Miles cuts in then, “Yeah, ya know, talking”

You watch as Peter blushes and you wish you could save him but you don’t know how to do that without forcing him into a narrative. You felt eyes on you as you continued your work.

“Yeah, I’m talking to (Y/N) (Y/L/N)” You look up when he says your name. Peter then turns in his seat to face you with a hand extended. You grasp it and he shakes viciously, it’s jerky and his grip is too rough.

“How are you (Y/N)?” You look at him confused

“I’m…doing well…uh how- how are you?” You fumbled out the response not knowing what else to say. Peter claimed he was talking with you and as much as you wanted that to be true you knew it was just a panic response. His awkwardness could simply be written off as anxiety and not him being awkward, so much, to or about you.

“Good. Good to hear.” His smile was tight but there was a softness in his eyes that kept you level.

His friends all laughed and started nudging each other saying things like ‘called it’ and ‘atta boy, Parker’. You felt your own flush start and let go of his hand, the handshake lasting much too long now.

You brought your head down and continued to do your work wanting to remove yourself from the conversation, but the implication remained heavy on your mind. Maybe he had meant it. You raised your head to see he was already looking at you, he gave you a small smile and you returned it.

Like many other things that happen between you and Peter, neither one of you mentioned it again. You had work tonight but offered Peter a ride home after school. As you clocked in you couldn’t get Peter off your mind.

You tried busying yourself with tasks and that worked for two hours but Wednesday nights are dead. You wanted to address what he said though the idea of him rejecting you to your face was brutal and you couldn’t imagine a situation where it wouldn’t thoroughly decimate your heart.

You pulled out your phone. You had gone back and forth over how to handle what Peter said. You had decided to help him get a date, so his friends would get off his back. You typed and deleted characters for what felt like aeons. This was going to be harder than you thought.

(Y/N): Hey! If you need help getting a date for the dance I can help!

You cringed at the excessive punctuation and the formality of your texting. You hoped he wouldn’t think much of it. You sat there staring at your messages for five minutes before you saw the typing bubble.

Oh god, he was responding! Of course, this was the logical next thing but you hadn’t prepared yourself as much as you thought you had. You watched the bubble come and leave with no message coming through. You wondered what it was he was typing.

Pete: Thanks! Did you have anyone in mind?

You felt your heart hammering in your chest. Of course, you had someone in mind but you weren’t sure if that was who he had in mind. You wanted to scream, shake him aggressively until he came to his senses. Instead, you bit back tears.

(Y/N): I didn’t have anyone in mind but if you tell me who you like I can be a sort of wingman for you

You heard someone clear their throat and looked up to see an older man with an empty popcorn bucket. He asked for a refill and you shovelled the over-buttered kernels hastily into the paper bucket before pushing it toward the man. He frowned but walked away. Your nerves were too fried for good customer service. You looked back at your phone to see Peter had responded.

Pete: A wing man huh?

Your fingers were shaking as you typed back. You felt embarrassed that this was so important to you.

(Y/N): Yeah like you tell me who you wanna ask and I go in and talk to them. Hype you up ya know?

You watched once again as the bubble danced in and out of the chat. You hadn’t noticed your fingers drifting to your mouth as you chewed on your nail bed.

Pete: Well I was going to ask you to the dance

You laughed. Your brain went fuzzy and it felt like you were floating. Peter wanted to ask you to the dance. It’s just a school dance but still. He wanted to ask you. Last year when prom came around you mentioned that you wanted to go but Peter showed no interest.

Instead, he offered to spend the night with you and you were so infatuated with him that you agreed. You spent the night watching horror movies, smoking, and gorging out on Pizza. You were so wrapped up in thought that you almost forgot to respond.

(Y/N): I would love to go to the dance with you :))

He responded quickly this time

Pete: Cool :))

Since then nothing had really changed. Not in private or in front of his friends. You have to keep reminding yourself that he asked you because you’re really the only girl he knows and he felt pressured to ask someone.

It was ten days later now, Saturday, and you sat on his rooftop. Your shirt was bunched up against the rough shingles as you gazed at the afternoon clouds. Peter was nearby, his warmth was felt though you ignored it. You focused instead on the sun’s rays soaking into your bones.

Peter had other plans. He threw his arm across your stomach, his elbow pressing lightly into your skin, to grab your attention. You wanted to take a flamethrower to the butterflies that dared to erupt in your gut from such a simple, absurd action.

“Did you hear this year’s homecoming theme?” You said nothing, trying to calm the subtle anger that had been culminating throughout the week.

“It’s fairytale themed,” Peter continued, “but like ‘modern’ fairytale. I think they were really inspired by that ‘Beastly’ movie.”

You gave a non-commital “Hmm” and Peter was much too high to notice that you were upset.

Which you were glad for, because how would you explain to him why you’re upset? How would you tell him that you wanted nothing more than for him to ask you to the dance, but now that he had you were just more upset that it didn’t mean anything to him? It wasn’t exactly rational, and you were trying not to take it out on Peter.

“Who should we go as?” You paused for a moment in your spiral of self-deprecation, turning your head, looking at Peter confused.

“I know that most of the time people just ignore the theme but like, this one could be fun. Un-unless you don’t think it would be fun and then we can just figure out something else.” You took a deep breath, gathering your thoughts.

“Well…what would you wanna go as?” Peter’s face held mild hesitation, he chewed on his lip before answering.

“Well, I always thought Flynn Rider was kinda cool and you remind me a lot of Rapunzel.” He said with a shrug, looking back up to the sky.

“I remind you of Rapunzel?” You couldn’t fight the smile on your face, nor the wings starting to sprout from your heart.

“Yeah, you’re kinda spunky. You’re really smart and also a bit of an introvert. Like, I imagine little (Y/n) was kinda jealous of Rapunzel's tower full of books. You’re very determined and creative. You’re loyal and kind. Oh! And you know the scene where they end up in that tavern full of, like, thugs? And Rapunzel ends up, like, charming everyone and getting everyone to sing and dance? I feel like you could do that. Like, you just are so…sweet and you- you just…”

Peter turns his head once again to look into your eyes. In his you see honey-dipped crystals, gleaming at you.

“You have this ability to light up any space you occupy. Every room wishes you were in it, because every room is dull without you.” He spoke softly, his sweet praise floating off his tongue and gently flitting through the air. Your mind was spinning as you tried to think of something, anything to say.

His arm on your stomach felt heavy now. You moved one of your arms from behind your head and intertwined your fingers with his, giving them a soft squeeze as you mumbled out a “Thank you.”

Peter pulled his gaze away once more, hoping you didn’t see the blush start to creep its way onto his face. “No problem.”

He wondered for a moment if you had somehow disguised a nine-volt battery as your hand. That was the only explanation he could imagine for why it seems every nerve in his body is responding to your touch. He can feel every cutaneous sensory receptor announcing, screaming your presence. As if he didn’t already know that you were holding his hand.

“We should rent that movie. For research of course.” You snickered at Peter.

“It’s okay to admit you wanna watch a princess movie, Pete. No one here is gonna think poorly of you.” He lets out a dramatic fake laugh and you can’t help the genuine one that bubbles up.

You make plans to rent it, encouraging Peter to hold movie night at your place, after all, you always watch movies at your place. The dance is next Friday and you don’t have much time to plan.

Peter laughs as you explain to him the pain of finding a dress. You consider arson when he tells you he can pretty much go anywhere and find a tie to match whatever colour dress you chose.

The following Monday you text Heidi and ask if she can cover one of your shifts this week. She says no but tells you to ask Mags. You beg him and he says he can cover your Tuesday shift, but in return, you owe him a shift and his food court dinner tonight.

After work, you made your way to the Family Video and found a copy of Tangled. You texted Peter a picture and told him movie night was tomorrow and that he was responsible for snacks. You didn’t really expect him to pull through but you knew he would want to participate in the preparation.

