#ok hi hello this is my attempt at trying to stay optimistic

[telehxhtrash]

I tend to see a lot of people say that Togashi will leave things uncertain and ambiguous in between Killua and Gon, and while it’s a possibility, I honestly don’t think it’s the most likely thing to happen, and if it did, ambiguous wouldn’t be the correct term to call it.

People often say that Togashi likes to play with ambiguity when it comes to queer matters. Yes, Togashi likes to play with gender. We get to see that through Kite, Pitou and Kalluto in HxH (although its arguable because Kite is definitely not cis). But when Togashi decides that a character is queer, or that there is a relationship going on between two characters, he doesn’t leave it ambiguous.

Togashi has created queer characters in 3 of his main works : Yu Yu Hakusho, Level E and Hunter x Hunter. And everytime he created those characters, he made damn sure that everyone knew that these characters were queer. No room for any sort of ambiguity.

The first examples I have are from Yu Yu Hakusho, with a character named Miyuki, and the other is from Level E, with a character named Kyoko Mikihisa.

For these two characters, Togashi made it so that they emphasized themselves that they were trans. It’s painted extremely clearly, that they were born in the wrong body. There’s literally no room for any sort of ambiguity here.

Togashi could’ve easily kept things ambiguous. There are plenty of ways he could’ve done it, keeping the character’s gender confusing. But he didn’t. He made it EXTRA clear that these characters were trans. This is mostly why I genuinely don’t believe you can describe Togashi’s queer rep as “ambiguous”. Because when the characters tell you themselves that they are, it’s canon. It’s not ambiguous.

Now, sometimes, Togashi likes to play it more subtle. He doesn’t make his characters say “I’m gay” or “I’m trans”, but he finds another way to say it.

In YYH, Togashi wrote a gay character : Itsuki. And he’s canonically gay, because when talking about another man, Sensui, he mentions that he sees him as a lover.

It’s subtle. It’s not ambiguous.

Same thing for Alluka, Alluka never comes on screen and says “I’m a trans girl !”. The reason we know that Alluka is canonically a trans girl is because the Zoldycks insist on misgendering her, while Killua emphasizes that she’s a girl.

And once again, it’s subtle. Not ambiguous. Even though I’ve seen a lot of redditors say that “Alluka’s gender is ambiguous”, Togashi is literally doing his utmost to highlight subtly that yes, Alluka is a trans girl.

But subtlety is not canon’s enemy. Not everything has to be painted clearly for it to be canon. Sometimes, you just have to piece every little clue together yourself. Just because the word “trans” is never canonically stated in HxH concerning Alluka, it doesn’t make her any less of a trans girl. Because as the audience, we UNDERSTOOD from the subtext and from the clash in gendering that she is trans.

So, yes, Togashi likes to be subtle. But subtlety doesn’t make things any less canon.

I’m drifting a bit to non-queer matters, but I also want to talk about two relationships in Togashi’s work that were canonically romantic, but subtle.

The first is Meruem and Komugi. It’s canon that the nature of their relationship was romantic. They never did couple-y things, or even kissed. But it doesn’t make the nature of their relationship ambiguous. Because it was once again, subtle, but drowning in subtext that Togashi deliberately put there.

Togashi paralleled Killua saying that him dying with Gon would be a shinjuu (lover’s suicide), only for it to not happen in the end - but Togashi wanted to throw that word in. So we could have it at the back of our heads. Because when Meruem and Komugi died, it was a shinjuu. It was two lovers dying by the same method with the belief that they’d be united in the afterlife. Meruem only cared about spending his last moments playing with Komugi. They both said that they were only born to experience this moment, of being in pure bliss as they die together. When Komugi replies to Meruem and says that she’ll join him in death, she uses an old phrasing used to accept marriages proposals. They died holding hands.

It was subtle, but canon. Because of all these clues and all the subtext Togashi planted, it is undeniable that their relationship was romantic. And they never kissed, never said “i love you”, but we still know : and that’s the beauty of subtlety.

Because yes, romance can be subtle AND canon.

Another example of a canon romantic relationship that was never officialized by a kiss : Keiko and Yusuke in Yu Yu Hakusho. Correct me if I’m wrong, but while they kissed in the anime, they never kiss in the manga.

But a relationship doesn’t need to be canonized by a kiss. I’ve never seen/read YYH, but while I was doing research, I read that their relationship grew naturally over the course of the manga. That they grew together, were affectionate with each other, but never told each other the nature of their feelings. Until one specific moment towards the end of the manga where this happens:

All of this came naturally. No big confession, just a confirmation of what they both felt. And no kiss either ! No hand holding, no true “romantic” actions, either before or after that chapter. Just feelings. I’m quoting one of the post I used as reference, but “On one hand it's beautiful to finally hear it, but on the other, it's not even surprising. You find yourself caught off guard by how easily you're willing to accept that these two have felt this way throughout the entire series.”

And while it’s subtle, because you’d expect at least a kiss or something, it’s canon and undeniable that their relationship is romantic. It’s clear that the two of them are in love, even if they never kissed. Because it was clear from the beginning that this was where their relationship was going : all the building up to that one moment where they both basically tell each other “oh yeah, btw, i love you”. A simple confirmation of what they both knew, and of what we as readers knew too.

I guess my point is that Togashi can insist on the nature of his characters and relationships. He insisted that Miyuki, Mikihisa and Alluka were trans. But sometimes he also likes to be subtle, and not put everything plainly. But the subtlety doesn’t discredit its the canon legitimacy.

Now, onto what it means for Killua and Gon. 

I emphasized that Togashi liked to highlight when his characters are queer. There are absolutely NO DOUBTS that Miyuki and Alluka are trans girls, Mikihisa a trans man and that Itsuki was gay. It’s in canon. But they were all brought up differently, and it was either confirmed by them saying it themselves or by the context and subtext surrounding their queer identity.

But Togashi never left it ambiguous. We always had canon confirmation that they were queer. What I’m saying is, there’s a very, very high probability that Killua is gay and in love with Gon. We’ve seen it in the incredible amount of subtext deliberately placed by Togashi. And like I said, Togashi never left the nature of his queer characters ambiguous. So it’s highly likely that Togashi will confirm in canon at some point that Killua is gay. 

Now, while it’s likely Togashi will canonize Killua being queer plainly by either him saying it or subtext (just like Alluka), it doesn’t mean that his relationship with Gon will be canonized plainly too.

I mentioned earlier that Komugi/Meruem and Keiko/Yusuke’s relationships were subtle, while undeniably romantic. So maybe this will be the case for Killua and Gon’s relationship too. It looks like Togashi’s style for writing romance is show, not tell, thus making it a possibility that it’ll be the same for Killua and Gon.

But I can assert with 100% certainty that Togashi will NOT leave their relationship ambiguous. Maybe it’ll be subtle, but NOT ambiguous. Just like Meruem/Komugi and Yusuke/Keiko.

Killua and Gon’s relationship is the backbone of HxH, and it’s very clear that Togashi’s intent from the beginning of the story was to canonize it as a love story. When Togashi wrote Killua, he incorporated elements of Tanabata, a legend about two lovers, in his story, and made Tanabata his birthday. Togashi queer coded Killua from the beginning, and I honestly doubt that he would never canonize it, when it was his intent to queer code him from the beginning. He made the both of them have an extremely deep relationship, being each other’s most important person. Combine this with all the subtext, and yeah, it’s pretty clear that HxH is a love story.

So yes, Togashi wouldn’t leave ambiguous something he planned from the beginning of the story. Especially since HxH is his first chance at writing a manga and being able to do everything he wants with it. Especially when Togashi’s gay manga got turned down 30 years ago.

I mentioned Togashi never leaving stuff ambiguous, but rather either putting it plainly or more subtly. And honestly, I’m thinking it’s going to be a mix of both for Killua and Gon. A mix of subtlety and undeniable proof of the romantic nature of their relationship. Exactly like Yusuke and Keiko’s relationship. 

I feel like Killua and Gon’s relationship perfectly mirrors Yusuke and Keiko’s, and I can totally picture it following the same patterns. By having their relationship grow even deeper as they reunite, with no explicit romantic gestures, just deep, deep feelings. Until ultimately, they both confirm it one way or another. 

I could literally picture Gon turning to Killua, telling him out of the blue something they’ll do when they get married, Killua being confused but Gon saying something like “Well, I wanna get married to you Killua. Don’t you want to?” and Killua almost choking but saying that yeah, he’d like that. Plain and simple. No romantic gesture. No kiss, no hand holding, no feelings confession under the stars. Just a mutual assessment of what they both already knew.

But honestly, I’m saying all this to try and be objective, but I’m not in Togashi’s head. Togashi could also very much go absolutely crazy and make Killua and Gon share a kiss, hold hands, affirm their love out loud, Because it’s his first chance at being free to do what he wants with his manga. And because he’s been wanting to draw a gay manga for a while, he might want to emphasize that HxH is queer.

Especially when it seems like Togashi likes to incorporate shoujo elements in his work.

And as @/sincerelysamedt mentioned in her wonderful post, queer relationships are often dismissed as platonic in media, and that it’s important to overplay it to canonize it efficiently. And Togashi is probably aware of this. Hence Killua’s stuttering, blushing, the constant gay poetic lines Gon tells Killua about how he’s so glad he met him, Killua’s inner monologues comparing Gon to light itself, multiple characters highlighting their mutual love, a date under the stars where they mutually affirm their want to stay together and travel the world while they both blush.........Togashi didn’t have to go THIS hard, but he did.

These panels highlight the difference between the subtle relationships I talked about above. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think Togashi represented Yusuke or Keiko having internal monologues about how they wanted to stay with the other forever or poetically comparing each other to light. It proves that while Togashi likes to play it subtle, he's also not afraid to put extremely cliché shoujo tropes and heartfelt moments in his narrative too. Maybe he’s aware that internalized homophobia might pose a problem to the narrative he’s trying to convey, and thus he might be enclined to overplay it. 

When you keep in mind that Togashi most likely wrote Killua and Gon with the intent of making their relationship a love story, you can see that he’s never really written with the intent of being ambiguous or even subtle, providing us with multiple intense scenes of mutual devotion. And that’s one thing that’s leading me to believe he wouldn’t shy away from delivering highly emotional scenes that would canonize their mutual love. Because their relationship has never truly been portrayed as subtle, or ambiguous, it’s just.... developing.

So yeah, it could go either way ! Either Togashi will decide to paint it subtly like every relationship he’s painted in the past, or he’ll either decide to go all out and maybe show us an extremely heartfelt confession under the stars, maybe even an on-screen kiss (the latter option being highly likely considering all the very emotional scenes between them we’ve already had) - (EDIT : i wrote a post on why i believe there’ll be an explicit confession if you want to read it !)

But one thing is certain : it will never stay ambiguous, because Togashi has never painted any of his queer characters or the relationships between his characters as ambiguous, Subtle, yes. Ambiguous, no. 

[rosettastarlight]

The Dragon Prince/Kaudia Hadestown AU

Sorry! (Okay, anyone who knows me knows I’m not!)

 Ok, so like, I’ve gotten backk into my Hadestown phase, and I honestly ship just about anything as long as it’s appropriate and this au got stuck in my head, especially since a few twitter people I follow have been talking about ship, and I’m not gonna lie: It’s pretty cute! 

I know I could have done Rayllum for this au, but as much as I like the pairing, I always like to do things just a little differently, and they’re the go-to couple for just about everything, and I just didn’t see them, and I still can’t when I think of this au in my head. Plus, these two characters and this ship is so underrated, and I thought it’d be nice to give them the spotlight instead this time.

So! Here’s what I got so far: consider,

Claudia as Orpheus: Talented, she’s still Viren’s daughter in this au, so I guess she’s a daughter of Hades, which fits her dark magic thing, but I think it still works since in some versions of the myth, Orpheus is either Apollo’s son or one of the Muses’ (goddesses of the arts), although some versions say he was just a normal mortal which only made his talent all that more astonishing. She’s a bit awkward, can come on a bit strong and weird (”Don’t come on too strong.” "Come home with me!” *cue Hermes facepalming in the background*), optimistic even when things are falling apart, falls for a more pessimistic, strong-willed, and slightly jaded by past experiences type of person whose charmed by her quirks and sunshine, trying to work on a spell to bring back spring since her father doesn’t seem all that keen to let his husband go to bring it back himself.

Kasef as Eurydice: Dead. Already got that in common. Has done many things to survive in a world getting harder and colder as the years go by with the gods’ crumbling marriage. Never stayed in one place for long. A bit more pessimistic and jaded than Claudia by past experiences and can only see the world as what it is with little hope it can be anything else, much less something better (Hello? That last part sound a bit familiar?). Tries to keep faith that Claudia is right and will be able to bring spring back, but is soon persuaded by Viren to follow him into Hadestown without knowing fully well what he’s signing up for.

Hermes is still one I’m having a bit trouble deciding except it’s one of the adults in TDP since it’s not easy to think of someone who matches his energy and the story. Sarai is a contender

Viren as Hades: Duh! Associates with death, fell in love with one associated with spring, a bit cold but just doesn’t know how to show his feelings properly, pragmatist, manipulative, knows how to play his cards, had a once warm relationship with Harrow when they were young and in love but over the decades, have grown apart and attempts to save their marriage only seems to make things worse. Starts to keep him in the underworld longer and longer than the arranged six months until Spring hardly seems to come to the mortal world anymore due to growing doubt that with their marriage on the rocks, the time may come when Harrow refuses to go back to him or Hadestown at all.

Harrow as Persephone: Associated with spring and the growing of plants.  Despite being a god, refuses to think of himself as above mortals, strong-willed and has a good heart enough to hate what his husband’s doing is putting the world up top through, doesn’t like being tricked or controlled. He fell for Viren a long time ago but has grown apart and even a bit disdained with him over the years, and the fact his husband is keeping him down below doesn’t really help matters.

No idea who the fates are, but at least one of them’s most definitely Aaravos.

[chippokenabokura]

Hello, I hope this message will not bother you if you already have tons of them ^^ I was just wondering if you intended to continue your translation of World Trigger. Also I wanted to thank you for your "accurate" translations for all this time (I think I discovered you like 2-3 years ago by chance ... I don't even remember how). Thank you again. A French World Trigger fan.

Short answer...yes >.> Long answer, the past month or so have been a busy one (I was on holiday for a chunk of it etc.) hence why I haven’t posted these earlier, but you guys aren’t here for excuses. I’m glad you like my translations! And trust me, compliments are never a burden XD This goes out for all the other nice messages I received as well, thank you so much everyone for taking time out to write such nice messages

Also, congratulations to the World Trigger anime for getting a continuation! So far there hasn’t been much official information about it, though the key poster having Hus in the Tamakoma Second uniform is pretty suggestive, I thought. But they’re getting a stage at AnimeJapan 2020 on 23rd March, so hopefully we learn more then.

Now on to the translation!

World Trigger Ch188 ‘Hus 9’, Ch189 ‘Amatori Chika 8′  & Ch190 ‘Yuba Squad 3′ Translation

For this post I have all the chapters that have come out until now:

Panel 1

*wind howling*

Panel 2

Osamu: Chika! Kuga!

*clatter clatter*

Yuuma: We’re fine

Panel 3

Yuuma: Chika protected us with Shield

Panel 4

Osamu: I see…!

Osamu: Alright…first, let’s move!

Panel 1

Osamu: Why did Meteora explode?

Osamu: Did you see anything?

Panel 2

*tap*

Chika: The cube was shotChika: From the back…

Panel 3

Osamu: The back…which means from the south…

Osamu: Were we seen by Yuba squad’s sniper…!

Panel 4

Chika: I’m sorryChika: I…

Osamu: I was the one who gave those instructions

Osamu: It’s my mistake

Panel 1

Osamu: But thanks to you, Chika, the two of you finished up with no injuries

Osamu: We’re seeing the result of your training

Panel 2

Chika: …

Panel 3

Fujimaru: Well done, Tono!

Fujimaru: Your quick wit worked, didn’t it!

Tonooka: No, I didn’t finish her off, can’t really say that…

Panel 4

Tonooka: I’ll keep following Tamakoma

Tonooka: Watch for a chance and try one more time

Panel 5

Osamu: Kuga

Osamu: Can you go take down the sniper in the south?

Panel 1                      

Yuuma: If the sniper shoots one more time for us

Yuuma: I don’t know where he is right now

Panel 2

Osamu: That’s true…

Osamu: Yuba squad’s sniper…Tonooka-sempai

Osamu: Gave the impression of being quite a cautious person

Panel 3

Osamu: If I send Kuga to search for Tonooka-sempai

Osamu: But he stays hidden during all of it

Osamu: Kuga won’t be able to fight during that time

Panel 4

Osamu: …alright

Panel 5

Osamu: Let’s aim towards where Hus is together with the three of us!

Osamu: If there’s a place where the line of sight from the south is cut offOsamu: Kuga will split from us there and hurry to save Hus!

Panel 1

Osamu: Me and Chika will hide ourselves first

Osamu: And then set up at a spot where Chika can support you with her sniping!

Panel 2

Osamu: And take care not to have Ninomiya-san’s group catch up to us!

Panel 3

Yuuma: Roger

Chika: …roger!

Panel 4

Osamu: It’ll take time, but we don’t have any other choice…!

Osamu: Hus…!

Panel 5

*crash*

Panel 1

Mizukami: What was that big one jus’ now?

*wind howling*

Oki: Looks like Amatori-chan exploded

Minamisawa: Seriously!?

Mizukami: But she ain’t dead

Panel 2

Usami: Meteora was shot by Tonooka-kun’s snipingUsami: But with Chika-chan’s Shield, those three are okay!

Hus: I see…Hus: Understood

Panel 3

Hus: It’s predictable that Chika would be marked

Hus: Was my judgement too optimistic

Panel 4

Hus: ShioriHus: Give me a detailed map of these surroundings

Usami: Roger!

Panel 1

Ouji: I said a bit about this earlier

Ouji: But with this kind of meleeOuji: The more you’re on the ‘inside’ the more of a disadvantage you have

Panel 2

Ouji: Because no matter how skilled

Ouji: It’s hard to be on guard for 360°

Panel 3

Ouji: But on the flip sideOuji: Surviving this far makes Huston a badass

Ouji: You could say as well…

Panel 4

Kurauchi: …losing a leg

Kurauchi: Makes the situation a fair amount more difficult

Panel 5

Kurauchi: Since he has to stop moving and concentrate trion on defending

Kurauchi: There’s no opportunity for him to demonstrate his inherently high attack power

Panel 1

Sakurako: So you mean that he has his hands full with defence

Sakurako: And no chance to counterattack…!

Panel 2

Konami: Though there is still a chance for him to take advantage, more or less…

Konami: Since those surrounding him are all ‘enemies’ as well

Panel 3

Sakurako: …!

Sakurako: …by which you mean…!?

Panel 4

Konami: If Hus goes down like this

Konami: Ikoma squad has the advantage with numbers and location, rightKonami: Yuba squad’s gonna do their best to not let that happen

Panel 5

Konami: And on the other hand, Inukai-sempai

Konami: Is okay with the current situation continuing until NInomiya-san’s group arrives…

Panel 1

Konami: The ones doing the surrounding all have different opinions too

Konami: Hus should know that too

Sakurako: I see…!

Panel 2

Kurauchi: The more damage Agent Hus takes

Kurauchi: The more the surrounding sideKurauchi: Is conscious of ‘after Agent Hus is taken down’…Kurauchi: I agree that has merit

Panel 3

Sakurako: Which means, taking advantage of that psychologySakurako: There’s a chance Agent Hus could survive…!?

Panel 4

Ouji: No

Ouji: Now that’s not going to happen

Panel 1

Ouji: Even if they’re calculating the pros and cons at the back of their heads

Ouji: The upper B-ranks are not so soft thatOuji: They would let Huston escape

Panel 2

*machine whirr*

Panel 3

*bang bang bang bang bang bang*

Panel 4

*machine whirr*

Panel 1

*bang*

*light light light light*

Panel 2

*impact impact impact impact impact*

Panel 3

*impact impact impact impact impact*

Panel 4

*bang bang bang bang bang bang*

*dash*

Panel 1

Minamisawa: Hus-chan went that way!

Panel 2

Mizukami: OK, Ah see him

Panel 3

Inukai: You can’t get away with that foot

Panel 4

*impact impact impact impact*

*impact impact impact*

Panel 5

Sakurako: Agent Hus begins his attempt to break through

Sakurako: The mid-range group tightly keeps him in place!

Panel 1

Sakurako: Agent Hus is surrounded once more!Sakurako: Is the difference in mobility having an effect!?

Konami: …ah jeez, it’s making me anxious…!

Panel 2

Konami: Don’t put on airs

*mumble mumble*

Konami: Hurry up and use your ‘secret weapon’…!

Panel 3

Kurauchi & Ouji: ‘Secret weapon’…?

Panel 4

Sakurako: By ‘secret weapon’Sakurako: You mean something like a trump card…!?

Konami: I don’t know, I’m not saying, I won’t tell you!Konami: Because it’s a ‘secret weapon’!

Karasuma: …

Panel 5

Kitora: Karasuma-sempaiKitora: By ‘secret weapon’, she means…?

Karasuma: It’s about Viper

Panel 1

Kitora: …!

Kitora: Making everyone think the bullet he has is Asteroid, but actually…

Kitora: Viper…!

Panel 2

Karasuma: Hus is pretty skilled

Karasuma: Not as much as Nasu-sanKarasuma: But he can draw the trajectory properly every time

Panel 3

Karasuma: No matter the opponent, he should able to get them the first time

Panel 4

Kitora: It’s true…with that trion amount

Kitora: It’ll be a fatal wound for anyone…!

Kitora: …but

Kitora: In that case, then why…

Panel 5

Inukai: I wonder why he’s not using his ‘secret weapon’?Inukai: Hus-kun

*wind howling*

Inukai: You’ve got something up your sleeve, right?

Panel 1

Inukai: There’s no need to be reluctant in the final battle, right

*wind howling*

Inukai: Keep going like this and it’s gonna end without it being used?

