#once i get this together i'll be doing two Second Age looks and those *will* be flowy

[hirazuki]

In a classic move -- after specifically fashioning my First Age Mairon design to match the outfit I’ll be cosplaying him in -- I have decided... to cosplay him in something completely different. After I have already drawn him 4389 times in these clothes.

Typical XD

[jaylver]

ROCKLAND — P.SH

synopsis: almost like a nightmare, park sunghoon plagues your present just as much as your past regrets had done. however, this time around, you and him decided to right your wrongs one last time.

pairings: non-idol!sunghoon x afab!reader

genre: exes to lovers, miscommunications, angst, second chance romance

warning(s): profanities, brief mentions of smoking, drinking, partying and alcohol

wc: 8k

a/n: i'm BACK. this has been in the works for far too long because of the constant writer's block so i'm not sure if it's good or not, plus it's my first exes to lovers so please be nice <3 greatly inspired by gracie abram's "rockland", so do give it a listen too! please leave a feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated! muah xx

masterlist | © jaylver all rights reserved.

If there was one thing you’d regret forever in this lifetime, it would be ending things with the love of your life.

You admit it, you’re selfish. Selfish for wanting to leave the town you grew to hate, selfish for prioritising yourself and chasing your dreams, choosing to leave the people you loved instead. Painted a villain in the eyes of many close to the person you once went home to and even the man himself. But, how could he fully blame you when he was equally selfish too?

Park Sunghoon thought keeping you in the cage of this small town was going to make him a happy man. He often fantasised about the possibility of you and his future together, completely pushing aside the thought of you leaving, until it actually happened.

He was angry. He let himself be consumed by his own feelings and mindlessly projecting his anger and blame on you, while you regretfully did the same.

Pools of tears and venomous words spewed out of impulse left you scarred and broken down. It was a bad ending that you’d see in movies coming to life. The moment you had everything packed and goodbyes said, you figured leaving was for the best, now that your ex hates you and his friends who probably felt the same. 

It was a shame, though. Heading to somewhere far from home with a heavy heart knowing you didn’t have the chance to see him once more. Frankly, you were a coward, and so was he.

That explained why returning back home was the scariest thing you had to face in a while. 

It was ironic, wasn't it? Coming back to the place you wished for years to escape and actually doing so, but eventually having to return after you dropped out of the college that you've been praying and praying to get into, only for it to be overwhelming and the city lights couldn't compare to the starry night of your hometown.

You suppose you got the thing you wanted, but it just wasn't what you imagined.

Freshly twenty-two and out of school, you figured home was what you needed in your next step before deciding if you should re enrol. However, you find yourself not having the guts to face your family and friends, not after the promises turned out to be empty. 

"You should quit smoking," 

Yunjin, your cousin and practically your closest friend growing up, was just a distance away when you spotted her, leaning against her car with a cigarette in hand. You found it amusing how she didn't cave into vapes instead in this day and age. 

"Y/N!" She pushed the bud of her half smoked cigarette into the wall, then started jogging towards you, her dress flowing in the wind and boots making obnoxious clicks against the ground. There was a sense of relief in her eyes, her usual smile that you missed graced your presence. "God, I missed you, things aren't the same without you here,"

In the span of a few seconds of her hug, you took the chance to digest her words. Did that mean the traditions you've upheld are now gone? Parties, trips to the beach, all those? 

"What?"

Yunjin pulled away, still managing a small smile. "I don't think things were ever the same since you left … and after you broke up with Sunghoon,"

You blinked, looking away into the distance. "I don't think I'll be welcomed,"

Yunjin scoffed, slapping your arm and scurrying to get your bags. "Don't say that! So not true. Everyone in the family is waiting for you to be back—"

"And talk behind my back about my failure in graduating? Yeah, no,"

‘‘That’s not going to happen,” Yunjin sighed, struggling with your bags and declining your help, but you still forcefully grabbed some knowing she’d eventually crumble. “I think they’ll get it,”

Would they?

Once you are settled into the car, bags successfully loaded into the trunk, you let yourself melt into the comforts of Yunjin’s passenger seat, finally getting to close your eyes and drift away. You thought it was best before having to face everything and everyone once again.

“What’s your plan now, anyway?”

Without opening your eyes, you envisioned a distant image in your head. “Take my time off and see if I’d like to re enrol or not. If I don’t, I’ll just go plan B,”

“Which is?”

“Accept the job offer in London,”

Yunjin almost hit the brakes out of shock, the news that came from you felt like it had hit her in the face, but somehow, she managed to keep her cool and not get you both killed. “What?” she shrieked.

“What?” you questioned back, sounding nonchalant as if this was just another normal offer that didn’t seem particularly significant. But it was.

“You have a job offer in London and you’re coming back here,”

“I left the city for a reason, it’d be stupid to go to another one right after,”

Yunjin exhaled, blinking in stupor. “Right,”

“How’s … everyone?”

Yunjin knew you weren’t referring to your family. Of course you’d know how your own family was doing, that’s a no brainer. What you were trying to mean was your old friend group. You couldn’t blame them for being mad at you, after all you were only a part of it because of Sunghoon.

“Heeseung’s graduating soon,” this was the first update you’ve gotten from Yunjin after those years away. It took you every will not to ask her about them, but here you were now, finally giving in. “They’re still the same, nothing’s changed,”

“What about him?”

Yunjin seemed hesitant, obviously holding back something that she didn’t want you to know. “I’m not going to explode upon hearing, you know that, right?” you joked lightheartedly, but secretly dreading hearing about him.

“I think he’s seeing someone,”

“Good for him,” 

Would it be a crime to admit that you still missed your ex? Something in you was wishing you could rekindle a connection again now that you’re back, but all that hope shattered. If he had already moved on, why couldn’t you? Even after knowing how he probably hated and resented you for doing what you did, you still couldn’t bring yourself to hate him back. 

“That’s all?”

“You want me to go full crazy ex mode? You’re insane,” you shook your head, smiling a little, hoping Yunjin didn’t notice the speck of sadness swimming in your irises. “Whoever she is, I’m sure that I would like her … if I were slightly nicer,”

She let out a ‘tch’ in response, though grinning. “What are you going to do with them around? There’s no way you’d be able to fully avoid them,”

“What can I do? I’ll just have to coexist.”

Coexist was a funny word. How were you able to do that when you couldn’t even fully get over Sunghoon in the first place? Thinking about meeting him in flesh already made you feel like doubling over and projectile vomit. That was how pathetic you were, what a shame. 

Settling in was easy. It was natural to be back home, way better than being in the noisy city and constantly surrounded by a bunch of fake friends. The question of why you left in the first place started burning your mind as you tossed around trying to sleep, but it only persisted to bug you. Then came the thoughts of Sunghoon and the friends you left behind, which prompted you to be fully awake, sitting up in bed.

It wasn't the greatest idea to reach for your phone and search for his contact name, just to recall the day you deleted his number. Yet, your memory never failed you, remembering the digits like it was first instinct, fingers already typing his number. Your thumb hovered over the green call button, a haze in your mind.

Inevitably, you shut your phone and dug your head into your pillow. He would've laughed then, if he had seen this happen, the exact moment of you almost caving in and finally saying the sorry you never gave him.

The pictures you saw of him on social media here and there made you wonder how he was and if he had already forgotten about you. There were a few recurring appearances of a girl that seemed to linger by his side in group pictures that caught your eyes. Who took your bed when you left? Who laughed at everything that he said? Was it that girl?

Just like the time you first had a crush on Sunghoon, you stayed awake thinking about him, except this time around, you were filled with regret instead of hope. 

"Heeseung asked me about you,"

Yunjin's random confession in the middle of the day had surprised you. Lee Heeseung, the best friend of your ex who you swore hated your guts, asked about you? Shocker.

"What did you say?"

"I said something along the lines of you figuring out life and just chilling here until the time comes," Yunjin shrugged, and you nodded slowly. "But there's something he said that made me a bit … confused?"

"What?"

"He said they wanted to see you again," 

You raised your eyebrows, a hint of scepticism flashed over your eyes. "They want to see me? Tell me a better joke next time, thanks,"

"I'm not joking! I mean, he did say excluding Sunghoon, but the other guys wanted to know how you were now that you're back," Yunjin winced a little at the mention of your ex, but you waved it off.

"Are they treating me to dinner or something?"

"Well … no. But Heeseung asked me to bring you to their next party, which is in a few days," Yunjin's gaze softened, hand patting your back. "You know you don't have to come if you don't want to. I mean, after all that happened with you and them and Sunghoon,"

You let out a small sigh, absentmindedly fidgeting your fingers. "It's all in the past now. I'm sure Sunghoon has moved on with another girl, and maybe—just maybe—the guys do hate me less."

You never went to that party Yunjin mentioned.

It was hard to admit but you knew, deep inside you, you were afraid, too cowardly to face the people you once knew. Instead, you chose to linger around like a lost soul in a town full of the ghosts of your past. 

It didn't help that the party was also in Sunghoon's house. How did they expect you to go in the first place? You thought you'd never step foot in there after you broke it off with him, and you were adamant on keeping it that way, but your heart got the worst of you.

On the night of the party, you drove around the neighbourhood, eventually stopping across the street of his house. You didn't know what got to you to do so, but you guessed reminiscence and bright lights coming from the house were the reason. The music was loud, people were coming in and out of the house, and the only thing you could think of was him.

That thought alone was enough to have you drive away, leaving the house further and further away into the background just as the memories of him being pushed into the back of your mind.

Rotting in your bed wasn't how your early 20s were meant to be spent, and avoiding almost everyone most definitely wasn't the case either.

Your family and Yunjin were the only people you saw daily, as for the friends you once had, they were long forgotten or didn't even bother to reach out. Except for Heeseung and the others.

That, to you, was a really funny thing to think about. People who stuck by you after the break up and swore to be your closest friends didn't try contacting you once you moved back, knowing damn well word traveled fast in the town; whereas the friends you thought hated you were the first to reach out.

"I'll go to that party," you said to Yunjin on a sunny afternoon tanning session by the pool, sunglasses sitting on the bridge of your nose, hiding the apprehension in your eyes.

"Really?" Yunjin almost jumped out of her seat. It was a party she had brought up days ago, still persistent on taking you out. At least this time around, it wasn't in Sunghoon's house, but her friend Chaewon's. "That's great! Chaewon and the girls are super nice, you'll love them. Let's pick a nice outfit for you, okay?"

Yunjin was by far the most enthusiastic one between you and her. She was picking out dresses and tops, literally rummaging through your closet for anything, and you had to remind her it was just a college party. So, you settled for a skirt and a plain top. 

"Will you be okay? I'll stick by you," Yunjin had her arms around you, standing by the front door of Chaewon's house, hearing the music blaring from the inside.

"I'm fine—I think I'll be fine—I just don't want to run away from everyone anymore," it was mostly true, you thought it was inevitable to hide all the time, that wasn't how you're going to spend your life living.

"If there's anything, tell me, okay? We'll leave if you're getting sick," Yunjin gave your arm a final squeeze of assurance before crossing the threshold. 

It was the same as every party you've gone to. Loud music, drunk college kids, liquor and beers strayed around, it reeked of your nightmare in a nutshell there. 

Yunjin's friends were all as lovely as she had promised. The host herself was wobbling on her feet but managed to grace you with her humour. There was Sakura and Kazuha that you learned were foreign students. 

Throughout the night, you were stuck by Yunjin, going from circle to circle and introducing yourself or recognising some of your past school mates. But, almost inevitably so, Heeseung, Jay and Jake had made an appearance too.

"Y/N," Jay was the first to call your name, causing you to turn your head at the familiar voice. 

Your thoughts during then were jumbled into a mess. The people you were fighting to avoid were standing in front of you, all of which were much different than the memories you had of them in mind. 

Three of them had grown taller, gained some muscles and matured in many ways. Jay's hair was dyed pink, Heeseung got new piercings and Jake had a tattoo on his finger. It was strange to admit they're the same people you knew despite feeling the complete opposite of familiarity.

"Hey—" you were cut off by Jay closing in and pulling you into a hug, this for once was something you remembered about him.

"We're so glad you're back," he whispered into your hair, squeezing you tight. It reminded you then that you were friends with him and the guys before you even dated Sunghoon, that connection was deeper than it seemed, and for it to be severed just because of a breakup was gut wrenching to realise. "We're sorry, Y/N, we're so sorry,"

His apology was genuine, that's for sure. Once you pull away, you let both Heeseung and Jake take turns to hug you, whispering apologies into your ear. It was odd, to accept their apologies and having to start afresh. You held onto them, just taking it in. To forgive was a big step, but maybe it was your first step.

You sat there, catching up with them and slowly getting comfortable just like the old days. Heeseung graduated and got a good job offer, Jay and Jake were still studying, both of which were in the same university. You were relieved there was nothing too awkward between you and them, or else you would have regretted your choices.

The night continued on with a few small talks and eventually you had to excuse yourself to the toilet. You wondered how Chaewon's house was so big, with halls that seemed to never end, or it could just be the effects of alcohol.

Stumbling around, you held onto the walls, passing by rooms occupied by people probably doing something unspeakable. You thought your peace of mind would be intact until the end of the night, but you were wrong. Upon turning a corner, you froze.

It was Sunghoon. It was him.

Grief was a funny feeling, especially when it comes to someone you once knew. You stared at him and there he was, like a ghost from your past coming back to haunt you. He was the shell of the person you loved, and you couldn't help but grieve the person he once was. What was he like now? 

Before you could even turn around and make a run for it, his wandering eyes landed on you. He had the same thought process as you. Realisation, panic, sadness, confusion all mixed into a heap of feelings. 

Your feet started moving on its own, as you stepped back, he took a step forward. Your breath became ragged, heart thumping hard and blood pumping in your ears. He was nearing, and you were running away, it was the same as before.

"Y/N!" He called out, and all it took was him to say your name again to have you stop in your tracks. Gosh, you were pathetic.

He was standing before you now, closer than he was a moment ago. It was then you realised how much he had changed too. 

He was taller, smile lines etched much deeper into his face, almost changing along the same wavelengths with the others. There was something different about the way he looked at you, however. From love in his eyes that eventually changed into hatred was now filled with longing and confusion.

"Y/N," he repeated, disbelief evident in his voice, as if he couldn't believe you were there. 

"Sunghoon," you blinked, a frown unknowingly making its way to your face. You let a few beats of silence pass, conflicted and nervous. "I—I should leave,"

"No—!" his hand reached out for you, but you didn't feel his touch. He didn't dare to touch you, letting his hand linger before pulling it back to his side. "I mean, you don't have to leave,"

"I thought you hate me,"

Sunghoon's gaze fell to the floor, jaw clenched and eyebrows furrowed. He met your eyes once more. "I should hate you, shouldn't I? But I don't think I do, I never did,"

You blinked, a little surprised, a little hurt. All along he had made you think he hated your guts but he actually didn't? "Oh," you seemed to have lost the ability to talk or to compute a proper sentence.

You thought of the things you wanted to ask him. If he was still angry at you or if things were working for him. But, what came out was the question you've stored in the back of your mind instead.

"Are you with someone new?"

You figured he didn't expect such a question from you, much as you didn't expect yourself saying it. It was an itching thought, one that made you look like a typical ex, but you couldn't help it.

"I'm not," he sounded almost exasperated, as if having to squash down this rumour for the thousandth time.

"Oh … oh," you didn't know what to say, averting your gaze away from him and finding comfort in the wall behind him. 

Sunghoon paused, gaze following yours, looking reluctant whether or not to continue the conversation, but alas, he did. "How have you been?"

"Bad," you laughed a little, and Sunghoon's ears perked at the sound of it that he hasn't heard for ages. "You?"

"I quit skating,"

That was surprising. How could he have? Skating was his dream, his past, present and supposed future, but now, it came crashing down. You didn't know if you should feel sorry for him, as you have been a part of his journey, but one bit of you also seemed to have started mourning the changed Sunghoon that stood before you.

"Why?"

He shrugged, hands slipping into his pocket with a solemn look. "I lost interest. I'm into music now, I'm in a band with the guys,"

You heaved a breath, a deep one. Ironic it was that he was doing music now when he was the one criticising you in the past for wanting to pursue it. Who even was this person? With a new appearance came a new personality, he was much further away than you thought despite the physical distance.

"You've changed," you didn't know what prompted you to say that, maybe it was the disbelief or the denial that he was someone new, but whatever it was, neither of you could deny the fact that he did change. "I'm scared of the person you've become,"

A beat passed, an unreadable expression on Sunghoon's face that you couldn't distinguish even though by now you thought you'd know every one of them. 

"And I'm scared you're still the same."

Seeing Sunghoon that night seemed to have altered something in your life. Somehow, he was everywhere you went. 

Who was working at the register? Sunghoon. Who was at the park? Sunghoon. Who was at the party Yunjin managed to drag you to? Sunghoon.

It was haunting.

All those little encounters didn't mean you talked to him like normal, though. The awkward tension in the air still remained, seeing each other only reminded you and him both of your pasts, and you hated it. That explained why you were having a hard time seeing him at another party you were at.

