#oh well too late now because i painted it and it doesn't look good

[saltwaterburns]

even my phone misses your call, by the way

Summary: Elle knows perfectly well that it's a bad idea and that she'll probably regret it when she sobers up, but she still picks up her phone and dials the number of the one she misses the most - you.

Pairing: Elle Greenaway x fem!reader

Warnings: Mentions of a slightly graphic event that happened to the reader, allusions to smut, a few y/n's, no happy ending (for now?)

Author's note: It's day 3 of me watching season 2 after Elle left and it's safe to say that I'm still incredibly wounded, so what better way to project my feelings onto everyone else than writing this! :D For a girl who hates reading angst I sure do love writing it, so buckle up. I'm dedicating this to @bbbbadoobee i hope u like it pls dont hate me

Word count: 4,4k+

Elle knows she shouldn't. She left the BAU for a reason, and it's late. She glances at the clock on the wall, wincing as the time reads close to 3am. But as she sits in her bleak living room, her third bottle of vodka sitting unfinished on the table right next to her phone, she doesn't care about making good decisions. She's lonely. Desperate.

Leaving didn't make her feel any better. She's been lonely for years. She found a home within the BAU, and she doesn't think she'll ever be able to get over it. Get over her team, that at one point became her family.

She's drunk, and she's tired. She should go to bed. Instead, she picks up her phone, and calls you. She misses your voice the most.

It's been years. She doubts you'll answer. She listens to how her phone calls once, then twice, and on the third time when you pick up, she relaxes. "Y/n...it- it's me."

"...Elle?" You ask groggily, sitting up on your bed and trying to rub the sleep away from your eyes with the back of your hand. Wait, what? Elle? You voice your thought.

"Wait, what? Elle? Elle Greenaway?"

Her heart immediately lurches towards you at the sound of your sleep-ridden voice. She can see you so clearly in her minds eye, how you're sitting on your bed, the strap of your sleep top falling off your shoulder, how the freckles painted on your skin form constellations, the same ones she used to trace with her lips.

"Surprise, I guess." Elle responds, her tone a bit off in attempt to seem casual. Her heart is racing right now, but her voice remains steady. "Did I wake you?"

You stay silent for a beat. You don't notice it at first, but the hand you just used to pull the blanket tighter around you and now is resting on your lap is shaking. You can feel your throat constricting and your eyes beginning to sting, both from the lack of sleep and the emotions you're feeling.

"Yeah, yeah you did, but it's fine. Is- is everything okay? I didn't know you still had my number."

Her heart sinks, hearing how off you sound. Your voice quivers a bit, and she can only imagine your face right now, probably pinched and hurt.

"Of course I do." Elle says, and her voice softens a bit. Maybe she shouldn't have called. What was she thinking would happen?

"I just..." She struggles to articulate her thoughts as she rubs a hand over her face. "I needed to hear your voice."

"I, um, I miss you, Elle. We miss you, back at the BAU," You whisper, looking up at the pale ceiling of your room, taking a deep breath to force the tears down. "How are you?"

Your question feels like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, she can't speak. Because how is she actually doing?

"Oh, I..." She hesitates, and swallows the lump in her throat. "I'm...I'm fine." After a few moments, she adds sheepishly, "And I, I miss you guys too..I miss you a lot."

"Did you continue with some sort of federal work at your new um, home?" You ask as casually as possible, the word home leaving a bitter taste in your mouth, because her home should be here, with you, not wherever she is right now.

She's glad you're not prodding her for more information, asking more questions that would be too difficult for her to answer. But she does cringe a bit.

"...No." She finally replies, and her voice is more than a bit embarrassed. "I went...in a different direction."

"That's, that's good, actually. I hoped that you wouldn't. Thought that it would be better for you to leave this life behind, get a chance to heal."

A moment of silence follows that. You don't know what else to say, so you're twisting a strand of your hair around your finger as you wait. But you've always been curious, always digging a little too deep and as you're speaking to her for the first time in years, you can't help but ask.

"Are you happy, Elle?" Was you leaving us worth it?

She listens as you speak, and her heart hurts because when you say it like that, it sounds like you know what's best for her. She thinks for a moment you might tell her to come back, to heal with all of you.

But you ask her if she's happy instead.

And her heart hurts even more because it's the most difficult question you could've asked her.

"Define happy." She says, finally.

From those two words alone you know that she isn't, not fully at least. The perks of being a profiler, you suppose.

"Can you sleep without waking up in cold sweat? Have you managed to stop reaching for a gun that isn't there? Have you stopped being hypervigilant when walking on the street?"

She swallows thickly once you ask her those questions. And the fact that she can't answer any of them with a yes makes her temples ache.

"I..." Her voice trails off, and she shakes her head as if you can see it. "I don't...no. No, not really." She finally says with a sigh. "I can't sleep, I still reach for a gun, and I'm paranoid as ever that someone is after me."

You rest your forehead against your knees that you've tucked under your chest and you bite your lip hard enough to draw blood to keep your tears at bay. All that pain, and and suffering and everything that she's gone through still haunts her, as if her leaving this life behind hasn't had any impact at all.

"I haven't seen you in so long. Did you grow your hair out? Or did you keep the bangs and the bob?"

"The bangs and the bob." She says, and she winces as she realizes how much she actually misses you. If she concentrates hard enough, she can almost feel the ghost of your hands playing with her hair. "I have a few more grays now, though. I'm a real old lady."

You can't help but let out laugh at that, but it comes out wet. You cringe at that. An average person might've missed it but you know that she heard and you know that she has put it together that you're crying. You cringe even more.

"I'm not the youngest anymore either, Greenaway. Sporting a few greys myself under these luscious curls. Thankfully it's not too visible."

You're right - the wetness in your laugh doesn't go unnoticed. Her eyes immediately tear up as well, and she swallows against the lump of guilt in her throat, because she knows she's the reason you're crying right now.

"Yeah, well, you're too pretty to go grey anyway." She's teases right back, but her words are also laced in bittersweetness.

"Always the charmer, huh?" You bite your lip in a smile, feeling giddy for a moment. "Is there, um, anyone special for you nowadays? Are you tied down?"

"No one special, no tied down." She says quickly, maybe too quickly for it to be casual. After a few moments of silence, she adds, hesitantly, "Is there someone special for you right now?"

You shake your head, because how could there ever be someone who isn't her in my bed and in my heart, but then you remember she can't see you so you somehow manage to utter a soft "No."

"There isn't. There hasn't been one, really, ever since you left. You're always in the back of my mind." Your voice quietens as you say the last part.

She can feel her heart start racing when you respond, her body tensing up. She can't believe what she's hearing. There's no one special in your bed, no one in your heart...not even in these last YEARS since she left?

There's this strange, overwhelming sensation that rises up in her. One part of her wants to be angry that you've wasted away waiting for her. But the other part of her, the part that has her heart racing can't help but feel happy. Hopeful.

You keep talking, not giving her a chance to say something in between. "I know what you're gonna say. I can imagine your face and your expression so clearly. You're mad that I've wasted years waiting for you, even though I knew that the chances of me ever seeing you again were close to none. But I just couldn't help it. You can't blame me for that."

She actually laughs aloud at that, because you know her so damn well. She's frustrated, because of course, you've guessed right. She doesn't want you to have waited for her, especially in vain.

She never intended to see any of you again, especially you. And of course, you couldn't help it, because that's who you are. Loyal to a fault.

"You're right, I'm pretty damn frustrated right now." She responds, and her tone is more fond than angry.

"How can you expect me to move on after what we had, Elle? After those nights in the jet? After the nights curled together under the sheets? After we've taken bullets for each other, after I've stitched you up with my bare hands and bailed you out of jail? After that night we spent together right before you left the next morning, leaving me to wake up to an empty bed?" Your voice breaks in the middle of your ramble, and you can feel the hot trails your salty tears are leaving on your cheeks.

"How can you blame me for waiting when you're the only woman I've ever loved?"

You leave her, for the first time in a while, completely speechless. Every event you name flashes before her eyes, so familiar yet so far away. There's so much she wishes she could say, but she's always been a coward when it comes to voicing what she feels.

"Why did you call me, Elle?" You ask, your voice no louder than a gust of wind. Your bed feels extra cold tonight, too large for you to sleep in it alone. You curl up on your side, clutching your phone in your hand.

Why did she call you? She asks herself the very same question, and the guilt begins to chew on her when she realises she doesn't have an answer for you.

"I...." Her voice breaks. "I don't know. I just...I wanted to hear your voice. I missed you, I guess."

Her answer is as unsatisfying as you guessed it would be. For some reason you hoped that she'd confess her own love for you as well, telling you everything you've longed to hear for all these years. But her answer is as vague as always, and the disappointment burns.

"Did you know that Gideon left, too? And that Hotch and Haley got divorced?" You ask meekly, toying with the silky sheets under you.

She knows. She hates herself for it, but she's kept tabs on all the team since she left. She knows about Gideon, about Hotchner's and Haley's divorce, about Haley's ....

Every single time she finds herself reaching for her phone, about to type in a phone number, she has to remind herself that it's healthier for her not to reach out. But each time, it has gotten more and more difficult.

Her voice comes out soft and remorseful. "Yeah, I know, I...I've heard."

Oh.

"I got taken hostage a few months ago. Barely made it out alive, was in a coma for two weeks. Did you know that?"

Her blood runs cold in her veins as you say that, her heart rate increasing immediately. Her hands begin to shake and her eyes widen.

"No. I- no, I didn't know that. You...?" Her voice falters as she begins to ask that question, and she pauses before trying to finish that sentence. "You were in a coma? What happened?"

There's something satisfying about hearing her panic, however cruel that might be. It feels good to know that she didn't reach out because she simply didn't know.

"There was a bomb. I was too close. Hit my head against a block of concrete so hard my skull fractured and my two of my ribs broke off, piercing my lungs."

The moment you say all of that, she actually feels dizzy with panic.

Imagining you lying on the floor in pain, struggling to breathe, struggling to stay alive.. She can feel her nausea rising as her stomach twists.

Elle can't speak as she thinks about all of it. You could've died. She almost lost you and she wouldn't even have known. Would Garcia have told her?

"I'm okay now, though," You whisper softly with a smile, hoping that she can hear it through your voice. "Sometimes I get really bad migraines, but the doctors say I shouldn't have any other complications."

She tries to collect herself, steadying her breath as you tell her that you're okay. Mostly okay, she should say. But you're here, so that's what matters.

"Y-yeah?" She asks, her voice a bit shaky. "How long ago was this, baby?"

Baby. She always used to call you baby. It used to fill you with fluttering butterflies but now it just feels like swallowing acid.

"I think it was at the beginning of the year. It's July now, so 5 months at least." You hum in thought, counting back the months on your fingers. A car drives past your window, the lights flashing, and it feels melancholy. You can't help but let your mind wonder and imagine it's Elle, coming to see you. But she won't, you know she won't.

"Five months..." Her heart aches to think of you going through all of that, dealing with that alone, while she didn't even know. Didn't even check up on you. She hates herself for it, even more than usual. She feels like she's going to throw up.

"Y-you never, did you..?" She can't even get out her question, swallowing heavily. "...call me?"

"...I tried to. I asked Garcia if she could find any way for me to contact you, but she never managed to. You disappeared pretty good on us." You laugh a little, but there isn't any humour behind it. Just a little hurt.

Her heart sinks at your answer, and she closes her eyes in anguish. Goddamn it. Of course you tried to call her. Of course you wanted her there.

"Yeah, I..." She tries to speak, tries to find her words, but she can't. Not when she knows how badly she hurt you.

"M'sorry." She finally murmurs, a bitter feeling bubbling up her throat.

You coo at her. "It's okay, Elle. I'm fine now, aren't I? And you're on the other end of the phone. No need to fret about it now. I didn't mean to make you feel bad with all of this, by the way. I wasn't trying to rub it under your nose. I was just curious if you knew."