Panel 2

*bang bang bang*

*impact impact*

*light light light light*

Panel 3

*clang clang clang clang clang*

*whoosh*

Panel 4

Karasuma: Yuba squad isKarasuma: Moving as if they’re splitting the work of taking on Ninomiya-san’s Fullattack strategy between the two of them

Karasuma: Thanks to their countermeasures against Ninomiya-san, they’re somehow getting through this

Panel 1

Karasuma: Ikoma squad is…

Panel 2

Karasuma: While the attacker presses forward

Panel 3

Karasuma: Mizukami-sempai supports him, the same as usual

Panel 4

Karasuma: And then…

Panel 5

*rustle*

Ikoma: Senkuu…

Panel 1

Hus: Escudo

*machine whirr*

Panel 2

*bang*

Panel 3

*bang bang bang bang*

Ikoma: !

*thump*

Panel 4

*wind howling*

Sakurako: Escudo as a catapult!?Sakurako: Captain Ikoma is tossed into the air!

Panel 1

Kurauchi: So he can even activate Escudo with his foot

Panel 2

Konami: A chance!

Panel 3

Ouji: Take down Iko-san

Ouji: Or aim for withdrawal

Panel 4

*bang*

Hus: Slip through this boxing in!

Panel 5

Ikoma: …kogetsu

Panel 6

*fwoosh*

Panel 1

*turn*

Panel 3

*slice*

Hus: !

Panel 1

Satori: Acrobatic Ikoma Senkuu!

Arashiyama: He can hit a mark like that

Panel 2

*bang*

*impact impact impact impact*

Sakurako: The breakout with Escudo Catapult is halted by Captain Ikoma!

Panel 3

Sakurako: And furthermore, Agent Hus loses his right foot too!

Panel 4

Karasuma: …I seeKarasuma: So that’s how it is

Panel 1

Inukai: The angle of the Escudo used for that big jump just now…

Panel 2

Inukai: At the end of his jump would be…

Panel 3

Ouji: It seems that Huston

Ouji: Wanted to use his ‘secret weapon’ on Ninomiya-san

Panel 4

Ouji: In fact, in the first placeOuji: ‘Huston will defeat Ninomiya-san’

Ouji: Was that Tamakoma’s scenario, I wonder?

Panel 1

Yuba: Obishimaa!

*wind howling*

Yuba: When Hus falls, the 2nd round is gonna start immediately!

*rustle*

Panel 2

Obishima: Roger!

*wind howling*

Obishima: I’ll move to make sure I’m not surroundedObishima: While trying to create an opening in Ikoma squad!

Panel 3

Mizukami: Hus shoulda lost quite a lot of trion by now, butMizukami: Don’t let ya guard down

*wind howling*

Panel 4

Ikoma: Not an opponent ya can let ya guard down with even if he’s on the verge of death anyway

Minamisawa: True!

*wind howling*

Panel 1

Inukai: Even if Hus-kun was to fight Ninomiya-san

Inukai: Ninomiya-san will probably win, but…

Panel 2

Inukai: …risk

*wind howling*

Inukai: Need to be eliminated as much as possible

Panel 3

Computer: WarningComputer: Serious trion leakage

*wind howling*

*crack*

-

Panel 1

*wind howling*

Panel 2

Sakurako: There are cracks in Agent Hus’s combat body…!

Ouji: It’s finally reached this point

Panel 3

Kurauchi: The amount of trion Agent Hus can use in a counterattack

Kurauchi: Is running low too

Panel 4

Ouji: If Huston is taken down

Ouji: The match might move all at once

Panel 1

Inukai: Hus-kun acted as if he’s aiming for Ninomiya-san’s group

Panel 2

Inukai: There’s the chance that those 3 from Tamakoma are heading your wayInukai: So please be careful at least

Panel 3

Hiyami: The one who went after Tamakoma just now should’ve been Tonooka-kun

Hiyami: So it might be better to move in secret right about now

Panel 4

Ninomiya: …understood

*shoom*

Tsuji: Roger

Panel 1

Hosoi: Ninomiya-san and Tsuji-kun jus’ disappeared!

Panel 2

*wind howling*

Mizukami: Can’t take it easy anymore, Ah see

Panel 3

Sakurako: The enveloping formation slowly pressing in!

Sakurako: Which team will bring down Agent Hus!

Panel 4

Ouji: Probably Ikoma squad

Ouji: Yuba squad should be letting Ikoma squad take HustonOuji: And taking advantage of that opening

Panel 1

Konami: Will Yuba-chan use such an indirect move?

Panel 2

Ouji: It’s not Yuba-san’s way

Ouji: It’s Kandata’s way

Panel 3

Obishima: I will make Hus-sempai move and put him in Ikoma squad’s crosshairs!

*rustle*

Panel 4

Yuba: Don’t press in too deeply!

*bang*

Panel 5

*wind howling*

*impact impact impact*

Panel 1

*machine whirr*

Panel 2

Obishima: Escudo!

Obishima: Under my feet!?

Panel 3

*bang*

Obishima: !?

Panel 4

*impact impact*

*crash*

Panel 1

Yuba: That car with Escudo…

*rustle*

*ka-wham*

Yuba: Obishimaa!

Panel 2

*rattle rattle*

Obishima: …I’m fine!

Panel 3

Inukai: Yuba squad’s co-op has broken down

Inukai: In that case

Panel 4

*ratatatatata*

*impact impact impact*

Inukai: I’ll have to put on the pressure, won’t I

Panel 5

*machine whirr*

*impact impact impact impact impact*

Panel 1

*light*

*wind howling*

*rustle*

Panel 2

Ikoma: Senkuu Kogetsu

Panel 3

Sakurako: Once again, Ikoma Senkuu!

Panel 4

*shine*

Panel 2

*machine whirr*

Panel 3

Satori: Fullguard!?

Panel 4

Arashiyama: The Senkuu was a fakeout!

Panel 5

Konami: …here!!

Panel 1

*turn*

*light*

Panel 2

*bang bang bang bang*

Panel 3

Ikoma: …!

Panel 1

Sakurako: !?

Konami: Viper!

Panel 2

Computer: Combat body active limit reached

*crack*

Ikoma: Kai!

Panel 3

Minamisawa: Yes, yes!

*reveal*

Panel 4

*wind howling*

Minamisawa: !?

*turn*

Panel 5

Minamisawa: Are you Nasu-san!

*rustle*

Panel 1

*machine whirr*

Panel 2

Minamisawa: !

*impact impact impact impact*

Panel 4

*wind howling*

Mizukami: Finally

Panel 5

Mizukami: Checkmate

Panel 1

*impact impact impact impact*

*bang*

Panel 2

Computer: Combat body active limit reached

*crack crack*

Computer: Bailout

Panel 1

*bang*

*bam*

*wind howling*

Sakurako: Captain Ikoma and Agent HusSakurako: Bails out one after the other!

Panel 2

*whoosh*

Panel 3

*machine whirr*

*impact impact impact impact*

Panel 4

Mizukami: If Obishima-chan’s there, then that means…

Panel 1

*turn*

Mizukami: Yuba-san’s over here

*rustle*

Panel 2

*wind howling*

Panel 3

Mizukami: Oh my…

Mizukami: This’s no good

Panel 4

*bam bam bam bam bam *

*impact impact impact impact*

Panel 1

*wind howling*

*bam*

Sakurako: Agent Mizukami, stuck between Captain Yuba and Agent InukaiSakurako: Also bails out here!

Panel 2

Sakurako: This is Yuba squad’s point!Sakurako: Captain Yuba’s quick draw wrested away the point!

Panel 3

Sakurako: Tamakoma Second, Ikoma squad, and Yuba squad

Sakurako: Have all earned 1 point!

Panel 4

Sakurako: So Agent Hus’s ‘secret weapon’Sakurako: Was Viper!

Konami: That’s rightKonami: Though I was so nervous when it looked like he was going to go down without using it

Panel 1

Inukai: Hus-kun’s ‘secret weapon’ was more or less what I expectedInukai: Though the keenness of his proficiency was above what I had thought

Panel 2

*smoking*

Inukai: Now I need toInukai: Make sure not to die before meeting up

Panel 3

*sigh*

Panel 4

Hus: Stopped at 1 point, huh…

Hus: ButHus: I did the minimum that needed to be done

Panel 5

Hus: No…Hus: There’s one more thing to do

Panel 1

Osamu: Hus was taken down…

Yuuma: Well, can’t be helped

Panel 2

Chika: Hus-kun was…

*badump badump*

Chika: Hus-kun was taken down…

Panel 3

Chika: The same as that time

Panel 4

Chika: Because I couldn’t do it well…

Chika: Ah

Panel 1

Hus: Chika

Hus: It’s Hus

Panel 2

Chika: !

Hus: My bad I couldn’t let you shoot like we practiced

Panel 3

Hus: I died

Panel 4

*twitch*

Hus: On the actual battlefieldHus: If Chika doesn’t shoot the enemy

Hus: There’s a chance Yuuma or Osamu could die

Panel 5

Chika: Again, it’s my…

*tighten*

Chika: My fault…

Hus: That’s why, Chika

Panel 1

Hus: I leave Yuuma and Osamu in your care

Hus: In my place

Panel 2

Chika: …!

Panel 3

Izumi: Hmmm…

Izumi: Now hasn’t this turned into an intense development

Izumi: Tamkoma Second

Fight. And prove yourselves.

Panel 1

Izumi: Yo, Kyousuke

Panel 2

Izumi: Didn’t this turn out interesting

Karasuma: Izumi-sempai

Panel 3

Karasuma: You’re not in the upper seats today

Izumi: It’s the special final match after all

Panel 4

Izumi: SoIzumi: How is it, your ‘disciple’

Izumi: Isn’t he troubled with his big game piece taken down

Panel 1

Karasuma: I wonder

Karasuma: He’d been thinking of various strategiesKarasuma: So I think he’ll be alright though

Panel 2

Karasuma: If I have to say, the one I’m worried about is…

Panel 4

*impact impact impact impact*

*bang bang bang bang*

Panel 1

*bam bam bam*

*whoosh*

Panel 2

Minamisawa: Uwah, not good, not good!

Panel 3

Sakurako: With 2 people taken down all at once, Ikoma squad has sudden reversed into a crisis!Sakurako: Will it develop into the 2 from Yuba squad chasing after Agent Minamisawa

Panel 4

Ouji: They would want to take down Kai-kun in this sceneOuji: But they wouldn’t want to let Sumi-kun get away either

Panel 1

Yuba: Wanna turn Minamisawa into a point hereYuba: But if we let Inukai go, Ninomiya squad’s gonna fucking complete the set unscathed

Panel 2

Ouji: Times like this

Ouji: If Kandata was hereOuji: Is what you start thinking…

Panel 3

Obishima: …Yuba-san!

Panel 4

Obishima: I’ll defeat Minamisawa-sempai!

Obishima: Please chase after Inukai-sempai!

Panel 1

Yuba: …aalriightYuba: Go, Obishimaa!

*rustle*

Yuba: Don’t forget the advantage of range!

Obishima: Roger!

Panel 2

Sakurako: Yuba squad splits into two here!

Sakurako: Can it be said that they’ve made a slightly momentous choice!?

Panel 3

Kurauchi: I believe these movements have been seen by the 3 from TamakomaKurauchi: But on Yuba squad’s side, Agent Tonooka is still marking Tamakoma

Panel 4

Kurauchi: Depending on who Tamakoma makes a move on

Panel 5

Kurauchi: The flow of the match will change, it seems

Panel 1

*rumbling*

Panel 3

*ratatatatata*

Panel 4

*impact impact impact impact*

Fujimaru: Distance 20!

Panel 1

*bam bam bam*

Panel 2

*impact impact impact*

*bang*

*fwoosh*

Panel 3

Sakurako: Captain Yuba’s bullets have caught Agent Inukai in their grasp!

Konami: Yuba-chan’s faster in close range

Panel 4

Inukai: A shootout’s bothersome, as expectedInukai: Let’s devote ourselves to running

*wind howling*

Panel 1

Sakurako: Agent Inukai shows movements that aim to outrun by using obstacles!Sakurako: …on the other hand, is Tamakoma joining in from the opposite side!?

Panel 2

Osamu: We’ll aim for Minamisawa-sempai’s group

Panel 3

Osamu: Because there’s the risk of an induced explosion like beforeOsamu: This time you can’t use Meteora

Osamu: Instead, our move will be using Hound to unbalance the opponentOsamu: And me and Kuga taking them out

Panel 4

Chika: …right, got it!

*machine whirr*

Panel 5

Tonooka: She’s alone now

Panel 1

Tonooka: Tamakoma’s gone towards ObishimaTonooka: I’ll aim from the back

Fujimaru: Roger!

Obishima: Roger!

Panel 2

Chika: Hound!

*machine whirr*

Panel 3

Tonooka: Now this isn’t gonna be Meteora, right

Tonooka: But this time…

Panel 4

Tonooka: I can aim for the main body

*bang*

*light*

Panel 1

*clang*

Panel 2

Tonooka: !

Panel 4

Yuuma: He took the bait

Panel 5

*wind howling*

Chika: …found him!

Usami: Changing to Sighted Guidance

Panel 1

*light*

Tonooka: Uwa, they got me

Panel 2

Tonooka: Her left hand side was open

Tonooka: Because she wanted to narrow down the direction she’d be sniped from, huh

Panel 3

*bang bang bang bang*

Panel 4

*bang*

Panel 1

*whoosh*

Tonooka: !

Panel 2

*crack*

Tonooka: Oh my…

Panel 3

*bam*

Panel 1

Sakurako: Agent Tonooka bails out!

Sakurako: The one who nabbed him was Ikoma squad’s Agent Oki!

Panel 2

*rumble*

*badump*

Panel 3

Yuuma: Oh?Yuuma: Did Chika’s ones hit?

Panel 4

Osamu: …noOsamu: It was Ikoma squad’s point

*phew*

Panel 5

*gasp*

Panel 6

*shake shake*

Chika: Wrong, wrong…!

Panel 1

Chika: Next time

*step*

Chika: I’ll hit the mark…!

Panel 2

Konami: That Okky really hid himself well…

Kurauchi: An ambush that put Agent Tonooka to shame

Panel 3

Ouji: I wonder if he had been marking Tono-kun since the Big Meteora Explosion?

Panel 4

Ouji: Because it gets scary later on if you lose Tono-kunOuji: So I understand how he feels

Panel 5

Mizukami: Oki-kun?

Mizukami: Ya couldn’t use those skills ta save us?

Oki: Well, it seemed snipin’ was bein’ guarded agains’ on that side

Panel 1

Oki: Kai

*wind howling*

Oki: If ya run that way, Kuga-kun’s probably there

Panel 2

Minamisawa: Uwah, then

Minamisawa: Would a one-on-one with Obishima-chan be better?

Panel 3

Minamisawa: I’ve only got one arm so it’s pretty tough though!

Oki: Brin’ her this wayOki: Ah’m on my way too

Panel 4

*light*

*wind howling*

Panel 1

Oki: !

*machine whirr*

Oki: Hound!?

Panel 2

Oki: I’ll lead it on then in the opposite direction…

*light*

Panel 3

*turn*

Oki: !?

Panel 4

Oki: Wrong, these’re

*zoom*

Oki: Composite bullets

Panel 1

*impact impact impact impact impact impact*

Panel 2

*bang bang bang*

Panel 3

Oki: I can’t, I can’t, seriously I can’t

*rustle*

Oki: Ninomiya-san’s

Panel 4

*bang*

Panel 2

Oki: Eh, no way

Computer: Combat body active limit reached

Panel 3

Sakurako: Ahhh!?

*bang*

Sakurako: Agent Tsuji had gone on ahead!?

Panel 1

Sakurako: A flash of Kogetsu!

Sakurako: This has become Ninomiya squad’s first point earned!

Panel 2

Kurauchi: This has…

Kurauchi: Really taken me by surprise, speaking personally

Panel 3

Kurauchi: When Captain Ninomiya shoots Composite Bullets, he always

Kurauchi: Had either one to guard him, was my impression, so…

Panel 4

Ouji: Okky probably thought the sameOuji: He sure is composed

Panel 5

Sakurako: …!Sakurako: And on the opposite side!Sakurako: This is…

Konami: Yuuma!

Panel 1

*machine whirr*

Panel 2

Sakurako: Tamakoma Second’s other ace!

*wind howling*

*rustle*

Sakurako: Agent Yuuma encounters these two!

Panel 3

Obishima: Kuga-sempai…!

Panel 4

Minamisawa: …ahhh ahhh

Panel 1

Minamisawa: Kuga-chan showing himself means…

Minamisawa: It’s that pattern with Mikumo-chan in hiding?

Obishima: …!

Panel 2

Obishima: That’s true…if that’s so

Obishima: It’s 2 vs. 1 vs. 1…!

Panel 3

*whirl*

Panel 4

Sakurako: Tamakoma Second, who wants 3 more points for a sole no.2 seat!

*rustle*

Panel 5

Sakurako: Swoops down on Agent Obishima and Minamisawa!

*machine whirr*

Panel 1

*bang*

*light*

Minamisawa: Ugh!?

Panel 3

Minamisawa: Eh~…

*crack crack*

Minamisawa: Just nowMinamisawa: Didn’t it feel a bit like it’s gonna be us two working together…

Panel 4

Obishima: Sorry!Obishima: I want points!

Panel 1

Sakurako: Oh!?Sakurako: Agent Obishima’s Blind Shot has taken out Agent Minamisawa!

*bang*

Panel 2

Konami: Ngh…

Ouji: A good judgement, Obi-nyan

Panel 3

Sakurako: Now then, two teams who both want points!

*wind howling*

Sakurako: Will this become a clash that breaks up the future to come!?

-

1. Any other manga (and I do still do this with World Trigger sometimes), I would have thought this starting placement means Tamakoma 2nd will definitely join the expedition as a team because otherwise we won't get to see them work together. But this IS World Trigger, famous for so many instances of 'oh I kind of wanted to show this but I lost my chance oh well' :/ And Ashihara has said before that he sets up chara positions on the map so he can get the match result he wants without compromising the characters' abilities, so it could very well be that he deliberately surrounded Hus with enemies because he wants him to go down before Tamakoma 2nd can fight as a team and eliminate their chance to go on the expedition as 'Tamakoma 2nd'...

2. I always forget Minamisawa and Hus are the same age and then we get something like 'Hus-chan' ._.

3. Apropos of nothing, I think Ouji's face hearing Konami spoil Hus's 'secret weapon' is hilarious

4. In conclusion, one thing I always love about World Trigger fights is how everyone is always learning new things, or changing up their tactics. It's never just our protags learning about their opponents, thinking up countermeasures and maybe having the opponents counter with countermeasures of their own. So often, World Trigger opponents will do something different right out the gate because the situation calls for it and it makes the fights so exciting.

Coming up next, volume 21 extras! Let’s see how many I can churn out before more chapters drop next week.

[jnlnyaface]

Duality

This story takes place during the party in 2x01. Let’s pretend, for this story, Macy didn’t tell Maggie about the move until after Mel called Harry to the attic. Please forgive any spelling and/or grammar mistakes

Can be found on AO3 here

Duality was apparently going to always be a tentpole in Macy’s life. Being a Charmed one with demon blood. The freedom and independence of being an only child versus the inclusivity and acceptance that came with having siblings. Her need to always be in control and reserved  outweighing her want to be fun and spontaneous. That fact was made even more evident by her current situation. Stuck between her dream job 2 hours away and her new found family. Macy felt like a hypocrite. Wasn’t it just a few months ago she was trying to guilt Maggie into staying in Hilltowne over the summer so they could spend time together. And now here she was. Considering moving away. And not just for the summer. Indefinitely.

It wasn’t just the job that was enticing. The promise of a new start. A clean slate. She couldn’t deny the appeal. With all the good things moving to Hilltowne brought her, magic, her sisters, Harry, it brought bad in equal measure. Discovering why her mother couldn’t be in her life, becoming the source, galvin’s death.

See duality.

Her urge to run could stem from the fact she’s never been anywhere long enough to get really attached to it. Sure she has memories, good and bad, from the different places she’s lived but none as deep or personal as the ones she’s made here. She wasn’t sure she was emotionally equipped to process everything that’s happened to her in the short time she’s lived in Hilltowne. Especially when every hallway, coffee shop and street corner brought back every painful memory at once.

She needed space. She needed room to breathe and think. Unfortunately, space away from her pain also meant space away from her sisters. Maybe she could convince them to come with her. Macy wasn’t the only one in this house that had been through trauma in the last year. They all had. Maybe a new start would be good for all of them.

Macy Vaughn was many things. An optimist was rarely one of them. She knew what her sisters, Mel in particular, would say. They wouldn’t want to leave the house they grew up in. The only town they’ve ever lived in. Not for her.

A hand on the small of her back shook her from her silent musings. Maybe a gigantic and extremely loud birthday party wasn’t the best place for her quiet rumination. She smiled at the handsome owner of the hand as he passed on his way to the kitchen.

She decided to seek out a familiar face. Distraction from her growing anxiety spiral. As if by magic Harry appeared in her line of sight.

“Harry!” She tried to call his name loud enough so he could hear her over the music. His head popped up and he looked around until his eyes landed on her. Silently she wondered if he only heard her because she called his name with “purpose” her volume having nothing to do with it.

“Well, hello, Macy,” Harry started as he stepped in front of her. “Are you enjoying the party?”

“Somewhat...I mean yes,” Macy stammered. She didn’t want to give her worry away but from the look on Harry’s face it was too late. He always knew exactly what she was feeling.

“Maggie asked me to grab more cups from the office. Care to join me?” He also always knew the right thing to say. He was perfect.

“An opportunity to get away from all these people I don’t know?” Macy laughed lightly as she pretended to mull it over. “Yes please.”

Harry extended his hand in a “after you” gesture. She took the offer and walked to the office with him close behind. They made sure to lock the door before the party started to prevent any sexual shenanigans.

Macy used her powers to undo the lock. There was a part of her that wanted to look around for the cups she knew weren’t there. If only to give herself something to do. The motion of Harry redoing the lock on the door brought her eyes to him. He had a red solo cup in one hand and a magenta party hat on his head. He was adorable. He motioned her toward the couch, walked over and took a seat as he set his cup on the side table next to the couch. He noticed her fidgeting and patted the seat next him. An invitation to join. Once she sat down she let the warmth of his thigh pressing against her own bleed into her body.

“So, what seems to be the problem?” He asked as he rested his hand on her knee almost unconsciously.

“Who said there was a problem?” He made the achingly familiar “come on” look and she dropped her pretense. “Ok, there may be a small problem.”

“Well go on then. Don’t keep me in suspense.”