Your father welcomes you home with a warm hug and your comfort meal. You’ve noticed he’s been trying to be around more. You chalked it up to his baby bird growing up, leaving the nest at the end of the year. You couldn’t say it upset you. You had missed your dad in these past few months, neglecting him for the shiny, new guy in your life.

Your father was finishing up a funny ER story, the both of you were chortling and snorting as he regales the tale. “And this poor nurse was running around the room with some tupperware chasing this frog, while the kid and his whole family is screaming.”

Your father was a remarkable storyteller, something you realized at a young age. The way he speaks, his cadence carrying the tone, draws you in, places you in the room.

“But the kid wasn’t screaming when the frog was up his nose!” Your lungs hurt, and tears threatened to spill. Your father was in a similar state and it felt like years before you could both breathe again.

“Well, that’s enough about me. What’s going on with you, honey?” The food in your mouth suddenly felt tough. You felt a weight in your chest, a twinge of guilt, that he didn’t already know. Had it really been that long since you guys caught up?

“Life is good. My classes are going well. I um, Peter and I are going to homecoming together, so I’m looking forward to that.” You could have fooled him.

The way you were pushing your food around with your fork and speaking in a low flat voice was not very indicative of joy or excitement. Your father tried to swallow his concern and shock, instead trying to focus on being level-headed, being the adult you needed.

“Oh? When did this happen?” You could see your dad playfully smirking from your peripheral.

“Peter and I were talking- texting last Wednesday and he said he wanted to go with me.” You shrugged putting more food in your mouth. Much to your dismay, your pops sat quietly waiting to see what else you would say.

“He’s coming over tomorrow to watch Tangled with me. The dance is ‘Modern Fairytale’ themed and Pete wants to go as Rapunzel and Flynn.” Your father nodded his head in thought and you wanted to evaporate from existence.

You hate talking about Peter with your father, not because of anything he’s done, but rather, because you used to tell him (almost) everything. You would gush over every phone call and text, every sweet word and kiss.

Your father was well aware of how much you liked this boy and he was completely aware of how badly he had broken your heart. Your father was so excited for you and you almost feel like you’re letting him down being stuck in…whatever this is with Peter.

“Are you guys doing a full costume or what? When’s the dance? Do you have enough time?” You almost giggled at your dad’s rising concern in his questioning.

“We’re probably just gonna match the colours, kinda like Disney Bounding. I’m not sure how Pete’s gonna pull off the blue vest and brown pants but he’ll figure something out, I’m sure.” Your father seemed a little more relaxed now that he didn’t have to panic-stitch a costume together with you.

“Have you got a dress yet?” You told him you hadn’t had the chance yet and he grins.

“Good, we can go shopping together! Unless…you’d rather go with your friends.” His smile tightened and you felt grateful that your dad was willing to make such sacrifices, to let you do things on your own and come to him on your own. You grabbed his hand resting on the table and gave it a short squeeze.

“No chance. Besides, a friend wouldn’t foot the bill.” You and your father chuckled and it felt nice. Talking to your pops is one of your favourite things and you really have missed this.

Tag List: @andrews-lovr @brinaslittlefreak @cherriescherriesred25 @defrosting-strawberries @djdre92 @drunkangels @fanfics-intead-of-depression @heejinw0rld @ilovemoonknight @jedisstark @negasonic-teenage-asshole @preciousbabypeter @princesskittycatofmeowland @qualitybeliverflower @rudy-the-winged-wolf @wannapizzamymindposts @whoreforklitz

[dibs4ever]

The first moment

Barbara remembers it as the first time they had a “moment”

Dick remembers it as the first time he “slipped up.”

For both of them though the memory is now a fond one. Even though at the moment all those years ago it was awkward.

They were on patrol, staking out an intersecting ally way for any criminal activity.

Barbara hadn't been Batgirl for long. She still looked to Dick as her protector or leader of sorts. Many would assume it was Batman but it was Dick or Robin. He was the one who had trained her in everything she needed to know to keep herself safe and guarded while taking down criminals. He also respected her and never made her feel ‘less then.” If anything he gave her confidence that she knew what she was doing and didn't need his help at all.

They were both 16, they'd known each other for a few years outside of the cowl. But didn't get close til about 2 years ago when she figured out his and Bruce’s secret identities.

“Whatcha thinking about” Robin’s voice cut off her train of thought

Barbara turned to look at him “What?”

He smiled “You've been quiet”

“It's a steak out, we're supposed to be quiet.” she reminded

Dick shook his head “It's routine patrol. We aren't on a mission at the moment. Just observing til we spy activity. We can talk between us.”

Batgirl smiled “Well I'm not thinking about anything.”

Robin chuckled “Sure, you're thinking about the hot date you probably missed out on because of patrol.”

Barbara couldn't help but laugh “Hot date? Me? Oh, Robin stop making me laugh.”

Dick inched closer so that they were facing one another only about 2 feet apart. He shook his head “I'm not joking, I'm sure you've turned down a fair share of dates since you became Batgirl 6 months ago.”

She smiled “Rob, I'm flattered you think so highly, but outside this suit....at our school, nothing about me screams Girl all the guys want”

Dick rolled his eyes “Oh come on BG stop lying.”

Batgirl tilted her head “Lying?”

He nodded earnestly “I mean you know you're beautiful.” He waved a hand toward her

Barbara found herself biting her lip “Me? Beautiful? Honestly Dick I’ve never looked at myself that way.”

Dick shifted his feet “What do you mean?” He furrowed his eyebrows

Barbara shrugged “I mean I’m not the itty bitty blonde petite -dainty cheerleader kinda girl.”

Dick shrugged “so”

She shook her head “I’m a rough and tumble 5’7’ redhead with a muscular frame, I’m independent and never depend on a guy to do anything for me and also I’m kinda nerdy .”

“You’re not a nerd Babs.” He smiled his lopsided grin at her

Barbara nodded “Kinda am. I skipped last year's homecoming to go to a library grand opening.”

Dick chuckled “Okay that’s pretty nerdy.”

They both exchanged a laugh before Dick spoke again “but not all guys are into the dainty blonde type. Some of us like strong independent women”

Barbara smiled, crossing her arms across her chest “Oh yeah? Like who?”

Then there was the sound of a window breaking nearby

“We should check that out” Dick thumbed, secretly thinking “Saved by the Bell”

[lgg5989]

MavDad: First Love

A/N: Here's the next installment of MavDad! Thank you to everyone for reading and your support. As always please leave ideas for future chapters in the comments! 😁💜

MavDad Masterlist

Also on Ao3!

---

To say Brad was nervous was an understatement. He had been waiting in the hall by Kate's locker for almost the whole passing period and she hadn't shown yet. 

Next weekend was the homecoming dance and underclassmen were allowed to attend, since they couldn't go to prom. Brad had a crush on her since he started at his new school, she was one of the only friends he had made since moving to Lemoore. 

A few nights ago he had talked to Mav about how to ask a girl to homecoming . Some people went all out with balloons and signs but he knew that she was a bit shy and wouldn't appreciate the attention. 

Mav was excited for him and when Brad asked for his help he was surprised to find that Mav was a bit of a romantic at heart. 

"If she is a bit shy then maybe you should do something small with just the two of you," Mav suggested, "Go to her house and ask or ask her between classes?" 

Brad sighed, "I want it to be special though."

"You can still make it special, maybe bring her a rose and a mixtape, are those still popular?" Mav asked. 

"Uncle Mav, those haven't been popular for a few years now," Brad said, laughing. 

"Okay well a rose then…." Mav said, thinking. 

Brad huffed out a sigh, frustrated, "Maybe I should ask mom too?"

"You definitely should," Mav said, "She would be disappointed if you didn't." 

"Okay, let's go find her," Brad said.

