#oh yeah i was hoping for more melina stuff too

[hoarah-babylon]

ty for sharing!! I only finished the dlc last night so I’m still wrapping my head around it and catching up on the discourse so it’s good to hear how other people are feeling about it. I think I agree with you feeling like u wanted it to be more of an ending, I wanted to finish it feeling satisfied and instead I just kinda felt like my head was too full trying to figure out everything I’d seen and learned.

I think the 2 year gap may have hurt its reception because we were left with the base game lore and characters for so long, that by this point we have a pretty solid idea of all these characters in our heads, so to have a lot changed so quickly is quite jarring really. I’m hoping this is just my initial reaction though and learning more abt the lore and other peoples takes on it will give me a new perspective, bc right now the radahn/mohg/miquella aspect is just so confusing to me that I can’t vibe with it, as much as I want to like I wanna support yk it’s like my fave game

don’t get me wrong though I did enjoy the dlc and some of the lore that was added genuinely brought me to tears it moved me so much! but I’d be lying if i said it was completely A+ to me, some lore felt super jarring in a sort of rug-pull way and some boss fights were just simply not fun for me (yes maybe I’m bad lol I can accept that). but I don’t wanna be overly negative truly bc I’m not, the new weapon types are cool and the armour omggg I live! basically all the new characters are really great they’re all my little guys now. the diff areas were so beautiful I love the hornsent architecture. all their lore was super interesting, and their designs, it’s more some of the bg characters lore I’m not vibing with as much rn. but I think like I said the 2 year wait had a lot to do with that. I’m looking forward to watching some videos and reading what other people have to say abt it :) am def open to my opinion changing

ok i’m back hi !! i missed yapping with u all :)

SO! what’s everyone’s thoughts n feelings about the dlc ? about any aspect, gameplay, lore, whatever mama let’s research 📝

[nothoughtsonlynat]

Resurrect Me: Part 2 (N.R.)

Part One

Huge shoutout to @confusinggemini612 who requested this a loooong time ago and I’m just now getting to it (I am so sorry for the wait). I hope this is what you had in mind :)

Warnings: swearing; PTSD; mentions of suicide/self-sacrifice

Word count: 2.6k

EIGHT MONTHS LATER

The cool breeze blows through my hair, the hand in mine being the only source of warmth in the chill of the Russian countryside. As we walk closer, a chorus of pigs snorting fills my ears. Natasha had given me a brief rundown and a quick pep talk before taking me to meet her family. Now, it was game time.

“Are you ready?”

“Not in the slightest,” I respond to the redhead.

“Let’s do it then,” she says with a smirk, to which I reply with a scoff.

We walk through the gate and enter the small house, immediately hearing three distinct voices, each laced with a thick Russian accent. The voices hush as the door closes behind us, and a blonde woman is the first to greet us.

“Ah, сестра! Mom and Dad are flirting again, let’s make a run for it,” Yelena whisper-yells.

“So put a sedative in their vodka or something, I don’t know,” Natasha replies. I’m not sure if I should introduce myself or not, so I just stand there awkwardly.

“They are both spies, they’re not going to fall for- actually, Alexei would, but Mom would never fall for that,” Yelena pauses as she notices me. She looks me from head to toe and squints before her lips quirk into a smirk. “And who might this be? Is this your little girlfriend?”

“Yelena, don’t be an ass,” Nat grumbles with a scowl.

“Hi, I’m Y/N. It’s nice to meet you.”

Yelena hums before turning back to Natasha. “She’s definitely your girlfriend.”

“Oh shut up,” Natasha whines, walking further into the house. I look at Yelena and nod in confirmation before following Nat. I hear her whisper “I knew it” from behind me, causing me to laugh. Natasha turns to give me a questioning look, but I just brush it off with a shrug and a smirk. She narrows her eyes and opens her mouth to say something, but is cut off by a deep, booming voice.

“Natasha! Welcome home! Look at this, all my girls back together again! It is so nice to see you,” Alexei says, moving forward to pinch Natasha’s cheeks. She gently pushes him away with a scowl, and I can’t tell if she’s really uncomfortable or not. Either way, it brings my guard up, ready to defend her.

“And who might this be?” Alexei questions, turning to face me.

“Dad, this is Y/N,” she says before I can answer. I offer a kind smile.

Yelena, who had made her way to the kitchen table with a bottle of vodka, says “She’s Natasha’s girlfriend.”

“Thank you for the input, Yelena,” Natasha says with a tight-lipped smile.

“Girlfriend, huh? When did that happen? Natasha, I was not aware that you, uh, how do you say? Swing that way?” A dark-haired woman slaps his arm for his comment and he exclaims, “Ow!”

“Pay him no mind, Natasha. He is a bit slow, but Mama always knew. You were not very discreet about the way you looked at that Hannah girl in Ohio. And as for you, it is nice to meet you. I’m Melina, what is your name?” Her demeanor is friendly, but her gaze is skeptical. She’s probably already planning how to kill me if she decides that I’m not good enough for her daughter.

“I’m Y/N. It’s nice to meet you, too,” I say with a nervous smile.

“Alright, guys, that’s enough. Please stop harassing my girlfriend,” Natasha says with a sigh.

“Come, sit,” Yelena commands with a wave, still sitting at the kitchen table.

I sit across from her and Natasha sits next to me. Melina and Alexei follow soon after, with Alexei sitting at the head of the table and Melina sitting next to Yelena.

“Here you go,” Yelena says as she slides me a shot glass full of vodka. I clink it against hers in the air and down it in one go, grimacing at the burn. “Are you alright?” Yelena asks with a smirk, clearly enjoying my agony.

“Oh, yeah, I’m great. Just not used to Russian vodka, that’s all.” Yelena nods, satisfied with my answer, before going to pour me another shot.

Natasha stops her by saying, “Yelena, no more vodka. You’re going to kill her.”

“You’re no fun,” the younger sister says, but complies, nonetheless.

“Natasha, you are slouching again. Sit up straight,” Melina interjects.

“Mom, I’m not slouching. I told you I don’t slouch,” Nat protests.

“So how did you two meet?” Yelena asks, interrupting the banter.

“Oh, we met in New York during the invasion, when the Avengers were formed,” I answer.

“You are an Avenger! I knew you looked familiar. Tell me, does Captain America ever mention me, the great Red Guardian? I could kick his ass, you know. I’ve done it before,” Alexei says, causing the three Russian women to groan and complain.

“That never happened, Dad,” Yelena mumbles at the same time Natasha says, “He doesn’t talk about you because you guys have never met.” 

I raise my eyebrows at them. They seem awfully familiar with this conversation; how often does Alexei say this crap?

“So, Y/N. What happened when you guys brought everyone back? How did you do it? Natasha won't tell me,” Yelena questions. I chuckle nervously, glancing at Natasha, who is clearly uncomfortable with this topic of discussion.

“Um, I don’t know if I should… It’s complicated, really,” I say, trailing off.

“Yelena, stop. It doesn’t matter. And don’t put her in the middle of things,” Natasha responds, defending me. An awkward silence fills the room until Alexei speaks up again.

“He really hasn’t mentioned me? Have you even asked him about me?”

<//>

“Why won’t you tell them what happened?” I ask quietly. It’s nighttime now, and I’m lying in bed next to Nat in the guest room. She seemed so uncomfortable, and it’s been worrying me since.

“They just don’t need to know,” she replies shortly

“But they got snapped away, Natty. Don’t you think they deserve more of an explanation than what they’ve seen on the news?”

“Don’t tell me what to do with my family, Y/N.” Her sharp tone feels like a blade to the heart, but I take a deep breath and soften my resolve, knowing that she’s only snapping at me because something else is upsetting her.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to push. I just, I can tell that something is upsetting you. You can’t just bottle stuff up, Nat. It doesn’t have to be me if you’re not comfortable, but you need to talk to someone about it.”

She doesn’t respond immediately. “I’ve told them. I gave them the basics: Thanos snapped people away, we time traveled, got magical stones, snapped people back, and then killed Thanos. That satisfied my parents, but Yelena wants to know the whole story.”

“And you’re not comfortable retelling it?”

“Parts of it are bearable, but… I can’t think about it. You almost killed yourself for me, Y/N. You did die for me. I can’t think about that day, let alone tell my baby sister about it,” she says. Her voice is quiet, breaking as the tears flood her eyes. I pull her head into my chest and run my fingers through her hair.

“I’m right here, Natty. I’m not going anywhere, I promise. You don’t have to tell anyone about what happened. I was terrified of losing you on Vormir. I hate talking about it, too.”

“Is that why you went to Dr. Garcia?”

“Partly. There were other reasons, too.” I hesitated before continuing. “I kept hearing the tortured screams. When I slept, in my head, everywhere I went. I heard them all the time. And I would get random whiffs of burning flesh. As you know, I went to the Underworld when I ‘died’ and I guess it just affected me more than I had originally thought.”

“Angel, why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve helped.”

“I didn’t want to worry you, or freak you out. The whole thing was pretty weird. For a while, I honestly thought I was haunted. It was probably pretty selfish, but I didn’t wanna scare you away.”

“You could never scare me away. But just to be clear, you aren’t haunted, right?”

I laugh quietly. “No, I am not haunted. A mild case of PTSD, but I’m doing better now. The therapy helped a lot.”

“Do you think it would help me? I still get nightmares sometimes...of you going over that cliff. I just, I close my eyes and you’re gone, and I hate it.”

“I’m so sorry, my love. I hate how much pain I’ve caused you. But I do think it would help. We can find someone when we get back home, yeah?”

“Yeah. I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you, Natty.”

<//>

“Just do it! It will be fun! I will go easy, I swear,” Yelena begs.

“Okay, fi-”

“No! No way in Hell. You are not sparring with her,” Natasha argues.

“I’ll be fine. Worst case scenario, she kicks my ass,” I say.

“Actually, I’m pretty sure the worst case scenario would be if I accidentally killed you,” Yelena says flatly. “But that won’t happen! Please, Natasha. I want to see what she’s got,” she pleads with a pout.

Natasha sighs and rolls her eyes, muttering something under her breath about us being a bunch of children. “Fine, but if you so much as scratch her-”

“Y/N will be fine. Come on,” Yelena says, grabbing my hand and dragging me into the backyard.

Thirty minutes later, I’m flat on my back in the grass, wheezing. I groan as I attempt to sit up, the whole world spinning as I do.

“Yelena! What the hell did I say?! You literally threw her,” Natasha yells.

“No, no. I’m good,” I say weakly.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting her to be so...defenseless.”

“I am not defenseless,” I counter.

“You cannot even throw a punch,” the blonde deadpans.

“That doesn’t make her defenseless,” Nat says as she helps me to my feet. “She could take every single one of you out right now without even moving.” 

From a few feet away, Melina quirks an eyebrow and Alexei mumbles “she could not take me out.”

“You are delusional, Natasha. How are we supposed to trust this woman to protect you when she cannot even protect herself?” 

“She can protect both of us just fine, Yelena. Not that I need anyone’s protection.”

“Your sister has a point,” Melina tells Nat. “Sorry, Y/N,” she adds. I open my mouth to speak, but don’t even know what to say. This is my worst nightmare.

“You must be able to punch when you are in trouble! Much like I did to Captain America back in the day,” Alexei adds.

“Alright, enough. I’ll have you know that Y/N is one of the most powerful Avengers. Actually, she’s a literal goddess,” Natasha snaps.

“Well, of course you would think so. You are her girlfriend,” Melina says.

“Guys, I’m being serious!”

“Do not get snappy with us. We are just looking out for you,” Alexei says.

“I don’t need-”

“Somebody has to be there to keep you safe, and this girl could not bring harm to a plant,” Melina remarks. 

“I’m literally standing right here,” I mumble under my breath.

“She literally saved my life! How is that not keeping me safe?!” My eyes widen; what happened to not revealing that tidbit of information?

“What do you mean? You saved her life?” Yelena asks as she turns to address me.

“If it wasn’t for her, I would be dead right now. And you guys never would’ve come back,” Natasha retorts, clenching her jaw.

“What? Why? What happened,” Yelena rambles. I can see the worry etched on her face, and it makes her look oddly childlike. It almost makes me want to pull her into a hug, but I’m fairly certain she’d throat punch me if I tried.

“On a planet called Vormir. A life needed to be sacrificed to get one of the Infinity Stones. It was me, Clint, or Y/N. I tried, but Y/N stopped me. That’s what I mean.” Natasha is seething. She clearly didn’t appreciate her family’s doubts.

“You tried to kill yourself?” Yelena addresses Natasha, but no one has the chance to answer her before Melina speaks up.

“If you sacrificed yourself, then how are you here?”

“It’s complicated,” I say with hesitance. “I am technically a goddess. I have many different powers, but most of them deal with death. When I died, I went to the Underworld, where I met my mother, Hecate, who is a goddess. Then, I came back. Resurrection is one of my powers. I know it’s a lot to take in, but that’s the truth.”

It’s silent for a minute as everyone processes my words. Everyone is staring at me with bewilderment, except for Yelena, who hasn’t taken her eyes off of her sister. Her eyebrows are furrowed, and a deep frown rests upon her lips.

“You tried to kill yourself?” Yelena repeats, this time only a whisper. Natasha finally turns to look at her younger sister and her mouth bobs open and closed, seemingly unsure of what to say.

“I didn’t have a choice, Yelena,” Natasha finally says.

“You saved her?” the blonde asks me.

I hesitantly nod my head. “Yes, I guess I did.”

“Thank you,” she whispers, giving a curt nod before turning and walking mechanically back into the house. I awkwardly clear my throat and turn my gaze to the ground.

“Will you show us?” I raise my head to look at Alexei, confusion crossing my features at his request. “Will you show us your powers, I mean.”

“Dad…” Natasha warns.

“No, it’s okay. I can show you a little bit,” I say, right before teleporting away. I watch from a hill in the distance as Alexei looks frantically around him. I can hear him asking where I went, which makes me laugh.

I teleport into the house and walk around, looking for Yelena. I walk into a bedroom and find her sitting on the floor with a bottle of vodka. “Hey, are you okay? We didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m fine. Because learning that your sister almost died and there was nothing you could’ve done to prevent it is so much fun,” she scoffs.

“I’m sorry. We probably could’ve broken the news a bit softer.” I sit on the ground next to her, leaving about a foot of space between us.

“It’s not your fault,” she murmurs. “I’m sorry for doubting you.”

“Don’t be. I am a horrible fighter,” I joke. She chuckles slightly, nodding in agreement.

“That you are. Can I see some of your magic, or whatever it is?” I hold out my hand and black mist dances above it with eerie elegance. I close my fist as it fades away, lowering my hand.

“Cool,” she says with a crooked smile. We hear the front door open and three sets of footsteps entering the house. I hear Nat calling my name.

“You okay?” I check one last time.

“I’m good. Thank you, Y/N, for saving my sister.”

“I’d do anything for her, Yelena. You don’t have to thank me for it.”

The bedroom door opens and Natasha’s head pokes in. “Y/N, we thought you’d completely left for a minute. Everything okay in here?”

Yelena and I look at each other and I look back to Natasha, overwhelmed with love for the redead. I smile and say, “Yeah, everything is just fine.”

[cptn-stvngrntrgrs]

I keep thinking of alexei and Melina interacting with Romanogers babies!!!! 😭😭😭 and yelena as the fun aunt that makes fun of their parents, and I definitely see alexei joining 😭😭 I think Melina would be so gentle with them, teaching them science, showing them animals and I just 😭😭😭

hi anon -YES OMGGG -but was that a prompt because it sure sounded like a prompt!

anyways, here ya go!

Title: turns out i got two

Relationship: Steve Rogers/Natasha Romanoff

Summary:

My whole life I didn't think I have any family. Turns out I got two.

Adventures with both sides of Natasha's family!

ft. romanogers babies, cool Aunt Yelena, Grandpa Alexei and Grandma Melina, and more!

Also on AO3!

“Shhh, don’t wake up your mama!”

Natasha crinkled her nose at the noise around her, still partly muted from the nap she was just waking up from. She wasn’t sure what time it was - just that she closed her eyes in the middle of an old movie and she Steve were watching, knowing damn well it was just background noise while they cuddled in silence. One thing she knew for sure was that she was alone on the couch now but a blanket was draped over her. Giggles erupted next to her ear and she fought against a smile tugging at her lips.

“I think mama’s awake anyway,” a voice answered, an obviously failed attempt at a whisper.

“I think she’s still sleeping,” Natasha joked, peeking an eye open and seeing James right in front of her. He was grinning ear to ear, but there were specks of mud on his face. “James? Did you not listen to Nana and played with the pigs again ?” Fully awake now, Natasha sat up and took James’ face in her hands, leaning in to kiss his forehead. He giggled, throwing his arms around Natasha’s neck for a hug. “Honey,” Natasha pulled away fractionally, “you smell stinky.”

James nervously laughed and tried to explain. “I might have fallen in the pen.” Natasha narrowed her eyes, seeing right through her son’s lie. She didn’t have to be a spy to know that he’s lying - and, judging by the sheepish smile on his face, James knew he can’t fool his mother either.

“Whatever happened to watching him?” Natasha asked Alexei, her voice stern but teasing. No matter how many rules for the kids she tried to establish, it seems that they go out the window once the grandparents are in charge. She knows it should annoy her, yet she can’t help but find it cute. Melina and Alexei are only lenient on the little things anyway, respecting major rules that Steve and Natasha has laid out for their kids.

Looking up from the newspaper he was reading at the kitchen counter, Alexei’s eyes widened. “What do you want me to do! He said he fell! Right, James?” Alexei argued, throwing his hands up and winking - obviously wanting James to make his mom believe that he didn’t deliberately play with his grandma’s experiment - er, pet - pigs. James giggled and nodded, loving his little game with his grandfather. Natasha’s convinced the two of them spending so much time together will drive her to an early grave.

“Yeah, I don’t think even your dad could be convinced of that, bud. Go, take a shower please.” He nodded and ran up the stairs to the bathroom. Yawning and stretching her arms, Natasha turned to Alexei. “What time did you guys get back? And where’s everyone else?” She eyed the clock and saw that it was nearing 7pm. Melina and Alexei took James and Sarah to the Cleveland Zoo earlier in the day, insisting that the kids stop by there before they go back to New York the next day.

Melina and Alexei’s farm in the suburbs of Cleveland became a frequent vacation spot for Steve, Natasha, and the kids. Ever since the Red Room was taken down, Melina and Alexei decided to go back to Ohio and settle down - if that’s what they want to call it. The two have been working with Yelena in tracking down more Widows and other victims of the Red Room - as well as running covert ops in taking down child-trafficking rings - from their farm. Yelena is more of a nomad - being more active in the field by traveling all over the world, although she usually stops by the farm or Natasha and Steve’s house in New York.

“We only have been here for an hour. Steve’s helping Melina with some stuff in the back. Sarah does not want to leave her grandmother’s side,” Alexei smiled fondly. Sarah has thoroughly stolen her grandfather’s heart and it shows.

Natasha nodded, checking her phone for messages. “Is Yelena stopping by? The kids haven’t seen her in a while.”

“Eh, you know her. She might, she might not.” Natasha looked up at that, narrowing her eyes at him. Alexei put his hands up again. “I don’t know. She said she will try. I did not want to put the kids’ hopes up so I did not tell them.”

Natasha smirked. “That sounds like her.” She stood up and headed to the back door to see if she could spot Sarah and Steve. The little girl is sitting on the back of a pony, with Melina standing next to her with a hand perched on her back - although Natasha has a rising suspicion that the pony is a little bit too behaved for a regular farm animal. And Steve is - oh - now breaking logs in half. For what, Natasha isn’t sure, but all she knows is that he makes a damn good sight to see.

“I used to look like that, you know. Maybe even bigger.” Alexei, who Natasha didn’t notice have moved next to her, suddenly piped up, seemingly following her line of sight. “Your mom - you know, those years we lived here - she liked it, I could tell.” Natasha wrinkled her nose, frowning as she looked up at Alexei. “What, what? I’m just saying. He’s not the only super soldier in the house. I’m just saying. I put on some weight but I still look good, no? Melina still thinks so.”