“I was offered a job,” She started. “No. Not a job. I was offered the job. At a genetics lab doing bio-ethical research.”

“That’s your dream job.” He looked at her closer. Looked into her eyes. “But, your expression tells me there is more to this story.”

“The job is in Ann Arbor.”

“Which is 2 hours away,” he finished her thought. “I can see how that might be a problem.”

“Maybe they have an opening in the women’s studies department and you and I can commute via orb everyday.”

“While that is certainly an idea. I don’t think it’s the best one for this situation.” And he was right. Macy wasn’t the most social person but what if she made friends and they wanted to hang out. Should she lie and say they couldn’t come to her place. Would they believe she had a 2 hour commute from work to home and back everyday? Maybe she could get an apartment there and pretend like she lives there while she actually comes back to Hilltowne every night.

These were all options and only most of them were terrible.

“You’re right,” she lamented. “I don’t know what to do. I love my sisters. And I’m glad that we were brought into each other’s lives but I can’t ignore the fact that being here is painful for me now.”

“I understand.”

“It just feels like every time something good happens in my life something equally as bad happens too,” she continued as she rose from the couch to pace around the small room. “My dad died. I found a new family. I find out I have magical powers. I find out I have demon blood in me which is the reason my mother had to leave me when I was young. I lose my virginity and the guy I lose it to dies saving the world. It hasn’t been long since we defeated the source. What if something bad is just around the corner?”

Hysterical isn’t the nicest word to describe a person when they’re freaking out, especially a woman, but there was really no better term for Macy’s current state. Harry stood from the couch and grabbed her shoulders to still her increasingly frantic movements.

“Macy you need to breathe.” Harry exaggerated his breathing until hers replicated his rhythm. He waited patiently until her eyes met his own. “Come, let’s sit back down.” He led her back to the couch and sat her down before reclaiming his seat next to her. “Look, I understand this is stressful but you’re about to give yourself a panic attack.”

“That would be bad,” Her attempt at banter fell flat but Harry at least let out a sound resembling a laugh and that was enough to make her feel somewhat better.

“Now, you and I both know life is full of happiness and pain,” He began. “Whether you live in Hilltowne, Ann Arbor or Antarctica. There’s no way to escape that. And I think you know that already. What is this really about?” How did he always know what to say?

“I love my sisters,” She repeated. The waver in her voice didn’t go unnoticed.

“Are you trying to convince me,” Harry asked. “Or yourself?”

“No I mean...no,” She huffed. “I’ve never had to think about sisters before. A year ago, the decisions I made were for me. They were made by me and for me without any input or regard for anybody else’s feelings but my own. A single child mentality like that doesn’t just turn off over night.”

“That’s true.”

“But,” She continued. “I’m not sure that loving them is enough for me to stay. I can love them from Ann Arbor. And I can be their sister from Ann Arbor too. I just…” She paused trying to organize her thoughts. “I don’t know if I can be a charmed one from Ann Arbor. And I am sure that that’s not enough to make me stay.” Harry stayed silent. Like he knew she wasn’t finished with her thoughts. She wasn’t. “I just...I don't know what to do. I don’t want them to think I don’t care about them. I don’t want them to think that some job is more important than them. Than us. But. There is this part of me. This small persistent fraction of that girl who has always been alone that just keeps whispering, maybe it is.”

“Macy,” Harry started but she continued having not heard his attempt to get her attention.

“That’s horrible right? That I’m feeling this way? That I would be willing to put a job over my relationship with my sisters. What do you think I should do?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged. She was unsurprised by the answer. “I can only imagine how difficult it must be to go from only thinking about what’s good for you to having to take two other people’s feelings into consideration. And even without the pressure of being a charmed one leaving sisters you’ve just met is big. The fear that the physical distance will cause a rift is a legitimate one. I apologize I don’t think I have the answers you’re looking for.”

“If my sisters aren’t enough to keep me here and my duty as a charmed one isn’t enough. Can you think of anything else? Any other reason I should stay?”

Harry’s eyes snapped to hers but he remained silent. Macy’s head was a mess right now. So many thoughts swirling and colliding. She was confused about a lot. The one thing she was sure of was the age old saying. Time heals all wounds. And even though she hadn’t made it through her grief over Galvin yet she was sure she would one day. She was also sure who she wanted to be waiting for her on the other side. Part of her was afraid leaving would close a door with Harry she may never be able to open again.

She was sure she didn’t want that.

Macy kept her eyes locked on his as he took several deep breaths. He seemed to be in deep contemplation. So she let her eyes drift to the silly magenta party hat on the top of his head. Her thoughts, thankfully, clear for the first time in days. Harry’s mere presence was enough to calm her. His intake of breath that signaled he was about to speak brought her eyes back to his.

“I…” He began but stopped abruptly and squinted his eyes in concentration. She knew that face. Someone was calling him. She knew what was coming next. “I apologize. I have to go. Mel is calling me.”

“I understand,” Macy nodded. “Go, and find me later. You owe me a dance.”

Harry nodded in agreement and grabbed his cup. With a flash of light he orbed from the office. Macy wasn’t sure what he was going to say but she was going to drink a lot of alcohol to preemptively stop obsessing.

Later, when she was blissfully numb from the multiple tequila shots she drank, Harry tapped her shoulder in the middle of the makeshift dance floor. She smiled when she saw it was him and he motioned towards himself. He was asking her to dance and she was just tipsy enough to not overthink the implications of slow dancing with the whitelighter she was growing more and more attracted to.

As he pulled her into his arms her heartbeat kicked into overdrive. For now she would blame it on the heat. As much sense as that made. She didn’t want to be emotional and drunk. For now she would rest her cheek on his shoulder and it wouldn’t mean anything more than a comfortable place for her head to go while they danced.  

“I think you should go,” He whispered into her ear. She lifted her head up to meet his eyes. She was, at first, confused about what was talking about but her sluggish brain caught up quickly. Her eyes widened but he spoke before she could. “All I want is for you three to be happy and I don’t think you’re happy here. So I think you should go. Mel will be upset but she will understand eventually and we’ll figure out the whole long distance charmed ones thing.”

He took a breath and smiled a little sadly before continuing. “Having sisters, family, you’re close to is all about craving out time to take care of yourself. And that sometimes takes you away from them physically but not emotionally. Go find your happiness Macy. You deserve it.”

Macy was speechless. She wasn’t sure she had the mental capacity to form anything resembling a coherent response in her current state. So, in lieu of a reply, she smiled and nodded. She then returned her cheek to his shoulder as they continued to dance to the song playing from the speakers. She let his scent envelop her. Let herself get lost in it. Let her mind wander to daydreams of happier times. Wishing she could live in this moment forever.

Find your happiness, he said. Finding happiness wasn’t Macy’s problem. Keeping it? Well, that was another story.

[mfk-archived]

Hello!! I'd like to see Ikesen headcanon modern AU "theres only one bed" situation :) Scenario is, MC have not yet in a relationship with the said warlords. Can you do Hideyoshi, Sasuke, Mitsuhide and Yukimura reaction? Thank you! 🌸

Ok so I am so sorry anon this is after I finished writing I completely missed the modern au part

I hope that this is good enough in the regular time period! .·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·. Also fair warning these are a little long!

’There’s only one bed’ scenario + Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide, Sasuke & Yukimura

Hideyoshi:

Upon Nobunaga’s very clear instruction, you would be sent with Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide on a mission. Your objective? Collect intel on the enemy and return safely. With the Oda’s fox as secretive as ever, Hideyoshi would offer to let you stay in his room.

“Ahh...Of course that jerk is going to neglect your needs. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.” You set your things down only to realize there’s only one futon. He comes in after you, just as surprised. He looks at you, opening his mouth to speak.

But he’s cut short  when you hear a loud crash from down the hall. Immediately, Hideyoshi runs to investigate. You ignore his warnings and follow him. He unsheaths his sword upon seeing the attackers surrounding Mitsuhide.

As they spar, you help him out of the scene, treating his wounds. Hideyoshi successfully beats down the enemies, interrogating them as you and the fox watch from the side.

After such a scene, Mitsuhide thanks you and begins to prepare his own torture for the fools. As you and Hideyoshi begin to slip into bed, he still seems to be shaken up. Asking if he’s okay, he tries to give you a smile. “Seems like we’re already in enemy territory.”

Sighing, he tries to find a comfortable position. You try to give him space, but the only way he settled down was with you in his arms. Seeing you worried, he simply smiles, “That doesn’t matter though. I’ll still protect you with all my might.”

Mitsuhide:

Wanting to learn more about him, you had begged him to let you join him on his next mission. After mountains of consideration, he finally agreed, a sly smirk on his face. He would be going out to one of Nobunaga’s territories after hearing word of an attempted assasination.

Of course, the two of you would be disguised. As a couple. Mitsuhide clearly explains it is strictly for work as you arrive at your hotel. But you could feel that he would enjoy messing with you as your ‘husband’.

Sliding the door open, your eyes fall onto the futon placed in the center of the room. He walks past you, holding that smirk. “Now I did clearly explain that there would be some minor details in joining me, correct?”

As the long days of investigating go on and the nights come just as slowly, you try and fall asleep with your back to your pretend husband. Low mumbles about returning to the castle and questions about the work would be shared between the two of you.

No matter how focused you are on staying away from him in your sleep, you would find yourself waking up in his arms.

Sasuke:

Lately, you have been missing your ninja ‘bee-heft-theft’ (quoted by Yuki). And he had been missing you as well. No training could compare the fun times you two would have together chasing his squirrel or running from Kenshin.

After nights of secret meetings in between war councils, a vacation would be planned just for the two of you. Somehow lying to Kenshin successfully having Yuki cover for him, Sasuke would give you the greenlight to prepare and leave.

The retreat would be in a small, yet domestic town away from Kasugayama. Chatting and having real conversations on the way there, Sasuke would make you laugh as the maids opened your door for you. Like your brains were connected, you both immediately notice the single bed.

“I see. I must have made a mistake while booking. I’m terribly sorry.” Shaking it off, you become optimistic about the situation. The night would be filled with touring, dining, and much laughter. Sasuke would soon forget about his mistake.

When returning to your room, he’d already have a pillow in hand. Trying to find defense, he’d lightly smack your back, glasses shining with pure evil. “Please do prepare yourself. I don’t intend on quitting anytime soon.”

Smirking with pride (and two pillows), you make a comeback and charge right at him. The maids downstairs giggle and smile while listening to the two of you from downstairs.

Yukimura:

A trip with Lord Shingen? How could he not?! He didn’t even have to ask. As courtesy, Shingen politely invited you to come along. But somewhere in his stare he seemed eager for you to join. When you accept, Yuki’s face couldn’t keep back a blush. “H-Hey, you’re coming too?!...I guess it can be more ‘fun’...”

The journey is a long one. Shingen would watch over the two of you as he led the horses and cavalry to his hometown. Yuki would tell you various tales of his childhood and funny stories of Shingen and him growing up.

You would tell a few anecdotes of your own. He would be heavily invested, asking various questions and laughing at your embarrassment.

When you finally arrive, it’s practically midnight. Shingen urges you two to get to sleep. When you ask him about your room, he just smiles. He lets out an awkward laugh as he tiptoes away into his own quarters.

Suddenly, Yuki comes behind you asking about the situation. When you tell him, his face becomes as red as his clothes.

“Augh...That dummy, he’s getting too old for these things. If uh...If you want, you can crash with me–only for tonight though!” Stuttering out that last part, you gratefully accept the offer.

Together, you exchange more stories about your lives before meeting. When you finally fall asleep, you could see the sun rising in the distance.

When Shingen knocks, he quietly slides the door open. A soft chuckle escapes him as he sees his two favorite youngsters sprawled out across the floor, snoring heavily after such a long night.

[songsofacagedbird]

Hello, I’m Katie, this is my sunshine daughter Balo, and you’re watching Disney Channel! Jokes aside though, I’m so excited to bring Balo back and while not much has changed (truly this is nothing more than a continuation where I only omit plots my partner doesn’t want to revive), have a new intro / bio anyway because... I felt like it ok.  I’ll be good and not ramble too ungodly long though so without further ado - another one of my excessively long intro posts:

TWs: Child Abuse / Abuse, Alcoholism (not Balo’s, but her dad’s), Eating Disorders (anorexia nervosa)

Is that BALIAN “BALO” DRISKELL? Wow, they do look a lot like CANDICE SWANEPOEL. I hear SHE is/are a SEVENTEEN year old JUNIOR who originally attended LUXOR Academy. Word is they are a(n) REGULAR student. You should watch out because they can be NAIVE and SENSITIVE, but on the bright side they can also be OPTIMISTIC and BUBBLY. Ultimately, you’ll get to see it all for yourself.  [KATIE, 23, EST, SHE/HERS]

Last Edit: 8/26/2020

★ basics;

Full Name: Balian “Balo” Grace Driskell Age: 17 Birthday: February 7th, 2003 at 08:06 am Sexual Orientation:  Balo really doesn’t label it (although I like to say bisexual, biromanitc to make my own life easier), she always just falls for who she falls for regardless of gender. If you ask her exactly, she’d probably say MOGAI though. Relationship Status: Kinda dating Caitriona but it’s unofficial Occupation: Student Nationality: American

★ classes;

Communications

French

Geometry

U.S. History

Fashion design

Visual Art

Pilates

★ extracurriculars;

Arts Club (Member)

Balo also used to be a Cheerleader (Flyer) and part of the Gymnastics team but due to her leaving / concerns about her health, she was required to step down, much to her devastation.

★ background;

Place of Birth: Rochester, New York Hometown: Saratoga Springs, New York Health Issues: Eating Disorder (Anexoria) Traumas: Abuse (Constant/Ongoing - from her father)

★ physical;

Faceclaim: Candice Swanepoel Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Blonde Height: 5′11” -- not at fc height because I don’t wanna change her height with the new fc Weight: 120 lbs - give or take Tattoos, Birthmarks, Scars, etc: Nothing I find a need to link at the moment.

★  zodiac;

Tropical

Sun: Aquarius Moon: Aries Mercury: Capricorn Venus: Capricorn Mars: Sagittarius Jupiter: Leo Saturn: Gemini Uranus:   Aquarius Neptune: Aquarius Pluto: Sagittarius Lilith: Aries N Node: Gemini

Placidus Orb

I ASC: Pisces II: Aries III: Taurus IV: Gemini V: Cancer VI: Leo VII: Virgo VIII:  Libra IX: Scorpio X MC: Sagittarius XI: Capricorn XII: Aquarius

★ relatives;

Father’s Full Name: Lance Driskell Father’s Status: Alive Father’s Occupation: Restaurant Owner Mother’s Full Name: Cassandra “Cassidy” Driskell Mother’s Status: Alive Mother’s Occupation: Waitress at a local diner (not Lance’s place) Siblings: 1 older sister and 2 older brothers

Driskell Children Oldest to Youngest:

Ivan Marsden (22, attending school in England)

Grace Driskell (19, in California for school)

Zander Driskell (LINK TO HIS INTRO)

Balo Driskell

Here is a link to the Driskell family page if you’d like to know more about her family.

★ misc;

Hobbies and Talents: Balo’s a sketch artist and painter who tends to focus on realism, in particular realistic humans and animals. It’s her true passion and I have an inspo section for her sketchbook here! She’s also quite flexible and skilled at gymnastics, part of why it’s bothering her she can’t participate currently because she loves it and she’s good at it - making her removal from the team eat at her even more.

Pinterest Section  // Musings Tag // Playlist

- Balo’s kind of a literal ray of sunshine who believes (almost) everyone is truly good at heart. While she tries to see the best in everyone, no matter what, she truly can’t see it in her father, a fact she feels extremely guilty over it. - She loves art, sketching and painting especially, and she always dreamed of being some sort of artist. While her mother encouraged it every chance she got, her father is truly a different story. - Balo is very easy to manipulate and I encourage it constantly. - She truly just wants to love and befriend everyone, while it’s not really too hard to make her cry, usually you’ll see Balo running around with a smile trying to brighten everyone’s day. This is an issue because she’ll put everyone around her before herself every time, your happiness is a priority before hers. Again, making her easy to manipulate. (So I welcome manipulating Balo and love it when it occurs, please feel free to do so at any point) - Her best friend / favorite person in the entire world at this point is Logan Keller, mention him only if you really wanna see this girl light up like a 4th of July fireworks show. (They’re still in touch, for those of you who remember him from when Jia was playing him here!) - Balo recently got out of extensive inpatient for her eating disorder so while she’s doing a lot better, she’s really doesn’t want it to be the main topic of conversation either. She's okay and back at Luxor and she feels that’s the most important thing at the end of the day.

★ bio; TWs: Child Abuse / Abuse, Alcoholism, Eating Disorders (anoxeria, weight loss, and complications from both)

“'Cause I know that nothing good comes easy, if it did, I wouldn't be me.”

If there was one quote that fit Balo Driskell’s life to a t, that would be it. Nothing was truly easy in the Driskell’s home, she was the youngest of three children - an amount that her mother never wanted to have, and would do whatever it took to stay at after this point. Anytime her father walked in after work, the stench of alcohol clung to. She could smell it on her breath every time he yelled, each time he threw things, anytime he hit her. One could have easily convinced the young girl that all families were like this, that everyone covered up bruises and pretended they were much happier than they actually were if it wasn’t for her mother.

Perhaps Casandra Driskell never wanted her children, but she loved them with her entire heart. She’d sneak her children money, things they weren’t allowed to have - guitars, paints, canvases, sheet-music, legos, and whatever else her father deemed banning fit at a moment's notice. She wasn’t always around, working a job at the local diner, but when she was she did everything in her power to protect her children. It was never enough, though.

Lance Driskell still hurt his children close to daily, whether it was smashing Grace’s guitar over her head the moment he found it, pulling Balo down the stairs by her hair, or lashing Zander with his belt - there were quite a few times where a Driskell had to go the hospital and the family had to lie through their teeth to keep people from looking too closely at them at their mother’s urging. If it was investigated the three children would be separated, they would lose their mother, or at least that’s what they were told - and none of them wanted that. It became common for one child to intervene for another if they could, Zander especially taking the brunt of the punishments for his sisters.

It was part of loving someone in the Driskell home, trying to keep everyone else safe no matter the cost it had on you.

Her childhood wasn’t all bad, however, there were quite a few silver-linings in the dark cloud called the Driskell home. She had a close friendship with her siblings and her mother, and she has plenty of fond memories with them. Christmas was always peaceful, as her father always took that shift at his restaurant and refused to celebrate the holiday with them - a time where he couldn’t taint the joy inside of the Driskell home. She could paint when her father wouldn’t catch her in the act, something she loved doing (and she still does every chance she gets), and she had Logan. Logan Keller was her next-door neighbor and her best friend. If you saw one of them, the other probably wasn’t too far behind. In many ways, he was her person - someone she felt like she could go to with nearly anything (she could never discuss home with him at this point, of course, but everything else she could and she did). 

And then the Driskells moved away and it was like the world was ripped out from under her feet - leaving her spiraling and looking for some sort of control. Her new friend didn’t help matters much either, constantly encouraging her to “shed the weight” they swore she gained. She soon found this sense of “control” in the form of her eating disorder, careful attempts to keep herself as thin as she could, of restricting her food every chance she could.  It wasn’t healthy, far from it, but it fulfilled the desire to have some semblance of control over her life.

Sending the children to Luxor had been an easy decision for Cassandra the second the children were able to attend, a way to ship them off to safety while not being too far away from home. While it pained her a first to be away from her mother, eventually she began to understand. She was safe while at school, and at the end of the day, that was what mattered the most to her mother, right? It wasn’t hard to get into the flow of life at the school, staying at school and only coming home for the breaks that the school refused to keep students during. It broke her heart when Lance shipped Ivan to England and told him not to come home (a thought that still pains her to this day), after the boy served his use, and it only grew harder when Grace graduated and moved to California. But she was happy at Luxor, in spite of everything.

And in a way, her love for the school only grew after the merge. Now there were twice as many people to befriend and support, and in the process, she realized something she had been missing had been under her nose for a while. Logan was attending school at Luxor too, and all of a sudden, she had her person in her life again. At the time she felt on top of the world, regardless of the circle beginning to stir up issues.

And then, suddenly, she was knocked right back down to the ground.

First Logan was kidnapped and forced to deliver the message, and then he was forced to go home for personal reasons. The support she had so quickly grown used to having was seemingly being ripped out from her yet again. While he was still in touch, continuing to be her rock, her eating disorder only continued to spiral out of control. And no matter how much she tried to pretend she was fine, it was getting to the point there was no way to really do so. Balo was sick, and now everyone could tell. It was concern from her teachers that helped fuel the chain of events that resulted in getting her help, no matter how much she tried to assure everyone she didn’t need inpatient therapy and that doing outpatient would be fine. After several months of inpatient followed by a bout of “readjustment to the real world” time at home, she’s back at Luxor and as sunshine-y as ever.

TLDR / quick important notes bio recap for rereads: - Balo’s home life is far from perfect. Her father, Lance - is an abusive alcoholic, and while her mother tried her best to protect her children - she also covered things up without hesitation. It wasn’t uncommon to see a Driskell in the ER with a lie and people willing to back up the story. - The lack of control in her life is what led to her eating disorder, in hopes of regaining a (false) sense of control. - She’s been attending Luxor since freshman year, although she recently had to leave for a few months to attend extensive inpatient treatment. And now she’s back to her normal sunshine-esc antics, trying to love everyone, feeding all the strays at Luxor, and trying to spread smiles everywhere she goes.

★ wanted connections;

Friendships

Someone to manipulate her, please I beg you

Um, pretty much anything? She likes everyone cause if you do something to hurt her she does mental gymnastics to come to the conclusion you are a good person and it was an unintended side effect so...yeah. Doesn’t mean your muses have to like her though (I have a lot of fun when they don’t actually, so… don’t worry about hurting the sunshine daughter. Okay?)

Anyone who knows her from the gymnastics and/or cheer teams, as she was on the teams through Freshmen & Sophomore years, and until October of her junior year.