Yunjin was much more of a party goer than you expected, and she successfully convinced you to go to all of them. It was fun until you got drunk and started being emotional. Your efforts of hiding from Sunghoon that night failed when he barged into the empty room you were sobbing in, whether it was accidental or not, you didn't know, you wished to not know.

"Y/N?"

His voice brought back the times he called your name. Both the good and bad ones. You stared up at him from the ground, tears welling your eyes. The person you were looking at was someone you thought was a soulmate, but now stood as someone closer to a stranger than a friend.

"W–what are you doing here? Why are you crying?"

The alcohol messing with your brain was processing his words, but what came out from your lips was the total opposite of an answer. "I'm sorry, Hoonie," 

Sunghoon's eyes widened at the nickname, the privilege that only you had. He kneeled down, taking a seat on the ground opposite you, a visible distance in between.

"I hate this—us—I feel like if we gave it one night, to talk, to just feel—you'd hate me less and make it alright," you choked back the sobs building up in your throat, the dizziness making you unaware of how Sunghoon reached out only to hesitate and pressed his hand back to his side. "Just wish that we could fight now, I'd hold you on the comedown …" your voice faltered, head leaning onto the wall.

"Y/N, you're drunk, we can talk this out another day," Sunghoon striped off his jacket and covered your exposed thighs with it. "Just … don't avoid me. I–I don't hate you, I just hope we can have a decent conversation without thinking about the past,"

He admitted it, how the two of you had secretly been thinking about the past, letting it be a big wall in between instead of growing from it. Yet, you could tell the unspoken anger and sadness still lingered, choosing to pour out gradually and unknowingly.

"Bet you wish you never even met me," you started slurring, hand gripping onto his jacket tightly. "I can't blame you, I broke your every heartbeat," your eyes were shut, images playing in your mind, not knowing the saddened look dawning on Sunghoon's face.

"Let's get you back."

In your sleep that night, you saw him. He was there, so far yet so close, and just like reality, he was hard to reach, harder to understand compared to before. He was a knife cutting deep, leaving a mark that constantly reminded you of the past. 

How could you even make everything go back to the way it was?

Sunghoon was on your front door step the night everyone was out for dinner except you. 

You hadn't expected him to turn up, thinking it'd be you that stood at his doorstep instead as you still had his jacket from that party (which you do not want to think about again).

"Sunghoon. Hey," the door was opened and you leaned against it, trying your best at hiding the hint of pining in your gaze. 

"Oh, hey," he greeted back rather stiffly, dressed in a simple attire with the classic white Lacoste sneakers that he always wore. "I–I wanted to—"

"Take your … jacket?" You cut him off half way, nerves wrecking your brain.

A beat passed, Sunghoom visibly gulped. "Y–Yeah, my jacket,"

"I'll go grab it for you," you jerked your thumb over your shoulder, awkwardly scurrying back in to retrieve his jacket and coming back to see him chewing on his bottom lip, seemingly nervous. "Here. Thanks for it,"

"No problem," Sunghoon coughed, grabbing the jacket but absolutely paying no mind to it. His stare was straight at you.

"That's all, right?"

"Yeah,"

"Yeah," you echoed, hating the sudden rigidness between the two of you. "Bye then, Sunghoon,"

"Bye," Sunghoon said, looking dazed. Weird.

You saw him backing away and decided to close the door, but before you could even do so, a force had stopped you from closing it. Not a force, much rather a hand, his hand. The door was pushed open, and you physically jumped at the suddenness of it. Your eyes met Sunghoon's sorrowful ones.

"Don't push me away, Y/N, not again,"

"Sunghoon," 

He made his way in, closing the door behind him and you let him. Was this seriously happening?

"You said you wanted to give us one night to talk, so I'm here now. I didn't care about the jacket, I cared about you. I hate seeing us like this, it's like we're strangers," Sunghoon let out a frustrated huff, eyebrows furrowed.

"We can't just pretend nothing has happened between us,"

"So you want me to hate you instead? You're saying as if it's easy, Y/N, feelings don't work that way!"

"Then how do we go back to how it was? We can't, that's the truth. You're not the same person I used to know,"

"Cut the bullshit. I'm the same as I was, maybe just a little different than I was years ago, but that doesn't change anything. When does that ever stop you from loving?"

Were you too scared to love?

Sunghoon ran his hand across his face, wetting his lips. "You’re scared of change, and I don’t think that’s something new about you,” 

Ouch.

“But I really wish you could let it all go. I don’t hate you, nor do I harbour any anger regarding the things that happened years ago. It hurts, it did, but seeing you now made me feel the opposite of all those emotions,” Sunghoon took a deep breath in, and you were holding yours. “I think about you a lot, actually. I regretted a lot of the things I said and done, and I wanted to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not being there for you and giving you the support you needed. I should've fought for us and not leave, I–I—" Sunghoon choked, unable to hold in his overpowering emotions anymore.

You didn’t say anything, instinctively closing in and pulling him into your arms, letting his head lie on your shoulder, ignoring the feeling of his warm tears soaking the fabric of your shirt. "I'm sorry too, for leaving you so easily,"

You stood there with Sunghoon in your arms, inevitably crying along and sobbing out your own apologies, the ones you had owed him and hidden all these years. He held you tight just as you did, and it felt like the nights he had you in his arms whenever you cried. You eventually calmed down whereas Sunghoon was still composing himself, avoiding your gaze.

You took the opportunity to hug him again, tighter and firmer this time, as if trying to stop him from running away. 

"Can we start over? I don't want us to be strangers," 

You heard a sniffle, then a shaky breath of relief. "I'd love to,"

Pulling away, you locked eyes with him. They were twinkling brighter than the stars in the skies outside, filled with a spark of hope. "I'll make us some hot tea. Do you want to … stay over?"

"Can I?"

"I really want you to."

It didn't take more to convince Sunghoon to stay, all you had to do was ask and he'd listen. 

That night, you and him hid in your room, talking for the whole night until the break of dawn. Nothing about the way he talked had changed, nor his laughter or the crinkles around his eyes when he smiled. He told you about the band and some side gigs, offering to bring you to some too. 

You laid there in bed laughing all night, occasionally peeking over the side of your bed to check up on him who slept on the extra mattress, only to meet his eyes and freeze. 

The red string of fate tying you and him together was beginning to reform.

Not feeling dread every time you saw Sunghoon was a new start for you. In fact, you were glad to see him. 

The misunderstandings and complexity built up over the years were finally addressed, leaving you to peace and a small hope of rebuilding what you had with him. But you kept that thought away for now, holding onto the pieces you had at the moment.

"Come to one of my gigs," Sunghoon made a trip to your house on a random afternoon, a box of your favourite chocolate covered strawberries in his hand. He never forgot anything about you, didn't he?

"Are you bribing me or asking me?" You said despite accepting the box, your heart squeezing at the thought of him remembering the littlest details about you.

"I'm asking you but also offering a gift," he let himself in, almost like always, and you didn't even notice, just letting him do so. "I saw it and I thought of you so I got it,"

"Thanks," you waved the box a little, setting it down on the table and leaning slightly against it. "You still remember," 

His gaze softened. "Of course I do," his hand by his side was itching to reach out, but it never did, instead, he played it off by giving you a smile. "So, what do you say? This Saturday, watch our gig at the pub," 

"Are you singing?"

"I wish I did," he laughed, and you momentarily recalled the times you had karaoke sessions with him. Curse reminiscence. "I play the bass, Heeseung's the front man," 

You nodded slowly, picturing them as a band and smiling slowly. You've missed them, and it was then when you realised it. "I'll go,"

"Really?"

"Obviously, do you want me to say no?"

"Well, no," Sunghoon chuckled, quite literally unable to hide his excitement from the way he's grinning widely. "I'm just … glad, and surprised, and happy,"

You bit back a smile, shaking your head at him. "Text me the details, will you? I don't want to miss it."

Saturday rolled around quickly. You and Yunjin were sitting in a corner of the pub, beers on the table and whispering gossip about some of your high school classmates. High school might've ended years ago but gossip never stopped.

"Alright, folks, the next act is someone you already know, they are not strangers," the manager of the pub stepped onto the small stage, announcing Sunghoon and the guy's band. "Please welcome … April Nights!"

April? 

You bit your tongue, an odd feeling boiling in your stomach. April was the month you broke up with Sunghoon and left for university, it was more than just a coincidence for him and his band to have 'April' in their name. All you knew was the sinking feeling never went away.

"You alright?" Yunjin noticed your silence, casting a worried glance at you.

"April …" you mumbled, eyes staring straight ahead at Sunghoon who was setting up his bass on stage. "There must be something behind it,"

"What?"

"Nothing,"

You shook away that feeling currently eating up and put your focus on Sunghoon instead. It wasn't your first time watching him perform. It has always been him on ice in a big arena, but now it was him on a small stage at a dingy pub.

Sunghoon's eyes wandered all over the room, finally landing on you, a smile spreading on his pretty face. You managed a small smile, waving a little to let him know you're there, you're actually there and not a figment of his imagination, a dream that he has been wishing on for far too long.

The first song they played was an ABBA song. To be specific, it was your favourite ABBA song that you would listen to with Sunghoon in the past. Was it a coincidence?

You knew Heeseung had a vocal of stars, but to hear it for the first time in years was sending you into heaven. However, you failed to keep your focus on him, redirecting it to the bassist. You couldn't stop looking at Sunghoon, and his gaze wouldn't leave yours either. 

The second song soon came by, and at that point onwards, you knew it wasn't a coincidence. It only took two songs for you to realise that Sunghoon had prepared a set list of your favourite songs. The band was currently playing Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls, a song you had loved ever since forever.

You shouldn't be feeling light headed, but you were.

The set ended almost a few hours later. It was filled with your favourite songs, undoubtedly. The whole time, you were truly holding your breath, especially when Sunghoon was holding your gaze.

While people were filing in and out of the pub gradually, you stayed. It was well past midnight and Yunjin's cheeks were pink from the alcohol, wandering off to join Heeseung and the others. You, on the other hand, were sober as hell, waiting for Sunghoon with nerve wrecking anticipation.

"Hey, hey, hey. How did we do?" Sunghoon slid into a seat like an apparition appearing out of thin air. You jumped a little, but melted into a smile at the sight of him.

"You guys were great," it was genuine, because they did do amazing, probably more than just amazing. "'April nights', an interesting name,"

Realisation dawned on Sunghoon's face, he swallowed thickly. "I—yeah. April was an interesting month,"

"The set list …"

"Right, the set list," he chuckled, shifting on his feet a little nervously and stiffly. "I figured since you're here I'll play some of your favourite songs,"

"Oh," you let out softly, not knowing what else to say, this was something you found yourself acting around Sunghoon now. "That's … nice,"

Sunghoon gouged your expressions and the tone of your voice, a slow frown etching onto his tired face. "Did you not … like it? I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable,"

"No, it's not that! I'm just—" you paused, thinking of an appropriate word to describe how you felt. Frankly, you didn't know your exact feelings. "—surprised and … confused?"

"Confused?"

"Sunghoon, we're exes, and you pulling this isn't exactly helping—this—" you gestured to the space between you and him. "Us,"

Sunghoon was silent for a moment, occasionally opening his mouth to say something just to close it before he could. "I—maybe I read it all wrong, I thought—you know what, forget it,"

"Don't. Just tell me," you reached over for him, but didn't touch his hand. "What are we? We're not exactly best friends nor are we enemies. I don't want any tension between us and I don't want you to think you have zero chance at all," you breathed, searching for his eyes. "I would want us to work out again, if that's what you want too,"

Sunghoon's eyes glistened with a spark of hope, relief washing over his face. It was an answer to his question. "I want us to work out. I want us to have another chance," his hand reached out for yours the first time since you've seen each other, feeling the warmth of his touch that you were no stranger to. He carefully and gently intertwined his hand with yours.

"We'll always find our way back to each other."

It was odd but comforting to know that nothing has changed when it came to you and Sunghoon.

Sunghoon brought you to your favourite places, ate your favourite dishes, did your favourite activities as an attempt to rekindle everything back. Safe to say it was working.

Just like the first dates you had together, you felt yourself having the same bubbly feeling internally, the same giggles you caught yourself having after a stupid joke he made. Despite all that, over the course of a few weeks, it had you wondering about your relationship with him.

"Will you date him again?" Yunjin could tell you were struggling, even if you didn't say it, it was still quite evident.

"What's with the sudden question?"

"Well, considering he has taken you out on so many dates and still hasn't asked you to be his girlfriend again, I could tell you're troubled,"

"Okay, mind reader," you grumbled and shifted in your seat, hating how right she was. "He said he wanted to give us a chance again, so I was expecting that—you know—we'd get back together soon,"

"Your 'soon' seems a bit urgent, but I don't blame you," Yunjin shrugged, gaze softening at your words. "I can tell how much love there still is between the two of you. It's natural to gravitate towards each other, but time, time is what you need to heal the scars, Y/N. It's been years, give yourself time."

You suppose giving yourself time truly was what you needed. But when you mentally said you needed space, you didn't mean wanting Sunghoon to ignore you. 

That's right. He was ignoring you.

How did you know? Apparently, the hard way.

Calls, messages were all brushed aside. You didn't even see him physically. At one point, you considered him dead, but seeing him at a party proved to you that he wasn't.

"What the fuck is your problem?"

Cornering him was a challenge, but being headstrong and slightly buzzed, nothing could possibly stop you.

"Y/N?"

"Wow, I'm surprised you remember my name," you seethed, almost stumbling forward and throwing a punch at him. "So, we're playing the game where you get back at me and ghost me after all that we've been through lately? Sweet! Could've given me a head's up though,"

"What? You're the one who's planning to abandon me just like before!"

"What are you even saying?" 

"Your email, Y/N. I saw your email. How you have a big job in London and you just can't wait to join, throwing me away like a summer's fling right before you leave,"

"You're not making any sense, I'm not accepting that role!" You were heaving at anger at this point, matching the fumes emitting from Sunghoon's ears. "You dickhead! I'm literally throwing my dreams away and you're here thinking I'm leaving you again? Is that what you thought of first? Oh, maybe you could've just asked me, but you didn't, just like the past,"

Bringing up the past had triggered something not only in you but him. He blinked, keeping silent but chewing anxiously on the inside of his cheek. 

"You never changed, huh?"

You heaved a deep breath, shaking your head a little, not to answer his question, but at him. 

"Well I guess that makes the both of us."

"I fucked it up, didn't I?"

The night after the confrontation, you woke up on Yunjin's couch with a hangover thanks to your habit of drinking your problems away. Remembering Sunghoon's face and the feelings you felt literally had you shrivelling back into the couch, a deep frown etched on your face.

"Partly, yes, but mostly, no," you felt the couch dip beneath Yunjin's weight as she joined your side, a warm cup of coffee in her hand. "He fucked up first, but I think it's all just a big misunderstanding,"

"I don't we've healed from it," you took the cup from her and drank from it. "He's scared of me leaving and I was considering leaving again. Maybe we're just not meant to be,"

Yunjin sighed, moving her body closer to you and placing a comforting hand on yours. "If you're not leaving, that means you're staying, which also means you get to make it right. You get to have time to mend it all unlike the last time,"

"I have to make it right, don't I?"

A nod of confirmation from Yunjin was all you needed to know your next step. So, you decided to show up at his gig in the same exact pub without thinking through it twice.

"He's not here tonight," Heeseung looked thoroughly puzzled by your sudden appearance, and it seemed none of them knew about the small altercation you had with Sunghoon. 

"Really?"

"Yeah, he's been acting a bit … off. We asked him to take a night off, maybe you should give him a call."

If only it was that easy. 

Walking back home with a dejected heart was not the plan you had in mind. A part of you even thought this was truly the end, maybe he reached the conclusion of going no contact and you have no choice but to accept it. Was this karma?

It didn't help that you walked past the park that you and Sunghoon used to run off to back in the past.  The exact bench which you and him sat on still resided there. Your curious mind led your legs towards it, taking a seat and remembering all the memories you shared with him. 

Being alone under the night sky and getting accompanied by the dim light coming from the street lamp had given you a chance to rethink your choices about coming back home, whether it was worth it to see Sunghoon once again and try for the closure you never got. Well, look where it got you now.

The ruffles of the leaves got you snapping your head towards the direction of the noise, but it only landed on a figure.

"Y/N?"

You squinted, waiting until the figure walked under the streetlamp to distinguish that it was … Sunghoon. You should be feeling glad now that he was there in front you, but why were you feeling the exact opposite?

"Sunghoon? W–what are you doing here?" You stood up, watching him getting closer, the anguish in his face was clear.

"I–I … I went to look for you," he started, carefully and slowly inching closer until there's a comfortable distance between you both. "You weren't home and I thought … that was it,"

That was a fatal flaw you and him shared, wasn't it?