She swallows at that. Even now, even after she's abandoned you, left you behind, caused you pain, you're still trying to comfort her. Trying to make her feel better, trying to tell her what she wants to hear.

She doesn't know why she expected something else, but she hates it.

"You're too kind for your own damn good, you know that, Y/n?" Even saying that is hurting her.

You don't know what to say to that. You've never been good with compliments or praises of any sort, so you just blush and change the subject.

"Did you know that Spence and Morgan still talk about you? Oh, Elle would've known this and Elle would've liked that gets thrown around the office pretty often."

A faint smile tugs on her lips and a small laugh escapes her.

Thinking about Spencer and Morgan still having her in their thoughts doesn't make her feel exactly good, but it makes her feel something.

"Really now?" She asks, her voice still a bit rough from earlier, trying to mask her excitement. "What do they say about me?"

"They still value your opinion very highly, even after all this time. It wasn’t always like that, though. Your name has a lot of respect at Quantico now, but it was a very sensitive topic for a good while. You're missed....I miss you, too." I reminiscence, letting my eyes fall shut. If I try hard enough, I can pretend that she's here and that we're talking face to face, not thousands of miles apart.

"Where are you? Are you still in the US? Or did you leave?"

"I'm still in the US," She replies softly, the corner of her lips pulled back in a sad smile. "I'm in New York. I...couldn't imagine going farther than this from here."

"The Big Apple, huh? I've never been. It sounds awesome, though. I'd love to go one day as a tourist, not as a profiler. Fly economy and all that stuff." You laugh softly, turning to lay on your back.

She grins widely because the thought of you walking around New York, on a vacation, having a good time - it seems like a faraway dream to her.

"It is awesome.There's quite a bit to do, and to see. Especially for a tourist that's not on call."

The hours of the night are catching up to you and you can feel sleep pushing it’s dull claws into you, but you don't want to tell her that. Hanging up could mean never talking to her again.

"Is the subway really as dirty as they show in movies?"

She responds with a snort and an eye roll. "It's worse. Far worse."

"Yeah?" you ask, giggling quietly. "You're having hand to hand combat with the rats?"

"It feels like it, honestly," She grins at your question. "Fighting them for a seat, that is. I feel like I've seen more rats and roaches than human people."

You let out a loud laugh at that and cover your face, letting your phone drop from your hand, your heart feeling light.

A genuine laugh escapes her at that, and the sound of it surprises her. When was the last time she had laughed like that? Was it back when she had just started at Quantico?

For a moment, it feels like the years between the two of you have disappeared, and she's in your bedroom, laughing with you as the night deepens. As the noise calms down and both of your breathing returns to normal, you feel tears prickling in your eyes yet again.

"Will I ever see you again?"

Her body goes rigid at that. She was just having a good moment with you, giggling and laughing, and now...her stomach is in knots.

How could she answer your question? She wants to say "yes, of course", but that wouldn't be true. She wants to say "no, probably not", and that wouldn't be fully true either.

Instead, she swallows and says, "I-I don't know, Y/n. I don't know."

You expected that.

"Tell me that I will, Elle. Tell me that you'll be here tomorrow morning, that you knocking on my door will wake me up. Even if it’s a lie. Please tell me." You beg, a sense of urgency and desperation in your voice.

Her heart thumps wildly inside her ribcage as she listens to you. It's like her heart and mind are having a mental battle, because they want completely different things.

She wants to be there. She wants to be the one to wake you up by banging on the door, she wants to see you in all your glory, hair and clothes messed up from sleep, your cheeks puffy...she wants that more than anything in the world.

But it's not so simple. Her mind is reeling with all the reasons why this can't happen, why she shouldn’t grant you the peace of her saying it, but she can't help it. You’ve always been her vice.

"Please tell me that I'll see you tomorrow." you plead again, your voice cracking. Your heart is constricting inside your chest.

Her resolve begins to crumble at your desperation. God, you're begging her. And she can't find it in her to disappoint you.

"You'll see me tomorrow," She finds herself saying, her voice barely above a whisper. It hurts her to say it, because it's a lie. Because it won't be true come the morning, which means she's setting you up for that same disappointment she tried to avoid just now.

You quickly wipe the tears from your cheeks with the back of your hand, nodding along, feeling reassured. Kind of.

"Will you- will you hang up, now?"

She doesn't want to. She wants to keep talking to you, but she knows she's keeping you up. She can hear the tiredness that’s laced in your voice.

"Yeah..I should," She murmurs begrudgingly, her voice thick with emotion.

Your resolve breaks.

"I love you, Elle. I don't think I'll ever stop," You can't help but confess, the words feeling like shards of glass leaving your mouth.

Her heart shatters into dust when you say the words. It's the most beautiful and yet the saddest thing she's heard in years.

She knows, of course she does. She’s always known that you loved her. Back when you were sneaking around with each other, when you were convulsing around her fingers, your climax having you cramped up, the three words always fell from your lips one way or another. She just didn’t have it in her to say them herself. But now, she has to cover her mouth to stop herself from confessing the same. Her breathing wavers and her hands shake.

"Don't say that, Y/n. Don't say that," She all but begs, her voice strangled and strained.

"You know that I do. My heart is yours and yours only. You know that, too." you keep on going, your voice thick with emotion.

The words pierce her like a dagger right into the heart. She can't deny it and she can't tell you to stop, so instead, she responds with a soft, broken, "I know, I know you do. And you know that I feel the same.”

"Say it, Elle. Please? Say it properly." You plead her gently, toying with the straps of your sleep top. You suddenly notice that it's one of Elle's old shirts that she left here. You swallow back a sob.

She feels her heart beating erratically as you urge her to say the words. It's such a simple thing, just three little words. Three words that she's wanted to say to you for years, but always held back.

"I love you, Y/n," She finally confesses, her voice quavering. "God help me, I love you."

You laugh softly and close your eyes as you finally let the tears stream down your face freely. Hearing her finally say those three words was probably the most painful thing you’ll ever experience, but it feels euphoric. After all these years.

She isn't sure how to label what she’s feeling. Relief? Anguish? Saying that she loves you should make her happy, but all she feels is a deep aching pain because she knows that it isn't going to change anything. But what’s done is done. She can't take it back now, and she's just made the whole thing so much harder.

"I'm sorry," She apologizes, her voice cracking now. "I'm sorry, Y/n. I love you, I've always loved you, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, honey. You know I'll always forgive you, and this time it isn't even your fault. Thank you for loving me. I love you, too. I'm ready to hang up now, if you want. I know this can't be easy for you either."

She can't speak past the lump forming in her throat. How do you always manage to forgive her? Saying that this time it's not her fault. You're so kind, too kind. But you’ve always been like that, and she feels sick for taking advantage of that. She wouldn’t deserve you even in a million lifetimes.

"Yeah," She manages to croak. "I should go, and you have to get some sleep. It’s late."

"I don't know if you'll call me ever again, but thank you for doing it today. It feels nice, talking to you again. I missed you terribly."

Her heart breaks hearing that you think this might be the last time she ever calls, even though there’s a high possibility that it is. She wants to tell you that she'll call you again, and again and again, but she can't. She can't promise you that. She can't make you false promises, not anymore. So instead she just murmurs, "I missed you, too. Night, baby."

"G'night, Elle.." you whisper, barely audible, and press the end button. A small click sound echoes around the now eerily silent room and you let out a wail, falling on top of your pillows in sobs.

Elle can't move for a few moments after you hang up, just sitting and staring at the wall. She feels numb. Cold. Empty. Why the hell did she do that?

She can still hear the sound of you crying, it was so distinct and full of pain, even through the phone. She's the one that did that, she made you cry. It’s just like the day she left.

With a pained cry, she brings the phone down to her lap and buries her head in her hands, squeezing her eyes tightly shut.

You don't know whether to hate or to love her for picking up that phone tonight and pressing that call button. Your heart feels strangely light after finally being able to free itself from all the emotions it’s had to carry over the years, but your soul feels terrifyingly empty. What now? You just go back to your everyday routine and pretend that tonight didn't exist?

The same thought is racing through Elle's mind. There's a small part of her that's glad she managed to hear your voice again, but everything else...god, she just made things so much harder for the both of you.

You're going to wake up tomorrow morning, and there won't be anyone at your door.

That realization, that she did that to you...it kills her. But right now, she can't undo it. What's done is done.

It's stupid, but as you lay on your cold sheets, alone yet again, falling in and out of consciousness, you can't help but hope that you’ll find her behind your front door as the morning comes.

hi please excuse the repetitive words and the medical talk idk if your ribs piercing your lungs is either survivable or puts you in a coma

[feltit-wroteit]

Better For Me. Not You.

Jean-Pierre Magnan x Reader

Your boyfriend doesn't understand why you need to attend school when you have him to teach you. But, for you, there is nothing more important than getting an high education. A fight might be what your boyfriend needs in order to not make a fuss at school.

You had arrived in France after your parents decided England had became to bland. Sure it was a huge change, but not a sad one. You didn't have a lot of friends back in England so nothing was left when you set trail. But here, it was perfect.

On your first day, your parents went to buy some meet at the Magnan's and that is where you met Jean-Pierre. You two immediately clicked and the rest was history. It started with you going back every few days to purchase new meat and finished with Jean-Pierre courting you and becoming your boyfriend. It wasn't hard for you to fall in love with him. He was like the men you read about in your books that your parents had bought when moving here.

Jean-Pierre taught you everything he knew when you had asked him if he could. Schools for girls were very prestegious and you hadn't known a thing beside litterature. He was the perfect teacher. Always taking his time when you didn't understand something. You now were almost his equal which meant you were more than an average student. That is what your boyfriend said anyways and that was enough validation for you.

Recently though, the relationship had been rocky. Jean-Pierre's school was oppening its door for a few girls and you had gotten and acceptable letter three weeks ago. It was your first day today, and officially the one week mark of you not talking to your boyfriend. He probably thought that he was the one ignoring you, but it was the other way around. You couldn't even look at him after what had happened that afternoon while you guys were havimg à nice pic-nic.

-One week ago-

"Fuck! I don't want you too. It should be the only good reason!" You looked at him and waited for him to say he was joking. Hoping he was joking. Nothing came..."I don't know what to say Jean-Pierre-" "Don't say anything. Just do as I say." Of course you knew your boyfriend had controling tendencies but he had never used them on you. "Jean-Pierre Magnan. You will not speak to me like that. I deserve respect. Besides, it doesn't matter what you want in this." He scoffed. "Well, yeah it does." You looked at him and finally decided to put your sandwich down. Your appetite was no longer there. "Oh yeah? And how may that be true? Explain away." You motioned for him to do so after whipping your hand clean from your lunch's remnants. "I am your future husband after all." He looked ta you with fire in his eyes. You looked at him with disgust. "What is that suppose to mean? That I can't be a good wife because I have an education. That I am less than a woman for wanting to do something that only men had the right to do not so long ago but should be reachable to anyone? You digust me right now Magnan." You voiced your thoughts and let your frustration take over. "No. But it means that you have me and that is plenty enough to learn- I don't want you around all these boys! There I said it." He tried to reach for your hand thinking this thing was resolved and it was now your turn to scoff. "How much of a man are you? Maybe I shouldn't be your wife since you think me for a brainless damsel who will jump at any boy in my usual unfaithfulness? You are selfish." You said as you pulled your hand from his getting up. He got up with you and you saw the regret painted on your face. But it was too late. "Y/N... That is not what I meant. I was being selfish. Pardon me, please?" "Good to see you taking responsibility for your actions. But your selfishness will get us nowhere. Maybe me going to school isn't good in your books, but in mine? It is too good to be true. And you, of all people, know how bad I want this. Shame on you Magnan." You stabbed his chest with your index finger and let tears fall from your eyes. "I am so sorry, darling. Please forgive me. I lost my thoughts-I-I..." You looked in his eyes and pulled your finger away from his chest. Silence was the inly thing leaving your mouth and that didn't sit well with your boyfriend. You picked your stuff up from the ground and went to leave. "What are you doing, Y/N?" He followed you slightly. You turned around and made a distance with your hand gently placed on his abdomen. "I think it's better if we both take time to breath. See you at school Jean-Pierre." You turned your back to him once more and left.