The two made their way into the house, Brad calling for Carole, "Mom!" 

"Yeah honey?" She called from upstairs.

"Can you come down here? I need help with something," Brad said, a bit nervous to tell his mom about his feelings. 

"Sure thing, I'll be right down, let me just put this laundry in your room," Carole said before descending the stairs. 

She found Brad and Mav sitting in the living room looking rather serious, "Is this an intervention?" she asked jokingly, trying to break the tension. 

"No," Brad said laughing, "I need some advice and Mav thought it best to come to you."

Carole hummed, "It must either be about a girl or food then." 

Brad paled a bit, he hadn't expected his mom to flat out guess why he needed advice. 

"There's this girl…" he started quietly, "She is so pretty mom, even if she is a bit shy, she has blonde hair and bright green eyes like a meadow. And she is funny, rolling on the floor laughing funny." 

Carole smiled widely, "It sounds like you're really taken with her Brad. What's her name?" 

"Kate," Brad said quickly, "Kate Turner" 

Mav looked at him for a moment, "Commander Turner's daughter?" 

"Yeah, he scares me a little," Brad said nervously, "But if I take her to homecoming I'll have to meet him formally." 

Carole comforted him, "Bradley I raised you to treat women with respect, if you show that to Kate and Commander Turner then it will be fine." 

"Yeah, I know mom," Brad sighed, "Still makes me nervous, what if her parents don't like me?" 

“Bradley, I am sure that her parents will like you. You haven’t given them a reason not to, and you two are friends, I am sure they have heard good things about you,” Carole told him. 

“Okay, let’s get back on topic,” Brad said, “I need help planning how to ask her to go. Everyone is doing big gestures with poster boards and balloons but I don’t think she would like all that attention.”

“I suggested that he ask her between classes or at her house,” Mav told Carole, “Oh, and bring her a rose.”

Carole nodded, “Mav’s not wrong, if she won’t like a grand gesture then go simple and sweet,” she paused for a moment, thinking. 

“Your dad used to leave me sticky notes all around the house,” Carole said with a smile, “He would fold them up into little shapes and stick them in places for me to find.”

“Maybe I can leave Kate a note on her locker asking her to homecoming?” Brad suggested.

Carole gave him a reassuring smile, “I think that would be great Brad, then you can surprise her with a rose?”

“I think she would like that,” Brad said, “I can ask her tomorrow then, but Uncle Mav, I need you to take me to the store on the way to school.”

Mav huffed out a laugh, “I think that can be arranged.”

“I just hope she says yes,” Brad said, his nerves showing on his face. 

“I’m sure she will!” Carole said, “After you ask her you will have to bring her over for dinner so I can meet her and hear all about it.”

Brad did not feel like it was going so great, the passing period ended and Kate had not shown, he asked her to meet him there just before lunch. 

With his head hung low, rose loose in his hand, he grabbed the sticky note off her locker, crumpling it before walking to his own locker. Yanking it open he threw the rose and the sticky note to the back and grabbed the books for his next class before heading to lunch. As he turned around to head down the hall to lunch someone slammed into him, falling to the floor. 

When Brad looked to see who it was, he was surprised to find Kate, sprawled out on the floor surrounded by her books.

“I’m sorry I’m late Bradley,” she said, breathing heavily, a frown set on her pretty face, “Mrs. Johnson kept me later than I thought and by the time I got out of class the passing period was almost over, I got here as quickly as I could.”

Brad froze, he crumpled up that stupid sticky note, he just hoped the rose hadn’t been crushed too, he also prayed that any disappointment from before wasn’t left on his face. 

“Hey, its okay,” he said smiling at her as he gave her a hand getting up, “Let me help you with those.” 

He helped her collect her things before he turned back to his own locker, fumbling with the code, “Hold on just a second okay? I need to grab something.”

“Okay, what did you want to talk to me about?” Kate asked, looking at his back as he messed up the code for his locker a second time. 

“I um…I wanted to ask if you had a date to homecoming,” Brad stuttered out. 

Kate smiled shyly, “No, no one has asked me yet.”

Brad huffed out a small ‘yes’ as he finally got his locker open grabbing the rose at the back, hesitating a moment deciding to grab the sticky note too. He turned to face Kate, holding out his items in offering, rose in one hand and sticky note in the palm of the other. 

Kate looked at him, reaching out to take the rose, confusion coming over her face seeing the crumpled sticky note, picking it up instead. 

“What’s this?” she asked, as she opened it. 

“Well my dad used to leave little notes around the house for my mom to find,” Brad said quietly, “so I thought I would ask you with one, since I know you don’t like too much attention. I’m sorry its crumpled.”

Kate stayed quiet a minute, reading over the note. Will you go to homecoming with me? 

“I was hoping, that is, if you want, that you would go with me, to homecoming?” Brad asked, nervously. 

A huge smile came over her face, “Of course! There is no one I would rather go with.”

“Okay, good,” Brad sighed, “I’m glad you didn’t stand me up, I really thought you weren’t coming.”

“Bradley, we have been friends for a few months now, have I ever stood you up?” Kate questioned threateningly. 

“Well no,” Brad said dumbly. 

Kate laughed at him, “You are a wonder Bradley Bradshaw.”

Brad smiled at her before offering his hand for her to take. As they walked down the hall together he turned to her, “I have a favor to ask.”

“More than going to homecoming with you?,” Kate said, a mischievous smile on her face. 

Brad looked at her with his mouth gaping open, the corners of which were threatening to turn up into a smile as he said, “I’m offended that you think that is a favor.”

Kate laughed, “What’s the favor?”

“My mom wants you to come to dinner at our house,” Brad said slowly, “She wants to meet you.”

“That’s no favor at all Bradley, I would love to meet your mom,” Kate said sweetly. 

“My Uncle Mav will be there too,” Brad said quietly, Kate was one of the only people at school who knew that the man Brad called dad was his uncle. 

“I can’t wait to meet him as well,” Kate smiled at him, “I’m sure they’re both as great as you say.”

Brad smiled back at her as they continued their walk to the cafeteria, he felt like he could fly.

[jimblejamblewritings]

not a soldat | part 12.

Summary: Y/N L/N is not a superhero. No serums, no agencies. Just a civilian from a long line of family that’s served in the military. Y/N’s a history buff and bit of a spy in her own special way. This somehow lands her in trouble she never saw coming and straight into the hands of Falcon, Captain America, and Black Widow… if she doesn’t get caught in the unbreakable grasp of the Winter Soldier first.

Warning for the Series: violence, angst, slow burn

Pairing: Bucky x black!reader

Word Count: 2.4k

Previous Part | (Series Masterlist)

Steve hugged Bucky as you two stepped off of the quinjet. The Avengers’ compound was very impressive. Tony and the others escorted you two around, giving the grand tour. You actually liked that everyone stayed together. Of course it was easier when each room was practically an apartment. You were also grateful that no one new was added since you’ve been gone— you had shed your more quiet ways with the team, especially after having to always ask Shuri or the Dora Milaje for help with translations; but you were still an introvert at heart and new people in your intimate settings made you feel some type of way. You were the only non-Avenger, S.H.I.E.L.D. worker that would be staying in the compound housing and not just leaving when office hours ended.

“So we have Buckaroo on Steve’s floor and Caliber, Nat and Wanda called you on their floor.”

“Oh, we’re not in the same apartment?” Bucky asked.

“You two?”

“It’s just we lived together in Wakanda, we both kind of assumed.” Bucky shrugged.

“We can always change that, Pepper and I are together on the top floor. What size bed, I’ll have F.R.I.D.A.Y. put in an order. Queen? King? I suggest California King, that’s what we have.”

“Um, we still need two rooms,” you said. “If it’s work don’t bother, Tony, it’s fine.”