"I went to the pub to look for you too," your voice came out in a hushed whisper, breathing becoming ragged. "And you weren't there, so I thought … I thought it was the end too,"

"Fuck's sake, I know I said this many times but I'm sorry, Y/N," he sounded desperate, apologetic and almost exasperated. "I'm sorry for assuming things and ignoring you, I guess I never really got rid of the avoiding thing. I'm just … scared of you leaving me and I can't accept it again,"

"I'm not leaving, Hoonie," you were the first to reach out, to touch him and pull him into your embrace. "I didn't think you'd see that email so I never said anything about it. But I'm not leaving, okay? Not this time, never again. I'm here and I'm staying,"

You heard Sunghoon's quiet breathing next to your ear, his calming heartbeat thrumming against your shoulder. "I'm sorry, I really am, Y/N. I said I wanted to make this right but why does it feel like I'm fucking it all up?"

"You're not, Hoon, trust me. If I have to be honest here, both of us have past scars that aren't healed yet. It takes time, one step at a time, and that was what I learned. I think we're not fully healed from the past," you held onto him tighter, spilling all your hidden truths. "We can make it right, but first, we have to forgive ourselves, forgive each other and move on,"

Sunghoon pulled away a little, but his arms still remained around you. It was the first time you were ever so close to him since the split, wholly vulnerable and showing him your truest emotions. 

"I forgive you," he whispered, pearly tears threatening to spill from the edge of his eyes. "And I'm sorry again,"

"I forgive you too," your grip on his jacket tightened, a small comforting smile appearing on your lips, one that Sunghoon reciprocated. 

"I don't think I'll ever stop loving you," he confessed, a little out of the blue, but it was something he needed to get out of his system before he burst. "Those years when you were away, I see you in everyone else, I don't think anyone could ever compare. I still love you even after this long,"

Your mind was in a haze upon hearing his confession, sincerity and longing hidden in his words but evident in his eyed. For a moment, you thought of what you could say, but nothing came to mind, so you did the first thing your body told you to. You kissed him. Actually, it was more of a peck, a simple quick peck that was enough to shock both him and you.

"I'm sorry!" You saw his wide eyes and wondered if it was a good time to have even done that.

Sunghoon melted into an expression of adoration, a wide smile etched on his lips, as if in both disbelief and relief that you kissed him. "Don't be sorry," he stepped closer, only an inch measured the distance between you and him. The space became smaller when he leaned down, eyes flickering down to your lips. "Can I?"

Was this happening? "Yeah," 

Sunghoon didn't waste any moment in meeting your lips with his. It was natural, easy, for you to kiss him just like first instinct. The amount of desperation, sadness, anger and love were poured into the way he kissed you. There wasn't any urgency, but it spoke louder than intended.

It was short, but it was enough to let the both you know the true feelings you harboured for each other. By the time you pulled away from him, you felt his eyes on you, a giggle erupted from you unexpectedly, and he started joining in.

You really looked like a lovesick fool standing under the streetlamp with your lover. 

"Do you want to stop by that old spot we used to go to?" Sunghoon suggested, a little shyly this time.

"The one nearby?"

"That one,"

"Let's go then." you nodded, casting him a soft smile. 

Sunghoon didn't say much, but his hand did the talking by reaching for yours. He held onto it tightly, intertwining his fingers with yours and swinging your interlocked hands as you walked. He might've not said much, but you could tell how he felt.

Feelings might be complicated, and  making amends with the history behind a broken relationship was equally challenging, but what mattered most was getting back with the one who you called your soulmate, your lover, your best friend.

( © jaylver all rights reserved. do NOT copy, plagiarise or edit my work and repost whatsoever. once discovered will be exposed and blacklisted. )

☆ permanent taglist (open):

@silentkarnival @strvlveera @freshsaladbowl @bejewelledgirl @fakeuwus @yenqa @hsgwrld @ilovegyuvin @enhacatalog @aishigrey @shinrjj @kgneptun @ilovegyuvin @hyunniesvlog @eleanorheartschishiya @nanabbg @letwiiparkjay @teddywonss @classicroyalty @run2x @yannnnaj @jakesfurry @gyuwooboozle @nylajp24 @usedto-me @vernonburger

[withleeknow]

cats and soup.

note: i have a newfound obsession and it's cats and soup so this might be a little niche but it's meant for me and i just wanted to word vomit lmfao

cats and soup, that's your latest obsession. all it took was five minutes of your friend introducing you to the game before you were completely captivated by the world of cute little animated cats making soup on your phone.

so much so that you had to show your boyfriend.

obviously. it's a game about cats. who else would you rather squeal about it with?

though, much to your disappointment, minho doesn't seem very impressed as you try to get him to look at your phone screen for more than ten seconds.

okay. little meanie.

"why would you need to play a game like this when you have our actual babies right over there?"

"i have them in here too!" you'd argue. "look! i named them soonie, doongie and dori. aren't they so cute? soonie is on soup duty, doongie is chopping carrots, and dori is grating cabbages. i even got them cute little hats!"

the mention of his cats featured in the game gets minho to spare you a glance, intrigued for a fleeting moment before he's turning away again.

you'd scowl at his refusal to entertain you but then you'd admit defeat pretty quickly in favor of immersing in your phone once more. it's cats !! making soups !!

it's not unusual for you two to be in separate bubbles while sitting side by side. you're not one of those couples who has to do everything with each other, but you did kinda hope that this would be something for you to have fun with together.

but oh well, if minho isn't interested, then you can't force him. the game is still fun though. even though you go to bed that night a little bummed out, you still fall asleep thinking about getting a black kitten and naming it mimo. it'd be cute, maybe you'd even put him on lemon squeezing duty.

fast forward to the next morning, when he literally shakes you awake at the ass crack of dawn, calling your name frantically.

your first thought is the house must be burning down, because lee minho never acts like this.

"i finally got you!"

"you got me what?"

"i got your cat!"

"what?"

actually, on second thought, the only time that you've seen him this hyped up was when you'd gotten you two matching pjs with soonie, doongie and dori printed on them.

"see?!" then the guy is full on shoving his phone in your face, the sudden brightness of his screen almost taking your eyes out that you have to push his hand away.

"min!"

"sorry. here."

he'd lower the brightness and hold the device a safe distance from your face, impatiently waiting for your eyes to adjust to whatever it is that he's trying to show you.

it's a cat.

an animated cat.

specifically, a cats and soup animated cat, named after you.

"you named a cat after me?"

"yeah i was waiting for ages to get another black cat. i got one first and named it after me. now we can be a black cat couple. look at the cat tower i got us-"

"minho, what the fuck? when did you even start playing?"

"i downloaded it after you fell asleep."

"have you been playing all night? did you even sleep?"

"no, but that's beside the point. look, i'm trying to show you!"

you love him, you do. truly. completely. most ardently. you recognize that this is one of the cutest things that he's done. but jesus christ...

"it's sunday. it's 6 in the morning."

"yeah i know, but-"

"i'll look at it later."

"you're up, you can look now. i got you a potted plant that grows from your head and-"

"lee minho, let me fucking go back to sleep!"

you may have unintentionally created a monster.

permanent taglist: @onlyycb97wife @starsandrqindrops @borahae-reads @abbiestearsricochet @cutiespaghetti @anthropologykpopmultistan @moonlinos @mjnhoz @caitlyn98s @piercidh34rts  @stayceebs97 @linocz @yaorzu-blog @biribarabiribbaem @kayleefriedchicken @extrhotjne

[not-xpr-art]

Len and Tommy's life told through nine photos ~

A fanart based on the Inside no 9 episode 'Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room' because I loved it so much!

(09/2024)

See below for close ups and unnecessarily detailed explanations of each individual artwork lol

First wanna say that I spent wayy too long on these (like 25+ hours), especially trying to make them look like actual old photos lol... also trying to get their likeness right for the various ages was really bloody hard lol, but hopefully each photo has the essence of each character even if it might not look 100% right pfft...

Second thing is that the dates & locations are very much my own subjective thoughts on their life and not particularly rooted in the canon of the show lol

Also I did go really heavy with the colour symbolism lol...

Ravenhill School, 1965.

The year they met, both are around the age of 10 (give or take). Len is 3 from the left in the top row, Tommy 2 in from the left on the bottom row (also I tried to include references to the other 2 League Of Gentlemen guys... Though I think the only vaguely recognisable one is Jeremy pfft)

Also shout out to @lapis-lazuliie for the idea that they met at school!

(side note, this is the least detailed of all the paintings not just because I was too lazy to render all those children's faces pfft but ALSO because of the significance of them being less recognisable or prominent in each other's lives in this point...)

I was planning on making another childhood/early teen photo but couldn't really think of any good subject matter that could also fit thematically with the episode (also the fact both are coming from poor families who would have had limited access to cameras in this era means we can just pretend that there are just no photos that really exist of them at these ages pfft...)

Photo booth in Leeds, 1974.

Both in their late teens, they'd (well, mainly Tommy) gone to a photo booth in Leeds with the intention of getting some professional looking photos only for Len to immediately make Tommy laugh once they got in there lol

The middle photo is covered in lines as Tommy had planned on throwing it away, only to find he couldn't bring himself to do it in the end... Is it platonic? Romantic? Both? Who knows, you decide lol! I mainly wanted it to be a candid moment between two people that love each other lol

(final one is them play fighting because that's kinda just what 19 year olds are like pfft... also I think photo booths technically gave you 4 photos? so let's pretend there was another photo that they did throw away for whatever reason lol...)

Rehearsals, 1979.

Deep in the midst of practising their routine for some of their first performances!

I'll admit this photo was mainly me wanting to include something more episode specific lol and also to get in some much needed heavy handed symbolism (the crease in the photo separating them, the bottle in front of Len's face, etc)

Polaroids taken at Tommy's flat, 1985.

In-between shows the two often spent a lot of time at Tommy's place (featuring that god awful sofa the previous home owner had left). I did originally plan to have them in the sofa shot together, but was finding it hard to figure out who would have been taking that kind of photo so figured it made more sense to make it shots they took of each other.

Also marks the beginnings of Tommy's weariness (& Len's over drinking...)

Outside the Glasgow Pavilion, 1988.

The morning of that fateful performance...

Ok not much else I wanna say about this other than the reference I used for the pose had Reece sorta awkwardly clasping his hands in front of him which I really liked but unfortunately in my art it just looked like he was trying to cover his crotch so I had to change it pfft...

Tommy standing at Len's grave, 2024.

The sixth anniversary of Len's death, and the sixth time Tommy has travelled across from France to lay flowers at his grave. Photo taken by Leanne from the inside of a taxi (I'd like to have had more references to her in these photos but was unsure of dates/ages where it would have fitted...)

She couldn't get her phone to not focus on the raindrops on the window as she tried to take a picture of Tommy at her father's grave but then realised that she actually liked the pathetic fallacy and had it made into a print anyway lol (look I'll be the first to admit that this is the least 'realistic' in terms of a photo that people would take, but I couldn't resist the symbolism of it lol...)

There were a lot more ideas for photos I wanted to do but for obvious reasons had to keep it to just 9 lol

Also will be posting these on my ao3 with snippets of stories to go with each photo so keep an eye out for when I share that link!

[heartfullofleeches]

Player yan and yan arranged marriage spouse seems interesting. What's their story? What's their deal? How crazy or sane are we talking about here?

Player Yan + Buff Childhood friend reader + Yan Spouse

Player Yan had a best friend once upon a time. Tiny - even for their age and sweet as can be. Back when they had a heart, they were head over heels for this friend and protected them from everything. Said friend eventually moves away and they're left heartbroken. They try to keep tabs over the years, but their parents get involved and warn them to stop chasing what never could be. Out of retaliation and grief at the lost of their only love, they waste all of mommy and daddy's money on partying and people to ease the pain. This entire time they were already promised to someone who they've never formally met. Two seconds alone with that person made them want to splatter their brains over a wall. They finally meet as their spouse moves back to their city after finishing college - bringing their bodyguard along with them.

"Hm?... Oh, hey - it's you! I've missed you like crazy."

What? Have you slept together before or something? Talking about awkward.

"You mean you don't remember me? You're wearing our bracelet right now. It's me - Y/n. They may be my boss, but I'll protect you too!

Y/n. They didn't recognize you looking like... that. After you moved away, you still got picked on for your height and without them to protect you it was all on you to defend yourself. A late growth helped too. As soon as you tell them that they're scouring your year books for ever bully you've ever had, but they've already gone missing or had their lives destroyed. You met their spouse in college and walked them back to their dorm one night after they had been tailed home after a party. They admired your puppy dog vibes and couldn't stop thinking about you days after. Early on in your friendship, you made vague comments about being strapped for cash and they offered to pay you to be their bodyguard. You joked about it being silly to pay for something you already were and they were in love.

You move in with both of them as it's the only way to keep them from butting heads constantly.v They shower you in gifts and hire random people so you can play hero and show off those muscles you worked so hard to gain.

Childhood Reader: Thanks for the new shirt, boss! Must've grown a few sizes since it's a little small on me, but I'll wear anything you give me once to show how much I appreciate it.

Player Yan: No problem. As always - there's more where that came from.

Yan Spouse: Fucking Pervert.

Player Yan: motherfucker - we both know those shorts you ordered aren't in your size

Yan Spouse: .... Fuck you.

-

Player Yan, holding a knife to their spouses neck: I'm sick and tired off you getting in my way. They were mine first and they're still mine. I doubt even your parents would care if I slit your throat if I put the right price tag.

Yan Spouse: You are such a fucking child. You think killing me will make them love you? You're too pussy to do it anyway.

[As player Yan raises their blade, you walk out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel]

You: Hey boss... I think I might've used up all the hot water..... what's going on?

Yan Spouse and Player Yan, brains short-circuiting: Foreplay

[radioisntdead]

Can I make a request for headcanons on Vox and the reader is his clingy teen daughter? She's always following him around, randomly hugging him, always rambling to him or gossiping with him, whenever they sit together she just leans on him or puts her head on his lap and asks him to check her hair for bugs (she just wants him to run his hands through)

Good evening my dear! I hope you enjoy these headcanons they're a little shorter then intended my apologies! I imagine reader following Vox around like a duckling

I'm using a older header I made ages ago for vox here, might keep this one because I really like how it looks

HEADCANON TIME

You know when someone thinks of father - daughter bonding activities FALLING TO HELL ISN'T ONE OF THEM.

I imagine you'll look alot like Vox, minus the TV head [and lack of hair] maybe like a cyborg?? Robot?? Or maybe YOU DO HAVE A TV HEAD and wires that act like hair?? I don't know that's up to you,

Father daughter hats, matching hats you have matching hats.

As Vox is the tech guy of hell you get ALL THE NEW ELECTRONICS, newest phone even if you don't want it, top of the line laptops, you like those little electronic toys? He'll give em' to you,

Furbys are banned though they remind him of Alastor, you used to call him Uncle Alastor. When they used to be buddies

Valentino needs to be supervised by either Vox himself or Velvette if he's near you.

Honestly Valentino acts like a creepy step parent, you should totally rip out his other antenna.

Velvette on the other hand IS YOUR OLDER SISTER PR COUSIN FIGURE, she uses you as a model sometimes, you're always dressed in whatever is trending or whatever is trending in the aesthetic you like.

I imagine when Vox has his meetings you're just chillin' in the back playing on your hell-tendo switch and adding in your two cents every once in a while.

Vox could be yelling at someone for being incompetent or something and you just prance on in like "PAPA I REQUIRE AFFECTION" and just hug him, he stops for like two seconds to give you attention and then goes back to yelling at the poor sinner who mucked up.

I can see you kinda being apart of the Vee's but not officially yet since you're not an overlord, but once you become one you'll get assigned a V name or something probably I don't know. Maybe they start calling you violin or violence

Honestly I can see vox's daughter as someone very into fandom spaces and Internet culture [like on the CUSP of chronically online but not exactly crossing that boundary yet, YET.]

I imagine you wait outside of his door at like 6:30 am when he wakes up just so when he goes to make himself coffee he's just JUMPSCARED by you,

"ACK WHO THE FU- Oh good morning sweetie why are you awake- did did you sleep at all??"

"nope, I binged watched a show, that being said, SO THE PLOT IS -"

And you just ramble while he's groggily making coffee.

I don't think he'd be one to care about gossip all that much unless it involves someone he's interested in COUGH, COUGH ALASTOR COUGH COUGH ACK

But he'll listen to you go on about how someone in one of the fandom communities you're in got into a scandal because they apparently pissed off 'Arson Carson ' on sincord but Arson Carson got exposed for being a creep or whatever, or even just petty gossip like how someone in a group chat you're in on sinstagram is being a creep but NO ONE ELSE BUT YOU AND YOUR FRIEND CAN TELL.

Now I do this with my best friend sometimes they'll be on their phone or something and I'll just plop my head on their knee and scroll on my phone, I imagine that's what you and Vox do but he'll probably pat your head,

I imagine he'll probably do your hair sometimes, like puts it up In a ponytail, that's the only hairstyle he knows [My dad fr fr]

I imagine Vox gives you piggy back rides, or tries to, you just hang on his back like a koala, you cannot grow up in his eyes you'll always be that small child, missing a couple of teeth, who'd brag about her dad working in the TV on the playground, you can do no wrong!