Jean-Pierre sat back down and slammed his fist on the grass after gripping his hair by the roots. "Fuck!"

-Now-

You were looking at the class board and you noticed your name after some slight searching. Right beside his. You sighed and went to see the other girls that had arrived. This day would be a long one.

When you entered your classroom, Jean-Pierre had kept you a seat beside him and smiled at you. You smiled slightly and went to sit at an empty desk. First period was soent with him looking at you and you trying to focus and answer all of the teachers' questions. The teachers were pretty impression and the other boys were now looking at you too. Not in any way were you comfortable. They were looking at you like a rat in a labotary. Maybe you should've sat with your boyfriend at the front.

When it was time for lunch, you made your way to the cafeteria but were snatched from the waist. You let a squeak out and landed in a man's embrace. "Let go of me! I'm married!" You screamed and only heard a laugh. "We're married now? I thought we were at the divorce stage, darling." The man let you go and you replaced your hair. "Jean-Pierre." You curtsied. "Oh dear Y/N, please forgive me? I can't live with the thought of you hating me. I admit, I was dumb." You looked him dead in the eye and nodded. "I trust you. But please, promise me to never be this controling of me ever again. I won't let it slide quite easily next time." You stayed cold and he nodded fastly. He went forward and reached for your hand. He laid a quick but soft kiss on your lips and smiled "I promise, darling! But can tou sit next to me? A compromise? I don't like all of them eating you up from their stares. I know you answering all the question is attractive, but only I can look at you with wanting eyes. Right?" You both laughed slightly. "Of course my love. Besides I was not comfortable amd want to dedicate all of my attention to the subject at hand." He smiled at you and replaced a stray strand of hair behind your ear. "Good." He kissed you again. "Good you replied with a smile.

While walking to the cafeteria, your head was rethinking of specific thing your boyfriend had said in that room. "So... You were dumb, huh? Do I make your head go mushy, mister Magnan?" You nudged your shoulder against his. "Oh shut it! You're stupid-" You faked a dramatic gasp. "Take thay back right now, Jean-Pierre Magnan!" There was a beat of silence before you burst in laughter.

[beecauseevan]

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December 2024

The Buckleys return later that night, so the 118, with the exception of Chim, leave to give them the space they need. Chim stays behind, offering Maddie some much-needed support, and Hen and Bobby go home. Eddie, though, who has nothing waiting for him at home except haunted silence, sits in the hospital lobby instead, because at least it's loud there, and busy, and he's not completely alone with his thoughts. 

Sometime between the shooting and now, they put up a Christmas tree in the corner of the hall. It covers up the sad sprig of mistletoe, so it's probably an improvement, but all Eddie sees when he looks at it is Buck, on the night of that stupid Christmas party, the one that could have changed everything but didn't. 

December 2023

At some point in the late afternoon, their shift-slash-party takes a strange, unexpected turn. 

Eddie blames that damn sweater. 

He's passing Bobby's office, and because Bobby insisted they put up the (fake, inflammable) Christmas tree right next to the door, he doesn't see Buck until it's too late. One moment, everything is fine, Eddie's world is spinning calmly on its axis—the next, something warm collides with his chest, knocking the air from his lungs, and the surprised breath he takes tastes of Buck's sandalwood shampoo. 

"Sorry," Buck says immediately, because of course he does, and his hands find Eddie's shoulders, steadying him, because of course they do. He doesn't let go right away. Or a moment later—or even two. "Sorry, I wasn't—oh. Oh, Eddie."

Oh, Eddie thinks. Oh, Buck's hands are warm on his shoulders. Oh, Buck is wearing the ugly Christmas sweater they got from that caller who was fooling around with her coworker at a Christmas party, and oh, the Christmas lights wrapped around the plastic pine next to them paint tiny dots of golden light all over Buck's sheepish smile.

Oh, Eddie thinks back to the morning when those sweaters arrived, to Buck's eyes on him, wide and stunned over apple-red cheeks.

Oh. Eddie wonders. 

"Hey," Buck says, still smiling, still holding Eddie by the shoulders, and maybe it's a good thing that he does, because Eddie doesn't feel steady yet, not at all, not even a little bit. "Hey, I wanted to—this morning, we didn't, so I thought, before this whole thing gets crazy, maybe we could…"

He trails off, and Eddie doesn't know why—maybe, just maybe, it's because he saw something in Eddie's face, then, something that gave him pause, because Eddie is seeing something on Buck's face right now too, something strange, something intense. Something warm, or maybe hot, and Eddie thinks—well, he thinks, oh. 

The bell rings.

Written for the @911countdowntochristmas - this was supposed to be 24 drabbles but the Buddie NDE speculation going around pre 8x08 inspired me and now it’s a 24-mini-chaptered fic instead. And definitely more hurt/comfort than fluff. Oops.

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[kandisheek]

Cap-Ironman Rec Week 2024

Cap-IM Sunday: July 28th

Prompt: Rec all your favorite works created for one of the Cap-IronMan challenges!

Finishing this week with a bang, here are some of my favorite fics that came about due to the tireless work that the mods over at Cap-IM do for us every year. Please take the time to browse their collections as well, because the talent in this fandom is out of this world:

-- Never Too Late for Love by Sineala

Steve has always believed that a soulbond is a blessing -- a rare and beautiful miracle, joining the thoughts and feelings of two people forever, from the first time they touch. Steve knows he's not going to be one of the lucky ones. He knows Gail isn't his soulmate. But he loves her, even if they're not soulmates, and he's going to do right by her. After the war's over, he's going to marry her, and they're going to settle down. They'll buy a house. They'll have children. He'll see his family again. Maybe Bucky will live next door. It's going to be a good life. He doesn't need a soulbond. He'll be fine without one. Then Steve wakes up sixty years in the future to find that his wonderful life has moved on without him. His family is long dead. His fiancée married his best friend. And the only purpose he has left is leading the Ultimates, a misbegotten team of superheroes with flaws too numerous to count. Steve hates everything about the future -- but most of all he detests Tony, flashy and flirtatious, who embodies everything Steve hates about a world he never wanted to live in. And, oh, yeah, Steve has a soulmate after all: Tony fucking Stark.

-- The Heart of the Temple by CSHfic, VSfic

After an expedition to find an ancient relic goes awry, Tony finds himself magically bound to a Roman soldier who has spent the last two thousand years guarding the temple, and who is now bound to protect him from harm. Stranger things have certainly happened, but Tony is having a hard time coming up with them now.

-- Therapeutic Guidelines by kellifer_fic

"Are you suggesting I get a bunch of bunk beds in here and squeeze us all into one room?" Tony scoffs and the woman just looks at him. "No, wait-"

MORE RECS BELOW THE CUT:

-- A Long, Lonely Time by asktheravens

Steve returned from the war injured in body and mind- and able to see the dead. At loose ends and desperate to get out of New York City, he accepts a fellowship through the Stark Foundation and retreats to a quiet lake house on the grounds of the Stark Mansion. He's supposed to be there to paint, but he quickly realizes that the house is more than he bargained for. Anthony Stark died here a decade ago, but was it an accident? A suicide? Or a murder? Obadiah Stane still lives in the main house just up the hill, and the past casts a long shadow. When Tony's ghost begins appearing to him, Steve becomes more entwined in the dangerous mystery surrounding his death. Even worse, he finds himself falling for a man who died a decade ago... Features lots of ghosts, murder, secrets, and supernatural revenge. Also Thor and Rhodey.

-- Personal Use by dirigibleplumbing

“It’s for. Personal use,” Steve says. Tony deserves a fucking medal for not commenting on that. Fuck, how is he supposed to get anything done after this? Or ever, for that matter. Every time he suits up he’ll know—he’ll know—that Steve Rogers fucks himself with a toy made out of Tony’s armor.

-- On Camera by FestiveFerret

Steve's heart skipped a beat. It was beyond ridiculous to get attached to one of his regular clients but somehow, over the last six months, he had. StarkNakedGenius wasn't logged on for every show, far from it, but he was on for a lot of them, and whenever he was, he tipped like mad.

-- Weighing of the Heart by scifigrl47

Steve Rogers hasn't really had a particularly easy life. He's struggled along, he's proud of himself, he's self-sufficient and capable and he works damn hard. He has friends and a purpose and he's only a few semesters from graduating college. He's managed, but his life has been far from easy. That's mostly because of a slight filing error. The last thing that Steve needed was someone to watch over him. The only thing that his Guardian Angel needs is a second chance to make a first impression.

-- Can't start a fire without a spark by gottalovev

The Avengers might be reunited, but they are holding together with a Band-Aid and a severe case of Tony pretending nothing happened. The superficial truce is shattered the day Steve takes control of Tony's suit and forces him to go to medical in a tense situation. When Tony is ordered to take a vacation, Steve volunteers to go with him.

And two of my own fics:

-- Gift of Consequence

Steve remembers the old wives' tale of the dragon in the mountain, sleeping on a pile of gold. He has never paid it any mind, but when his mother gets sick and time and money is of the essence... he might reconsider believing in fairytales.

-- We Are Briefly Gorgeous

Tony finds himself in a gay bar right after signing his divorce papers, drowning his sorrows. Turns out the handsome stranger that chats him up is just the distraction he needs.

[girlwiththeobsessions]

love sick c.f.

this book has also been published on wattpad. same username as the one on here. i update faster on there.

you and conrad had a secret relationship two summers ago, when you were 15 and he was 16. you broke up with him because your younger sister, belly had liked him, and you were afraid of hurting her. now, flash forward, you were 17, and you thought you had gotten over him, but maybe you haven’t

iv. deb shopping

part 1 part 2 part 3

i had no clue what was going on with conrad, why he was acting so different this summer, making me wonder what happened to the same conrad who would go on and on about infinity.

i slept in that morning, because of the fact that i stayed up way too late at that bonfire, but i eventually got up since i had work today.

when i went downstairs, dressed in a white lifeguard tank top, and red shorts, laurel, steven, and jeremiah were downstairs.

conrad was on the couch, and jere was making a 'hangover smoothie' for him, while steven was standing behind him, looking over his shoulder.

"do we really have to physically sit for our portraits?" jeremiah complained to laurel. "can't she just- look at a picture on her phone or something?"

"right?" i agreed with him.

jeremiah backed up a little from steven, having enough of him hovering over him. "okay, get out." jeremiah pointed at the door.

steven laughed. "what. why?"

"she needs to see you in the flash to capture you essence." laurel said, fixated on her laptop. "while you're still young, and full of hope."

"so poetic, mom." i joked, while steven and jeremiah laughed.

"her words." laurel rolled her eyes at us with a smile.

"well, conrad does not have hope, actually. he's hopeless." jeremiah insulted, causing me to laugh a little. "but! my hangover smoothie, it cures all."

"can you please just hurry up." conrad rushed him from the couch.

"just go back to bed. alright?" jeremiah shot back to him, and steven started looking over his shoulder again.

jeremiah put a hand on steven's chest. "alright, seriously, steven. get out. this is a delicate science."

"she hasn't painted you since you were little. i think it would be nice to have these portraits for when you're older." laurel added in.

"oh, no." steven joked. "when i'm older, they'd have like, holograms i can watch of myself, you know."

"or, this is why we have technology." i say. "where we have pictures? on our phones?"

jeremiah started the blender, causing conrad to jolt awake.

"just sit for your portraits." laurel told me and steven. "you don't see conrad complaining.

"he'll complain when he's actually conscious." i shot back at laurel.

jeremiah went to the couch and tapped conrad. "hey. here."