“Okay, calm down. I don’t really need all the gory details.” Natasha shook her head, looking back at Steve. He’s almost through his pile of whole logs, his shirt now almost completely drenched in sweat.

“But that’s my point - there are still gory details,” Alexei winked at Natasha’s overly-dramatic shudder. “You know. If you two need more weekends alone, Melina and I don’t mind having the kids over. You just have to tell us.”

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Natasha turned to meet Alexei’s eyes. “Ha ha, I get it. As weird as what you’re trying to say - thank you. I appreciate it, really.” He grinned, his right arm reaching around Natasha to envelop her in a one-arm hug. It took a while for Natasha to let Alexei start hugging her again, and once she did, he never let a moment to do so pass.

Natasha caught Sarah’s eyes when the latter looked up, waving with her free hand. She heard Sarah squeal and say something to Melina, who nodded at the little girl. Sarah brought her arms out and was lifted off the pony by her grandmother before making a mad dash to the back door where Natasha was standing. Alexei slid the door open just in time to hear the “Mommy!!!” screech coming from Sarah, with said little girl running into her mom’s open arms.

“Hi honey! How was your time at the zoo today?” Natasha asked while hugging Sarah tightly. The little girl hugged her back with all her might before letting go, excited to answer her mom’s question.

“I had so much fun! Grandma taught me about animals!”

“Go on, tell your mama which one is your favorite,” Alexei prodded, reaching down to help straighten Sarah’s hair.

“I liked the monkeys! They remind me of Rocky,” the girl replied, making Natasha sputter. Ah, yes. Sarah and her ever-fascination with Rocket Raccoon will never not amuse any of the other Avengers.

“Make sure to tell him that, honey,” Steve suddenly piped up, having walked back with Melina. He stood next to Natasha and planted to swift kiss to her lips.

Natasha wrinkled her nose, flicking his arm. “You stink, go shower after your son,” she waved him off, sending him laughing up to their room to get changed.

“And do you remember what animal group monkeys are a part of?” Melina asked, kneeling on one knee next to Sarah.

Sarah paused for a minute, scrunching up her brows in the same way as Steve often would when thinking - something Natasha would often tease him about - before answering. “Primates!”

This made Melina beam and kiss her forehead before standing up. “Very good, baby! You’re the smartest little girl I know!” she praised, making Sarah giggle. Turning to Natasha and Alexei, she inclined her head to the kitchen. “Come on, dinner should be ready soon.”

Once Steve and James got back and helped set the table, they all gathered around the table to eat. Melina made Borscht and Stroganoff - both of which are favorites of James and Sarah. They were laughing about how Sarah tried to ride one of the ponies at the zoo thinking it would be as tame as Melina’s pony, only to have it get spooked and run away when the doorbell rang. The adults all exchanged a look as Alexei stood up to answer the door.

“Who’s that grandma?” James asked, glancing up before taking a bite of his food.

“Your favorite aunt, it’s who!” A voice bellowed, followed by a tapping of feet.

“Auntie Yelena!” Both children chorused, rushing out of their seats to greet their aunt before she even reached the kitchen. “Fanny!” they squealed once the dog found them and started circling their feet.

Yelena walked into the kitchen with Sarah and James latched on both of her sides, Fanny following right on their heels. “Hello, everybody. Thanks for not waiting for me before eating,” she deadpanned.

“We didn’t even know you were coming.” Melina answered, scooping more soup into Steve’s bowl.

Yelena’s mouth dropped. “Natasha knew! I texted her. This is so unfair,” she huffed and sat down on the available seat next to Steve once the kids let go of her.

“What? I wanted it to be a surprise!” Natasha argued, smirking at her sister. “Isn’t that what you would’ve wanted?” she asked before eating a spoonful of Stroganoff. Yelena pouted, taking a piece of bread and biting into it.

Conversation flowed nicely throughout dinner, and it wasn’t until everyone moved into the living room while eating dessert did Yelena start braiding Sarah’s hair. “Are you ever going to color your hair, honey?” She asked, her fingers swiftly yet delicately weaving through the little girl’s hair.

“Oh please, Yelena, she’s six. Don’t give her any ideas,” Natasha waved her off, passing the bowl of ice cream to Steve.

Melina laughed, getting everyone’s attention. “It’s funny you say that, you know. Considering you would put temporary dyes in Yelena’s hair when you were younger. Not to mention your blue hair,” she nudged Alexei’s side, making him snort. “Remember?”

Steve looked at Natasha, his mouth dropping fractionally. “You had blue hair?” That got James’ attention too, as he turned to them from the TV.

Natasha narrowed her eyes at Melina before looking at Steve. “You’ve seen me with how many different hair colors already?”

“Yes, but that’s different because those are for missions, so it doesn’t mean the same. You had honest-to-god blue hair?” he tried asking again.

“Didn’t you bring the photo album with you, mama?” Yelena asked, looking up at Melina.

Melina nodded and stood up from the couch, plucking the album from one of her bookshelves. “Here, see?” She brought it over to where Steve and Natasha were sitting, setting it on the coffee table in front of them.

The photo album looked worn but the pictures were still clear, surprisingly. It contained the tale of their undercover family in Ohio, yet it all felt very real. Steve smiled softly at a young Natasha - he’s seen some of this pictures before, but the photobooth shots of a young her and Yelena have been new additions to the album. He figured they might have had it restored because it looked crisp and blown up.

“Wow, she wasn’t kidding. You did have blue hair,” he remarked, making Natasha glare at him. “What? It looks good! You looked so… punk.”

“She does have a flair for the dramatic,” Yelena agreed, tying Sarah’s braid in place. “There, all done! Show your mama.”

Sarah skipped to Natasha’s side, showing off her new braid and getting praises from her parents. She looked down to where everyone was looking at, noting the pictures for the first time. “Is that you, Aunt Yelena?” she pointed to a picture of a little girl holding a box in front of a tree.

Yelena knelt down next to the table to look at which photo she was pointing at and stifled a laugh. The ends of her hair in that picture have tints of pink in them, probably from one of Natasha’s so-called “experiments” back then - where she would usually test out a color on Yelena’s hair too before committing all of it on hers. She nodded at Sarah, “Yes, honey, that’s me. That’s your mom next to me.” she pointed at where a young Natasha was smiling brightly at the camera.

“Your hair looked like candy!”

Looking smug, Yelena leaned back to look at her sister in the eye, who was already shaking her head. “Well, honey, it’s a good thing your mom knows a lot about hair colors.”

Steve snorted at the inside joke between them just as Sarah started rattling off a list of colors she wants to try. It sounds like she might just be listing every color she can recall, but Yelena knows Natasha has at least found her new muse to experiment hair colors with.

[amphxtrite]

ginny weasley x fem!reader

Royalty Au

Warnings: spelling/grammar mistakes

Summary: the reader has to choose someone to marry from the Weasley family and she falls for the only girl.

enjoy <3

___________________________________

y/n l/n Princess of Felicitatem, next in line for the throne, treasure of the Kingdom of Prosperity. 

Yawning as you sit yourself up in your lush 4-poster bed, you stretch your arms out and throw back your covers, swinging your legs off the edge of your mattress and sighing at the feeling of your feet meeting the cool marble of the floor beneath you. 

“Good morning Princess.” you hear a voice call out to you from the doorway. “Good morning Melina, beautiful day isn’t it?” you answer back, gazing out your large window into the beautiful garden. “Yes it is indeed Princess, I’m here to fetch you for breakfast.” Melina steps into the room and closes the door behind her. You murmur a quick mhm before scooching over to face her.

Melina was like the older sister you never had, you two were very comfortable around each other, but she still liked to stick to formalities when she was unsure if anyone was around. “Mellie there’s no need for that Princess stuff around me, you know that!” you grin. “I know, but I thought I saw Sebastian coming around here, and you know how much of a blabbermouth he is.” She sighs, flopping down onto your bed. You shrug, standing fully up and heading to the bathroom, you begin to run a brush through your hair as Mellie informs you on the castle’s gossip. “So I heard the head chef and one of the chambermaids were caught snogging in a broom closet,” She giggles. “And, Alex says the gardener is pregnant, Oh, and we got a cute new stable boy.” She rattles on, you can feel her blush from here. You smile. Beginning to brush your teeth, Mellie comes into the bathroom and begins to braid her hair, “It’s parcel day too, I think I saw a whole stack with your name on them.” She looks over at you. You rinse out your mouth before answering. 

“Oh yeah, the Potter’s kingdom is trying to sign a deal with my parents, and they think spoiling me will convince them.” you answer nonchalantly. 

“Do you think it’ll work?” Mellie asks curiously. “Oh, Mother was going to sign it anyways, she's just a bit busy right now.” You snicker, “The fabric in their kingdom is to die for though and they send the most beautiful dresses, so I’m not complaining.” you turn and head towards your closet. “You want to borrow anything today?” you call out to the blonde trailing behind you. “Do you have that ribbon I like?” She asks as you walk to a drawer and pull out the baby blue silk hair ribbon and toss it over to her. “You can keep it, you know, since you like it so much.” You smile at her. She squeals and hugs you tightly, thanking you over and over again, you simply smile and hug her back. She helps you put on a casual white dress and you walk down to the dining room talking about the kingdom’s news, you separate once you arrive at your destination, waving goodbye as you open the large doors.

“Ah, y/n there you are!” Your father calls out to you as you step into the large room. “Good morning father.” You answer “Good morning mother” you greet your mother beside him at the head of the table. Your father stands and walks over to you, “We have guests today darling,” He says motioning to a large family of red-heads, you immediately recognize them as the Weasley’s from the Western Kingdom. You curtsey to them, “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” You greet. “Oh thank you darling.” A short woman with a kind face answers, she must be Mrs. Weasley. “You have a very kind daughter Charles.” Mr. Weasley compliments, you smile. You scan your eyes down the row of ginger children seven in total, skimming over each one of them, your eyes stop at the only girl there, the youngest one too you presumed. She sends you a small smile and you find yourself staring. She was so beautiful, long light ginger hair, ocean blue eyes and pretty pink lips. You grin back as you walk with your father to the head of the table taking a seat on the other right side of your him, directly in front of Mr. Weasley, The adults continue talking and you find your mind wandering, your eyes goes back to the girl you had made eye-contact with just a few moments ago, she’s picking at her eggs, you smile but catch yourself in the act, you shake your head slightly, you’ve never felt this way about a girl before, what was going on? Despite these thoughts there was a part of your brain saying to just go with it. You’re brought out of your thoughts by your father’s voice.

“You’re probably wondering why the Weasleys are here?” Your father asks, reading your mind. You nod. “Well dear, we’ve decided to join our kingdoms and would like to have you and one of their children marry to unite us when you’re crowned queen.” He explains. You freeze. “So you’re arranging my marriage?” You ask, fear lacing your tone. “Well not exactly,” Your father tries to reason with you. “The Weasley’s have six boys in their family and 5 for you to choose from, aside from Bill the oldest who is already married, who you choose is your choice though of course.” You nod nervously, thinking back to the girl at the other side of the table. You glance in her direction and she’s looking back at you blushing. You feel a surge of happiness and turn back to your father. “Any… of the Weasley’s father?” You smile at him. “Of course darling, you have my word.” He nods to you unknowingly, your mother looks between you and the girl and back at you again, you raise one of your brows at her and she smiles, nodding. You feel a rush of excitement, quickly eating your oatmeal and drinking your tea before you stand hoping to greet the girl. “y/n why don’t you give the kids a tour around the castle?” Your father suggests, “to get to know them better.” He continues a grin on his face. “Um- of course! If you would kindly follow me?” you call out to the seven gingers, they all stand and walk towards the doors with you introducing themselves one by one. There was Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and the beautiful girl that caught your eye's name was Ginny, what a gorgeous name. For the rest of the morning and afternoon you run around the castle, showing them every room and every crevasse you thought was important, but in the end most of your time was spent in the garden, playing football with the family, you grew tired after a couple games and decided to sit under your favourite cherry blossom tree to watch. 

The Weasley’s were such kind people and you knew any of them would make a perfect partner, but only one of them had left you speechless. Ginny was absolutely perfect, she was so kind, strong and mature compared to most of her brothers, and on top of that, so very beautiful. You watch with heart-eyes as she runs around in her long dress throwing and catching a ball around with her brothers, you watch her eyes light up, her smile grow, and her hair sway and you knew she was the one you wanted to choose. You were conflicted though, you’ve never felt this way about a woman before, but with Ginny it just felt so natural, she made you laugh, blush and hang onto her every word, she was everything you could ever ask for and more, but you knew there was a problem, what if she didn’t feel that way about you? What if she found you disgusting for having these feelings for her? What if your father didn’t allow it… He did say sons after all. You could feel someone's gaze on you and you see Ginny standing with her twin brothers Fred and George, you smiled and waved at them, wondering what they’re talking about.

“Really?!” Fred says to his sister, his eyes wide in shock. Ginny rolls her eyes, “raise your voice a bit Fred I don’t think she heard you.” She whispers to her brother sarcastically. “But, you’re serious?… You like y/n?” George whispers back, Ginny glances back to you a pink dust on her cheeks and a smile spreading on her face, “Yes, she’s absolutely marvelous!” She answers George.  “Look Gin, I’m happy for you, really, but what are mum and dad going to say?” Fred questions, slightly concerned. “Well, I haven’t really thought that far yet, but I’m sure they’d be fine with it!” Ginny answers looking back to you again, she sees your eyes raise to hers and she can almost see your future together in your eyes, baking in the kitchen together, running through your castle hand in hand, and kissing you under the moonlight, the thought made her blush. “I’m going to tell her!” Ginny confidently starts to walk over, George grabs her by the arm. “Gin wait a second, how can you tell she feels the same?” George asks worriedly, not wanting his sisters heart broken. Ginny only grins, turning back to look at your rosy cheeks, she says dreamily, “I just know,” before releasing her arm and walking over. 

You see Ginny walking towards you and you start to panic. Did your hair look okay? Was there food on your face? Did your breath smell okay? Were there any stains on your dress? Ginny sits down next to you and as you look into her stunning eyes all your insecurities wash away. “You’re beautiful you know.” She says finally, grinning happily as she watches your face go bright pink again. “Thank you Ginny.” You respond meekly, feeling small under her intense gaze. “Really y/n, you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met.” She says tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. You sat there stunned, wishing you could stay in this moment forever, Ginny staring into your eyes, her hand running through your hair, sitting under the pink cherry blossom tree, basking in the warm spring sunlight. 

“I want to choose you.” you utter unconsciously, staring lovingly at the girl in front of you. Ginny freezes, did she just hear you correctly? Her jaw drops. You snap out of your daze, taking her silence as rejection and stand up quickly. “I-I’m so sorry, I’ll just go.” You say stuttering, rushing off, tears in your eyes. You must’ve read the signs wrong, oh how stupid you were for thinking she felt the same way… 

Behind you Ginny shakes off her shock and stands up, following you and calling your name, you don’t stop and continue running until you reach a hidden alcove, your favourite one you had decorated with flowers, plants and pillows. You turn and drop into the alcove, hugging your knees to your chest. You hear Ginny calling for you again, you don’t answer, you hear her footsteps getting closer, you pray she doesn’t find you, but alas, luck wasn’t on your side. “Y/n! There you are!” She calls out. Great, you think to yourself, looking up at her with tears running down your face. Ginny steps into the alcove and wipes the tears from your eyes with her thumbs a small smile on her face, you turn away and hide your face from her embarrassed. She kneels in front of you and removes your hands from your face, holding them in her own. She takes a deep breath. “I want you to choose me too.” she says in a happy voice. “y/n, I’d love to be with you!” she breathes out with a smile on her face. “I know we’ve only just met today, but I feel something between us I don’t want to let go of, we can go slowly if you want. I'm in no rush. I just want to be with you.” She opens her mouth to speak again, but you shush her with a kiss, feeling her lips against yours was heavenly, your mouths moved in sync and you could feel her nibbling on your lips. You didn’t want it to stop, but you need to say something to her. You pull away reluctantly, and look deep into her eyes. “Then I choose you, Ginny Weasley, to be my queen, my love and my light, to stay by my side forever, do you accept?” You ask with a renewed feeling of confidence, “Yes, y/n I do.” She replies without hesitation, pulling you to her again and joining your lips together again, your hands on her soft cheeks and hers grasping the fabric of your dress. You would worry about any issues later on. Right now it was just you and your love sitting together in the hidden alcove. 

[chayacat]

Devil’s Sweet Star (9)

Fandom: Dead by Daylight

Ghostface x Female Reader  

Rated M for Violence, Language and Smut  

***

The rain... both beautiful and sad to look at. A real inspiration for some, a moment of relaxation for others. But for you it's mostly the day when people will flock to your café to protect themselves, sipping a good hot chocolate, tea or a good coffee.  

Today you only open in the morning, the weekend is approaching and you want to take a little more time for yourself. There were not many people at the moment, Melina, Jed's colleague and friend, was among the first clients. Decidedly you will attract all the Roseville gazette to your café... You were sitting with her at the table right next to the counter, both with a coffee in her hand, Melina having taken a share of Neptune's cake with her coffee.

Melina Catalina Da silva was born in Las cruces, New Mexico, to a Spanish father and a Mexican mother. They moved to Missouri when she was 4 years old, to live the "American Dream" and, although the early days were difficult, her parents gave her access to education. If her physique and her voice opened the doors of cinema and music, it was to journalism that Melina turned. However, do not rely on appearances, she knows very well to fight and some ended up in the hospital.

“I can't believe, he really told you that?” you said laughing.

“Hell yeah! He thought I was going to shut up after that, instead I blew him a few teeth! You had to see his head with less teeth. Frankly leave me like that... for a bimbo with three tons of paint as make-up, because I was not the easy girl he wanted.” Melina responds proudly.

“Ah Boys... They always want sexy girlfriends who have three neurons. And then we are surprised that some complexes on their bodies. When you love, the body doesn't matter. Only inner beauty matters.”

“Few boys have the same thought. The only ones I've met are Mattew... And Jed.”

“Tell me, you and Jed... Are you already...?”

“Me and Jed?” Starts Melina before laughing. “Hahahaha! You’re so cute! No, we never dated, I consider him as the little brother I never had. That's why I call him Jeddy. And sometimes I'll kick his ass, so he can focus more on his personal life than his professional life.”  

“Oh... Could you tell me more about him? I admit I don't know him as well as you do.” you ask shyly.  

“Well, Jed is... He's a real nerd. He thinks about work all the time and even on days off, he works at home. But... He's a lovely boy when you know him. And when you know what he went through with his parents... sometimes I think that, if I had been in his shoes, I would have killed myself. But he... He got up and fought. He has learned to fend for himself, and he has an almost frightening patience.” Said Melina.

“That's what he told me. And I think I would have ended my life too.” you said looking down to your coffee.

“And yet he didn't tell you everything about his childhood. His parents beat him and treated him like a dog, often leading him to the hospital. And of course, they said it was accidents, like falling off stairs and everything that goes with it. As he must have told you, he was an unwanted kid. But the worst part is that the whole family knew, and no one, absolutely no one helped him. So, he cut ties with his family, all he keeps from them is his last name. He deserved better than that. And when I see what he is today... if I didn't know all this, I'd say he's a lovely boy who was raised like any boys should be. Kind and respectful, but not to be annoyed.” Replied Melina before looking at you, a big smile on her face. “Why do you want to know all this? Do you love him?”

“W-What??? N-no! It's only... curiosity. Just curiosity...” you respond blushing like a tomato.

“Hey. There is no marked "dumb" on my forehead. I saw the little looks you were giving him. And then your face when he gave you his number, I saw it too.”  replied Melina with a smirk.  

“It's embarrassing.” you answer by looking elsewhere.

“Why??? I think it's so cute coming from you! In addition to what you told me about you, I don't understand why no one wanted to go out with a face as adorable as yours! You know, my grandmother used to tell me that sooner or later we'd find her soul mate. That when we born, the bonds were already woven to guide us to him or her. And nothing could stop it. Maybe you and Jed have that bond that brought you together. Now it's up to you to see what you're going to do.” Said Melina before eating her slice of Neptune’s pie.  