[mythicalsecretsanta]

Christmas In Paris (T)

This gift is for: Wren (AKA @cerealbath​) Wishing you a very festive holiday season and good vibes for the coming year. Hope you enjoy your gift! From your Secret Santa, Ellie (AKA @elliefcutie)

Link to AO3, or read below:

“Link, hello earth to Link,” someone shouted. “S-s-sorry,” he stuttered in reply. They’d been waiting so long at the check in counter he’d slipped into a daydream. One where he was at home watching his favourite paint drying show instead of here in a crowded airport. “Man what are we gonna do, they’re saying my bag weighs too much?” “Why don’t you just take some stuff out? I’m pretty sure you packed your entire bedroom. Do you really need all of it?” Link asked. “Yes I need all of it,” Rhett said placing extra emphasis on the word need. “I’m used to a certain level of comfort, you know that.” Listen, all I’m saying is do you really need silk bed sheets, a fur coat and the entire contents of your bathroom for a one week vacation in Paris?“ “ You’re totally missing the point Link those aren’t just any old things those sheets are made of rare golden orb spider silk that were painstakingly pulled out individually by blind monks from Madagascar and the-” “Ok,” Link interrupted him. “I get it. I have some extra room in my bags you can use that but anything that doesn’t fit you leave behind alright? “Really?” Rhett said “You’re a lifesaver buddyroll.” So half an hour later they boarded their flight with Rhett who was now wearing his fur coat and Link’s nearly empty carry on was now stuffed full of silk bed linens, various lotions creams serums and hair styling products. Being on the plane brought Link’s anxiety up to near panic attack levels. “Why’s it gotta be so gosh dang small in here?” He’d begun sweating profusely the moisture accumulating uncomfortably in all his crevices. “You think this is small be glad you’re not me brother I got legs for days and nowhere to put em,” Link just gave a weak smile in response his arms moving to wrap around his midsection. A pathetic attempt at self comforting. Why had he agreed to come on this stupid trip in the first place? Neither of them had anything great to go home to for the holidays. Rhett’s mom had re married and now had a replacement family as Rhett called it. Link’s mom had died when he was in college. His parents had divorced when he was two and Link had never really been close with his dad. So it made sense that they’d spend the holidays together right? Better than being alone. Not that Link really minded being alone. Last year they’d stayed home and just ordered in watching Christmas movies on Netflix. For whatever reason Rhett had gotten the idea that they should go somewhere this year. Link had flat out refused at first but Rhett was very insistent. Also he was very good at getting Link to try new things. So eventually he had caved. And here they were. Link remained quiet all throughout the safety talk which increased his anxiety level even more, and takeoff. “Link you ok?” Rhett asked once they were safely in the air. “Your being awfully quiet.” “Yeah I’m fine a little tired.” Which wasn’t a total lie he was tired. Stress had a strange way of making him sleepy. “Why don’t you try to sleep we got a long flight ahead of us anyway. You can use my coat as a pillow if you want. I’m sweating to death in it anyway.” Before Link could even answer Rhett was twisting himself around to get the cumbersome thing off. It was a struggle that lasted several minutes and by the time Rhett handed him the coat he was smiling. He couldn’t really refuse it after that could he? “Thanks” he said. Propping himself up against the window he fell asleep almost immediately.

“Link, hey Link,” Rhett half whispered while nudging his shoulder. Link just groaned and pushed him away. “Lemme sleep Rhett .” “You gotta wake up buddy we’re about to land.” Link sat up his hands moving automatically to try and rub the sleep out of his eyes. “I slept through the whole flight?” he said in disbelief. “You sure did sleepyhead,” Rhett replied laughing one of his grumbling laughs. Just then the pilot came on over the intercom. “Hello this is your captain speaking we’re just beginning our descent into Paris and we should be landing in approximately twenty minutes. The weather is a chilly 50 degrees Fahrenheit with clear skies. The local time is 5:05pm. Please put you seat belts on and thanks for a great flight.” Then she said the same thing in french. At least that’s what Link assumed because he understood nothing beyond bonjour despite having taken three years of french in high school. Link immediately fastened his seat belt and looked out the window. The sun was setting and it cast a beautiful rose gold glow over the city that Link had to admit looked stunning. Link started when he felt Rhett’s beard tickling his neck. “Looks pretty great right? Don’t be shy you can say that I made a good choice. That this is gonna be a million time better than just being at home.” Link rolled his eyes. “Maybe just maybe this won’t be a total disaster.” “It’s gonna be awesome just wait until you see what I got planned,” Rhett said. His eyes and smile wide with excitement more than Link had ever seen them before. Rhett had insisted on being the sole planner of their trip. Link hadn’t protested since he didn’t really care. He fully expected to have a terrible time but his first look at the city had him feeling unexpectedly optimistic about it. He smiled back at Rhett. “So what are we doing tonight?” “There’s this really old cinema that shows old Christmas movies during December. Tonight there playing It’s a Wonderful Life. But we could do something else if you want. If you’re too tired we can just stay at the hotel.” Rhett said rather rapidly. His cheeks turning red. Link squirmed in his seat suddenly feeling very antsy. It was probably the cramped seating he just needed to stretch his legs. “That sounds really good actually.” Rhett grinned and was it Link’s imagination or did his the redness of his face deepen even more? He turned to look out the window again at the city growing ever closer.

Link swallowed the last bite of the cracker sandwich he’d been working on for the past hour and a half. He chased it with a big gulp of sparkling water. Rhett had chosen an upscale restaurant for dinner where nothing sounded familiar (mostly because of the french) or appetizing. The waiter had given him the stink eye when he’d asked for plain bread and cracker sandwich like the ones he always had at home. Rhett however had ordered a plethora of items and in french too. Link’s sandwich had come rather quickly a whole loaf of french bread and some sort of multigrain crackers that was something of a disappointment to Link. So he’d been taking halfhearted bites of it every so often while Rhett inhaled dish after dish of rich looking foods covered in cream sauces. “You sure you don’t wanna try any of my food?” Rhett asked. “No I’m good” “Come on at least have a bite of the escargot. The butter herb caviar sauce on top is absolutely divine.” “Isn’t that snails? No thanks.” Link said in disgust. “How about dessert I ordered the wildflower honey lavender gelato. That’s sorta like ice cream. You like ice cream right?” Link did in fact like ice cream one of the few things that had stuck from his brief foray into the world of tasting. The way Rhett was acting was making Link nervous. He seemed so eager for Link to be pleased that Link felt obliged to be pleased. “Sure buddy that sounds good” Rhett smiled brightly and there was that blush again. They’re dessert soon arrived in a single dish with two spoons. Link frowned his personal ice cream sharing rule was don’t unless you’re willing to make out with said person. “Sorry Link I’ll ask them for a separate bowl,” Rhett said. Link glanced around the crowded restaurant in search of wait staff to flag down and found no one. What the hell he thought. He’d flown halfway across the world today surely he could share ice cream. They had separate spoons after all. “Don’t bother,” Link took the tiny spoon on his side of the bowl and brought it up to his mouth. The gelato was amazing it had an icy smooth consistency less creamy than ice cream but sweetened perfectly with honey and just a touch of lavender to brighten it up. Link went in for a second bite and realized Rhett was just staring at him mouth agape. Which Link found odd because Rhett was never one to hesitate while eating. “Is that not ok with you? It’s because of my herpes isn’t it? I’m sorry we can order you a separate one.” “No just a little surprised it’s like your a whole different Link in Paris.” “Is that a bad thing?” “It’s interesting that’s for sure,” Rhett replied picking up his spoon.

The cool night air nipped at Link’s arms making giving him goosebumps. He was beginning to regret their decision to walk back to the hotel after the movie. Which despite Rhett’s disbelief he had never seen before. “You cold Link?” Rhett asked. “Yeah a little figures when we could actually use that ridiculous fur coat of yours we don’t have it.” “I’ll have you know that coat is made of very rare Siberian Brown Lemming fur. Which is said to be so soft it’s like wearing a cloud.” Link just rolled his eyes. “So you wanna know what on the itinerary for tomorrow?” Rhett asked. “Nah I’m sorta enjoying this whole going with the flow thing. It feels very freeing not worrying about every little thing for once.” “I get that. Let’s pick up the pace so we don’t freeze our balls off shall we.” Link let loose a high pitched giggle and began to run down the street.

Link stifled a yawn as he watched people go by on the quiet Parisian street. Rhett had dragged him outta bed at an ungodly hour and to this quaint little cafe nearby. He was currently sipping his second cup of espresso in hopes it would chase away the jet lag. “Did you not sleep well Link” Rhett asked seemingly unaffected by jet lag and entirely to chipper. “I slept fine it must be jet lag. I’ve never felt so tired in my life. You seriously don’t feel it?” “I slowly adjusted myself to Paris time over the last two weeks, remember? I asked if you wanted to join me and you declined. I’d bet you’re regretting that now.” Yes Link did seem to recall Rhett going on about that how it would eliminate jet lag and help optimize their enjoyment of the trip. But he’d said it right before bed and staying up later had seemed too difficult to an already sleepy Link. “I have just the thing to cheer you up,” Rhett said. “You wanna know what we’re doing today?” Leaving absolutely no time for Link to reply he answered his own question. “There’s this really cool winery called Le Clos Montmatre right here in the city and they give tours. Guess who’s gonna be on one of those tours?” “Us?” Link said flatly. “Bingo” “I can’t wait.”

“I think we’re lost,” Link said “We are not lost,” Rhett insisted. “Really so we were supposed to get on several different trains and then get off to stare at this map in the station? Then I guess we’re not lost after all.” “Ok, so we may be a little turned around,” Rhett said. “But we are definitely not lost. We just need to get on this train… or maybe this one.” He trailed off. “Alright we may be lost,” He finally admitted. “So why don’t we just go above ground and catch a cab or we’ll miss our tour. Besides it creeps me out down here. It’s like being buried alive.” ��Because that would be admitting defeat. This is how people get around here. If we take a cab we’re missing out on the authentic Paris experience. “I don’t think part of the authentic experience is aimlessly getting on and off trains with no idea where you’re going. I’m getting a cab you can stay down here and keep having the authentic experience if you like.” Link took off toward the exit and Rhett followed.

Due to the narrow climbing roads the cab dropped them off a quarter mile from the actual winery itself. They walked in silence for a few minutes until Rhett broke it abruptly. “Sorry about this Link. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.” Rhett said eyes on the ground as they walked along.” “What do you mean?” Link asked. He felt somewhat confused everything seemed fine to him. “It’s just I have this picture in my head of how I want things to go, you know. Reality never seems to live up to that picture. This is only the first day and already I screwed things up.” “Wait…what? You think you screwed things up?” “Well yeah you’re all jet lagged, we got lost and now we might miss our tour.” He finally looked up at Link. His amber eyes pitiful. “Rhett, you did not screw things up I will get over the jet lag, everybody gets lost in strange cities and I’m pretty sure we found the vineyard.” He pointed up to the vine covered mansion before them. It was beautiful Link was beginning to think everything in Paris was. “You really don’t think I’m screwing things up?” Rhett asked breaking eye contact with Link and looking straight ahead. “Not at all.”

“Mercie,” Rhett thanked the man who had poured their wine. The tour had been interesting. Emile,their tour guide’s enthusiasm had been contagious. They were now sitting in the cellar sampling some wine. “ “A votre sante,” Rhett said “Huh?” Link said. “Since when do you speak french?” “I learned online. I figured one of us should.” He shrugged nonchalant. “A votre sante means cheers.” They clinked glasses. Link swallowed his all in one gulp, hissing at the unpleasant burning sensation in his throat. It did taste vaguely fruity which was ok but he really couldn’t see what all the hype was about. He would choose grape juice over this any day. He glanced up at Rhett to find him staring wide eyed at him. “What? Did I spill some on my shirt or something?” he looked in panic at his white and blue striped polo. It looked alright to him. Rhett just laughed that big loud rumbling one he did when something caught him by surprise. When he caught his breath he said. “No it’s just that not how you’re supposed to do that man. It’s not like taking jello shots at a frat party.” Link blushed. “Give me a break Rhett I’ve never done this before.” “How have you never done this before?” “I just haven’t. You don’t need to laugh at me.” “Sorry Link. I guess I’ll just have to show you how it’s done. Here I’ll share mine with you.” He reached over and poured half of his glass into Link’s. “You gotta take your time with it really get to know it. Swish it around in the glass, like this.” Rhett slowly moved the stem of his glass in a circle. Link copied. “Excellent. Now go ahead and take a whiff of it. Really take in that aroma with your nose hole.” “Is this really necessary seems a little over the top to me.” “Yes it’s necessary drinking wine is all about the experience Link. It’s the only way to really detect all the nuances of flavor.” “Fine I’ll sniff the damn wine just let it be known that I think it’s ridiculous.” “I’m ok with that,” Rhett said. So Link smelled the wine. It smelled fruity and maybe a little acidic. “Mmm,” Rhett said “ A very nice smelling wine it smells full bodied with a hint of lemon verbena.” “Can we actually drink it now?” Link asked. He was beginning to lose patience with Rhett’s process. “Sure buddy but you should take small sips and aerate it by running it through your teeth.” He kindly demonstrated this and it make the most horrendous noise. “There’s no way I’m doing that. You’ll have to settle for me taking small sips.” “Your loss. I’ll be over here experiencing the full flavor of wine as intended.” Link rolled his eyey as he brought the glass to his lips. He did keep it in his mouth a little and to his surprise he noticed the hint of citrus Rhett had mentioned. Also the burning sensation was much milder and pleasant this time around. “This is pretty good actually,” “See I told you,” Rhett said practically beaming. “You have to do it the right way for optimal enjoyment.” Link smiled with a shake of his head. They continued their tasting mostly in silence with only an occasional interjection from Rhett about the flavours of the different wines. Once the wine had all been tasted Emile cleared her throat to get their attention. “So that concludes the wine tasting portion of the tour. We’re going to finish off the tour by going to see our fields. They have a very unique graded set up that offers up some wonderful views of the city. So feel free to stick around afterwards to take some pictures. Link pushed his seat back as he got up he felt dizzy and had to brace himself on the table. “Whoa, you alright there Link? The wine gettin’ to ya?” “I’m alright,” Link replied. “Just felt a little unsteady there.” Truthfully Link felt very strange maybe he shouldn’t have had so much wine. He figured he would be fine the tour was almost over anyway. It was a struggle to keep himself steady as the walked but he managed it. They emerged into the sunshine at the bottom of a steep incline. Now he knew what Emile had meant by graded set up. It looked like they had carved the vineyard right out of the hillside. It was possibly one of the most unique things Link had ever seen. Unfortunately he wasn’t really in a state to enjoy it. The feeling of unease that he’d felt in the cellar seemed to be growing by the minute. Everything after that was pretty fuzzy until Rhett elbowed him in the ribs. Hey Link mind if we go to the top I really wanna get some pictures.” “Yeah sure sounds great,” Link said. He did not in fact think it was great. He had no idea how he was going to make it up there. Rhett chattered away at him as they climbed. “That was pretty awesome right Link? Wait till you see what I have planned for tomorrow. It’s even better I think gotta make Christmas Eve special right? Link just nodded. As they neared the top Link’s head was spinning so bad he had to sit down. “Hey Rhett,” he said his words coming out slurred. “I’m not feeling so well.” He then proceeded to vomit in the bushes beside him. Rhett rushed to his side putting his hand softly in the small of Link’s back as he wretched the meager contents of his stomach onto the foliage. “Oh Link I’m so sorry. You’re kind of a lightweight hey? Don’t worry we’ll get you back to the hotel and you’ll be better in no time.” Link finished vomiting and sat back up wiping the mix of throw up and spit on his jacket sleeve. “You get it all out?” “I think so.” “Good, good you just stay right there I’m gonna order us an Uber ok?” He pulled out his phone typing away at it furiously. A few minutes later he pocketed it. “It’ll be here in 20 but we’re gonna have to walk a little to get there. Think you can do that?” Link nodded. “Alright let me help you there.” Rhett said. He crouched down slinging Link’s arm over his shoulder. “We’re gonna try standing on three. One..two…three.” They struggled up together Rhett doing most of the heavy lifting Link only managing to fall into Rhett’s arms. Link’s only thought was that he smelled good some sort of deep musky scent. “Ok we made it up good job. Now let’s get you straightened out.” Link reached out weakly trying to pull him back in but Rhett didn’t even seem to notice. “You think you’re ok to walk?” “Yeah I think so.” Slowly they made their way back down where a concerned looking Emile met them. “Mon dieu. Is your husband okay Rhett?” “He’s not really much of a drinker. I shouldn’t have let hi drink so much. We’re just going to leave now. Thanks for the lovely tour and sorry about the bushes.” Link grimaced at that bit. “Yeah I’m very sorry about that,’ he added. Wait had she just called him Rhett’s husband why would she think that? Before Link could think about it too much Rhett was walking again taking Link with him. Somehow they made it to the Uber without incident. Rhett helped Link and spoke with the driver while Link just sat there willing himself not to vomit again. “Link?” “Yeah,” Link answered feeling very sleepy all of a sudden. “Driver says it’s gonna be half an hour to the hotel. You just tell me if we need to pull over again okay?” “Sure. Rhett?’ “Yes Link?’ “I’m sleepy.” “That’s just fine you just put you’re head on my shoulder and close your eyes,” “Thanks Rhett,” Link said as he did exactly that. He gave a contented sigh happy to be smelling that Rhett smell again.

The next thing Link really remembers is walking up with a dry mouth, splitting headache and a bladder that’s about to burst. He groans as he sits up in bed. Yes he’s in a bed in his and Rhett’s hotel room. They’re sharing a room because according to Rhett this is the only hotel to stay in, in Paris. It’s also very expensive so they can only afford one room. Two beds at least though. “Hey Link welcome back to the world of the sober. How you feeling?” “Like I’ve been hit by a tuck… twice.” “Sounds about right. Hangovers are a delight. You probably need to pee real bad right about now so why don’t you go do that.’ “I’ll probably pee the bed if I don’t. I’m not even sure that would be the most embarrassing thing I’ve done today.” Link sighs and heaves himself out of bed stumbling to the bathroom. Emptying his bladder helps a little and splashing some cold water on his face helps some too. He walks back to his bed. Rhett has placed a bottle of water and some ibuprofen on his bedside table. “You should take those and drink the water that will help,” Rhett said. “We should also get some food in you. You haven’t eaten all day have you?” Besides a few halfhearted bites of the pancakes at breakfast Link realized he hadn’t had anything but caffeine and alcohol all day. No wonder he’d gotten drunk so fast. “Thanks. What time is it anyway?” “It’s half past five,” “Really? Rhett I’m sorry look like I’m the one who ruined our day not you.” “Don’t worry about it. I think I need to learn to go with the flow more too. I thought we could stay in order room service maybe watch some lame Christmas movie?” “Sounds good to me.”

Link was awakened by the sound of someone knocking at their door. “Don’t worry about that Link I’ll get it,” Rhett said. His blurry figure rushing past Link. “Mmm kay,” he mumbled. He sat up in bed yawning and stretching out his arms. His hands fumbled around the unfamiliar space to find his glasses. He put them on to see Rhett wheeling a cart in between the beds. “Good morning. I took the liberty of ordering breakfast in bed for us. I hope you don’t mind.” “No that sounds good.” “There’s fresh scones with clotted cream and a variety of jams, some fresh fruit ham and cheese quiche and of of course coffee. I got some fresh squeezed OJ for you to since you don’t usually drink coffee.” “Wow Rhett that’s quite the spread. Are you sure we can afford that?” Link asked this hotel was very high end this must have cost a fortune. “Don’t sweat it mon aime consider this an early Christmas present.” Damn Link thinks were they supposed to get each other gifts? Link just thought with the trip they would just forget about it. He’d have to find a way to buy something today without Rhett noticing. “You wanna hear what we’re doing today,” Rhett asked. As he handed a plate to Link and took one himself and began to give himself generous portions of everything on the tray. “Yeah sure.” “ First up is making and decorating gingerbread houses. Then we have to walk through the Christmas market. “What’s a Christmas market?” “So every year these Christmas markets pop up around the city. They have all kinds of vendors selling all kinds of decorations gifts baked goods and street food everything you can think of man they got it.” “Sounds interesting.” What a stroke of good luck. Surely he would be able to find an opportunity to buy something for Rhett there. “Yeah and this one is right close to the Eiffel Tower they have an outdoor skating rink there too.” “I’ve never been skating before,” Link said. “Me neither being a California boy and all. I thought it would be fun.”