You probably killed a guy, or maybe set something on fire.

Good evening folks I hope you enjoyed! This would've been a little longer but they GOT DELETED the first time I was writing them so that was fun, anyways as always thank you for tuning in and I hope you all have a wonderful night!

[gadriezmannsgirl]

Believe what you want is amazing! We need part 2 if you can, love it 💕

After a long while, here's happy ending, you can read part 1 here "Believe What You Want" and the angsty second part here "Angsty Version" . Tbh, I don't know what I did here, I was falling asleep in front of my laptop💀 so yeah sorry if it isn't good😭

I took ages to do this one, I know but I've been extremely busy and sometimes I can't with myself

Believe What You Want (2) - P.G8

(Happy ending)

Summary: After realizing he fucked up, he tries his best to get you back

"I overheard them speaking that night at Fer's birthday. Victoria was going on about you and her, that your things with Y/N would end up soon... Those kind"

Pedri's mind was racing in fear and agony. "No" He whispered "Is there any possibility for Victoria to have made those burns in Y/N's skin?" "

"Well, it can be... She got out of the house around noon so..." Pedri's eyes clicked up like lightning all the dots were connecting by your side.

You were right. All this time you were.

He had been too stupid to realize that

"No" He whispered once more

"What's up, dude?"

"I fucked up bro. Big one"

...

"She doesn't answer me" Pedri said for the fifteen time in a row pacing around in his room

"And she won't answer to you" Fer said "I mean... I wouldn't answer you either"

Pedri had explained everything to the three guys in the room, Fer knowing a bit more thanks to you. And he knew that his younger brother loves you to death but he also knows that what he did, wasn't right.

"¡Joder! ¡Soy un puto idiota!" (Fuck! I'm an asshole!) Pedro yelled kicking a ball in his room crashing into one of your pictures together "No, joder... No" (No, shit... No) He hurried to pick up the picture and inspect it. It had one little scratch made from the glass, the scratch made in between the two of you.

He shook all the negative thoughts that were running in his head and changed the photo frame.

"Well, you've got to understand her" Adrián began speaking "All of this could be true and her boyfriend just choosed to not believe her"

"I did not just choose not to believe her"

"You basically did, bro" Fer hissed "I mean... If my girl tells me that I would do more than just talking with each girl separatedly"

"And not only that but you also told her your personal fights as a couple" Jesús said

"Because she's my best friend!"

"Hermano..." Fer started "That's meant to be something only for the two of you, not something for you, Victoria and Y/N" Fer shook his head "I mean... It's okay you ask someone else for an advice, like what to do or stuffs but not to rant because for that, you've your girl. The one who's in the relationship with you. The one who's with you in the goods and the bads" silence flowed into the room, Pedri's heart was beating incredibly fast "If you want her back, you need to fully work for it, Pedro. Words won't do half of the work you gotta do"

And that was it.

Pedri broke down, feeling already the loss of the love of his life not being next to him, this time a bit heavier than the past 7 days. He left you when you didn't do anything at all. He threw you and your relationship away without a good reason. Tears escaped his eyes and his breathing was erratic.

All of his thoughts were about you and imaginating a life without you in it, thanks to himself.

"I'll be back before midnight" Pedro said grabbing his phone, wallet and car keys

"Where are you going? Won't you even take a shower? You smell" Adrián said shaking his head

"He cometido un grave error con la chica que amo, en estos momentos oler bien o estar guapo es lo que menos me vale" (I've made a big mistake with the girl I love, right now I don't care if I smell or look good)

"Pedro" Fer called him before he got out of the room "Buena suerte, hermano" (Good luck, bro) Pedri for the first time ever, smiled a bit.

"Thank you"

He was going to work for your forgiveness. He will make you fall in love with him again. He will win your trust again. You'll be happy with him. You'll be with him. He was going to make sure that happen.

And for that, he needed answers.

...

"Yes, there was a (Hair color) girl, with (Type of Eyes), a bit short, she was pretty nice. Sad thing she got hurt" A boy behind the counter said hissing remembering the moment "Elianna went with her, she said it was pretty bad but nothing that some cream and care couldn't do"

"Is that girl here? Elianna?" Pedri asked hopeful

"She's on her lunch break right now" The guy answered "She has the whole shift... Is it important?"

"Yes, really important" Pedri said without a doubt

"I'll let her know. You can sit anywhere and if you want to have a drink you can tell me" Pedri nodded slowly walking away.

He didn't know how much time he was there until a redhaired girl walked up to him, he without thinking straight stood up

"My workmate said you were looking for me?"

"Are you Elianna?" She nods "I'm Pedro. I'm the boyfriend of the girl that was poured coffee all over her"

"How's she?" She asked after gasping a bit at the mention of you. "I hope she's better"

"Ah-yes, she is a bit better. Thank you for asking" Pedri nodded nervous "Can I ask you something?" The girl nodded "Who poured the coffee on her?"

"Some random girl, Y/N said the girl didn't liked her..."

"Could you maybe describe her?"

"Oh, sure!" Elianna nodded "She had long hair, brunette with blonde highlights, she used tight clothes and she wasn't as short as Y/N, she was a bit more taller, maybe just like you?"

That was exactly Victoria's description.

"She entered a few minutes before Y/N, after I gave her a box of cupcakes she just kind of ran away and then next thing I knew was that the same girl poured hot coffee on Y/N"

Pedri stood there taking in all the information

"She hasn't been here since that day" Pedri nods humming "However, Y/N has and I know for a fact that her boyfriend broke up with her thanks to his best friend" Pedri looked up at her, guilt filled over his body "Why are you behind her? She's been awful these past few days, she's recovering from your treatment, why the need of asking all of this, if you don't believe her?"

"Because I fucked up. I fucked up big time and I want to mend it"

"Wish you luck... You'll deserve it because if I was her, I wouldn't even give you the time of the day or spare you a single look" Pedri looked down in shame and regret "I need to go... You want to order something?" He shook his head

"Not feeling hungry at all" He murmured grabbing his wallet and pushing some money into the girl's hand

"You aren't ordering anything"

"For you... For the help, for the info. Thank you"

And with that Pedri stood up and left the cafeteria. As soon as his body met the Catalan air, he fought the need of crying his everything out. You were right, just like you always were.

"I shouldn't have just let it pass" He said crying to himself now in the calm of his car. "I should have done something" He lamented.

His phone lighted up with a notification he didn't care about, his focus remained on a photo from the two of you at one of his spots in Barcelona to calm down and relax.

"Please, mi niña. Tell me how to make things right, tell me it's not too late, just please..." he begged at nothing because you weren't there and you haven't been since 7 days ago.

And as reality was hitting him, he knew there could be a possibility of you not going into his life ever again. Leaving him for your own good while he was suffering.

Pedro picked up his phone and dialed his best friend Jesús's number.

"¿Aló?" (Hello?)

"You said you heard them speak that night at Fer's birthday, right? I need to know everything you heard and if you saw something too, I'm on my way to pick you up so we can talk"

"You're really working for Y/N?"

"I am" Pedri nodded "I fucked up and I'm trying to mend everything with her"

"I'm waiting for you, hermano and also..."

"¿Qué?" (What?)

"Good luck, you'll need it"

That phrase was starting to get on his nerves, he didn't liked how that sounded, because it seemed like even with all the effort he'll make, it'll not be enough to bring you back into his arms.

"Thanks bro"

...Two days later...

"Why?" Pedri said entering Victoria's house

"Hola Vic. ¿Cómo estas? ¿Qué tal va todo? Días sin verte" (Hi Vic. How are you? How's everything going? Long time not to see) She mockingly said with a smile but her smile was wipped off of her face when she saw Pedri's seriousness

"No estoy para juegos. Dime el por que has hecho eso" (I'm not in the mood for games. Tell me why you've done that)

"Done what?"

"¿Me estás tomando el pelo?" (Are you making fun of me?) Pedri hissed angry "Stop playing around and tell me... why you did all of that to Y/N?"

Victoria's face changed

"I didn't do anything"

"You did. Don't lie to me about anything because I know how things went now" Victoria's face changed

"What do you mean?"

"I know you poured hot coffee on her that day at the coffee, I know you've been telling her things behind my back about my relationship with her and stuffs, I know you poured her drink on yourself but made it look like it was her doing" Pedri shook his head not believing it "You faked things and like a fucking stupid I believed them, when the one I should've believed was my girlfriend! You damaged my relationship but I was the one breaking it for believing you, for believing my best friend"

"I let go the woman I'm in love with and it was all thanks to you because I never thought that my best friend, the one who has been besides me through my whole life could do such a thing and lie to me straight to my face!" Pedri's face was red and he never stopped to take a bit of air, he was fuming, he was angry and all he wanted to do was make Victoria disappear.

But most of all, all he wanted was to get you back.

"Those are lie-"

"If you even dare to say lie, I will pour the same drink Y/N was drinking that day at Fer's birthday, this time someone pouring it over you for real"

"She's making those things up!"

"She's making nothing up! I saw the video of the CCTV camera of the coffee shop, Jesús heard and saw the two of you at Fer's birthday and now that I connect dots, every single thing Y/N has told me, has sense now. And I hate the fact I couldn't see through it, I hate that I put my girlfriend's words in doubt all thanks to someone who didn't deserved a single look"

"Pedro, stop. You're hurting me"

"And don't you think you've hurted me before? You knew I was having troubles with her and all you wanted was to get her away from me. Why?" Nothing came out of Victoria's mouth

Your words came back to him and he blinked thrice, suddenly being brought back.

"Don't know" You sighed "As much as Victoria might love each and every single one of you, guys... I can assure you that what she said to me today and the way she said it, it wasn't a joke" You said "I'm a girl and I have a male best friend too. But I wouldn't say those kind of stuffs just as a friend or to see if she's worth and good for him" You shook your head "Es más, ni siquiera le diría algo de ese estilo a ella" (I wouldn't even tell her something like that)

"She likes you" You said after a few more seconds "And that's it"

"Can I ask you something and you answer me with the truth?" Pedri said with his heart on the edge, he waited and all he got was a simple and small nod from Victoria "Are you in love with me?"

A few seconds passed where Pedri's eyes never left Victoria's "Yes" She said softly "I am" Pedri felt the air being knocked out from his lungs "Pedrito"

"No" He shook his head looking away "No" Pedri's eyes grow watery, he couldn't believe it. Once again, you were right, his actions and words replaying in his head, the way he ignored your feelings, the way he treated you, everything was haunting him. "Don't call me Pedrito nor Pedro, Pedri, Pepi, nothing. Don't even call me, forget about me, you are not my best friend"

"Pedri, por favor, don't do this"

"No. I didn't do anything, you did it yourself. Best friends don't do what you did to me, if you truly loved me, you could've straight up tell me that not take it out on the girl I'm in love with"

"In love with? So in love you are, you did not believed a single thing from her"

"And that was my biggest mistake because I thought "Why on earth the girl that has been besides me since forever would do something to damage me or the ones I love?"" Pedri laughed ironically shaking his head "I was so wrong and I regret every single thing I did since I saw Y/N leave on Fer's birthday but guess what? I had the one I thought was my best friend besides me but I never did"

"You still have me"

"If I do, I don't care, the one I truly need isn't here" Pedri shook his head "But I did needed my best friend those seven days to tell me everything was going to be okay, that I could move on, that I was in the right and Y/N in the wrong, that I did good in breaking up with someone who could only do was lie but then I find everything out and I realized I was just a puppet in the side of your game and I fell for it"

"Don't say it like that"

"That's exactly what it was" Pedri shook his head "´Now, me disculpas pero me tengo que ir" (Excuse me but I've got to go)

"¿Y para dónde vas?" (Where are you going?)

"You shouldn't care about that, Victoria. Hope you have a good life" With that Pedri turned around and walked outside of her house when almost inside his car he heard her yell his name out

"Pedro!" He looked at her "I'm sorry"

Pedri joined his lips and nodded softly, lifting one of his hands giving her a wave before he got into the car and drove off to certain destination with a single intention.

...

"What do you mean she's not here?"

"She hasn't been here since like a week ago?" The older lady said with a smile "She said she'll come back tho"

"Do you know where she might be?"

"I don't, mijo. I'm so sorry" She looked at Pedro carefully "Is everything okay?"

"I need to know where she is so I can fix things between us" Pedro answered with a lump on his throat, his voice cracked a bit and he looked down at his shoes

The older lady sighed "I'm pretty sure you'll fix everything that may be happening with the two of you, son"

"I don't know, miss. I messed up really big this time"

"From what I've seen you love each other so much, I've never seen someone look at her in the way you do and vice versa, talking things out can be really helpfull instead of letting problems grow"

"The thing is I never let her talk and all I did was say things I shouldn't" Pedri shook his head

"You know? She's looking really pretty in those pictures, maybe you can start from there" A loud "Abuela" was heard as the older lady smiled looking over her shoulder

"What pictures?"

"Oh, you know... The ones you take, the ones you update, the ones people take, those pictures..." The woman was smiling softly "Don't let her go" And with that she left leaving Pedri sat in front of your doorstep

He was sat there analyzing the woman's words. Pictures? The ones you take? Update? People take? Pedri's mind ran 120km/h trying to guess what she meant of and after some minutes and what it felt a whole lifetime, he confused grabbed his phone and clicked on Instagram.

You liked it even more than Twitter or even Tiktok, Pedri remembered with a smile the moments where you would "fight", he; claiming Tiktok was better as you defended Instagram with your life

He typed your user with no reward, you blocked him. And it was no surprise at all but his heart still broke a little bit more when he couldn't find you.

He sighed closing his eyes and relying his head in your door, fighting the tears, it seemed like he only could do that in the past days, cry 'till he had no more tears inside of him, fight the urge to cry and feel his stomach fall to his feet. He hated feeling this way and he hated the way he must have put your through

He unlogged his session and went into his mother's, you couldn't have blocked her, could you? With shaky hands and blurry eyes he typed in your user and this time your profile was the first one to appear, the colorful circle around your picture meaning you had stories up.

While he was sad, you were in Venice with your friends and family, he recognized almost all of the faces in the pictures, all of them except one, a male's one.

That quickly catched his attention, that guy appeared in eight out of ten pictures and in all of them he was besides you. You even tagged him on one and Pedri's thumb directly went to his account.

One of the most recent post of the guy said: "I hate the fact that when I met my soulmate she had boiling coffee burns on her but I certainly don't hate the fact I got to meet you, baby!"

Pedri's stomach flipped, seeing your answers of "♥️🥰" made his head turn everywhere, in an instant he got up and headed towards the elevator in his mind only three things. His passport, Venice and you.

Due to some storms in Spain, he couldn't get out that same day and neither the next day, it was day three when he got into the plane and one day after he was in the same residence as you were.

He saw your brother and followed him, he felt like being on Matrix, he was making sure no one saw or heard him, that was until he stumbled on a vanity table and knocked half of the things that were in there

"What was that?" He heard and that's when he ran, the quitness and calm forgotten as he was desperate to find you. He took a right turn colliding with a female chest after a few seconds

"Joder, lo siento mucho" (Fuck, I'm so sorry) He said inmediately

"Pedro?" You said shocked as he also stood there impressed. You looked even more beautiful than always. Your tanned skin, your red cheeks and your Y/H color making you look perfect. "Pero, ¿Qué haces aqui? (but, what are you doing here)

"Por ti. I came here for you, I want to talk to you"

"We don't have anything to talk, in fact, you don't even have to come here, you don't have a reason to travel all the way from Barcelona to Venice"

"I did, I do. My reason is you and you'll always be. I fucked up, yeah? I get that" Pedri shakes his head "You were right" He opens his mouth but closes it "You were right all this time and I'm sorry I couldn't see it through, I'm sorry I did not take your words, I'm sorry I just kinda left and pushed your feelings aside, you deserve more, you deserve better but I can be better, I can be what you want, need and more if you want me to"

You started shaking your head, pushing him back from his chest when he tried to get closer to you.

"Pedri por favor, aquí no" (Pedri please, not here) "Pedri, stop. We don't have anything to say"

"Y/N, bonita, te lo suplico-" (I beg you-)

"Vamos al cuarto, ¿si? We can talk about whatever you want and then you leave" (Let's go to my room, yeah?)

"I don't want to leave without you"

You looked into his big brown eyes as he looked into your (Eye color) ones for a good while, you sighed before breaking eye contact

"But you have to" You said nodding slowly, Pedri shook his head

"Por favor" (Please) He whispered

"This way" You turned around walking away while Pedri watched your every move

You called the elevator and entered when it came, you turned to Pedri

"You wanna talk or not?"

Pedri nodded and walked towards it, he turned his head to look at you

"Do I have something on my face?" He hummed for a few seconds before answering

"You're beautiful" He ignored your words as you looked up at him

"Please, stop that"

"I-" He got cut off by the elevator doors opening

"This way" You said walking off as he only could follow you.

