#one of my cats has already turned my whole computer off once because it's near their dinnertime

[invinciblerodent]

I fucking swear just reaching the goddamn Netherbrain is the single most annoying part of this entire game

(HOW CAN YOU GET KNOCKED OUT OF A GLOBE OF INVULNERABILITY. HOW. HOW DOES THAT WORK. WE WERE ALL INVULNERABLE. HOW DID THEY TOUCH US. GAAAHHHHHHH.)

[shadowsshowdown]

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Shadow’s Showdown: Chapter 10

The sky won't fall forever.

Detroit – Park Laura's Apartment.

Laura didn't come home, she ran straight ahead, ignoring the raging car horns. One of the cars nearly hit her, but she didn't even care. She showed the driver her middle finger and walked away. After maybe a quarter later auburn-haired girl found herself in a park lit by the dim light of street lamps. An oasis of peace amidst the concrete colossi. A solitude for her shattered soul. Everything that Laura needed now. Walking down the pebbly path she found an empty bench near the edge of a small pond and sat down on it heavily. The girl focused her gaze at one randomly chosen point and stayed like this. After a long moment, she leaned slightly forward, resting her elbows on her thighs, and looked down at the pebbles. She was angry with herself because she couldn't contain her emotions and reactions. Adam shouldn't have seen all of this. He shouldn't have seen her weak and scared. He'll probably ask questions, or at least starts to wonder why. That won't help her at all. Everything was fucked up just like her whole life. Laura was shaken and completely lost. In a fallen silence sound of the incoming message was as loud as a shout. Reluctantly, she reached for the smartphone to her trouser pocket and checked what could it be this time.

It won't rain all the time The sky won't fall forever And though the night seems long Your tears won't fall forever

There was no visible number or sender name. After all these strange events, she should be scared, but somehow the words calmed her down. The auburn-haired girl looked around the area, but no one else was there. It was getting late, so she went back home whether she wanted to or not. Without even taking off her shoes, Laura immediately turned on her laptop and tried to track down the sender. After a long and fruitless struggle, she cursed quietly. The trail had gone cold. For lack of any focal point, she had to give up further digging into the subject. She just wondered if the sender of the message had anything to do with the Red_Dragon.

She didn't step to the window today. The sight of Adam would only worsen her condition. Laura was already thinking about what will happen tomorrow when she comes to the company and how she will avoid a confrontation with the Chief of Security. She decided to call Frank. He doesn't sleep anyway, so he won't complain about the late hour. Apparently, Pritchard could read her mind because the phone started ringing before she even reached for it.

"Laura! Listen carefully cause I'll say it only once. I feel lousy and won't be at the company tomorrow." "Could this be the salvation I crave?" She thought and decided not to interrupt him. "Are you there?! Say something!" he said irritably. "Yeah, and I’m listening," she replied. "Well, all right then. Tomorrow morning you will take your computer and all the things you need, then come to my place. We'll work outside the company. On the way, you will drop by my office and copy the exact data. The details and address are in the e-mail." "OK, the mail has arrived. I'll be there tomorrow, bye! " "Just don't dawdle and don’t treat it like a school trip!" For the first time, she wanted to kiss him. Sitting with Pritchard at his house is a hundred times better than lurking around every corner with soul on her shoulder. His whining will be like music to her. The biggest problem will be getting into the boss's office, but maybe she'll make it in time before Jensen arrives. Before she went to bed, she had copied the attachment from the e-mail onto her phone and packed a spare laptop, which only held files about the company.

Laura's apartment Sarif Industries Frank's apartment

Miss Werner got up earlier than usual because her mission required sacrifices. She took a quick shower, hurriedly ate a bowl of cereal, and drank coffee. Before leaving, she stroked the cat, who was highly displeased that she dared to leave him alone again. She ran down the stairs two at a time and in the blink of an eye was halfway to the company. As soon as Laura entered, she carefully explored the area. Finding that she could not sense Adam's presence, Laura headed up the stairs to the second floor and quickly turned right. The security guard stopped her outside Frank's office. Jensen seemed to have learned his lesson from the last incident.

"I'd like to see your employee card, please." the broad-shouldered man, wearing dark glasses said with a formal tone. "Here it is," she replied, handing over the document.

Fortunately, the boss had prepared her for such a turn of events, so she waited patiently to see what this Jensen’s dog would come up with.

"I'm sorry, but you cannot enter this office," he announced firmly. "Yes, I can." Laura persisted. "I have the authorization."

She reached for the phone and showed him the relevant document, but the man was still standing in her way.

"It may be a forgery," he muttered. "The boss won't be thrilled, but oh well now it’s your problem, not mine." she tried scaring the security guard off, meanwhile dialing Frank's number and putting him on the speaker. "Will you finally come?! We don’t have time!" Pritchard's annoyed voice roared from the phone’s speaker. "As soon as I'm allowed to get into your office," she replied with a theatrical sigh. "For now a certain gentleman won't let me in. Even your authorization isn't enough for him." "Oi, you there! Let her in immediately! We've got a lot of work to do so don't make it difficult!" "I can't help it, the boss's order." "Fuck the order! Just LET HER IN, GOD DAMN IT!" Pritchard yelled with a fury. "I'll have to talk with that flatfoot AGAIN!"

Laura, whistling, keyed in a code and entered the office. Her boss's computer had been booting up way too long in her humble opinion. All she had to do was type in the password, find the files, copy them, and run. The girl was peering nervously toward the corridor, tapping with her fingernails against the desk-top. The empty progress bar was lazily filling in green until finally all the necessary data were copied. When Laura was done, she left everything as it was before she entered then left the office as soon as possible. Luckily, Adam wasn't around. It was undeniably good news, but it also brought many reflections with it. Miss Werner immediately began analyzing why she had not met him, whether he was at the company or perhaps he was avoiding her. She should be glad everything went so smoothly, but this state of things was very disturbing.

On her way to Frank's, she bought coffee and croissants, hoping to curry favor with her boss. She wandered around a bit before she found the right address. The building didn't stand out from the other houses, its gloomy grey color blended into the surroundings. Laura pushed open the door and went inside. A winding staircase took her to the third floor at number 52. After a moment's hesitation, she pressed the doorbell. The spherical shape that looked like an eye emerged from the wall. She immediately recognized the TT-8L/Y7 gatekeeper droid. That was unexpected.

"And I thought nothing would surprise me any more," she said under her breath. "Tee chuta hhat yudd!" the TT-8L / Y7 spoke in an alien dialect with its electronic voice. "Goodness gracious me!" she replied. "It’s me, Laura, let me in Frank." "You're here at last. You weren't in much of a hurry," he muttered. „Shoes off please." Pritchard pointed the finger at her. "It would be faster if not for that guard," she replied, fulfilling his command.

Frank's apartment was not large, but he managed to stuff a ton of equipment into it. The server room was not as impressive as the one in the company, but it was still something. The curtains were drawn so that the room was constantly in semi-darkness, illuminated only by square red and white flashing LEDs. In the display case on the wall, there were 3, 3.5, 5.25, and 8-inch floppy disks. Remnants of the past, forgotten and abandoned. Next to them, Lara Croft stared at her menacingly from the poster. She was the owner of two famous Beretta 9mm pistols. The T-rex fight, that was something!

"Did you snoop around my house enough?" he muttered with displeasure. "Sorry," she said with an embarrassment painting on her face. "I have coffee and croissants as an apology."

The chief of Cyber-Security visibly softened when she handed him a mug and paper bag. Only now she noticed he looked like a ghost. Besides, his brown hair was loosely flowing down along his cheeks and onto his arms, which was an unusual sight. He was dressed in gray pajamas with Mario and a mushroom picture on his shirt.

"OK, in that case, fire up your piece of junk. We have a lot of work to do," he muttered, settling into his orange, gaming armchair. "Sarif wants us to check our firewall, plug the holes and change security in the various offices so move on girl!" "Piece of junk?! Millennium Falcon you ignorant! It’s the same machine that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs! Clean and quick hacking job!" She thought but didn’t say anything.

With a heavy sigh, Laura sat down on an empty section of the couch between the pile of cardboard boxes, that were threatening of collapsing, and the intricate tangle of various cables and power supplies. It was surprising that he was so simply unconcerned about how others perceived him. Plenty of empty coffee mugs and torn Cyber Boost wrappers were scattered across the floor. There was also pizza box, a few crumpled papers, tissues, more tissues. In the bookcase, she spotted a whole set of literature for hackers and programmers. On the coffee table several volumes of Neon Genesis Evangelion manga, and next to them a box of Ghost in the Shell anime. Ancient C64 was standing in a dark corner of the room. She wondered if Pritchard played Prince of Persia on it.

"Piece of Junk ready. Sending you the copied files. Annndd... Done." "Don't you have anything faster? Even the coffee will get cold at this transfer rate."

His whining was driving Laura crazy, but still better this than Jensen around every corner. As they started working in earnest, Pritchard stopped commenting on her every move. All she could hear in the silence was the rustling of the paper bag and sips of drunken coffee.

"Found that damn thing." proclaimed the auburn-haired girl. "That bugger, that jerk used that code! And I ordered him not to. I'm going to set him up now." "Are you talking about Stevenson?" he asked while pushing one of the buttons on his dvd-rom drive. When the loading tray showed up Pritchard placed there his coffee mug. "Aha. About him." "It's a waste of time. He's on notice. That means you'll take over his duties." "Frank, you must be kidding!" she indignantly replied. "No, sweetheart. At the moment it is impossible to hire someone new. You are the best, and I can trust you."

That ingratiating voice did not bode well at all. Laura frowned, she was mad and if it wasn't for her mission, she would have quit this job long ago. If only she was getting something extra for overtime.

"I'll tell you in secret that Sarif agreed to a raise for you." "Yeah probably by half a credit." she thought. "That's great," she said aloud, forcing herself to be happy.

Pritchard reached for a tissue and blew his nose, which was already so red from a cold that it made him look like Rudolph the reindeer. If Laura was mean, she would take a picture of him now and post it on all social media with the appropriate caption.

For the next few hours, she tried to fix what her colleague screwed up. Unfortunately, there was a lot of it, so they had to divide the work into several stages.

"Hurry up, girl, or we won't finish it for the rest of our lives."

One more dose of his grumble and she'd leave him alone with this mess. Jensen around every corner is no longer so scary.

"Done, we can check." "Well, not bad," he admitted when he saw the uploaded part on the screen of his monitor. "Good, now attack it with the best things you have. We'll see how long it can hold." „Come on baby, hold together, hold together,” Frank mumbled, while Laura struck with all of the stuff she knew other hackers might use.

None of them managed to get through the firewall. They ran a few more tests just to be sure and moved on to the next stage. Pritchard wouldn't let her out at a normal time. She had to stay longer because, like him, she had no private life.

“My dear, don't forget you're a week behind and as you know we've got a ton of fixes because of that idiot.” "And for that week I was sitting in a fever with my nose stuck in the damn code."

She tried manifesting her objection, but her boss's answer shook her internal balance.

"If it weren't for Jensen's insistence, you wouldn't get this sick leave at all," he said staring at the screen.

What?! But how… That's impossible! What does Adam have to do with this?! After all, he avoids her like fire. He's unkind and would like her to simply disappear. Laura couldn't concentrate on her work, so finally, the boss in all of his kindness let her go home. She was supposed to be at his place tomorrow at the same time.

All  chapters can be found: [AO3], [dA], [Wattpad] and [Tumblr]

[dreamcatcherrs]

august - ranboo x reader

+ disclaimer! I don't know if ranboo actually has a cat :)

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: ranboo x f!reader

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: ranboo can’t help but to blush every time you look at him, not realising that he was falling even harder for you than he realised.

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬: 1.478

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: none :)

song recommendation: august - taylor swift

the first time he’d spotted you was in science class, near the end of the school year. that one time you looked up and smiled at him because of something stupid he’d said to his friend, that you for some reason found funny - he couldn’t stop thinking of that smile for the rest of the day. the image of you stuck in his head.

the next time he saw you was in p.e. you were wearing those pretty red sports shorts that you always wore, but he for some reason had never noticed until now. and whenever you’d walk or run past him, the smell of vanilla would follow behind you, filling his nostrils with the scent, and it felt heavenly. from that day on, he decided that he really liked the smell of vanilla.

weeks went by before you first talked to him. you were sat behind him and had poked his shoulder to ask him if he had a spare pencil for you to borrow. he breathed in, eyes wide from surprise. were you talking to him? it was only when you tilted your head to the side with a playful smile on your face that he realised he’d been zoned out, completely forgetting that he had to respond.

“uh- yeah, sure.” he’d fumbled with his backpack, trying to fish out his pencil case only to remember… he didn't have one. he moved his hands back again, looking back up at you as you leaned over the table with a patient smile on your face. “uhm… actually, I don't have one either.”

that made you laugh, and he was just confused, cheeks turning red in embarrassment. “well, I guess I can't really complain about that,” you giggled, brushing a strand of hair out of your face. “I’m y/n, by the way. we have science together, I just don't think we ever got the chance to talk.” he grabbed the hand you’d put out to shake, staring into your bright eyes as you shook his hand. were there stars in your eyes? it looked like there was a whole other universe in there.