“If you say so...”

“My grandma never gets it wrong about this kind of thing. She has... a gift for this mystical stuff. She knew from an early age that she would meet my grandpa. And she knows that my mother will be my father's first and only wife. She even knew that Mattew would go out with Chris.”

“She’s really amazing. But I don't want to force things. I will let things come on their own and I will act on them. I’ll see what happens.”

Melina nod, then you go back to the counter to take care of the customers for the rest of the morning. For once, Jed didn't come and you're a little worried about that. Considering what happened to him yesterday, you can imagine the worst. What if Mike had gone after him again?

You and Melina were the last to leave the café at closing, and even though she assured you that Mike didn't know his address, your concern for Jed didn't go away. You go home with some unsold cakes, give some to Mrs. Lawson before heading to your apartment.  

Your gaze rested for a few seconds on Jed's door and, biting your lips, you decide to check by yourself if everything was okay. You knock on his door. No noise. There's no answer. This is not a good sign. You knock a second time, praying that he's answering.

“One minute, I'm on my way!” he said from the other side of the door, which made you sigh with relief. Thank god he’s alive... “Yes? Oh! It's you.” he said with his angelic smile.

“Hi. I... I was just here to hear from you. With what happened... I confess that I imagined the worst.” you said shyly.  

“Oh... That's very kind of you, thank you. Don't worry Mike doesn't know where I live. It does not risk ... to come and finish the job. I was focused for tomorrow night. We have a scandal to uncover. And a few more researches don't hurt.”

“You're reassuring me. I mean half, I hope you didn't sleepless for this research! I brought you some cakes, at least what Mrs. Lawson left. I thought it would do you good.”

“All the cakes you give me will always be a real sweet moment for me. Do you want to come in? I'm offering coffee for once.” He replied with a wink.  

You nod and he let you in. His apartment was neat and had all the comfort Jed needed. Despite the coat rack at the entrance, Jed had the tendency to put his jackets and coats on chairs or sofa. The kitchen was tidy and clean, some small green plants hanging around the corners.

A few films were on the tv cabinet, a reminder of the days when streaming didn't yet exist, as well as some CDs. Paintings decorated the walls of the living room and hallway, and a library full of books, next to the window. A real journalist's apartment, in short.

“Surprisingly, I expected to see this style of decoration. Simple but comfortable. And... Do you work in your living room?” you ask with a smile.

“Ha ha no, I have an office right next to my bedroom. Locked, in order to keep my job... Safe. I hope... You understand that.”

“Of course. So... Ready for tomorrow night? I must admit that this is the first time I go to this kind of event, and especially to play spies. I feel a little uncomfortable.”  

“As long as you stay with me, you'll be peaceful. But once we have what we are looking for, we will have to leave the place without raising suspicions. And I think I have an idea of what to look for.” He said before getting up and fetching something from his office, locking the door. “I think that... Hoggins will try to double his profits by sinking the last trade he just signed. I made some research about him and discovered that he had signed 4 more partnerships with former competitors, and that these 4 partnerships all flowed because of Mckellan.”

“You think, Hoggins is planning all this with McKellan, with the goal of eliminating his competitors all over the country, and thus being the only one on the market?” you ask looking at the papers.

“I'm sure. By removing his competitors, he recovers the shares that are due to him, if it’s not the whole. And so, he becomes more influential. The goal is to be, with McKellan, the only big fortunes, in the American market. We need to find proof of all this. An e-mail, a written record, between Hoggins and McKellan. And the only place you can find all of this is in his office. And if we succeed, one of the biggest scandals of this decade will come to light.”

“It looks risky. But I'm up for it! if we can put that bastard in jail, I'm ready for anything!” you said determined which made Jed smiles and Danny smiles bigger.  

You chat with him for a long time, laughing heartily and, in the early evening, you leave his apartment with a big smile on your face. It's really nice to talk to a boy as nice as him. Maybe Melina was right, maybe you and Jed were destined to meet? It is said that things never happen through chance, but there is no question of forcing fate either. If something has to happen between you, it will come naturally.

You open the door to your fridge to see what you're going to devour tonight. Homemade nems will be perfect! plus you have everything you need so no need to go out. You want to prepare everything while singing, you love to sing whether in the kitchen or in the shower, washing dishes or cleaning. You have a voice worthy of a bird song. You could have been a singer! But if it was to end up alcolic or drugged ... it wasn't worth it.

Tonight, a horror movie goes on TV, it will change you from those rotten action movies you've seen recently, with a budget as big as the best movies made so far. All with a homemade peach iced tea. Even the drinks, you make them yourself. You don't like industrial products too much, too much fat, too many conservators, too many sugars. Just horrible.  

Once your nems are ready, you prepare your meal tray, and you'll land in front of your TV, right in time for the start of the movie. it was a classic slasher, but it was always having its effect ... especially with a chainsaw. In the middle of the film, you get up to clean your plate and glass before wiping and storing them.  You start yawning while stretching, but you don't want to sleep. You turn off the living room lights and sit back on your couch to see the rest of the movie.

As sleep made you feel carried away, a noise startled you. You get up, slightly trembling and start heading towards the source of the noise. Steps were heard and you rushed to the kitchen to take something to defend yourself.

“I don't recommend it; you could hurt yourself with that little knife.” said a man voice who caught your arm and turned you in front of him, blocking your arms. And the only thing visible in the dark was this mask... “Glad to see you again...My sweet little star.” He said with a soft voice.

“It's not reciprocal.” you respond coldly.

“Ouch, you hurt me so hard. You should be kinder to me. After all, I let you live because my curiosity, about you, took over my desire to bleed that pretty neck.” He replied caressing your neck with his fingertips.

“How did you get in? And if you're not here to kill me, what do you want?”

“It’s a secret. I wanted to see you... face to face. And also, to speak like good friends. You seem to get along well with the little nerd... to play little spies. All this to bring down men I could kill... If you ask me.” he said, chuckling a little.

“Certainly not! I will never kill anyone with my own hands, Even less ask someone to do it!” you respond trying to get you out a little bit, in vain.

“Oh come on. Don't tell me you're a little naive girl who thinks solve all her problems legally. Sometimes you have to use radical means to overcome certain problems... Thorny. Deep down, you want to. You'd like me to shove that knife deep down his throat, to mutilate him for threatening you like this. I know everything he's trying to do to you... absolutely everything.” he replied, gently passing his knife along your face, without hurting you.

“Stop it! Let me go!” you said wiggling before he takes off his hands laughing and backing up. “You’re just a f***ing psycho!”  

“ouch you hurt me again. But I get used to it. Anyway... This guy will die sooner or later by my hands. We can talk about what you owe me at that point. But until we meet again... Pay attention to yourself and your sweet angel face, my sweet little star. You sing divinely well by the way.”  

He stroked your cheek before leaving through the window. You catch your breath, trying to relax your muscles. You close all the shutters and windows of your apartment before turning off the TV and going to bed.  

You look at the roof, thinking back to his words. Deep down, he was right. Solving all problems peacefully is not always the solution, but killing someone is worse. You have always been raised so as to use diplomacy more often than force. And that's not going to change. Even if McKellan deserves to be slaughtered for everything he's done? You sigh and turn off the lamp before covering up.

Tomorrow night will be the big night. And you won't have the right to make mistakes.

***

(Done! It was hard but I've made it! in fact I'm so excited to start the next chapter because I’ve got a lot of ideas in my mind! I'll hope you'll enjoyed it like the others! and don't forget if you have questions or you want to talk or if you have pages to recommend me just do!  See ya!)  

[rebelsarestrongashell]

Sunsets in Wakanda - 7

Summary: After his programming is removed, Natasha secretly visits Bucky in Wakanda. They rediscover each other as they are torn between love and promises.

Characters: Bucky x Natasha

A/N: Well hello there! Who is pumped for the Black Widow movie!? If you can't tell, a few moments from the trailer inspired me for this update (also an Arrested Development moment)! Let me know what you think! The next update will be next week, I promise! Some other big news: I'm writing a novel!! Here is my two-word pitch; female bodyguard. I plan on self-publishing so I set up a Patreon. Your support would mean the world to me as I spend a much large amount of my time writing my novel and updating my fanfics. Here is the link: patreon.com/tonyaespy

MASTERLIST

"I see you stole my look."

It was near dawn in Budapest, the sun not yet peeking over the horizon, and Yelena was right where Natasha knew she would find her. It was the same rooftop where they had last parted ways years ago, hopeful to never see each other again.

Yelena kept her back towards Natasha as she looked over the city. Nat slowly walked to her side, "Yeah, well, it was time to change it up."

"Mr. America know you're here?"

Natasha smirked, Yelena's snark had not gone anywhere, "Not exactly," She had left Steve a note that something person came up and she would be back in contact when necessary. Natasha knew Steve trusted her but she couldn't imagine him be thrilled with her disappearing in the middle of the night. She turned to face her former sister directly, "Why am I here, Yelena?"

"I've been hired to kill you."

Natasha stood there silently, nodding for a moment knowing Yelena would never go through with that order, just like she never could. Out of all the other spiders in the Red Room, the two of them were the only ones that formed a real sisterly bond. Sure, they were frenemies, but they would never allow real harm to come to each other.

Natasha turned back to face the horizon, the sunlight just starting to appear. For a moment, she was transported back to Wakanda and felt a twinge in her chest, "Who hired you."

"Anya."

This didn't phase Natasha in the slightest. She was more surprised that she hadn't hire someone to kill her sooner. Anya had always hated Natasha for being the best in the Red Room, for the attention she got from Madame B, and for the protection, she received from the Soldier, "Still yearning for mother's love?"

"So much so that she's following in her exact footsteps," Yelena turned her head towards Natasha, "Natalia, she's starting another Red Room."

Not many things truly catch Natasha off guard for this was one of them, "What? How?"

"Let's head downstairs for a drink. Vodka?" Yelena turned and headed towards the stairwell without waiting for a response.

"It's six in the morning," Natasha shouted at her.

Yelena continued to walk away but looked back over her shoulder, "I'll make us some toast."

Natasha followed her down to a beaten-up loft that was long past its glory days. The kitchen had broken tiles and peeling paint but looked freshly stocked with food. Yelena pulled down two glasses from the cabinet and a bottle of vodka, the good stuff. When it came to vodka, Yelena never went cheap. She scooted a glass towards Natasha, and they both took a slow sip. Yelena poured more into her glass and continued the rooftop conversation, "Anya brought me in as a trainer for what she is calling, the Dark Room. My plan was to derail it all by myself, but luckily she ordered me to kill you. Partly because she wants you out of the way, knowing you'd do everything in your power to stop her, and partly because she is testing my loyalty. So now, I have a partner to take down the Dark Room." She pointed to Natasha and took another sip of her vodka.

Without a word, Natasha walked over to the loaf of bread sitting on the counter and started cutting up thick slices, "You got a pan and butter anywhere in here?"

Yelena thinly smiled and pulled out a couple of pans and some butter and eggs from the fridge, "I make eggs, you make toast?"

The two of them worked side by side at the stove, making breakfast. No one side a word until the two assassins sat down across from each other at the tiny window table with their meal, "So, what is your plan?" Natasha asked.

"Take out Anya, and whoever she's working with."

"But you don't know who?"

"No. She, wisely, doesn't fully trust me. It has to be someone well funded, and I'm thinking Melina."

Natasha dropped the food that was nearly in her mouth, "I thought she was dead?"

Yelena shook her head and laughed, "We were all trained better than that, we never die," the expression on her face changed to a more serious one, "It wouldn't hurt having help though."

"Steve and the others are underground for a good reason, and I'm not risking their safety."

"I wasn't referring to them," There was a long pause as Yelena studied Natasha's face. She raised her eyebrow, knowingly, "Where is he?"

Natasha shook her head, "Out of the question."

She had just confirmed everything that Yelena needed to know, "You've seen him." She stated, "How much does he remember?"

Natasha's eyes met Yelena's "Everything."

The room was filled with a poignant silence. Yelena might have been the only other person in the world to understand the joy and pain that James' recovered memory had brought Natasha. She spoke softly, "He would want to stop her."

Natasha knew there was no denying that, but she remembers what James had said to her that he doesn't want to fight anymore. Suddenly, she felt a warm hand on top of hers.

"Look, Nat, I know you want to keep him protected, wherever he is. I get it, I really really do but remember the hell we were raised in? What they did to us? The torture and the abuse. Having us fight to the death. How the Soldier nearly gave his life just to give you a chance to get out of there? Well now a new group of girls are about to be torn from their families and put through the same horror show, and I know I couldn't live with myself if I didn't do everything in my power to stop it," There were now tears forming in the corner of Yelena's eyes, "And I have a feeling that you feel the same way."

She did feel the same way, and as much as Natasha wanted to deny it, she knew James would too. She pulled up her sleeve and pressed the Kimoyo bead that Shuri told her to. A hologram with a thirty-minute counted down hovered a couple of inches above her wrist, "I'll go talk to him, alone, but I'm not promising anything and not forcing him to do a thing."

Yelena's widen eyes were still on Natasha's wrist, impressed with the technology, "That's good enough for me."

"You'll hear from me in a few days," Natasha stood up and grabbed an unopened bottle of vodka from the cabinet, "I'm taking this with me."

Yelena looked amused, "My gift to you."

Turning to leave, Natasha looked around the grimy loft and turned back to her old friend, "Oh and Yelena, clean your safehouse. It's fucking filthy."

Yelena laughed, "Good to see you too, sis."

Natasha found her way back to the rooftop, taking in the hustle and bustle of the city that was now wide awake. She opened up the bottle of vodka and took a long sip.

Soon her Kimoyo bead counted down to zero, and she could hear the sound of a small jet starting to land but saw nothing. A moment later, a large gust of wind nearly blew her over. A black, two-person aircraft suddenly appear before her eyes.

"She never ceases to amaze me," Natasha whispered to herself.

The ramp lowered, and Shuri's familiar voice welcomed her as climbed aboard, "I told you I would see you soon."

Tag List: @tvjunkie22 @harduy @shanetoo @doralupin01 

[mistborn]

ohh thank you so much ♥ glad to hear you're enjoying yourself ^-^ what are you reading at the moment? ... I had to google parks and rec, somehow that totally went past me so far O.O and it's not on netflix here mmhhh too bad! is it fun to watch? ohhhh I'm curious how the flowershelf came out! I bet it looks super cute!! Do you have a garden where you could put it or is it indoors? mhhhh I'm not resting, but I'm okay! I'll go the ocean on sunday yaay *~* suprising my mom for her birthday hehe ~♥

i'm reading "on the jellicoe road" by melina marchetta atm (it's actually a re-read bc i first read it 4 years ago) 🥺 and yeah, parks and rec is super fun imo!! it's kinda like the office because it plays like a mockumentary~

and here is a before/after of the flower shelf!

it's tiny and we will put more flowers on the bottom shelf, so we temporarily put some other stuff there! and unfortunately we don't have a garden so the flowers are indoors 🥺

oh my god, you're going to the ocean!! that sounds super exciting, i'm happy for you! and you're surprising your mom for her birthday awwww that's so sweet 🥺 i hope she has a lovely birthday 💖💖

[let-me-love-you-loki]

Irresistible--Part III

A/N:: I know I said this was the last part, but I don’t want to rush the good stuff. So there will be one more part to this one. It’s likely that it will come out next Sunday. 

Part III

           We lay in the center of the ring, both panting as if we’d run a marathon. Colby looked thoroughly pleased with himself. I stared up at the rafters, wondering how I’d let him get me in this position.

           “You didn’t hold back at all, did you?” I asked between gasps.

           He chuckled. “You wanted a practice run. You’re the one who said full speed, JoJo.”

           I groaned, trying to roll over or sit up. Every inch of my body ached. “Yeah, but you’re a dude. I thought you might take it a little easy on me.”

           “Get in the ring with Nia Jax and you’ll be glad I went full out.” He smirked and scooted back toward the turnbuckle, sitting up with his back propped against them. “She’s a beast.”

           “So are you,” I retorted.

           “Oh, you have no idea,” Colby purred.

Something tingled down my spine, setting off a thousand thoughts in my head. I’d seen him without his shirt enough to know that he was hot beyond belief. Being up close to him had only solidified that notion. Daydreams now had form—I knew what he smelled like, what the sound of his voice was like close to my ear, the sensation of his calloused fingers on my flesh.

           My fingers twitched at my side. I was overcome by the sudden urge to reach out for him, to touch him. But he was my teacher… no matter how attractive I found him, no matter how much I wanted to find out everything about him… it would never happen. Colby took his work at Black and Brave very seriously.

           As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t bring myself to go further than being near him during training.

~~~~

           Training ramped up, going from exhausting to spiritually draining. We worked from dawn to dusk, one match after another, singles, tag, rumbles, every kind of match and move that we could possibly experience in an indie company… we did it. By the time the end of the day rolled around, I wanted nothing more than to sink into a hot bath and cry for days. Every second of it made me question why I wanted to get into this business. Marek tore into me with each and every session—pitting me against the biggest and best in the class. He didn’t shy away from pushing me to the limit when Colby wasn’t there, though he tended to hold back when his partner was present.

           After months of training, we finally came to the end of it. Every day had been filled with blood, sweat, and tears. It was a terror and a wonder that we’d made it through. Colby and Marek had done their best to break us of bad habits and turn us into wrestlers who could legitimately get a job at a company. And they did their best to give us a shot at a job outside the academy.

           “We’re putting together a show,” Marek said, watching us as we sat along the apron of the training ring. “There are multiple managers and ‘scouts’ from independent companies who we’ve invited to take a look at what you can do. This is a chance for you guys to actually get a job doing this.”

           A weight settled on me as I grabbed my bag and headed toward the door. Even with extra training sessions with Colby, I wasn’t entirely sure I could do this. The best I could hope for was to make my partner look good. I could do that.

           Just before I slipped out the back door, a hand settled on my wrist. I knew the feel of those calloused fingers. I’d felt them in the ring and dreamed of them in my bed at night.

           “Hey,” he said, his voice a little strange. He let go of me as if he’d been shocked. “You’re going to do great in the show, okay. We’re going to put the matches together so that everyone gets to show off their best skills. And there’s no predetermined winner. You earn that win. And you can… no matter who we put you up against.”

           I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m glad one of us has confidence in me.”

           “Forget Marek. You’ve worked hard, and you’re good at this. Don’t give up before you even see your partner.”

           “I can get someone over,” I replied, tugging my bag up on my shoulder. “There’s no way I’m going to let my partner down.”

           Colby shook his head. “That’s not even a question. But I want you to have some faith in yourself. You can do this, JoJo. What’s it going to take to get you to give it your all?”

           My mouth took the lead before my brain could catch up. “I don’t know. Take me on a date if I win?”

           As soon as the words were out, I cringed. I braced myself, ready for him to kick me out of the academy. To tell me to pack my stuff and leave. It was such a stupid thing to say. I didn’t know anything about his life beyond this room—how dare I assume he was single? Or that he even wanted to do anything with me in the first place.

           “Done,” Colby said firmly. He gave me a faint smile, one that made his eyes light up. “You win your match at the showcase, and I’ll take you to dinner.”

~~~~

           There weren’t any flashy entrances or costumes. It was a pure wrestling show. Eight matches. A mix of singles and tag, carefully chosen and booked so that the participants looked the best. I was in a singles match halfway through the show. We’d been given a fifteen-minute limit to show everything we had.

           My partner was one of the other girls in the academy. We’d wrestled before, and we had a decent chemistry in the ring. Once Colby had announced the bookings, he’d encouraged us to plan with our partners—not who would win, but what spots we wanted to show what we could do. Melina was amazing at submissions. I’d become adept at quick escapes and lucha-like style.

           When our match began, we locked up in the middle of the ring, moving through a series of holds that took us down to the mat. She locked me into a Labelle, but I was able to roll it into a pin that got a one count. I climbed the ropes and got her with a lateral press, which she was able to carry over into a surfboard submission. It was more painful than anything I’d been in before, and that was saying something. She was going full out, and she was desperate for me to tap out.