“Yeah, I think I can take two floors up to see printesa. Not sure if she can handle the walk though,” Bucky said, cheekily.

“Love you too,” you said before muttering under your breath. “Cur.” (Ass)

“Ce?” (What)

“Hmm, nimic.” (Hmm, nothing)

You squealed when you felt yourself suddenly in the air, looking at the floor. Bucky had lifted you over his shoulder. The tags almost hit the floor as you kept dangling but you managed to catch them in time.

“Bucky, pune-ma jos!” you said, lightly hitting his back— no real feeling behind it. (Bucky, put me down!)

“Ia înapoi ceea ce ai spus.” (Take back what you said)

“Nu.” (No)

“Atunci nu te pot da jos, printesa.” (Then I can’t put you down, princess)

“Buck, everyone can see up my skirt.”

Instead of putting you down, Bucky adjusted his hold and used his free hand to cover the space where anyone could potentially see up your dress. He turned around to Nat and Wanda, asking what floor they were on. You screamed as Bucky jostled you a bit.

“Let’s go find your room, printesa.”

The other Avengers watched you two disappear towards the elevator down the hall.

“They do know what friends means, right?” Wanda asked.

Steve laughed. “If they were together, Buck wouldn’t hesitate to let everyone know. I’m just glad she’s got Buck back to the one I remember.”

~~

Tony helped you set up your office very easily. You worked anywhere and everywhere but needed a place to store boxes and loose papers, not really wanting it all in your room. Bucky started training again, deciding to take Nick’s offer and sign to S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers. Much to Sam’s joy, Bucky at least tried to run at his pace or closer to it instead of being like Steve who constantly lapped them. Because you lived with them, you let the rest of the Avengers see you a little dressed down.

Since you and Bucky had returned, Tony wanted to throw a party to celebrate the homecoming. Rhodey told you it was better if you just rolled with it so you were on your way to the mall with the women of the team to buy a fancy dress. The men were also there too in the suits department, Tony insisting new outfits were necessary for everyone.

“I’ve been to a few military balls but nothing quite as fancy as this.”

“Yeah, that’s Tony for you. Too much money, no clue what to do with it,” Nat said.

“Charity?”

“Already has five.”

“Oh, wow, okay.”

Sharon and Wanda found their dresses, leaving you, Nat, and Maria to keep looking. Your hand brushed along so many dresses. A few you liked but most weren’t your taste. While Nat was trying on dresses, you excused yourself for a minute from the group. Following the store employee’s instructions, you took the escalator to the lower floor where the suit department was. The men in their boxers tried to cover themselves as best as they could when your face peered from around the corner— except for Thor. You rolled your eyes.

“You boys aren’t that much of a sight, please.”

“You’re not looking at us even a little bit, darlin’?” Bucky leaned against the door frame of the dressing room, while the others still kept themselves covered.

“Lots of military men look like that. Just another set of muscles. Anyway, what color is your tux?”

“They showed me a dark green one, might go with that or just a black one. Is that helpful?”

“Yeah, I can’t find a dress but I figured I could start by matching it to your suit. I think we should complement each other.”

“Why?”

“Cause I like when dates match.”

“And you just knew I was going with you, printesa.”

“Do you know anyone else?”

“I know Stevie, Sam and I have been getting pretty cozy on our runs.”

“Hmm, okay, Buck.”

“Is that the sound of jealousy?”

“Of who? Sam and Steve having to stare at your ugly face all night instead of me?”

“I love you, too.”

Bucky lifted up the tags around your neck, pulling on them slightly that it moved you forward and closer to him. You had to place your hands on his torso to balance. You patted Bucky’s abs as you stood back up with proper balance.

“Okay, I’m gonna go find my dress now, I like the green idea, so you boys can stop huddling in the corner like school children.”

Bucky pulled you back in for a hug, your back against his chest, threatening to keep you hostage in the dressing room. You laughed as you struggled to get out of his grasp.

“Eww, you’re half naked,” you whined. “Let me go get my dress!”

He laughed but let you go. You playfully hit him and then bounded out of the dressing room to go back upstairs and continue looking now that you had some sense of direction. The others looked at Bucky once you had left.

“So, Caliber?” Tony asked.

“Yeah, guess I’m being forced to go with the green tux now,” Bucky huffed out a laugh while putting on his street clothes.

They all looked at each other, that wasn’t what they meant. Either Bucky was thick skulled or avoiding. Someone was going to have to take one for the team. Clint sighed, deciding he would be the one to do it.

“How long have you two been together?”

“Me and (Y/N)? Ha, we’re not together. You know you’re not the first to say that, think I heard one of the scientists say it while in cryo. Weird.”

“Yeah…” Steve wasn’t sure how to go about what he wanted to say next.

“I mean, I think we just all notice you two wouldn’t look bad together you know.”

“Hmm, I mean I guess. She’s just… my person, trust her with everything. Ha. Together, crazy. You guys are funny.”

They stood there as Bucky chuckled and walked out of the room, shaking his head.

The girls clapped as you exited the dressing room. You were in a body hugging champagne colored dress, the neckline plunging. Nat forced you to do a spin and added a pair of heels she thought would go great. You looked at yourself in the big mirror, nodding in approval.

“The slit in the dress is nice,” you said.

“Makes you look hot.”

“I just like that I can still wear the knife.”

“Right, Barnes’ knife,” Maria said. “So when did you two become a thing?”

“We didn’t?”

“Oh, no?”

“Does Bucky look like my boyfriend?”

“You two are just so close.”

“Of course, he’s my guy. Ha, together, that’s a good one. K, let me take this off and we’ll head to check out.”

The other four women looked at each other in disbelief as you headed back into the dressing room. Nat shook her head. You left the changing area and met up with the boys downstairs to pay for the dresses and suits. While in line, you were behind Bucky. He felt your head hit his back and reached behind him to pat your back as best as he could. You slipped your hand into the metal one hanging at his side.

The team watched as you two walked ahead of them out of the mall and into the parking lot. You were holding both of the bags while his arm was around your shoulder, tapping the door knock pattern. He stopped tapping your shoulder and moved to tap on your temple just to mess with you. You swatted his hand the first two times before stopping, forcing him to stop too. You tapped the door knock pattern back to him, on his forehead.

“Mai bine fugi, printesa.” (You better run, princess)

The team watched you throw the bags at him and start to run to the car. Bucky shook his head and picked up the bags before running after you. His pace was clearly a lot slower to give you a chance; but he caught up to you anyway and grabbed you. You took the bags back and you two walked like normal.

“So those two are idiots, agreed,” Tony said.

“Agreed.”

~~

Of course, you had heard of Stark’s infamous parties but there was something about being there in real life. Despite living at the compound, Tony made you all enter from the outside via limo. He also forced you all to go through the big gates and the security checks like everyone else just for the formality of it all. Everyone knew who the Avengers were so pictures and a red carpet were a must. At one point, they used to hate it, especially Nat and Clint who started as secret spies. But the team accepted it and left secret missions to the CIA or other units and now dealt exclusively with HYDRA and other threats that required more than just regular humans to stop— of course there was always cloaking technology if absolutely needed.

Bucky didn’t expect people to want to talk to him but lots of people were intrigued by the Winter Soldier. More than once throughout the night he was pulled from your side by some senator or even a socialite. However, no matter how many people pulled him away, almost every slow dance was reserved for you.

You were sitting at the bar alone while Bucky was talking to someone. You smiled at the bartender, thanking her for the drink she handed your way when you felt a hand on your back. You turned to see who it was. No one you knew. The man talked and you tried your best to have a conversation but it was a struggle, he was clearly very outgoing and since you didn’t know him you felt yourself retreating again. Sam rushed in to save you, making you get up for a dance.

“It’s great to have you back.”

“It’s nice to see your face again, Sammy… and eat your breakfast.”

He laughed. “Did you just miss me for my cooking?”