“I guess not-”

“hey, you two. eyes up here.” mr. jefferson, you douche-

“sorry mr. jefferson!” you apologised, before turning to send him a playful smile. as if you two had a secret that no one else knew about. he wondered if that smile was always able to get you out of trouble. he thought about it for a while as mr. jefferson explained the different historic sculptures, and then came to the conclusion, that no one could be mad at a person with such a smile for very long.

“aww, you never told me you had a kitty!”

he threw his backpack onto the arm chair in his living room, letting out an exasperated sigh as you followed behind him, or rather, followed his cat behind him. he turned around to see you crouched down beside his cat, softly petting it  with the cutest smile on your face.

“yeah. pretty cute, right?” he joined you by petting the purring creature, heart bubbling with how cute the sight in front of him was. he wasn't just talking about the cat.

“well, should we get started?” you asked, shrugging your own backpack off and getting out a small notebook. he’d noticed you wrote in it a couple of times during the class before.

you’d both been assigned for a science project together - what a coincidence. he wasn't complaining though - not at all. you’d had fun times together in class since, now being sat beside each other. you’d gone to his place to put in some extra work ethic. “you’re lucky I actually like science! then we’ll get some work done.”

you plopped down on his couch, taking in the comfiness for a moment, before fishing out your computer. “are you implying something?” you giggled at his question, lifting a finger at him.

“that I do all of the work in science class while you sit and stare at me? yes.”

a wave of heat flooded over him, cheeks and ears turning red and his palms sweating up. was it that obvious?

you patted the spot on the couch beside you for him to sit down, a small smile etched onto your face. he did so, finding a comfortable way to sit in before looking over at your computer screen. you turned you head to him, scooting closer when you noticed he could barely see your screen. as if that would help his sweaty armpits and rosy cheeks…

“okay, do you remember our lesson about polar and non-polar electronegativity?” his face was blank. the words were foreign to him. was that the day you wore that pink lipstick? or did he just think that because he thought it looked so good on you?

you rolled your eyes playfully at his lack of response, proceeding to point at the screen and explain to him what it means. he listened to start off with, but then soon realised that his thoughts had drifted off to another place, eyes gazing over to look at you instead of the screen. and instead of listening, he started thinking about the way your lips moved - how cute and perfect they were. and how much he wanted to kiss them.

he lost his train of thought when you turned your head to him again, a frown on your face when noticing how lost in thought he was, clearly not paying attention, yet your look of disbelief quickly turned into a surprised expression. was he looking at you?

“you’re not listening.”

he looked bewildered for a moment, but quickly managed to clear his throat awkwardly, eyes turning to the screen again. “sorry.”

you began to explain again, and this time he only glanced over at you once when... was that blush on your cheeks?

the first time he kissed you was one month later, summer break. you were at the local park, basking in the rays of sun as the summer was soon to end. the smell of freshly mowed grass was all that filled your nostrils, and the fresh breeze every now and then was enough to keep you from melting under the heat of the sun.

you were sat at a nice waterfall, your backs turned towards it as you ate the sandwiches you had just bought. the sound of water trickling out of the different places on the statue was pleasant for your ears, peaceful really.

he’d gone to push his longer hair out of his face, and then rest his hand beside him, in the middle of the two of you. but instead of meeting a cold surface, his hand met your soft one, that was already resting right where he was about to put his hand.

he heard you gasp softly, head turning to look down at your hands. he looked back at you with wide eyes, which you quickly returned when realizing what had happened, a rosy colour spreading over your cheeks. and right then, he couldn’t help himself. he knew you hadn’t known each other for that long, but he knew you. and he for sure knew that he liked you.

as your eyes stared into his, head slightly leaning in, he kissed you. soft and sweet and short, and when he pulled back again, your eyes were closed and you didn’t look displeased at all. and that’s when he knew, you liked him, too.

“ranboo, I swear, if you rest your arm on my head one more time!”

he laughed at your small threat, removing his arm from its comfortable place on the top of your head. he ruffled your hair, just to annoy you, with a playful smirk on his face. you pouted at him, fixing your hair again and softly shoving at his chest.

“fine~ I’ll stop. you’re just so short, it’s hard not to,” he giggled, patting the top of your head lightly as he smiled down at you brightly.

“maybe you should just be shorter. then I won't have to get on my toes all the time to kiss you.” you crossed your arms, staring up at him with a smirk on your face.

he shrugged. “nah. I kinda like seeing you struggle with that.”

you rolled your eyes and let out a low grumble, acting like a kid who was just told they weren't allowed any candy. before you knew it, a dandelion was pushed back into your hair, followed suit by a quick peck on your cheek. your lips parted in surprise, eyes staring up at him again, before reaching your hand up to gently touch the flower, a small smile spreading across your face.

“now,” he started, leaning down to intertwine his fingers with yours. “shall we go out to enjoy the last day of august?”

_____________________________________

tag list✰

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[finfarts]

feel free to ignore, i just wanted to vent some thoughts & it is long

about two hours ago would have been the prime time for me to write out my displeasure with work but because i’ve waited until the end of my work day instead, i’m now just exhausted, stressed and defeated.

back in 2017, i accepted the position of workshop coordinator partially for the raise and partially bc i had already accepted about half of the workload associated with the title and turned the position from a once a month routine to a full time job. did that for a few years then decided i was ready to head back to school this time to for art.

had an online skype interview, hit it off really well with the founder of the college and the question of employment came up at some point. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is your job currently?” “Workshop Coordinator.” “Oh, that’s funny. We were just about to start looking for one of those.” about a week later i had a job interview, got hired and then got accepted into the college after turning out the portfolio requirements in a little under a month. a sweet deal! I’d be going to a different city, had employment guaranteed because i was going to pay my own way through school, found a place to move to, arrived on february 17th the day after concluding a massive event at my prior place of employment and started working with the college mar. 3rd.

there was it’s own learning curve, linex os computers instead of apple or windows, different organization, different content, different objectives of the company, etc etc. no big deal, just has to work my way through and get familiar with the process. fantastic! then march 14th hit and suddenly covid was a very pressing topic and concern. so the college moved to remote work and schooling, taking a few extra months for students but the experience was a near instant switch for staff. so we kind of rode it out for a few months. that two weeks to flatten the curve shit never really took. a few housemates got sick, my partner missed me dearly as did my cat, and i felt like i was loosing touch with reality so before travel laws got stupid i moved back home where rent was cheaper.

i attended college online and while it might have been slower and lacking in some regard, i really enjoyed it! it made me feel like i had a lot more knowledge and understanding than i previously thought, it also opened my eyes to the fact that the arts education i had received prior was deeply lacking so this was a vast improvement. my art skills grew exponentially over that time but i barely had a day off. if i wasn’t working on assignments, i was working for income. if i wasn’t working on either then i was pretty much dead to the world.

anyways, i’m now a full time employee bc covid fucked up my savings and i can’t afford to be a student anymore. it’s presented a lot of opportunity but i’m at a cross roads again where i know i would benefit from a school setting like that but i don’t actually want to move back to the big city or commute to it. i also never wanted to be a workshop coordinator, it’s just a position that keeps falling on my lap so i’m constantly helping others get the arts education i wish i had time to develop further but i’m not skilled enough to actually land a job in the industry either. a perpetual crossroads.

also somehow i’ve become like a pre-screener for the school’s staff/hiring process, on top of managing their social media, advertising/marketing with some minor IT support type stuff but none of it is actually what i want to do and drains me of the time/energy to pursue the stuff i want to do because i am chasing constant deadlines and bureaucratic procedures. i’ve learned so much bizarrely specific canadian law and international students keep asking me for visa support when i don’t know shit. i keep trying to learn but it’s so far outside my wheel house that i’m exhausted.

anyways, if anyone read this whole ramble. you’re a cool person and thanks for taking the time. i hope your day goes well or has gone well so far and if not please take a moment to breath with me so we can get through this journey called life together.

also if you know of any job opportunities for someone with a bizarre range of skill sets that doesn’t fit into the average job market that doesn’t involve coordinating workshops, hmu. thanks.

[luna-loner]

Gotham Queen: Hazama

So, a while ago, I saw this post where someone, either @assclass-dump or @bea2804 (I don’t remember which one was it, and I am not about to roam through the Hazama tag just to find that one post, so I’ll tag both just in case) point out how Hazama has a unique cape in Koro Q. 

The moment I saw that cape, I instantly thought of one thing: Batman.

That lead to an idea of a Hero!Hazama AU where she was part of the bat-fam, and all because of that one cape.

Anyway, I’ve been trying to think of some Hazama content, and today, I had an idea for a drabble based on that one idea.

***

If she were to be completely honest, seeing the legendary bat-cave was....disappointing.

It was exactly as she'd imagined it: big cave full of fancy equipment, a giant computer, and oh, we shouldn't forget the shiny bat mobile.

Really, what do you expect from a billionaire vigilante?

"Answer the question."

Red orbs met the narrowed white slits of none other than the caped crusader himself. Hazama wondered if this was the notorious "bat glare" that was rumored to send shivers down one's spine. If that were the case, then it was another disappointment. 'He should see my mom when she's in one of her moods.'

Maybe it was just her. After all, nothing came close to the haunting eyes of her own mother as well as the soul-shattering screams that had become the title track of her miserable childhood. In fact, everything else paled in comparison to the devil woman that was her mother.

Hazama shrugged. "I tracked you down, that's it.”

The glare deepened, not that it had any effect on her. 'Maybe I should show him that picture of mom, tell him to take notes.'

"How exactly?" Batman questioned.

"I had help."

"Who?"

'An AI who roams the internet. Oh, and she's been living your big, bat-computer, so that's how I know who you and your sidekicks really are.'

Of course, she wasn't going to tell him that, mainly to get under his skin, but there was a reason as to why she was here in the first place.

"It doesn't matter right now." Hazama spoke, straightening in her seat and regarding the hero with a serious look. "I'm here to help with the tentacled monsters that're suddenly popping up."

The Dark Knight did not seem pleased by that answer. In fact, he was growing irritated with this mysterious girl who had casually strolled in that bat cave like it was no big deal.

"Kirara Hazama." Nightwing stood next to Batman, a tablet in hand. "Sixteen years old. Japanese nationale. Transfer student at Gotham Academy." He looked up to meet the girl's eyes. "Not to mention, you were one of the students involved in that whole assassination ordeal from last year."

Hazama clutched her elbow. A year had passed since Korosensei's passing, but it was still felt so recent, as though that fateful night was only hours ago. Her heart clenched when she remembered the the tiny, yellow orbs floating around them, the feeling of Korosensei literally slipping through her fingers was unforgettable.

And now, her past had followed her all the way to another country; Hazama didn’t know if this was life trying to be funny, but if it were truly the case, then it was an utter, humorless fail. 

Really, all she wanted was to be as far away as possible from her controlling mother, and the opportunity comes in the form of a transfer exchange program. But then one day, she gets attacked by a creature bearing an eerie resemblance to her late teacher. It had everything: the tentacles, the yellow skin, and even that trademark grin of his.

“Koro...sensei?”

Except that grin had been laced with malice, and before the girl could comprehend what was happening, she found a tentacle wrapped around her neck and dangling her in the air to suffocate. 

“Sensei!”   

Were it not for her assassination training, Hazama would not have managed to escape. Those had arguably been the most horrifying seconds of her life, more horrifying than the Okinawa ordeal, where Hazama truly believed herself nearing death’s door. 

“It’s not him.” She breathed, her hand seemingly glued to her neck. “Korosenei would never...”  

And she was right, especially after more and more of these psuedo-senseis appeared on the streets of Gathom city, wrecking havoc in a manner akin to mindless zombies. Hazama didn’t know their origins, but she was deadset on unraveling this mystery. ‘And...’ She bit her bottom lip.

And maybe...by some strange, unforeseeable miracle, he would be be alive.    

Batman scrutinized the girl, her melancholy was not lost on him. The sadness glinting in her eyes was uncomfortably familiar, one that told the story of loss. He may not of read it, but he felt like he already knew the tale.

But that wasn’t the issue at hand. He will eventually learn how this girl managed to track him down, not to mention, do a thorough background check.

But for now, his priorities lied in handling the “Octopus terror” that had plagued Gotham. If this Kirara Hazama person had a solution to this, he was willing to listen, though her words will be taken with a grain of salt. After all, Batman did not trust her, not when she had somehow figured out their secret identities.

“Kirara, was it?”

“Hazama.” She corrected. “I don’t like my first name all that much, so just call me, Hazama.”

The man was silent for a few moments before responding “Very well then, Hazama.” He crossed his arms. “What do you know about these creatures?”

“Not much.” She admitted. “But they’re undoubtedly linked to my teacher.”

“Your teacher?”

“The one we were tasked with killing.” She explained, ignoring the slight ache in her heart. “I know how his past; maybe that could help us get to the bottom of this.”

“Uh...us?” Nightwing spoke up. “Kid, we’re talking dangerous stuff here.”

Hazama raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“What do you mean “And”?” The acrobat questioned irritably.

“Just because you have information on these creatures doesn’t mean you can come with us.” Batman said, regarding her with his notorious bat-glare once more. 

Hazama glared back at him. “You’re going to need me.” She said firmly.

 “I won’t.”

“You will.” She argued. “For a whole year, my class and I were trained on how to kill that octopus.” 

The bat glare intensified. “We don’t kill.”

“Neither do we.” She walked closer to bat until the distance between them was a few centimetres. “At least not when it comes to human life.”