"come on, man. hurry your ass up, i can't be late to my first day of work." steven rushed jeremiah. "those little country club boomers are gonna tip me so hard they won't know what hit 'em!"

i made a disgusted look at steven. "ew. steven, i swear."

"come on, y/n." jeremiah laughed. "my boys gotta get that bread."

"stop." i shook my head at him.

i look over to see belly walking in the kitchen, and i give her a small smile.

"good morning." jeremiah says to her in an enthusiastic tone.

"belly, where have you been?" laurel asks her in a serious tone. "is that a bruise."

belly stands next to me and i run my fingers over the bruise. "mom, relax, she tripped when we were at the bonfire and landed on her face." i lied, i knew belly wouldn't wanna tell the actual story

"doesn't look that bad." conrad said from the couch, i look over at him, and made eye contact with him for a few seconds before returning my focus back to belly.

"uh, cereal?" jeremiah asked belly.

"yeah, hit me." belly softly responded.

"oh, my god!" susannah ran into the kitchen. "belly and y/n are going to be debutantes!" she hugged both of us.

belly laughed. "it's really not that big of a deal."

i'd forgotten all about the whole deb thing. it'd be hard trying to balance a summer job and being a deb, on top of that, i'd have to find a date.

"i'm sorry, like those two? my sisters, right there?" steven teased us.

"shut up, cretin!" i shot back.

"okay, this is going to be so much fun!" susannah fantasized. "just you wait. there's the tea, the auction, the- ball, of course.. i gotta write this down. we need to go shopping!"

"this sounds expensive." laurel said.

"oh, don't worry, laur, it's on me." susannah smiled. "it was my idea after all."

"y/n, are you sure you wanna do this?" laurel asked me. "it doesn't seem very you."

in truth, not really. but if it made susannah happy, it made me happy. i had to do it for her.

"it's not." conrad, once again, added his two cents from the couch.

i don't know how he went from how he used to act towards me to.. this.

"conrad, could you please be a little more supportive?" susannah told him. "now, which one of you are gonna be belly or y/n's escort to the ball."

"not me." conrad immediately responded.

"shocker." i say, in a sarcastic tone.

"i went last year." conrad finished his sentence.

"me neither. i swore off balls." jeremiah told us, causing steven to laugh. "the dances dude!" jeremiah said, laughing.

"wow, guys!" i say, sarcastically. "stop fighting over us."

"i'm not going with either of you." belly finally spoke up. "i am going to find my own date.

"it says debutantes require instruction, morals, and social etiquette." laurel read off her laptop.

"i'm going for a swim." conrad leaves through the back door, as i watched him go.

"yeah, y/n could use some etiquette." steven laughed.

"and you wonder why you don't have a girlfriend." i rolled my eyes.

all the sound drowned out as i watched conrad from the window, in his shorts, and no shirt on. i missed how things used to be.

i felt a hand on my shoulder. "you alright, y/n?" jeremiah asked me.

"yeah." i tried push aside anything feelings. "we should probably go soon."

"wait." susannah spoke up. "before you go, we have shopping to do!"

"seriously?" i asked. "i have work. i'm not going shopping."

but that wasn't true. susannah is a really convincing person, so before i knew it, i was shopping around stores with susannah, laurel, and belly, for the debutante thing.

i tried on different dresses, all colors, and different accessory's, hats, sunglasses, and bow, bags over my hands and arms.

then, i had to try on a debutante dress, i found a beautiful white long dress, i loved it, but maybe conrad and laurel were right. this whole thing was not my scene.

what have i done?

ੈ✩‧₊˚ ੈ✩‧₊˚ ੈ✩‧₊˚ੈ✩‧₊˚ ੈ✩‧₊˚ ੈ✩‧₊˚

END OF CHAPTER

[randomspagetti]

WatcherCao RoleSwap!Au

OKAY SO- I got really carried away so y'all are getting a lot of art and lore ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯. Here's a rehash of the story.

(Second Watcher is called Coffee Roll (CR sometimes for short))

Pre-Canon

Cacao, after realizing what happened to GCs kingdom, grows fearful of him kingdom and his citizens getting hurt because DE wants his souljam, so he goes missing for a century, hiding out on the DL until anyone who'd remember his face is dead.

He starts picking up jobs helping his kingdom, switching up where he works every two decades so nobody catches on. Around this time he's moved to the citadel as an upkeeper. He's in the lower staff when the witches give him his son. Because he's not flooded with work, and has more free time he's actually a good dad and Choco doesn't look for the cursed sword.

Choco is appointed first watcher and Coffee Roll is appointed king because the previous one croaked. (Being king is now a ranked position like the watchers) Time passes and Cacao is moved up to the higher upkeeper positions, Caramel, Choco, and Affo grow close, and Coffee Roll starts to realize there's more to his Upkeeper than meets the eye.

Woo big suprise Affo is a jerk who got close to the kings daughter (caramel) to be able to manipulate CR.

Broken Walls Arc

CR is becoming more pressured and stressed out by the amount of work he has. (affo making it worse so he's more temperamental) Cacao keeps trying to get through to him, realizing that affogato's intentions aren't as pure hearted as he presents. This puts strain on their relationship due to affogato painting Cao in a negative light to Coffee Roll.

Affo starts doing his usual shenanigans like turning away people who come to the citadel in need, pushing distrust in CR to the watchers. Caramel starts to notice exactly what her friend is doing, but it's too late for her to convince anyone of the truth. During this time, she finds being around her father intolerable because he refuses to listen. (Putting faith in the wrong person you bozo 😒)

This strengthens Caramel and Cacao's relationship, due to mutual understanding. Wooo to big day comes, the whole thing with COD takes place, and Coffee Roll is on the receiving end of a murder attempt by Affogato and a giant mf licorice monster. Cacao realizing that's something is going on at the wall rushes over and sees what's happening. Caramel helps protect the other watchers there while our boi Cao rushes to CRs aid. (Choco is on his way over, but he has quite a way to go)

Cacao, unarmed takes his souljam that Coffee Roll was wielding and with a glancing blow, knocks the licorice monster over the wall

At this point everyone is amazed and confused. "HOW TF DID HE DO THAT???!!" well you'll never guess who snitched; his souljam. Coffee Roll has noticed it randomly glowing at weird intervals for months now. ...almost like a compass?

Let's just leave it at Cacao has a damn lot to explain, Coffee Roll is both shocked, upset, and somewhat smitten, and Affo is going to be eating prison food for a while.

-

That's all I have so far! This au was really fun, here's some extra art!

I never got to coloring Caramel because I had one before that one and I hated it so I gave up

(before you ask "oh what about the gingerbrave group?" They found their way to the citadel, albeit a lot slower due to not having Caramel)

[prdrys]

HI I cannot stop imagining something more after that TreyxReader.

After reader finishes eating that cheescake they have some cream leftover in his plate and lips. Trey couldn't stop himself and leans over to them and cleanse their lips with his thumb and stay close for some seconds, until reader just closes that gap kissing his lips in a needy way.

Srr if some stuff doesn't make sense, English isn't my first langue

this is really late—but—allow me to satisfy that wild imagination of yours, dear anon.

edit: i just now realized tumblr didn’t save the final version & i don’t wanna rewrite that so have a revised ending instead. 💀

—# aftertaste. | t. clover

desc: after giving you a cheesecake, that trey oh-so happened to have, he can’t help but notice that smidge of cream at the corner of your lip.

—cw: suggestive, not proof-read

—a. note: i do believe trey has a thing for mouthes— like the material is right there…

—previous: cheescake.

“thank you, trey! it was good, as always!”

with the sound of metal gently clinking with porcelain; the sight of your lovely face smiling up at him, trey had to force himself not to smile too hard back at you.

if there was one secret that trey kept well, it was the fact he found himself.. excited at the sight of you eating.

it’s not because you were eating in general, per se, he wasn’t that weird, but more specifically that you were eating his food that trey found himself… eager… in certain areas.

or maybe, perhaps, it was that pleased and delighted hum you made whenever you slipped one of his pastries into your mouth that got him going.

or maybe, the way whatever utensil you were using seemed to slide out of your mouth at an agonizingly slow pace, as if you knew the action itself would get trey bothered.

or… how your lips were plump and wet after eating that trey find oddly erotic; it wasn’t until his gaze wanders to the stray lick of cream at the corner of your mouth did trey realize how hungrily he was eyeing you down, like a wolf ready to pounce at it’s prey.

he could feel his heart hammering inside his chest at the carnal images he painted in his own mind, salivating at the thought before swallowing it back, hoping to stay calm. especially down there.

“what’s wrong?” you tilted your head to side as you looked up at him in confusion. “is there something on my face?”

how cute, trey thinks to himself.

before he knew it, trey was already moving in closer, his hand coming up to cusp your cheek. his eyes fixed on that one lick of cream as he brushed it off with his thumb, just ghosting past the corner of your lip.

oh, how he wished to capture those lips with own; savor the sweet taste that was you. trey could already imagine how it would feel: wet and plush. he swore you could hear his own heart beat in his chest with how close he was, just a breath away—maybe even less.

it wasn’t until he was making eye contact with you did trey realize he had lingered for too long. he could immediately feel his face flush and heart jump to his throat, he’s really done it now. trey could feel the sweat quickly persperate in his palms as he pulled his hand away from your face, how was he going to explain himself to you?

but trey’s heart jumped into his heart a second time—perhaps to his groin even—as before he get a word out, you we’re already out of your seat and pressing your lips against his as he stumbled backwards at the sudden motion, only to be brought back by your hands grasping onto him.

your lips, gods, was it everything and more than he imagined. like an addict, trey was hooked, addicted, and wanting for more.

the kiss was soft and sweet, yet somehow rough, hungry, and primal at the same time, as you’ve been waiting for this moment just like him. we’re you though? trey wasn’t sure, but he certainly liked the thought.

it didn’t take long for trey to kiss back, reciprocating back in full, he never knew how much he needed to kiss you until now. his hands now holding your face close, refusing you from pulling away now, not when you’ve so boldly made your move.

soft and sweet kisses quickly escalated into a heated make-out session that trey wouldn’t complain, not when you’re reciprocating with equal vigor, his hand cusping the back of your head while the other held you close by your hips as he pecked the last few kisses he wanted from your lips.

trey’s face was flushed as he panted, a look in his eyes as he gazed at you that screamed more than just simple need and desire.

“need you,” were his only words as trey pressed his lips against your neck, his voice hoarse and thick with want as deft hands beginning to undo the buttons of uniform, and you found yourself sandwiched between him and the table.

“need to taste more of you.”

[lunaloveskpop23]

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

Summary: The reader is a girl who loves pink and is a ballerina. Yeonjun is a boy who loves black and wants to be a singer. What happens when they love each other?

Warning: cussing, angst, father not liking Yeonjun.

Genre: angst. fluff.

*PLEASE DO NOT STEAL MY WORK*

*THIS IS PURELY FICTION*

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

Y/N's POV:

I have known Yeonjun ever since he moved to the neighborhood I grew up in as a child.

I would see him and he would be so different from what I am used too. I am a person who loves ballet and loves pink.

He's different. He paints his nails black. He wears edgy clothes. My dad told me to stay away......but I don't.

Yeonjun....has my heart.

Now, we are in our senior year of high school. We are the opposite, but every time I see him, he makes my heart beat so fast.

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

"Alright!! Now don't forget to rehearsal tomorrow and Friday. The big show is next week!!" The teacher tells us happily.

I smile and get excited. This performance is my last one with this teacher, and I'll go to college with my dance degree.

I get a full scholarship, and I'm really excited.

"Alright, now get out of here and go relax." She says and we get up and get our stuff.

I grab my bag and water bottle.

"Bye, Y/N!" I turn and see Lisa wave. I wave back, and I walk out.

I walk and see Yeonjun. Wait? Why is he here? I walk over to him.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"I wanted to drive you home, my lady." He says flirtatiously.

I blush.

"Well, thank you, kind sir."