You stopped walking when you got to the door 408, with the key you opened it and then stepped inside letting the door open for him to come in as well.

You took a seat in the couch and patted the spot next to you, he took it and you both were silent.

"So... ¿Vamos a hacernos compañía o vas a decir lo que sea que quieres decir?" (Are we going to be each others company for now or you are going to speak whatever you want to say?)

"I'm sorry" He began "I fucked up. I should've listened to you and put Victoria a stop, I should've been more careful with you and your feelings, not passing through them and ignore them. I believe you, I always did and I always will do but it seemed so unreal that what I thought was my best friend, could do such a things, hurt the one I love and the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, when her whole life she was protecting me and supporting me through everything"

"If my family wasn't there, she was. If my family didn't have an advice, she had. And for you to just say she did this and said this was a whole different thing from what I knew from her that I just couldn't believe it. But it was truth. And I'm sorry once more"

"Y/N, I'll do anything for us, I'm not giving up, we're so good together, I love you so much and if only I could turn back in time and do everything right I would but I can't, however, I'm here to mend things, I'm not expecting you to forgive me and that's it. I'll earn that forgiveness, I'll protect us and I'll be better for you if you let me, please. I love you, I want you and I need you"

"It's not easy as you made it sound, Pedri"

"Pedro" You shook your head

"That's something only family and close friends can call you, right?"

"Don't do this, please"

"But you did it first" You said pushing your lips together. Those were the exact same words he had told you the night you left "You really hurted me and you just can't change that. Please, I think it's best if we let this go" You looked into his brown eyes as he was shaking his head "For both of our own goods"

"Not having you in my life it's not good for me"

"Maybe not but it's the correct thing to do" You said "I just can't trust you anymore, no matter what you do. You told me I wasn't the same girl you fell in love with, that says enough"

"But it's not true, I said it in the heat of the moment! You are still the same girl I fell in love with and you're still the same girl I want to do my life with"

You stood in silence for a few moments before you stood up "That hurt me a lot. Hearing the guy I'm terribly in love with say that I'm not that girl he fell in love with"

"Y/N-" He stood up from the couch as well

"It's done" Your voice cracked "You don't get to come here after doing that stunt back at your brother's birthday and once you realized I was in the right came straight back here to apologize, hoping for me to run back into your arms" You shook your head "You don't"

"Does he treat you good?" He said out of nowhere

"¿Acaso te la fumaste? ¿De quién estás hablando?" (Did you smoke it? Who are you talking about?) You said confused

"About your new friend! The one that appears in every single story of yours and on your posts!"

"Mason?"

"That same one" You laughed dryly

"He's gay" You blurted out "Believe me if he wasn't I would be already trying something with him since he does believe in me not like others"

"I said I was sorry"

"And I said that didn't make it. If you want me back you'll have to do a lot more than just apologizing, González"

"He seems to like you"

"He doesn't. He's here with his fiancée, they're celebrating their engagement" You remembered that night at your apartment, the night he showed you his new engagement ring and that same night he asked you to go to Venice with him and your family to get your mind out of your ex.

"I'm sorry"

"You like to apologize a lot and tend to not feel the sorry"

"I do am"

"Great, good for you. Can you please go now?" He shook his head

"No. I love you and I know I messed up but I can mend it, anything you want, think or say, I'll do it. I'll cross world wonders for you, oceans, vegetation, deserts, anything"

"I don't think you can do that, Pedri" You were at the verge of tears "I was hurt by every action and word you said, I reached the top and while I know you messed up, you could've prevented it and simply start acting like you should have but you didn't. And I can't handle that"

"Please" You said after a few minutes "I think it's time for you to go" You said walking away

He couldn't watch you walk away once more so he did what he had been wanting to do. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close to him, in a hug.

"No"

"Let me go"

"No"

"Let me go"

"No" His grip got tighter on you as you were fighting and at the same time, enjoying being in your exlover's arms again.

His arms were your safe space and laying your head on his chest brought you peace but now all it brought back was hurt and pain.

Hurt and pain from the situation you were going through

"Pedro, please, let me go"

"I don't want you to leave me"

"I didn't left because I wanted to" Silence flowed in between the two of you as Pedri was crying into your neck "I did because you asked me to, you made me leave, you pushed me away when all I wanted and needed was you, to stay by your side and defend our relationship" You took a breath "None of that happened and now that I'm recovering from everything, I want you to leave, I want you to go away because I can't be with someone who doesn't trust me and just throws everything out of the window without listening first" You said with closed eyes and tears running down, he chocked on a sob

"I'm sorry" He cried "For everything. I should have done a lot of things and one of them was trust you, fight for you and our love but I'm here trying to fix it, to fix us, you were giving me your everything while I wasn't and now it's my turn to pay it back until we're all good. Please, I beg you, give me just one more chance to make everything right"

You looked into his eyes as he looked into yours "Please" He whispered with tears falling down his cheeks

You were going to hate yourself so much for this but you can't lie to yourself and say you didn't want, need or love him because you did with all of your body. You were aching for him, for his kisses, for his cuddles, for his warmth, his laugh, his bad jokes, his company and love. You needed him. You wanted him. You loved him. He was the one for you.

"Please" You said shaking your head "Don't you ever do that again to me" You whispered "'Cus this is your last chance, González. I don't care if I'm dying for you, if you do it one more time, you can swear to all of your ancestors I will not take you back" Pedro's face changed to one of relief and he pulled you into his hold tightly this time tears of happiness coming out of his eyes.

"Te amo, I always will" He said crying, kissing your neck, ear, cheek, nose "Thank you so much for this opportunity, I'm very sorry, amor" He said resting his forehead against yours "You'll not regret this, I promise"

"I better not be" You smiled softly "But don't get too ahead of yourself, Pedrito. You need to work for everything back"

"I'll do. I don't care, I charmed you once, I can do it twice" You smiled softly "I missed you so much" He said hugging you once more, his face rested inside your neck as you finally felt at peace, breathing properly and safely in your lover's arms.

You were about to reply when two knocks came in and then someone entered

"Y/N, cariño. We are going to be late for the trip, weren't you so excited to see Venice's bea-Oh! Am I interrupting something?" You pulled away from Pedri shaking your head

"Para nada, Mason" (Not at all) You smiled softly drying your tears "We're good"

Mason, the guy, turned around to look at Pedri and then to you as you softly nod locking hands with Pedri

"Pedro, this is my friend, Mason. Mase, this is Pedri"

"The asshole?"

"¡Ostias!" (F*ck!)

"You were pretty much an asshole" You defended Mason with a soft smile "We can't lie" You shrug your shoulders "What's up?"

"Venice's beaches. Coming?" You nod softly

"We'll be there in a little while" You smiled

"Great!" Mason smiled "Also Pedro..." Pedri's big brown eyes went to Mason's "Hurt her again and I'll make sure you'll never be able to play football again for what's rest of your life"

"I won't"

"You better" Mason said "If I was straight I would've gone straight away after her to get her" You laughed softly

"He got your point, Mase. Give us a few minutes, we'll be downstairs quickly" You said and once the door was closed you smashed yourself against Pedri's lips "Te quiero" You said "A lot" You smiled "Please, don't let me go"

"Never again"

And with his heart full, he felt as if the stars had alligned just for him, you were his angel and he'll take good care of you now. He lefthe left the hotel. All the luck his friend wished for you and all the praying he did, were enough. His world is and will not be the same without your presence, your kindness, your laughter, your smile and your love in it, he hated himself for what he had done but thank God you give him another chance. This time, he was surely not going to lose you this time.

°°° °°° °°° °°°

Taglist: @gaviypedrisbride @stuckinaf4nfiction @elijahslover @azzpenswrld @http-isabela @pedrileclerc @shineforeversf9 @shessthunderstoms @f4iryjjosh @judespoision @notsosurehritika @jajajhaahaha @urmotheris

[suekeyyyy]

- It's a party - pt 1.2

Serious: Somewhat single moms. - the boys x reader -

-Homelander- John x black! Fem! reader

Summary: Firestrom and Queen maeve have a little girl time and hit it off, and Homelander sees the two together and stocks then in Homelander fashion.

Warning: short, bad words, drinking, girl talk, Homelander being a creep.

Y/N walks into her room, Homelander's eyes are locked on her. His lust was beginning to grow. Homelander began to think of all the things he could do with Y/N if she allowed him to he walks over to her wall and looks though it Y/N puts her stuff away and begins to get ready for a bath Homelander's eyes are still on Y/N.

He is watching her get ready, taking off her bra and panties. His eyes were so close to seeing into the fabric that her clothes and his eyes were only a second away.

After the every childish argument between the two number ones, Y/n sits in a heart-shaped bath that Steve said he had to pull string for her to have.

She heard a small knock at the bathroom door. Only one person had the second key cared to her room. " Adelante!"

She said, looking at the door with disinterest. " Gracias." The white American Steve Jayson he representative walked in." What do you want, Steve?" Oh, that's how you treat me, Firestorm?" " Sí." She answered just a little too quickly.

He only sighs. " There is a party tonight." She looks at him. "Where?" " Here a-" He was cut off " Bussuines party filled with old men and women with nothing to do but tell me about their medals and how I should be grateful that I was kept safe for so long or How they served in Bolivia."

She didn't care for those kinds of parties. " Firestorm, come on just once it helps you, Vought, and Patina." She only stared at him. " You look like a child." She smirks." Fine, I'll go, but tomorrow I get to wear whatever I want to A-tain and Shockwave's race."

" Anything to make you go." Steve walked out,"Gracias!" He yelled, making her dryly chuckle.

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

Y/n walked into the 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺 with her work daughter Ice-breaker she was a red head with ice powers and she loved her in a motherly way and showed the girl a black dress with was appropriate for her age.

- Ice-breaker - Trixie Robertson power: I.C.E 16 years old

Homelander sees Firestorm walk in and looks at the unknown girl with her. Homelander didn't recognize the girl, and instantly, his eyes grew wide with curiosity.

Firestorm always took the new heroes under her wing, so Homelander knew for certain that the girl was a supe. He looked over to Ashley, who was standing in his line of sight.

"Ashley, who is that girl with Firestorm?" He asked, his eyes still locked on the girl with the red hair. She caught a glimpse of Homelander and Ashley's eyes on her and looked back at them.

She looked at the two. " I umm that's Ice-breaker She's one of the new.heroes in Patina also Firestorms favorite. " she says, making air quotes. " Good." The man pits her back and walks away to the two women.

" Why, hello, Ladeis." He gives them the Homelander smile."HI." Ice-breaker looks him up and down uncomfortable with his smile. " Hello Homelander1, nice to see you again." " Please see you to Firestorm." She smiled and rolled her eyes.

" Voy a ir. " ice-breaker says to y/n. " ve a la cabeza cariño." Y/n say, and ice-breaker walks away.

Homelander looked at Ice-breaker as she walked away, wondering what Y/N and her talked about. He didn't need to translate Ice-breaker's words.

That was an easy language to understand. But when Y/N spoke in Spanish, he didn't understand anything she was saying. But Homelander wanted to be the only one talking to Y/N. "What did she say?"

Homelander asked in a demanding tone."And you speak Spanish?" He asked her with a smug smile on his face.

What a fucking prick. " I'm from bolivia. I'm South america's number one hero." "Bolivia huh? Never knew their superhero's were any good." He said, looking her up and down."Where is Bolivia again?" He says with a chuckle. He felt superior to Y/N and wanted to display that fact to her.

" I have helped South America in ways you could never." "Well good for you." He says, rolling his eyes at her."Don't get too big of an ego on yourself, though. It wouldn't look good on a young lady such as yourself."

He says in a sarcastic tone as he looks Y/N up and down. She looks beautiful with her short red curly hair, her light red dress, and her perfect face. Homelander knew he wanted her. The only thing he didn't like was the fact that she spoke in different languages. It made it harder for him to talk to her.

" cara de puta doesn't look good on you ether."

Homelander was surprised at what Y/N said. It sounded like she was insulting him, but he didn't understand fully what she said. So he pretended to know what it meant. "I know what that means." He says with a grin on his face

"I'm sure what you said, but it sounded very erotic." He said to her with hunger eyes. His eyes were trying to suck her in, his eyes wanting her badly.

Firestorm was a little shocked, but she burst out into hard laughter. Covering up her face

Homelander laughed with her. This was a weird feeling for Homelander. To actually be laughing with someone. His laugh grew more and more genuine as he found himself wanting to be around Y/N.

His eyes were still glued on her green eyes as he sat only inches away from her. He couldn't help it. He knew Y/N felt the tension, too. There was something about her that he couldn't get enough of. He just wanted to be with her, to be alone with her.

She did feel it. She felt like Homelander with any other white guy in a suit.

≻───── ⋆🔥⋆ ─────≺

Y/n sit at the bar waiting for her drink when she sees Queen maeve drinking wine and looking around as soon as y/n ho her she walked over there.

" Hello, you must be Queen maeve. I'm firestorm nice to meet you." " Same for you." Queen maeve smiled she really needed to talk to another female. All the men around her were making her sick. " Anyway, what are you doing at this party?" Maeve asked, looking at the woman.

" Same boring stuff as you." Firestorm says, making Maeve chuckle mostly, not expecting her to say that. The two women Continue to talk.

Homelander, watching the two look at my girls go. He thought he was being a disgusting pervert where his eyes were.

( A/n: the end hoes hope you liked it 💖💖 I know it short.)

[mskenway97]

Can you do a one-shot, Bayverse Optimus, with an adopted human reader. Based on the song 'More than Anything' from Hazbin Hotel?

anon, I am very happy to make this request, I recently finished watching Hazbin Hotel. I have to say I fell in love with Charlie and Lucifer's father/daughter relationship. So I have approached it this way, Optimus and GN!reader!human know each other from one of the NEST raids at the beginning of the second movie. Let's say you were 8 or 9 years old, no Reader hadn't seen it from age of extinction to the last knight. Reader had 22 years (more or less)

You are part of who I am

Bayverse Optimus Prime x GN!human!reader (adopted)

Words : 2,056

Summary: You had created a proposal for an alliance of humans and cybertronians but not many agreed. You didn't have much means until you had no choice but to call your father. Based in 'More than anything' of hazbin hotel

Warning: g/t fluff and angst, confort, mentions of death, happy ending and surprise

Y/N was so close to being able to make a dream come true, peace between the two species…. It could be done, it was done once it could be done again. Those days when Y/N missed meeting with the Cybertronians but despite having saved the world. Earth and Cybertron would be side by side.

There was quite a bit of disagreement about forming an alliance again, there was a lot of chaos and destruction in Optimus' absence when he went to find the creators. Trusts had fallen but at least a few could help Y/N…. Cade, Shane, Tessa… Some former allies returned Simmons and Lennox. Diplomacy was in the doldrums… Cogman gave you some advice.

-Miss Y/N you must not give up, you are close to being able to have an audience with your leaders.

-But the proposal is no good to them… They need more proof - said Y/N preparing more photos and documents.

Cade was watching more documents while he sighed - Y/N, I think it's about time you ask for help to… him

Y/N folded its arms, it sighed, it hadn't seen its father for a while, he was busy with the reconstruction of Cybertron. He hadn't had time to talk to you, nor had you had time to talk to him. You didn't want to bother him, since you wanted to accomplish this on your own.

-I will find a way…

Cogman was already on the phone - Lord Prime, we need your… - Cogman said as Y/N took the phone from him.

-Hey dad, how's it going? - Y/N said trying to be calm.

Y/N could note her father's deep baritone with some joy.

-It's been a long time since you called me, what's wrong?

Y/N sighed again as he sat up seeing that Cogman and Cade were looking at him to move forward talking.

-You see… We have a proposal for an alliance like we did with NEST. I would need your help

-No… - Optimus said seriously.

Y/N felt his heart break a little, he thought at least his father would be there to support the idea but he didn't give up.

-But Dad you did it with NEST once. Don't you remember those times? Wouldn't it be best for both worlds if we joined together?

Y/N heard Optimus growl on the other end of the phone.

-Not a very good idea, Y/N, I know what you want to do, but… You shouldn't get involved in something you can't control…

-But Dad…

-No, it's my last word, if you'll excuse me, I have to…

-NO! If we talk about this in person, you will see what we have accomplished here. Please - Y/N said a bit desperately.

If Optimus Prime denied this alliance then there would be no hope and TRF or a group like Cementery Wind would be back again. It didn't understand why Optimus didn't agree with the idea or that it was in charge of the agreement. It also knew that her father wasn't the same since Quintessa brainwashed him. He had been self-conscious as well…

Y/N knew that Optimus always overprotected her but Y/N was no longer a child in fact she is an adult. If she was going to argue her point she was going to do it any way she could.

-All right, I'll come talk to you this afternoon," said Optimus as the call was cut off.

-That was a good development, Miss Y/N," said Cogman as Y/N leaned her head on the table.

Cade walked over to her - You just need to reason with him. Understand that as a father he also wants to protect you

-Cade, no I'm a child…. I want this world to live in harmony both species we have a lot to give. You know that as well as I do - Y/N said as Cade stroked your head.