She then pulled out her anti-sensei knife for the two men to see. “This is what I used when I was attacked by one of the monsters. To humans, it’s just a rubber knife.” 

She bent it slightly to prove her point. “But it’s a deadly weapon to those monsters.”

The two heroes still didn’t look convinced.

“We spent a whole year studying that octopus, jolting down all his weaknesses.” She met Batman’s gaze with a determined look. “Like it or not, you’re going to need us.”

Batman narrowed his eyes. “Us?”

“Correct!”

The two men whipped their heads to the bat computer, their eyes widening at the sight of a purple-haired girl displayed on screen.

Ritsu smiled brightly at the two and waved. “Hello!”

The Dark Knight was the first to recover from his shock. He turned back to Hazama, bat-glare ever present.

“I take it this is who helped you, correct?”

The Goth gave him a smug smile. “Yup; and she’ll be a big help in this mission.”

“You bet!” There was a glitch on screen and suddenly, Ritsu was dressed in a female version of Batman’s costume.

Batman was absolutely not amused by this.

“Alright.” He turned back to Hazama. “But once this is over, you both will be answering some question. Is that clear?”

The girl shrugged. “Sounds fair.” She smirked. “But if you’re gonna interrogate me again, you’re gonna need to do better than glaring. Here, take notes.”

She then held up picture and gave it to Batman. Curious, Nightwing leaned closer, then jerked back a second later. 

“Yikes!” He yelled in fright. “What is that?!”

“My mom.” The girl replied casually. “I use this to scare off cat-callers. It’s the one thing my mom’s good for.”

Batman regarded her with a neutral look. “Not the best relationship, I suppose?”

“Nope.” She stretched her arms and walked away.

“Where do you think you’re going?” The Bat asked, narrowing his eyes.

“I’m starving.” She replied without even looking back. “Your butler said he’ll be making dinner, right? We can’t save Gotham on empty stomachs.” 

Nightwing chuckled slightly. “First Tim, now this Hazama kid.” He turned to his former mentor with a playful smirk. “It’s pretty hilarious how a bunch of kids can easily deduce your secret identity, huh?” 

Batman’s only response was a glare, followed by him holding up the photo to show Nightwing the devil herself.

***

I have no idea what I just wrote...

Question: Has anyone in this fandom ever thought of an AC/DC crossover where Hazama was apart of the bat-fam before?

Because I’m starting to like the idea, especially when I imagine her endlessly trolling the Dark Knight.

Hazama in the bat clan....so many possibilities...Maybe have her be the new batgirl...or take on a completely original mantle... 

[grimmjowkurosakidrake]

fic propmt for ss- Sasuke going through emo phase, Sakura bubble gum pop who are neighbors and are annoyed by each other’s taste in music

Look at me answering fics prompts months after, I’m the worst I know! XD

This fic is a songfic inspired by A*Teens’ A perfect match! I know the ask was about Sasuke’s emo phase and you were expecting a little bit more Fall out boy than Dir en Grey but deal with me, my emo phase was my visual kei phase so I don’t know much about western emo music. Also, both Sasuke and Sakura are Japanese xD!

Well, without further ado, the fic:}

Perfect Match

Your family says that it’s just a phase, the fact that you like to wear dark colors on your clothes and you listen to angry music because that is what boys your age do and there’s nothing to worry about.

They don’t like to talk about the anger and the sadness you feel. You’re twenty and already in collage. You don’t think this is a phase anymore, now you’re just angry.

They don’t like to talk about how you’re a lot more sensitive than your brother and how you’re not all that much interested in becoming a lawyer just like him.

You are the second son of a rich family that never had to struggle for anything, you have absolutely nothing to be sad or angry about, or at least, that’s what they think.

But even with all the money they have you still had to sell your TV and your music system just to buy tickets for a “The Gazette” concert back in 2009 and even thought they can totally afford for suits you don’t want and private tutors you don’t need, you still had to sell your car and work for four months just to travel to Seoul and get tickets for the “Metallica” and “Baby metal” concert hosted there this year.

It was a great experience, it made you happy beyond belief, but that happiness you experienced, those feelings that for once weren’t depressing and anxiety-infusing, weren’t enough for your family.

Maybe that’s why you’re angry.

You’re angry when you arrive at your street on the buss, alone, because no one would come and see you at the airport and you’re definitely angry when your find Sakura, your childhood neighbor, dancing to fucking Reol’s “Give me a break” on her brand new music system that her mom bought her last month just so she could go and spend the money she makes on the Maid Caffe she works part-time on her mindless clothes and accessories.

She looks cute, you have to admit, with her too short, hot pink shorts and her Harajuku style black crop top with a Kabuki mask printed on it. She’s wearing the pink pearl collar you saw her buy a few days after your trip and you just know that the eyes of those stupid cat earrings she’s wearing are actually real diamonds.

It angers you how she can spend her money on making herself look how she wants to look so easily when you can’t even buy a pair of ripped, black jeans with all the money your father makes.

So, you lash at her “Could you shut up with that shit, please?” You ask her from across your own lawn, “I don’t want to listen to your garbage today.” She glares at you, her green eyes accentuated by her cat eye makeup, and then she turns up the music.

She’s a fierce girl Haruno Sakura.

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

You find yourself obliged to talk to her again when your parents invite hers to a late dinner on your house.

They force you to take her to your room and warn you with a tight lipped “behave yourself or else…” that makes you wonder what else could they take away from you now that you don’t even have a car.

She makes herself comfortable on your bed as you turn on your computer and My Chemical Romance’s Teenagers starts rolling through the music list. She makes an annoyed face at your choice in music but doesn’t say anything.

It’s your room, your rules, after all. And she’s smart enough to acknowledge this universal rule.

She’s wearing nicer clothes today. An all-black assemble consisting of a lite crop top only covering her small breasts paired with a big black bomber jacket and loose black, dress pants with a cute bow on top. Even when you couldn’t care less about clothes and fashion you think she looks insanely good tonight and you can’t take your eyes off her.

“You like my outfit?” She asks with a smirk when she notices your intense gaze on her.

“Yeah…” You answer, sitting by her legs on your bed.

“It’s by Yohji Yamamoto’s summer collection!” Beams Sakura, “You would think that with this level of minimalism it would be from a European designer you know?”

Whatever she says it sounds like a question, and even when you don’t know of what she’s talking about you mumble a small “Sure” as you come closer to her.

She smiles, “but no, it’s one of our own!” Giggles Sakura with clear excitement in her voice “We really do have to start appreciating our own artists more.”

“That sure is interesting,” You answer, so near her face that you can feel her warm breath against yours.

You really want to kiss her.

She’s beautiful, awful taste on music and all, she’s always happy and cute, more than anything. Happy like you never are, always optimistic and irreverent like her music and her clothes so kissing her red-looking lips that never stop smiling it’s all you can think about.

She kisses you first, the sweet taste of her lips on your own and the feeling of her petite arms around your neck making you feel like never before.

“I didn’t know you were interested in art,” she comments as she ends the kiss.

“I’m not,” you smirk, “But South Park says you can get a girl by faking interest in her and they’re not wrong.”

Sakura doesn’t hit you or screams, she just pushes you away, takes off her jacket and takes a copy of The Mist from your bookshelf to read in silence. You are able to see the expanse of her pristine, beautiful back and the beautiful Sakura tree branch tattoo that adorns her right arm and collarbone the whole night until she eventually leaves with her parents.

But you’re not allowed to touch and that is punishment enough.

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

You invite her to see a horror movie a few days later and she accepts, Sakura seems to hate the movie the whole time but the way she blushes when you put your arm around her shoulders makes you think she may be enjoying herself anyway.

You don’t understand until she invites you to an art gallery for a friend of hers whose work is being accepted that you finally understand the appeal of doing things you hate just for the person you like.

Her friends are boring and snobbish, but she’s wearing a form fitting red dress with her back bare and she allows you to rest your hand there the whole night.

You’re allowed to kiss her anywhere and everyone just knows that she’s yours and you’re hers by principle of her the closeness you share.

When you discover that you both want to go to a 2000s bands tribute after the party and she shows you the blue leather skirt she’s going to change into, you discover that maybe you’re not all that different.

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

Her clothes are always styled to look the way she likes them. Be it cute or sexy or that delicious combination of both that you like so much on her. With her short, pink skirts and her long, boyfriend t-shirts.

Her family is a very progressive one and they don’t mind how much skin she shows off or the art she has on her skin.

Everything is pristine on her, even her few tattoos, because she planed and wanted those changes on her.

But the holes on your pants are messy and not at all how you want them to look. You had to cut them yourself after all and you’re shit with anything that has to do with clothes, you don’t know about fabric and you always end up cutting where you should not.

This all ends when you start dating Sakura.

This time you’re in her room, listening to freaking Grease’s You’re the one that I want (and not saying anything because her room her rules, after all), as she carefully cuts holes on your jeans.

She looks happy to do so, because she loves clothes and spicing them up, she even buys a few skull patches to sew on the pockets and those small details make you happy just like the concerts and music make you happy.

You kiss her deeply when you go to your own house by night and she winks at you from across her window as Marina and the Diamonds’ Bubblegum bitch blasts through her music system.

As your parents who always thought of her as the nice girl from across your lawn frown at the lyrics of the singer crying “I'm gonna be your bubblegum bitch!”, you can’t help but think that she’s a perfect match for you.

[the-darklings]

—𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈;

pairing: quentin beck x f!reader

word count: 3.6k

summary: "I’m whatever you want me to be Mr Beck."

warnings: manipulation (of other people), love/hate-rivals relationship, swearing.

notes: Oh man, here we go again!! So this fic is set pre-FFH so no spoilers for the plot of that movie, except Quentin’s past occupation/characterisation. 

“unbecoming” mini-series: . . | 02 |

Life was a monopoly of good luck and bad luck. 

Which side you landed on depended entirely on you. 

That was the first thing he taught you. 

And the last thing you taught him. 

. . .

“Are you nervous?”

“No.”

Your new supervisor—a man in his late forties, already balding, and clearly cheating on his wife if the way he was keenly eyeing the female employees was any indication—looked up at you with something close to surprise. 

“Confident, huh?” he guessed—incorrectly, but you weren’t rude enough to correct him and first impressions matter—rubbing his chin, and grunting under the weight of the safety manuals he was carrying. You had offered to help but pride stopped him from accepting. “Mr Stark mentioned something about that.”

Oh, you bet he did. 

“May I ask a question, sir?” you wondered quietly, your words gentle, placid. 

The man straightened, and you had to bite back a disgusted grimace at the way he peered at you openly, affected by the mild speech pattern. Too easy. 

“Of course, of course,” he said immediately, expression open, “It’s your first day after all. Mr Stark said to give you a full tour.”

“I feel so terrible even asking. But why this division?” you questioned with a well practised awkward laugh, fiddling with your fingers. “I was under the impression that I will be working directly under Mr Stark?”

“Ah, well,” the man began, clearing his throat and you watched him closely from under your lashes. Awkward, fumbling for words—likely for an explanation that would not offend. Hmm. “The Visionary program is the one Mr Stark personally oversees. Teams of the brightest people on this side of the continent gather to build something amazing together. Each year there’s a demo presentation, and Mr Stark picks the next lead project himself. It’s a huge honour and every engineer and developer hopes to end up getting the lead project one day. Of course, it’s something highly coveted due to the scale of attention and funding the lead project gets.”

And that was that. 

Idiot. But maybe smarter than you first gave him credit for. It was harder to answer a question without giving a proper answer than it seemed. Your eyes shifted to the man, confused, lost, and he faltered upon seeing your expression. 

“I’m sorry, sir,” you told him politely, nibbling on your lip. “I don’t think I really understand what that has to do with me? I’m sorry if I’m being somehow rude—”

“Nonsense,” he cut you off hurriedly, and you took another left, moving deeper and deeper into the building. “It’s just...the team you will be working on shows a lot of potential, but it’s a rather, ah, challenging project to work on, shall we say? Mr Stark believes that placing you with this team for your trial period will give you invaluable experience. Experience that—one day soon—you may even use to run your own team.” 

A challenging project, huh? 

Interesting.  

. . .

You didn’t expect a team of only three people. 

Two males and a female. 

The woman introduced herself first. Victoria, but call me Vic for short; stern-faced and polite, sporting a pair of guarded eyes and stiff shoulders. The man to introduce himself next was the exact opposite, overly cheerful and open. The type that people liked because he reminded them of golden retrievers with their too friendly, too good nature. His name was Daniel—Dan for short, please; and wasn’t that just adorable? 

The last man—the man behind the project and the invention—was called Quentin Beck.

He, unlike the other two, didn’t introduce himself, his eyes glued to the tablet in his hands as he frowned minutely at the screen. He sat hunched over it, seemingly in another world, and from the dim light of the room you couldn’t see more than his profile. 

The supervisor called him by name once, twice, making even your two new colleagues exchange looks before Beck finally tore his gaze away, standing to his feet at last.

He moved oddly—smooth, practised—but something from the moment he stood up, to the moment he came to stand before you made something inside you spring to attention. 

Most humans walked; hunched, straight, that didn’t matter. 

Others strutted; arrogant, conceited, believing that they were the gravity holding everything together whenever they moved. 

Many shuffled: awkward, misplaced, seeking comfort in a world that wasn’t going to provide them with any. 