           I was able to fight my way out of it. I struggled to my feet and threw myself into the ropes. She came at me, and I hit her with the slingblade. We ended up in opposite corners, staring at one another, panting desperately.

           Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Marek giving the time signal. We had three minutes to solve this.

           I went for the ropes, she caught me. The next thing I knew, I was up on her shoulders, and she was ready to powerbomb me through the mat. This wasn’t the ending that I wanted. My mind landed on Colby’s face—his promise that if I won my match, he would take me to dinner. I wanted more from him, but dinner was a start.

           I let out a yell and whipped my body backward, locking my legs around her head. Melina went flying as I landed on my shoulders and rolled through to my stomach. She landed hard, catching herself in enough time to sell the move. I dragged her to the center of the ring and fell atop her, tugging her legs up, stacking her until her body weight helped keep her down for the three count.

           The bell rang and I felt like crying. I’d won.

~~~~

           “I wish you could’ve seen Marek’s face,” Colby said from across the table. He had a huge smile on his face. “I’m so proud of you, JoJo.”

           I felt myself blush. After the match, I’d practically ran from the ring and nearly broke down crying in the locker room. It had taken a few minutes for everything to sink in. Now, I was in a restaurant alone with Colby Lopez.

           He had his hair tied back like he always did. I was so used to seeing him in sweats and tees that I could barely comprehend him in a pair of dark washed jeans and a black button-down. I was glad I’d taken the time to put on makeup and do my hair.

           “Thanks,” I mumbled, trying not to stutter or act like a fool. “She almost had me at the end to be honest. If it hadn’t been for this… I probably would’ve lost.”

           Colby smiled a soft-looking smile that made my heart turn sideways in my chest. He twitched his fingers against the table. I couldn’t help but think about how those fingers felt when they touched me.

           “So you just needed a little motivation, hmm?” He said softly.

           I shrugged, a little too afraid to look at him. Heat ran across my skin, rising from my collarbones up toward the roots of my hair.

           “You know,” he continued, his voice taking on a dark and deep cadence. “You’re the only person I’ve ever really wanted to kick out of the academy. Because then—once you weren’t a student—I could…”

           Glancing at him from beneath my lashes, I saw him watching me with a predatory glint in his eyes. It was the same look he had when we sparred in the ring. But this time, it lingered. I could feel the weight of it on my skin, tumbling along the curves of my body. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. The air was stale and stuck in my lungs.

           Colby stood up from his side of the table, tossing several bills on the table as he did. A moment later, he took me by the hand and pulled me to my feet. The movement was a whirlwind that dragged me on staggering legs from the restaurant and out into the crisp Moline night. In an instant, I could breathe again. The sky wheeled blue and black above me as—at last—I felt Colby’s arms come around me, his fingers digging into my hair as he tilted my head and captured my lips with his own.

           I let out a squeal of surprise and longing, sinking against him, my arms locking around his neck as he splayed his palm out on my lower back, dragging me close. The strength of his body—the pull and tug of muscle, the pure solidness of his form—pressed me into space until my shoulders brushed a wall. Colby curled me over the arm hooked around my back, his mouth sliding hotly from my mouth down my jaw and neck. The nip of his teeth along my collarbone was more than I could bear.

           The sound that came out of me was something I’d never heard before. It was a guttural sound that was something akin to a moan, but far deeper. It was a sound that I felt deep in the marrow of my bones.

           “Hmm,” he hummed against my throat. “I like that sound. Wonder if I can make you do it again?”

           I whimpered this time, a little softer. He tutted, as if that wasn’t quite what he wanted. “I suppose we should take this somewhere private, shouldn’t we?”

________________________________________________________________

Tag List

@colbynatorsforlife

[clumsydarknut]

Scripted Wishes

Chapter 2: New Friends

Beginning | Previous | Next | Most Recent

Lucy awoke with a start. Her phone was buzzing violently on her bedside table. Groggily she picked it up and read the lovely “Wake up now if you wanna be cute” note she had attached to her repeating alarm. She felt terrible, stomach aching slightly. Maybe she should hit snooze.

But if this alarm was going off, it meant there was school. And her note was right – if she wanted to pick a super cute outfit, she needed to get up now. Gritting her teeth, she slid her finger across the screen to end the buzzing and threw herself upright before she could fall asleep again. The sudden movement sent a jolt of pain through her head. Lovely. A headache too. But it’s only the second day of school – I can’t miss already!

With that, she switched on her lamp. The light stung her eyes. Why did she feel so awful? She looked blankly around the room, trying to remember what happened the night before. The party. Bora. Natsu too, I think. Why was he there again? Bits and pieces floated through her mind, but it was jumbled and fleeting.

She glanced at the clock on her night stand to check the time. It was only 7:00, so still an hour before school. Maybe she should just sleep some more and give up on the outfit. Getting to pick her clothes was cool, but so was sleep. She yawned and started to lay back down when she saw the unfamiliar folded piece of notebook paper next to her clock.

Taking it and pushing herself up again, she unfolded it.

Lucy,

The doctor told me you might not remember what happened, so I figured I should leave a note just in case.

Bora invited you to his party and you decided to go. After cross country I heard some girls talking about it saying some Salamander guy was hosting, so I knew something was up and rushed over. When I got there a bunch of the girls were drugged up and stuff so I called the cops. I got you out and took you to one of them walk-in clinics. They said Bora probs used roofies, but in a pretty low dose. Said you should be fine by morning, so I took you back to your apartment. I, uh… couldn’t find the key in your bag, so I had to break in through your window… sorry about that. If your landlady is mad I’ll pay for it.

Anyway, hope you’re okay. Doc said you’d be fine to take some ibuprofen if you need it. See you around.

Natsu 

The jumbled pieces started falling into place. The party, Bora pushing her onto the bed, Natsu nailing him in the face… wait, had his fist been on fire? Couldn’t have been, she thought. Must be the drugs.

Lucy gave a start. Fury started to build up in her. That dirty little…! He spiked my drink! What the hell?!

She leapt off the bed, ignoring the pangs in her forehead. That shallow, evil smooth-talker spiked my drink! After such a great first day of school! AND while I was wearing my favorite dress! She stomped into her bathroom and began furiously running a brush through her hair. Member of the drama club, my foot! She practically threw her brush back onto the counter, pulled out a toothbrush, loaded toothpaste onto it and jammed it into her mouth.

“Just wait, Bora!” she snarled through the foamy paste, “I’m going to look so hot today those fangirls of yours might just turn lesbian!”

---

Natsu lounged on the front steps of the school, eyes glued to his phone. Flamewater Circus had just posted a new behind-the-scenes video and it was loaded with good tricks. As fascinating as it was, however, it wasn’t enough to hold his attention when the commotion started down by the sidewalk.

He paused the video and slipped his phone back into his pocket, glancing up to see what the gasps were about. His jaw dropped as the ripple in the crowd broke to reveal Lucy, sauntering up the walk to the school, a sway in her hips and confidence in her stride.

Lucy wore jet-black, skin-tight jeans cuffed just above her tall, beachy wedge heels, a matching, sandy belt clasped at her waist by a large bronze buckle. A tight, white tank, while covering all over her cleavage, hugged every curve in her body and left a slight gap of skin between the hem and her waistband. Over it she wore a light denim-patterned button-up, sleeves folded back perfectly to elbow length. It hung open, swishing against her sides as she strolled toward the door. Rather than a backpack she sported a silver messenger bag, matching her numerous silver bracelets and the long necklace dangling around her neck. Her hair was curled just slightly, hanging free under a floppy black hat. Her dark lipstick contrasted starkly with her pale skin and light hair, making her lips look poofy and plump. Her eyes seemed much more clear, sharp, and bold than they were when Natsu had met her, and he couldn’t place why. All in all, it was clear Lucy meant to make a statement, and Natsu thought she was doing a good job of it.

“Yo, Natsu!”

He tore his gaze away from Lucy to find his dark-haired friend, Gray, making his way across the pavement.

“Oi, snow fairy!” he called, smirking, “What took you so long? Get held up by the Rat King?”

Gray rolled his eyes. “I should be the one asking you, flame face. Class starts in three minutes. How long have you been sitting there ogling at that chick?”

Natsu brushed him off, getting to his feet. “I met her yesterday. Just surprised to see her, considering what went down last night.”

Gray raised an eyebrow.

“No, not like that!” Natsu groaned. “Jeez, man, get your brain out of the gutter. I pulled her out of that party that got crashed by the cops.”

“Whoa, wait, what?” Gray took a turn ogling as Lucy disappeared through the front door. “That happened last night? And she’s at school today?”

“Now you see why I was staring.”

Gray shook his head slightly, running his fingers through his spikey hair before starting for the door. “ Jaa, iku yo. [1] ”

“Oi, nihongo de hanasanaide. Wakari nikui yo.”[2] Natsu replied, hauling his bag over his shoulder.

“Me? Hard to understand?” Gray scoffed, “You should hear your accent.”

“ Nihonjin janai yo! Ore no sei janai! [3] ” Natsu growled back.

Gray tossed a glance over his shoulder and kept walking, tiredly calling back, “You’re the one who keeps using it, not me. I’m speaking English, pyro.”

Natsu grit his teeth and took off running after Gray, shouting, “Yeah and you sound stupid doing it, frost face!”

“At least I sound decent in one of my languages where you sound like an idiot no matter what language you pick!”

“Ice princess!”

“Ash brain!”

---

Lucy strolled confidently into her first class, forcing the rage she felt to stay far away from her face. Letting her annoyance show would completely undermine the bold, daring, sexy appearance she was going for. Although, if she saw Bora today, there would be no holding back the daggers that would surely shoot from her glare.

“Professor Buchanan?” she asked, approaching the blocky man.

“Ah, what can I do for you today?” he replied, smiling.

The smile softened her fury just a touch, and she smiled back. “My name’s Lucy. I was told to remind you about my, ah, situation, before you take roll.” Professor Buchanan stared for a moment before realization bloomed on his angular face.

“Ah, yes, Lucy. Melina told me of your request.” He smiled even brighter. “I’ll be sure to remember. Thank you for the reminder.”

She smiled sweetly and took a seat. Soon the rest of the class had trickled in, and Professor Buchanan stood up from his desk.

“Welcome to the first real day of school!” he announced. Several of the class members chuckled. “Since you all got to meet me yesterday, and because I think friendship is more important than math, today I’d like to do some get-to-know-you activities.”

Lucy perked up, but a majority of the class groaned.

“Now, now,” he continued, “I know most of you have already done more of these than you would prefer and will probably do more, so let me make this simple. When I call your name off the roll, stand up and tell us a bit about yourself. Then, when I’ve finished the roll, the rest of class is yours to mingle and chat as much as you’d like.”

The room was filled with shocked grins, and multiple pairs of people locked eyes gleefully.

“Let’s get started, then,” he said, picking up a clipboard, “Auriel, Loke.”

The boy directly to Lucy’s left stood up. He had thick brownish-orange hair that, while not gelled, jutted out in a variety of windswept spikes. He wore an olive-green jacket over an orange t-shirt that dipped low enough to reveal his collarbone – which Lucy couldn’t help but note was an attractive look. He had his hands nonchalantly wedged in the front pockets of his black cargo pants, head tilted to the side. His sharp, hazel eyes were veiled by azure-tinted glasses, and his smirk perfectly accentuated his delicate but defined facial features. Lucy let out a small sigh as he tossed his hair to the side, revealing three small studs along his ear and an oh-so-sharp jawline.

Snap out of it, Lucy! she thought, shaking her head. Yes, he’s attractive, and eye candy is okay sometimes, but what did we learn last night?

“I’m Loke Auriel,” the boy said, voice silky smooth. “I’m a junior, though I’m sure all of you knew that considering this class is for juniors only.” Several girls giggled, and he smiled suavely.

“I like poetry, both the reading and the writing of it,” he continued, “and I am hoping for the part of either Lysander or Demetrius in Magnolia’s fall production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream . I’m a member of the Fairy Tail Theatre Company and when I’m not on stage, I’m in the sound booth running the lights. Beyond theatrical pursuits, I play guitar and like to write my own songs. My favorite color is green and my ideal date-“ a few of the girls gasped, “-is a night stargazing in the forest, where the light pollution is low and the best way to keep warm is curling up under a blanket.”

More giggles and coos as Loke took his seat. Lucy rolled her eyes. This must have been the guy Natsu was looking for when he ran into Bora yesterday. No wonder he confused the two – this guy is an even bigger flirt.

“Nice to meet you, Loke,” Professor Buchanan said with a smile. Loke winked and several girls gasped in delight. “Let’s see… Bradford, Justina.”

The professor worked his way down the list, though so far only Loke had really caught Lucy’s attention. That was largely a result of the bubbling fury towards Bora and similar insincere playboys that burned through most of her consciousness. Oh yeah, he’s just like Bora. He’s not even trying to pretend to be deep.

“Ah, Lucy,” the professor called, interrupting her thought. She stood up and awkwardly faced the majority of the class.

“Hi, I’m Lucy, and I’m brand new to this school,” she began confidently. “I really like acting and I actually came here for the theatre program, but I haven’t tried out yet. I also really like writing. Math isn’t my strong suit.” She shrugged sheepishly at Professor Buchanan, who looked mildly amused. “I’m actually working on a novel, but it’s nowhere near being ready for anyone to read yet. Um, what else… oh, my favorite color is pink, I’m really into astronomy – the real thing, not that horoscope junk – and I’m learning Japanese.”

A couple students let out amazed sounds and she heard a few whispers about astronomy. Professor Buchanan simply smiled and thanked her for the introduction. She sighed in relief as she sat down, glad he had remembered to omit her last name.

“Astronomy, huh?”

She turned to find Loke leaning over his desk toward her, the handsome dial on his smile turned all the way up. She pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow.

“It’s rare to find a beautiful woman like yourself with such intellectual tastes,” he hummed, careful not to catch the teacher’s attention, “I’m a bit of an astronomer myself.”

“Yeah?” Lucy said doubtfully, “Is that why your ‘ideal date’ is stargazing?”

He chuckled. “Partially. But I can imagine it would be much more fun with a girl who already knows the stars.”

Rolling her eyes, she replied, “I have no doubt that I know them better than a player like yourself.”

“Aw, don’t be like that. Maybe this weekend we could go out and see if-“

He cut off abruptly, looking up at her with shock plastered to his face.

“What?” she scoffed.

He gulped. “Y-you’re not from K-Konzern Acad-d-demy are you?”

Her annoyance shifted somewhat to confusion. “Yeah, so what?”

He blanched, turning away quickly and pushing his glasses up on his nose. “N-nothing, I just- forget I said anything.”

Her annoyance turned to concern as she watched him fidget in his seat through the rest of the introductions. Maybe I shouldn’t go broadcasting that I transferred from Konzern? Natsu didn’t seem to care, though. Is it just this guy?

When the introductions were finished and free time started, Loke gathered up his things and shuffled to the other side of the classroom, averting his gaze. Lucy felt a twinge of hurt, but that too melted into worry when she noticed his hands shaking.

Guess there’s some history…?

Her thoughts were interrupted by some of her classmates wanting to chat. She spent the rest of the class talking with new acquaintances. When the bell rang, Loke had bolted out the door before she had even begun to stand up. She shook her head and gathered her things.

Luckily, today she remembered how to get to her Japanese class and made it there with a minute or two to spare. She spotted Natsu towards the back of the room, but she took the opportunity to approach the teacher instead.

“Porlyusica-sensei?”

The slender, pink-haired woman whipped around, mildly annoyed. “ Hai, douzo. [4] ”

“I was told to remind you of my special circumstances,” Lucy hesitated, “before you take roll.”

“Mmm… Dare desu ka? [5] ” Porlyusica inquired.

“Oh! Sumimasen! Watashi wa Lucy desu. [6] ” She kept forgetting people didn’t automatically know her here. It was a surprising challenge that came with growing up an aristocrat.

Porlyusica looked at her a minute longer before a flicker of realization sparked in her eyes. “Ah, Lucy-san. Oboeteimasu. [7] It’s rather untraditional to call a student by their first name only in Japan, but I suppose this exception is warranted.” She gestured to the desks without another word. Lucy gave a quick thank you and sat down next to Natsu.

He didn’t seem to notice her arrival as he was glaring across the room. It looked like he was determined to bore a hole right through the skull of a dark-haired, somewhat lanky boy who was glaring back just as intensely. The boy wore a faded navy blue short-sleeved button-up that hung open over a black undershirt and black jeans. Around his neck was a heavy chain bearing a small silver sword. This boy, too, had a defined jaw and attractive facial features. Is every guy at Magnolia smoking hot?

Tired of the staring contest, she flicked Natsu on the shoulder.

“Gah, hey!” he shouted. He turned, annoyed before seeing it was her. “Oh, hey Lucy! How are you feeling?”

She smiled. “I feel pretty good, actually. Thanks for pulling me out of there.”

“Nah, no problem,” he grinned, leaning back in his chair, “Better not talk now, though. Sensei is really picky about people talking during class.”

Lucy nodded, noting the bell had just rung. Right on cue, Porlyusica-sensei was up in front beginning her lecture.

“ Minna-san, youkoso!” she began, �� Daiichi, roll wo shimasu. ‘Hai’ to hanashite kudasai. [8] ”

Lucy stretched in her chair as Porlyusica-sensei began. The class was fairly small – maybe twenty people.

“Agria-san!”

“Hai!”

“Blendy-san!”

“Hai!”

“Cheney-san!”

No response to that one. Sensei marked it down on her clipboard.

“Connell-san!”

“Hai!”

“Darrow-san!”

“Hai!”

“Dragneel-san!”

“Hai!” Lucy turned in shock. That had been Natsu.

“Your name is Natsu Dragneel? ” she whispered.

“That it is,” he grinned smugly, “Dragneel as in Dragon, yes.”

Porlyusica-sensei paid them no mind. “Eucliffe-san!”

“Hai!”

“Hea- Lucy-san!”

“Hai!” Lucy squeaked. That had been close.

“Wait, is Lucy your last name?” Natsu whispered, confused. Lucy facepalmed and peeked at him through her fingers, eyebrow raised.

“Jeez, just asking a question,” he breathed.

“Justine-san!”

“Hai!”

“Lates-san!”

“Hai!”

“Law-san!” Another no-show.

“McGarden-san!”

“Hai!”

“Mulan-san!”

“Hai!”

“Sarasuke-san! Eh? Chotto… Sarasuke-san, doushite koko ni irundesu ka? [9] ”

The presumed Sarusuke-san glumly dropped his head to his desk and replied, “I failed the final again so I can’t take third year.”

Porlyusica-sensei marked him present with a tsk-tsk. “Tearm-san!”

“Hai!”

“Vanderwood-san!”

“Hai!”

That finished the roll, and she continued, “Now, I will introduce this semester’s tutors. Please be nice to them – they are here to help you practice. Fullbuster-san, douzo. [10] ”

To Lucy’s surprise, the dark-haired boy Natsu had been stabbing with his glare stepped to the front of the class.

“ Hajimemashite. Ore wa Gray Fullbuster desu. [11] ” Lucy was thoroughly shocked at the smoothness of his voice and the ease with which he spoke. He seemed to carry no accent at all.

In Japanese, he continued, “I was born in Fiore, but I grew up in Yokohama, Japan. Japanese is my native language, but I speak English too.” He switched to English, smiling and shooting a smug look at Natsu. “I moved here in seventh grade and have been a tutor since freshman year. I like hockey and carpentry, and I’m a part of the drama club. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.[12]”

Lucy was still surprised, forgetting to utter the traditional response with the rest of the class. So he’s from Japan. I wouldn’t have guessed.

Gray bowed and took his seat. Natsu glowered at him, crossing his arms.

Porlyusica chimed in, “ Lockser-san, douzo. ”

From the desk in the front corner rose a curvy, almond-eyed girl dressed head to toe in various shades of blue. Lucy couldn’t help but wonder if the girl was hot in this weather, as some of her layers looked like fur. Her hair was thick and wavy, and the deep blue color added to the waterfall effect over her slim shoulders. As she turned nervously to face the class, Lucy saw a large yellow butterfly clip pinned to her dark Russian-styled hat.

“ Ano… ” she mumbled, looking down, “ Hajimemashite. Juvia Lockser desu. Shusshin wa Kyoto desu. [13] ” She fiddled with her fingers before continuing in strained English. “Juvia doesn’t speak English very well. Demo, Juvia wa gambarimasu! Yoroshiku onegaishimasu! [14] ”

Juvia scurried to her seat as the class repeated yoroshiku onegaishimasu . Lucy couldn’t help but smile at the girl. She had probably just moved to Fiore and likely didn’t have many friends yet. Birds of a feather…