Cade was with father to Y/N too, he had helped Y/N since Optimus left almost raising you as if it was also his child as well as Tessa and Izzy the new addition to the family.

-You still hold your optimism well, but you both have been through a lot. You will still be his child in his eyes

-Optics - said Cogman correcting him - Miss Y/N, surely if you see all the progress we've made…. Accepting some bots with humans.

-I don't know if Crosshairs along with Shane is a good idea…. I've had to keep the officers at bay - said Y/N.

-Don't think about it they are still trying to improve…. Look for example: Hot Rod and Vivian were getting along very well since the incident - said Cade trying to cheer her up.

-After kidnapping her at first, sir - said Cogman as Cade slapped his hand to his forehead.

Y/N stood up as Cogman and Cade got into a debate. Y/N went to communicate the news to the rest of the bots and humans.

Y/N was starting to have a lot of doubts about it, besides how were going to handle it, she looked at the autobot pendant he gave her. It couldn't give up now.

Hours later…

Y/N had prepared every bot and every human above all that Hound, Crosshairs would not approach the weaponry or try to disturb Cogman, last time there were several problems in this regard.

Cade saw that Y/N was pacing around as Izzy approached excitedly.

-She looks very nervous, she should be excited," said Izzy as she approached Y/N.

Cade took the papers away from Y/N to concentrate on the people around her.

-It would be all right, little bell…. You just have to be calm…

-Lord Prime is already entering the place," said Cogman.

The unmistakable entrance of Optimus with all the bots and humans watching him talking to him. It reminded Y/N of the old days in NEST talking to Ironhide, Ratchet… But now… he was more apathetic, more subdued.

-Lord Prime we are honored to have you in our little haven. It has been in collaboration of some bots….

-Mostly my workmanship - said Hound proudly.

Y/N approached as he watched Optimus kneel down -Welcome to Omega One shelter, we give shelter to both humans and any type of Bot that wants to establish communication with humans.

-Mostly Autobots… If you bring Decepti here….

-Crosshairs, kid, the official visit better be made by the daughter," said Hound, pushing him away.

Y/N nodded to Hound as Crosshairs being around could spoil the occasion so he would do whatever it took to make sure it didn't go wrong.

Y/N showed the facilities showing all the collaboration… The energon supply, food, the electrical system with energon created between Cade and Brains. The houses although of enormous size adapted to the different sizes of the autobots and humans. Which seemed curious once you got to look at it.

-We want all this to have more zones… The alliance would not only help humans, it would also help cybertronians who need to stay on Earth," Y/N said as he sat in a sitting area with Optimus and Cade.

-We have considered all possible measures with the Autobots….

-Have you considered the remaining Decepticons? Several of them are in Human Security cells, plus we can't ignore the fact that Megatron is still at large… There are Autobots who after the treatment of the humans over the years do not want to agree to this deal - Optimus said seriously.

-We have considered having a trial conducted by you and some Autobots… Dad, some Decepticons may change… Brains and Wheelie are the example. I know it will cost to change the minds of people and Cybertronians - said Y/N with all the feeling in his voice.

-The trial would see it as fair, but some Decepticons can try humans and vice versa. With the battle of Chicago - said Optimus seriously while clenching his fist.

The Battle of Chicago was the decline of the alliance leading to runaway situations of all… Of the loss of many autobots among them… Ratchet and human casualties with that of… Sam. Y/N hadn't commented much on the subject with him or Bumblebee who keeps remembering his friend with brother.

-But we can't fall into those mistakes, we can do better," Y/N said as Optimus frowned while Y/N folded his arms.

Cade was seeing that the situation was getting too complicated for them to talk to each other. Besides, it was something more serious that they needed to talk to each other, so he walked away, leaving them some space and taking Cogman with him who was watching in the distance.

-I'm sorry, Y/N, but this idea is not going to work," Optimus said, standing up and dropping his commanding tone.

Y/n saw what he was doing closing in again, creating a wall as he had done before.

-I can't abandon them… If we don't make that deal the chases will come up again," said Y/N as Optimus turned his back on him.

-I made a mistake in creating that alliance…. - Optimus said as he left.

-Meaning finding me was a mistake? - said Y/N making Optimus stop in his tracks - You remember that moment…. My family died because of a Decepticon… I had no one else. And you decided to take care of me, even though we are not of the same blood.

Optimus turned around and knelt down in front of Y/N looking her in the eyes.

-I couldn't just leave you there, you were such a pure and sensitive soul…. I tried, little one… I don't want them to destroy you like they did me. You're the only thing that makes me stay…. - Optimus said with a broken voice as Y/N touched his cheek.

-Dad… I always admired how you did things, being strong yet kind enough to both humans and autobots and even the Decepticons. You were my source of inspiration for this alliance. When you left to search for the creators I tried my best to find a way to help…. I thought I would never see you again, unless your legacy lived on among us," Y/N said as tears welled up in his eyes.

Optimus went to wipe her tears with his digit - Y/N… I… my little one - said Optimus as he lifted her up and brought her closer to her chassis - I have had a hard time, the brainwashing made me think several things among them what would happen if I fell again and hurt you… I could not forgive myself. You are the best thing that has ever happened in my long life, I can't lose that innocence of yours…. Though you have become a warrior.

Y/N I look at the optics - We'll make it work this time, you won't lose me so quickly…. You see I'm not alone. I just need your support is all I ask - Y/N said as Optimus squeezed him closer.

-I missed you in my arms and your little smile," said Optimus smiling.

Y/N saw a sincere smile, something it haven't seen in a long time in its presence -…. Thank you for adopting me that day…

-Thank you for changing my life that day," Optimus said as he held you in his arms for a while longer.

Y/N stayed closer to him despite all the difficulties they had, Optimus will continue to be a part of her life as she is in his.

While not too far from where they were….

Most bots and humans with tissues in hand watching and hearing what they were talking about thanks Cogman.

-Just beautiful, they have opened their hearts," said Cogman as Izzy grabbed a handkerchief.

-You know that if they both find out they're going to kill us, right? said Hound as Cade nodded.

-Yes, we'd better not say a word, otherwise we don't want anger from both of them," said Cade with a smile, looking at the picture and remembering his daughter.

It didn't matter if she was human or cybertronian, this was the proof of a coexistence of cybertronians and humans.

Caring for each other.

More than anything.

[phoenixcatch7]

I'd love to see a time travel/ng+ fic where all the phantom thieves plus the royal/strikers thieves PLUS all the confidants travel back to when the game starts. Everyone's utterly bewildered.

The core phantoms and kasumi, being already physically close, figure it out pretty quick and regroup, but the rest are left confused and floundering until joker gets there and starts reaching out. But with so many people and everyone so lost and upset, he starts delegating and introducing people to each other so they have more options to reach out in case of emergency and to solidify his own web of connections, and for the better efficiency collaboration brings.

And yes I want to see all the confidants become friends or at least co-conspirators in a grand scheme sharing knowing smiles. I want to see normal people struggling with the reality of having lost a year or two of their lives, the surge of hope or fear as they realise they get to do it all again, feeling confused and alone and with the other confidants and plenty of soul searching build up an eclectic support network with others who share the same goal. As a group they could be so much more, and so many would benefit from joker putting them in touch with each other.

But I mostly want to see people coming to the dawning realisation that the scope of joker's reach he's built up is absolutely insane.

Just about every single named character in this huge game is a tarot confidant. Outside of palace rulers, the (hilariously but sadly rare) acquaintances of friends, and occasional mission target, EVERYONE is a secret member of joker's web. He's got the wildest, 'how did you guys even meet' people in his pocket too.

He's got a sentient AI. He's got a politician. He's got a yakuza guy who sells fake weapons who once took out 50 gang members. He's got a secretly talking cat. He's got a high class lawyer. He's got an underground doctor with like 5 PhDs she got revoked who does human experimentation. He's got a government agent. He's got a fortune teller. He's got a guy running his website and managing public missions for no pay. He's got an up and coming teen model. He's got the second detective prince. He's got a world famous wanted hacker. He's got a ten year old. He's got the REACH baby.

It's so funny. He's got like literally 30 odd people with maxed bonds who all think they're one of very very few who know the secret of the phantom thieves and who would break literal laws for this kid. I just think if they all worked together they'd rule the world. And they'd have a huge support group.

Fortune teller: yeah so then I managed to escape the cult, but it's just been so hard to discover who I am outside of that, you know? And they still want me back, it terrifies me.

Reporter lady: *drunk* girl that's absolutely awful you deserve like sooooo much better listen if I see them sniffing around I'll let you know. You shouldn't have to deal with those guys alone, I know allllllllll about making those kinds of guys sweat.

/Ex yakuza fake gun seller: you remind me of my son. He's a good kid, you'd like him. I can set you up?

10yo gun arcade player: oooh do these have real mechanisms? They look so realistic!

Ex yakuza: joker said you could both do with someone your own age - PUT THAT DOWN-

/Shoji player and art kid (yusuke) from the same school: *sitting in silence doing their own thing during school break, having a fantastic time*

/Akechi: *having a breakdown*

Sae, having hustled him off to an empty room for privacy: you know I can't believe I ever bought your nice act. Anyway do you think I could make a case for getting custody of you?

Akechi, stunned out of his attack: ????? Your sister would murder me.

Sae: yeah but it'd annoy shido and my boss so bad.

Akechi:.... I'll consider it.

/sojiro: I admit it's nice to have an adult to talk to about this... Sometimes I still can't believe it's the kids I know that go out and change the world like this.

Government agent: YEAH even with my own persona it's an absolute Ride. You should be proud. Also your coffee is delicious.

/Government agents daughter and mishima: *having an absolute BLAST designing merch*

The list goes ON its just so many under utilised possible relationships!!! Post games the meta verse is gone and most problems are solved (or dead) but if we put them all together in joker's biggest melting pot it'd be such a ride. All of them just low key scared of how many high ranking connections he has.

Like he just texts someone 'hi I think I know someone you'd like to know. I'm sending them to meet you.' and you're like okay??? I guess we'll see why?? And you round the corner and there's a politician and a previously famous missing teen detective waiting for you and they're here to help you get a restraining order on your stalker if you help predict a lottery number or two. And it just keeps happening. Sometimes you're the 'I know a guy' sent to meet people. Like how does joker even know this many people???? He's just moved here!!

[silverynight]

Mitsuki and Inko introduce their little kids to each other for the first time and the moment Katsuki sees the other boy, half hiding behind his mother's skirt because he's a little bit shy (only at first) with wild green curls and big eyes, he thinks he's the cutest thing he's ever seen, but he doesn't know how to handle all those feelings in his chest so he starts scowling at him.

"Katsuki, this is Izuku," Inko says, gently pushing her son towards the other boy. Fortunately, Izuku seems immune to Katsuki's aggressive expression and beams at him.

"Nice to meet you, Kacchan!"

"My name is not Kacchan, Deku!"

"Be nice, Katsuki!"

"Tch!"

However, the two boys get along immediately, Katsuki takes Izuku's hand to show him around the children's play area and tries to impress him, which works like a charm because in less than a second Izuku starts looking at him with star eyes and constantly praises him.

"It's time to go, Katsuki!"

Much to Mitsuki's confusion, Katsuki goes back to her with zero complaints and Izuku's hand in his, looking like he doesn't want to let go.

"You'll like our home, Deku."

Before Mitsuki can correct her son and tell him Izuku is not going to sleep over, little Katsuki turns around, looking very serious and determined before bowing in front of a confused, but amused Inko.

"Thanks. This wasn't a shitty gift at all," the blond kid says, pointing at Izuku. "This is maybe even a cool gift. I like him and I'll keep him."

Trying not to laugh, Inko covers her mouth as Mitsuki pinches her son's cheek.

"He's not a toy! You can't own a person! Let him go!"

Katsuki refuses to do that and starts arguing with Mitsuki until Izuku sobs and tells him he wants to be with his own mom and Katsuki has to (reluctantly) let him go.

"But we can see each other another day, Kacchan!" Izuku promises after calming himself down.

"Tch! Whatever! Not that I care!"

He angry cries when he gets home and makes his parents promise not to tell ANYONE especially "shitty Deku" Masaru kindly asks what happened, but Katsuki stomps back to his room without saying anything else.

Then Mitsuki grins and whispers to her husband: "The kid has a crush. His first crush."

Then later a very grumpy Katsuki plants himself in front of his parents while they're trying to watch television.

"What is it, boy?"

"Do you need anything, my son?"

"What do I have to do to live with Deku?" He asks, narrowing his eyes, cheeks completely red.

"You can be his roommate, but when you two are older," Masaru suggests.

"Do... roommates cuddle?"

"Yes, if they want to."

Mitsuki hasn't said a word because she's trying to hold back a smirk.

"Do roommates... kiss?"

"See? I told you, Masaru!" Mitsuki chuckles. "No, boy. Better ask him to marry you instead."

"But only after you two are of age," Masaru kindly adds. "And you have to be sure that's what he wants as well."

"Why wouldn't he want to marry me?"

"You have to make him fall in love with you first, Kats."

"HA!" Katsuki looks back at his mother with so much confidence and determination it surprises both his parents. "I'll make Deku love me in no time! And I'll make him my wife so we can live together and kiss and cuddle!"

***

Much to Katsuki's embarrassment, exactly 21 years later, that's the story his mother shares with everyone on his wedding day with Izuku.

Izuku didn't remember that moment very well so when his mother-in-law finishes the story he gets all excited and happy and starts tearing up before jumping into Katsuki's arms and kissing him all over the face, just for that, Katsuki decides to forgive his mother just this once.

***

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[thecoffeelorian]

Firstly...yeah, it's been 8 months since I did this last, I know...however, as I knew this story/giant plot bunny is by no means over, naturally, I would have to add a second chapter sooner or later. So...without further delay or excuse-making, I think I finally have it.

Title: Come Little Children

Chapter: 2 of 3

Characters: Omega (The Bad Batch), Mother Talzin (The Clone Wars)

Premise: If every Force-sensitive has an equal chance of becoming Jedi or Sith...then, perhaps, could every dead Force-sensitive have an equal chance of influencing the living...?

Special Notes: I took faint hints from the first two seasons plus an echo or two from 'Tales Of The Empire' to put this all together. Maybe I'll toss Asajj Ventress in here later for some added variety, maybe I won't. Either way, I hope I can still hold everyone's attention, if not also gain a few new readers in the process of continuing this story.

Previous Chapter: ->Click<-

Previous Story: Overwatch

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At first, neither one of you dares to speak, let alone move. There seems to be a stalemate between you, at least in this curious red realm, so perhaps it’s only fair that you think your next few moves over as carefully as you’re able.

This is also the very first time that the two of you have ever met, so naturally, you just might have to make sure you don’t end up trying anything that you’ll end up regretting later. Especially not when you have zero ideas of what this stranger is capable of, never mind what she could do to you without thinking twice about it.

Once you see the way she barely moves a hand to try and grab you, though...you're jumping backward without a second thought, the nerves of all your past abduction attempts waking up in a single heartbeat.

“Don’t!” You push as much strength into the word as any other thirteen-year-old can, if only to prove to this stranger that you will not be her next target.

That you are not going to be grabbed by her, taken to any secondary locations by her, or utterly made to disappear from the world because of her.

Time itself has already taught you just how to stay alert, and now that you’re once again in unfamiliar surroundings, you might have to recall these lessons one more time in order to make it out of here safely. To your greater surprise, though—or your shock, maybe, it's not too much of a stretch to consider both—she merely lowers her arm in a sort of amused silence, both acknowledging you and examining you with no more than a single look.

“What—what's so funny? What did I do?”

It's what you HAVEN'T done that interests me. Riddles, you think to yourself, almost with a shudder. I ask questions, and I get nothing but riddles in return...why is that?

“ ‘Haven't done’? What—what do you mean by that?”

Your powers, child. You’re certainly of the right age to start manifesting them, if not everything else.

“My powers…? What would I need powers for?”

Allow me to demonstrate. Do you see those remains before you?

Your shock grows ever so slightly as this arcane being indicates a half-gone skeleton not far from where the two of you stand, the remnants of its bones just barely visible from beneath the red sand.

“Well, yes, but what does that have to do with—” —Hush. Let me show you.

It’s here that this eldritch creature, this woman, smiles the smile more befitting a crocodile or other predator, the same smile you’ve only ever seen on the bounty hunters hired to steal you away—then, without any further hesitation, begins to chant over that skeleton. It's a strange language all right—kind of raspy and sing-song-ish all at once—but barely three seconds into this, something else even stranger happens.

“What. The. Kriff...?!” Without any visible effort, this woman needs only to raise a hand over the skeleton and continue her arcane chants before—Maker help you, this has to be a nightmare—before the bones begin to rise and re­form themselves back into as close a body as they can, all the while enveloped in a haze of bright green light. A body that starts to regain some of its more discernible features, like a full head of wavy black hair and matching arched black eyebrows.

Almost like they're turning into—there's no other word for it—what’s left of a fallen Clone Trooper.

“Who is that? What happened to them?”