Quentin Beck did none of those things. 

Quentin Beck prowled like a storm, a dangerous thing, across the room, his gaze a chasm. 

Oh, something hummed inside you. 

Hello.

. . .

Few things became apparent quickly. 

One, Daniel liked to overshare to a startling, almost worrying, degree. 

Within the first hour of knowing him, you already had far too much information on him that you still tucked away inside your mind. It was little pieces that make the big picture, and getting the little details mattered. 

Daniel was indeed a golden retriever. He lived by himself, loved basketball, Mexican food, reading and taking hikes. He even had a dog, and—admittedly—it was very hard to control your laughter at that one. He sounded like a bad dating website ad but you weren’t going to tell him that. 

Two, Victoria was quieter, more observative, though Daniel still managed to let it slip how she lived with her girlfriend and a cat not too far from the Stark Industries. 

“A cat and a dog person,” Daniel said with a cheery laugh and a dimpled smile, “As you can imagine, we get on brilliantly.”

Victoria rolled her eyes and you laughed too, adding just the right amount of warmth into your voice. 

“I sure can.”

However, the one person you wanted to learn more about—the whole point of this tedious process, according to your supervisor—was mostly quiet.

Sure, he made a comment or two now and again, adding only the bare minimum to the conversation, as well as an occasional hum of agreement or disagreement when a point was raised. But his mind and gaze never wandered far from the tablet in his hand. His entire focus was on it and whatever he was working on. 

If anything, the slight downward slant of his mouth and the rigidness of his shoulders told you he was more annoyed about wasting time on this exchange of pleasantries. The dark shirt he wore made him blend into the darkness of the lab, and from this angle, he appeared both taller and gaunter. Ungodly.

“Maybe we can get started?” you wondered, keeping your voice neutral, “I would hate to take up any more of Mr Beck’s valuable time with our chatter. I think we’re boring him.”  

His eyes locked with yours, and the glow of multiple computer screens surrounding him made them glow, accenting the rich blue of his irises. His mouth curled into a smile—a charming, polite thing that he had surely used a thousand times to offset the hard, glacial look in his eyes. 

Assessing. Demanding. Judging. 

You had a hard time controlling your knowing smirk. 

. . .

“Holographic illusions,” you stated slowly, dryly. “When the old man said a challenging project, I didn’t now that what he really meant was a dead project.”

Daniel fell silent mid explanation, and even Victoria’s eyes flew to you like what you said was the most horrifying thing she had ever heard.  

“Care to elaborate?”

His voice was calm; low, and perpetually pleasant to listen to. You imagined all the times he must have used it to his advantage—surely many, only a fool won’t. 

You stood next to the whiteboard delineating the invention proposal, calculations, technological advancements as well as details of the first two prototypes. Predictably both failures. It wouldn’t be presumptuous to assume that prototype number 3 was hardly faring any better. 

“Human brain is perceptive,” you told him with equal calm in your voice, meeting his blank stare. “It adapts with startling efficiency. The five senses alone are difficult to fool. Once the mind is exposed to something and deems it unsafe, or in any way unsettling, it rebels. Not to mention that this technology relies far too heavily on sight alone. What if I closed my eyes? How effective will this little light show be then?”

Daniel sucked in an audible breath and Victoria’s almond eyes slowly slid towards the very still Beck. The man observed you shrewdly, silent—and was that a spark of annoyance? Anger?

“Fear,” he stated, a touch colder, rising from his seat behind the table and closing the distance to you. “Wonder. Confusion. Human minds are weak and susceptible to a shift in the natural—safe—order of things. The subject can be aware it’s an illusion, but if the illusion is strong enough to hold them, then the inherent sense of fear will take over. Panic shuts down logic and major motor functions rather quickly. What does that leave us with then, you may ask? Well, it leaves us with a subject that will believe whatever I want them to believe.” 

He halted before you, and your head tilted upwards to meet his stare with a slight, benign smile, “Ah, yes. I’m sure Mr Stark will be willing to invest millions into technology that will traumatize people. After all, if I was him, that’s what I would want my company to be known for.”

Something flashed across his gaze then—something dark, something burning—and he leaned back with an easy grin. It transformed his face, only dialling the handsomeness to something near blinding. 

“That’s why it’s a prototype, honey,” he pointed out simply, a touch mocking before he turned to Daniel and Victoria, waving his hand in a placating gesture. “Don’t worry, you two. By the time we’re done, the technology will be safe and people will be able to use it without side effects. That’s a promise.”

Holding back a snort, you crossed your arms over your chest. “Unlikely,” you insisted quietly, and Beck glanced back at you, still grinning. 

You returned his smile, practically beaming, and it felt like two predators baring their teeth at each other in greeting, in warning.

Hello to you too, the sharpness seemed to whisper.

. . .

The first week was a whirlwind. 

You absorbed all the new surroundings and information around you like a sponge. Through gritted teeth and clenched fists, you greeted everyone you came into contact with. It was a tedious affair, and both emotionally and physically taxing, but you had to be seen—had to be presented in everyone's’ minds as a pragmatic, friendly person. 

Reputation was everything. One had to guard it with their life if they wanted to achieve anything in this world. Being liked, respected, opened all the doors. Or at least, the majority of them. 

Your work kept you busy too. 

Beck gave you two days to get acquainted with all the data collected through the project’s lifespan so far as well as the progress of the new prototype. 

You finished it in under 12 hours. 

He didn’t believe you. 

Every question he asked—examining you like one would a bug under a microscope—was met with a flat, slightly bored answer. 

“Just to be clear,” you told him, straightforward and unblinking, but smile unfading, “I think you’re wasting your time. I’ve read the briefs, I’ve seen what you’ve done with the technology you have. It’s impressive work, and you’re smart. Yet you’re wasting your time on...this. Even if you could get it to work—”

“I know it may be hard for you to understand,” he interrupted, his voice smooth, but his gaze harsh. He blinked once, expression smoothing, and you knew it was only because Daniel slipped back into the lab after lunch, shuffling back to his spot with an awkward grin in your direction. “But this is my life’s work. You don’t make history by doing something just anyone can. You see, life is a monopoly of good luck and bad luck. You choose which side you land on. I intend to land on the good side by doing something no one has done before.”

“Are you trying to tell me that the outcome of your life is a coin flip?” you repeated slowly, disbelief colouring your tone before you let out a sharp bark of laughter. “That’s complete horseshit.”

“Not if you control the flip,” he argued, but he almost—almost—looked amused. “Not if you know exactly how to throw, turn and drop the coin. Not if you control all the variables.”

“So,” you drawled, spinning in your chair, and cutting a sly look his way, “What you’re saying is that you’re a control freak.”

You expected him to get angry—expected him to let that little something lurking behind his carefully constructed charming demeanour crack and force its way through. 

He didn’t.

He only gave you a contemplative, knowing look, “Aren’t we all?”

That, damn him, made you laugh genuinely for the first time that week. 

. . . 

Quentin Beck was most certainly a control freak. 

There was no denying it. 

He didn’t let Daniel or Victoria anywhere near his prototype. He allowed them to run and compile test data but he spent all of his time working on the improvements himself. Calculations, tests adjustments; everything was under his careful consideration. 

Daniel and Victoria were only used as glorified secretaries.  

It was interesting but not surprising to see. You had met both men and women like him before. People who respected and valued their work too much to allow for any mistakes. When it’s your life’s work, you don’t leave anything up to chance. If you make a mistake, then it’s your mistake to make. It was about precaution as much as it was about arrogance. Usually. With Beck though…

“Hey, we’re finished,” Daniel said happily, glancing at his watch and already rising to his feet. “I love you guys, I really do, but I can’t wait to enjoy my weekend. Any plans? Vic? (Name)?” 

“We have a dinner planned tomorrow,” Victoria replied reluctantly, but a small smile twitched her mouth, telling you just how much she was actually looking forward to it. “Salma wants to try that new Thai place on the 46th.”

“I heard pretty good things,” Daniel replied with a nod, his eyes flickered to you and you stretched, leaning back in your seat. “How about you? Any dates you’ll be going on this weekend?”

You shrugged half-heartedly, turning another page between your fingers, “I have a date set with a pound of cocaine.”

Daniel stared at you blankly before bursting out laughing, the loud boom of his sniggering almost making you cringe. 

“Man, you’re too funny.”

Not really. 

You held your thoughts to yourself though. People didn’t like it when you disagreed with them, especially when they were trying to pay you a compliment. It implied that not only you didn’t value their opinion but also shot own their attempt at being nice.  

Victoria too was looking at Daniel like he’d sprouted another head and was having a hard time holding back her own laughter. 

“Well come on then I’ll walk—”

“(Name) is not done yet.”

Ah yes. 

Daniel’s mouth clamped shut, green eyes finally moving towards previously silent Beck. He sat leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, and the faintest glimmer of a challenging smirk across his face. 

If last week had proved anything to you, it was that Quentin Beck didn’t like his authority questioned. Ever. You made your opinion on his project clear from day one and it hadn’t gotten any better since. 

Beck started out with giving you menial tasks like he did with Victoria and Daniel. But suffice to say, he learned very quickly that they weren’t very adequate at keeping you occupied for long. The faster you finished your duties, the more work he had for you—effectively involving you in his project more than he probably wanted. 

Prideful, deceitful man; a man with a thousand faces but none of them genuine.

But he was a clever one too.

Irritatingly so. Conversations with him were as blood boiling as they were mentally stimulating.  

Then again, you refused to let him step over you, meeting him tic-for-tac every step of the way with no intention of letting up. 

It made him angry—someone questioning and picking apart his ideas and proposals, you could tell. Not that it mattered. You were part of this team. That meant you would see it succeed because you needed to succeed—it was as simple as that. If Beck didn’t listen, you would make him listen. Show him that you could contribute to his project. 

“Yes,” you agreed pleasantly, adding a touch of sadness into your slight smile, “I want to finish this tonight. You guys go ahead and have a great weekend. I’ll be seeing you both on Monday. Please give Charlie a kiss for me, will you?”

Victoria nodded—a little stiffly—peering at Beck with a slight frown. 

Clearly, the mention of her cat didn’t do much to ease the situation like you hoped. 

“C’mon, Vic, we better stop taking up valuable time,” Daniel stated, and you smiled wider at him, encouraging, “Don’t overwork yourself, okay?”

He directed those words only at you in such an obvious manner, you almost groaned. Idiot. 

“Sure, thanks, I really appreciate the concern.”

They took their time leaving though, both lingering on different things: Daniel on you, and Victoria on Beck—though unlike Daniel who stared at you warmly—she was giving Beck a cold look. 

The silence their absence left wasn’t awkward. If anything, the room seemed to lighten with neither of you looking at each other. 

“I was wrong,” you hummed at last, thoughtful, your eyes snagging on a ceiling tile and staying there. “That doesn’t happen often.”

You could practically feel Beck debating whether he should rise to the bait or not.

“About?” was his eventual, uninterested response. 

A slow smile stretched your mouth into something devious, “About you, of course.”

And just like that, you felt the weight of his expectant, hard gaze focus on you.

“Oh?” he questioned slowly. “How so?”

Your head turned to him and you stared at each other for a long moment, seizing each other up. It was interesting to be alone with him and see his meticulous construct of charm and control starting to crack.

“I thought it was arrogance,” you offered after another stretch of silence, watching the way his eyebrows drew together briefly. “At first, that is. Now, I know it’s not about your arrogance but rather the fact that you think they’re incompetent.”

His expression remained eerily blank, not giving anything away as he examined you from across the room. 

“You don’t really think I didn’t notice how you never allow them to do much of anything around here, right? Not to say you’re aren’t arrogant—you most certainly are—but you primarily don’t trust them to do their jobs well enough. The reason why this team only has three people—now four, of course—is due to the nature of your project and because you make it impossible for people to perform well. All the credit for the invention will go solely to you. Smart. But you’re also isolating yourself. Less smart.”

“I resent your implication—”

You snorted loudly, cutting him off, and even from this distance you could see the way his jaw clenched tightly, irked, gaze hooded. 

Idly, you wondered how much longer his act was going to last for.  

“I’m sure you do,” you told him flatly, your eyebrows jumping up in amusement. “You do realise that you’re cutting yourself off from valuable sources of information and useful workforce, right? You can get much further in life with a smile on your face than a command. They don’t need to be your friends. In fact, I hope they’re not. Your friends always betray you first because envy comes easily to them. Your enemies though...use them. Pretend if you must. You manage with me, and look how quickly we got through this test data. I read the old reports, it usually takes you a week. We did it in two days.”           

A breath; strained and short, and then, "What are you?"

A slight, sweet smile graced your face as you gazed up at him, "I'm whatever you want me to be Mr Beck."

You rose up without another word, feeling the intent—almost physical—weight that was his regard on you as you gathered up your things. 

“You’re not done yet,” his words were quiet, soft. 

Your steps drew to a halt right outside the door, your hand on the metal handle and you sighed, almost disappointed he hadn’t noticed. 

“Actually, I finished an hour ago,” you told him blandly, pushing on the door. “I just wanted to stay behind for a little chat.”

You glanced over your shoulder—just to see his reaction—and what you saw made you pause. 

Sometimes you run into people and they’re like the sun; shining and blazing brighter than anyone else in the room, warming you with their presence. 