The rest of the class was spent reviewing some basic vocabulary and grammar, most of which Lucy had no trouble with. She was glad to know that the Japanese classes here moved at about the same pace the ones at Konzern had. She was amused to find, however, that Natsu had a terrible time speaking in polite form and nearly always got his conjugations wrong.

“I don’t get why I have to know two different forms,” he grumbled. “If you’re a person, I’m going to talk to you like a person. Why does it matter if I use plain form all the time?”

“Because,” Gray growled, “sometimes even numbskulls like you need to make a good impression. You’ll piss off Porlyusica-sensei if you go acting all familiar around her.”

“She’s never cared before!”

“She has you’re just socially incompetent!”

“Frost face!”

“Ass flame!”

Lucy’s next class came much too soon for her liking. Despite Natsu and Gray’s incessant bickering, Japanese had been lots of fun. Plus, she had really wanted to talk to Natsu about the night before. She couldn’t believe a near-total stranger had suddenly come to her rescue. She had no idea what she wanted to say, but she wanted to say something more than “Oh thanks for that.”

Luckily, though, her history class was good fun too.

She had finished reminding Mr. Neville of her particular circumstances and plopped down in a seat near the windows when she felt a light tap on her shoulder.

“ Ano… Lucy-san desu ka? [15] ”

It was a small, vaguely familiar girl with ruffled blue hair tucked behind an orangey-yellow headband sporting a hibiscus-patterned creamsicle-colored sundress. Judging by the Japanese inquiry, Lucy guessed she was probably in her last class.

“ Hai, sou desu. O-namae wa…? [16] ”

The girl smiled and swapped back to English. “I’m Levy, Levy McGarden. I saw you in Japanese a few seats behind me. It’s nice to meet you!”

“It’s nice to meet you too!” Lucy returned the smile. Alright, finally making friends with some women. I swear there are way too many guys at this school.

“So… you’re a writer?” she asked.

Lucy looked at her quizzically and Levy pointed to her notebook. Lucy blushed as she realized it said “Drabbles and Drafts” in pink calligraphy on the front.

“Oh, yeah, um, a bit,” she replied sheepishly.

“Me too,” she giggled. “Well, sort of. I try, but I feel like I’m better at the reading than the writing.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’re better than you think,” Lucy offered.

Levy blushed and looked away, rubbing the back of her head. “M-maybe you could proofread one of my shorts?”

Lucy blinked, a smile spreading across her face. She could definitely get along with this girl. She nodded enthusiastically, and Levy squealed in delight.

Just then, Mr. Neville started his lecture and their conversation was cut short. As the lecture went on, Lucy felt a paper slide up next to her arm from behind. It was a note card that had a number scrawled on it with “tomodachi ni narou![17]” penciled in cute hiragana underneath. She couldn’t help but smile over her shoulder at Levy and nod enthusiastically. Hiding her phone beneath her desk she punched in the new number, added Levy’s name, and texted her a quick “yorokonde![18]”

There was a loud ding and Levy squeaked. Mr. Neville halted his lecture and gave her a hard look.

“S-sorry!” she stammered, pulling out her phone and frantically turning down the sound.

He sighed. “Just the first day and the plague is already among us…”

Lucy glanced apologetically at Levy’s tomato-red face. She waved her off, sinking into her seat.

Mr. Neville’s lecture was dull and unimportant. He was mostly talking about himself, turning what he claimed was going to be a short introduction into a rambling mess of actuallys and half-finished ideas. She decided to fill the time with texting her newfound friend – whose notification sound was now turned off. They exchanged sarcastic comments about the lecture and made terrible puns, giggling profusely behind their hands. Levy was witty and quick to the punch, typing out eloquent satires of the teacher’s lecture as if she’d been thinking about it for days.

“ Actually,” one text read, “it wasn’t until my great grandfather actually passed away that I actually became interested in history, actually . Actually it was then that I actually realized I don’t actually have any idea what the word actually actually means, which is actually sad because he was actually an author, actually , and I actually disappoint him actually every day with how little I actually know about actually speaking English, actually .”

Lucy almost cried as she replied, “ Actually, he’s not actually so bad, actually. He actually knows how to actually spell the word actually, actually. ” Levy choked on her laugh. Mr. Neville had just written “ Don’t forget tonight’s reading, actually” on the board.

“Class dismissed, actually,” he said as the bell rang. Levy and Lucy gathered up their things as they shook with giggles. Once outside the door, they burst out laughing.

“That was so fun!” Levy squealed.

“ Actually ,” Lucy giggled, “it was the most fun I’ve actually had all day.”

Levy laughed again, then lit up with a great idea. “Lucy, you should come sit with me and my friends at lunch!”

Lucy’s smile dropped a bit. “I was planning on sitting with Natsu…” she mumbled.

“Oh, perfect!” she chimed. Lucy blinked in surprise. “He sits at the same table! I didn’t know you guys knew each other.”

Lucy’s smile perked back up and she slyly replied, “ Actually, I just met him yesterday.”

Levy snickered at the joke, but inquired more seriously, “We’re not pulling you away from your other friends, are we?”

“Actually- whoops, I used it seriously this time – I just transferred to Magnolia this year.”

Levy gasped. “What? You’re new? I never would have guessed you fit in so perfectly already!”

Lucy laughed out loud at that. If this daring look she had pulled together today was “fitting in perfectly”, she knew now for sure that this was the right school.

They parted ways happily, promising more texts and exchanges of manuscripts. Levy was a breath of fresh air in a school seemingly filled to the brim with hyperactive, overly-attractive boys. That hyperactivity was particularly apparent in her next class. She discovered that not only did she have gym with Natsu, but also with Gray, and the more open atmosphere quickly transformed their insult duels into all out brawls. They weren’t the only idiots who ran amuck either. Another Asian-looking boy with white hair was intermittently sliding into the brawl to quickly trip Gray before scampering off, and two of the guys from her Japanese class were trying (and failing horribly) to land a hit on a particularly scary-looking metalhead. The most annoying was the beefy kid who punched at everything shouting “OTOKO DA![19]” at the top of his lungs. She had no idea what they were supposed to be doing, and it seemed Coach Coco didn’t either.

After class she left the locker room in a huff. Part of her admitted the chaos was somewhat amusing, but even with meeting Levy her fury at what Bora had done wasn’t far away. She hadn’t seen him at all today, and she hadn’t gotten to properly talk to Natsu, and she still had to get that signature from Director Dreyar. At least now it was lunch. Perhaps after she ate, she could track down Gray or maybe that Loke kid and have them take her to the right classroom.

---

Natsu sprinted out of the locker room, whacking Elfman on the back of the head and laughing as the burly teen shouted, “ Otoko janee yo! [20] ” after him. He shoved the doors open gleefully and grinned as he saw what he was looking for.

“Yo! Luce!” he called. She turned her head and what had been an irritated scowl melted into a pleasant smile. She gave a slight wave as he caught up with her and fell into stride.

“You’re gonna sit with me at lunch again today, right?” His blood was still pumping from the intense brawl he’d had with Gray and it made it very difficult to hide his enthusiasm. Then again, why should he hide it? Lucy was as badass as you could get, and he was ecstatic that he’d managed to befriend her before any of the other trashy cliques could hog her attention. She’d make an excellent sparring partner, or workout buddy, or sound booth assistant, or-

“That was the plan!” she chimed, cutting off his train of thought. “Levy sits at your table too, right?”

“Oh you met Levy?” he laughed, “Yeah she’s there too. Don’t plan on sitting next to her though – Jet and Droy always sit by her.”

“Well that’s too bad for them – I’m claiming newbie privileges. I’m going to sit right between you and Levy and they’ll just have to deal with it.”

Natsu gazed at her in awe and amusement as they made their way to the cafeteria. She noticed his look as they got into the lunch line.

“What?” she said, irritated.

Natsu shook his head. “You’re weird.”

Her mouth dropped open and she shoved his arm. “Am not!”

“Sure are!” he chuckled. “I mean most girls would stay home for a week after what went down last night, but here you are, at school, spunky and fiery and spewing all sorts of weird ideas.”

She shrugged, furrowing her brow. “Well how else was I supposed to get back at that jerk for spiking my drink? I had to come to school! I have to rub his nose in it!”

“Too bad he’s locked up at the police station,” Natsu grinned proudly.

“What?!” she shouted. The freshman in front of her gave a start.

“Jeez, Luce,” Natsu laughed, “Didn’t you read the note I left? I called the cops the second I got there. I’m flattered you think I could take down a whole house full of perverts, but that fake Salamander and his cronies aren’t coming back to school any time soon.”

Lucy got really quiet as she picked up her tray, and Natsu wondered if he said something wrong before he heard her small voice.

“Thank you, Natsu,” she said softly, “for getting me out of there.”

The gratitude her voice exuded wasn’t lost on him. The light smile, the glance at his eyes… how scared she had been, and how relieved she was now, came through clearly. A familiar feeling bubbled up in his chest – a sort of mix of protectiveness, chivalry, and care.

“You’re welcome, Luce,” he said back, offering a gentle smile. He hoped it communicated that he knew all she was trying to convey. Then he perked up and nudged her elbow with his own. “Besides, I couldn’t let some twisted sicko ruin the good name of Salamander!”

Lucy chuckled as she began picking fruit cups out of the bins that sat on the counter. He frowned as she took one of each.

“Whatcha doin?” he puzzled.

“Hm?”

He gestured to her tray. “There’s no way you can eat all of that.”

She tsked at him and gave him a sly smile, motioning to the lunch lady that she’d take the salad instead of the chicken fried steak. He returned a quizzical look, holding out his tray for a scoop of potatoes on top of his hunk of meat. When they’d gotten out of the line, she spoke.

“Natsu, you know you shouldn’t talk about the cafeteria black market in front of the lunch ladies!”

His confusion slowly turned into a grin as she giggled profusely.

“You mean…?”

“Just show me where you sit, dummy,” she jested. He quickly obliged, leading her across the room to a table near the exterior doors. This girl is awesome!

“Lu-chan!” Levy waved at them, quickly shoving Jet out of his seat with a thud.

“Hey!” he whined. Droy sniggered from his seat on the other side of Levy. Natsu helped Jet get up off the floor, giving him a smug grin.

“I told you before you sat down that I was saving this seat!” she said, exasperated. “Now she’s here, so shoo!”

Jet mumbled, walking around to sit across from Levy as Lucy took the seat. Natsu plopped down next to her, clattering his tray on the tabletop.

Lucy looked around the table at all the empty chairs. “Is it just you four usually?”

“Oh, no,” Levy giggled, “We’re just the first ones here today. There’s a bunch more of us.”

“OI! ASH-FOR-BRAINS!”

There he is. Lucy jumped at the exclamation, making Natsu snicker internally. On the outside, however, he put on his best look of apathy and slung his gaze over his shoulder.

“What, snow queen? I already built a snowman with you today.”

Gray slammed his lunch onto the table and dropped into his seat before smacking Natsu on the back of the head. “We’ve already had two classes with this gal and you still haven’t introduced us!”

“Aww why do I have to introduce you?” Natsu whined, smirking, “You can speak English, can’t you?”

Lucy giggled and reached a hand behind him towards Gray. “I’m Lucy. Yoroshiku ne. [21] ”

Gray took her hand and shook. “Nice to meet you, too.” He shot a self-satisfied look at Natsu, who rolled his eyes. Oh look, the snowflake can speak!

Jet perked up at the introduction, pushing up the sleeve of his purple button-up as he leaned across the table. “Lucy-san, na? You’re in Japanese with us, right?” He also stuck out a hand. “Jet Sarasuke.”

“And I’m Droy Darrow!” Droy chimed in from behind Levy, accidentally spilling gravy on his mustard-yellow T-shirt. Natsu sniggered as he tried to scoop up the smear with his free hand, rubbing the creamy sauce deeper into the fabric.

“You should be more careful, Droy. Spilling like that makes us look sloppy.” A scarlet-haired senior wearing a silver blouse took the seat across from Natsu. “Erza, Erza Scarlet. Douzo yoroshiku. [22] ”

“Er-za?” Lucy said tentatively, checking that she said it right.

“ Ehr-za ,” Erza replied. “Like the first part of ‘error’.” She’s an error, Natsu thought. Erza glanced at him suddenly, and chills pricked down his spine. “It’s okay, even Jellal got it wrong.”

“Who is this Jellal you speak of?” a blue-haired boy bearing an intricate scarlet tattoo over his right eye said, taking a seat next to Erza. Ah, the man himself.

“ You , ya prick.” A wavy-haired brunette took the seat across from Droy. She took a swig of an energy drink and slapped it on the table before looking to Lucy. “Cana Alberona. You’re Lucy? Nice boobs.”

Natsu laughed out loud as Lucy’s face turned a shade to rival his hair.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Jellal cut in indignantly, “I am the sage Mystogan.” Lucy looked thoroughly confused when a white-haired beauty took the seat next to him. Natsu grinned widely as the voluptuous senior joined the table.

“Don’t mind Jellal, sweetie,” she said, smiling brightly at Lucy, “I’m Mirajane, and this goofball is a method actor.”

“A what?”

“A method actor,” Levy piped up, “They’re actors who completely embrace their roles so they can give a top-notch performance.”

“And Jellal’s the best,” Erza stated, a smile twitching at her lips. Jellal gave her a glare. “Mystogan! I meant Mystogan.”

“Yeah he is,” a gruff voice said, “ Totemo otoko da! [23] ”

Natsu looked over his shoulder to see the burly white-haired boy approaching the table, followed by dark-haired poncho-clad Alzack. Elfman took a seat next to Gray and Alzack plopped down next to Droy. Lucy smiled up at Elfman and introduced herself, him returning her handshake with a crushing grip. Alzack was too distracted by the approaching green-haired cowgirl to notice Lucy’s extended hand.

“Oooh AlBisssss I ship it!” Mirajane squealed. Natsu rolled his eyes and Lucy retracted her hand with a smirk.

Bisca blushed as she slid in next to Alzack. Lucy, satisfied with their introductions, began to move food from her tray to Natsu’s.

“Awww yus!” Natsu shouted, ruffling her hat. “Thanks Luce!”

“Oi oi what the heck?” Gray demanded. “Don’t give that fiery mouth breather extra, he’ll just ruin it with that damned tabasco!”

“Not like there’s much to be ruined…” Cana scoffed, picking at the pasta in her lunch box. “Wouldn’t eat that if they paid me.”

Natsu ignored the commentary and proceeded to whip a bottle of tabasco out of the pocket of his hoodie and slather it on his chicken fried steak. He never left home without the stuff. He’d have preferred to carry ghost peppers with him, of course, but they weren’t nearly as practical as a bottle of ready-made pour-it-out-on-anything tabasco. Gray moaned and pinched his nose shut.

“Wow, Natsu,” Lucy commented, “I didn’t take you for the spicy type.”

Several people at the table snickered, including himself. Lucy didn’t seem to notice.

“Eh? Matte… [24] ” Natsu mumbled, mouth full of his favorite spicy goodness, “ Loke wa doko? [25] ” He twisted around, searching the room. He spotted his ginger friend just leaving the line and waved to him enthusiastically. Loke started to wave but dropped his hand and his smile suddenly. Huh? Natsu watched in confusion as Loke made his way around the table, heading for the seat across from Bisca. Two sophomores from the next clique over took the two empty seats instead, leaving one seat – the one Natsu had expected him to go for – right across from Lucy. Loke stopped nervously, glancing around, before hesitantly taking the open seat.

“Loke?” Natsu puzzled, “ Doushitanda? [26] ”

Loke flinched, not looking up. “ Nandemo nai. [27] ”

Natsu glanced around the table. Lucy was chatting happily with Levy, Jet and Droy not taking their eyes off the bluenette. Jellal had better fallen into character as he ate his lunch in near silence while Mirajane and Elfman talked. Gray and Erza had started some conversation in Japanese that Natsu only caught pieces of. Cana complained loudly about some rule or another to a distracted Bisca and Alzack. Everything seemed pretty normal. It was this point where Loke usually would have started flirting with somebody. Instead, he ate in tense quiet and didn’t look up from his tray. Wonder what’s up. But now doesn’t seem the time – probs should just leave him be.

Natsu noticed Gray had left his lunch fairly unattended, and inspiration hit him like a brick to the head – sudden, forceful, and leaving an evil grin growing on his face like a nasty bruise.

---

“GAHH SON OF A-!”

The shout startled Lucy, bringing her conversation to a halt as she whipped her head around. Gray jumped up from the table as he shouted, sending his chair clattering backwards. Natsu laughed hysterically as Gray pawed at his tongue, eyes watering.

“You slanty-eyed fire ant! You ruined my strawberries!”

“Served you right!” Natsu wheezed, slapping his knee.

“For what?!” Gray yelled back.

“I dunno, for being stupid and having droopy eyes!”

Lucy initially laughed at the situation; the chaos was kinda fun sometimes, and it was a welcome distraction from the awkwardness emanating from the boy in front of her. Then Erza spoke up.

“You two better start behaving yourselves,” she hissed, “or neither of you will taste anything for a week.”

Both Natsu and Gray blanched, sitting down with an “aye sir!”

Lucy barely held in a chuckle. Her new-found friends were completely nuts, and she loved it. She could get used to these rambunctious weirdos. But lunch was half over and she still had things to do, so she shoved the last bite of her salad into her mouth and went to stand.

“Well,” she said, addressing the whole table, “You guys are a lot of fun, but I’ve got some things to do.” She glanced at Gray’s tray and found it was still mostly full of food. Probs should find someone else to take me to Director Dreyar. She looked at Loke, who must have become a stone statue based on how still he was. That won’t work either. Maybe Jellal…? As soon as the thought had entered it was gone again – Jellal was just a bit too creepy right now, and he might not even be a part of the school theatre troupe – he could be an independent actor. She sighed and continued her thought. “Does anyone know where I can find a member of the drama club?”

The whole table went silent, looking at her in shock, before bursting into raucous laughter.

“What?” she said, furrowing her brow. Did I say something?

“Lucy,” Natsu chuckled, clapping a hand on her back, “we’re all members of the drama club.”

The group continued laughing as her mouth dropped open.

“Did I not mention that, Lu-chan?” Levy giggled furiously.

“N-no, you didn’t,” Lucy stammered.

“Well now you know,” Cana declared. “Should have said when I first introduced myself.” She extended a hand again. “Cana Alberona, resident specialist in drunk characters.”

The widening of Lucy’s eyes further triggered another round of laughter at the table.

“W-what do to the rest of you do?” Lucy asked, blushing.

“I like writing scripts,” Levy sang, “but I can act a little too.”

“Jet and I specialize in stage fights,” Droy grinned, running a hand over his slick, dark hair.

“Me and Bisca build prop guns!” Alzack put in, glancing at a blushing Bisca.

“I don’t act much anymore,” Mirajane hummed, “I do more directing, but when I’m on stage I specialize in villains.”

“Oh yeah,” Natsu noted through a mouth full of mashed potatoes, “didn’t they call you the She-Devil?”

“Still do!” Elfman proudly proclaimed. “ Sore wa otoko da! [28] ”

Mira smiled sweetly. “I still think your anthros acting is better, Elfman.”

“Anthros acting?” Lucy asked.

“He plays animals or characters that are part animal,” Natsu explained, “Much cooler than ice freak over here, just building sets and playing shirtless guys.”

“Hey!” Gray shouted, starting to get up.

“Gray, Natsu,” Erza said calmly. They both blanched again and sat down.

“So what do you do, Erza?” Lucy inquired. Erza had just placed a large strawberry in her mouth, so it was Jellal who spoke.

“She does lots of costume work,” he beamed, “but working with her on stage is great. She’s really good, and I’ve never seen anybody do a quick-change as fast as she can.”

“Oh wow, that’s really cool!” Lucy grinned. Erza’s cheeks turned a light pink.

She glanced around the table, absorbing the new perspective of her friends before realizing something.

“Wait, Natsu, what do you do?”

“Me?” Natsu swallowed his bite of pear before giving her a huge, mischievous grin. “Pyrotechnics.”

Lucy’s jaw hit the floor. “Wait, what? ”

“Well yeah, that’s why my handle is Salamander.”

All the chatter she’d overheard yesterday came crashing into her. Fire tricks, special effects, pyrotechnics, tabasco… She tried to picture the pinkette doing some of the rumored stunts, and to her surprise, she had no trouble.

“ You’re Salamander?” she breathed.

Natsu frowned. “Is that hard to believe? That’s how I knew that party was no good – the faker was tarnishing my name. I thought I told you that.”

Lucy’s heart pounded as things started to click into place. “So you punching him in the face with a fireball wasn’t the drugs?!”

The table burst into laughter again.

“You went all flameo at the party?” Gray howled, clutching his stomach as he laughed.

“Just to intimidate,” Natsu said bluntly, “It’s not like the fire actually does much.”

Lucy smacked his arm. “You should have said something sooner! The only reason I went to that party was because I thought he was you!”

Natsu rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and mumbled a “sorry”.

“What do you need a drama club member for, Lu-chan?” Levy asked, wiping a tear from her smiling eyes.

Lucy crossed her arms over her chest, grumbling to Levy but still looking at Natsu. “I transferred here to do theatre, since they didn’t have it at my old school. I need someone to introduce me to Director Dreyar so I can get his signature for my schedule change. Too bad someone didn’t speak up after I blathered to them about my thespionage yesterday.”