It had been a fun day, a perfect day really until it wasn’t. Rhett had lead them to this cooking school not to far from the hotel. Even though neither of them had much experience in the kitchen they worked pretty well together. Even when the bickered over the decoration of their house it was all good natured and if Link got startled every time Rhett invaded his space so what? The afternoon they spent wandering through the crowded Christmas market taking in all the sights and sounds. Who’s too say if the walked a little closer than necessary hands and shoulders brushing against each other sending little shocks of electricity through Link’s body. They had some mouthwatering meat pies,tourtiere, at a street vendor eating them as they walked. As the sun set them came to the outdoor skating rink and saw the Eiffel Tower all lit up in the distance behind it. Skating was decidedly an absolute disaster. Link couldn’t keep his balance at all. He ending up grabbing for Rhett, who was somewhat steadier, and just ended up dragging them both down. And if Link reveled in the feel of their bodies tangling together what was so wrong about that? Also it was cold neither of them was dressed for that. Link teased Rhett for not bringing his fur coat. They laughed. It was like an inside joke with them now. It even began to snow big fat flakes drifting down from the sky. Once both of them had enough of fumbling around on the ice Link left Rhett sitting on a bench. He was supposed to be getting hot chocolate for them. What he was really doing was trying to find a gift for Rhett. He ended up buying him a scarf earmuffs and mittens to go with his coat and some fancy coffee with 24 carat gold flakes in it. Rhett would love that. Things started to go downhill at the hot chocolate stand. The woman serving him spoke to him in english which was far better than Link’s pitiful attempts at french. “You and your husband … you are having good time in Paris yes? It is the city of amour they say.” “Oh he’s not… we’re not married. We’re just friends,” Link answered shaking his head emphatically to try and get his point across. “Sorry my mistake. Here’s your chocolate.” Link thanked her and left. A funny feeling coming over him. Why did someone calling Rhett his husband have this effect on him? He was silent as he sat down next to Rhett and handed him his hot chocolate. When he finished he just sat there holding his empty cup not wanting to look at Rhett. Feeling overwhelmed but not sure why. “Something wrong Link?” Rhett asked. “Why are we here Rhett?” “Are you tired? We can go back now if you want.” “No like why are we here in Paris?” “I’m not sure what this is about,” Rhett said clearly confused. “Are you in love with me Rhett?” “What? Why would you say that?” “Oh I don’t know we’re here in one of the most romantic cities in the world. At Christmas. Or maybe it cause you didn’t correct Emile yesterday when she thought we were husbands.” “I didn’t think you would remember that.” “Well I do,” “Look I just didn’t think it was that important. It’s not like we were ever gonna see her again.” “Forget I asked let’s just go back to the hotel.” Link doesn’t know why he even asked those things. He hadn’t even known he was thinking them. Rhettt tip toed around him for the rest of the evening. Link pretended to be tired just so he could have some space to process everything. Rhett stayed up for awhile quietly watching TV. Eventually he switched if off and went to bed. “Link? Link you awake?” Link didn’t feel like talking so he stayed silent. “I know I avoided answering the question before. But I do Link. Love you that is. That’s why we’re here. I was going to tell you tomorrow but maybe I won’t now.” So that’s why Link was here at 3a.m on Christmas morning wandering the streets of Paris alone. Because he’d freaked out after Rhett’s confession and slipped away when Rhett fell asleep. What the crap was he supposed to think about that. He’d never dated anyone besides Vanessa. If going on two dates and getting dumped for a robot even counted as dating. And even that had been Rhett’s idea. He was always the one pushing Link to try things he never would have on his own. He wasn’t even sure he was capable of falling in love. It seemed like such an intangible concept to Link. How would you even know? Emotions were just so confusing. A sudden wave of weariness washed over Link. If he had to walk one more step he’d collapse for sure. He glanced around the deserted street there was nowhere to sit except the ground. So he slumped against the cold brick wall putting his head between his knees. He was shivering now uncontrollably but not from the cold. Then a heavy weight was draped over his shoulders. He looked up to find Rhett crouched beside him. “I guess you weren’t asleep,” Rhett said. A slight smile on his lips. The weight on his shoulders was that stupid fur coat. “Wait… what?… how did you even find me?” Link stuttered. Rhett waved his phone around. “Got your location on my phone remember?” Damn it Link had forgotten all about that. “Look I didn’t come here to push myself on you or anything. I just got worried when I woke up and you were gone. Looks like I was right to worry cause here you are crying alone and cold on the ground.” He was crying? Link’s hand wiped at his eyes confirming he was indeed crying. “I’m just…so…I’m so confused Rhett. How long?” Link was finding it difficult to speak. His voice was hoarse and his throat felt like it was closing up. Rhett sat down next to him though Link noted not close enough to be touching. “I’m not sure Link. I think I knew from the moment we met that you would be special to me. When it became something more than friendship I can’t say exactly. You sorta sneaked up on me.” There was that timid smile again. Rhett was afraid Link realized. Being vulnerable wasn’t easy for him either. “So what happens now?” he asked. “That’s up to you Link. We can pretend this never happened or we can explore this…us if you want to.” He gestured to himself and Link. “Or you can leave. I’ll understand if this is all too much for you,” He said. He tried to keep his voice even but Link heard the break in it when he said that last option. “I don’t think I can go back to how we were before Rhett. Not with you so close. I’ll always be thinking of the way you smell or the feel of your hand on my back. And how could I forget your body underneath mine solid and yet soft at the same time?” Rhett just stared at him wide eyed mouth open. Link laughed. “You’ve been giving me that look ever since we got here.” “Well you keep surprising me.” “Here’s another one then.” Link leaned over and kissed Rhett. It was a short closed mouth kiss over before it really began. Rhett was blushing when it was over though. “Really Link your sure?” Link kissed him again in reply. Rhett was ready this time putting his hand to Link’s face gently keeping him there. Only to break the kiss seconds later. “Merry Christmas Link.” “Merry Christmas Rhett.”

[welllpthisishappening]

Oh can you do a boxing fic? Please! I can picture a sweaty Killian boxing and showing off for his girl and a bunch of pre and post boxing celebratory kisses?!

HELLO ANON, THIS HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY INBOX FOR WEEKS AND I AM SORRY FOR THAT. AS REPAYMENT, HERE ARE QUITE A NUMBER OF WORDS WHERE EMMA AND KILLIAN’S FRIENDS TOTALLY WANT EMMA AND KILLIAN TO DATE, BUT EMMA AND KILLIAN CAN’T BELIEVE THEIR FRIENDS HAVEN’T NOTICED THEY ALREADY ARE. JUST LIKE...WITH BOXING. 

Also on Ao3 because this also got pretty long. I don’t know, guys. 

The hospital lights are giving her a headache.

They’re bright and abrasive and everything smells like disinfectant, which, honestly Emma figures is probably a good sign regarding the cleanliness of this hospital, but she’s far too worried about everything else to be worried about that.

She’s not even sure if she’s supposed to be worried about that.

This was not part of the plan.

At all.

There was no plan.

At all.

“We should be back there,” David hisses, not for the first time and it’s an absolutely horrible attempt at keeping his voice down.

Emma licks her lips, ignoring Mary Margaret’s furtive glances. Mary Margaret keeps glancing at her. Emma’s tongue is going to dry out.

That’s the single worst thing she’s ever thought.

“We can’t get back there yet,” Ariel says reasonably, slumped in one of the waiting room chairs with her legs stretched out in front of her. She mutters a rather pointed curse under her breath when Will nearly trips over her feet. “Well, watch where you’re going then.”

“I didn’t actually say anything,” Will points out. “And the Detective is right. We should—“

“—We can’t. You know that. David knows that. They’re doing tests or making sure he’s not concussed or whatever.”

“He’s definitely concussed,” David mumbles, and Emma’s stomach gives an uncomfortable lurch. Mary Margaret is still staring at her.

Ariel, somehow, slumps even further down. It ends with her kicking Will in the the ankle, a growl on his lips and he’s a blur of movement and Jones-branded clothing, ducking down to grab her legs and swing them over his when he sits down. “Don’t move,” he commands, but the words ring a little hollow when it’s clear how worried he is.

It’s definitely a concussion. At best. Or worst. Emma has lost her grip on the English language.

Ariel sticks her tongue out. “Do you think we should call someone?”

“Like who?”

“Everyone he knows is here,” David chuckles, drifting closer to Mary Margaret like there are magnets involved. Or love. Definitely love. “It’s—well, if we were he's emergency contact, we would have gotten called already. Right?”

Will shrugs. “He’s been in there for awhile.”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

Emma hasn’t really been paying attention, far too preoccupied with the less-than-encouraging placement of her stomach in regards to the rest of her internal organs and how much she absolutely hates the lighting in that hospital, wondering if her worry is too big or too meaningful, and she’s so caught up in her own thoughts that she almost doesn’t notice her phone ringing in her pocket.

It doesn’t matter. Her friends do. Loudly.

“Em,” Mary Margaret says, nodding towards the buzz lingering around Emma’s right thigh. “You’re…your phone is ringing.”

She must nod. She’s sure she nods. She hopes she nods. She does, at least, tug her phone out of her pocket, arm heavy when she pulls the stupid, still-ringing piece of technology to her ear and Emma’s voice scratches its way out of her throat.

It’s more abrasive than the hospital lighting.

“Hello?”

Her voice shakes. It’s the worst.

“Emma Swan?”

“Yuh huh.”

“This is Belle French from NYC Health and Hospitals in Coney Island. I’m calling because Killian Jones listed you as his emergency contact. Unfortunately I have to tell you that Mr. Jones has been admitted here after sustaining some injuries during his fight and—“

“—Is he concussed?” Emma interrupts, well aware of the four sets of matching and equally wide eyes that stare at her. Ariel curses when Will grips her legs too tightly.

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you that over the phone, but if you’d be able to—“

“—I’m here.” Emma should stop interrupting Belle French. It’s rude. “Um, sorry. I’m just—well, I’m standing in the waiting room. Currently.”

“Oh,” Belle says, a note of genuine surprise there and Emma can’t blame her. It’s reflected on each of her friend’s faces as well. “Well, that’s…efficient.”

“Yeah, that’s me for sure. Does this mean I can come back there?”

“Can we go back there?” Will asks sharply, Emma waving him off.

Belle makes a noise on the other end of the phone. “Give us a few more moments. The doctor is still with Mr. Jones, but I’m sure he’ll want to see you soon.”

“The doctor?”

“Mr. Jones. He’s been asking for you.”

Emma’s stomach flies into her throat. “Ok,” she says, quieter than she wants and more emotional than she probably should be, but the punch had landed and she’d definitely gasped and—“Ok,” she repeats. “I’ll be here.”

“Good.”

The phone feels impossibly heavy in Emma’s hand, weighing her down and somehow making her head ache even more. They’re all still looking at her. Mary Margaret’s shoes squeak when she takes a step forward.

It was raining out.

Figures.

“Emma,” Mary Margaret says, stretching her name out into an impossibly long string of syllables. “What’s going on?”

**

“Ariel, listen, I don’t care how much you think we’ll get along, I don’t want—“

“—I have no idea if you’re actually going to get along. I’m cautiously optimistic and I just think it could be interesting.”

Emma glares, eyes thin enough that it’s difficult to make out the self-satisfied smile on Ariel’s face. “I’m not interested in being your science experiment either.”

“That’s not what this is,” Mary Margaret promises, but that’s exactly what it is because this is far from the first time something like this has happened.

“Gimme that.” Emma leans forward, grabbing whatever it was Mary Margaret had been drinking and the alcohol stings the back of her throat. “What is this guy’s name? And, like, his life story?”

“I promise it’s far more interesting than you’re expecting.”

Emma spins on the spot – nearly falling off the stool in the process and her eyes widen. He grins at her.

That’s the first thing she notices.

It’s calm and easy, a quiet sense of self confidence that’s attractive and a little disarming and he steps into her space almost immediately.

She doesn’t move. That may be a first.

“That so?” Emma asks, doing her best to stay casual when it feels like her heart is about to beat its way out of her chest.

The smile widens. And his hair drifts towards his brows when he nods. “Decidedly.”

“Huh.”

“That’s not quite the rapt audience I was hoping for.”

Emma chuckles, downing the rest of a drink that isn’t hers. “I guess you’re just going to have to win me over or something.”

He does – although she certainly makes him work for it. His name is Killian Jones, freshly moved to New York a few weeks earlier. He’s a boxer.

“Is that still allowed?” Emma asks, drifting towards the edge of her stool. She keeps doing that, flinching when she realizes she’s about to fall over again, and she’s got a sneaky suspicion it’s because she’s trying to get closer to Killian, but that’s a great, big thought in a great, big moment and Ariel is going to be insufferable if she realizes this set-up worked.

It might have worked.

Definitely.

“Otherwise this has been a very long con,” Killian drawls over the top of his own glass. “That would be disappointing after I signed a lease.”

“A full year?” He hums. “Yeah, I doubt you could get out of that.”

“Exactly. And why fight that when I’m so interested in several other fights?”

“That was funny.”

Killian beams. “It happens from time to time. And what do you do, Swan?”

She tells him – NYPD with David, some childhood dream of doing good and “to serve and protect, right?” he asks with a quirk of his eyebrows that seems to almost immediately brand itself on every inch of her brain. It’s how she met Mary Margaret and, by extension, Ariel, both teachers at the same public school and they’re a group and maybe a family and he tells her things right back.

He’s been fighting for years, “stumbled into it by accident, honestly” after joining the Navy at eighteen and “New York’s always been the goal, or so my manager will tell you.”

His manager’s name is Will Scarlet. He lives in the same building with the year-long lease.

They talk. They drink. They get irrationally competitive about trivia at the bar.

“That is just fundamentally wrong,” Emma shouts, leaning across the table they’ve commandeered in the corner. "Midichlorians aren’t an actual energy field!”

Killian shakes his head. “The Force is an energy field. Obi-Wan says so!”

“Oh my God,” Ariel grumbles, dropping her head onto her forearms like this is embarrassing. It kind of is. People are murmuring.

“Midichlorians are inside humans,” Emma argues. She doesn’t remember standing up. And Killian’s whatever, it’s a smirk, it’s totally a smirk, is very distracting. “That’s how they measure it in Anakin.”

“Are you counting the Phantom Menace as canon?”

“How are you not?”

“Because that’s just fundamentally wrong, Swan.”

“It’s a movie! It’s part of the lore!”

“Are we still talking about this one trivia question?” Mary Margaret asks, making a face when both Emma and Killian snap yes in tandem.

Killian’s mouth twists, which only proves how much Emma is staring at his mouth. “The existence of midichlorians directly contradictions the explanation of the Force in the original trilogy,” he grumbles. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“You sound like an internet fan boy,” Emma accuses. “And that was not the question. The question was just ‘what are midichlorians.’ The answer is human cells in a human person—“

“—What about Jedi that aren’t humans? Are you suggesting Yoda is secretly a human?”

“Oh my God.”

The smirk is back. And they’ve officially run out of time to answer the question.

“You guys are banned from trivia,” David announces, hours later after more vaguely petty arguments and far too much alcohol when Emma has to be at the station at ten tomorrow morning.

She rolls her eyes. “Somehow I think I’ll survive.”

“Yeah, tell me that when you’re upset at missing out on our inevitable glory next week.”

Emma makes a noise in the back of her throat, shrugging into her jacket and Killian’s lingering in her space, that same quiet presence that’s laced with a hint of something she hopes matches up with hers.

“You want to get some coffee or something?” he asks, as soon as everyone else is out of range.

“Yeah, ok.”

She’s nearly twenty minutes late to her shift the next day, the ends of her hair still damp from a shower that isn’t hers and David smiles as soon she drops into her chair.

***

They have every intention of telling their friends. Really. They do.

It just…never comes up.

And both Ariel and Mary Margaret are already in mourning for another set-up that “clearly didn’t work” as soon as Emma walks into the coffee place two blocks away from school.

“I really thought you guys would hit it off,” Ariel shrugs, tugging apart a croissant with a bit more force than necessary. “I didn’t factor in your mutual nerd’ness.”

Emma arches an eyebrow. “Is that an insult?”

“Didn’t it sound that way?”

“She means she thought you would have been able to bond over that, instead of argue over it,” Mary Margaret corrects.

Ariel shakes her head. “No, I did not.”

“I know you didn’t,” Emma promises. There’s not enough sugar in her coffee. “I should probably be more offended by that, right?”

Ariels shrugs again. “Depends on what you say to this, I guess.”

“This being?”

Her phone dings. She typed her number in his phone herself. After he made her breakfast.

He made her breakfast.

“How often Killian will probably be around,” Ariel continues, eyes flitting nervously towards Mary Margaret.

The word ewok was never actually said in the original trilogy.

I think that’s a lie.

Nope, not once. Only in the credits.

I really don’t believe you at all.

Well, that’s disheartening, but it just means one thing.

Which is?

We’ve got to watch the original trilogy now. And you can tell me how much more I know about the Star Wars universe than you do.

Emma nearly spits out her coffee. Ariel’s breath catches, which kind of makes Emma feel guilty, but her friends area also making assumptions and setting her up and—

Her phone makes more noise

What do you say, Swan? Is it a date?

“Em,” Ariel prompts. “Is that—I mean, he doesn’t really know anyone else and he’s got a fight in a couple of weeks. I know, well, he isn’t normal and some sci-fi know-it-all…”

“It’s fine” Emma promises. “And technically Star Wars is really more epic fantasy, just set in space. So, you know…”

Yeah. It’s a date.

***

“That is distracting.”

“Hmm, that might be the point.”

Killian doesn’t look away from the tablet in his hand, film he’s supposed to be watching in prep for tomorrow’s bought. Emma’s pretty sure that’s the technical term. She’s learned some of the technical terms.

“Might be?” he echoes. He shifts when she drags her lips across the curve of his jaw, tracing a line of stubble that regularly and consistently distracts her when she thinks about it too much.

“Pleading the fifth.”

“I don’t think that’s how that works, love.”

It’s not the first time he’s called her that – it’s a thing, she’s come to realize, like watching film of some boxer from Alabama he’s totally going to knock out tomorrow night – but it never fails to make her pulse beat a little more erratically than usual. It’s nice. It’s good. It’s great, even.

It’s still a goddamn secret.

“Should he be jumping around that much?” Emma asks, nodding at the fighter on the screen when he dodges an uppercut.

“He’s not jumping, Swan. He’s making a move.”

“And the move is?”

“To not get hit.”

“Seems kind of strange in a sport so devoted to hitting.”

Killian laughs, tugging her closer to his side until Emma doesn’t have any choice except to swing her legs over his. Or so she tells herself. They should tell someone. Eventually.

It’s kind of become something of a game though, wondering how long it will take their friends to realize that Emma and Killian keep spending the majority of their free time together.

“Boxing is not devoted to hitting,” Killian argues. He’s moving his hand again, fingers drawing absent-minded patterns across Emma’s back and in between her shoulder blades, carding through the ends of her hair.

“I really don’t know if you’re doing it right then.”

“That’s not what I said at all. I’m going to try and hit Chafur tomorrow, but it’s a lot more than brute strength.”

“So says you.”

“It is,” Killian promises, but his voice gets a little strained and decidedly distracted and it might have to do with whatever Emma’s doing just behind his right ear. “Swan, I can’t think when you do that.”

“That is the point. How many rounds you think you’re going to go?”

“No more than five.”

She lets out a low whistle. “That’s awfully confident.”

“You watching this guy? His whole game is to dodge. No attack in him at all.”

“And you think you’re going to do that? Attack?”

Killian nods, brushing a kiss to the top of her hair. “Several very impressive newspaper articles would inform you that I tend to do that quite often in the ring.”

“Newspapers are a dying industry.”

It gets him to laugh again. “Fair,” he agrees. “But that’s not the point. The point is that I’m going in with a plan, love. I’m going to—“

“—Attack?”

She leans back, only a little frustrated because she’s more than a little worried and they might not have told anyone, but Killian has done a fairly admirable job of working his way into the very center of her life very quickly.

A well-calculated attack. But with less punches. And more…kisses. And not really the word attack.

So, nothing like that at all.

“Mary Margaret texted me today,” Killian says, not at all what Emma expects. She blinks. “She’s uh—she asked if she could get another comp ticket to the match.”

“Is it match or bought?”

“Interchangeable. You don’t want to know why?”

Emma shakes her head. Because she knows why. “Is she a teacher too?”

“Yeah,” Killian nods. “Her name’s Aurora. And she’s very nice. And apparently likes to wear cardigans to school. And Mary Margaret thinks it’d be a good step to—“

“—To?”

“Not be hung up on you so much anymore.”

Emma’s jaw drops. She expected that even less. Killian’s whole body shakes when he laughs, a quick kiss pressed to her cheek and another to the edge of her mouth. “Are you?” she asks, barely able to get the words out before Killian finally lands on her actual mouth and she hopes they don’t ruin the tablet.

That would annoy Will.

“Hung up on you?”

Emma makes a noise, not quite the confident, vaguely-flirty one she wanted, but it gets Killian to smile and his eyes to do that flashy thing they do when he stares at her a very particular way and if this is an attack, she’s more than willing to lower her fortifications or however the metaphor should work. Something about blocking, she’s sure.

“Absolutely,” Killian says, but it’s drifting closer to a growl and they don’t watch much more of the film.

***

Aurora is nice. And perceptive. Incredibly perceptive.

It only takes one gasp out of Emma in the third round for her to realize.

“Are you dating him?”

Emma’s eyes bug. That’s kind of an answer. It’s definitely an answer. “Yeah,” she breathes. “For, like…weeks.”

“And your friends don’t know that?”

“Yeah I’m not really sure how that happened.”

Aurora scoffs, but it almost sounds amused. “I’m actually kind of glad. He didn’t seem very interested in saying many things to me before he—what would you call it? Get on stage?”

“In the ring.”

“Ah, see you know.”

Emma’s stomach flips. And flops. “Yeah, I do.”

He wins in four rounds, arm flung into the air by a referee and there’s a smile on his face when his eyes scan the crowd. Aurora laughs again.

And Killian winks as soon as his gaze lands on Emma.

She waits until their friends have moved – Mary Margaret apologizing to Aurora because this set-up didn’t work either – taking a step into Killian’s space. He hasn’t actually put a shirt on yet, a belt hanging over his shoulder.

“You want to make fun of Phantom Menace with me later?”

He barks out a laugh, smile wide and bright and Emma nearly yelps when he all but yanks her against his chest, kissing her hard and heady and it’s so goddamn right, she can’t believe they haven’t shouted it from several rooftops yet.

The Empire State Building was, like, built for feelings like this.

“I’d love that,” Killian says against her mouth. “Give me some to talk to that dying industry, ok?”

“Yeah, ok.”

They barely make it past Naboo before they’re kissing on his couch and taking clothes off and Emma smiles when she pads into the bathroom hours later to find bottles of her shampoo sitting in the shower.

She doesn’t go home that night.

***

“Emma has a boyfriend.”

Several people nearly choke on several different types of alcohol and Ruby looks especially smug at the table that should probably have their name on it now. It’s trivia night.

Emma and Killian have already argued about Harry Potter on three different occasions.

“What?” David balks, gaping at Emma like she’s a totally different person. “Since when?”

Ruby shrugs. “For awhile now, I think.”

“You think,” Emma says. It takes everything in her to keep her voice steady, Killian’s hand drifting over her thigh under the table.

“You’ve been spending less and less time at home. You’re never around. I’m not a cop, but I think I can put two and two together.”

“But Emma doesn’t know anyone,” Mary Margaret objects, mouth dropping when she realizes what she’s said. Killian squeezes Emma’s thigh. “Ok, that’s not what I meant,” Mary Margaret continues. “I just—“

“What’s his name?” Ariel cuts in. “It’s a he, right?”

Emma nods. Killian’s fingers are tapping out a rhythm against her leg now.

“Is it serious?” David presses. “You wouldn’t stay at some guy’s apartment if it wasn’t serious.”

Emma’s pulse speeds up. Or maybe slows down. Whatever it is, it doesn’t feel very human.

“Looks serious,” Will mumbles over the top of his glass. His eyes flit towards Killian, like he’s waiting for the inevitable breakdown. There’s nothing.

“I don’t know,” Ariel objects. “If it were serious, we’d—“

“It’s serious,” Emma says, quick and far too loud and Killian’s hand tightens to a vice-like grip. “It, well—it could be serious. I think.”

He doesn’t move his hand.

“So, uh,” Emma sputters. “I’m going to get some air.”

She doesn’t run out of the bar – which is a metaphorical TKO on the very first punch, but it’s pretty damn close, warmer-than-usual air greeting her on Chambers Street. And she doesn’t want to hope he’ll follow her, but she’s drifting dangerously close to living in hope and he’s got a title defense in a couple of days.