Then, there were people like Quentin Beck. People who had ice running through they veins; people with cold eyes and wicked intentions, no matter how carefully hidden behind a mask of normalcy. 

The thing staring at you now with a sly curl of his mouth was only just human. 

There was no false charm, no carefully measured smiles or stilted compliments, there was just him and you and the empty space between you. 

“Hello, Quentin Beck,” you greeted coolly, knowingly, and watched the way his grin widened dangerously. “Nice to finally meet you.” 

. . .

an: these two are absolutely feral and the only way from here is up ayyy

Truthfully, I wrote Reader this way because I don’t see enough opportunist/cutthroat Reader stories around. I know this may not be everyone’s cup of tea but ahhh I still hope you liked it <33 Buckle up, I have some pretty interesting things planned for this one~~ 

[hopesilverheart]

Title: I loved your colours (before I loved you) Artist: @calliartss​ Rating: Explicit (Chapter 10 only) Pairings: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, Alec Lightwood & Clary Fray, Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood Word Count: ~95k Summary: Magnus Bane is a journalist who's always dreamed of modelling for Lightwood Fashions. When the CEO Alec Lightwood starts looking for new models for their spring collection, he jumps on the occasion.

In the meantime, Alec Lightwood is struggling with the idea of finally announcing his role as co-designer. When Magnus Bane strolls into his life, Alec is torn between keeping his secret or throwing all caution to the wind.

This fic was created for the Malec Discord Mini Bang 2020.

Chapter 1: A change to set you free

Magnus woke up with a start, bleary-eyed and confused.

A cup of coffee lay forgotten in front of him, papers scattered all over his desk, his computer still open and ready to be used. He couldn’t remember what he had been doing earlier, except that it had something to do with the ridiculous article Lorenzo had been pushing him to publish all month.

It took him a second longer to realise he was in his work office and not at home. He groaned tiredly, knowing there was no way he could fall asleep here. He would never hear the end of it if one of his colleagues found out. Nightmares, the lot of them. Not for the first time, Magnus wished he didn’t desperately need this job.

This job he hated with a passion.

He loved being an editor, he really did. He loved writing and going over articles and occasionally working on a piece when his superiors needed his expertise. He loved working alongside bright people who lived to share information with the world. He loved the fast-paced world of media and the friends he had made thanks to it. He didn’t love the company he worked for.

He had loved it, once upon a time, when he had been younger and in love with all the wrong people. He had enjoyed waking up early and walking into the Fade Media building, hand in hand with his then-girlfriend. He had been on his way to getting promoted, and had been the best contender for the Head Editor position. He had the credentials, the experience, the seniority.

Breaking up with Camille had ruined it all for him. His ex-girlfriend had shares in the company and was close friends with the CEO, Malcolm Fade. It was all too easy for her to pressure the man into promoting someone else in Magnus’ place. That had been five years ago.

Five years of working under Lorenzo Rey, an arrogant man who believed he was the best employee the company had ever seen. He wasn’t a terrible editor, loathe as Magnus was to admit it, but he was far from a people-person. Magnus couldn’t count how many times he’d had to interview people himself, trying to salvage the wreck Lorenzo’s bluntness left in its wake.

He loved working, but he hated the people he worked for. He hated crossing paths with Camille and Malcolm, smirks firmly in place every time they saw him. He hated knowing he would never get the job he wanted and hated not having the strength to leave.

Because as much as Magnus hated this place, he also knew it was his best shot. Fade Media was the second largest media company in the city, and Magnus knew there was no way he would ever be hired by the first. He had preferred settling for second-best instead of risking his entire career. He felt pathetic every time he walked into his subpar office, but at least he was getting paid and had some sort of influence on his co-workers.

Still, on days like these, when Magnus was exhausted and working on something for Lorenzo, he wished he were just a bit more brave.

He packed up his belongings as fast as possible, checking his phone and groaning as he caught a glimpse of the time – past ten, already – as well as five missed calls from Catarina. He had promised his friend he would have dinner with her and Madzie, but he had been tired and stressed and it had completely slipped his mind.

Feeling bad for bailing on his best friend yet again – it was the third time in a month, and he knew even Catarina’s patience had its limits – he called her back as he walked out of the building, promising himself he’d clean his office after a good night’s sleep.

“Magnus Bane.” He grimaced at his best friend’s cool tone. Before he could apologise for his absence, Catarina was speaking again. “Don’t even try to apologise or make excuses. Madzie was devastated when she realised you were skipping dinner again. Now I have a seven-year-old girl clinging to me in her sleep because she thinks her godfather has forgotten about her. I expect you to make up for this, Magnus, gifts and dinners and everything included.”

Magnus gulped, feeling even worse now than he had a few minutes earlier. He loved Madzie more than anyone in the world, and he hated knowing he had hurt her, no matter how unintentionally. His goddaughter had been abandoned once in her life, and she didn’t need to go through that a second time.

“I know you don’t want to hear it, but I’m sorry,” he sighed, shivering as the December air wormed its way underneath his clothes. He should have brought a coat, but he hadn’t thought he’d be out so late. “I fell asleep at work again, not that it excuses anything. I’ll make time for Madzie this week-end, I promise. I’m almost done with this piece and Lorenzo should be leaving me alone for a while after it.”

“For your sake, I hope you’re telling the truth,” his best friend said sternly, though Magnus could hear the worry lingering in her throat. “But Magnus…”

“I’m fine,” he muttered before she could get any further than that. “I know you hate hearing about my terrible sleep schedule, but I’m more than okay. This piece is just harder than I anticipated. Lorenzo’s got expectations bigger than his ego, and that’s saying something. “

“I can’t wait for the day when you finally knock that lizard off his pedestal,” Catarina huffed. Even as tired as he was, Magnus took a second to laugh delightedly at his best friend’s nickname for his boss. If anyone hated Lorenzo more than Magnus did, it was Catarina. She had been looking forward to his promotion almost as much as he had and had despised his replacement from the get-go. “You know, you could still leave. You don’t have to work for that horrible man if you don’t want to. I’m sure Fade will be begging you to come back as soon as he realises you’re the only thing keeping his company together.”

Magnus smiled at the compliment even though he knew it was far from true. Did he believe he was a better reporter and editor than Lorenzo? Yes. Did he think Lorenzo couldn’t live without him? No. There were dozens of incredible journalists out there, and he knew all of his colleagues were waiting for him to crack under the pressure and resign. He refused to give them that satisfaction.

“I’ll be fine, Cat,” he answered, turning onto his street and sighing contentedly. A few more minutes and he would be in bed, getting the sleep he deserved and desperately needed. “I’m almost home, so I’ll call you later, alright? Are you guys free on Saturday?”

“You know we are,” Catarina said. Magnus could picture her rolling her eyes as she spoke and an amused smile twitched at his lips. “We’ll figure out the details during our call tomorrow. Don’t you dare forget about me again.”

“I won’t,” Magnus promised. “Good night, Cat. I love you, and please tell Madzie I love her too. I won’t disappoint her again.”

“I know you won’t,” Catarina murmured. “I love you too, Magnus, now go get some sleep.”

With that, she hung up, leaving Magnus alone in front of his apartment. He walked inside, sighing at the ‘out of service’ sign still plastered onto the elevator, and resigned himself to having to walk up eight flights of stairs. He loved his penthouse, but the elevator had stopped working over a week ago and his legs were starting to protest the constant trips up and down the building.

By the time he made it to his loft, his whole body was aching and his mind was begging him to get into bed. He threw his bag somewhere near the door, and kicked his shoes off, hoping he’d be able to find them the next day.

He thought about taking a shower, since they usually made him feel better, but the mere idea of having to move more than strictly necessary had his limbs protesting angrily. Instead, he took a few minutes to remove his make-up and splash some water on his face in the hopes that it would keep him awake long enough to go through his nightly routine.

He looked at himself in the mirror briefly, wincing at how grey his skin appeared. He hadn’t gotten a proper night’s sleep in over a month and it showed. He really needed to get his act together if he didn’t want his clients and colleagues to start noticing how run down he truly was.

Pulling himself away from his horrifying reflection, he walked back into his bedroom, jumped onto his bed and stretched out lazily. He didn’t get enough time surrounded by his silk sheets anymore, but he always relished in the few moments he did get.

He grabbed his phone, determined to scroll through the news and stay on top of things before falling asleep. As an employee of one of the main media companies in the country, he always made sure to be as aware of what was going on in the world as possible. It was extra work he didn’t get paid for, but it was worth it when his exclusive writings turned out better than anyone else’s.

The news was particularly dull this week; nothing exceptional was happening in the country, and the bigger celebrities had been strangely quiet all month. It meant less things for the magazine and website to cover, and more time for Lorenzo to come up with outrageous jobs for his subordinates.

He opened twitter last and immediately noticed the increase in activity. His followers were screaming about something, and Magnus sleepily tried to find the source behind their excitement.

The last thing he saw before he fell asleep was a headline that would undoubtedly make him freak out once he woke up the next morning.

Lightwood Fashions: Open Calls for Spring Collection Models

***

“Raphael Santiago! How dare you forget to mention your bosses were opening auditions for models?”

Magnus only had a few minutes until he had to get to work, but he’d be damned if he didn’t take that time to condemn his friend’s lack of forewarning.

Lightwood Fashions was one of the biggest fashion brands in the world, mostly thanks to the incredible work of Clary Fray and her secret partner. The two designers had single-handedly pushed the Lightwood name back to the top of the industry thanks to their superb designs. Magnus himself owned his fair share of Lightwood pieces, specifically from Fray’s collections.

A few years ago, Robert Lightwood had almost caused the downfall of his half of the family company. His divorce with Maryse Lightwood and the accusations of discrimination against his employees had completely ruined his company’s name. Lightwood Media had stood strong, but Lightwood Fashions had been seconds away from being shut down.

Thankfully, their eldest son had taken control of the company and turned it around. Hiring Fray had been a wonderful business decision, and although Magnus had his doubts about the Lightwood heir and his ability to run a fashion company, he had to admit everything had been going well so far.

So well, in fact, that they were apparently looking to temporarily increase the number of models for their Spring collection photoshoots and shows. Magnus had been dreaming of an opportunity like this one for years, and he had hoped his friend would tell him if one came up.

After all, Raphael was Lightwood Fashions’ best photographer, and Magnus had it on good authority that he was close to a few of the higher-ups. He had probably been aware this was going to happen for months, and yet hadn’t breathed a word of it to Magnus.

“There is such a thing as professional secrecy, Magnus,” Raphael answered dryly. “Alec mentioned the open calls a while back but I wasn’t sure it would actually happen. Even if I had been sure, I wouldn’t have told you. Besides, you’re aware of it now, aren’t you?”

“Yes, but now I only have a week to decide whether or not I want to put myself out there,” Magnus pouted, walking into Fade Media and plastering a fake smile on his face as he spotted Lorenzo Rey in the lobby. “I have to go, but we’ll be talking about this as soon as I have a minute to spare.”

He hung up before Raphael could answer, widening his grin and standing next to Lorenzo in front of the elevator. He could only hope the damned machine wouldn’t take ten minutes to arrive, because he wasn’t sure he could handle that much time alone with his ‘boss’.

“Magnus,” the man grinned, looking as smug as ever. He had never said it out loud, but Magnus knew Lorenzo adored being above him in the chain of command. “How are you doing today? Finally done with that project I assigned you last week?”

“Not quite,” Magnus grit out. Lorenzo knew it would take most people a month to complete what he had asked for, but Magnus was working day and night to make sure he got it done within the week. “It should be on your desk tonight, tomorrow at the latest.”

The Head Editor tried to hide his shock, but Magnus had spent his life learning how to read people, and he noticed the surprised twitch of Lorenzo’s fingers as he reached for the elevator button. He smirked inwardly, though his face remained an impassive mask. Oh, how he loved getting on this man’s nerves.

“That was fast,” Lorenzo finally answered. “I hope the quality of your work won’t be impacted by your insistence on rushing it.”

Magnus bristled internally but refused to say anything or show how much the jibe affected him. Lorenzo wanted him to lose his cool, and Magnus lived to make sure the man never got anything he wanted. He smiled instead, stepping into the elevator and glancing down at his phone in an obviously dismissive move.

Lorenzo twitched again, and this time Magnus let his smirk show on his face. If the man thought he would ever win one of their verbal spars, he was dreaming. Magnus was a master of words and human interactions, and he wasn’t about to let someone like Lorenzo Rey beat him at his own game.

Satisfied he had bested him once again, Magnus focused on his phone, sending a flurry of messages to Catarina about the damned lizard. Once that was done, he sent off two more angry texts to Raphael, asking for more details about the auditions. Finally, he let himself open his web browser and stare at the Lightwood announcement for the hundredth time that morning.

Apparently, their spring collection was shaping up to be the biggest and best one Fray and her partner had ever created, and they wanted to make sure they had the perfect models to get them through the season. Everyone could audition but only ten models would be chosen at the end of the process.

Some of the spots were already pretty much guaranteed, or at least Lightwood Media seemed to imply they were, since Fray had a few models she always worked with. However, there was still a chance Magnus could be chosen for the project, and his heart fluttered at the thought.

Before he had joined Fade Media as an editor, back when he had still been a college student struggling to find his place in the world, he had applied for a job at Lightwood Fashions. Everyone had always told him he would make a fantastic model, and he had wanted to see if there was any truth to their words.