“Oi oi I was eating then!” Natsu countered through a mouth full of tabasco-covered broccoli.

“That doesn’t seem to be stopping you now,” Gray put in, taking a bite of his mashed potatoes. Natsu smacked him lightly.

“It’s a bit late to go to his office now,” Levy said thoughtfully, “but I’m sure one of us could find you after 6th hour and bring you with. What class do you have then?”

“ Oretachi no eigo no kurasu da. [29] ” Natsu piped up, “with Mr. Melon.”

Levy let out a shriek of joy that made Loke fall out of his seat. “We have the same English class?! Oh Lu-chan this is going to be so fun!”

With that, Lucy’s rage against Bora was gone. So many things had gone gloriously right since waking up this morning. She’d made new friends, she’d remembered where all of her classes were – she’d even had a lot of fun. With a life like this, Bora just didn’t seem to matter anymore.

After the bell rang and everyone left for class, she discovered that Cana, Mirajane, and Erza were also in her Physics class right after lunch. That class hour had been amazing. Mira was as sweet as honey and Erza carried an older-sister sort of warmth. Cana was incredibly crass, but the three of them were kind and fun and absolutely what Lucy was looking for in her new life away from the estate. They exuded genuineness, and it was refreshing.

In her next period she found that, in addition to Natsu and Levy, she shared English with Jet, Droy, and Loke. That hour was just as rambunctious and fun as her morning classes had been. To her surprise – and relief – her anxiety about running from home had shrunk down to a trickle. The chaos was startlingly unpredictable, true, but the honesty of it all – Jet and Droy’s open argument over Levy’s affections, Natsu’s childish paper airplane crafting, Levy’s bubbly excitement over the subject at hand… This was only the second day and already she felt like she belonged.

The bell rang and Natsu sprang from his seat, hastily slinging his bag over his shoulder and rushing to Lucy’s desk. Before she’d even begun to put away her things he threw her messenger bag over his other shoulder, grabbed her notebook and her hand, and sprinted out the door.

“N-Natsu!” Lucy shouted, stumbling as his strong grip pulled her down the hall. “What are you-?”

“ Oretachi no kurabu wo hairitaindarou? [30] ” he said with a grin. Lucy’s eyes met his in the midst of the chaotic hallway. Time seemed to slow and joy welled up in her chest. She had only known this boy for two days, but the look in his eyes – as simple and happy as it was – told her she might as well be family.

She nodded, gripping his hand in return. What he said next reverberated familiarity through her heart.

“ Kouyou! [31] ”

---

[1] Well, let’s go.

[2] Don’t speak in Japanese, it’s hard to understand you.

[3] I'm not Japanese! It's not my fault!

[4] Yes, go ahead.

[5] Who are you?

[6] Sorry! I’m Lucy.

[7] I remember.

[8] Everyone, welcome! First, I will take roll. Please say ‘hai’.

[9] Wait, Sarusuke-san, why are you here?

[10] Mr. Fullbuster, go ahead.

[11] ~Nice to meet you.~ I’m Gray Fullbuster.

[12] ~Please accept my regards.~

[13] Um… ~Nice to meet you.~ I’m Juvia Lockser. My hometown is Kyoto.

[14] But, Juvia will do her best! ~Please accept my regards!~

[15] Um… are you Lucy?

[16] Yes, I am. Your name is…?

[17] Let’s be friends!

[18] ~I’d love to!~

[19] MAN!

[20] That is not man!

[21] Nice to meet you!

[22] Nice to meet you.

[23] Very man!

[24] Wait…

[25] Where’s Loke?

[26] What’s wrong?

[27] It’s nothing.

[28] It’s man!

[29] She’s got our English class.

[30] You want to join our club, don’t you?”

[31] ~Come on!~

[nightmaretyrantvantas]

So I have a rant and a half build up of rambling about my very first Percy Jackson Oc Elysia and I need to let it spill so all of you get to hear this info dump about her and my feels

Im putting a trigger warning here I made her when I first read the whole series a few years back. Her backstory isnt the happiest. So im going to put trigger warnings for mentions of (but not going into detail of) abuse, self harm, suicidal thoughts, so if you cant handle mentions of that please dont read this I dont want to upset you

Anyways I have years of work into this bab of mine and I need to get it all out

Also An important thing to note is the timeline of her(and my other ocs) stories. Basically it kinda takes place...as if Trials of Apollo didnt happen?? Sorta? I made her before it ever came out and set her story after Blood of Olympus before trials of apollo was announced so its basically diverges after Blood of Olympus...if that makes sense...I hope it does. 

So basically....At the start of her story Elysia is 13 Nico is 16(from what I remember its been about two years since I read the books so please forgive me)

Ok this might jump around alot because im kinda word vomiting and info dumping about her so if something doesnt make sense please feel free to ask me to clarify I love to

OK SO MY BAB

So her full name is Elysia Angela Melina and shes a Daughter of Hades. At the start when she gets to camp shes 13.

Im going to attatch two pictures ive drawn of her to the post here

This is her with a referrence sheet of her at 13-14 and the digital picture is one of her at the present time that I tend to write about her at age 16.

So Elysia doesnt have things easy. She comes from an abusive household that really fucked her up mentally and emotionally before she got to camp. She ran away at 13 after getting kicked out of her sixth or seventh school and thigs got ugly at home. Stuff happened and she was brought to camp(im refining and probably going to redo how that happens) and well...she doesnt exactly fit in.

Shes on the shorter side for her age and shes lanky and skinny(partially from both skipping meals and sometimes only eating when she can sneak food at home) and she comes onto the scene wearing oversized hand me downs in all dark colors and long sleeves thats got a clear fearful and insecure posture and stance and is always trying to blending into the background and hide from being noticed. Shes got a thick mane of not very well cared for black hair and eyes so dark in color they look completely black, sometimes even in the light with pretty dark bags under them highlighted by really really too pale skin. So it makes her an easy target to be bullied ya know? But she silently takes it like she always does while clutching this beat up little backpack she ran away with as shes put in the Hermes cabin until she’s claimed(which has a 1-3 day delay depending on the god, because a lot of kids come to camp especially at the start of summer) 

When she gets claimed she freaks out and panics because everyone is staring at her and shes suddenly the center of attention because it happened in the middle of the campfire.

So begins the bonding with her big brother.

Shes got alot of inner turmoils and traumas and problems and inner demons and as a result she has undiagnosed anxiety disorders, depression, and some PTSD along with a very low amount of self-esteem and confidence in herself from the ordeals of before reaching camp. Though once shes at camp and she eventually settles in she starts recovering bit by bit. She slowly gets close with nico(it starts kinda awkward for both of them and she comes off really quiet and shy and terrified of sudden movement so its a little hard but they overcome it)

 By the end of her first year at camp shes gotten close to Nico but has a really hard time making friends with other campers her own age so she ends up sticking close to Nico and following him like his shadow because theres a period of time that heś the only person Elysia feels even remotely safe and comfortable around. And as a result at first she spends alot more time with Nico’s friends and various members of the Big Seven and she gets close to them as well(more to her siblings at first but she gets there shes a nervous bean give her time)

Though in the middle of that first year she meets a girl that soon becomes one of her best and closest friends, a daughter of Hephaestus named Karter Becks(the second oc for this fandom I made) and I’ll get to more about their friendship later.

So by the second year at camp shes settled in a little, shes decidedly become a year-rounder because she would rather be eaten by a harpy than go back to “that horrible place”as she dubs it(not to mention its very very dangerous for her outside of camp)

More things about Elysia!!!

At thirteen she had absolutely NO control of reign of her abilities. She couldnt raise or summon the dead, her shadow travel was horribly spotty and half the time she couldnt even do so correctly and her most experience with spirits is that she can sense them and she can hear and speak to them but she cant really see them( they appear as really really blurry shapes that hurt her eyes to look at for too long) of course she beats herself up over this lack of skill, mostly because she(stupidly but understandably) compares her lack of teaching and training and beginner skill level to Nico’s at the time current skill level. Yeah its dumb and yeah in the back of her mind where her common sense is she realizes this but she cant stop herself from doing so, just like she unfairly to herself compares her sword fighting skill to older campers that have been there longer. 

She eventually gets her own sword of Stygian Iron, because no matter what else she tries no other swords feel...right to her. They’re always too heavy or too light too awkward to hold dont work right with her swings or just dont feel right to her so at some point shes overthinking herself to death about it and beating herself up for being too picky when Karter suggests innocently that she tries swinging around her brother’s sword. “After all Elys, whats the worst that would happen, that it feels too heavy?” 

But what ends up happening is that though its too heavy for her, it still feels...right. The best way to describe it is that she feels more connected to her powers and to herself in a way. After hearing that she gets her own of Stygian iron and its...perfect to her. Its not too heavy on her wrist or too light to wield. And afterwards she actually starts getting some more confidence which helps her improve a little faster than before.

Once Elysia is fully apart of camp life it takes a long time for it to fully click that her belongings...are hers and her likes and interests and likes are respected. They wont get taken away or threatened, she doesnt have to hide what she likes or pretend she doesnt like one thing or another. She’s free to be her own person for the first time in her life and she struggles for awhile to adjust to that and accept it. Those struggles result in alot of scattered breakdowns and even one or two...relaspes that for once in her life she has a support system of her half brother and half sister, his friends, her two close friends, and chiron to catch her and help her back to her feet. She has people to lean on and depend on and not have to be afraid of and this helps alot into her recovery and acceptance of herself and her mental illnesses. It takes her two of the three years shes been at camp for her to get at the better place shes at when shes 16, where she now has a small group of good friends, shes managed to bring up some of her self-esteem and self  confidence, shes been clean for a year and shes in therapy for her PTSD and depression and shes opened up more to those around her and shes not the terrified jumps at her own shadow kid but a more quiet but kindhearted and sometimes even giggly teen whose slowly getting her life back together with plans for the future.

But on the topic of things she likes...

This girl loves-no ADORES animals, all kinds mythical or not. She didnt show it at first but she was so SOOOO excited when she realized the camp had Pegasi even though she tried to keep a distance from them because she realized she made them nervous. Oh man you shouldve SEEN her when Chiron took a group of campers her age into the woods and they caught a glimpse of a passing through unicorn. She was giddy about it for DAYS guys. She just...she has so much love and admiration and excitement for animals its so cute you guys.

Elysia also loves(ironically) learning about Mythology, from all over the world. Its her special interest and when she finds and buys a old broken touch screen phone(or one of those touch screen i-pod or something) and gets Karter  to fiddle with it and (eventually after shenanigan filled misadventures of trying to upgrade it to not be detected by monsters and fix the cracked screen) she fills that thing to the brim of downloaded auidobooks of different mythologies as she can and she listens to them when doing schoolwork(she ends up having do be “homeschool” by online classes because things just do not go right when trying to attend schools outside of the protected borders)

She also loves anything soft. Especially stuffed animals. Oh my god she loves stuffed animals, well into her teens. She had one she managed to bring with her to camp that is her ultimate comfort object, a older beat up and been through a life time of ringers and back stuffed husky doll that she cherishes and takes care of like one might take care of gold. Over time (once they found out her birthday--October 5th) she starts getting stuffed animals as presents or just even as little splurges on herself . She also loves soft blankets soft clothes soft anything. She loves the texture and feel of it and it makes her happy.

She’s an aspiring writer and songwriter and can even sing a little but she has no confidence in her ability in any of those. But she has boxes and piles of notebooks and journals filled with little cartoony doodles and pages upon pages of stories and songs shes been writing for years now

Fun fact during her first year at camp Percy and Annabeth dropped by for a visit during their winter break to visit friends and I have this whole little story I might post about hoe when Percy’s walking to go meet someone he finds Elysia sitting alone at the beach doodling animals in her journal and he goes up to her(shes sitting all curled up so at a distance it probably looked like she was crying or something) to see if shes ok and because Nico had been telling him about her via iris messages and updates since she got there but he didnt get to meet her during the summer(stuff happened and she kinda hid from alot of people) but he finds her and he sits with her(after announcing his presence because Nico has told him about her being very jumpy and easily scared and that at that point hes the only one she really opens up to so dont take offense to it) and they sit for a bit and Percy asks her about her doodles and she just, for the first time like ever, she starts to open up because she gets so freaking excited and hyper about it that she just starts babbling away about her doodles and the animals of them and then about animals in general and she goes on this whole, like 30-40 minute info dump/ rant about them complete with diverting tangent questions that she answers herself before continuing with this just lit up and openly happy and ecstatic expression as she goes on and on while hes sitting there just listening to her and smiling down at her partly nostalgically because at that moment she reminds him so much of how Nico was when he first met him and you got him started on Mythomagic and that shes being so open about her excitement and then she looks at him and realizing what she was doing and she shuts herself up now panicking about how much she just word vomited on her big brother’s friend and more importantly this huge shot demigod Son of Poseidon whose saved the world not once but TWICE and who is probably very busy too busy to be hanging around with her--you get the idea of her panicking until Percy slowly reaches out his hand and she nods to let him know its ok and he ruffles her hair and tells her its ok he liked listening to her and holy shit I went on a tangent about that. 

She also has alot of sweet bonding moments with Nico and Hazel because they teach her about having a loving and caring family and what thats like and its really sweet and cute and emotional

Did I mention she likes taking Nico’s shirts? Oh yeah she likes “borrowing” Nico’s shirts, and some of his jackets, mostly t-shirt and long sleeved shirts because once they get close his scent and presence really relaxes her nerves if she gets anxious. Of course its not stealing, its just borrowing and eventually giving back on laundry days...or he just lends it to her without being fully aware of it. Its cute because shes so short that they end up really big on her and she loves flapping the sleeves and the feeling of being engulfed in the safety of his presence without him even being there

ANYWAY COUGH COUGH 

uhhhhhhh....yeah thats alot about her huh I think i’ll leave you all with that to take it and make sense of and I might make a part two(or you guys can ask about her too) 

and yeeeeeeeeeee thats my PJO oc Elysia Melina!!

@phantommoonpeople 

@kid-crashed

@demidorks (im sorry if im bothering you by tagging you youre one of the pjo blogs I follow and one of my favorites)

[charmingly-helpless]

it was real to me, too

Summary: The quintet reunites after the fight.

Warnings: Mentions of injury, otherwise just fluff <3

[yelena's pov]

"Yelena, Stefaniya!"

Natasha's voice brings me out of my daze. I feel Stefaniya's hand repeatedly squeezing mine, so I know that she's okay without having to look at her.

Natasha sits down and holds the side of my head. I slowly open my eyes and smile.

"We are both upside down."

Natasha tears up at the familiar phrase. She helps me sit upright and rests her forehead against mine.

"Forgive me little sister," Natasha speaks in Russian, then switches back to English. "I should've come back for you."

"You don't have to say that," Yelena shakes her head.

"Hey, hey. It was real to me, too."

That. That was what I wanted to hear. Everything I've ever wanted to hear.

I press a kiss to her wrist and pull her into a hug. She cries over my shoulder, sniffling.

I hear a muffled groan next to me and pull away from Natasha's hug to see a pained Stefaniya digging a bullet out of her arm. She inspects it before slipping it into her pocket, then notices that we were watching her.

"What? So I keep a collection of the bullets I've been shot with. Sue me."

Natasha chuckles.

Stefaniya continues to stare at Natasha in pure disbelief.

"What?" Natasha asks.

"H-How... How are you still alive?!" Stefaniya's voice cracks.

A laugh bubbles out of Natasha's throat. "Come here, dummy."

I move in to join the group hug, reeling in the fact that my big sister and my most favorite person in the world has finally met.

"I'm so fucking tired," I shamelessly admit.

"Oh, a nap sounds so good right now," Stefaniya mumbles against Natasha's shoulder.

Two sets of footsteps growing closer breaks up our hug and we look over to see Melina walking stiffly while Alexei supported her. We meet up halfway.

"Everybody good?" Natasha asks, although the answer was pretty obvious.

"I am clearly injured," Melina dryly says.

"You got something to say?"

"I'd just mess it up," Alexei shakes his head. He holds out his hand, grasping Natasha's.

Stefaniya breathes in and out next to me, catching her breath. "Wait. I think we brushed past this too quickly. How the hell are we still alive? After all that? It's-- That should be nearly impossible. Did Red Room give us superpowers or some shit?"

I hear Natasha chuckle next to me. "Remember that blue stuff they used to shoot us up with?"

"Yeah?"

"Super soldier serum," Natasha and I said together.

"Like Captain America?"

"I'll explain to you later."

A string of vehicles rush in, getting closer to us. The work of Secretary Ross.

"Here comes the cavalry," Natasha sighs.

"So, what's our plan?" Melina asks.

"You guys go. I'll stay."

My heart skips a beat. This will be the last time I'll see my sister. At least, for a while.

It still hurts and I don't know why. I've gone more than three-fourths of my life without her. And after just a week with her, the pain of saying goodbye is just as strong as the day they separated us back in 1995.

"That's insanity. We fight. We fight with you," Alexei objects.

"I'll hold them off."

"Natasha, we fight." "We can't split up." "You're so pigheaded." "That's a load of B.S." Stefaniya, Melina, Alexei, and I talk over each other.

"You guys, go."

"Oh, my god."

"Besides, if it can work out with the four-- five of us, you know, there may be some hope for the Avengers." Natasha holds up her hand, holding a little bit of space between her thumb and pointer finger. "Little bit."

I sigh, unbuckling my green vest. "Okay, well, if you're leaving, then I guess you should take this. I know how much you like it."

"Shucks," Natasha smiles, taking it. "It does have a lot of pockets."

"Very handy pockets, yeah," I smile.

-

Next chapter

[literallyprentissstwin]

Stronger than you´ll know! - Aaron Hotchner x Daughter!OC

This is my entry for @reiding-and-writing ´s trope challenge to celebrate 1.7k followers and it kinda took me forever to get a decent idea for the request i picked. thanks to the help of @illegalcerebral i finally found my way of writing it so here it comes <3 also thanks to her for prereading it :) 

I picked Aaron as the main character. The challenge was to include an OC character. I proudly present Melinda “Mellie” Hotchner, the sixteen year old daughter of our favorite fearless leader. She currently attends highschool and has a rather difficult time there.

Prompt: “One character is sick/injured, so anotherone takes care of him.”

Characters: Aaron Hotchner, Melinda “Mellie” Hotchner, Jack Hotchner, the team

Warnings: angst (as usual), mention of bullying (bullying is an important topic so please if you experience something like it, talk to someone about it!)

A/N: I kinda based this story on myself. I was bullied back in High School on many levels (mostly psychological and cyber one). i would love to hear some feedback on this one here bc I kinda had a hard time writing it. Also i´m not sure if i fulfilled this given prompt correctly, so i apologize if i did not :)

“Melinda, hurry up! You´re gonna be late for school!”, Aaron Hotchner screamed as he put a plate full of pancakes on the table in front of Jack who immediatley started eating. It was a morning like any other. Aaron prepared breakfast for his kids and afterwards, he would drive them to school before heading to work. Five minutes later, Hotch was still waiting for his eldest child. Usually, Melinda (or Mellie as her family and friends called her) was the first one to get up in the morning. It wasn´t typical for her to be that late. 

Hotch checked the clock and frowned. They needed to leave in half an hour, so he again started to scream. 

“Mellie, come on. We have to leave soon.”

“Stop screaminng, Dad. I´m coming.”, the teenager replied, annoyed, as she came down the stairs. 

“We´re going to be late if you keep moving like this.”, Aaron said. Melinda just shrugged with her shoulders and made her way into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. 