The door slams behind him.

“Serious, huh?” Killian asks, half a smirk and his tongue pressed into the corner of his mouth.

Emma shrugs. “I mean—you bought shampoo.”

“It smells good.”

“Is that weird?”

“That I think your shampoo smells good or that I’d like you to continue smelling good around me for the foreseeable future?”

“Either or.”

“Eh, maybe a little bit of both.” His hands land on her hips when he takes a step forward, close enough that it takes some twisting for Emma to rest her palms on his chest. “They’ll figure it out eventually.”

“I have no idea how they haven’t already. Have we been too subtle?”

“We could start making out in this alley and see if that sticks?”

Emma’s laugh barely has a chance to linger in the air before she’s pushing up on her toes, arms slung around Killian’s neck and that tongue thing he does is almost as potent as his left hook.

“It’s serious,” he whispers, and Emma files that away, covets the words like her own championship belt. And that’s only kind of absurd, but they’ve been secretly dating without even trying and the whole thing is absolutely ridiculous.

“You want to get out of here?”

“Very much so.”

She doesn’t go home that night either.

***

“You’ll be careful, right?”

It’s still early – sun just creeping in through the curtains in Killian’s room, but he’s got a full day of press and pre-match workouts and it takes forever to get from Manhattan to Coney Island in the summer.

“As careful as I can be when someone’s trying to punch me in the face.”

“I thought it was about more than just punching,” Emma says, propping her head on her hand.

Killian grins, flipping his head which only serves to make his hair shift and that’s hardly playing fair at all. “I’m not sure this guy has gotten that particular memo yet, love. Everything Scarlet’s shown me makes it seem like he goes for the kidneys a lot.”

“Isn’t that against the rules?”

“Eh.”

“Eh?”

“Eh,” Killian says again. “It’ll be fine, Swan. I’ve just got to get to him first.”

“Easy.”

“Well, you’ll be there right? Got to impress.”

Emma rolls her eyes, but they both know he’s right. He’s constantly trying to impress. And she consistently is. “Idiot,” she mumbles anyway, flopping back against his chest when he pulls on her arm. “With ridiculous brute strength.”

“Yeah, that’s definitely my calling card. Heavy-weight champion of the world.”

“In this corner…”

“Getting ready to make out with his girlfriend…”

“Just make out?”

He definitely growls. It’s stupid how attractive it is.

And it’s even more stupid how loudly Emma gasps as soon as the first hit lands – straight to the side of his head and it’s not the kidney punch Will had promised. It’s aggressive and maybe a little evil, quick jabs that land every single time until Killian’s stumbling backwards and the referee is calling for both fighters to return to their corners.

They don’t.

The hits keep coming and landing, each one louder than the last, but that may just be Emma’s pulse pounding in between her ears. Her eyes go dry from staring, breathing turning ragged as she tries to remember how important oxygen is to maintain consciousness.

Killian’s steps falter again, doing his best to keep his hands lifted by his ears. It doesn’t work. The guy Emma can’t remember the name of keeps swinging and hitting and the bell rings as soon as Killian’s knees crash onto the ring floor.

She gasps again.

And David curses. Loudly. Mary Margaret might be crying. Ariel is screaming.

“C’mon,” David says, wrapping his fingers around Emma’s and tugging her towards the hallway they left before the spot, reserved for friends and family. She assumes secret girlfriends aren’t included in that.

She doesn’t stumble when she starts to walk.

***

“Em,” Will says, still sitting in chairs that can’t possibly be comfortable. “Who was that?”

Emma swallows before she answers. “The nurse. Belle French.”

“Was her name important?”

“I mean—probably not, but—“

“Ms. Swan?”

She spins on the spot, nearly taking out David in the process and she hadn’t realized he’d moved towards her at some point. The doctor smiles what she assumes is supposed to be a comforting look. “Hi,” Emma mutters. “I’m uh—well, you know who I am.”

The doctor keeps smiling. “I do. And Mr. Jones is out of testing.”

“Is he ok?”

“Concussed, but awake and cognizant and, uh, asking about you. Again.”

Emma’s heart swells. That’s gross. “Can I see him?”

“Can we see him?” Will corrects, hissing when Ariel pinches his side. The doctor nods.

“For a few minutes at least. We’re you planning on staying for some time, Ms. Swan?”

The room is spinning, lights absolutely getting brighter, but Emma feels herself nod again and there wasn’t much of a decision to be made. “Yeah. I’m—I’m not going anyway.”

"Good. Mr. Jones is at the end of the hall.”

She doesn’t run, again, but it’s close, again, feet moving as quickly as her heart and the pounding in her forehead. He’s in bed when she skids to a stop, far too many wires and beeping machines, but his eyes find hers almost immediately and Emma sighs.

Again.

It’s relief that time.

Killian smiles at her. "Not quite my most impressive moment, huh?"

"Ah, I don't know about that."

"Did I fall gracefully?"

"God, I hate you," Emma grumbles, a lie that's worse than anything they haven't told their friends. Killian's lips twitch. "A nurse called me to tell me that you were here. Because I'm your emergency contact."

"Yeah. They, uh—well..." He doesn't finish the thought, doesn't really have to, and Emma's smile feels equal parts unnatural and as normal as breathing. She's only recently just started breathing. “You ok?”

“You’re asking me that?”

“Eh,” Killian shrugs, shifting his arm so he can curl a finger towards her. Emma scowls. “It happened very quickly for me. One knock and it was all over.”

“Yeah, that’s not how I remember it at all.”

“C’mere, love.”

“You’re concussed.”

“Am I? No one’s actually told me that.”

“Killian.”

“Emma.”

She huffs, but it’s not frustration, it’s unspoken everything and the smell of her own shampoo when her hair falls over her shoulder, and taking these few steps forward isn’t much of a decision either.

And, honestly, it’s a miracle no one figured it out before.

So, naturally, the whole lot of them stop in the doorway as soon as Emma sinks onto the edge of Killian’s hospital bed, letting his arm wrap around her when she tilts her head up. To kiss her. With witnesses.

“What the hell is this?” Will shouts, and Ariel’s words are more just general screeching. They’re going to get yelled at by the hospital staff.

Maybe for the kissing.

It can’t be good for Killian’s blood pressure or whatever.

Mary Margaret may still be crying.

“Oh my God, Ruby is going to be so mad she missed this,” David mumbles, working a laugh out of Killian and something resembling a guffaw out of Emma.

“That’s only because you owe her twenty bucks now,” Will says. Emma makes that noise again.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Ok, don’t act offended, you guys were lying to us this whole time. Hey, Hook, glad you’re not dead.”

“He was way more worried than he's acting,” Ariel promises. "It's a defense mechanism."

“Well, I’m also glad I’m not dead, so we’re kind of on even ground,” Killian says. He kisses Emma’s cheek when she turns on him. Mary Margaret definitely sniffles. “And it wasn’t really lying.”

“How you figure?” David asks.

“You guys all thought I was hung up on Emma and, you know, you weren’t really wrong.”

Ariel throws her whole head back when she laughs, leaning back against Will’s chest so she doesn’t fall over. He hooks his chin over her shoulder, studying both Emma and Killian critically.

“Emma said she was dating someone who might have been serious.”

“That kind of sounds like an accusation,” Emma points out.

“It kind of was.”

“Well, it kind of might be.”

“Is,” Killian corrects softly, another kiss that makes Emma shiver slightly.

Mary Margaret wipes her hand under her eye. “Is? As in currently.”

“Yeah,” Emma whispers. She moves again, twisting so her legs on the bed are pressed up against Killian’s and there’s always shampoo in the shower. “Currently.”

“But you didn’t say anything!”

“Trust me, it wasn’t for lack of trying.”

“And then it got to be so long it almost would have been weirder if we brought it up,” Killian says. “It was more fun just seeing how long it would take you guys to realize.”

“We weren’t really being secretive about it,” Emma adds. “Trust me, Ruby’s been going on about it for weeks. I haven’t been trying to hide that I’m pretty all in on this.”

She doesn’t mean to say it. But, then again, she didn’t mean to be in a secret relationship for the last four months and she certainly didn’t mean for her friends to find out about said relationship this particular way, so, really, this should not be much of a surprise.

Killian’s incredibly tense body suggests otherwise.

“Swan,” he mutters, Emma’s teeth digging into her lower lip.

She turns slowly, jutting her chin out in something almost close to relationship defiance. But then she sees the look on his face – that same quiet hope from the very first time she saw him mixed with a hint of the hope she’s been clinging to for months and how much she wants and—

“I love you,” she says, before she can lose her nerve. Mary Margaret sniffles again. “Just—I do. And it’s been easy to and simple too, which, is the exact opposite of anything I ever expected from an Ariel and Mary Margaret set-up, but…” Emma exhales. Killian doesn’t blink. “I was so worried about you.”

He doesn’t move away from her when he lifts his hand, brushing his thumb over her cheek and there are tears that. That should probably be embarrassing. It’s kind of nice.

And, honestly, she expects the kiss. Is ready for it. Wants it. Quite possibly needs it. But it still manages to make Emma’s stomach twist and her heart leap into her throat and there are several whoops from the peanut gallery.

“I love you,” Killian says, nothing extra, no add-ons or unnecessary punches pulled. Just there. Honest and truthful and in front of everyone. “I’m sorry you were worried.”

“Win the next one and we’ll call it even.”

“God,” David groans. “Is this how it’s going to be from now on?”

Emma shrugs. Killian doesn’t let her turn around. “This is how it’s been the whole time, you guys are just horribly unperceptive.”

“Plus,” Killian says, mostly into Emma’s hair. “You were here for true love declarations, so you know—“

Emma’s stomach is a biological marvel.

“True love, huh?”

“Doubts, Swan?”

“None,” she says, meaning it. Killian beams.

And David groans. Loudly. It’s louder when they tell Ruby, a quick exchange of money that she promises to brag about for the rest of time because I totally knew, but Emma barely pays attention, far too preoccupied with making sure Killian takes all his medicine exactly when Dr. Whale told her he had to.

He doesn’t argue. Much.

He argues less when she kisses him.

She keeps kissing him. In his apartment and her apartment and their apartment because, eventually, it doesn’t make much sense to be buying two bottles of the same shampoo. And, again, when he gets back in the ring, a win that goes the distance and requires a decision that Emma announces is obvious, but takes the judges a small eternity to decide on.

She runs into the ring, but Killian catches her around the waist, kissing her like he’s been waiting the whole match for her to get there.

It’s, well, perfect.

Plus, it’s harder to keep a relationship secret when there are cameras and newspapers documenting the evidence. Emma prints out the picture, hanging it on their fridge the next morning while Killian makes breakfast.

[harryandmolly]

When the World Stops Turning - Chapter 17

summary: a love story in two voices - cowritten with @achinglyshawn

warnings: Language

word count: 6.3k

“Hey, babe, can you grab that thing… the… the whatever over there?” Lydia mutters, trying to look behind her from atop a stepladder in her heels as she navigates a platter down from a cupboard.

She can’t remember the name for bottle opener. Her chest is a little tight with anxiety, even with him around to lighten her load.

The thing. Shawn spins on his heel and spots a stack of plates, a vase of flowers, and a bottle opener. He glances back at Lydia, and figures the "thing" probably isn't plates or flowers. He grabs the bottle-opener and smiles a little. He knows she's nervous.

This is her first party at Hamilton House. She misses Alice so much she can’t breathe. It’s especially difficult now that Lydia’s finally gotten around to redecorating the master. She couldn’t keep it as a shrine to her grandmother forever and decided it would be nice for her and Shawn to have some place of their own to stay, some place that felt like them.

"Bottle opener, I think, might be the words you're looking for," he quips, careful not to be too snarky but also trying to keep the mood light.

The tension is a little more heightened today because she brought her popstar boyfriend back into her life and this time, it’s permanent. Her mother, through the grapevine, is unhappy. Her father is quietly elated. Nick and Paul are cautiously optimistic. And no one else matters to Lydia.

But she remains tense and hopes Shawn doesn’t take it personally. Her mother’s like the wicked witch of the west -- you can feel the storm coming and Lydia bristles every time.

Shawn is aware her mother is none-too pleased that Lydia's back with him, and that she's made over her grandmother's bedroom into a master suite for them, like the Hamilton House is becoming their house together, instead of a museum for Alice's life. Shawn guesses she's even less pleased that the baby shower isn't just Lydia's party, but officially Lydia-and-Shawn's party.

He knows he isn't the kind of man Lydia's mother wants in their family. He doesn't really care. Lydia wants him around, and that's all that matters, as far as he's concerned. Their months apart made him realize that he really, really doesn't care what outsiders think about their relationship, even Lydia's own family. Even his own family, to be honest, though his parents have been pretty great. Liyah's been a brat, but he knows she just cares about his well being in that defensive, sibling way. She'll get over it eventually. Shawn slips the bottle opener into his pocket so he can get a hand on the small of Lydia's back, the other hand steadying the heavy platter as she climbs down the step ladder. "How about you let me get the high up stuff instead of trying to climb mountains in those heels, yeah?"

Shawn’s hand on the small of her back steadies her in more ways than one. She lands back on the hardwood with one hand on the platter and the other on the counter. She sets it down and sighs. Even in her heels she stands several inches beneath him. She reaches out and pops a kiss to his cheek. “Deal. I knew there was a reason I’m dating the beanstalk from “Jack and the Beanstalk”,” she teases, striding toward the kitchen out of the storage pantry. Shawn and Lydia have been in Nantucket for two days getting ready for the party and enjoying each other’s company. The first night they slept in the new master suite, she barely slept at all, and not in the fun way. But the second night, Shawn held her tight to keep her from wriggling and gave her a couple orgasms to help her sleep. The curse broke. The doorbell rings. Lydia’s eyes lift. She looks to Shawn. “Ok, wow, we’re doing this,” she breathes, wandering toward the door. It’s Bill and Jen. Lydia lifts a stilted smile onto her face. “Hi.”

Shawn’s hot on her heels as Lydia goes to the front door. He can practically feel the anxiety radiating off of her. He presses a hand to the small of her back, a gentle attempt at anchoring her, reminding her she’s not alone. But maybe it’s him being around that’s making her anxious in the first place. Like, this wouldn’t be such a big deal if he weren’t there to receive frozen looks from her mother. He almost pulls away from her and steps back. He almost runs away to hide in the bedroom. He almost thinks, hey, maybe she’s better off without him. But he knows that’s not true. He presses closer, instead. Lydia opens the door. Bill’s eyes light up when he sees them standing together, whilst Jen looks like she might be sick. He doesn’t focus on her.

Reluctantly, Lydia leaves the comfort of Shawn’s body heat to hug her delighted looking dad. She snuggles her face into his chest. “Hi daddy,” she hums. “Ditty,” he greets with a laugh in his voice. She’s glad to hear it. He smiles as Bill pulls Lydia into a hug, then goes for Shawn next, wrapping Shawn in his arms like he’s the man’s long lost son. Shawn can’t stifle the surprised laugh as he hugs Bill back.

Lydia tries not to grin like an idiot when he hugs Shawn. She totally fails. “Thank you for doing this with Lydia,” Bill says as he pulls away, “Nick and Paul are going to love it.” Shawn can feel his cheeks flush and tries not to be bothered by Jen’s cold stare, but he can’t help the way his skin crawls. “Not that Lydia needed me or anything,” Shawn starts, glancing at his girlfriend with a soft smile as they step out of the doorway, “but I liked helping. I think it’ll be a fun afternoon.”

She makes eye contact with Jen and leans in to kiss her cheek. “Hey, Mom.” Jen plasters on a tired half smile and lets Lydia lead them back inside. “Nick and Paul are on their way with Ben. They invited a few friends from Boston, did they tell you?” Jen nods coldly and looks around like she’s inspecting the place for signs that Shawn has changed something, messed with tradition. But the only thing that’s different is Lydia. She takes his hand as they sit on the couch, a mix of soft adult contemporary playing quietly, wine chilling in ice buckets by the spread on the table. Lydia did a fine job. She’s proud of it. She’s proud of him. She’s about to speak when the door rings again. “Baby, can you get that?” she whispers, angling for some time alone with her parents.

Lydia asks him to get the door and calls him baby in front of her parents. His heart stumbles in his chest and he smiles easily.

He looks down at her, says, “Yeah, Lyds, of course,” and brushes a kiss against her temple before he heads for the door. He didn’t mean to kiss her in front of her parents. It was like a reflex really, but he doesn’t regret it. He’s not backing down from a fight, if that’s what Jen wants. He’s not gonna pretend he’s not totally fucked for Lydia just because her mum hates him.

Shawn kisses her and Lydia sees her mother’s face sour slightly. She ignores it, knowing she better pick her battles today. She figures it’s probably Nick and Paul with Ben so Lydia remains positive as she regards her parents. “Missed you guys. It’s been a while.” “Been too long, Dit,” her father says over a smile, “Season tickets for the O’s aren’t the same without you, angel.” Lydia beams. “I think I was the good luck charm, they really suck this season.” Jen’s eyes glaze over. “You look happy, little girl,” her dad says. Lydia looks between them both meaningfully. “I am. I’m very very happy.” Bill grins and nods. Jen remains stony. Shawn finds Paul, Nick, and the baby when he opens the door and a smile splits his lips. “Hey, Shawn,” Nick says coolly, giving him a nod as he walks past with Ben strapped to his chest in one of those baby backpack things. He doesn’t give Shawn time to fawn over the freshly baked human, and instead he’s got Paul pulling him into a hug and saying, “Glad to have you back, man, Lydia was going crazy without you.” Shawn laughs as they part and head for the living room, shaking his head a little. “I won’t tell her you said that. She thinks she hid her misery from the outside world well.”

Nick walks around the corner with an infant strapped to his chest. The room melts. “Oh my god,” Jen gasps, “That’s my grandson.” Lydia blinks as the baby squirms against Nick. That’s her nephew. Nick is smiling bigger than she’s ever seen. They crowd around to fuss about the baby. Lydia’s eyes fill with tears and she giggles uncontrollably when little Ben blinks at her. She reaches up and kisses Nick’s cheek. “Congrats, Dad,” she says softly. He smiles down at her. “I’m so stupid happy,” he replies.

Lydia looks like she’s about to cry over the baby when Shawn walks into the room. Paul’s gone to say hello to his parents, so Shawn’s left alone to watch his girlfriend coo at her nephew and hug her brother like maybe he’s not as indifferent as she thinks. Shawn doesn’t know, though. He’s not like that with Aaliyah. Everything between him and his little sister matters so much. They’re best friends. That’s why it sucks that she’s being such a pill over Lydia. He doesn’t get why Liyah can’t forgive her like he did. Except he does. He hates the idea of anyone breaking his little sister’s heart, knows he’d hate whoever did it and that it would be really fucking hard to see her get back with whoever the dick was. But relationships look different to the people inside of them, and that’s what Liyah doesn’t get. She can’t know why Lydia did what she did, not the way Shawn does. Shawn sees Lydia, even if it took him months of licking his own wounds before he could. He gets it now though, and he knows that if Aaliyah ever took someone back, it’d be for the right reasons, and maybe then she’d understand. He just wishes she could understand right now. They’d really get along, Lydia and Aaliyah. He wants to go up to her, pull her into a hug and then hold onto her for the rest of the night, but he’s trying not to get in the way. Even if Jen and Nick didn’t hate him, he’d never take her away from her family.

Lydia feels warm and fuzzy after her moment with Nick. She moves aside so they can maneuver Ben out of his carrier for Jen to hold him. Pretty soon everyone’s overwhelmed tears become laughter and party chat. Lydia finds Shawn hanging back by the couch. She pushes hair out of her face and shuffles over to him. No one’s watching them so she kisses him gently, taking his hands. Paul wanders over and tugs at Lydia’s hair. “Little Ditty is an Aunt now.” Lydia beams and smiles at Shawn. “I’m so excited. I’m going to spoil the shit out of this kid.” “And if we screw him up, you can give him therapy,” Paul chuckles. Then, “It’s nice to see you guys together again. Feels right.” He sighs, sentimental and mushy with the new addition to his family.

Paul acts like he and Lydia are meant to be and it makes his cheeks burn. It’s nice to have Paul on his team. Not that there are teams or whatever, but it feels like there are. The way Jen watches him carefully from across the room makes him feel like prey she’s stalking. Like she’ll pounce any minute, and that’ll be it, he’s done, fur cold before he even has the chance to run away. Paul and Lydia make him feel safe though, which he feels like a baby for because he should be able to stick up for himself. To stand up for their relationship if need be. But he also knows Jen would never, like, confront him. She’ll be passive aggressive again, but not unless she can manage to corner Shawn alone. Or she’ll yell at Lydia when they’re alone, except maybe this time, Shawn won’t linger on the sidelines. He’s not sure she really has the confidence to take her on. She’s just a mom, but she seems so much worse than even the most vicious of paparazzo digging for gossip and drama. Lydia kisses Shawn’s hand and nods as the doorbell rings again. She reluctantly leaves him to welcome more guests until their full party of 18-20 family members has filled the room.

Lydia leaves his side and he’s tempted to scurry after her like a needy puppy. Instead he begs off to the kitchen and brings out the heaviest platter of finger foods, the one Lydia acted like she was gonna bring out but then got distracted by flowers instead. He knows she left it for him because she knows he’d insist on doing it himself. He likes how well they know each other, even in the littlest of ways. Shawn thinks it’s the little ways that count the most, anyway. He can’t find Lydia with a perfunctory scan of the room, probably because she’s so tiny, so he breaks the cardinal rule of hosting and takes the first (second, and third) lemon tart from the dessert dish and glues himself to the corner, keeping a dutiful eye on any champagne glasses that might go empty.

Lydia really likes playing hostess. She’s wearing her grandmother’s pearls and walking around amongst her family making sure everyone has what they need. But there’s a piece of her that feels like she’s a little girl playing dress up. She doesn’t feel that way when she looks at Shawn. He makes her feel like a woman. His woman. Their relationship feels more adult now, she knows it’s the right decision to have a party like this be their reintroduction to her family. Even if her mom has been chillier than usual all night. Lydia notes a lack of mushroom mini quiches and knows she has more warming in the oven so she takes the tray and ducks into the kitchen. She feels Jen behind her and bristles. “Hi Mom, you need anything?” Lydia asks, voice light and breathy as she places mini quiches onto the platter. “Lydia, this is childish. Don’t you feel silly? Bringing him here amongst all of this? You know this isn’t fair to him,” Jen snaps. Lydia sighs and tightens her fingers into a fist against the counter.