What he hadn’t known at the time was that Robert Lightwood was both homophobic and racist; his application had been doomed from the start. He had taken the blow harder than anticipated and had shoved the idea of ever modelling to the back of his mind. But now… Now he knew the reason he hadn’t been accepted was most likely because of the colour of his skin and the people he was attracted to rather  than his ability to do the job.

Alec Lightwood, on the other hand, was notorious for hiring people no matter their gender, skin colour, sexuality… The only thing that mattered to him was skill, and Magnus appreciated that – if nothing else – about him.

However, knowing he had a shot didn’t mean he would succeed. He knew Raphael would probably put in a good word for him, and knew he wasn’t bad at modelling, but the odds were still so low… He sighed and put his phone away, not wanting to make a decision before he had had the chance to speak to anyone about it.

“Something bothering you, Magnus?” Lorenzo asked. Magnus groaned internally but smiled and shook his head at his boss.

“Nothing at all,” he said. “I was just going over the news and thinking about Lightwood Fashions’ latest stunt. I’m wondering if this’ll mean an increase in their media department’s coverage or if they’ll be contacting fashion-oriented magazines instead. And if they stick to their own company, does this mean we’ll have a better chance at focusing on non-fashion related events?”

He was making most of it up on the spot, but Lorenzo didn’t need to know that. He’d rather have the man believe he was strategizing than realise Magnus was thinking about working for their biggest competitor. Thankfully, his boss bought it, gritting his teeth as though he was mad that he hadn’t thought about the impact the Lightwood collection might have on their media company.

Honestly, Magnus couldn’t care less about any of that, but it made Lorenzo seethe, so he’d count it as a win. The man hated that even after her ex-husband’s scandal, Maryse Lightwood had managed to keep her company at the top of the media game.

“An interesting point,” his boss finally answered, smiling unconvincingly. “Something I’ll have to think about. Anything else you might want to mention before we start the day?”

“Not that I can think of,” Magnus shrugged, walking out of the elevator with one last smirk. “Although if you need help or advice, you know I’m always free for you, Lorenzo.”

He swayed his hips as he walked towards his office. The Fade Media executives may have given Lorenzo the Head Editor position, but everyone knew the best person to go to when they needed help was Magnus. He didn’t know whether it made him feel proud of what he had achieved or annoyed at his co-workers’ refusal to put in a good word for him with the higher-ups.

Either way, it meant a higher workload for him and less time to focus on Lorenzo’s demands, let alone his own personal projects. Usually, his colleagues came to see him in the morning, once they realised the work they had done the day before didn’t meet their boss’ expectations. So when he walked into his office only to find Lily, one of the newer recruits, waiting for him with an apologetic smile, he wasn’t even surprised.

“A problem with your latest interview?” he sighed, thinking back to the projects she had been assigned.

“Yes,” she huffed. “And of course, Mr. Rey doesn’t have the time to hear me out and figure out what’s wrong with it, so…”

“I understand,” Magnus smiled, throwing his work bag on the floor, and taking out his laptop. As soon as he had stepped into his office, he had shoved all thoughts of Lightwood Fashions, modelling and a better job to the back of his mind, switching to his professional persona seamlessly.

Time to remind everyone of just why he was the best goddamn employee in this entire building.

***

It was almost nine at night when he finally found the time to call Catarina back. He cursed his bad luck and the extremely long day he had had, hoping his best friend would understand. She always forgave him but, every time he messed with her already busy schedule, he felt like he was disappointing her.

“I’m sorry,” he said as soon as his friend picked up the phone. He had just entered his apartment building and was wondering if he had the time to cook dinner himself or if he should just give in and order take-out, as always. “I swear I didn’t forget. I just needed to finish this stupid article Lorenzo has been hounding me for, and it took longer than I expected. He’s been harassing Lily again, even though he knows she’s new and still trying to get the hang of things, and I’m honestly two seconds away from murdering him.”

“Someday you’ll no longer have to work for that lizard, and you’ll finally be able to live normally,” Catarina sighed. “And you have nothing to apologise for; we didn’t exactly decide on a time for our call. Just tell me you managed to get this week-end off. Madzie needs to see you again, Magnus.”

“I need to see her too,” Magnus rubbed a hand over his face tiredly. Screw that homemade dinner; he pulled out his laptop and sent out an order to his local pizza place. “And I did get this week-end off. Lorenzo didn’t look happy about it, but I completed this project faster than anyone else could have so it would have been unprofessional of him to deny me such a simple request. Madzie can have me all to herself on Saturday, I promise.”

“Thank god,” his best friend said. Magnus could imagine her smiling on the other side of the phone. He hoped his hard work would make up for their missed dinner dates. “I know I was pissed about you bailing, but I’m proud of you for never giving up on your job, no matter how shitty your boss is.”

This was the perfect opening. All throughout the day, thoughts of Lightwood Fashions had drifted through his mind. If he got a job there as a model, perhaps they would also consider him for their Media department once his contract was over. That would mean no more petty colleagues trying to bring him down, no more Lorenzo to satisfy, and no more Camille controlling his life from afar.

“I was actually thinking about quitting,” he announced.

Utter silence.

“I know it sounds insane,” he added, not wanting Catarina to think he was going crazy. “I’ve been dealing with this for years and there’s no reason for me to break now, but I’m so tired, Cat, and I just want to stop feeling like I’m drowning every time I walk into that building. That place takes a little bit out of me every time I enter it and I don’t know how much more I can take. And there’s… Lightwood Fashions opened model auditions for Fray’s spring collection.”

He didn’t have to mention how much that job would mean to him, or have to tell Catarina how long he had been dreaming of getting an opportunity like the one he was being presented with. She’d heard him rant about Fray’s work ever since the redhead had stepped into the spotlight, and she knew about the heartbreak Robert Lightwood’s rejection had brought upon him all those years ago.

She knew everything about him, and he didn’t think he could go through with this if she thought it was a bad idea. If she told him to stay at his current job and suffer for a while longer, he knew he would do it.

He would do it even if it dragged him down and made his body itch and left him tired and listless and impassive. Catarina was like an older sister to him, and he trusted her implicitly. If she thought modelling for Lightwood Fashions wasn’t worth the possible loss of his job, he would forget all about it and shove his dream to the back of his mind.

“Oh my god, Magnus! That’s amazing!” his best friend exclaimed. “Wait a second, doesn’t Raphael work for Lightwood? Why didn’t he tell us about this? Magnus, this is incredible! With Lightwood Sr. out of the picture, you definitely have a shot! They’re going to love you, and you’re finally going to get out of that crappy company.”

Relief flooded his veins. A part of his mind was still screaming at him, telling him this was a terrible idea, that he was too old for this sort of thing, but he didn’t care. If Catarina thought this was what he should do, then he wouldn’t deny himself the one thing he’d always wanted.

“You don’t think this is a terrible idea?” he asked, just to make sure.

“Magnus, you’ve always loved fashion,” Catarina answered patiently. “And you’ve always wanted to model, no matter how much you tried to convince yourself otherwise. I know you had a bad experience a long time ago, but there’s no reason for you to be rejected this time. You could finally get to leave the company and people you hate. You’ll have the chance to be truly happy again. Whether or not it works out in the end, I think you should take the risk. I know you, Magnus, and you’ll end up regretting it if you don’t even try to get this contract.”

Magnus smiled wryly. There was a reason Catarina was his best friend. She knew exactly how his mind worked, even better than he did. She could read him like an open book and never hesitated to tell him when he was acting stupidly. She was smart and compassionate and empathetic, and Magnus trusted her with his life.

And as always, she was right. If he didn’t audition for this job, he would spend his whole life wondering if he had missed out on something extraordinary. He was almost 30, and for all his creativity and tendency to act on impulse, he had never really taken a professional risk.

Leaving Fade Media and becoming a model for Lightwood Fashions was exactly what he needed to regain the joy and excitement he had lost after Camille. He would rather have a few months there and get fired once his contract was over than another ten years at Fade Media, stuck with a boss he couldn’t stand and a position way below his skill level.

“Thank you,” he told his best friend, already switching to the Lightwood Fashions website on his computer.

The page was bright and welcoming, done in tasteful colours that reflected Fray’s latest works. Rumour had it her secret partner was a colour theory genius, and Magnus had to admit their palettes were always impeccable. He couldn’t help but wonder if they had had a hand in the creation of the website or if Lightwood preferred keeping everything separate.

“Their website is fancy,” Catarina said over the phone, startling Magnus. He should have known his best friend would look up the company and the job offer as soon as he mentioned it.

“The colour scheme matches Fray’s fall collection,” Magnus hummed. The collection had been released a few months ago and Magnus was just as in love with it as he was everything else Fray designed. “Everyone thought they were crazy for choosing purple as the dominant colour, but it worked out wonderfully. The public went absolutely crazy over the line.”

“Don’t they always?” Catarina chuckled. She wasn’t far from the truth. Although Lightwood had started as a luxury brand few could afford, the company had slowly started integrating cheaper – but no less stunning – options on top of their high-couture pieces. It was another reason why Magnus had gone back to supporting them after Lightwood Senior’s resignation. “You do realise this means you’ll be meeting your idols, right? After years of telling Raphael you didn’t care about getting to know Fray, you’re finally going to work with her.”

Magnus’ heart stopped. He hadn’t even considered that; hadn’t even thought about coming face to face with one of his idols, the talented woman who created the clothes he adored. He could have easily met her if he had wanted to, but something had always held him back. This time, there would be no avoiding it.

“Stop freaking out,” Catarina scoffed. Magnus knew she was rolling her eyes at him fondly in the safety of her apartment. “She’s going to love you. She’ll be so thankful to have a model as amazing as you, and then she’ll realise you’re a wonderful human being on top of that. There’s nothing to worry about, Magnus. Besides, you’ll have Raphael with you the whole time. Our dear friend may like to pretend he doesn’t care about us, but you know he’ll protect you against anyone who doesn’t treat you right.”

Magnus exhaled, trying to let his best friend’s words soothe him. He knew he was being ridiculous. He had met countless celebrities, had interviewed them, had worked with them, but Clary Fray had always been the one person he kept at a distance. He didn’t think he could stand it if he found out she wasn’t as kind as everyone made her out to be.

Before he could let himself fall back into his old insecurities again, another thought popped into his mind uninvited. Magnus perked up, a sly smirk appearing on his lips.

“Do you think I’ll finally find out who her secret partner is?” he wondered out loud. “Hell, Raphael might tell me himself once I’m his colleague. Surely, this is common knowledge within the team, right?”

“I don’t know, Magnus,” Catarina hummed thoughtfully. “Whoever this mysterious partner is, they clearly want to keep their identity hidden for the time being. Maybe you’ll find out once you work there, but maybe you won’t. Don’t get your hopes up and please, for the love of god, don’t push anyone into giving you an answer that might get you into trouble.”

Magnus rolled his eyes. His best friend was so dramatic sometimes. He understood why someone might want to keep their involvement hidden in order to avoid the spotlight, but surely Lightwood employees knew about the secret partner.

“Magnus,” Catarina repeated, a hint of warning in her voice. “If they tell you, that’s great. But if they don’t, leave it alone. You want this job more than you want to know this person’ secret. Please don’t ruin this for yourself.”

Immediately, Magnus deflated. His best friend was – once again – right. He couldn’t let his curiosity get in the way of what might be the job of his lifetime. No matter how much he wanted to know about Fray’s partner, no matter how enthralled he was by this person’s ability to choose the perfect colours and tell a story with their palette, it wasn’t why he was thinking of joining Lightwood Fashions.

He had managed to live five years without knowing who Fray worked with. He could live without it for as long as it took this person to step out of the shadows. Sighing heavily, he clicked on the ‘open auditions’ tab and tried to push the mystery to the back of his mind.

“I won’t ruin anything,” he promised Catarina, hoping he would be able to stay true to his word. “Now, want to help me with this application process or should I call our traitor of a friend?”

Catarina’s laughter echoed in his empty loft and Magnus felt a smile tug at his lips. Finally, after years of trudging through a job he hated, he was going to start anew.

A change was long overdue; it was time for him to be free.

[wingsofkpop]

Finding SKZ - 6: FL00

pairing(s): Hybrid!Bang Chan x Reader, Hybrid!SKZ x Reader

genre: Hybrid!AU, Dystopian!AU, lots of Angst, spoonful of Fluff, eventual Smut

warning(s): Mature language, verbal abuse, mentions of physical abuse, flashbacks, mentions of death

word count: 5k

synopsis: After rescuing an abandoned hybrid from his fate of death, he has one other favor to ask of you. Not only do you have to find his eight other hybrid brothers, but you have to keep them safe from the deadly dangers of your city: Miroh

chapter directory 

The Third World War sparked almost a century ago after the leak of a secret terrorist operation against what was known in the Old World as Europe. To this day, the origination of the group, nicknamed R.U.I.N.S., is still unknown. Members of R.U.I.N.S. first began their nuclear attack in London, Britain, where they wiped out nearly 60% of the population as well as completely demolished the lands. The remaining 40% either fled to neighboring countries or died out due to the dangerous aftermaths of the bomb, usually sickness from lingering toxic chemicals or starvation. R.U.I.N.S. moved on to spread the genocide to the rest of Europe and were met with strong resistance from world superpowers such as Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, the United States and Russia. Unfortunately, the influence of the terrorist group spread and planted corruption in the superpower’s government, which would eventually lead to the outbreak of a full fledged nuclear war that killed 95% of the world population, known today as the Mass Genocide… 

You lean away from your laptop screen with a sigh, a dull ache lingering within your eyes. For the past few hours, you had been writing, more like trying to write the research paper your professor had assigned a couple days ago. You wanted to get it out of the way in order to study for the rest of your finals which started this upcoming Friday. 