He smiles and grabs my bag. He puts it in his car. He opens the door for me, and I get in. I put on my seat belt and he gets in. He starts the car and we leave.

"You know you didn't have to do this."

"I know, but I wanted to." He winks at me.

I blush and roll my eyes.

"You're such a flirt, I swear."

"Only to pretty ballerinas." I look at him in shock.

"Oh my God." I blush.

He laughs and smiles.

He puts on music, and it plays "She smiled" by Day6.

"Day6? You like them?"

"I honestly got into them because of you. I know you love them." I blush again. I swear it feels like I'm going to explode from how many times he makes me blush.

I smile and sing a lot to the song. He sings with me. I didn't realize how gorgeous his voice was. I could listen to it for hours. His playlist plays Jeff Satur, The Rose, and Laufey. Wait....these are some of the artists I like.

I look at his phone sneakily and see a playlist called Y/N ❤️🥺.

My name with a heart next to it? Wait...he made a playlist just for me? With artists, he knows I like. I blush even more, and we get to my house.

"Here we are, my lady." He smiles.

"Thank you." I take my seat belt off.

"Hey, um...if you don't have anything going on tomorrow after school, want to hang out with me?" He rubs his neck.

"Oh, um for a little bit, I have another ballerina rehearsal at 5 to 7."

"Cool, we can eat before you go. If that's ok, with you?"

"Sure! I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you!" He says, and I get out of the car. I close his door and unlock the door. I get inside, and I see him driving off.

"Honey, your home!" I hear my mom.

"Hi, mom!" I hug her.

She sits on the couch.

"How was rehearsals?"

"Really good, actually. My teacher says I'm the best one she's ever known."

"Oh, I'm so proud of you!" She says happily.

I smile.

"Where's dad?" I ask.

"In his office. He came back late, then when straight to his office."

I nod.

"Also, I saw Yeonjun's car. Did he drop you off?" She asks.

I blush and nod.

"He did. He made me a playlist even. I wasn't expecting that at all." I blush even more.

"So cute. You see, your father doesn't like him, but I love him. He is a sweetheart. Your father gets worried because you're his daughter. But he's too harsh about that boy."

I nod.

"You have my blessings."

I look at her with wide eyes.

"Really?"

"Yes. I remember when I was young and fell in love with someone whom my father didn't approve of. Which was your father."

"Dad? No way."

"Its true. He even had a leather jacket." She giggles.

I laugh.

"Thank you, mom." I say softly and she smiles at me.

"Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise." I hug her gently.

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

I was in my last class of the day. Art. I draw some fruit.

"Oh, that looks amazing, Y/N." I look and see Lily.

I smile.

"Thank you. What did you draw today?"

"Oh, a waterfall." She tells me.

"Oooo looks so pretty," I say.

"Thank you. So, how is it going with Mr. Emo?" She smiles as she asks me this. I blush.

"Well.......Yeonjun is taking me somewhere today before rehearsal." I tell Lily.

She squeals and people in the class look at us. I cover her mouth.

"Lily!" I whisper yell.

"Sorry." She whispers back.

I smile at her.

"It's not a date."

"It should be. Girl, he's head over heels for you." She tells me.

I shake my head and roll my eyes.

"No, he's not."

"You are blind then." I roll my eyes. She giggles. "Have fun on your date." I shake my head.

I start packing my stuff and get ready to leave. I grab my drawing and hand it to the teacher.

"Good job. Very creative." He tells me.

"Thank you, sir." I bow and wave bye. I grab my stuff and leave.

I walk out of the building and see Yeonjun already waiting. He's wearing a black t-shirt with a grey jacket, and black jeans. He's so beautiful.

I look around and see them confused. I already hear people talk and I get nervous. He looks up at me and smiles. I blush.

I walk up to him.

"Here is my lady. I was wondering when you would show up, " he says, smiling at me. I smile.

"You flirt! Let's go already." I say as he opens the door for me and I get in the car.

I put on my seat belt and he gets in the car. He drives away.

"Want to pick a playlist? I have many." He says.

"Sure." I smile and grab his phone and look through his music app. I go through his playlist and see the same one from yesterday. I blush and go through it. Holy shit.... it's most of the groups I enjoy. And artists. He made this one for me?? Just for me? Why?

I press play to it and it plays Jeff Satur like last night. But it's a different song. He knows how much Jeff means to me.

"So, where are we going?" I ask.

"A place I know you'll love." He smiles at me.

"Oh, I am intrigued."

"Oh, just wait, my lady." I blush so much.

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

We get to a cat cafe. I gasp.

"A CAT CAFE?!"

He smiles.

"I know how much you love cat cafes."

I get out excited.

"Wait, I was going to open the door for you." I giggle.

"You don't always have to do that."

"I know, but I want to." I get quiet and we go inside.

I look at the menu and I saw the chocolate muffin and hot chocolate combo.

"Order anything. It's on me." I blush.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah go ahead."

"Then a chocolate muffin with hot chocolate please."

"Anything for you." Yeonjun says flirtatiously.

He orders our stuff, and we go to sit down in a booth. I see three cats near the booth. I squeal. A cat walks over to us and plops down on my lap. I smile and pet its head gently.

"Hi little baby."

Yeonjun smiles at me.

"It likes you." I smile.

"Well, I love you too." I say to the cat gently and it looks up at me.

"This cat looks like a cloud with how fluffy it is," Yeonjun says.

I giggle. It was about 10 minutes later that our food and drinks is ready. He gets up and grabs our stuff. I smile as I watch him go get it.

He comes back and puts stuff on the table.

"Ohhh, thank you, Yeonjun." I smile and I drink my hot chocolate.

We sit and chat for a while. We played with cats after we ate and drank our drinks.

We leave happily.

"That was so much fun," I say happily.

Yeonjun opens the door to his car for me and I get in. I put on my seat belt.

He takes me to my rehearsal.

"I'll be here when you get out." He tells me.

"Wait what? It's going be a while."

"I don't mind. I have homework. And my computer and earbuds. I don't mind waiting for you, my lady." This man knows how to melt my heart. I smile.

"Ok, but don't complain to me when you get bored."

"I promise. " I shut the door and go to the building.

I found out I was the first one here, so I put on my outfit and practiced.

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

*after rehearsal*

"Y/N! You were amazing today!" Lisa tells me.

"Oh, thank you! I really appreciate it."

"Y/N, I saw Yeonjun's car outside when we came in. Me and Faye. So, did he drop you off?" Tiffany asks me.

"Oh...um yes. He dropped me off."

"Oh my god!" Tiffany squeals.

"I knew he liked you!" Faye says.

"He doesn't! He is just a good friend who takes care of me."

"Yeah, and does stuff that a boyfriend would do," Lisa says.

"And besides....you like him too," Faye says.

I blush.

"I do....but...he's just being nice. Look I gotta go." I grab my stuff and run out.

I look and see Yeonjun writing in his car. He's so pretty....no....i shouldn't think like this...

I go to the back and open the door and put my stuff in. I shut the door and go to the passenger side.

"There's my lady." I close the door and blush.

"Hi, Yeonjun." I smile.

"Ready to go?"

"Yes." I nod and he drives off.

Music plays in the background as he drives me home. We get to my house and I get out of the car.

"Wait!" Yeonjun stops me.

I turn to him.

"Can I drop you off again tomorrow?"

"Again?" I blush.

"Yes." He smiles at me.

I blush and nod.

He smiles at me and waves. I wave back and he leaves. I walk inside the house and gasp and see my dad mad.

"Was that the boy Yeonjun?"

"It was," I say quietly, getting scared.

"I told you to stay away from him."

"But dad-"

"Stay away from him! He is nothing but a no good asshole who will bring nothing but bad things. So I better not see him again! Now go to your room! I don't want even look at you!" He says angry and I start crying and upstairs. I shut my door in my room and I run to my bed crying.

He's such a jerk....

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

A week has passed and it is now the day of the performance. I start getting nervous and I feel like crying.

I look out to see the audience, I see my friends and mom. My mom was talking to another mom. I look around and I don't see my father. Not surprised. He's either working or yelling.

I look around some more and in the back I see....Yeonjun....with his group of friends. He looks at me and smiles at me.

I blush and close the curtain.

"Ready ladies?!" My teacher asks.

"Yes!" We all yell.

"Alright! Places!"

We get into our spots.

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

*after the performance.*

"Amazing job!" My friends hug me.

"Thank you!" They pull away and I see Yeonjun right behind them.

"Yeonjun..." I say softly. He shows me tulips.....my favorite flowers. I blush and smile. I grab them gently.

"You're as beautiful and as delicate as a tulip." He tells me.

A gasp is heard around me.

"Why don't we give them some space? Come on, girls." My mom tells my friends.

As it becomes me and him, I look into his eyes.

"I know, I'm not a guy who people would claim as no good or dangerous.....but......if you would have me.....can.....i be your boyfriend?"

I smile.

"Yes!" I don't care what anyone says......I'm in love with him....

He hugs me and kisses my cheek repeatedly.

I love him.

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

Hi everyone! I'm trying to come up with different themes for these stories. I'm honestly really proud of how far I'm coming along with these stories. I actually have an idea I wanted to talk to you all about. I wanted to write ideas for Christmas stories because it is coming up so quickly. What do you guys think?

- Luna 💜🩷

[i-literally-cant-with-this]

I wrote this probably over 2 months ago and haven't done shit with it since. I thought it was cute but never elaborated on it.

So it is what it is. But it's about Nanami. ANYTHING to bring this man back lol.

SFW from what I can recall. Enjoy <3

Hear ... Me ... Out.

Nanami is at his favorite coffee shop one day and he sees this girl (woman, ok? don't get into semantics over it) and she is just a hot fucking mess.

Her hair is in the world's messiest bun on top of her head. It doesn't look like it's been brushed for a few days. Her clothes are like, less than casual. He doesn't want to use the word "sloppy", but damn. She look so sloppy rn that he has this overwhelming need to go straighten her up.

She's not ugly, not beautiful ... natural, though. But there's something about her that he is drawn to. She's kinda chubby. Which adds to her unique appearance(?), but with the right fitting clothes, she would be so cute, he thinks.

There's not a speck of make up on here face. And Nanami can't help but find that somewhat refreshing. There are stains on her sweatshirt from the coffee she is drinking. Crumbs on the table from her bagel with cream cheese.

GOD he wants to give her a napkin but doesn't want to offend her. What is the etiquette here, he wonders. Could he spin it so he comes off as polite? Caring, even?

He watches her for a while longer. Studies her face as she reads up on whatever textbook she's studying from. He can't get a good look at it, but it's a thick book.

Speaking of thick, he looks down to her thighs. They're thick, too.

His tired mind begins to wander uncontrollably to what she would feel like, what she would taste like. Then Nanamin catches himself staring too long. Spit pools in his mouth and he swallows hard. He looks away, hopefully before you catch him eating you up & out with his eyes.

But it's too late. You felt someone's gaze on you. And not just someone's. Fucking Kento Nanami's breathtaking brown eyes.

So now you're taking him in. And he is the most put together person you have ever seen. His blue button-up shirt is so well pressed that there isn't a single crease in it, even as he sits there in the cafe, it hugs his large arms looking like it was about to give at even the slightest miscalculated move. His tie hangs perfectly around his muscly neck. The light colored pants he wears - Oh God. They look like they're painted on. And they leave very little to the imagination.

He's got a tiny cup in front of him, his regular drink, espresso. But you don't know that's his regular drink. Because you have never seen him before. You don't even come to this cafe regularly. The one you like, the one closest to where you live, is having some renovations done. It has ruined more than one morning for you this week. Seeing the tall, ridiculously handsome man sitting across the seating area is starting to fix some of today's damages, though.

You tilt your head to the left and size him up, just like he was doing to you. But you're not even trying to be discreet. You decided that morning that you had nothing to lose by doing the societally deemed shameful things.

ie: oogling an attractive man, while you're looking like you're coming down from a 23 hour gambling bender with Toji (Nanamin doesn't know you know Toji and vice versa). Not that he'd permit you to keep associating yourself with him if anything were to become of the two of you.