Shawn sees Lydia disappear into the kitchen with the empty quiche platter. He’s about to follow her, to help her with whatever and maybe sneak a few kisses, when he sees Jen slip out first. Now it’s Lydia that’s the prey. He feels a pinch in his heart, a subconscious need to defend. Lydia can take care of herself, but Shawn still wants to protect her. So he follows them towards the kitchen, but hangs back in the butler’s pantry when he hears Jen already chiding her. He doesn’t get what she means, that this isn’t fair to him. How’s it not fair? It’s fun, actually, throwing a party with Lydia. He thinks they work pretty well together. He doesn’t burst in right away because he figures Lydia’s got a rebuttal up her sleeve. Lydia always knows what to say, and if he’s being honest, Shawn’s still trying to come up with the best words to defend himself with. He figures it won’t hurt to let Lydia give it a head start.

Lydia drops the last mini quiche onto the platter and spins on her heel. “What’s not fair, Mom? He’s not here against his will. He’s... he’s proud to be here with me. He loves me.” Her voice goes soft at the end. Jen sees an opening. “Jesus, Lydia. What happened to you? You were so driven. You had a career ahead of you. What happens now? You marry a pop star and live a life of fame and glamour?” “What the hell do you mean ‘had’ a career? I’m still in school. I’m not ditching my life plan because I’m in love. He’s totally supportive of my career objectives!” Lydia cries, beginning to sound a little hysterical. “You look ridiculous. Don’t you care?” Jen growls. Lydia shakes her head. “You’re such a fucking snob. You wouldn’t have confronted me with this if I decided to quit school when I was with Carson. All you care about is how this looks. He’s a musician, Mom! He’s not a criminal!”

Shawn doesn’t want to hear Jen berate Lydia anymore. She hasn’t even said much, but what she’s said and how she’s said it, it’s enough to have Shawn chomping at the bit to get in there and save his girl. Not that she needs saving. But she shouldn’t have to do this alone. “Lydia,” he says as he walks into the kitchen, and he tries to go for soothing but he knows he sounds angry. “You don’t have to defend me to her, it seems like she’s already made up her mind.” He reaches Lydia and slips his hand into hers, pulling it up so he can brush his lips across her knuckles. He knows she likes that. His gaze flicks to Jen, “Haven’t you? You’ll do anything to make Lydia feel bad about me because she’s not doing exactly what you want her to do. Because I’ll never be who you want.” Jen looks like she’s going to interrupt, but he doesn’t let her. “I think you should know that’s pretty shitty. You might think you’re doing it out of love, or whatever, but manipulating people, your daughter, isn’t really how you show them you love them. If you really were trying to do that, you’d be happy for Lydia. For us.”

Lydia tries not to let her jaw drop when Shawn comes in and coolly confronts her mother. She didn’t mean for him to hear this but she’s a little glad he did. She wants him to know she’ll fight for him now whenever she needs to. Jen’s face goes red. Lydia stares at Shawn as he speaks. Her heart is racing so fast she’s sure it’ll explode. When he finishes his well-delivered speech, she squeezes his hand and looks back to her mother. She’s shaking her head. “You two... you may think you can make each other happy. You may think love is enough. But you have to want the same things. You have to have the same values, the same upbringings or your relationship is... it’s doomed. You’re both acting like children.” “Mom, you don’t know us. You—“ Lydia’s voice cracks and she knows she’s headed for tears, “you barely know me. How can you pretend to know our future together?”

He hates it when Lydia cries. He’s pretty mad now, since Jen seems to always be making her cry. He wishes Jen could grow up, because she’s really the one who’s acting like a baby. Souring everything around her just because it’s not exactly how she wants it. Pathetic. He won’t tell Lydia he thinks her mum is kind of pathetic, but he does. Jen’s gaze softens for a moment as he daughter starts to cry. She opens her mouth to respond. “Mom, that’s enough.” Lydia looks to the doorway. Nick is standing there, sans Ben, looking tired. Lydia blinks.

Shawn pulls Lydia into his arms and turns away from Jen, stroking a hand through Lydia’s hair. He sees Nick out of the corner of his eye, but he doesn’t really care. He pulls back from Lydia, but only slightly. He has just enough room to tilt her face up towards his and run his thumb along her damp cheek. “We could do presents now, if you want,” he says with a gentle smile. He looks to Nick and shrugs a little, “That could be fun. But it’s up to you, Dad.” Lydia leans into Shawn’s touch. If possible, Jen’s face sours more. She nods at Shawn’s suggestion.

“Yeah, Shawn, thanks,” Nick murmurs, casting a disapproving glance at his mother.

Shawn wants Nick to like him. He wants Jen to be the odd one out so maybe she’ll realize how stupid she’s being. He doesn’t even get her argument. Lydia and Shawn have the same values. Be good people. Tell the truth. Make kids smile. Make each other smile. Be thankful for what you’ve got, and don’t stop striving for what you want. He doesn’t know what more there is, except that he does know Jen cares about status. And Shawn’s status as a celebrity is, apparently, very tacky. But all of that’s so shallow, thinking about people that way. People are more than their families, more than their bloodlines, and he’s more than a celebrity. Lydia is more than a Hamilton, even though she’s proud to be one.

Lydia looks back at Jen once more. She sniffs gently and wipes under her eyes but she knows it’s no use — her eyes get even brighter green when she cries and her face goes all blotchy. It’s not cute. She lets Shawn lead her back toward the party but she tugs on him to stop. She swipes at her eyes again and pulls him into her arms. In heels, she comes up almost to his chin. She tucks herself into him, seeking comfort only he can provide. “I’m sorry. You deserve to be adored by my family. If it were anyone else, you would be. But you picked the girl with the snobbiest family on the eastern seaboard.” She chuckles but it’s wet and lifeless. She closes her eyes and inhales, rememorizing his scent. “I don’t know if this is ever going to get easier. What if it doesn’t?” She croaks.

“I don’t care.” It comes out easily enough. He doesn’t care. Sure, he wants Lydia’s family to like him, but if they don’t, so what? All that matters is if Lydia likes him. “I just want you to like me, Lyds,” he murmurs as he holds her tight, taking a step back so he can lean against the wall. “I also just want you to be happy,” he says, and he realizes she might not be happy if her mother can’t figure out a way to get over herself. “I’m really sorry your family is making you so sad because of me. Well, your mum.” He tips his head and studies her flushed, tear stained face. She’s always so pretty. Too pretty for a plain guy like him. He hums, sounding a little sad while he runs his fingers down the back of her neck and says, “I’m sorry I don’t know how to fix it.”

Lydia’s eyes flutter as he caresses her neck. She comes up on her toes to kiss him. “I know you are. But you can’t fix it. Maybe time will.” She thinks about when Nick brought Paul home for the first time. She was young enough that she doesn’t remember it being a big deal but Paul tells her Jen was chilly at best. So maybe there’s hope. After a couple more seconds of recovery, she leads him back to the party. She sits a concerned looking Paul next to Nick while Bill holds the baby. The presents are lavish, to say the least. Not your average baby shower kinda stuff. Lydia’s most excited about the gift she picked out to give to them from herself and Shawn. “You’re gonna love it,” Lydia sing-songs, wrapping herself up in Shawn’s arms as Nick and Paul open the gift. It’s the first gift she’s given on their behalf. Feels like a very couple-y thing to do. Nick and Paul open the box and discover an antique rattle Paul showed her years ago when they were first talking about adopting. Lydia bought it at the shop and held onto it ever since. “Oh my god,” Paul cries, running over to hug them both.

Shawn doesn’t feel like it’s a gift he can really put his name on. It was all Lydia. So he paid for the cake and the catering and the flowers and whatever else Lydia could think of. Not that Paul and Nick need to know that. But he couldn’t let Lydia give them such a sentimental gift and slap his name on it too. He wanted to feel like he really contributed, even if no one ever finds out.

Lydia loves watching Nick and Paul so happy. They kiss and cuddle with the baby on the sofa, the stars of the night as everyone stands around and watches adoringly. Lydia feels her face grow warm when Nick announces another gift labeled as being from Shawn and Lydia. She tilts her head to glance up at him and then looks back to the family of the evening.

He also got them a fancy baby mobile he saw in the fancy Baby Boutique in town, the only one on the island. It’s not Nantucket themed, but it’s nautical and it seems like something blue bloods would like, in the same way they like Vineyard Vines and Seersucker. He didn’t tell Lydia about the gift, but he signed her name to it, too, like proper couples always do. He’s in no rush for them to open it though - they’ll find it when they find it - so Shawn stays planted by Lydia with his arms wrapped around her, chin resting on her pretty little head. Nick opens the box to see a beautiful sea-themed mobile to go over Ben’s crib. Lydia beams as Nick and Paul coo over it and shout their praise across the room to them. “Sneaky,” she giggles, pecking at Shawn’s jaw to reward him for his thoughtfulness. She snuggles into his arms and watches as they open the last few gifts and start to mingle again.

Shawn’s cheeks flush when she calls him out on the gift, but he knows her ‘sneaky’ comment really means ‘good job.’ He tilts his head so he can nuzzle his nose against her temple, brushing a kiss to the apple of her cheek. “You think maybe that’ll be us someday?” Lydia whispers, feeling her stomach lurch at the thought. She wants it so bad. She didn’t realize how much until this moment, but here she is imagining them sitting together and staring down at someone that’s theirs, someone they can love together forever. The question Lydia asks has his stomach swooping low in his abdomen and he can feel the tips of his ears heat up. He swallows thickly as he tightens his arms around her. His voice is low, gentle in her ear when he speaks. “Do you want it to be?” He does. He wants a family with Lydia so badly. He’s always wanted to be a dad, but it’s never felt like a real possibility, something actually within his grasp, until he met her. He bites his lip as he waits for an answer, nervous even though he doesn’t think she would’ve asked the question if it were something she didn’t want.

Shawn’s body goes stiff around her and she doesn’t know exactly how to translate that in her head so she just decides to be honest because that’s what they’re doing now. “Absolutely. If that’s what you want too. I’m in, babe,” she tells him quietly, feeling her cheeks pink up.

She says ‘Absolutely’ like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, that she would want a baby with him. Like she’s been thinking about it for some time now. His heart buzzes like a hummingbird in his chest. The smile that splits his lips is a little ridiculous, but he can’t help it. He wants everything with Lydia.

She turns to face him and kisses him because fuck whoever’s watching and judging. She’s so happy. And she gets to make him happy too.

He’s about to spin her around in his arms and kiss her, but she beats him to it. She’s always faster than him. He kind of loves it. He drags his fingers through her hair and tilts her head back, deepening the kiss. He loves her so much, he really doesn’t care who’s watching. He doesn’t know if anyone is, since they’re tucked in the corner, but he has a feeling Jen’s eyes might be on them- on him, trying to shoot him with laser vision she doesn’t have. He can’t be bothered to pull away to check.

Lydia has to be the one to pry herself away from him, but she seals it with a final peck on his lips because she doesn’t really want to be apart from him at all. The party continues. Jen remains thankfully stable. Bill is effusive and barely letting go of his grandson except for the 15 minutes that Lydia steals him away to whisper in his ear and giggle when he squirms against her chest as she sways with him. Her feet hurt in her heels so she sits and drinks champagne and talks to Paul’s parents who have always liked her. She introduces them to Shawn, who delights them because Paul’s parents are actually really cool and fun and his mother Sharon knows Shawn’s music so they chat. Lydia notices Nick and Jen talking in the corner while Bill bobs around the room with the baby. Lydia never feels settled when Nick and Jen are conspiring. As the evening is wrapping up, Lydia is helping bring bags into Paul’s car when she overhears Jen talking to one of their family friends. “...it’s just not going to last. She already left him once. She’s always been flighty. I just hope, god, I hope he doesn’t get a ring on her finger or everything gets more complicated. Because of course we’d insist on a prenup, naturally, what with—“ That’s enough. Lydia steps in to make herself seen. “Mom, it’s time to go.”

He’s trailing a few feet behind Lydia with some of the heavier gifts when he hears Jen somewhere behind him. She’s standing in the corner of the porch huddled with a family friend Shawn doesn’t know. Her words cut through him, striking and hot, and he’s not sure he’s ever been this pissed before in his life. He grits his teeth and slides the presents into the back of Paul’s car when he see Lydia brush past him to stalk back up the stairs. She stops in front of Jen, and he knows from her tone that Lydia is fed up. He turns and runs up after her, stopping a few steps below. He’s not sure if he should get in the middle again. He might yell if he does, and that wouldn’t do anything to help his case. But it’s nagging at him, the bullshit Jen thinks, so he pipes up anyway. “I don’t want anyone’s money, let alone Lydia’s. I make more than enough money as it is. So if that’s what you’re worried about then— well, you don’t have to be. I’ll sign whatever stupid papers you want.” He’s not very eloquent when he can’t edit and revise and ask Teddy for advice. But he says what he means, he tells the truth, and that should be enough.

Lydia feels Shawn behind her tensed like an animal readying for a fight. She swallows and raises her chin at Jen. The family friend ducks her head in embarrassment. She excuses herself with a wilting smile to Lydia and a weak “thank you.” Lydia tries not to bare her teeth at her. Jen, Shawn and Lydia are left. Jen straightens up and glances off to see Bill readying to head into their guest house. Lydia has half a mind to tell her to leave, to find somewhere else to stay tonight. But she’s trying to be mature. Jen shoots them both a look. “We’re leaving early tomorrow. We’ll be gone before breakfast.” “Fine,” Lydia replies coldly. There are no more tears to be shed here. She’s resigned. And she’s angry. Jen leaves. Lydia is breathing hard and gripping the bannister. She looks over at Shawn again. “I’m sorry she said that. I’m sorry she’s like that.”

Lydia’s apologizing but Shawn doesn’t think there’s anything to apologize for. Her mum’s actions aren’t her fault. He shakes his head and reaches for her waist, spinning her around gently. He curls his fingers behind her ear, tucking her hair back as he shakes his head, “Don’t be sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry she thinks it’s okay to treat you like that.” He sighs gently, nudging his head forward to slant his lips over hers. He kisses her slowly, like they have all the time in the world to stand on these stairs and get lost in each other. They don’t, but sometimes a moment with Lydia feels so cosmically huge. Shawn thinks it’s the closest thing to experiencing forever that he’ll get.

Shawn’s kiss stills her. She drops her hands to his waist and sighs into his mouth. He quiets her rage and reminds her without words about what’s important.

He pulls away finally, frowning a little as he studies her face. “I don’t want her to ruin a great day for you.”

Her lips follow his when he pulls away. She smiles and licks them, shaking her head.

“She didn’t. She may have wanted to. But I don’t care what she wants, not right now. I love her. I always will. But I think I’d like to marry you someday and she can’t change that.”

She’s never said it out loud to him before. In the grand scheme of things, their time together has been relatively short. But she’s been with him and she’s been without him and she knows what she wants, what she needs.

She says the word ‘marry’ and it feels like his world stops. He’s young and he knows it, but he’s known for a year now that Lydia is the woman he’s gonna marry, even if it’s not for a while. He’s hers, utterly. “You wanna marry me, Hamilton?” He asks with a smirk, but the croak in his voice betrays him. He’s been too scared to bring it up. He’s glad she got there first. He might’ve waited years before saying anything if she never did. He’s always trying to grow up for her, to get better and be better and be who she deserves, but more and more he realizes she already thinks he’s that guy. So maybe he is. He thinks she might feel just as young as he does sometimes, like they’re just playing adults, and not the real thing. He likes that they’re both ready to start learning about life together, instead of pretending like they’ve already got it down to save face.

He’s teasing her so she knows she hasn’t freaked him out, though she didn’t think she would. She grins and rubs her nose up against his. She wraps her arms around his back and shrugs playfully.

“Still considering my options. Can’t say a big white wedding here at the house in the fall when the leaves start to turn hasn’t popped into my head.”

She tries to joke around but her cheeks are flushed and her lips are spread and she looks really happy. His stomach flips as he thinks, It’s me, I made her smile like that. He’s so fucking lucky.

She can’t stop smiling so she’s not pulling off her joking nonchalance very well. “Not gonna change my name though. Or at least, well, I’ve thought about Lydia Hamilton-Mendes. Lydia Hamilton-Mendes, Ph.D. How’s that sound?”

She beams at him. She already knows how it sounds.

Their noses brush, just barely, as he shakes his head. “No way,” he murmurs, twirling some of her hair around his fingers, “Lydia Mendes-Hamilton. Rolls off the tongue better that way. And then I can be Shawn Mendes-Hamilton.” He blushes a little as he presses his lips together, cheeks plumping as the corners of his lips pull up. He can practically hear his heart beating in his chest, he’s so nervous from this conversation. Not bad nervous, good nervous. Excited nervous. Happy nervous. He can’t wait to really start his life with her. He’s such a goddamn sap.

Lydia laughs. “Oh, so you want us to match? That might just be more paperwork than it’s worth.” "Well, why would you have to change your name and not me? Why do you get to do it and not me?" He quirks a brow and tips his head, giving her a look that says, 'you won't talk me out of this.'

She giggles again, then closes her eyes as he runs his fingers through her hair. Eventually, she looks out at the estate that she still kinda can’t believe is hers. The house is quiet — her family has stowed away in their little nooks of the property. The main house is theirs for the night. She feels a chill from the night sea breeze and tugs at him, angling her head toward the door. “C’mon, Mr. Mendes-Hamilton, it’s getting cold out here.”

He grins as she tugs at him, pulling him back towards the door. He feels like his heart is swollen in his chest as he stumbles after her, his long legs getting the best of him just a bit because he's so distracted by the way she says his name like that. "Whatever you say, Dr. Mendes-Hamilton," he croons, giving her a wink as he follows her inside, crowding closely behind her so he can get his hands on her waist and nuzzle his face into her neck. They stay intertwined and giddy for the rest of the night.

Taglist: @celaenaaashryver @softboyshawn @marlahey @smallerinfinities @crapri @the-claire-bitch-project @stillinskislydia @rosesfool @sippingchai @lostinshawnslight @infiniteshawn @localforeiigner @evergreeneyesx @randi-eve @accioalena @shawnitsmutual @searchingunderthestars @justmimi38

[noona-clock]

Pottery Class

I saw your TOP scenario in the tag and thought it was great. Would it be ok to request a scenario of him based on the pottery video that killed us all? AKA pottery lessons of the fluffy or sexy variety. Whatever your heart desires! 😁 Thanks!

Oh, anon. You have no idea how excited you have made this admin. I would be so grateful if you came off anon so I could properly thank you for sending in such an AMAZING request!!! I only hope my humble efforts at this scenario are enough.

Genre: AU/Fluff/Probably some hints of smut, let’s be real

Pairing: Choi Seunghyun x You

By Admin B

You had known the second you’d walked in the door of the art center: you were in trouble.

You’d signed up for a pottery class just a few days ago, wanting to expand your horizons and try something new. You’d always love drawing and painting, but pottery was a different ballgame altogether. When you’d seen an advertisement for pottery classes at your local art center, however, you signed up on a whim and figured it’d, at the very least, be an interesting experience.

But when you’d set eyes on your pottery class teacher? You knew it would be much more than an interesting experience.

Because he was quite possibly the sexiest guy you’d ever seen in your life.

You told yourself as you walked into the classroom you would not flirt with him. You’d just ended a relationship about a month ago, and you didn’t want to start something. Not that you assumed you could easily start something with him, but you had always been more on the optimistic side.

It had taken you about ten minutes, fifteen max, to break your resolution.

Your teacher, Seunghyun, as he introduced himself, had been monitoring the class. You had started off by simply making clay pinch pots, and he had reached over you to adjust the way you were holding your creation.

“If you tilt your hand like that, your pot will come out crooked,” he’d murmured.

“Ah,” you’d replied softly. “Thanks. I...” You’d glanced back at him, hoping your heartbeat wasn’t as loud as it was fast. “I’m new at this. I’m a painter, so I don’t know too much about pottery.”

“That’s why you’re here,” he’d smirked.

“Exactly. I’ll probably need a lot of help.”

“And that’s why I’m here.” And then he’d winked at you.

After that, it was pretty much a game of cat and mouse, both of you alternating who was the cat and who was the mouse. You would show up early for class sometimes, late other times. You would stay after to help clean up, and you two would end up talking for over an hour. He would let his hand linger just a bit too long on yours as he corrected your technique (which you consistently did wrong on purpose, of course).

Neither of you had ever said anything out loud, but then one day you’d been putting away supplies in the supply closet. You’d let the door close behind you because you liked to make sure things stayed organized, and you put everything carefully back into their proper spots on the shelves.

The door had opened, and you’d jumped a little. But you’d immediately smiled when you saw Seunghyun coming in with more supplies to put away. He’d silently come up behind you, reaching over you to put things away, his chest pressing against your back.

The atmosphere in the closet had grown more and more tense by the second, until finally, both of your arms were empty. You’d felt his hands come to rest on your shoulders, and he’d turned you around to face him. You’d stared at each other wordlessly for a few seconds... and then your lips were on his. His hands were on you. Your back pressed up against the shelves. The supplies you’d just so neatly put back falling and scattering to the floor.

But you couldn’t bring yourself to care.

Ever since then, you looked forward to pottery class more than anything else all week. It was thrilling to see Seunghyun and act like you two weren’t seeing each other outside of class, like you weren’t spending the night at each other’s places a few times a week.

When you walked into class today, you smiled to yourself when you saw the pottery wheels were out. You honestly didn’t have to try and be bad at the pottery wheel; it was a lot harder than it looked, but this meant Seunghyun frequently stopped by and helped you.

You greeted your classmates, grabbing an apron from the hooks on the wall and tying it over your clothes. You weren’t even looking at the door when Seunghyun arrived, but you knew when he entered the room. You knew even before you heard his deep voice murmuring a ‘hello’ to a fellow student.

You took your seat at a wheel, waiting patiently and listening intently to Seunghyun’s instructions. Well, you tried to listen intently. It was difficult to pay attention when you were thinking about him with no clothes on.

As you attempted to make a vase, you were hyper-aware of Seunghyun’s movements and where he was in the room. Your heart began to race as he stepped in your direction, hands clasped behind his back as he commented on your classmates’ progress so far.