“Would you be upset if I said yes?”

“A little.”

“Then it’s totally not.”

He smiled and dipped you. Sam was always so much fun to be around. On some days you wanted to curse him for ever bringing you into this Avenger world but at the same time you wouldn’t change it for the world and that was all because of Sam.

“Can I be honest with you, Caliber?”

“Is it bad?”

“No, but it’s about you and Bucky. I know you two can’t see it but we do, the entire team. You two have something between you guys.”

“Yeah, I mean we’re f—”

“No. Friends is Clint and Nat, me and Sharon, you and me. Even Tony and Nat in their own way. You and Bucky go past that.”

“Alright, Sam.”

“Just think about it.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Both you and Sam knew you probably weren’t going to think about it at all. Bucky was just your Bucky. Sam finished your dance, it being the last dance of the night. Happy and the other bodyguards helped clear out all of the other guests until it was just the Avengers on the balcony. There was no music, just a small fire and the conversations of the team.

“Manchurian Candidate.”

“Yes, Tony,” Bucky said with a roll of his eyes.

“I think your princess is knocked out.”

Bucky looked down at where your head was laying in his lap, he was gently stroking your cheek with his hand. The team collectively took a sip of their drinks to refrain from saying anything as they watched Bucky lean in close enough that his nose brushed against yours. You reached your hand up to tap the side of cheek twice. Before you got out the last tap, Bucky tapped your cheek instead.

“You tired?”

It was phrased as a question but Bucky knew the answer already. In the prime of Winter Soldier days he was a lot like you, instead of being the usual extroverted Bucky from the 40s. Lots of people could be draining. The rest of the team was still on high from the party and the mingling but you were officially on empty.

“Tony, why are your parties so big?” you asked, turning your head to where you assumed he was but still refusing to open your eyes.

“How else am I supposed to go, Caliber?” He chuckled as you groaned in defeat.

“Do you want me to take you up, now?” Bucky asked.

“Nah, enjoy your talking. Just take me up when you leave the balcony,” you mumbled as you turned over and wrapped yourself around him as best as you could in the tight dress. The last thing you heard was Bucky apologizing to Natasha about the Red Room.

Once they left the balcony, Bucky scooped you up and carried you towards the elevator.

“Can I stay in your room, Buck? I’m tired.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea, I wouldn’t want to wake you with the nightmares.”

You sat up in his arms as best as you could. “Nightmares? When did this happen?”

“First day back in the compound. The fight in Wakanda triggered it all at once.”

“Bucky, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, I’ll be fine. Didn’t want to worry you, printesa.”

(Part 13)...

[gingersnappish]

KYLUX RECS 2020-2021

My Kylux Recs in the last year (Aug, 20 2020 - Aug 20 2021)

SO. MUCH. GOOD. FIC!!! We are really lucky in this fandom to have so much good stuff to read!

Fic is part of the lifeblood of fandom, in my opinion-it shares new ideas and AUs and fleshes out the characters and most of all it inspires and entertains us all and engenders all sorts of feels for the characters-it’s part of what keeps us shipping! So a big ‘thank you’ to all the fic authors out there who work so hard at their craft and are generous enough to share it with all of us!

The following list is by no means comprehensive-there are LOTS and lots more very good fics that have been published in the last year that I haven’t read. I just wanted to offer up a few recs from what I know I enjoyed so far! (I also have more than fits on one list to rec-I’ll try and do another list soon!) As always, I rec based on personal taste, and I highly encourage reading all the tags/warnings on any given work to make sure it’ll be to your taste! -

The Flirtation Of Flowers 

DaisyChainz

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29771553

Words: 5,917

Rating: Teen

Summary:Kylo runs his farm's stall at the Farmer's Market every weekend. He has a new customer, a gorgeous redhead that is curious about the meanings of his bouquets. Kylo doesn't know anything about that, so he makes stuff up to keep the man coming back every week.

My thoughts on the rec: This is the cutest slice of a modern AU kylux-it really nails Kylo’s personality as a (slightly awkward) flirt who is trying his best and just really likes the redhead who keeps coming to buy flowers. Just a sweet little fic all ‘round!

all i have to do is dream

kyluxtrashcompactor

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18709426/chapters/44373613

Words: 11,456

Rating: Teen

Summary:Armitage Hux has been going to the same bar every Thursday for the last year, nursing a crush on the gorgeous, unobtainable bartender, Kylo Ren. He finally gets up the courage to ask him out, only to find out he has some unusual competition: the memory of a red-haired boy from Kylo's past, who Kylo swears is the soulmate that got away from him.A fill for this SoftKyluxKinks prompt:Anonymous asked: Benarmie with young Ben (around 11 years old) having a huge crush on Armitage (16). Hux finds it adorable but mostly ignores him because he's a kid. Flash forward a few years when Ben is all grown up and Hux is the one with a huge crush.

My thoughts on the rec: This is another really cute young modern AU! I like the idea that Ren has liked Hux forever, but this deals nicely with the age gap and that Hux really wouldn’t notice Ren back until they are both appropriately older. And they make such a cute couple-it’s a great progression from just ‘he’s hot’-like, there is a lot more to them than that in the end!

Homecoming 

sigo 

(really, read anything by sigo, it’s all my favorite)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27150808

Words: 13,450

Rating: Explicit

Summary:“We’re off the next two weeks, you know.”“Yes, I know.” There was emergency construction scheduled to fix cracking asphalt too near a pipe in the center of campus. The buses couldn’t run, and that phenomenon was the only thing that ever cancelled classes. Halloween was dead center in the unplanned time off school, and every bar within a fifteen mile radius would be untenable as the students celebrated. Hux was planning on staying home, catching up on grading. He was rather looking forward to an opportunity to reread his favorite novels. They were already stacked by the couch in preparation.“My family always throws a Halloween party and they got word that I could come this year,” Kylo said, shuffling his feet. He looked almost bashful.“Ren, it’s midnight,” Hux sighed at his infuriating coworker. “Get to it.”“I may have informed my entire family previously that we were dating.”

My thoughts on the rec: One of my all-around fav fics from the last year’s worth of my reading material! It’s got the modern AU vibes down pat without losing their personalities or making them too OOC, it’s got the fake-dating trope done REALLY well, it’s got a wonderful creepy vibe strung delicately throughout for the Halloween haunted setting, it’s got plot and make-outs (and more). Can’t recommend highly enough!

Thaw

thesevioletdelights

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28557180/chapters/69982587

Words: 14,316

Rating: Explicit

Summary:They have managed cooperation - efficient cooperation, even - in these past months, which is more than enough. And already nothing short of a miracle for both of them.Still. Ren was a fool to think he could simply run off and keep Hux in the dark.-----When Ren goes missing on a mysterious planet, Hux sets out to find him. He doesn't yet know that he just might find himself.

My thoughts on the rec: This, like all of violet’s fic, is HOT! Like, scorching vibes between them! It’ll draw you in and not let you go ‘til after the boys are ‘done’! And, like all of violet’s fics, the character voices and personalities are also impeccable!

Rocks Break Gifts

elderbwrry

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25840237/chapters/62777839

Words: 16,706

Rating: Mature

Summary:The Rebellion has been crushed, a coup affected, and Supreme Leader Ren and his Grand Marshall Hux have settled into a domestic routine as the joint rulers of the Galaxy. Kylo wants nothing more, now, than to make his relationship with Hux official, but he can't seem to rise to Hux's challenge of a satisfactory proposal.Or, the five times Kylo proposes, and the one time Hux says yes.