No, he'd put a stop to that years ago. No proper lady of his would be fraternizing with garbage like Toji Fushiguro. No, no, no.

He's already decided he wants to talk to you. And while he has absolutely no reason to be shy about speaking with you, he can't bring his legs to move. That could be in large part to the considerable amount of blood that has pooled in the center of his body. He'll give it a minute and compose himself before he walks your way.

Nanami glances back at his newspaper and continues to read the daily stock updates. He sees movement in his periphery but thinks nothing of it because, after all, this is a busy cafe. It is a Wednesday. More people than you will move around.

It is you, though. You pack up your stuff, purposely leaving behind your cellphone beside your empty coffee cup, and walk toward him, holding eye contact for the entire time you're heading toward the exit.

He gets excited for some reason he can't yet understand and his pulse gets faster and faster the closer you get to his table for 1. Without thinking, he straightens up the scattered papers on the small table surface like he was expecting company. Your company.

But you turn at the very last second and push open the door to the sidewalk. The disappointment Nanamin feels crushes him like nothing he's quite experienced before. You are no one to him. He, in turn, knows that he's no one to you as well. Yet the dejected feelings remain in the forefront of his thoughts.

His eyes squint against the bright reflection of something silver on the table you were sitting at. You'd strategically forgotten and placed your phone to pick up the sun's light emerging from behind the clouds to get his attention.

It worked. He made his way across the cafe to the shiny object left behind. Picking it up, he tapped on the screen. To his great pleasure, there was no lock on the main screen. He had access to your photos. Your contacts. Your notes. Everything. He could look at everything.

Being the gentleman he is, Nanami thought it best to not look through it, though. He thought about giving it to the barista and letting them handle returning it to you. But there's no fun in that. He would track you down and give it back himself.

On the car ride to the "Return To" address in the phone, he felt his stomach turning. There was no reason for him to be nervous about this task, considering what his career is. He dealt with much worse shit than delivering a phone to a woman to whom he was attracted but couldn't figure out why. This was child's play. There was no curbing his excitement though.

Arriving outside your apartment building, he was surprised at how nice the place was. If he had to guess by just looking at you, he'd not have guessed a place such as this.

The doorman let Nanami pass with no problems. Looking as respectable as he does often grants him permissions that other people can't even entertain the idea of.

He pushed the button to call the elevator down and waited for it to carry him to the 14th floor.

Walking down the hallway until he found your place, he smoothed his tie down and knocked 3 times. He heard your footsteps coming as you padded your way closer to your door. And then he saw your shadow moving underneath, on the opposite side that he stood.

"Hello?" He said, his voice rumbly and deep. "You left your phone at the cafe we were both just at. I - thought I'd return it to you."

Nanami watched your shadow stretch out a little more and heard your fingers tap on the door as you looked through the peephole.

@darkstarlight82 @viburnt @arlerts-angel @kazutora-kurokawa @katkusuo (tagging you on the off chance you give a shit =))

[tia-amorosa]

Sunset Died - Bunch Family

Connections (Part 1)

Judy is sitting alone at home this late afternoon. In front of a slice of freshly baked lime pie. But she almost feels guilty about even taking the first bite. Her family is still better off than others. “I don't know how much longer I can keep my feet still. I still have so many things to take care of”.

She looked over to the opposite side of the dining table. There was the laptop that everyone was currently using. At least for the time when the Internet was available. In the evening, between 8 and 9 pm. 1 hour in which everyone who had the authority could do a few things. And if you have a large family, there can be arguments when it comes to deciding who is allowed to spend how many minutes on this laptop.

A little later. The children come home from an outing. Of course, internet access is also very important for Lisa. So she was able to look up some things that had happened in the last few days… And they were quite interesting. Especially the fact that no one has looked after them yet, because it is assumed that the whole town has been completely destroyed and no one is left. “They're all stupid, what's going on with you?”

It took a while before the internet was activated. But Lisa walks around most of the day with her smartphone in her hand. It was almost too much consumption for Judy, so she wanted to know what she was looking at. “Mom, please…"/ ‘What is this, what kind of pictures are these?’/ ‘This is private, can I have it back please?’/ ‘Are you really going to start doing stupid things like that now?’/ ‘We're almost grown up. You and Dad, you…’/ ‘Yes, yes, here, and not another word’. Judy never thought she would find such… revealing pictures on her daughter's phone.

After she got her phone back, she looked at the pictures again and smiled. “The pictures are really harmless, we're not completely naked and VJ also has pictures like that on his phone. I'm glad that we can at least take pictures, sending them to each other doesn't work, at least not without a network"/ ‘You won't do that either, do you hear?’/ ”Yes, mom. Hnhn, he's so funny”.

It is now evening. And the children are waiting for Jack to come home. In the meantime, he has taken care of a few people who need help. Be it with work on their houses or just to be there to talk to them. “Hey, it'll be dinner soon"/ ‘but I was hungry now!’.

It wasn't long before Judy heard the front door slam shut. It was usually the children who greeted him first. Today she had the privilege. But this time she just stood motionless in front of him. “Hey, what's going on?"/ ”hh, I've just got my head full, Jack. I'm not making as much progress as I'd like and I've baked a terrible cake. The children eat it anyway, without making a face”.

He approached his wife. But she was a little reserved. “They just don't want to disappoint you. And as for the other thing… you're taking on far too much. Why don't you divide up the tasks? Don't you trust the others to do anything?"/ ‘I just like to keep an eye on everything’/ ”It's enough if you do this at home, Judy. You've already achieved so much, the construction of the classroom is as good as finished”.

Judy smiled with satisfaction. She and some of the parents had decided that it was important for the children to have some lessons again. “Yes, and I'm glad that even the children helped to set it up. They collected all the books they could find. And Holly painted the cloth with the younger ones."/ ”It all worked out well and lessons can start again soon. At least with the resources we have here” .

“yes, and I just happen to know which children are looking forward to learning something again and which are not"/ ”hnhn. Lisa?"/ ‘Oh, she's so stubborn, and earlier…’ Judy wondered for a moment whether she should tell her husband about the photos. But she didn't want to violate her daughter's privacy. “Well, it's not that important. It'll be time again soon…"/ ”I know, and I already have an idea who I want to contact. I should have done it much earlier, I hope the e-mail address is still up to date”. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

@greenplumbboblover🙂

Note: This part would probably have been longer. But I thought that since the last part was so extremely long, I would shorten it here so that I can fit a little more into the next part (which I am currently preparing for tomorrow) 😉 In any case, I am happy to be back in this family. After all, everyone has their part to play in this story.😗

[blank-house]

heyy i was wondering, since we already know Cam really likes music (especially kpop), if we could know what the other characters' taste in music is like? mostly how often they listen to it, what genres they like and whatnot. just out of curiosity :)

and what about movie genres? we know Deja and MC often watch movies together while Deja paints her nails, but does she care for the genre? and everyone else?

really loved the demo, i can't wait to see how the game develops. thank you and everyone who's working on this game for all your hard work 🫶

D'aww thank you for the kind words! Motivation up up!

Music Tastes

Haha now for your ask, we actually have a scene for players in the extended demo regarding this! It's a bit of a spoiler in the context of the scene's theme so I won't disclose it quite yet (sorryyyy gotta wait for the extended demo first ahdakldh) but I can say this:

Elio and Cameron often listen to music. For Cameron, it's because it's one of their favorite pastimes. Plus, in their opinion, music makes the commute to and from campus faster.

Elio on the other hand listens to music a lot because of the dance team. Anddd because he's dabbled a bit with playing (if others haven't seen the previous post yet, he's our guy with a ton of skills so he actually knows how to play a couple of instruments).

Though they've got their reasons, Cameron's definitely coming out on top with the highest stats on their Spotify wrap.

Third would be Reynah and actually you don't get to learn about her favorite type of music since she's not in the scene so I will disclose her favs! She's big on old school music, early late 1980's and early 1990's! Anything goes within that time frame, hip-hop, pop, rock, ballads, etc.. She does listen to modern music, but she's got a couple of fond memories of her parents playing older tunes during car rides so they've stuck with her.

Deja, Percy, and Jamie have their favorites of course but their numbers don't come as close to the other three.

Speaking of music, we curated some playlists about the cast! Some players already came across the playlists on our art director's Spotify that is catered to the idea of them, so songs that give off Cameron, Deja, etc. energy. And I actually got to work on making playlists about the music they'd listen to.

You can listen to the first since it's public. This is what the some of the dev team members listen to for the Keyframes vibes when we're working! And you can check out their page for specific cast members. But I'll share the ones about their music taste when I get them done!

Movies/Media Taste

Oh movies is a cute thought!

Unfortunately, Deja doesn't care to watch movies, hence why she opts to do her nails during it. She's got a habit of looking things up ahead of time as well so "watching" isn't something she likes to do. That being said, she likes mystery genres or things that she can think about-- because the twists and themes are still interesting to her even if she spoils it for herself lol

Cameron's got their favorites when they're by themself but they're big on anything and everything with company! Ghibli movies are a good thing to shout to get their attention (they've seen Ponyo like too many times to count haha). Cringey stuff are a safe and hilarious genre for them to put on when they crash at your place, too.

But since MC is a part of their dynamic trio, a lot of what Deja and Cameron watch is ultimately shaped by MC's likes too! Since Deja doesn't have too much of an opinion and Cameron's down to watch anything, your likes are their likes! Granted they'll tell you if it's reallyyyy bad because that's what friends are for lol

Reynah's not too big on films either- but in the way that she just doesn't watch them by herself. Usually, it's other people inviting her to watch one, and she's always happy to tag along and share any opinions about the viewing (they're usually in good light if not critical). That being said, she does have her favorites! It's just hard to say she likes one genre when she hasn't seen everything and she's found gems across multiple genres.

Reynah, at some point probably: I love Night at the Museum, does that mean I like fantasy or comedy the best? Nope!

For the guysssss, you can expect foreign movies (Japanese, Thai, and Euro movies are often exchanged since they've got their favorites from childhood), and romcoms and early '00-'10 movies. The latter is because they firmly believe that's the best era of movies. Home Alone, Lord of the Rings, 27 Dresses, The Last Holiday, etc, etc.

Percy, at one point: They just don't make 'em like they used to.

Elio, shaking his head solemnly: Kids these days won't get to know true movie magic.

Jamie tilts his head: Sorry, what's High School Musical?

P & E: WHAT

Aha yeah, Jamie didn't grow up watching the same things they did. He knows some of them like LOTR but that's just because it's a big franchise. Before his roommates educated him on early American romcoms and feel good movies (which included an HSM marathon and the entire soundtrack on repeat at their place), Jamie stuck to the classics/big names- things that have left a mark in cinema history like the Godfather and the Breakfast Club.

That kind of media is actually what he, Deja, and Reynah bond over. It's the symbolism or the overarching theme that tends to keep their interests so they'll have discussions about it if it comes up. Ah, and, horror. All three of them are completely unbothered by it as a genre and boy are there plenty to talk about the human psyche and behavior there.

If I had to summarize everything:

Jamie, Deja, and Reynah like films that invoke thought. Especially as people who don't often watch movies.

Meanwhile, Cameron, Percy, and Elio are all for the ones that evoke emotion. It's a good movie if they cry. It's a good movie if they're shouting at the screen. It's fantastic film if they get to do both!

Other things about movies for them:

Percy won't watch any horror- nope don't even think about asking him to.

Elio will look at a stunt or a choreography in a film and attempt it himself at least once.

Jamie is the first in his seat with a bowl of popcorn when the guys are doing their movie nights. He also has a sour view of Howl from Howl's Moving Castle since some people have said he looks like the character.

Cameron would suggest repeats a lot during your movie nights- their favorites are their favorites for a reason.