“Who cares about school?! It sucks, teachers suck and especially people suck.”, the girl said as she put on her jacket and got ready to leave. 

“No, school is fun. I love school.”, Jack said, a huge, carefree smile spreading on his face. 

“Wait until Highschool, buddy and remember my words.”, Melinda told him as she ruffled his hair. 

“Come on, sit down. I made breakfast.”, Hotch said, but Melinda shook her head.

“A-ahm, I´m not that hungry, Dad. And is it okay if I´ll walk to school today?”, she asked, earning a concerned look from her Dad. 

“Yeah, sure, but I think you should anyway eat something. I don´t want you to starve.”

“I´ll grab something from on my way.”, she reassured him as she checked the clock, “I have to go. Bye buddy, bye Dad.”, she both kissed them goodbye and then left the house in a hurry. 

“Yey, more chocolate chip pancakes for me!”, Jack cheered at which Aaron smiled and watched his son eat while he kept wondering what was going on with his daughter.

Two hours later, Hotch was discussing a case file with David in his office as his phone rang. 

“SSA Aaron Hotchner, hello? How can I help you? Oh, hello...yes...e-ehm okay, she actually left this morning to walk to school...okay, no, I understand. I´ll call her and see what I can find out. Thanks for the call, Miss Johnson. Have a nice day. Bye!”, he ended the call and frowned. 

“What´s wrong?”, Dave asked. 

“That was Melinda´s teacher. She said that she hasn´t attended any classes today, which is very unlike Mellie.”, Hotch answered as he dialed his daughters number.

“Maybe there´s a simple explenation for it, Aaron. Maybe it´s about a boy.”, Rossi smirked.

“I hope so.”, he said as he pressed the call button and waited for Mellie to pick up the phone. The longer it took her to pick up, the more nervous the agent got. He was scared that something bad had happened to her. He couldn´t loose any more people. 

“Hello?”, he suddenly heard his daughters voice which sounded like she had been crying. 

“Oh, thank god. Mellie, it´s me. Where are you?”

“I´m at school, where else should I be?”, Mellie replied. 

“Miss Johnson called me and said that you hadn´t been in her class this morning which is so unlike you.”

“Well, I actually was in class. Maybe she just did not see me, I don´t know...”, Mellie sniffled. 

“Melinda, what´s wrong? I know you and I think we both know that this is not true. Tell me what´s going on.”

“Nothing is going on, Dad. I´m just...stressed. But I have to go now, the next class is starting soon. Bye Dad!”, and with that, she hung up. 

“I know that look.”, Dave said, “what´s going on in that mind of yours?”

“Something is wrong, but I can´t make out what it is. She´s been so closed of and nervous for weeks now and as soon as I mention school or friends, her mood skips. I don´t know..maybe she has some troubles at school. God, I´m a Profiler. I analyze tons of people a day, but I can´t make out what´s going on with my teenage daughter.”, Aaron said frustrated. 

“Don´t beso hard on yourself, Hotch. She´s a teenager. Maybe it´s just a phase. You should try and talk to her when you´ll get home tonight or I can try and talk to her. Just don´t pressure her in telling you. This will only make it worse.”, Rossi adviced as he took a sip of his coffee. 

Aaron sighed. “You´re right. I just wanna help her. She´s my daughter, Dave.”

“I know and you will. Just one step at a time. One step at a time.”

Later that day, David made sure that Hotch would leave earlier so he could have a talk with Mellie. They all knew the girl since she was born. They all truly and deeply cared for her. So it was also in the team´s interest to fix whatever was bother the young girl, so she could be her shining self again. Rossi actually pushed Aaron out of his office at around 4pm and made sure that he took nothing but his keys, cell and wallet with him, so he could completley focus on his daughter. 

When Aaronn arrived at home, Mellie wasn´t there so he decided to prepare some dinner. An hour later, Jessica brought Jack over, but Melinda still wasn´t there. Hotch texted and called her, but none of it reached her, because she had turned off her phone. Around 8pm, when she still wasn´t there, he decided to let Garcia track her down after he had put Jack into bed. Just when he was about to call Garcia, the front door opened and Melinda sneeked into the house. 

“Can you tell me where you´ve been? School was out around five hours ago. You know you´re supposed to give me or Jess a call when you´re gonna be late.”, Aaron spoke as he walked towards his daughter. 

“Sorry, I forgot to call. I went home with Lucy after school to prepare a presentation for our french class and I kinda forgot the time.”, she replied, not looking at her Dad. 

“It would have taken a minute at least to actually just send a text message, Melinda.”

“Yeah..okay, I got it, Dad. I screwed up, you´re mad. I get it. I´m sorry I forgot. But I´m here so no need to worry.”, she said as she headed towards the stairs. 

“But I am worried about you. First, I get this call that you´re not in class, then you´re obviously lying to me and now, you come home at 8 in the evening without saying a word to anyone. You´re behaving completley strange and unlike you.”, Hotch ranted while Melinda looked at her buzzing phone. Something inside of him snapped, so he took Mellie´s phone away from her to get her attention. 

“Hey, give it back! This is mine.”, she argued as she tried and reached for it. While doing so, her huge jumper sleeve rolled up and revealed a white bandage which was covering a part of her arm. Melina immediatley tried to put the sleeve back down, but it was too late. Aaron grabbed her wrist carefully and looked concerened at the bandage. 

“Mellie...what..”, he started, but she pulled her wrist out of his grip. 

“I just hurt myself during sport class today..I´m fine.”, she said as she grabbed her phone when her father wasn´t paying any attention to it. 

“No, you´re not. Please, talk to me, princess. I´m worried. I care for you and...”, he again started but got interrupted by his daughter. 

“Don´t...don´t say it. Don´t pretend to care, Dad. You´re always away, so how could you possibly care? This is my business, so back off.”, the young girl said, choking on tears as she ran up into her room and locked herself in while leaving an even more concerned and hurt Aaron Hotchner behind. 

The next morning went as the last one. Mellie got up late and was looking like she did not get any sleep last night. Her phone kept buzzing which she tried to ignore. Hotch tried talking to her, but she also tried to completley ignore him. Without saying a word, Melinda left the house in a hurry. If Aaron´s heart wasn´t broken enough yet, it definitley ripped apart more as Jack asked if he did something wrong because Melinda wouldn´t kiss him goodbye. How do you explan the stuff that might be going on to a six year old boy who should not be bothered with things like these? 

After breakfast, Hotch drove Jack to school and the got to the BAU. He needed a plan. He needed to help his daughter. With quick steps, he made his way through the bullpen without greeting his co-workers. He went to his office and immediatley called Jessica to ask if she could take in Jack over night so he could at least again try to talk to his daughter. He won´t give up.  When he ended the call, he heard someone knock at his door. 

“Come in.”, he replied as he sat down at his desk, opening a case file. 

“Hey, is everything alright?”, Emily asked as she slowly entered his office and closed the door behind her. 

“Yeah...I don´t know exactly. I´m worried about Mellie.”

“Did you talk to her yesterday? Rossi told me that she´s going through a rough phase when I asked him how he got you out of your office this early.” Hotch smirked. 

“Yes, it was my intention to talk to her, but instead we ended up fighting because she came home way too late without telling me and then, she had this bandage covering half of her arm which had me concerned.”

“She´s a teenager, Hotch. Maybe there´s something going on with which she isn´t comfortable of talking to you about it.”

“She told me that I didn´t care about her.”, Aaron stated, a hurt look lingering on his face.

“I bet she actually did not mean it. You´re a great father, Hotch. You do everything in your might possible to be there for them both. If it would help, I can try and talk to her. It´s Wednesday and Mellie and me ususally meet on Wednesday´s for lunch and girl talk.”, Emily suggested. 

“You would do that?”, the agent asked.

“Sure, I´m always happy to help. And if it means figuring out what´s going on with her, I´m in.”

“Thank you, Emily. That means a lot.”, he said as he gave her on of his rare smiles. Emily smiled back and left the office, praying that lunch break would be here soon. 

“Hey, Em.”, Mellie smiled as she greeted the dark haired agent with a hug. 

“Hey, girly.”, Prentiss said as they broke the hug after what felt like an eternity, “shall we go inside?”, the agent asked at which Mellie nodded. 

Together, they entered the small bistro which was down the street from the BAU. After Hayley died and Melinda didn´t get that well along with her aunt Jessica, but Hotch still thought that she kinda still needed some “motherly” advice, Prentiss offered to take that role. She did not want to replace Hayley. She just wanted to be a human sounding board for a sixteen year old girl who sometimes might need an advice from a woman (especially when it come to girls stuff and boys.). Emily and Mellie bonded really fast since they both know eachother for quite some time already. Aaron couldn´t thank Emily enough for what she did. 

After they got settled at a table back in the corner of the restaurant, they both ordered their usual meals and started some small talk as they waited for their food.

“So, how you´ve been?”, the brunett woman asked. 

“I´m okay. School is stressful as usual but only two more years to go and then I`m off to college. What about you?”, Melinda said. 

“I´m great. Sergio is great. I´m still enjoying my job and thank god, we didn´t had a case the last few days.”, Emily sighed, “you already got some plans what you wanna do after Highschool?”

“I´m not sure yet. I thought about going to study law or criminology, but I also love working with kids. Media is also pretty interesting.”

“Well, at least you already got some sort of a plan. But you got plenty of time left yet. Just enjoy Highschool as long as you can.”

Mellie laughed nervously. 

“Ha, yeah...well...”, she said as the waitress moved over to their table and placed their food in front of them. The girls thanked her and started to eat. While eating, Melinda´s phone kept buzzing. She quickly checked, but annoyed clicked the messages away. 

“You okay?”, Prentiss asked as she observed the nervous girl. 

“Ehm, yes...I`m fine.”, Mellie said, giving the agent a fake smile. 

“You´ve got some quite resistent friends, huh?”, Emily went on. 

“Kinda..”, the girl replied as she poked around in her salad. Emily couldn´t tae it any longer and snapped. 

“Okay, Mel. What´s going on?”

“I don´t know what...”

“You know exactly what I mean. You´re really closed off. Everytime your phone is buzzing, you tense up. Oh and not to mention that white bandage looking out from under your sleeve.”

“Did Dad tell you to talk to me or why are you profiling me like I´m one of those unsubs you hunt?”

“He´s worried about you and so am I. I can see that you are not okay.”

“Emily, I...”, Mellie said as the phone buzzed again and the girl subconsciously tensed up. 

“Give me the phone.”, Emily ordered.

“Em...”

“Mel, give me the phone.”

The girl hesitated for a moment, but then gave in; there was no other way out of it. Tears gathered in her eyes as she gave Emily her unlocked phone and waited for her to say anything. The agent needed a minute to actually understand what was going on, but eventually, she did. 

“How long has this been going on?”, she asked angrily. 

“It started two weeks ago a-and i-it only got worse. They put my number out there so everyone is able to call or text me. It´s horrible. I don´t know what to do. I don´t know why they are doing this.”, Mel sobbed as she hugged herself. Emily, on the other hand, put some money on the table and got up.

“Come on.”

“W-where are we going?”, Melinda asked confused. 

“We´re gonna head back to the BAU:”

“N-No, no, Dad doesn´t need to know.”

“He already knows that something i going on. We only wanna help.”

Melinda felt too weak to fight any longer, so she gave in. She got up and together, they made their way back to the bureau. 

“Mellie...what happened?”, Hotch asked concerned as he was about to exit Rossi´s office. Before saying a word, the girl rushed into her father´s arms and immediatly started crying. 

“Derek, can you bring Garcia this phone? Let her track every person who send a message on here.”, Emily said as she handed Melinda´s phone to Morgan, who gave ger a confused look. 

“We have a severe case of cyber bullying here and I want to find those kids.”

With this, Morgan ran off to Penelope´s office, anger boiling inside of him. No one messes with his family. 

“I-I´m so s-sorry, Dad.”, Melinda whispered, still hugging her father tight. 

“What´s going on?”, he asked as confused as Derek did a few seconds ago. 

“Maybe we should go and talk in private.”, Emily suggested at which Hotch nodded, so he guided his scared daughter up to his office, followed by Emily, who closed the blinds and the door to create a safe place for the girl. Aaron and Mel sat down on the couch, while Prentiss took a seat on the armchair across from them. The crys of the shaking girl have subsided, so Aaron tried to talk to her again.

“Mel, can you please tell me what´s going on?”

The girl tried to gather herself and sat up while wiping away the tears from her face.

“I-It all started like two weeks ago. You know, there´s this group of girls at school who pretend they rule over everyone there. Well, I saw them pushing around a little girl and I wanted to help. So I jumped in front of the girl and eventually, they let it go and left, saying that they will be watcing me. Then it only got worse. One day, I saw them lurking around in the classroom where Miss Johnson left her stuff at and also the example of the class test we were about to write the next day and they stole it and went off. I don´t know what came into my mind, but I just wanted to do the right thing. I told Miss Johnson, who told the principal and he confronted them, ending in them getting suspended from school for three weeks. Someday after dance class, they waited for me and threatened me that this was a mistake and I´ll regret what I´ve done. Well, they weren´t wrong.”, Melinda explained as her Dad and Emily were listening carefully. 

“What happened then?”, Emily wanted to know. 

“It was calm for the next two days until these weird messages started coming up. They posted my number on several social media pages and I got many terrifiying calls. One day, someone even tracked my cell and waited for me at the library. He tried to get me to come witch him but I fought him off. This is why I have this bandage. Also, people in school started to bully me, but I was too scared to speak up because who knew what else would happen. So I kept shut about it and pushed people away. I tred to deal with it alone, but I failed. God, they said all thos hurtful things like that I´m a disgrace and that I should go and kill myself. They tried to get inside my head by telling me I´m not good enough and that I´m fat and ugly. I didn´t know what to do...I´m so sorry, Dad.”, she finished as she started crying again. Hotch put his arms around her and did his best to comfort her. 

“There´s no need to be sorry, princess. I´m so proud of you for doing the right things and protecting others and speaking your mind. We will get them and everything will be okay again, I promise. No one will ever hurt you again, I´ll make sure of that.”

And he kept his promise.

Three months later, everything started to turn out quite good for Melinda. After the talk back in her father´s office, the girl squad got arrested and put into prison as it turned out it wasn´t the first time them doing such things. Garcia also was able to track down all thos cringy messengers who harrassed the girl. They also got a warning from the police. Melinda herself decided to change school after everything that happened and she couldn´t be happier about it. Hotch, who stood close at his daughter´s side during this time, made sure that he made up more time for both of his kids. He also got Mellie to go to talk to a professional about the last months to cope with everything. Aaron and the team were there for the girl every step of the way. He took care of his daughter when she woke up at 4 in the morning from nightmares, he helped her rebuild her confidence and Morgan offered to teach the girl some self-defence-lessons. Overall, Melinda was surrounded by people who truly and deeply cared for her and she couldn´t be more thankful. 

“Good morning, Dad. Good morning, bud.”, she said happily as she came down to the kitchen to go and have breakfast like it used to be.

“Good morning, princess. Slept well?”, Hotch asked, putting her plate down in front of her.

“Thanks and yep, no nightmares.”, she answered proudly as she enjoyed her chocolate chip pancakes and coffee. Aaron smiled and was about to say something when Jack spoke up.

“Aunt Jessica and I are gonna go to the cinema later today. You wanna come to Mel?”, he asked. 

“Sure, why not?”, she agreed. The relationship to her aunt also got better in the last few months since she realized that she didn´t want to replace her Mom, but actually just wanted to help. They continued having breakfast in silence when Hotch checked the clock. 

“Alright guys, finish up. We need to leave in five.”, he said as he got ready. The kids both cleared their plates and got their bags before getting into the car. They first dropped Jack off at his school before heading to Mel´s new school. 

“Okay...so after school, I´ll directly head over to Jess´ place.”, she said before the got out, “I´ll text you when I get there.”

“Okay, have a nice day.”, Aaron said as he waved his daughter goodbye. She smiled at him, closed the door and made her way towards the school as she felt her phone buzzing in her pocket. Confused, she picked it out and opened the message which put a huge smile on her face: 

“Always remember: You´re stronger than you´ll know!” 

She smiled at the words and turned around to look at her Dad who gave her a final look before driving away starting a new day...

- You don´t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.- 

* Bob Marley 

Tag List: 

CM: @imagicana @marvelfanlife @illegalcerebral @milkandcookies528 @liz-a-22 @sunreid @reiding-and-writing @rachficrecs

Hotch: @michellelisa @littledizzyhurricane @iammostdefinitelyonfire26

[reztheripper-blog]

Rise of The Demon Huntress Part 3

 The front lines were in the city of Divitiae. Really nice place if you can ignore the raging demons killing every man, woman, and child in sight. We knew when we were getting close not because of the screams of those being slaughtered nor from the sight of fires spreading throughout the city, but from the scent of blood. Look, if anyone ever tells you blood isn't creepy, they're fucking insane (Or They're Alice. She actually enjoys the smell, then again, she's not the sanest person I know). It hit us like a wave, the metallic stench of death. As we got closer, the sounds we thought were sirens turned into the screams of the citizens and regular combat magicians (For reference, combat magicians are citizens who decide to defend a city if the need arises. They tend to do this until the military can arrive.) who were trying to hold off the demon onslaught.       "This is worse than the reports ever made it."  Alice said       Nero simply shook his head in sadness. "These people weren't meant to hold off such a large attack. They wouldn't have stood a chance."       "Well there may still be survivors. At worst, it overrun with demons and we all get brutally devoured. At best, we come across a fighting force and the douche who decided to cause this mess."       We wandered through the city encountering mainly dead people and demons. It was kind of a silver lining to say that it was an equal number of human and demon corpses, but at the quantity we were seeing, it was pretty bad. At one point there was a roving group of demons combing the streets looking for survivors. We had to avoid them as I didn't want to try and fight while getting Nero to the front lines. There was one strange occurrence that had all of us confused. There were several human corpses in a street and upon closer examination, they all had magical burns and weapon scratches (Demons leave a more ragged tear while weapons give a cleaner cut).         "Did they... kill each other?" I asked       Nero gave the bodies a long examination while me and Alice kept watch. "Whatever killed them was human. In fact most of them were killed with a combination of knife wounds and electrocution."       "Great. So one of our own decided to go rouge and start killing civilians? This just gets better and better." Alice said with a sigh. She turned to me and asked, "Do you think we should find them?"       "No. Hopefully whoever it is has moved far, far along."       I probably should've never said anything because the second I said that I felt a knife tip press against the back of my neck.       "Who are you?" A woman's voice asked from behind me.       "I think the better question is who are you? You kinda just came up from behind us and took me hostage."       "Nope, she got us all as hostages." Alice said as she slowly turned around to face me.       I had to do a double take, because last I remember, she was already facing me and was much farther away. Then it clicked instantly "That's not her." The shadow that was Alice dripped away and the real Alice came from behind our mysterious attacker and started to attack her instead.       "Stop fighting me or your healer gets it!!"         "Alice, stop!"       "Yes, please stop. I'd rather not die just yet." Nero said while being held hostage by a male attacker.       Alice stopped, but never sheathed her short sword. She grumbled something and came back to us.       "Now answer me: Who are you?" This strange woman asked us.       I guess it couldn't do any harm to tell her. Worst case scenario, we kill her. "I'm Melina Angelo," I pointed to Alice "the one who so kindly tried to murder you is Alice. That passive guy you have your goon pointing a knife at is Nero. And it's only courteous if you do the same and tell us your name."       The mysterious woman sighed and sheathed her knife. "I'm Natasha. Part of the actual group who is trying to stop the demon horde called the House of Knives."       This little statement piqued my interest as it would kind of explain the weird dead bodies we found. "So there's another group?"       "Yes, they're trying to help the demons invade our world. We don't know why, but we do know that these people all seem to reference meeting someone with strange eyes (Note: Strange eyes in the world of Favent means you have some really strange eyes. Like one neon green eye with a white spiral in it and another dull silver eye with purple rim around it) and the person offered them a well-paying job. We call them the "Controlled". You can tell them from other people because they're eyes are completely whited out. However, some still have normal eyes and will still religiously follow any order their leader gives."       "Well, shit. A cult basically?" I said       "In essence. Except they want the end of all humanity. Not enlightenment."       "We'll help you if you help us."       "It depends on what exactly it is you want."       "We want to find out who opened the Obice."       "Good. 'Cause the guy who did it is the leader. Kill him and you break the spell on the Controlled. Win-Win! I'll help you of course, because I remember the layout of the facility. I used to work there actually."       "Where is it?"       "You're not gonna like it. The weapon's facility 'Divitiae's Finest' is where their going and producing all of their equipment."       "Um... could you please call off your guy here? This knife is really digging into my throat." Nero complained       "Oh yeah, Marcus you can let him go. Head back to base and tell them I'm going to be doing a raid on the Controllers and to not worry."       Marcus let Nero go and proceeded to leave, but there was a more pressing concern here: What exactly was controlling these people? If it were a demon, that meant someone managed to do a controlled summon and did it basically across dimensions. They would be a powerful magician and a decent threat.       We were approaching the weapon facility, when that large group of demons decided now would be the perfect time to appear in front of us. And this time there was no hiding from them.       "Hey Alice, mind doing me a favor and getting it dark for them?" I glanced at Nero, "Please stay as far back from the combat as possible. But not so far we can't help you."       "I'll be back about one block." Nero said as he hurried along       I looked at Natasha, "I guess you do what you do best."       "Kill shit?"       "Oh yes!!" And we all ran at the horde of demons.       It was freakin' awesome! Alice had all of the demons near blinded by her Shadow Sorcery and Natasha was like a deadly dancer on the battlefield! She whirled her knives and always found her mark. Around her, graceful splashes of blackened blood sprayed from dead demons as they dropped like flies. Me? I just went and had fun (If you're gonna die, at least have your last moments having a blast). I changed my weapon into a scythe and started to spin it through demons. I really loved this blade! I could hear the bone shattering in the demons, but it left the cleanest cuts I'd ever seen. I swept through the demons like they were butter. At one point I changed it into a sword and it was unreal. I could cleave off entire limbs in a single, effortless swing and pierce the thick demon plating surrounding a demon's chest like it wasn't even there. Alice was like a ghost in the battle, appearing in one spot then killing another enemy elsewhere or making two enemies kill each other as they lunged their claws at her shadow image.        As epic as we were, however, we weren't invincible. I got dangerously close to dying as a demon faked a lunge and bit my arm. There aren't too many things in this world that hurt blindingly, but that is a whole new level of pain. I probably would have died because I couldn't get to my sword (It clattered out of my hand when I fell) and he was gnawing on my better (-ish) arm (I'm ambidextrous). He stopped biting my arm to attack my face, but I grabbed him by the throat and began to bash his brain matter on the concrete.         I had to save Alice from getting mauled to death. Even though she's a talented fighter, it's not her style to head-on fight someone. She tends to pick enemies off and use mass confusion. So when she got surrounded by five of the more vicious looking demons (Bloodier scales, sharper teeth, actually had horns, smelled really bad), I kinda jumped in to save her. She gave me the "Thank you" nod as a response.       Natasha saved my ass twice. Once when a strange demon that looked like a chicken (Writer's Note: Picture a velociraptor and you have a perfect idea. Act 2 will explain why this term doesn't exist) with arms knocked me over and tried to gut me with its claws. She simply jumped over it and slit its throat with both of her knives, then helped me up. Another time, it was more of a mutual assistance. We ended up back to back and began to just murder everything in sight. When she ducked I would back swing over her and kill all demons that were in front of her. When I did a side dodge, she would reach her knife out and impale whatever was in front of me (Luckily she never nicked me. I think her knives were poisoned.). It was glorious in-tandem killing!!       After maybe 30 minutes or so, we killed them all. About 75 demons slain because they chose the wrong corner to turn on.       "NEEERRROOOO!!!!!!" I called out "IT'S SAAAAFEEE!!!"       He came peeking around a corner and walked out, but he didn't walk like he normally did. Once I noticed the blood on his hands, demon blood, I rushed over to help, trying to remember any healing spells (Look! You try and remember thousands of incantations, spell circles, concoctions, and other stuff! Shit's hard! Then Healing classes only meet during the winter for 2 weeks. It's total bullshit, but I digress in my digression).         He had heavy, labored breathing which meant he was either losing a lot of blood or about to die. I was kinda hoping for the former. "Nero, where are you hurt?" I said in my professional voice       "My... my back. Snuck... away and....." He trailed off       I flipped him over and saw the four long scars going across his back. "Uhhh......"       Natasha came over and immediately saw what was wrong. "Sana" she whispered. Suddenly Nero was encased in a dim white light for a few seconds and once it dimmed everything on him was repaired, even his clothing. Some of his hair had even reversed from graying!!       "What spell is that?!!" I asked, incredulous at the results I just saw       "It's a Grandmaster level spell of healing. Don't ask how I know it and no, I'm not an ex-Grandmaster."       Alice suddenly warped in front of us carrying one beat-up, wimpy demon. "While you two were here chatting away, burning time away, I found us a demon to interrogate. He should know what to expect around here." She started to slowly strangle the demon, "IN PERFECT FUCKING DETAIL!!!!!"       I told you she was a bit psycho. We set up something resembling a camp and looted nearby stores (Yeah, I know it's a crime. Fucking hang me. Oh, wait you already are planning to kill me!) for supplies. We still had some way to go before we reached to weapons facility and a lot more to learn about this threat of the "Controllers".                                                  [End Part 3]

[readmeri]

You know how people ask how you are, all the time, and you answer ‘I’m fine, how are you?’ even if your leg is hanging off. It’s because you are both being polite. If each and every time somebody said ‘Hi, how are you?’ we actually told them how we were, they’d start avoiding us. Yeah… conversations are so stupid sometimes.

I reckon you can tell how close you are to somebody by how you answer that question and how they react to your response. I was chatting to a good friend in SL last night and she asked me that very question and I gave her a considered response ‘I’m ok you know… reasonable’, and she responded that she too felt reasonable and she said she thought it was a good response.

This kind of shorthand means that she knows that the problems I had previously have not magically taken flight, and I know that she has concerns and troubles that too have not gone away, but that we are both coping with our situations and being strong when required. Sometimes, with good friends, the conversation then goes on to cover some of those areas, or specifically ask if a situation has improved at all.

My pet hate is when someone I don’t know asks me how I am and I say ‘Fine! How’s you?’ to be polite and also ‘cus I want to move on to the main course (ie. the reason they IM’d me), and they then bombard me with their work issues or family troubles, or, worst of all, SL troubles. Sometimes I feel like interrupting and saying ‘Scuse me… you do know that everybody has a life that causes them problems don’t you?’

I realise that sometimes people are on the edge of something terrible, that you come across them at a time in their lives so awful that just one person asking how they are can cause it all to come tumbling out. And that’s okay, I’m not talking about those people. I’m talking about the ones who think you somehow are going to be interested in how their husband blocked the waste disposal the other day and the dog has fleas again and how that guy never IMs even tho he said he liked them a lot. Gah.

It is entirely possible to have SL friends who know almost nothing about your real life and your problems and in some ways, maybe that’s just fine? I go into SL as a little holiday from RL (I don’t want you to run away with the idea that my RL is so dreadful I need to escape it, but like yours, it’s so darn real at times) and not to plunge into the depths of other people’s (first world) problems.

I guess relationships, wherever they develop, should be equal in my mind. I share with people, they share with me, we share each other’s problems – and joys.

Just don’t go being a really boring moaner and putting people you know on a bummed-out downer. Cus like… nobody needs that shit :D

Not that YOU would do that. Wow no, never. You’re great <3

What to wear in Second Life today?

Visit | Bluff Cove Pose | Le Poppycock – Own It (Le Poppycock Mainstore) Frown | [KoKoLoReS] Frown Lines – mesh with HUD (Skin Fair 2017, 10-26 Mar) Hair | [KoKoLoReS] Melina – Blondes HUD (Hairology, 10-28 Mar) Outfit | [Cynful] Bombshell Top & Pants [Mait/2Sli/3Bell] (Collabor88, 8 Mar – 6 Apr) Shoes | CandyDoll Andree Shoes (Fameshed, 1-27 Mar)

About:

Let’s begin with the event opening today – Collabor88. Cynful have designed the gorgeous Bombshell Top and Pants for the event which has a ‘Lazy and Chill’ theme. Oh I’m so looking forward to this one, cus that’s my preferred state. Sod those high heels and tights you have to keep tugging at (well, I do). There is now the main C88 sim, link given above, plus 2 camshopping sims to help you get what you want while it’s busy. Camshop C88 1 and Camshop C88 2. Do have fun with that! Oh! Also, the Cynful set has a chain you can choose to have or not, plus a HUD which decides metal colour and stone colour.

Skin Fair 2017 opens in 2 days, on the 10th, and so many people are just peeing their pants with excitement to get in. If, you too, are eager to see what is on offer and purchase that good stuff, you can join the group I linked in the credits above (because the SURL isn’t released yet, it not being open) and you can get early access to the event. Whoopee.

KoKoLoReS have made these mesh frown lines, which come with a HUD with 3 choices of frown type. It basically adds subtle lines on your forehead between your eyes ideal for showing that you’re perplexed, annoyed or otherwise beflubberated. You can get those at The Skin Fair and, them being mesh, you can use them on mesh or ‘normal’ heads willy nilly.

They (KoKoLoReS) also made the lovely Melina hair for Hairology which also opens on the 10th. It comes in a wide range of colours via the generous HUDs. I often go for bayalage, but this one is straight out the blondes box.

Let’s move on to more pictures!

  And finally, a really jiggy jigging for the rigging video. I’m gonna get down and dance and I hope you’ll join me.

Second Life Fashion from ReadMeri | So so! You know how people ask how you are, all the time, and you answer 'I'm fine, how are you?' even if your leg is hanging off.

[chayacat]

Devil’s Sweet Star (46)

Fandom: Dead by Daylight

Ghostface x Female Reader  

Rated M for Violence, Language and Smut  

***

He couldn't believe he had come to this point. He didn't want to believe it actually. And yet... it’s very real. If one day he had been told that he would use spiritualism to deal with his problems, Danny would have laughed everything he could. Then he would have mocked the fools who believe in it. Unfortunately for him, you believe in it. And he can't really make fun of it. He wants to keep his arms. The day was still under stress and waiting for Melina to arrive, to finally free you from all this. But Danny is not enthusiastic about the idea. But he hides it, to please you.

Melina had arrived early that evening, with two boxes containing all her grandmother's mystical objects. The sooner she comes, the sooner the problem will be solved. That's what she told him on the phone, 1 hour ago. And knowing Melina, Danny suspects that the accelerator must have suffered. He took one of the boxes and went up to the apartment where you were making coffee. Melina arrived with the second box in hand, which she gently placed on the ground.

“Are you sure what you're doing? You didn't need so many objects.” said Danny, sighing.  

“Jed. We don’t joke with the spirits! especially evil spirits! I gathered all the objects that Grandma used to chase away negative entities. there is one that will correspond to what we need against those who want you harm!” responds Melina, crossing her arms.  

“Because in addition you don’t know what these objects do? it's going to take the whole night!”  

“I did as fast as I could Jed... I didn't have time to look in detail at the properties of each object. But all 3, we will go much faster.”

“Do you think it's going to work?” you ask, giving Danny and Melina a cup of coffee.  

“The only way to find out is to try. But in your interest, it’s better that it works. As I said, we don’t joke with evil spirits. And who knows what these things might do in the near future.”  

In their interests. But Danny already knows the result. He knows very well that it’s a waste of time and you no longer risk anything. But if it can reassure you, then he is ready to let spiritism do its magic at home. Hoping that it doesn’t encroach on his business. And the sooner you are reassured, the sooner he can return to kill poor "innocents" at night. Even if at the moment, the offenders are discreet in Roseville. And they’re few.

Melina began to open the boxes and search throughout this bazaar for the objects that will be most useful in your situation. Candles, amulets, crosses, salt, holy water, a Ouija... All the necessary of spiritism and ghost hunting was in these boxes. It's a real shop. Danny never had the opportunity to meet this woman, the poor one having died, but one thing is certain, she was a believer to the end. You help Melina to search and Danny, in front of this, had to resolve to do the same. If it's not unfortunate...

“Guide to spiritism for newcomers: learn to master and use one's celestial power safely. Are there really people reading this stuff? I thought it's innate and that it was mastered with experience.” said Danny, showing the book at you and Melina.  

“It is. But sometimes, it’s...hard to control, to not cross the border. Once my grandma explained to me what happened to one of her friends who, like her, have this kind of gift, crossed the borders between us and spirits world. She was not the same at all. She was... as if she had been drained of all energy, a real zombie. No doctor, not even the greatest specialists could determine where this could come from. But my grandma, she knew that her friend had crossed the point of no return and a few months later... she died in her bed. My grandma was always paying attention since that day.” responds Melina.  

“Frightening...” you said worried.  

“Isn't it? I would need this book. Thank you for finding it, Jed.”

“A protective amulet? Has it already worked?”

“More than once! It was my grandmother's lucky charm. She always used it as a last resort when other objects did nothing. We will be able to use it too, with salt.” replied Melina.  

Danny sighs before looking away. What not to hear... Melina prepared the table and put the book there, which she opened, flipping through the pages one by one carefully so as not to miss anything. She has to make sure that everything goes well, for her as for both of you. Danny glanced at you, seeing your little worried but adorable face. It reminded him of the first time you met Ghostface. The same face that in the end, convinced him not to kill you. In addition to your temper.

“Oh, come on. Are you going to walk away now?” said Jed in Danny’s mind.  

“Shut up.” Danny simply responds.

“Imagine that it works. And let this thing not come back. You'll have to believe that all this isn't just a big joke for profit.”

“And if it doesn't work, I'm going to beat myself up and all this mess to go down to the car...”

“Danny, you saw this thing just like me and (Y/N). You can't deny the existence of this thing, whatever it is. And obviously it wants to use you to feed her. The question is how. And personally, unless you're a sadomasochist, I don't think you want to know, and live it.

“Yeah yeah. We’ll see if it works.”

Jed sighed before disappearing. Danny looked at you and Melina again, both of you reading the book to ward off evil spirits. If this stupid stuff really works, he promises to go to church at least once a month. What? it's already better than nothing! don't ask too much of him either... Melina, while following the instructions, installed all the equipment around the apartment. Then she invited Danny to join you in a salt circle that she had drawn following the pattern that was written on the book. She had drawn one for her moving a little away from the two of you.

“Whatever happens, don’t move. You will be safe in it.” said Melina.  

“If you say so...” responds Danny not really convinced.

“OK... To the spirits that haunt this couple, I ask you to leave them alone. Let them live in peace and go back to where you came from. They didn't do anything to you.”  

A heavy silence was made in the room. No noise. Danny looked everywhere but saw nothing, no mist, no voice, no giant spider legs. The flat calm. He almost wanted to leave the circle to turn the light back on and stop all this circus, but when the idea crossed his mind... he heard them. Voices. And you too visibly. He turned his head in the direction of the voices, and noticed that the door of the bedroom was smoking... this thick mist... yes, it's them.

“Melina...it’s there...we see them! Our bedroom door is surrounded by a black and thick mist.” you said.  

“Okay. Don’t move. Stay in the circle! Nothing can happen to you inside.” she responds. “Who are you? Why are you attacking them? And what do you want from them?”

“You will not be able to escape us. Sooner or later, you will come with us. You will soothe our hunger. And you Danny will help us.” said the voice.  

“It... wants to take us. It says we have to feed him.” said Danny calmly.  

“Why?” asks Melina.  

“If only I know.”  

Suddenly, as in the café, the door opened on a black mist. The spider legs came out slowly and gradually advanced towards the group. Danny felt that you were sticking more strongly to him. He also felt that you were shaking. By pure instinct, he made you step back to put himself in front of you. If he could grab one of the knives in the kitchen...

“Go away! leave them alone!” replied Melina looking at the opened door.  

“Pathetic creature. your little toys won't do anything to us. Now Danny... it's time for both of you to join us.” Said the voice again.  

One of the paws rushed at the two of you in one fell swoop, grabbing Danny in the leg, causing him to fall to the ground. Then it began to bring him back to her, while Melina desperately tried to pull him out to free him. So, she could see it? Or she had to feel it and the thing had to appear to her like a shadow.

As he gradually felt the mist take hold of him, your voice brought Danny back to his senses. And when he turned his gaze to you, he saw you throw a knife at him. That's exactly what he needed. He grabbed the knife, got up and planted it in the paw of the thing which, in a shrill scream, let go of him as it returned in the mist, still wounding Danny in the leg in the process. Melina pulled him back and observed the foggy door which gradually became thicker.  

The paws tried again to catch Danny but this time it was you who took the initiative to attack. Armed with a chopper, you cut off one of the legs which will make a new scream of the thing. No one had time to do anything that you find yourself throwing against the wall of the living room. Then the other paws came out, recovered the severed paw and left in the mist that disappeared as mysteriously as it had arrived.

“Holy shit...What the f*ck was that?” asks Melina shocked, helping you to get up.  

“I... I don’t know. But one thing is sure...it’s scary.” you respond, shaking a little.  

“Yeah...I don’t see it, but I believe you. Are you okay Jed? Nothing broken?”  

“No. I’m fine.” Danny simply responds.  

2 hours later, the three of you were sitting on the couch, a cup of coffee in hand. Danny had bandaged his leg and avoided moving it too much, the pain still being present. He couldn't forget that strange feeling that the mist had made him feel... As if she had tried to take possession of him. For a moment he felt himself and Jed leaving. It was a... disagreeable sensation.

“What do we do now?” you ask, breaking the silence.  

“I don't know. This thing... whatever it is, is much stronger than I thought. It’s not an ordinary spirit; it’s an entity that’s very powerful. And whatever we do, it will be useless. I don't know what she wants from you but... you're going to have to deal with it. And pray that one day she will leave you in peace.” said Melina worried.  

“It will never leave us alone.” starts Danny with dark eyes. “This thing will never leave us alone wherever we are. She will haunt us down until she gets what she wants: us. Why...that’s the question.”  

And he's right. You can run away as much as you want and can, it will always find you. Like a parasite it’s related to both of you, and sooner or later it will have you. How, why and when, that the question. You must enjoy the days to come from now on. Only God alone knows if it will ever be an ordinary day...  

Or your last day on Earth.

***

(The last chapters are just as hard to write as the first, fortunately the weekends serve me a little to set up the ideas I want to implement XD As I told you, once DSS is finished, I think I will take one or two weeks of rest before starting the fanfic on RE8 which I think will be more or less long,  depending on the direction it will take! so if during these 1 or 2 weeks you have questions or if you want to know more about the poor potato that I am, do not hesitate! I'm always available! I hope you’ll like this chapter like the other ones! Well, it's time for my brain to rest! Have a great weekend to you all!  See ya! )