You meant to do it during the weekend, but you were a little preoccupied with helping your two new additions settle in. The office/extra bedroom had become way too crowded, especially considering you could only fit a twin bed and a tiny air mattress in there. As a solution, you went out and purchased one of those pull out sofas. The one in your living room was old and rotting anyway so it didn’t make much of a difference to you. Plus, it was either that or give up your own bed, and you don’t know if you’re ready to do that just yet. 

Lifting your arms high above your head, your tense muscles loosen as the sickening cracks of underused bones enter your ears. Relaxed, you slide your laptop off your lap and do the same with your legs. Just as you were about to force yourself back into the historical world, your bedroom door opens.

You lift your gaze to watch Hyunjin walk through the doorway, two mugs within his hands. He offers you the pastel yellow one, which you accept with a sigh of gratitude. The fragrance of your favorite tea enters your nostrils and your stomach is already filled with the ghostly warmth of the drink. After taking a well-earned sip, you hum, “Thanks, Jinnie.” 

“You’re welcome, noona. Woojin-hyung said you haven’t left your room in hours.” 

“Yeah,” You nod, gesturing to your computer, “I have to write this paper before Friday. Sorry, I haven’t really been around that much today.” 

Hyunjin shakes his head while taking a sip from his own cup, “Don’t apologize. We know how busy you are this week.” 

Your heart melts at the young hybrid’s words. With a smile, you reach up to caress Hyunjin’s cropped ears. The fur beneath your fingertips is like velvet. Hyunjin releases a breath of satisfaction, leaning more into your pet. Originally, you had been wary to touch his ears, seeing as Chan had made the comment that his original owner altered their shape. But Hyunjin had quickly waved your worry away and welcomed your affection. As did most of the boys. 

“I see who the favorite is in this family.” Seungmin grumbles from the doorway, his eyes narrowed in annoyance. “You’ve barely been here three days and are already getting all the attention.”

“It’s not my fault I’m cuter than you,” Hyunjin chuckles, saluting his younger brother with a lift of his mug. 

Seungmin sends him a playful growl before crossing the room and plopping on your other side. He pulls your phone from his pocket and points to the screen, “I think I found more about Felix. For real this time.” 

When Seungmin said he found Felix last Saturday morning, it wasn’t him. Nor were the other four Lee Felix’s he found. Since you kind of ran out of options, you guys agreed on the conclusion that whoever bought him probably changed his last name or something. That really hasn’t made your search any easier, considering there were a lot of Lee Felixs as it is, but there are even more Felixs. 

“Oh yeah? Let’s see.” 

“So I found three possible houses,” Seungmin pulls up a web page depicting the owners of a home near where your dad lives. He allows you to skim through the information while continuing, “The first one has records of a cat hybrid called Felix that has lived with them for about a year now. The other two are the same, except one records residence for about five months and the last one of two and a half years. All of them are how old Felix would be now.”

Hyunjin hums, “You’re sure one of these could be him?” 

Seungmin shrugs, “Surer than the last ones. It’s not a hundred percent but it doesn’t hurt to try.” 

“Okay,” You nod and turn back to face the beagle hybrid. “What’s the plan this time?” 

“I was talking to Woojin-hyung and Chan-hyung and they thought it’d be best if we split up and go to the homes ourselves.” 

Hesitance immediately fills your veins at his recount. It’s not that you were against going straight to the houses, you’ve done that before, you just didn’t like the whole ‘splitting up’ part. The idea of some of the hybrids traveling through the streets of Miroh without you at their side didn’t sit well within your stomach. In fact, it made you sick. Look at the whole thing that happened with Chan back at the circus. You really didn’t want a repeat of that again. 

“I don’t know, Min… That’s a little-” 

“-Woojin-hyung would go with Hyunjinnie, and Channie-hyung with me. You’ll have nothing to worry about, noona.” 

Your eyebrows furrow, “So that means…” 

Hyunjin nods, “You’re with Minho-hyung. Channie-hyung originally wanted to go with you, but the rest of us thought that it would be better divided this way.” 

In your thoughts, you fail to notice the knowing look both Hyunjin and Seungmin send one another, complete with raised eyebrows and mischievous smirks. Since you were paired with the coyote hybrid, that means you have to be with him… alone. Lucky for you, Minho kept his promise and didn’t tell anyone about what happened in the alleyway or about the things you said. But that doesn’t mean he’s not going to inquire about such things further on his own terms. 

“I mean… I guess that’s fine.” You shrug, glancing toward the screen of your laptop. “Whatever works.” 

Seungmin nods, “Good. Chan said you don’t have class or work on Tuesday, so were figured we could try then.” 

“Yeah, sure.” Sinking your teeth into your bottom lip, you reach for your computer and position your fingers across the keys. “Sorry guys, I really need to finish this.”

“It’s fine, noona.” Hyunjin sends you a sweet smile before tugging Seungmin toward the door. “Don’t stress yourself out and enjoy your drink.” 

Only when the door shuts behind them with a click do you free the building anxiety budding within your chest. You toss the laptop away once again and bury your face into your palms. A deep sigh spills from your lips and echoes through your bedroom. The sound couldn’t compare to the loudness of your thoughts. 

You’ve kept everything a secret for so long, but like most, you knew you wouldn’t be able to keep it forever. 

*** 

Tuesday came a lot quicker than you really wanted it to. Then again, you did spend most of your time suffering through schoolwork. 

Before everyone went their separate ways, Chan made sure to give Minho a long spewl of making sure nothing dangerous happens to you. You, still embarrassed about the whole bathroom encounter, didn’t have it in you to relay your favorite ‘I can take care of myself’ line. It’s not like you were purposely avoiding Chan, you just happened to have a lot of work you needed to get done… C’mon, you can’t even lie to yourself. 

Your original plan was to stay away from Chan for a bit to let whatever spur-of-the-moment hormones dissipate. But your plan definitely backfired because the longer you were away from him, the more you thought about him. His soft, blonde curls. His gentle touch. His deep brown, shimmering eyes. And the more these thoughts took over your mind, the greater your fear grew. You were supposed to be protecting him and the boys. And thinking about him in such ways was only doing more harm than good. Even if you were behind closed doors, the two of you would still get hurt. They couldn’t stay with you forever. They had to leave someday. 

Still, you so desperately wanted to be selfish. 

A blaring horn awakens you from your thoughts and reminds you of your current setting. You were sat in the back of a taxi with Minho beside you, currently staring out the window. His fluffy auburn, pointed ears were hidden beneath the hood of a new black sweatshirt you bought him. When you gave it to him, he claimed he didn’t want it and would never wear it. Guess he forgot. 

“The sweatshirt looks nice,” You murmur softly, reaching across the space between the two of you to tug on his sleeve. Minho flinches away from your touch and turns his head to send you a warning glance. Defeated, you retract your hand and retire your attention to the passing scenery outside your own window. So much for good terms. 

Bungalow houses pass by your vision in blurs, each one more different than the last. The Felix you and Minho were heading to see actually lived near your father’s neighborhood. Obviously, you wouldn’t be paying him and his family a visit, but it’s nice to see familiarity for once. Plus if things go bad, you actually had transportation to get home. 

The cab driver pulls the car to a stop after a couple more houses and a smaller, red brick and pine wooded home stands in front of you. From its size, you could tell it didn’t have too many bedrooms, maybe one or two, and on top of that, not many rooms at all. The front yard was well kept and filled with various decorations like creepy gnomes and plastic flamingos. There was a single Jeep in the driveway. A good sign. 

You pay your driver and follow Minho as he exits the vehicle. You almost want to laugh as he eyes the lawn ornaments with distaste. You settle with a hidden smile instead. 

The two of you make your way up the driveway, silent except for the gravel crunching beneath your every step. Minho had not spoken a word since you left the apartment and it was beginning to frustrate you. You knew he still had questions, so why wouldn’t he just ask? Why does he have to let you suffer? 

“We’re college students, remember? And we’re interviewing them for a research project.” You turn to see if Minho acknowledged your reminder at all, but once again, you’re only met with the side of his face. A huff pushes past your lips and you quicken your pace to the front door, Minho allows you to go ahead and you wonder if he’s purposely doing it to make you wait. 

You shake your head, “Ready?” 

The hybrid just shrugs. 

That’s answer enough for you to raise your hand and rap your knuckles against the door. You barely wait thirty seconds until the obstacle swings open and reveals a short, pudgy and older woman. Her face comforts to confusion, before a bright smile stretches across her face. 

“Well isn’t this just a nice surprise!?” 

Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard to you, too high-pitched and quirky. You conjure up a kind grin of your own and gesture between both you and Minho, “I’m sorry to bother you, ma’am, but my friend and I are doing a research project for our Biology class on hybrids living in residentials. We were wondering if you had one-?” 

“-Oh yes! We do!” The woman turns back into the house and shouts something that has your ear drums splintering. You glance warily toward your companion before turning back just in time to see another figure enter the doorway. 

And your face goes pale at the sight.  

You didn’t know exactly what Felix looked like, but from Chan’s brief description, this hybrid looked pretty damn close. His hair was a shade of bright blonde, bringing more emphasis to the orange cat ears emerging from the sides of his head. He had a kind face with big brown eyes and rose colored lips. You could also see lines of freckles dotting across his cheekbones and down the arch of his nose. 

It has to be him. 

“This is Felix. Say hi to the nice students, honey.” 

Felix doesn’t say a word, his eyes wide and centered straight at Minho. You peer over to see the coyote hybrid with a similar look, all except his lips were compressed into a straight line. You start to reach over to ground him, but a sudden yelp has your head snapping back toward the other pair. 

“I’m not going to ask again, you little brat. Greet our guests.” Unlike before, her voice is mellow and full of warning. Your eyes trail down to see the woman clutching Felix’s wrist, his skin around her fingers a stark white. Felix inhales an unsteady breath before stuttering in a deep voice, “H-Hello…” 

The woman smiles and nudges him into the house, “There we go. Now go be useful and make some tea. Come in, my dears, let’s talk about this project in the living room.”

Before you can decline her offer, the woman was already grabbing your wrist and dragging you through the doorway. You send Minho a terrified glance, who quickly lurches forward to grab your other hand. He shakes his head, “Miss, we don’t-” 

“-Nonsense. We’ll discuss your project over some tea and cookies.” She doesn’t take no for an answer and quite literally, pulls both you and Minho inside. She seats the two of you in an old fashioned parlor filled with victorian style decorations. The couch you sit on is harder than a rock and very uncomfortable. Minho’s face gave away his pain too. You could only think of his poor tail right now. 

The woman takes a seat in an armchair across from the two of you, pushing her glasses up her hooked nose. She smiles again and speaks, “You’ll have to forgive me, it’s been a while since I’ve had any visitors. Now tell me about this project.” 

You go into this long detailed discussion about this fake project both you and Minho rehearsed beforehand, or you at least did. The woman believes every single word that leaves your lips, her eyes never straying from your talking form. You passed the strange feeling in your gut off as anxiety for Felix. But the goosebumps on your arms claimed otherwise. 

“How wonderful. I’ll help you with anything you need!” The woman leans forward in her seat, reaches toward you and thumbs a loose lock of your hair. “My, what a pretty, little thing you are.” 

Instantly, you recoil from her touch and scoot closer to Minho. You laugh awkwardly, trying not to physically cringe, “Oh, thank you…” 

“My son would think you’re just absolutely divine. You should meet him!” 

Minho feverishly shakes his head, “I don’t think-” 

“-He gets home at five. You can stay until then.” The woman grins radiantly, oblivious to the expressions of shock on both you and Minho’s face. When Felix enters the room, she turns her head and nods, “Ah, good boy, Felix. Put the tray on the coffee table.” 

Felix does as he’s asked, placing his porcelain tray on the table separating Minho and you from the adjacent woman. The cat hybrid goes about pouring a couple cups of tea and plating some cookies, his orange tail limp behind him. 

“Cream or sugar, love?” 

You shake your head, “Uh, no thank you.” 

Felix hands you one of the teacups, his fingers brushing yours. You lift your eyes to meet his gaze and you feel your heart practically break in half. You’ve never seen so much sadness in a pair of eyes before, and it made you think back to how the woman was grabbing him. You immediately weren’t in the mood for tea. 

“Perfect. Now let’s get on with this little interview.” The woman leans back in her chair and snaps her fingers. Felix sinks to his knees where he’s stood and takes his own seat on the floor. You eye the vacant chair next to the woman but don’t say a word. 

Minho clears his throat, discomfort laced through the sound, and nods, “O-Okay… Well, how long have you been living with Felix?” 

“Oh no, dear, you have that wrong.” The woman shakes a single gnarled finger toward the hidden hybrid, “Felix has been working for me for almost a year now.” 

You can’t help but glance toward the boy. His eyes haven’t moved from the floor. 

“Right…” Minho hums, “...How has that been?” 