Deja rarely reacts to movies- but she will never recover from Grave of the Fireflies.

Reynah, freshman year, had been invited to 18 different playtimes at the town's cinema over the course of two months and, yes, she saw all of them.

~*~*~*~

And that's it! Wah, my responses are getting longer and longer... haha you guys let me know if I'm ever dumping too much about our cast and I'll hold back. But thanks for the lovely ask!

[bloodtiesstilllives]

Spending Time With Living History

An interesting thought struck me on a day where I planned to do nothing. This is a bit of genre pushing, but it was fun to think about so I going to do it.

I thought about Lex Luthor from Smallville (before his relationship with Clark imploded) and Henry Fitzroy meeting and hanging out for a hot minute.

Let me set the stage. Henry is in Metropolis and is obviously walking around at night. Lex catches sight of him as he is leaving Luthor Corp for the night.

It's a city and there are a whole lot of young attractive people, but this guy, this guy is different for some reason. First off he's alone this late at night. He is very well dressed. He does not appear to be high or drunk. He isn't in any sort of rush. All of these things put together paint a very intriguing picture.

Oh and there's one other thing that Lex is only subconsciously aware of, this stranger reminds him of his father. (Lex can be such a masochist in regards to his father.)

He casually rolls the window down and asks if Henry is lost. Henry actually is lost. He's new to the city and was looking for a good night spot. Lex knows a great place. Not some big old, loud night club. He just got off of work and does not have the bandwidth for all of that.

It's actually perfect for Henry's needs. After Lex finds them a place to sit, Henry orders a bloody mary and then "goes to the bathroom". It was real easy and real quick to get a quick feed in before sending his donor on their way, memory all fudged. He goes back to sit with his new friend, wondering for only a split second how the evening was going to go. He was more of a go with the flow guy nowadays.

The drinks haven't arrived yet, but that's ok because he hadn't been gone that long. Lex is sitting there not looking as tired as he should at this hour. They exchange names as their drinks arrive. Henry pretends to take a sip and puts his drink down.

He has no idea about who Lex is let alone the name Luthor. That surprises Lex, but it was a pleasant surprise. Lex had s bit of a laugh at hearing Henry's name. He does what he always does and starts to tell Henry about his namesake. Because how many modern people would think about someone from centuries ago if it isn't for some history test.

It amuses Henry to hear Lex go on about the Henry Fitzroy of the past. It's obvious that Lex loves history as he get more animated as the minutes pass. He even shared that he was named after Alexander the Great.

Henry says, "You have a noble bearing with the mind of a scholar." This stops Lex short. He has been complimented.

Lex raises his glass and says, "As do you."

Henry figures it's time to leave after a while. Lex noticed that he didn't drink too much, but didn't comment on it or worry. It was nice to be listened to. The only other person who takes the time to listen is Clark. It's just nice to be around someone his own age.

Henry did manage to finagle some lodgings for his short visit to the city. As Lex drops him off he asks if He was busy tomorrow. Henry keys him know his night was free. So they are going to hang out the next day. Lex was supposed to go back to Smallville but what's one more night in the city.

Lionel is curious about Lex not running back to small town life, but when he uses his usual interrogation tactics he doesn't glean anything interesting so he let's it go for now.

When Henry awakens he goes to get something to eat before Lex shows up.

They didn't set a time and did not share contact information. Lex came to the proper conclusion and just knocked on the door. Henry got back about a half hour before, so he opened the door and welcomes Lex in. Tells him to make himself comfortable and provide him a drink.

It's weird for Lex because he feels comfortable with a complete stranger. They have a few mo.wnts of silence before Henry talks.

"You love history and that touched something in me. I wanted to give you a gift. Ask me anything and I will answer to the best of my ability."

"What are you some sort of Genie?"

Henry laughed and shook his head. "No. I am a vampire and I'm nearly 500 years old."

"And there goes the other shoe." He finishes his drink and gets up to walk out. "I'm sure you spent all day looking up what I told you."

His had touches the knob and then Henry calmly says, "I can prove it."

Lex being ever curious but also ready to commit violence if this guy steps wrong turns and say smugly, "Prove it."

Lex sits back down and looks at Henry go from fanged and black eyes to normal in an instant.

"So you are actually...?"

"Yes."

He doesn't waste more time with the how's and why's. He asks and Henry answers what he could. Lex get answers to questions he didn't even know he had. They speak of power and rulership.

It's hours before Henry let's Lex know that he will have to go soon. Lex is reluctant but understands. He asks about tomorrow. Henry doesn't say, but he won't be in Metropolis tomorrow. Instead he asks Lex to come and see something before he leaves.

Henry mesmerizes him to forget where he got his knowledge and forget that they met. To go live his best life. Lex leaves and goes on with his life forgetting this stranger, and yet he never really does.

[pink-tonic]

A Week In📰

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Warning: None

It's been a week since I started walking with Taeko, and it's been great so far. We've been walking to and from school together, and we hang out in the club room during lunch and before school. It has been so nice to talk to her, and her article is turning out great as well.

It's Monday and the start to a new week, and by this Friday, the newest issue of the newspaper will get released, I can't wait to see how it'll turn out.

Nobody texted me to have a meeting, so it'll be another day where I walk with Taeko.

When I was ready, I left my house and walked to her house. I'm still surprised that she lives so close to me. When I make it to the front of her house, I see her standing outside.

I wave to her, and she takes her place beside me, and we start walking to school.

"Good morning. Is everything good?" I ask her to start off the conversation.

"Yeah, everything's been great, and by the way, the article is close to being finished. I'm sure it'll be done by this week," she happily tells me.

"Before Friday, right?" I ask her.

"Yes, I'm sure it'll be done before Friday," she answers.

"That's great! Can't wait to see the finished article," I tell her with a smile.

I look at her and see her become flustered. I'm sure the compliment I gave her made her shy.

"Oh! One more thing," she blurts out.

I look over to her,"What is it?"

"It's a friend of mine. He is coming next week to our school," she tells me.

"Is he new or?" I ask her.

She shakes her head,"No, he was here last year. He's starting late because he came across a problem, I don't know what it is, but he told me he got it solved."

"That's great! What's his name? I might recognize it."

"His name is Osano."

"Does he have orange hair?"

"Yes."

"Does he usually look grumpy?"

"Yes."

"Oh! That guy! I remember him! He would always hang around you."

"Yes, him! I'm glad you remember him," she happily says to me.

"But aren't you two dating?" I ask her.

"What!? No! He is just a childhood friend of mine, that's all," she tells me with a face that shows she is embarrassed.

"Really? Well, it didn't look that way to me," I say before laughing.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

When we make it to school, we head to our lockers and switch out our shoes. We then head to the club room and talk more there.

"So, is Osano going to join us during our hangouts? I would love to talk to him and get to know him better," I ask her as I open up the club doors.

"Yes! I was hoping you wouldn't mind making him a part of our little hangouts," she shyly tells me.

"Of course I wouldn't mind. I would love to talk to him when he gets here," I reply as I step inside the club room.

"You know, (Y/N)," Taeko starts off,"You're really sweet. I don't know if anyone has told you that, but you're so warm and welcoming to people. Which is a relief since I thought you were the opposite."

"Okay, now I'm interested. What did you think of me before you actually talked to me?" I ask her as I sit at my table.

I could see her face change into a nervous one.

"Well- This is going to sound a bit mean, but it's because of who you hung out with. I remember I would see you hang out around Ayato, so I just thought you two acted the same."

"Oh, right you do know Ayato," I say to her,"I kind of forget you're related to Taro, so I'm guessing you have seen Ayato ever now and then because of your brother."

"Yes!" She exclaimes,"I hope I don't offend you, (Y/N), but Ayato just gives me an odd feeling deep down."

"I don't take offense at all, Taeko. I actually understand where you're coming from," I tell her,"Ayato is a very apathetic person, so he doesn't show as much emotion. This can make him come off as rude or uncaring, but he is a good friend."

"Now I feel horrible for saying what I said," Taeko says with guilt painted on her face,"I judged him too soon."

"It's fine, Taeko. Don't beat yourself over it," I tell her, trying to make her feel better.

"I still feel bad since I also judged you too quickly. Even though you're actually a very nice person," she tells me.

Then, the bell for first period rings.

"Don't worry about it. Now come on, we gotta head to class."

After I tell her that, I get out of my seat, and we both walk out of the club. When I stepped outside, I saw a glimpse of a familiar boy in the corner of my eye.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

It's now lunchtime, and I get my usual drink and snack from the vending machine, and then head to the club room.

As I open the door, I see Taeko already inside, and I can see her writing something.

"Hey, Taeko! What are you writing? Is it a new idea for an article?" I ask her before grabbing a chair and pulling it up to her table.

She hastily grabs the paper and shoves it into her bag.

"It's nothing! I was just...practicing my handwriting! My handwriting is really sloppy, so I want to improve it for the newspaper!"

"But, Taeko, we type our stories," I break the news to her,"we don't hand write any of them for the most part."

"Oh! Really? I swear we had to hand write stuff," she tells me, and I can see her starting to get nervous.

"Nope, we type everything. I guess, I didn't make that too clear," I reply.

"But it doesn't hurt to practice, no?" She asks.

"I guess not. It could actually be very beneficial," I tell her.

"Exactly! But I'll continue it later since I want to talk to you," Taeko tells me.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Are you free after school on Friday?"

"I think so? Why?"

"I was just wondering."

"Now let me ask what you are going to do after school?"

"Do my cleaning duties and then head home."

"Right, you do have cleaning duty on Fridays."

"By the way," Taeko tells me, changing the topic,"What are we going to do today for the club?"

"I'm just going to check in with each of the members and see how far they have come with their articles," I explain.

"So we're going to publish the paper this week?" She asks me,"I really want to publish my article this week!"

"Yes, this Friday will be the day we publish it, and I'll get some people to help pass it out, and I'll post it up on the bulletin board," I tell her.

"Would it be okay if I pass it out?"

"Sure, I don't mind."

Then, the bell rings.

"I'll come to the club, and we can talk more about it," Taeko tells me before she gets up and heads to the door.

"Of course, I can't wait to see you there," I tell her.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

When class was over, I made my way to the club room and started to set up the tables and chairs. As I set up the chairs and tables, I hear the club doors open up. I turn around expecting Taeko, but I see Ayato standing in the doorway.

"Ayato?" I question,"What brings you here?"

"I just wanted to check in," he tells me.

"Well, everything is going great so far," I tell him,"We have a new member, and she is great!"

"Who?" He asks.

"It's Taeko Yamada," I reveal,"she's very passionate and a great person to have around."

"Are you two friends now?" He asks me.

"Yeah, we've grown closer since the first time we talked," I tell him.

As I continue to arrange the tables and chairs, I can feel a chill run up my spine. I don't know why I felt this way, but it feels like something in the room changed.

I turn around and notice that Ayato left without saying goodbye. I tilt my head out of confusion. I wonder why he didn't tell me anything?

A few moments later, Taeko walks in.

"Hey, Taeko!" I greet her.

"Hey, (Y/N)!" She greets back happily.

"Taeko, a quick question," I start off,"Did you see Ayato in the hallway?"

"Yeah, I did! But he looked a bit angry, I wonder what happened," she answers me.

"Oh. Yeah, I wonder what happened too," I add on.

What did happen? Did I say something he didn't like? Or did something else happen?

I called Taeko and instructed her to set up the tables. The tables are set up in time, and the other members take their seats.

We discuss our articles and the schedule of releasing them, but I can't get the thought of why Ayato left without a word.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

"Taeko, I have something on my mind," I say as I break the comfortable silence between us.

We're walking together back home after the club, like how we've been doing since the first day back, and I love using this time to talk to her.

"What is it?!" She asks with an excited tone.

"Well, I was just wondering about Ayato. I hope nothing happened," I tell her,"I've been friends with him for years, so I find his behavior to be odd."