My thoughts on the rec: Ahhhhh, the premise in this one is great! Like, I don’t wanna spoil the plot reveal at the end, so I can’t say too much, but there is a really good reason throughout the thing that this is a Five Times type fic and it works! It works so well and while we spend the fic ‘with’ Kylo, when we find out what Hux’s deal is, it is so satisfying! I Paint My Dreams

Marlon

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26685907/chapters/65090566

Words: 26,122

Rating: General Audiences

Summary:Kylo Ren is struggling to make a name for himself in the art world but as the grandson of the great Anakin Skywalker, a legendary pop artist of the 1950s and 60s, the weight of his famous family and his own expectations is a lot to bear.After he’s rejected from a prestigious exhibition because his installations “don’t fit the theme”, Kylo heads to the pub to drink away his disappointment. Later that night as he stumbles home, he’s set upon by some would-be thieves but before they can take what’s left of his money, he’s saved by a strange man with unbelievable Medusa-like powers. The ethereally beautiful man, Armitage Hux, is a visitor from Oweynagat and he has a simple proposition for Kylo - room and board in exchange for making all Kylo’s artistic dreams come true.Sounds easy - what could possibly go wrong?

My thoughts on the rec: Oh goodness, where to start? The Irish Mythology and Fae aspect of this fic is superbly woven throughout the whole thing and the author makes it work really well! Like, this is such a unique and original take on the kylux pair, I love them, especially Fae!Hux in this! And the plot is solid and you get invested really heavily in how they are gonna wind up-at least I did! There’s some beautiful language in this-descriptions and dialogue! And I have a soft spot for Artist!Kylo!

Dating a Monster

mysticmilks

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26703904/chapters/65139415

Words: 30,401

Rating: Explicit

Summary:Ben Solo was raised to be a demon hunter, as everyone in his family has been before him. He wanted nothing more than to prove that he was worthy to his family. He lied to them and went on an unauthorized mission to catch and kill an elusive incubus. His search led him to Arkanis University, one of the most prestigious schools in the country.He was sure the mission was going to be easy, before he met the cute freshman Armitage Hux. This meeting would change the fate of both of them.

My thoughts on the rec: Add another really good one to the slightly-creepy-kylux subgenre filled with demons and dark powers! This is a great depiction of Kylo as a very determined demon hunter and Hux as a very unique quarry! I love the tension in parts of this too-well crafted! The Green Ribbon

xzombiexkittenx, Lilander (art)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28630845/chapters/70176921

Words: 39,679

Rating: Explicit

Summary:When Ben was fifteen he left the Jedi temple and took extreme measures to prevent the shadowy creature that infiltrated his thoughts from dragging him to the dark side. What he did left him with a great deal of chronic pain and removed his most valuable weapon, but Ben got his stubbornness from every side of the family, even the adopted ones, and he was determined to find and kill the creature.Now Senator Amidala of Naboo, Ben uses his position to make the galaxy a less awful place when he can, but being senator also gave him very useful contacts in his search for the creature. When he met Major Hux of the First Order, Ben thought he could get game-changing information out of him, one way or another, but things rarely go Ben's way and it got complicated much faster than Ben had prepared for. It's never a good idea to mix sex and politics, but Ben takes his fun where he can get it.

My thoughts on the rec: I feel like this is a very original take on ‘Senator Amidala’ Ben, at least from the stuff I’ve read-many props to the author for such a fleshed out universe, filled with likeable, believable OCs, a wonderful plot, great character motivations and voices, and a take on our main man Ben that pulled me in from the get-go! He’s sorta magnetic (in universe and to the reader)! And the sexual tension and sexy bits are very well done! I’m rooting for Ben and Hux in this, on opposites sides though they may be! Comfort Zone

LydiaBSlade

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26783797/chapters/65338117

Words: 66,766

Rating: Explicit

Summary: Hux is running away. He meets a tall, dark, and somewhat annoying stranger at the airport.

My thoughts on the rec: Travel writing at its best; also kylux fic at it’s best! Young, modern them trying to find their places in the world and finding each other in the process is so cute and almost tenderly done in this! This is a gentle, friendly version of modern Kylo that I fell in love with, right along with Hux! And by the way, I’m not kidding when I say travel writing-the southeast asian setting is vivid and enchanting in it’s rich detail! Outnumbered, Outgunned, Outmanuevered, and Winning

Coriesocks, Ellalba (art)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28217253/chapters/69144672

Words: 80,372

Rating: Explicit

Summary: Hux’s plans for ridding the First Order of Kylo Ren are ruined when Ren discovers his deception. With no choice but to flee, Hux ends up in the hands of the Resistance. It’s not ideal, but at least he gets a break from Ren. Until he doesn’t.When Ren starts appearing in Hux’s dreams, Hux wonders if the stress of being a spy has taken more of a toll on his sanity than he’d previously thought. And if that wasn’t bad enough, he has to deal with constant pestering from Poe and a mildly inconvenient kidnapping. Of course, it’s Ren who saves him in the end. There’s clearly no getting away from him.

My thoughts on the rec: A really interesting take on something that is both a alternate rewrite of what could have happened instead of TROS and a TROS-fix-it of sorts! Hux is stellar in this, we really get a good look in his head and Coriesocks handles it masterfully! I really liked how their relationship develops gradually in this, it’s Enemies To Lovers at its best! Bloodlines and Brandy

EmperorsVornskr

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22989934/chapters/54963601

Words: 130,785

Rating: Explicit

Summary: Sebastian Hux is a native of the Deep South who loathes his origins, and seeks to pull himself from the stifling quagmire, but his bloodlines call him back to the property that has blessed- and plagued- his family for centuries.Unspoken secrets fill his inheritance, skeletons fill every closet, and a monster lurks in the shadows, tied to two bloodlines joined by fate, greed and hatred that has spanned across generations.As Hux learns about his family’s tainted legacy that has now become his burden, he discovers there is more involved than just having to be the curator of property that the locals shun with hushed whispers, that he has inherited more than an estate- he also has a terrible and loathsome horror tied to his very blood.When curious young locals come calling, and Hux’s past tormentors come out of the woodwork to simper and scrabble for a piece of the newly rich, the body count begins to rise, the smell of blood in the old slaughterhouse is getting harder to hide, and Hux realises that he will need to find a better way to pacify the hulking shadow that perches on his roof every night before his hometown’s tiny population is completely decimated.

My thoughts on the rec: This one is EPIC! Like, in length (which it needs every word of for the story that is going on here) and in the great portrayal of Kylo and Hux and their relationship! It’s super original too-not just the plot but the depiction of Kylo as something ‘other’ and the Southern Gothic vibes, and Hux-this is a wonderful take on Hux! He loses none of his edge, in my opinion and yet the reader is ‘with’ him all the way through, rooting for him! The descriptions are killer too-EmperorsVornskr has a felicity of expression that kept me reading (albeit in more than one sitting). Also worth noting that this is a wonderful and carefully handled depiction of trans!Hux, in my admittedly cis opinion. The theme of finding your tribe/your people/and your special someone in this, albeit in sometimes unexpected places is warming! I enjoyed every moment of this fic! Gravity Well

kyluxtrashcompactor

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13062495/chapters/29879001

Words: 176,421

Rating: Explicit

Summary: Snoke is gone, but his death has solved nothing between Hux and Kylo Ren. The First Order's trust in their leaders wanes as they vie for power over one another, and if they cannot learn to work together, they may both lose everything they've worked for.Forging that alliance after years at each other's throats will not be as easy as letting the past die, however—they will face subterfuge, enemies in the shadows, treachery, and being stranded on a hostile planet with creatures out of nightmare, barely escaping constant danger with their lives while having only one another to rely on.And that is just the beginning.

My thoughts on the rec: I realize this one is very well known by now, but I’ll rec it again for good reason! It’s quality long-fic! I love how competent Hux is in this surival-style fic, even without the Force to save him! And Kylo is a badass! kyluxtrashcompactor is a master of the slow burn here and we’re even lucky enough to be getting a sequel (although Gravity Well will also stand perfectly on its own). The writing in this will draw you in and not let you go!