The woman has gone annoyingly silent now, and to your greater hesitation to interact further with her, isn’t even smiling this time. Instead, she’s just watching you in almost the same manner that Nala Se used to watch you, like—like you’re a walking, talking experiment again, and she considers herself nothing but an observer of your growth and development.

“Um, didn’t you hear me? What’s going on? Tell me what’s going on!”

Why do you wish to command me, a woman long dead and unreachable from your realm...when it would be so much easier to command those newly gone and still present in your own?

“Command…? What do you mean by that?”

You’ve never really ‘commanded’ anyone in the whole of your young life, truth be told, so it’s nothing short of crazy that such a thing could ever be suggested to you. Moreover, in the worst times of danger, it was more often you being commanded to duck your head, to watch your step, and any other instruction meant to keep you from harm. Why, then, would anything else ever be considered as effective? Don’t you miss him, my dear girl…? The brother you just happened to lose some time before they brought you here, and have mourned ever since? “That’s really none of your—” —Don’t you ever wonder just how much you could punish the ones who took him from you? Your next witty response dies in your throat before you can speak it, and with it, you feel yourself go still from shock. She knows. Your feelings of anger and jealousy have been very faint, indeed—maybe just barely manifesting themselves once or twice, because you’ve never been the type to seek out revenge against others—yet still manifesting just the same, and she knows. So much so that any and all courage you might have had before seems to fade away in a heartbeat, leaving you as little else than one scared girl in dire need of an escape hatch. Ah-h-h, so you have thought about it. Don’t be ashamed. You haven’t been the first girl to feel such things, you know. In fact, I’d say it’s perfectly natural. “But why…?” And yet...this woman, this creature, as frightening as she is...hasn’t exactly attacked you yet. There haven’t been any sudden use of blasters here to stun you, no binders to force your hands together, and certainly no droids about to make sure you don’t try to run away. “Why are you showing me this? What’s this got to do with me…?” In fact, if you didn’t know any better...you’d almost think she wanted you to ask her such questions without any second thoughts. Like she had suddenly become your teacher out of nowhere, and so nudged you into becoming what you hoped was a fairly decent student. Or, at least, that’s the feeling you finally receive after this woman’s latest round of silence: Because, child...I am a Nightsister, and so are you.

[solitary-cutie]

Darkness to our light. Part II

Part I

Part III

Part IV

prompt: you and coriolanus are married, it's unbearable for you, but it will all end soon

contains: dark, manipulative, controlling coriolanus. fem!reader.

And so you are sitting in the living room waiting for the only person ypu could talk to - the piano teacher. Sharing with desire to continue your once neglected studies, Coryo did not fail to fulfill whim of his better half and help Her. He would always help, even without asking. No matter if you needed this intervention. He would spend all the money on your wants without even mentioning it, as if forgetting, deliberately ignoring any checks in the stores, but you clearly knew that this wastefulness was another yoke around your neck, because one should be grateful. Especially if the checks came in the mail, and the history of purchases served him in calculating the spending for the month.

“Hello. Hey, you guys quiet today? Helpers’s a bit tense today. Not even tea! Can you believe it? Didn't offer! - The teacher laughed, putting out a folder with notes, a pencil, an eraser and an orange leather notebook from her bag on the snow-white piano.”

“Oh yes, He's planning a dinner party, everyone's getting ready. He's inviting coworkers, his sister. He's looking forward to the promotion.”

“Oh, wow. Who's coming from yours?”

You didn't say anything, was ashamed of yourself. “No, it is his night.” Silence. “Maybe you'll come?” Open hope in the voice of her student, almost her age.

“When? I had plans, but I'd stop by.”

“It starts at 7:00. I'll be waiting, you know! You can come when it's convenient for you.”

A weightless touch, as if you'd brushed something off the back of her hand. You ran your eyes around the room. He's not home. The teacher softened.

“Okay, I'll try.” She finally sits down on a nearby chair. “Come on, show me how you've been practicing. Have you tried to put both hands together yet?”

“I tried, but no luck.”

“Did you play the metronome?”

“Yeah, I got more confused.”

“All right, I'll do the math. Go ahead. E-e-e, one and, two and--“

The game began, with mistakes and quick, hurried edits.

“You've changed.” Said the teacher, stopping counting out the rhythm, because the student was already helping herself with the silent movement of her lips.

“He says the same thing to me.” She chorused the rhythm.

“You're not so much flirtatious, laughing. The author's depression? When was the last time you sat down at the pen?” She smiled.

“I miss it. Okay, wait, what's the best way to play this? I forgot.”

The teacher intercepted her hands and began playing the obscure part, counting out the rhythm aloud with intonation highlighting that "And three, And four, And one...".

“You're unhappy.”

“No, why?”

“That's not a question. I can recommend a psychologist, the best woman I know. She helped me let go of my resentments.”

“I'm not resentful.”

“Teach you to love yourself, so you don't deny those resentments, but accept them. Appreciate yourself, don't deny being alone, but accept being one with yourself. You are not alone, know you can walk away from where you want to walk away from.” The teacher did not realize how she had pushed the piano aside and how she had moved on to passionate speeches. She had been spared the resentment, but not the desire to save.

You looked around the room again out of habit.

“At least he doesn't hit you?”

“No, God, of course not.” You caught the doubt in her eyes and a second frown furrowed her brow. “No, seriously, I wouldn't stand for that. I'm not leaving him. I can't.”

“There's no word for "can't."

“I mean, what dictionary can I give you to back that up? I don't even want to leave. We are one and the same, and he won't just let me go. The only way I'm getting out of here is with my feet up. If I'm lucky and he dies before I do, I'll have a few years of pleasure.” She smiled, starting the composition from the beginning.

“In the left hand hurry a little. And how can you reason like that about a man you're married to? And if the children come, what will you do?”

“The later they come, the better, God forbid now.”

“Does he want them now?”

You hesitated, not stopping the game. It was embarrassing. Again.

“Well he hasn't talked about them yet, though I don't know how he plans to.”

“So even your body doesn't belong to you? You don't talk about your plans, not your plans, but his.”

“My soul doesn't even belong to me. Look, my arms are tired, can I take a little break?” Nod. “What's the best way to pedal here?”

“First learn to control both hands.”

Silence.

You wonder if you could call it a pun. If your body and even the imperishable substance of your being belongs to your husband, a white-haired angel raised in hell and invited into the ether of paradise, a world of powerful, fully-endowed people, will you be able to control what you lost access to on the date that the calendar refers to as the "Anniversary of Dating"?

The remaining hour of class passed in silence, resulting in the learning of a new sonata, even with the use of a pedal to stretch the sound, giving it a smooth flow from one bar to the next.

“I have a question here: when will you finally learn the bass clef? Will you stop signing notes?” The teacher mocked, marking in the diary the next lesson for January.

“It's a rhetorical question.” You looked at the Interlocutor. “Oh man, I don't like that bass clef, I can't memorize it. The only thing I know is what the C note looks like. That's it.”

“Don't forget the "B."

“Oh yeah, and then..." She made a long road to nowhere with her hand.

“And then let the Snow land on top.” He stood at the white archway that opened the living room, leaning lightly against the blue wall with gilded patterns and trees.

You shuddered, nerves to no avail, you were easily frightened, which could not be said of your teacher, - a girl strong-willed. Nevertheless, the fright laid a heavy stone on her heart, sinking it into her heels, and she dropped her pencil and, looking at him confusedly, hurried to pick it up.

“I didn't mean to disturb you, much less frighten you.” The ice-cold eyes flashed over each of the girls, burning their insides with cold.

Coriolanus knew you were partial to this pianist. From the first time you met her, He had noticed the glint in your eyes. Gross, He didn't approve of it, but He also knew it was certainly not worth worrying about. You amuse yourself as best you can from lack of socialization with Him. Yes, maybe you complain about Him, suffer, but you won't leave Him because you don’t want to. These reflections might have reassured Him if He had once experienced a semblance of even doubt, let alone anxiety.

“Ginny, my wife and I are organizing a dinner party tonight. We'd love for you to come.” His eyes darted to you, looking at your teacher. What will you do? If you start coaxing her “friend”, this conversation never happened between you, but if you walk up to Him and...

“What a great idea!” You whispered, flying up to your husband and hugging him by the forearm. He smiles, it all became clear, you had already invited her, but was it scary to ask Him? “I was afraid to invite Ms. Ring because of the possibility of rejection.”

Now you are on His side, snuggling up to Him to get hers. Manipulative. And who are you trying to bend to your will is unclear.

“Yes, of course, thank you for the invitation, I'd love to come. But I'm afraid I'm busy, so I won't be able to make it to the beginning of the evening.”

“I didn't tell you the time, in case you get there.”

You both looked at each other. The pianist was confused.

“Dinner starts at 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening. Ms. Ring apparently skips a lot of dinner.” She tried to put the question into an impromptu justification for the two of them, but it came out badly. The answer to his line didn't work anyway.

“It starts at seven o'clock, but knowing some of the guests, they'll be a little later.” He looked at his wife. “Play the new composition you've learned for me.”

“We haven't played it all the way through yet. We need time.”

“Play it.” Demand…

[honeysuckleharringtons]

SFW Alphabet ~ Steve Harrington Edition

warnings and tags: mentions of smut but not in details so 16+ just in case, food consumption, a creepy man flirts with R but Steve shuts him down, minor mention of the upside down, lmk if i missed anything!!

NSFW version can be found over on my spicy blog - @hornyhornyhimbos

tumblr crashed the first time i wrote this so this is not anywhere near as good as it was the first time :')

A = Affection (how affectionate are they? how do they show affection?)

He's very affectionate in private. He feels really insecure about PDA sometimes because people have made fun of him for it in the past, but he's never gonna not hold your hand or hug you or kiss you if that's what you want. You just have to ask outright sometimes.

His favorite form of PDA is... CASUAL DOMINANCE. He might not like to kiss you on the lips in front of everyone, but he's always looking for a reason to tie your shoe for you, give you his coat, hell he'll order for you if you let him. He might like the typical PDA but he loves some casual dominance 🫶🏻

B = Best friend (what would they be like as a best friend? how would the friendship start?)

He's definitely the smartass friend. He loves using sarcasm as a love language when he's around friends.

C = Cuddles (do they like to cuddle? how would they cuddle?)

He LOVES cuddling at home. your body in between his legs, your head resting on his tummy, his hands massaging your scalp. He loves cuddling on the couch and watching tv together. It's his favorite part of the day 🫶🏻

D = Domestic (do they want to settle down? how are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Well, we already know how he feels about settling down and having kids so i'll just give my opinion on the second half of this question.

He's... well, he sucks at cooking. He grew up with nannies and au pairs and during the holidays he had caterers for all his parents parties so he never really learned how to cook. Not to say he wouldn't love to learn someday, he just needs a bit of help.

As for cleaning, this one he's GREAT at. Because of all the parties his parents threw growing up, he always had to make sure not a thing was out of place in his room or in the bathroom so he's great at cleaning.

E = Ending (if they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

He would be the sweetest about it. He'd come to your house so you didn't have to drive home with all those emotions on your mind. He'd probably even consult your best friend first so they could come over with snacks and movies to help you feel better. No matter the reason for the relationship ending, he'd always be the kind to let the other person know that it was never either one of their faults, time just has its way with things.

F = Fiancé (how do they feel about commitment? how quick would they want to get married?)

I think after Steve's sort of growing up phase, he became very aware of how much commitment means to people. I think once he reached college age, he'd be more likely to be in a long-term relationship.

I think he'd have a specific timeline for when he'd want to get married. Two years of dating, a year to eighteen months of engagement, and then marriage.

G = Gentle (how gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He's very gentle with other people. He has a hard time understanding that men can be gentle with themselves, they don't always have to man up, but he always makes it a point to be gentle with other people.

H = Hugs (do they like hugs? how often do they do it? what are their hugs like?)

He loves hugs. He's never gonna be the one to go out and seek hugs because again, he's a ✨️man✨️ but if you come to him for a hug, he's gonna bask in it the entire time it's happening.

I = I Love You (how fast do they say the L-word?)

Idk why, but I just feel like he'd wait until your first time to say it. In his mind, it would just make it so much more special.

J = Jealousy (how jealous do they get? what do they do when they’re jealous?)

He's only jealous if there's a reason. If some guy walks up and starts talking to you, he's not gonna be jealous. But if he were to eye you up and down or start flirting with you, that's when the jealousy would get switched on.

I actually thought up a scenario for jealous!Steve so here's that. Hope you enjoy! ❤️

Say you're at the mall together one day, looking for dresses for a party. His parents are throwing a nice dinner party and Steve couldn't help but get you a new dress.

You're looking through the rack when your eyes land on a beautiful black dress. Suddenly, a guy walks by. "That dress would look stunning on your figure, gorgeous."

Suddenly, you want to throw up at the sight of the black dress. No matter how hard you could ever try, you'd always think of this disgusting, creepy man every time you saw in your closet.

Steve to the rescue!!! He steps around the rack with a gorgeous red dress. It would look absolutely amazing on you and it was darn near the exact color of Steve's favorite tie. "I agree, the black would look stunning on you, babe. But this red... You'd drive all those other girls at the party to sheer insanity as they try to figure out how you were blessed with such beauty," he'd say before leaving a long kiss to your lips.

Needless to say, that was the end of disgusting, creepy man.

K = Kisses (what are their kisses like? where do they like to kiss you? where do they like to be kissed?)

His kisses definitely depend on the vibes. Sometimes, he'll give you casual pecks, sometimes he'll give you needier, longer kisses. Really just depends on the vibes and what each of you needs.

He loves to kiss you on the forehead and cheeks. He loves to watch your face heat up and your cheeks turn pink with delight.

He loves being kissed on the lips. Cheesy I know, but he just loves when you take control and you're the one driving the kiss.

L = Little Ones (how are they around children?)

I imagine him growing up in a huge family. He was the oldest of the cousins, but he always hung out with the younger cousins at family functions because all the cousins his own age had already been brainwashed into thinking they were entitled just because they were Harringtons. So he'd always hang out with the younger kids, who absolutely ADORED him.

M = Morning (how are mornings spent with them?)

He's always the first one to wake up. He'll lie there beside you silently, until the last possible minute, when he wakes you up by covering your face in kisses. Finally, when you're awake, he lands a kiss on your lips with a, "Good morning, my love."

He might not be a good cook, but he always makes it a point to make you breakfast. While you shower up, he makes one of the only foods he's mastered: scrambled eggs. He'll pop some bread into the toaster on the setting you like best. He'll make you tea or coffee or juice or whatever your preferred breakfast drink is.

Once you're both finished with breakfast, he'll drive you to work, even if your job is all the way across town. He'll put on some soft music on the radio and hold your hand in his, the other on the steering wheel. You're his passenger princess, and you both know it.

N = Night (how are nights spent with them?)

Your nights together are very much a juxtaposition of your mornings. You'll cook dinner while he showers up after work, slightly louder music playing on the radio to keep you awake.

After dinner, you'll cuddle up on the couch with a bowl of ice cream, watching the latest episode of the show you've both been obsessed with.

Once your show goes off, he'll grab your hand in his and lead you to the bathroom, both of you standing in your respective places in the bathroom, just brushing your teeth in the comfortable silence of each other.

Finally, you make it to bed, his side being the closest to the door in case anyone ever breaks in so he can protect you 🫶🏻 you both just snuggle up together, your legs intertwined, your arm slung over his belly. He's always the first one asleep too, so you'll be lying beside him, just listening to the soft puffs escaping his lips, until you fall asleep beside him, your arm never leaving his torso.

O = Open (when do they reveal things about themself? do they say everything at once or reveal things slowly?)

He's definitely built walls over the years. Every time he enters a new relationship, he becomes that much more guarded, his biggest fear being that he'll confess all his secrets and then his s/o will hate him and leave him.

You definitely have to pick him apart, piece by piece and brick by brick. But once you get it out of him, he'll never hold back another thing from you ever again.

P = Patience (how easily angered are they?)

He knows how much being yelled at can hurt a person so he never yells at you. He's also a rsspecter of boundaries so he knows to let you have your space when the two of you argue.

Q = Quizzes (how much would they remember about you— every little detail heard in passing, or forget everything?)

After all the upside down stuff, he suffers from chronic brain fog so he can never remember anything on his own. However, he always keeps a notepad in his lunchbag or on his desk or wherever it's in his line of sight so he can remember to write down the details he knows he'll need later.

R = Remember (what is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Probably your first time. Not in a pervy way, of course, he just remembers how special it was. Two bodies intertwined for the first time, a level of intimacy never before shared, a sense of love and passion he could've never imagined you'd have for him.

S = Security (how protective are they? how would they protect you? how would they like to be protected?)

He's very protective. He always keeps his bat by the bed for emergencies. He'll always stand in front of you if he thinks something's going to happen to you. He's always going to make sure you're OK before he is.

T = Try (how much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

He's a people pleaser, I feel like so he always goes above and beyond for date night.