"Oh. I'm sure it's nothing too big," Taeko tells me, but I swear I can hear disappointment in her voice.

"Well, I hope so," I add on.

We continue to go on with our walk, and when we make it to Taeko's house, we say goodbye and go our different ways.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

When I'm back home, I decide to text Ayato.

Hey, I hope everything is going okay you suddenly left the club room earlier today and it worried me

I waited for a response, but I never did get one that night, but I don't take it to heart since Ayato doesn't always respond right away.

Maybe in the morning he will?

I let out a yawn and then get into bed. I shut my eyes, hoping that tomorrow I'll get to talk with Ayato.

[plus-i-miss-you]

HI HI?? oops.. sorry for caps.. ehem

Protective Muu kusunoki. X reader T2 :3 (the reader can be gn or female!)

Ty Ty!

▷ listening to:

"i just care about you a lot! is that a bad thing?" (fem!reader)

⇆ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻ ılıılıılıılıılıılıㅤ

♪ note: hi hi!! hopefully i did our queen bee justice and i went with fem!reader, i just thought it'd be fun <3

♪ summary: the first trial is over and you and muu are safe!.. for now, at least. and she's happy, sure, but she can't deny that she's just a little bit worried about the possibility of you not being forgiven this time.

♪ warnings: the reader character is assumed to be voted innocent after the first trial and also there are some parts where muu is clearly much more worried about the reader than she's worried about haruka, but it's mostly done as a joke.

♪ of course, muu got voted innocent! there was no other way this trial could go, right? and of course, you got voted innocent as well! ehehe, good for you two~ now you two can have even more fun together! muu just keeps requesting more and more stuff for both of you. look at this bracelet she got for you! and you will let her brush your hair and paint your nails later, right? come on, just let her spoil you already! she just loves her girlfriend so much, she has to show it at least in some way!- oh, did she just call you her "girlfriend"?.. but she was pretty sure that you two are already dating.. well, you are dating now. congrats.

♪ muu keeps saying that she understands that everyone here had some kind of reason for their murder and she probably can't judge them, but also every time she sees a guilty prisoner next to you, you can notice that her face expression becomes a little bit more anxious and she quickly tries to come up with an excuse to make you leave. 

"y/n!~ come here, do you think this is tasty enough? no, no, i need your opinion!" 

you have no choice but to sit down next to her, but the moment you see her smiling because she finally got some attention from you, you honestly can't say you regret it.

♪ she just worries a lot, please try to be more understanding! like.. she's confident that she will be voted innocent again this time, surely es doesn't want to risk haruka's life, haha.. but she's not so sure about you. what if something happens to you? what if you get voted guilty? what if es doesn't forgive you? what will muu do then? she has finally found someone who she can trust and who is so, so precious to her, she can't just lose you like this!.. 

"um.. muu.. i'm sorry, but you being so confident that you're going to be forgiven and still not being sure about my own verdict is kinda.." 

uh.. again, she's just really worried about you! 

♪ even though the way muu has become attached to you is a little bit concerning, she really does care about you, even if her ways of showing it are kinda strange. yes, y/n, her feeding you a huge piece of cake before even trying it herself is her way of showing that she cares. she also shares her accessories with you and if you want, she would love to do your makeup too. she just wants you to feel like a queen as well, haha. oh, speaking of accessories, if you want the same hairclips haruka is wearing, she can tell him to give them back- oh, you don't want them? okay. you deserve something much more pretty anyway.

♪ when it's getting late, sometimes muu just refuses to go to sleep without you and begs es to let her share a cell with you at least when it's nighttime. es tries to act strict at first, but then muu just throws a tantrum and the poor guard doesn't have a choice after that. and right after they sigh and nod, muu immediately wipes her tears away and goes "yay~" and runs to have a sleepover with you. es starts to wonder if they have made the right decision. you two spend the first three hours talking about stuff, even though it's mostly muu doing the talking, but she's still grateful to you for listening to her. she really needed someone who can just.. pay attention to her, listen to her voice and understand what she's saying. 

♪ when muu starts to fall asleep (and she does so without any warnings, she can easily fall asleep in the middle of her sentence), she pulls you closer and you can feel her hugging you tighter and tighter. if you even try to resist, she will mumble something that sounds a lot like "don't go.." while still asleep (probably), so. yeah, you can't leave her now. you just sigh and wish her good night and don't even notice how you start falling asleep as well. you also don't notice how a small smile appears on her face.

[flythesail]

If the show had Drewson endgame, I think I would still want to see them break up in season 1. Season 1 Nancy seems very not ready for a relationship to me, so I think it would have been neat if we got to see Nancy grow a little as a person, then realize how great Nick is and how close they’ve gotten, and then have them get back together in a later season—but not too late! Late season 2 or sometime in season 3 maybe. I think it’s such a waste that the show was started with Drewson and then they pretty much never acknowledge it again after s1! Anyway sorry for sharing my ramblings here

Yeah, me too! Though I personally wouldn't have them get back together until late s3 or s4 because I love drawing out a relationship haha. I think if you're going to start a show with a couple established, break them up, and have them reunite to be endgame, *the* key thing is developing their relationship along the way. I hate nothing more than throwing a couple back together at the end just because "they were always meant to be" when nothing was done to further develop their relationship past the reasons they broke up.

Nancy and Nick, however, had some good growth over the four seasons even no longer being romantic. If they had been endgame, they easily could have played that up more for a satisfying reunion. It's fun to do it that way too because when you have a couple together at the start, you miss out on the slowburn. Yet this way you kinda get the best of both in a reverse sort of way.

Now, drewson to me seems like a case of right person, wrong time. I think s4 made that clear to me because they work well on screen together and after some individual character development, they'd have been a lot more equipped to work through their issues. Earlier I'd probably have been like oh no they wouldn't have worked just because I was more invested in fanson and nace. But rewatching after the show is over I've really been loving looking at all the what-ifs. And I love Nick and Nancy too so... !

On the topic of closure, I just rewatched 1x13 and the one thing that stood out to me is that The Whisper Box is far from closure for Nancy re: Nick. Later when they're all back at the Claw, you can tell she's almost ready, even wanting, to open up to him. But by that point fanson is developing so she's missed her window.

I suppose there is some focus on it from s2 up until 3x01. In 2x01 everyone's reminiscing about the day they met. 2x04 has Nancy acknowledge she never knew he took stuff apart as a kid (leading to his mechanic job). Nick says she never asked. The idea being now they're building the foundation for a relationship they didn't before. So I'd agree Nancy wasn't ready for a relationship in early s1. The issues she had with Nick weren't even necessarily unique to a romantic relationship. Nancy was having the same issue letting the entire crew into her life.

Back to Nick, though. I think 2x18 could be considered closure. In the dreamscape:

"But you can't give in to it, cause you did feel okay again. Right?"

"You were a part of that. That's why it hurt so much when you chose George." "But I'm still here with you." "Thanks for still being my friend."

But! The problem is this is dreamscape!Nick. So he never gets to hear it.

Then, by 3x01 it's clear Nancy is at peace with it all. She tells Nick she likes the green when he's picking a paint color (George's color, specifically).

So I wouldn't say they don't acknowledge drewson after s1, but they mostly do in a roundabout way where it's either in Nancy's head or just symbolism to show she's happy for him and George now. I suppose if the dreamscape is *the* closure, it's on par with the rest of the show. It's not the only time something happens in a "supernatural" way. The downside is that it just doesn't include Nick and is more for Nancy.

My one thought is maybe they'd have given them a more direct conversation if we didn't drop down to 13 episodes. Or, if they knew s4 was the final season prior to the very end of making it. But then again, I can also see why they wouldn't have prioritized it since by s2 fanson was well established and nace was starting to be intentionally written.

Regardless of closure, I think they have a really beautiful relationship. Sure, they break up early on. But by s4 they've become to each other as friends what they needed to be back then for a lasting relationship.

(Please don't apologize for rambling because I just did the sameeee exact thing haha.)

[thatfreshi]

"Unsavory Purposes" (Uni AU P. 4)

No, I didn't write a filler part. How dare you ask me that? I would never write fluffy filler bc I want all my little guys to be happy. Anyways, Gale intro finally!!!! Also we get to see the only other ship I have planned for this fic series...

@justporo

You, Shadow and Lae get breakfast after shooting the shit for a couple hours. The smell of eggs and potatoes fills the air as the three of you reach the bottom floor of the dorm. It's bustling with people, all trying to get somewhere. It's Sunday, and classes start tomorrow, so people are scrambling to get their textbooks before they go on backorder. The three of you part ways to put together a plate, and eventually come back together at a booth next to a window.

"Ugh, I was enjoying having a break. Back to the grind for me I suppose."

Shadowheart sighs, moving cheesy eggs around on her plate.

"You love it, don't act like you're not a workaholic."

Before they can start arguing again, a stressed man comes over to talk to Shadowheart.

"Is it true? Did Astarion really tell your entire floor to come to me if they have an issue?"

"Oh Gale, it's sweet that you're even asking. Of course he did."

Gale puts his head in his hands.

"I'm going to kill him. Mind if I sit Shadow?"

"Not at all. Tav, this is Gale, artist extraordinaire, TA for Ms. Mystra."

"Yes, it is indeed I. Thank you for the wondrous introduction Shadow."

Finally, someone's major here has piqued your interest.

"Oh, what do you study?"

"All kinds of things, but my thesis is going to be a series of paintings."

Lae'zel rolls her eyes.

"The arts. So silly, what a waste."

She stabs her eggs with her fork.

"Why, are you thinking of majoring in some kind of art?"

You shrug.

"Honestly, I don't really know yet."

Shadowheart almost spits out her water.

"You... you don't know your major? This place is going to eat you alive."

She and Gale laugh to themselves, but it doesn't bother you. She's not wrong after all, it's odd that you haven't picked a major at this point. There are just too many good options.

"Well, you could be like Lae'zel and study something boring like history."

Shadow playfully nudges her arm, to which she grumbles.

"I didn't come here for a degree idiot, I came here to run."

It's silent for a moment, before Gale solemnly speaks up.

"How is it by the way? Your leg?"

She almost seems sad, but quickly shifts her expression.

"It's fine."

And that's the end of that conversation. Gale doesn't pry any further, but it clearly has him concerned. You realize you actually don't know what's wrong with her leg, other than that it's stiff when she walks. Before you can ask what happened, Shadowheart interrupts.

"Holy shit. Who is that Gale?!"

You turn inconspicuously to where she's looking, and you see the skater from last night, Karlach.

"Oh, she just transferred. Karlach. Apparently the best wrestler we've had in years."

"She looks like she could carry me to safety..."

You smirk.

"Shadow, you're staring at her."

She quickly averts her gaze, blushing.

"Right. My bad."

It's too late though, because the wrestler is now walking towards your table.

"Hey there! Sup Gale?"

"Nothing much Karlach. The dorm treating you well?"

"Oh hell yeah. I just thought I'd come over because your friend was staring at me, didn't know if she needed something."

The woman's voice is a little playful, almost as if she knows Shadow was staring for... unsavory purposes.

"No- I... I'm sorry. You're fine, I don't need anything. I mean, I need some things, like food and water and-"

Gale turns to her, mouthing something along the lines of 'shut up.'

"Well, alright. Good to see you Gale! Off to get some breakfast."

Karlach then winks at Shadowheart, before sauntering off. You're in shock from the massive flirting that just happened in front of you, and Gale is as well. Lae'zel is ignoring it all, still stabbing away at her eggs.

"Shadow... how did you even manage to pull that off."

"I have no idea because I certainly panicked! But dear Goddess do I NEED her to crush me."

You and Gale laugh.

"What! I'm serious, she could destroy me with those thighs and I would thank her."

"You're going to scare off your new friend Shadowheart. Tav, I apologize on her behalf. She doesn't know how to act around buff women."

"It's alright! I think it's sweet. You two would be cute."

"We would be, wouldn't we..."