----

That’s all for now! I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I did!  

[f1]

Daniel Ricciardo cracks the top 10 highest-paid drivers for 2022 despite a shocker season

Daniel Ricciardo cracks the top 10 highest-paid drivers for 2022 despite struggling so badly he lost his job. Now he hopes to reclaim the mojo he lost in bitter McLaren split with Red Bull homecoming By Stirling Taylor For Daily Mail Australia Published: 01:02 EST, 26 November 2022 | Updated: 01:02 EST, 26 November 2022 Incoming Red Bull reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo has cracked the F1 top 10 rich list even in a shocking year that cost him his job and seat at McLaren for the 2023 season. The 33-year-old Aussie roped in $22.1million throughout the year, even managing to jag a $2.9million bonus despite his ongoing battles with McLaren and poor results on the track. Daniel Ricciardo smiles in one of his last appearances with McLaren - the Aussie no.2 driver made $22million this year The Perth-born driver had a tough season behind the wheel, failing to make the top 10 cut in the driver's championship. Ricciardo endured his toughest season to date as McLaren's second driver, finishing behind Lando Norris on many occasions and grappling with his future in the sport. The 232-race driver will join now return to Red Bull - where he began his career and earned his best career results - behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Ricciardo celebrates a podium no.1 finish with a shoey after the Monaco Grand Prix in 2018 Of the eight grand prix titles Ricciardo has taken out in his career, seven were during his first stint at Red Bull. He hopes a spot on the bench will allow him to find a balance in life, along with a hunger to become a top Red Bull driver once again and has admitted to having doubts over his ability at Mclaren.  Ricciardo clutches his fist after a strong no.1 finish at the Monaco Grand Prix - he was smothered in success at Red Bull 'McLaren, in a way, I have to accept it was what it was, and maybe I'll never know [why it didn't work],' Ricciardo told Speedcafe. 'That's why I'm curious to get back into Red Bull, a place where obviously I competed well with Max, and even just get on the sim and get back to a car that I'm like 'oh yeah, this is a car that allows me to show my strengths.' 'I'm kind of just curious to see how I go back in something which I obviously had a lot of success in.' Ricciardo's 14.7million salary was given a huge boost after he took out the Italian Grand Prix in 2021, which made him more than $8million richer per annum.  He sits at seventh in the top 10 coin list, as champion teammate Max Verstappen leads. Ricciardo sprays champagne whilst celebrating on the podium at the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix Mercedes poster boy Lewis Hamilton continues his high-flying run of cheques, having earned $81.2million without bonuses.  While not on the grid in 2023, Ricciardo will work in Redbull's simulator and alongside the team engineers to put Redbull's F1's through the ringer.  His reserve signing will allow him to see family and friends due to a lighter load of travel, something he is looking forward to after an isolated Covid period. Advertisement Share or comment on this article: Daniel Ricciardo cracks the top 10 highest-paid drivers for 2022 despite a shocker season via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

[lumosinlove]

Between Fifth and You

(cw in tags)

~

chapter one

“Olives or twist?”

Sirius had to watch the barkeep’s mouth to make out the words beneath the pounding music, which meant Sirius caught the way his eyes skittered across his face almost fearfully. The sheer amount of obsidian in this place probably did nothing to lighten his features. Not to mention, few people knew how to look him in the eye.

“Twist,” he said.

The man nodded and flipped the bottle of gin until it dipped into a shot glass, the glass into the ice. Sirius watched until he was stirring the bitters in and a hand appeared on his shoulder, lips to his neck.

“Burn this,” Saint said, and plucked at Sirius’ shirt sleeve, rubbing the black material between his fingers. Sirius raised an eyebrow as he turned. Saint’s own shirt was unbuttoned half way down his hard chest, light brown skin warm in the flashing club lights. “You’ve worn it too many times.”

“Hello to you, too,” Sirius said. “I like this shirt.”

“I liked it two months ago,” Saint replied. “It’s September now, your highness.”

Sirius scoffed as the bartender slid him his drink.

“You gonna tell everyone the sun did that?” Sirius took a clean sip of gin with one hand and stroked his other through Saint’s gold curls, only suddenly some of the slightly course strands were almost white.

Saint’s grin turned coy. “Isn’t it nice to have a mystery to think about?”

“Oh, yeah, do blonds have more fun?”

“You wouldn’t know.”

The music kicked up a beat that Sirius felt through his spine.

“Why do we always come here?” he leaned a hip against the bar. “We have an entire city.”

“Yeah, fuck the rest of the world, we have one whole city.”

Sirius rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

Saint shook his head. “Because that’s what we do. You see that guy over there? I’ve taken him out four times. Couldn’t tell you his name. They couldn’t tell you mine.”

“Everyone knows your name, Saint.”

Saint grinned. “Maybe. But why do we go back to each other? Because we’re creatures of fucking habit.” Saint cocked his head, stole Sirius’ drink. “And what is this city but a bad, bad habit?”

Sirius’ blood cooled and he looked away.

What am I, Sirius? said the familiar voice from his memory. Am I easy? Am I safe? Do you want me, or am I just familiar now?

He closed his eyes against the memory of his reply.

Bad habit indeed.

XOXO

Spotted—a familiar face from the past. What has this train brought in? Thanks to a tip from @magicinthemaking, I bring you this picture of none other than Remus Lupin (and a certain Southern bell we know and love) under Grand Central’s stars. We missed you, Re—how was England? Or was it Europe?

The rumors can never seem to decide, but why the sudden change in plans to take his Junior year abroad? Here we were thinking he wanted nothing more than to stay.

I wonder how another certain star will feel about this sudden homecoming. And just in time for senior year’s Fall semester, too.

XOXO.

Remus adjusted his suitcase, glad he’d mailed so many of his things home. He’d been on U.S. soil for all of three hours, and he already missed Rome. He wanted to walk down the tiny staircase from his billet family’s apartment and get a cappuccino. He wanted to stand on the drain of the Pantheon and soak up the sheer history in the air.

He already wanted a break.

But he also wanted to see Julian. Sometimes it felt like the only thing pulling him back home was seeing his baby brother’s grin in real life rather than across a Facetime call.

“All good?”

Remus looked up at Leo. His blond hair was still bleached a bright blond from the Roman sun. Their program had ended in May, but Remus was glad they had stayed together. He hadn’t been looking for Leo—for someone to kiss for the first time in the rose garden at the top of the Aventine Hill while Leo told him about its past as a cemetery.

It’s footpaths are laid out like a Minorah, see? Leo had pointed out. To remember. 300 different types of roses isn’t enough. But I like to come here.

Remus thought it had been Leo’s love for history, and his respect, too, that had drawn him in. They both came from a world where the biggest thing most people cared about was what they’d wear to the next party, and who was bringing their next drink.

Remus hadn’t been able to believe his luck, as fragile as his heart was still.

“Yeah,” Remus nodded. “All good.”

But he wasn’t sure. They hadn’t been friends here, in the city, or at Hogwarts. It had been Rome. Remus didn’t know what their old lives would do to them. But he took Leo’s hand and watched the way Leo fingered the star he wore around his neck, the way he shot Remus his dimpled smile.

“Come on,” Remus said. “I want you to meet Julian.”

XOXO

Good morning Upper East Siders—Gossip Girl here. All trends point to Fall’s Hogwartsers coming back in Black—in more ways than one. Sirius Black’s got a baby brother on campus now, and after another wild summer for the Hogwarts College elite, count me in with the rest of them on wondering what to expect. Rumor is he’s not much like our favorite star.

“You don’t have to talk to me, you know.”

Sirius kept his eyes on his eggs and toast. “Your missing your tie. Mom said—”

“What do you care?” Regulus replied. “I hear when she used to make you wear one it usually ended up around some other guy��s neck by ten in the morning.”