However, I do feel like you'd each take turns planning out date night. One Saturday he'd plan, one Saturday you'd plan, and one Saturday you'd share the responsibilities and plan together. He made up the plan and you went along easily.

U = Ugly (what would be some bad habits of theirs?)

He's a nail biter, I can't be convinced otherwise.

V = Vanity (how concerned are they with their looks?)

He's concerned with his looks but only because he wants to look nice for you and for other people. Again, he's very much a people pleaser.

W = Whole (would they feel incomplete without you?)

Always. If you ever had to spend even a night apart, he'd feel incomplete. If there was a day you decided to drive yourself to work, his whole system would be thrown off. He's a creature of habit, and one second without you in the picture would make him go stir crazy.

X = Xtra (a random headcanon for them.)

He loves shopping of any kind. His favorite date is grocery shopping and going home to make dinner together. He loves taking you to the mall and spoiling you with everything you touch. He just loves shopping.

But he's also very good at budgeting. I think one of the only things Steve liked learning in school was percentages and numbers so he always makes sure he has enough money to spoil you before he ever even brings up the idea of shopping.

Y = Yuck (what are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

In general, he's a mayonnaise hater. He's a mustard-only kinda guy.

In a partner, probably someone who is sloppy. As previously mentioned, he grew up in a house that was always kept spick and span so he wouldn't know how to function with a partner who didn't at least make some sort of effort to help him keep the place clean.

Z = Zzz (what is a sleep habits of theirs?)

He never sleeps with socks on unless it's his favorite pair of socks.

But you guys already knew that 😉

-> Taglist: @dungeons-are-too-cold @ducky-died-inside @awkotaco24 @liberhoe @princesseddie @aftermidnightwriting @manuosorioh @esoltis280

[steponmeinejghafa]

Little Crow Pt. 5

Summary: You get your first period.

Your age: 13

Taglist: @winstonthecow22 , @ell0ra-br3kk3r , @trashmouthsahra , @myheartfollower

Warnings: Pain, blood, cramps, periods in general.

---

You were sitting in your room at your desk, doing some homework, when suddenly, you felt a stabbing pain in your lower stomach. You drank some water and thought it would go away, but decided to go to the bathroom the second the pain didn't cease.

When you took off you pants and underwear, you saw that there was a massive stain of blood on the cotton fabric, and some of it was on your pants.

You panicked, and your anxiety mixed with the pain in your stomach made any rational reaction escape your mind.

So, you changed your pants and underwear before running down the stairs screaming bloody murder.

Kaz was immediately by your side, eyes blazing and hands gripping his cane tightly in a way which looked as if he was going to bludgeon someone with it.

"Who do I need to kill?" He asked, looking around, standing in front of you protectively.

"Papa..." you breathed shakily. "I'm bleeding from-from down there-"

He froze for a moment, and his eyes went a little wide before he coughed awkwardly, "Do you-do you need a blanket, little crow?"

You felt a sudden surge of irritation and snapped, "I don't need a blanket, I need a woman, Papa!"

Still a bit shocked and confused he replied, "I thought I said no dating till-" his brain finally put the pieces together and he hurried away, mumbling, "Wait, I'll get Nina or Inej..."

"Saints..." You sighed and went to find your uncle Jesper.

"Uncle Jes..." you groaned, falling atop him where he lay on the couch.

He wrapped his arms around you, kissed your head and mimicked your tone, "Little crow..."

You grumbled softly and buried your face in the crook of his neck, wailing, "My stomach hurts...and I'm bleeding...it's so annoying..."

He heard those words and immediately leapt up, placing you on the floor. "You got your period?" He asked with a small smile.

"I think so?" You shrugged.

"Alright, before anything, I want you to go change your underclothes and your pants, wash out the blood and put a bit of tissue on your underpants to stop the blood, okay?"

"I changed my pants, but how do I keep the blood away?" You asked as he followed you up to your room. "And how do you know all this?"

"I've had Inej and Nina spend enough nights at my house," he chuckled. "Plus, Kaz kind of gets a slight ick from all this."

You knew what he meant by 'this', and laughed softly, going into the bathroom, following your uncle's exact directions.

You retched when you saw the blood on your clothes, and even though you'd fought your fair share of people, this blood was a little more unnerving.

You had only just exited the washroom when Nina and Inej entered, both of them holding paper bags.

Inej handed you hers, inside of which was a packet holding something you didn't recognise.

"It's called a sanitary napkin, or a pad," said the Suli, as you pulled one out and inspected it. "You stick it onto your underwear and keep it on for about 6 hours and change it according to how much you're bleeding."

"...oh," you said, still staring at the pad like it was something with two heads.

"Go and put it on, then I'll give you the stuff in here," Nina chuckled, patting your head.

"Follow the directions on the box, little crow," Inej suggested. "I think it'll help."

You awkwardly nodded, and walked back into the bathroom, discarding the toilet paper and doing as you were told. There was no way in hell you were going to go against their instructions this time.

Once you came out, you leaned against Nina as you sat on your bed, asking both of them, "Am I going to die?"

They looked at each other in confusion for a moment, before they burst out laughing.

"No, no!" Inej grinned. "That blood isn't from all over your body, little crow. It's from your uterus, which is a little organ right here," she gently poked your lower stomach where it was hurting, "And it develops this layer once a month to prepare your body for having a baby, and once your body realises it has no baby, that layer sheds in the form of blood."

"Disgusting!" You made a face. "I'm thirteen, why would I be having a Saintsforsaken baby?! Can't I just get a letter from god or something? Like, 'Oh, by the way, you're not pregnant, just letting you know in a painless, bloodless way!'"

"That is reasonable, but when is anything fair on us, hm?" Nina laughed and put an arm around you. She reached into her paper bag and handed you a small bar of chocolate, saying, "Sweet things always make it better."

You gasped and thanked her, before devouring the chocolate hungrily.

"I understand Kaz wasn't much help, was he?" Inej asked, eyebrow raised.

"No," you shook your head, licking your fingers clean. "He just got bug-eyed and ran off to find you two."

"Yeah, he's a little icky about this," Nina chuckled. "I don't blame him, though. He's not a very...adjusting person. Periods bring about some serious mood swings, let me tell you."

"Oh. So that's why I've been wanting to throw something at almost every person I see for the last few days?" You asked.

"Maybe," shrugged the pair of them.

You heard someone knock on the door and called out, "Come in!"

You didn't even have to look up to realise it was Kaz. He kept his gaze on the ground, limping towards you in a way which genuinely made you want to laugh, because he looked like he wanted to crawl out of his own skin.

He held a brown paper package out to you, and said, "I um, I didn't know what to do, so I went out and bought you a book."

You accepted it and leaned up to give him a quick kiss to his cheek.

"Thanks, Papa," you chuckled. "It means a lot."

"Wylan's making dinner tonight, so if you want to come down and eat, you can. Or if you'd rather stay in bed, that's okay too, I don't--" He began rambling, something you'd never seen him do before unless Inej was looking particularly stunning.

"Papa," you stopped him. "I'll be down in a bit, relax. I'm not a ticking time bomb."

"Right," he nodded and patted your head quickly, before hurrying towards the door. "Let me know if you need anything, please."

Later that evening, they all 'celebrated' you getting your first period by getting extra ice-cream after dinner, a treat which you and Nina specially enjoyed.

That night, after dinner and at around 1 a.m, you got a particularly bad round of cramps which prevented you from sleeping. You tossed and turned in vain, trying to ease your discomfort.

You must've made a lot of noise, because a little while later, your father came into your room, looking tired but concerned.

"Little crow, all okay?" He asked, concerned.

You groaned and shook your head, clutching your stomach. "It hurts badly, Papa..."

He knew periods gave him the ick, but seeing you in pain overrode his discomfort. Immediately, he took you by the hand and led you to his room, guiding you onto the bed.

"Sit here, I'll get you a hot water bag. Inej told me to keep one aorund here..." He looked around in his drawers and produced one of the rubber bags. He hurried to the bathroom to get it set and ready, while you lay on his side of the bed, his familiar scent of cloves and lemon comforting you slightly.

He gently placed the hot water bag on your lower stomach after he returned from the bathroom. "I hope this helps," he said softly, and his body language conveyed clearly that he had barely any idea what he was doing.

"Can you cuddle me, papa?" You asked softly. It was a rare occasion for you to ask him outright to give you physical affection, so he obliged and lay beside you, opening his arms for you to nestle in.

He had, by now, managed to quell some amount of his aversion to skin-on-skin contact, but you always made sure to keep enough blanket between you both so he could hug you but not touch your sin directly.

"Goodnight, my little crow," he whispered, gently kissing the top of your head. Another thing he rarely did.

"I'm not little anymore," you giggled, your words muffled against his nightshirt.

"You'll always be little for me," he replied. "Now go to sleep, or you'll be very irritated in the morning."

So you agreed and fell asleep, while Kaz kept you safely in his embrace.

---

I hope this was a good one <3 feel free to request any other imagines, and if you want to be kept in the taglist, let me know through a message!

[the-rewritten-railway-au]

Thomas and the Pacifics

May 1930

The Adventure Begins (2015)

Word Count: 1,276

Thomas meets Henry, and Gordon teaches Thomas a lesson.

~

Once Thomas, Edward, and James arrived at Tidmouth, the mogul rushed away to find Annie and Clarabel. The smaller engines settled closer to the station. From where they were, Thomas noticed Emily waiting at the Big Station. She seemed cross and anxious, looking at something every few seconds.

“Could ye be a dear and shunt the Express coaches for Emily?” The E2 glanced at the 4-4-0, who appeared to be giddy. However, it was more like a failed attempt at hiding his giddiness. “I usually dae it but I hae a guids train tae take.”

“What? But I thought we'd be working together! Just like you said!”

“I'll haste ma boiler!” Edward's reassurance didn't do much for Thomas. Considering how long the Main Line was and how long it took Thomas to travel it, “soon” would be more than an hour for Edward.

And before Thomas could protest, Edward was off, leaving the tank engine alone. With a huff, the khaki engine scuttled about the yard, getting to work.

As Thomas passed the water tower and coal hopper, he noticed the green tender engine from the night before. “Hello there!” Might as well! “I'm Thomas. Who are you?”

“Henry,” he scoffed. “So you're the Fat Controller's new engine?”

“I am!” The tank engine puffed up, feeling unwelcome. “What about it?”

With mirth, Henry replied, “Nothing.” Henry's fireman climbed in and petted his cab. Said engine pulled away, leaving Thomas behind.

…

Eventually, Edward returned, though looking different.

“What are those?” asked Thomas, focused on the metal piece perched on Edward’s nose.

“Och, these?” he chuckled. “They’re glasses. I didnae mention it, did I?”

“No! But why?”

“Ma age might be gettin’ tae me!” The joke fell flat. “Anyhow, I see ye’ve done well!”

“My class was built for shunting! I told you that!”

“And thon ye did! Ye kept yer word, mate.” With two short whistles, Edward rolled along. “Ye take a break. I’ll take care o’ things frae here.”

“But-”

“I insist!”

“But-” I was built for this!  “-you’re a tender engine!”

“Diz’nae stop me frae ma job, noo diz it?” And he was off again.

Thomas pouted but relented. The late spring heat was getting to him. He eyed a shady spot at the edge of the yard. He settled down with his crew keeping an eye on his fire and chatting in his cab, occasionally petting their engine.

Then the afternoon came. And when afternoon came around, it was time for the noon Express. Thomas, now rested, grabbed the Express coaches temporarily set aside during his break and shunted them to the platform. With practiced ease, the tank engine reversed and braked, settling the rack of coaches.

He was thankful for these coaches. Such polite beings they could be when treated properly. “Thank you, thank you!” chortled the brake coach. “Thomas, was it?”

“Yes, ma’am!” replied the khaki tank engine. Such a drastic attitude compared to the few accidental bumps he gave them.

“Just in time! I’m impressed,” mocked Gordon as he backed down. “Unlike this morning…”

“Try sleeping somewhere else!” snapped Thomas, ignoring his crew. “Far away from your old home!”

“Oh, hurry up you!”

“Hurry up yourself!” With that, Thomas kept his mouth shut, right after apologizing for yelling in the brake coach’s face. She scolded him— a complete 180 of her attitude from mere moments ago.

He was not aware of Gordon’s grin. He didn't hear what Gordon said. The only warning he got was Gordon pulling him right along.

“Gordon, stop!” hollered the tank engine but the blue Pacific didn't listen. The noise of pistons pumping got louder and faster. Oh no, oh no, oh no! “Gordon!”

The stationmaster blew his whistle frantically, some of the passengers hollered, and the yardman chased after Thomas but it was too late. Gordon was off with the Express, pulling poor Thomas right along.

Green pastures and lush hills were nothing but blurs to the tank engine. His wheels ached as Gordon thundered past Knapford and Crosby. “Stop, stop!” exclaimed Thomas.

“Hurry, hurry!” Oh, if Thomas didn't like Gordon before, he sure didn't now. “Keep up!”

Cheeks burning, it was becoming harder to puff steam. The fast pumps of his piston drained his water supply. Oh, when will it end? When will it end? He needed to stop. At this rate, he felt like he would fall apart.

And as soon as Thomas pleaded, Maron Hill came into view. Its steep incline proved to be difficult for the grand blue engine, and the tank engine was ever thankful. With the little grace provided, he caught his breath.

He took in those few seconds as before he knew it, the ground was flat and Gordon would be off again. He braced himself for a burst of speed but it never happened. Instead, Gordon kept a steady pace.

Wait a minute. Is this the station on the hilltop? He recalled seeing it on his way to Tidmouth but he never got its name.

And much to his relief, it was. It was Gordon's next stop.

The Express engine came to a halt.

Finally, it was over as his driver applied the brakes.

His fireman, Archibald Higginbottom, or “Archie” as he was called, scrambled out of the cab with a shunter's pole and uncoupled the engine. He beat the awaiting yardman, who'd been notified of the incident.

“Now, little Thomas,” boasted Gordon. “Now you know what real work looks like!” Boisterous laughter erupted from the Pacific as he steamed away, leaving the poor tank engine behind.

“Come on, lad!” Archie stroked Thomas’ running board. “Let's get you some water!”

The tank engine hummed but once Mr. Perkins released his brakes, the ache struck the khaki engine. He tried to reach the water tower after the station but he only managed a meter or two.

“Come on, Thomas!” encouraged Archie.

“I can't-!” His voice cracked. The exhaustion was thick and clear. “I'm sore.”

“Well, we can't block the Main Line! Try again!”

“Wait!” Mr. Perkins popped out of his cab and pushed his body upwards on the edge. “I think an engine's coming! We can ask for help.”

“Who's coming down the line right now?” Archie scratched his sideburns absentmindedly. “No one should be coming down by now!”

A bright whistle was heard from a distance.

“We just might be in luck!” laughed Mr. Perkins before hollering, “Edward!”

The cerulean tender engine came around the bend. He came to a sudden stop, seemingly out of breath. “Thomas!”

“Perkins, is everything alright?” exclaimed Charlie.

“Once Thomas gets to the water tower, it will be.” He gestured towards the subject and was aware of the older engine's behavior. “Can you get Edward to move him?”

With a nod, Charlie pet Edward's cab. “Come on, lad. Let's get you switched over!”

“Aye, driver!” The tender engine backed up, switched over, and buffered up to Thomas. “Let's get you over there!”

Edward carefully shunted Thomas over. While the tender engine ignored the passengers, the tank engine felt embarrassed. Some of the passengers stared at the pair, particularly focused on the khaki engine. They were bewildered yet confused about why a tank engine was attached to a passenger train. Murmurs and gossip passed around, and it worried the crews.

“We’re almost there, Thomas,” soothed Mr. Perkins. “Ignore them.”

“This doesn't look good, Perkins.” Archie was on the edge, sweaty palms making the shovel slip from his hands. Once Thomas was at the water tower, the awaiting yardman worked to refill the engine’s tanks. “This is sure to make the railway look bad.”

Mr. Perkins huffed. “I only hope it gets Gordon to behave…”

~

As of posting this, I'll be taking a break from this arc and jump ahead in the timeline. The story I have in mind has been there for a while, and I can safely say that it won't be affected or affect stories before it. Yes, its important but it can stand on its own. It's getting a little dull, haha- so I'm gonna move to something I have ideas for.

With that out of the way, introducing Thomas' fireman! The Mr. Perkins segments are really nostalgic to me so I thought it would be fitting to have him be Thomas' first driver on the NWR, but I don't remember seeing Archie, unfortunately. However, Archie, from at first glance, reminds me of Junior from TaTMR (which i haven't finished watching, oops-). I wouldn't be surprised if they are played by the same actor though, lol.

As funny as CGI Henry can be, he does get annoying FAST. I absolutely LOVE early model era Henry so I'm gonna combine both, like I do with Emily. Compared to the previous rewrite I did, I like this a lot better since it does show that side more than the previous one.

Starting to limit the POVs I've been writing because if I don't, it gets chaotic f a s t. :(

Reblogs and comments are appreciated! Ty for reading! 🩵🌙