When he arrived at your seat, you heard him let out a soft sigh. Your stomach flipped.

“Here,” he murmured, leaning over you and putting his hands on yours. “Remember, soft hands.”

You hummed, nodding slightly. He did have really soft hands.

“There we go...” And then he whispered in your ear. “Your place or mine tonight?”

Master list // RULES // Submit a Request! // Read About the Admins

[kprciffdw]

Kim Possible: The Extremely Secret Files-Part 24

Arriving into battle, Kim and Ratchet worked together to fight against the vicious beast. It had proven to be a very tough battle, perhaps even their toughest yet. The beast fought back in several different ways; all of these attempts that were very dangerous and potentially deadly. It threw everything it had on them and even threw up some of them, ew, but they were really able to hold their own and managed to handle them all. It was a very, very long and tough battle, but they were eventually able to defeat the beast and brought it down.

After the vicious battle, Angela came walking in. Angela: "You did it!"

She kissed both Ratchet and Clank on their heads and closely embraced Kim. Ron came walking in with Mr. Fizzwidget, greatly startling Ratchet and Kim. Angela: "It's OK, guys. This is the real Mr. Fizzwidget. Qwark had him tied up in a supply closet the whole time. Ron and I were able to find him." Ron: "And thankfully not too late." Mr. Fizzwidget: "Everyone, you have my profound gratitude." Kim: "Oh, please, so not the drama." Ratchet: "Yeah, we're just sorry we didn't get that Helix-o-Morph back…"

Suddenly, the beast spat out Qwark and then, Qwark spat out the Helix-o-Morph. Kim: "Ew." Ron: "Oh, that's just sick."

Angela picked up the device and observed it. Kim: "So, what do you think could be wrong with that thing?"

Clank observed it from underneath. Angela: "I don't know…it could take months of research and…" Clank: "The battery is in backwards."

The entire group seemed dumbfounded by this news. Qwark: "Oops." Mr. Fizzwidget: "Imbecilic to the very last."

Just then, the beast got up and was about to attack again. Angela zapped it with the Helix-o-Morph, not only shrinking it down but making it docile and cuddly as it nuzzled Mr. Fizzwidget. He seemed very flattered. Mr. Fizzwidget: "Easy, boy." Angela: "Now I just need to amplify the device with Megacorp's TV transponders and that should be able to cure the other Protopets." Ron: "Alright! Coolio!" Rufus: "Yeah! Cool!"

Then at that moment, the Protopet was becoming aggressive again. Ratchet: "Uh…guys? That thing is…it's becoming hostile again."

It looked towards Ron, which terrified him. Ron: "KP!"

He ran as it chased after him. Angela tried to zap it with the Helix-o-Morph but nothing was happening. Kim: "Angela, do something!" Angela: "I'm trying but nothing's happening." Ratchet: "What the heck is going on!? Why is that thing attacking Ron!?"

The creature got really close to Ron and pounced at him with its mouth wide open. Everyone else observed as there was a tearing noise. Some seem relieved while others were shocked in an awkward manner. Angela: "Aw, it was just hungry."

The Protopet was chomping on Ron's pants that it clearly tore off of him. Ron: "For my pants!?" Mr. Fizzwidget: "Astounding! It seems as though your pants are made from some strange material that creature finds to be incredibly appetizing. We must analyze that material and have it mass produced as sustenance for these beloved creatures." Angela: "I'll get on that right, after we cure the Protopets, that is." Ratchet: "Kimberly, please tell me Wade has finished with the Indestructible Pants." Kim: "I don't know. I'll ask him as soon as I can." Mr. Fizzwidget: "Oh, uh, young missy. Kim Possible was it?" Kim: "Yep, that's right." Mr. Fizzwidget: "I was told by Ronald that you were looking for this thing."

He pulled out what appeared to be a piece of the space shuttle. Kim was very ecstatic. Kim: "Yes! That's a piece of my dad's space shuttle! Where did you find it!?" Mr. Fizzwidget: "It was stashed away very close to where I was found. Ronald was very insistent on giving it to you right away. So, here you go, young lady."

He handed the shuttle piece over to Kim, she then pulled out the Kimmunicator. Kim: "Wade, we found the final piece, but just to verify, we did collect all of the pieces, right?"

Wade checked the monitor. Wade: "Yep, every last piece has been accounted for." Kim: "Yes! That's great! Did you hear that, Ratchet?" Ratchet: "Yeah! We did it, Kimberly! Now we can finally rebuild your dad's space shuttle so we can go after Drakken and Shego then take back your dad's space station."

They were both so thrilled that they embraced each other and spun around. They then stopped and became mesmerized by each other for a brief moment, edging their faces closer together. Angela: "Ahem."

They stopped and looked towards Angela. Angela: "You know, you guys have helped us out tremendously, so if you would like, we would gladly rebuild that space shuttle for you." Kim: "Really? Are you sure that you want to help us out?" Mr. Fizzwidget: "But of course. We owe you so much for your help. Also, Megacorp has some of the best mechanics, engineers and researchers money can buy. We'll have that space shuttle of yours up and running before you know it." Ratchet: "Well…if you insist…then OK. Just to let you know, we have been working on some modifications to the shuttle a while back. There was still one bit of work that needed to be done before it was stolen and broken up by Drakken." Angela: "That won't be a problem. I would be more than happy to finish up that last modification for you." Kim: "OK, then. Here you go."

She handed all of the shuttle pieces to Angela. Kim: "Treat it well, OK? It's…a unique space shuttle to say the least." Angela: "Will do."

At that time, Qwark attempted to sneak away. Lilo: "Not so fast, dummy-head!"

He was then startled by suddenly noticing Lilo, Stitch and several of Stitch's cousin. Stitch: "(growl) You go nowhere, troublemaker." Qwark: "Now, now, no need to…get nasty on me…little ones…easy…" Kim: "Lilo! Stitch!"

Everyone rushed towards the duo and the other Experiments. Ratchet: "Didn't think you guys would show up here." Lilo: "Yeah, we made our way here just after that broadcast by this dummy-head was made. Several times during that broadcast, one of Stitch's cousins reacted; Fibber or Experiment 032. He reacts every time someone tells a lie. So when he was talking about stopping this horrible catastrophe or even trying to pin this on you guys, we knew immediately that something was amiss, so we got here as fast as we could to help out." Ratchet: "Wow, that's great. Thank you guys so much." Lilo: "It was no trouble." Stitch: "Ih! Lilo and Stitch and our Ohana only want to help out Kim, Ratchet, Ron and Clank, since they have helped us out. It's our way of saying Mahalo." Clank: "Yes, that is very nice of you, but your help is not needed. Everything is under control." Ratchet: "Yeah, the Protopet threat is being neutralized and the person responsible for all of it has been thwarted." Kim: "Well…actually, he was self-foiling; not surprising considering how much of a dim-wit he is." Lilo: "Yeah, we noticed that, too. We still want to help anyway. Right, Stitch?" Stitch: "Ih!" Angela: "Well, if you insist, you can deal with Qwark over here." Lilo: "It will be our pleasure. Stitch?"

Stitch growled as he approached Qwark. Qwark: "Now, now, nice…blue…dog…thing…" Mr. Fizzwidget: "Hold on for a second, youngsters, I have a better idea. I'm thinking of allowing this imbecile to pay off a hefty debt for what he has put this entire galaxy through. You're more than welcome to lend a hand with this." Lilo: "Absolutely, sir. Just tell us what you need us to do and we'll do it. Right, Ohana?"

All of Stitch's cousin's cheered. Lilo: "OK, then, let's go."

They all left while forcing Qwark out with them. Mr. Fizzwidget left with Angela, Ron walked out with them. Ron: "By the way, I've noticed that you haven't been talking in weird vocabulary that makes no sense. You don't really talk like that, right?" Mr. Fizzwidget: "Of course not, young man, it was all that imposter talking that way. Most likely trying to make himself sound smarter." Ron: "Oh, so instead of doing that, he made you sound like some weird-talking old nutcase who was completely losing his mind. No offense." Mr. Fizzwidget: "None taken, as a matter of fact, I agree with you and I'm sorry for any terrible impressions that he left on you and your friends about me." Ron: "That's fine, don't worry about that. We know now that you weren't anything like that." Angela: "I know he wasn't."

Kim and Ratchet stood by while everyone else left. Clank also stayed behind for a reason of his own. Kim: "Well, guess we should be leaving, too." Ratchet: "Sure."

They were about to walk out, but then suddenly, the Kimmunicator went off. She pulled it out. Wade: "Kim! Your dad wants to speak to you, he said it's urgent!" Kim: "Put him on now."

He switched over to Dr. Possible. Dr. P.: "Kim! Forget everything that I told you to do before! You must destroy the space station! I know what these men plan to do with it! They're planning to…no! What are you doing!? Stay away from me! AAAHHH!" Kim: "Dad!? Dad!" Voice: "Why, hello, Kim Possible, we meet at last." Kim: "Who are you!? Are you one of the men that paid my dad to build his space station!? What have you done to him!?" Voice: "Oh, nothing…yet. I can see that Dr. Possible broke his vow of silence and told you everything, well…everything that he knew anyway. It's a real pitiful shame that you didn't know what your father was like back in the day; so eager, so headstrong, so full of vigor and so very easy to manipulate." Kim: "What do you want with that space station!? What fiendish agenda do you have in mind!?" Voice: "Let's just say…we plan on making the Earth a perfect world by purging it of all its problems. We intended to offer your father and the rest of your family to become part of that new world, but he…wasn't very optimistic about the idea." Dr. P.: "No! Never! I would rather die than be part of your so called "perfect world". You intend to…"

Kim along with Ratchet and Clank listened in horror of Dr. Possible's screams of agony. Kim: "DAD!" Voice: "That's enough out of you, you insolent lap dog! Now then, Ms. Possible, we have a proposition for you. We are willing to offer you your father if you're to return the space station to this space center." Dr. P.: "Kim! Don't give in to their demands, they want to…"

They listened again to his screams. Voice: "I said keep your mouth shut! Ahem, now then, as I was saying, if you truly wish to see him alive again, return with the space station." Kim: "You monster! You won't get away with this!" Voice: "Return it to us and we will spare his life, but be sure that it is brought back completely unharmed. If we see so much as a single scratch on it, your father bites the big one."

The transmission was severed. Kim: "Dad! No! DAD!"

She tried to reestablish communications with her dad, but it was no use. Wade then reappeared on the Kimmunicator. Wade: "Kim, this is really bad! What do you think we should do? Kim? Kim? Kim!"

She was far too distraught from what just happened to even say anything. She fell to her knees and dropped both of her arms. Kim: "D-…dad…"

Ratchet, upset to see her like this, ran to her and grabbed her by her shirt with both hands and held her face close to his face. Ratchet: "Kimberly! Get a hold of yourself! I know things are dire, but you've got to snap out of it! Your dad needs this from you! Kimberly! KIMBERLY!" Kim: "No…my…my…dad…he…I can't…I…dad! He's…he's billions of…light years…away…and…I…I can't do…anything…to…I can't get to him…I don't know what to do…I'm…too far…away…to do…anything…about it! Please…someone…anyone…please help…help me…save my dad…!"

Ratchet was greatly shocked to see her like this. He then growled angrily, snatched the Kimmunicator from out of her hand and held it in front of him. Ratchet: "Wade! Are you still there!?" Wade: "Ratchet?" Ratchet: "Tell me, are there any other crime fighters from your home world besides Kimberly!? Anyone who can help Dr. Possible!?" Wade: "Well, there's Global Justice. There's also Team Go. I can also look into other crime fighters." Ratchet: "That's not going to be enough! These men that paid Dr. Possible to build his own space station are extremely dangerous. Kimberly is far too broken up from all of this to even think straight, let alone figure out what to do about this! No, we're going to need more help. Is there anyone who wants to owe her a favor?" Wade: "Lots of people. She's helped countless here on Earth. Every single one of them is always raring to pay her back however they can." Ratchet: "You think you're able to contact them?" Wade: "I can." Ratchet: "OK, then. Wade, I need you to send an important message to all those people that she has helped in the past: tell them that her dad needs help and if they hope to pay her back for everything she did for them, this is their chance to do so." Wade: "Got it! I'll get right on it." Ratchet: "Thank you, Wade. You're the best."

He deactivated the Kimmunicator. He then glanced at her in a sweet and caring manner then approached her again, kneeled in front of her and gently placed both of his hands on both sides of her head. Ratchet: "Kimberly. Everything's going to be OK. Wade is working on saving your dad as we speak. Don't worry, everything will be OK. I promise."

She pulled herself out of her distraught state for those few moments and looked at him, touched by his words. Kim: "Ratchet…"

They had their moment together. Clank took notice of this even though he was tending to his own tragedy. Ratchet: "Come on, let's get out of here."

They got themselves up. Kim: "Wait! What about Clank?"

They looked over and noticed Clank tending to the female bot that was badly damaged earlier. Kim and Ratchet looked at each other then went over towards Clank. Ratchet: "Hey, it's OK. I can fix her. I promise."

Clank looked up at him and smiled. Clank: "I know you can, considering that you have already fixed someone else."

Ratchet looked at Kim, she did the same with him and they both smiled.

[megsblackfirewrites]

My Golden Obsession: Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Jack swallowed thickly as he stared at what was left of Dolly. He didn’t know what to think as he stared at her corpse. His coworkers were shaking, staring at what The Reaper had done to the poor woman.

Her ribs had been surgically removed from her spine and bent until they were almost lying straight out to either side of her. The skin across her shoulders had been cut and stitched over a set of twisted, fiberglass wings. The wings were drilled into her spine with construction grade screws and the wings supported her weight as she hung from the tree behind her house.

“He’s back,” one of the officers whispers. “Oh God, no, no, no!”

“Keep your head on,” his superior officer snapped. “This could be a copy-cat, same as what happened while The Reaper was still running around. Get her down and get her to the coroner. I want answers.”

Jack moved forward to help get Dolly down. He winced as blood dribbled out of her mouth and down her chest. The state of decay was uncomfortable; she’d been dead for a good while before her body showed up in her own yard.  He was running through a list of things he needed to do as he helped get the body into the body bag when he noticed the note tucked into her mouth.

He carefully removed the note and unfolded it. It was soaked with blood, but he could still read what was written on it.

‘She pushed too far. This was a long time coming. She was no angel in life, but in death, she will be.

The Reaper has swallowed another soul.’

Jack rubbed at his face before placing the note carefully in an evidence bag. The body was loaded up into the back of an ambulance and he showed the note to his superior officer. The man swore angrily before ordering the entire road sectioned off in search of anything that could lead them to the killer.

It was a long day with very little payoff. The dogs that were brought in found nothing. There was almost nothing to be found on the crime scene and what could be found was useless. Jack had never felt such a soul-crushing sense of loss in his entire life. The monster that had stalked the city for six years was back and its first victim was a woman Jack knew.

He didn’t like the woman, but that didn’t mean he wanted to see her dead. She was annoying and unrelenting, but she didn’t deserve to be turned into that macabre thing hanging from her own tree. No one deserved that. What sort of monster was The Reaper to do this to a person?

When he was finally allowed to go home, he felt drained. He stumbled into his house, wiping at his eyes, and fell into Gabriel’s arms. He pushed his head into the warm chest, whimpering softly as Gabriel nuzzled him.

“The whole neighbourhood’s in an uproar,” Gabriel murmured. “The Reaper’s back?”

“Gossip spreads fast,” Jack whispered.

“It always does around here,” Gabriel grimaced against his cheek. “Are you alright?”

“No,” Jack shook his head. “I…think you can carry me up the stairs?”

“I can certainly try, tiny,” Gabriel teased as he gently scooped Jack up.

Jack tucked his face into Gabriel’s shoulder. He was crying before Gabriel even reached the stairs. Gabriel cradled him close as he climbed the stairs, kissing along his jaw. He helped him out of his uniform, rubbing over his shoulders as Jack stood there shaking and sobbing. He grabbed the fluffiest thing he could find in Jack’s closet and pulled it over Jack’s head.

“Ssh,” Gabriel soothed as he kissed Jack’s forehead. “Ssh, darling. I know.”

“Do you?” Jack demanded.

“Jack, I was here through the heyday of The Reaper,” Gabriel said. “I know what this sort of fear is like.”

Jack closed his eyes and rested against Gabriel’s chest. “I’ve never felt this hopeless before,” he whispered. “What I saw…Gabriel, I don’t want there to be others.”

Gabriel ran his thumb over Jack’s cheek. “Ssh, mi luna,” he soothed. “They’ll catch him this time. He’s chosen a poor time to return.”

Jack laughed and turned into Gabriel’s hand. “Since when are you the ray of sunshine?” he teased. “I wish I could have your optimism, Gabriel. This man has killed so many people.”

“Then let’s hope that he will grow bored,” Gabriel said as he hugged Jack close. “And goes back into hiding.”

Jack laughed and pushed up into Gabriel’s jaw. He wanted to be optimistic like Gabriel, but he couldn’t quite find it in him to think that The Reaper would just go away. A man like that would keep killing until he ran out of playthings or was finally caught. He hoped he and his colleagues could catch him before anyone else was harmed.

Gabriel held Jack close on the couch. The bubble of delight he’d felt when he’d put Dolly on display in her own backyard had vanished when Jack burst into tears. He hadn’t thought that the new guy would be dragged out to investigate. He thought Jack would just get the paperwork portion of everything. He was stupid to be so naïve and now his attempt to keep Jack safe only ended up hurting him.

He wasn’t a child like Jesse had been. Jack was a cop; he’d be involved with the deaths. It was so short-sighted of him not to realize that. His poor Jack.

“Mi luna, how are you feeling?” he asked.

“Better,” Jack murmured. “Can’t get that image out of my head though. It’s so different than what the documentaries showed. I don’t know what made the shift.”

Jack. Jack had become his muse. He was such an angel and Dolly had tried to taint that. So he made her an angel in death to mock her with the wings she could never take from Jack.

“We may never know,” Gabriel shook his head. “You should rest, Jack. It’s been a long day.”

Jack’s hand curled in Gabriel’s shirt and he whimpered. “Please stay,” he whispered.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Gabriel promised as he ran his fingers through Jack’s hair. “Just rest, mi amor.”

Jack smiled and snuggled closer. “I love when you speak Spanish,” he murmured.

Gabriel chuckled and started gently crooning sweet nothings into Jack’s ear. His boyfriend smiled and curled closer, nuzzling his face into Gabriel’s stomach. Gabriel smiled at the easy affection and ran his fingers through Jack’s golden hair. His beautiful angel, his sweet, caring, easily hurt angel. He’d protect him from the world, even if he had to kill others to achieve that.

A whole month passed with no further incidents or sightings of The Reaper. Dolly’s corpse was autopsied and found to have died from dehydration. It was a favoured method of killing for The Reaper, it turned out; kept his hands clean in the end as he never laid a finger on them. The wings were removed from Dolly’s spine and her body was cremated and returned to her next of kin.

Jack didn’t attend the funeral, but Gabriel went. “Seems wrong not to when I’ve known her for so long,” he had grumbled as he fixed his tie. “Center of attention even when she’s about to be put six feet under. Typical.”

Jack blinked as Gabriel’s cellphone went off. He picked it up, saw the name ‘M’ijo’ on the screen, and answered curiously.

“Hello?” he asked.

“Uh?” a very confused voice asked in return. “Sorry, did I call the wrong number?”

“Who were you looking for?” Jack asked.

“Gabriel Reyes.”

“No, you called the right number; he’s just not here at the moment.”

“So you answered his cellphone?” the voice asked. “Dude, that’s a little creepy.”

“Well, not really,” Jack shrugged. “I can get him to call you back if you want. He’s at a funeral.”

“What?” the voice demanded. “Whose? Oh, please tell me Mrs. Brown didn’t kick the bucket.”

“No, no,” Jack said. “Dolly Picket.”

There was silence. “What? How?!” the voice demanded angrily.

“She was…murdered,” Jack said carefully.

“Who the fuck would murder that dumbass?” the voice demanded. “She isn’t worth the effort!”

“The Reaper,” Jack said.

Silence rang through the phoneline. “Don’t bother telling Gabe I called,” the voice said. “Fuck, I wish I had called sooner.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, I just…fuck. Fuck, I fucked up so fucking bad,” they said before hanging up.

Jack frowned before scribbling down that M’ijo called. He returned to the couch, snuggling under the thick blankets as he watched reruns of some old cartoons. Gabriel returned around four looking utterly miserable. Jack bit his lip as he sat up.

“Hey,” he murmured.

“I hate funerals,” Gabriel growled as he yanked his tie off and threw it on the counter. “Any calls?”

“Um, one from M’ijo,” he said.

“Who?” Gabriel looked at him in confusion.

“The name on the phone said ‘M’ijo’,” Jack rubbed his head.

Gabriel stared at him before he lunged for his phone. Jack jumped a little as Gabriel fumbled with the phone and pressed it against his ear. He started shouting angrily in Spanish and Jack could hear someone shouting back.

“Listen here you little ingrate!” Gabriel roared, switching to English so fast Jack’s head spun. “I did not spend sixteen years raising your ass for you not to call me more often! What the fucking hell, Jesse?!”

Jack covered his mouth and winced. Ooh. Ooh that wasn’t good. That was his kid he was yelling at.

“I know you’re busy, Jesse! That doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear from you!” Gabriel shouted. “Dios mios, Jesse, you’re my baby! I worry, okay? You’re half-way across the fucking country!” He balled his fist on the counter and started talking softly in Spanish. “I’m not telling you to come home, m’ijo. I know you’re where you want to be. I’m so proud of you, Jesse. I just want to know you’re okay, even if all you do is tell me the stupid shit you ate.” Gabriel rubbed at his eyes and let out a laugh. “Sí, m’ijo. Love you to pieces, you little ingrate.”

Gabriel hung up and rubbed at his face. Jack got nervously to his feet and walked forward. He wrapped his arms around Gabriel’s bicep and hugged it to his chest.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked softly.

“Much better now that I know my little ingrate’s okay,” Gabriel chuckled as he pulled Jack close. “Sorry if that sounded harsh. Jesse and I have talked like that since he was about fifteen.”

Jack shook his head and snuggled close to his boyfriend. “Well, I’m glad your kid’s okay,” he smiled. “Do you want to have leftovers?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Gabriel said as he tipped Jack’s chin up to kiss him.