“If you’re going to believe everything you read on Gossip Girl about me, then maybe I won’t talk to you.”

Regulus smirked. “So, you read it, too.” 

“Boys.”

Both brothers went back to their breakfasts.

“Good morning, mom,” Sirius said.

Walburga Black smiled with her painted lips, resting a hand on Sirius’ shoulder and bending to kiss his cheek.

“Don’t you both look handsome for your first day. Although that leather jacket has seen better days, Sirius. Do what you want for dinner, ask Chef, I don’t care. I’ll be at the House.”

The House. The House of Black, his mother’s million dollar fashion industry.

“Fine,” Regulus nodded, and rose. “I’ll take the first car.”

Sirius rolled his eyes again. “Really?”

Regulus just snatched up his backpack.

Saint, James, and Thomas were waiting for him on one of the courtyard tables when Sirius got out of the Escalade. It certainly felt like a first day of a semester. Saint’s neck dripped in gold necklaces—a story behind each one. Thomas, who had replaced his short braids with a closely shaved head, wore a white t-shirt and ripped up jean shorts, gold nose-ring glinting in the sun. James had evidently been helped out by Lily, as usual, a green, tight-fitting Henley shirt bunched up at his elbows. The two flanked Saint, who basked on top of the stone table, head tilted back to bare his throat in a way that made Sirius think of last night, in the back of the bar. He could see a purplish mark he had left there.

“You’re looking surprisingly chipper,” James said when Sirius reached Hogwarts’ courtyard.

Sirius raised an eyebrow, knowing he didn’t. “I’m not failing any classes yet, James.”

His friends went oddly silent. Sirius looked around at them, spreading his hands in confusion. Saint wouldn’t look at him, expression going oddly stoney. Thomas, finally, offered him his phone, biting his lip. Sirius took it.

His heart leapt to his throat. He didn’t even bother reading the Instagram caption. Remus loomed out at him from the phone screen.

“Leo Knut,” Saint said. “Who would have thought.”

Sirius cleared his throat and turned away from the picture—from Remus and Leo’s clasped hands.

“Why wouldn’t I be chipper?” he said again, and ignored their unconvinced expressions. “I’ve got class.”

Under his desk while he waited for the rest of the class to show, Sirius pulled out his phone and opened Instagram.

XOXO

Remus approached campus slowly. He felt like he didn’t know anyone anymore, even if he knew that wasn’t true. He thought he saw James from afar, but Lily and Kasey didn’t have class today.

Really, Remus didn’t know if he had many friends that weren’t…shared. That didn’t feel too close to home. Manhattan wasn’t that big of an island.

He looked down at his schedule he’d written out on his phone.

The 19th Century Novel - Hogsmeade R#302.

He made his way to the Hogsmeade building and climbed the spiral staircase quickly. It all felt too industrial, too metallic. At least he’d woken up with Leo, who still had the ancient air about him. He didn’t want that bubble to pop.

“Mr. Lupin,” Professor McGonagall beamed when he walked in, and Remus smiled, too at her familiar Scottish drawl. “It’s so very nice to have you back.”

“Hi, Professor. It’s good to be—”

But the words died on Remus’ tongue. He looked out at the small class—just twenty at this high level—and his heart, out of habit it seemed, had leapt at the sight of familiar dark hair.

Uh-oh. Looks like Pyramus and Thisbe are actually wishing for a wall between them this time.

Sirius’ hair was shorter than it had been at the end of sophomore year, the last time Remus had seen him. He wore a touch of a beard, too, just scruff, really, but it framed his silver eyes like darkness to the stars—two stars, which were zeroed in on Remus.

“Back,” Remus tried to recover, mouth dry. He sent McGonagall a shaky smile, and turned to find a seat, trying not to find those stars again.

He resisted the urge to close his eyes in defeat when he realized that there was only one left. He walked towards Sirius looking ahead and with his heart pounding. Leo. Leo making pancakes for him and Julian this morning. Leo making his little brother laugh. But he could smell the worn leather of Sirius’ jacket. He remembered the feel of it around his own shoulders. Are you cold, baby?

“All righty, then,” McGonagall stood from her chair and leaned against the front of her desk, looking down her spectacles at the attendance sheet. “Looks like we’re all here.”

XOXO

“Well?” Saint asked as Sirius took the joint from between his fingers.

“Sat down next to me,” Sirius said. “Didn’t say a fucking word.”

“Did you say a fucking word?” Saint raised his eyebrows.

Sirius blew out smoke. “No.”

“Well, all right, you fucking hypocrite.”

Sirius looked over at him from where they lay side by side, stretched out in the fading sunshine of Central Park. “I’m keeping this now.”

“No, you’re not. Did you pay for that? I don’t think so.”

Sirius scoffed. “Yeah, like this made a dent in the Montague treasuries.”

Saint laughed, tucking a palm behind his head. Sirius let his eyes linger on the strip of skin where his shirt rode up. He’d kissed that last night, too. It was nice with Saint. He’d been friends with him for longer than he could remember. Saint never looked for more. If Sirius snapped at him, he snapped back and then they laughed about it. Saint wandered through the world loving people freely. He kissed them, or he made them dinner, or he took them for long walks along the river. He showed them his favorite jazz club, or gave them the orgasm of their life, or read to them from his favorite books. He was New York in human form, accepting and inviting, living and breathing.

Sirius wished he was so trusting, even if trust seemed a funny word to apply to Saint.

No one ever got too close to either of them, except the other.

“What are you wearing to your mom’s fashion show?” Saint asked with his eyes closed. “It’s the event of the season.”

“Are you joking? The fittings started in July.”

“Mm, I love that,” Saint grinned, stretching. “Want to come help me decide what I’m wearing? We’re at the Plaza right now, you know that. You know my mother. If it’s not broken, break it. We’re renovating again. We can order champagne to the room.”

“Is that code for make out?”

“Partly. But I will be showing you my outfit choices.”

“Deal.”

XOXO

Remus made it back home seeing no one, but one of the butlers had an envelope with his name on it waiting for him.

“Thanks, Moody,” Remus murmured, but thought briefly about handing it right back to him.

He knew this invitation. He knew its black boarders and heavy stock. It came ever year.

It used to be something they had looked forward to.

The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

invites you

TOUJOURS PUR

“Jesus,” Remus breathed, but took it up to his room, checking the time on the way. Julian would still be at school, his parents at work. This apartment was too big for the four of them, not to mention just Remus alone.

His suitcases still lay open and unpacked on his floor, and he kicked at one without looking up.

“So, did you just forget to mention that you were home?”

Remus spun towards his bed, only to find Lily sprawled across it and fiddling with an emerald on a chain.

“I had to find out from Gossip Girl?” Lily shook her head.

Remus slapped the invitation against his thigh. “Wow, wasn’t like that was a surprise present for you or anything.”

Lily smiled, red hair in a thick french braid. “I see green and I know it’s for me. What can I say?”

Remus huffed out a laugh, and she gave a small squeal and pushed off of the bed to wrap him in a hug.

“I’m so happy you’re home, Re.”

He let himself rest his chin in the crook of her neck for a moment. ‘Thanks, Lils.”

She pulled back, hands on his shoulders. “What, no, me too?”

“I am,” he said tentatively. “But I had fun in Rome.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Southern fun?”

“His name is Leo,” Remus said pointedly, then eyed the pile of garment bags piled high on the other side of his bed. “Are those…”

“Pour moi, et pour toi,” Lily patted his cheek. “We have a fashion show to go to, sweetheart.”

XOXO

What do we think, Courtiers? House of Black’s fashion show is the biggest event of the fall. But what on Earth does doe-eyed Remus Lupin have to do within that dark forest now?

Is he a Bambi, or still the wolf we knew?

You know you love me.

XOXO,

Gossip Girl