“Oh well, he tries, I suppose.” Your hostess shrugs and sends Felix a disappointed look. “In my opinion, human slaves were much better than hybrid ones.” 

You try to suppress the anger burning within your core by digging your fingernails into your palms. Swallowing the retorts on your tongue, you send Minho yet another wary glance and force yourself to listen to the older woman’s words, “Sometimes we have some hiccups here and there, but-... Darling, aren’t you going to drink your tea?” 

“I will, I just-”

“-Take a sip, love. Just one.” The intensity of the woman’s gaze sends chills coursing throughout your body. The weight of the cup between your fingers seemed to grow heavier and heavier. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Felix slightly shaking his head. His eyes wide with fright. 

You shake your head with a small laugh, “Actually, I’m not-”

“-It’s rude to deny your hostess, darling. I said drink the tea.” 

At her tone of voice, your hands began to shake. Memories flash within your mind like a firework show, a familiar voice taking over hers. Though your logic and common sense were screaming no, your body disobeys and soon the bitter liquid is cascading like gasoline down your throat. You regretted the decision as soon as you felt the tea sit within the depths of your stomach. 

The smile returns to the woman’s face, “See, was that so bad? How was it?” 

You nod, “Good. Very good.” 

“Wonderful.” 

A tense silence overtakes the atmosphere. You feel yourself cowering beneath the woman’s still smiling face. You slide your hand over to Minho’s knee, squeezing at the flesh in warning. He covers your hand with his, returns a gentle squeeze then rises from his seat, “I think we’re actually going to be leaving now.”

The woman pouts, “Already? My son hasn’t come home yet...” 

“Miss, your son isn’t coming home.” All eyes turn to at Felix’s deep voice. He shrinks beneath the glare his owner sends his way, but he continues to speak, “He died a couple months ago. You know that.” 

Goosebumps spread across your skin at the absolute fire burning within the woman’s eyes. She growls, “What do you know, you useless punk. You know nothing.”  

“Don’t talk to him like that.” More gooseflesh arises when you turn to peer back at Minho. His second set of teeth was visible, showcasing his sharp incisors. He bares them toward her and hisses, “Felix-ssi, you’re coming with us. Let’s go.” 

“You can’t! My son! I swear to the Lord I will…” 

As you’re rising from your seat, a sudden wave of dizziness rushes over your body and dulls your senses. You could vaguely hear the woman threatening to call the police before your knees buckle and you collapse into Minho. The hybrid catches you, his face immediately contorting to concern, “(Y/N)-ah, what’s wrong?... (Y/N)-ah!” 

“The tea. I laced it with a sedative.” Felix rushes forward, helping Minho keep you upright. Tears of panic were streaming down his face, he sobs, “I’m so sorry, hyung! I had to!” 

“Shit, just… Hey!” 

The last thing you hear before fading into darkness was a large crash and Felix’s scream. 

***

You’re in a closet. The closet. Darkness cradling you like a blankets. The shadows are your guardians. They keep you hidden. They keep you safe. 

Crash after crash. Scream after scream. Covering your ears does nothing. The sounds are engraved within your mind. You can’t escape. 

“Somebody help me!...” 

“Come here you fucking slut! I’ll teach you a fucking lesson!” 

“Please! Stop-ah!...” 

Tears spill down your cheeks like blood. You hide your face in the crease of your knees, which are pulled to your chest. It muffles your helpless sobs. In the dark. You are the darkness. 

“(Y/N)!...”

“Shut up, pathetic whore! I’ll put you in the fucking ground, pathetic piece of shit!” 

This nightmare will never end. Your demons follow everywhere you go. 

You can’t escape. 

“(Y/N)-ah?” Your eyes snap open at the call of your name. Minho’s face enters your vision which makes you realize you weren’t in a closet at all. He tilts his head, “(Y/N)-ah? Can you hear me?” 

You nod, “Y-Yeah. I can.” 

“Can you sit up?” 

“I think so.”

With Minho’s support, you’re able to easily maneuver your body into a sitting position. A throbbing headache hits you head on (mind the pun). You clutch your head with a groan, feeling sick all of a sudden. It’s like that time you woke up after bar-hopping with your friends. Worst hangover ever. 

When you manage to adjust to the pain, you take the chance to look at your current setting. You were in your bedroom, in your bed. Felix was sat in a chair a couple feet away from both you and Minho, his concerned eyes directed your way. 

“I shouldn’t have drank that goddamn tea,” You groan, massaging at your pulsing temples. “What happened?” 

“After you collapsed, shit hit the fan.” At Minho’s retort, you notice the small gash decorating his forehead. It didn’t look like it needed stitches which was a good thing. A really good thing considering the situation you are in. “We were able to lock her in a room long enough to get the hell out of there. I wanted to take you to the hospital, but Felix-ssi said no.” 

You shake your head, “But why? I-I don’t understand…” 

“She’s troubled…” Felix’s deep voice wrenches your attention away from Minho. At your gaze, he looks away, almost as if he couldn’t meet your eyes. “Ever since her son died, she’s been so…” 

“Bat shit crazy?” Minho offers.

The other hybrid shakes his head, “She just… wanted companionship… Even so, I’m so sorry.” 

“You have nothing to apologize for, sweetheart.” You wince as you swing your legs over to sit upright on the side of your bed and better face the male. You send him a soft smile, “It wasn’t your fault.” 

Felix nods, but you can still read the guilt all across his face. You decide not to press and turn back to Minho, “Did you let the others know?” 

He nods, “Yeah. Everyone’s outside. Channie-hyung wanted to come in, but we thought it would be better for you if we were the ones to explain what happened.” 

You try not to notice how your heart flutters at the mention of the wolf hybrid. You clear your throat and shrug, “Yeah, I get it. Thanks.” 

The two of them take your statement of gratitude as a permit to leave the room. Felix meets your eyes before he steps through the doorway, almost as if he were about to say something, but decides against it and completely rushes from the room. Minho also seems to hesitate, locking eyes with you before following his feline brother.

You didn’t like the knowing look you saw within his eyes. 

Before you can think too much into it, another figure enters the room. Immediately, your cheeks start to burn and your heart race began to pick up. You will yourself to remain calm as the newcomer makes his way across the room to sit on the mattress beside you. Your attempt, though a good effort, fails. Because when you lift your gaze to connect with his, you’re immediately done for. 

“Hi…” 

Chan chuckles, “Hi…” 

You purse your suddenly dry lips, licking at the course flesh. You try to think of something else to say, not liking how the silence matched the beat of your heart. No tangible thoughts entered your mind though. Which is why you’re thankful Chan was the one to break the silence, “How are you feeling?” 

“Oh, I’m fine.”  

“You sure? You were asleep for a while.” He lifts his hand to caress your hair back, his hand trailing fiery touches down your cheek. With his thumb, he rubs the skin just beneath your right eye, probably taking the dark lines beneath them. “Four or five hours actually.” 

“Trust me, Chan, I’m okay.” You chuckle, grab his wrist and pull his hand away from your face. Your gaze trails down to your lap as you swallow at the stone in your throat. “I’m okay.” 

As the quiet stretches on, you can’t help but think about when you were last alone with Chan. When you could feel his hands on your skin. His breath on your cheek. His lips… 

“Stop.” 

Chan furrows his brows, “What?” 

You shake your head, “N-Nothing… It’s nothing. I just-” 

“-(Y/N).” Your rambling ceases when the hybrid places both hands on your elbows, pulling you toward his body. “What’s wrong?” 

Putting your hands against his chest to avoid him pulling your bodies any closer, you shake your head feverishly, “We can’t do this.” 

“Do what?” 

“You know what, Chan.” You sigh, “This… whatever this is.” 

Chan remains confused with his silver ears pulled back, his eyes a blend of concern and wonder. He removes one of his hands to lift your chin up, forcing your eyes to meet. The more the feelings inside you stir, the greater your fear grows. You feel like you’ll suffocate. But fly at the same time just sat in his arms. 

“Your heart is beating really fast.” Chan murmurs, placing his free hand right over your pulsing organ. His other travels up to cup your cheek again, your face fitting perfectly in his palm. He sends you a small smile, “Don’t fight it, (Y/N). Don’t be afraid.” 

Tears well in the corners of your eyes. You don’t know why you’re crying, but you do know that you can’t stop. Each tear creates a river down your skin. A river of fear, sorrow and love. You don’t like feeling this vulnerable. Especially in front of him. Your whisper is filled with raw emotion, only audible enough for him to hear, “I don’t want to hurt you, Chan… And I don’t want to get hurt…” 

Not again.

“Do you trust me?” 

You close your eyes with a sob, more droplets escaping your eyes. Even so, you can’t help the smile that contorts upon your lips, “More than anyone I have ever known.” 

“Then will you trust me if I tell you that I’ve never wanted anything more in my life than to kiss you right now.” Chan laughs, and the breath from his joy paints stars across your skin. You feel as if you were beneath a trance, only seeing him and only wanting to see him. “(Y/N)...” 

He leans closer and closer until your lips are barely centimeters apart. One slip, and they’d touch. But he doesn’t deplete the space, and instead murmurs softly, “The world has taken anything and everything from me… And maybe it’s wrong, but for once, I want to be selfish…

“But I need to know you feel the same way.” His chocolate eyes bore into your own, and you swear you can see another universe hidden within the irises. A universe full of love, and life, and pain, and even death. You don’t see what the world chooses to see, but something that it chooses not to see: A beautiful creature that has lost everything, and is slowly gaining it all back. 

The two of you aren’t so different in that sense. 

Defeated, you shake your head, “This is a bad idea.” 

Chan smirks, “Maybe. But an even worse idea is not kissing you this time.” 

“Then kiss me.” You whisper, “I trust you.” 

No sooner had you spoken the words did Chan diminish the remaining space and connect your lips to his. All hesitation and panic from before disappears in the actual act, and you can’t help but lean more into him, craving more of his touch. Your hands fly into his soft curls, like the many times you’ve wanted to before, and your bodies just mold into one. You’ve kissed a couple other people over your years, but none have ever felt like this. And as cliche as it sounds, you could spend hours just kissing Chan’s lips. 

Your first kiss felt like hours honestly. And even when it ended, you could still feel the ghost of his lips hovering over yours. The two of you simply stare into one another’s eyes, before Chan kisses you. Once. Twice. Again and again until it may have actually been hours that passed. You didn’t want it to end any time soon. 

It may have been selfish, but you didn’t care. You felt safe. Peaceful. Loved. In ways that you’ve never felt safe, peaceful and loved before. With Chan, the pain life has brought and will continue to bring dissipates into passion and longing. It was as if the world only held the two of you. 

Nothing else existed. Just him and you.

[dragonrajafanfiction]

Dragon Dancer II: The First Trial of Yamir

I settled on the couch eying the monitors in front of me. Caesar had everything set up, put his own headset on and took his place by my side. While he was also running logistical support for the expedition, his primary task was to keep me - the Asset - comfortable and available for work. 

Johann, Lu and Nono were already down in the chasm and streaming their feed through body cameras so I could see exactly what they were seeing. It was standard operating procedure for these types of expeditions.

They stood in front of the main gate, the text I had translated written out in splendid carving underneath an arched depiction of the marine Dragon’s twisting body.

“Once we go in, there’s no coming out until the end. I hope you’re ready.” I said.

Master List

Johann Chu stepped forward, reading the text in his usual flawless pronunciation of draconic. The double leaved doors opened wide, letting them into the cavernous space. As soon as they opened, I felt a change in the atmosphere. I shuddered, a chill running up my spine. I took a cautious breath.

“The first trial is the rice field.” I said. “Can you show me the walls?”

Sure enough, all around them were stalks of grain, depictions of cranes, cats and terraced hills.

“This is where Yamir grew up.” I said.

Lu Mingfei looked around the cavern’s hieroglyphic paintings. “Is this going to be the dragon’s whole life?”

“Yes.” I answered simply.

“Keep chatter to a minimum.” Caesar growled.

“Yes, boss!”

They stopped, aiming their cameras at a giant human form ahead of them, a man, kneeling down. “What’s this?” Johann asked.

I squinted at it. “Yes, this is correct. Can you put me on speaker? Turn up the volume if you could.” I opened my mouth and began to speak the draconic as instructed by Ielia.

The millstone of life goes on moving, Yamir weeps as he is seated

Between the layers of truth and untruth, no one is spared 

The millstone of life goes on moving, Yamir observes as he is seated

He who holds the anchor of His name, will always remain unhurt! 

EVAs voice came through the computer.  “The dragon palace mechanisms are activating and a new route has opened.”

A rumble underground shook the building. Over the speakers, the sound of a cataract as a torrent of water began to flow into the cavern.

Johann’s voice “We’re moving. The stone slab we’re on is sliding forward.”

His camera showed the statue of the man suddenly coming to life and standing up. It was about nine feet tall and bearing a large sickle but it turned its back to them and did not attack.

I kept my voice as soft as I could, mindful that deep breathing was painful, but still the twinging pain sparked in my chest.

Don’t leave me now, O Breath, I am a wanderer, a wanderer!

Still have to travel faraway lands 

O the one who is asleep, awake!

Our Master has made this body like a palace, 

And He played the instrument of breath within! 

Our Master has made this body like a garden,

And how He's filled it with a bowl of flowers!

They were reaching the end of the passageway to another double leaved door.

“Okay… take me off speaker…” It hurt worse than I wanted to let on. I was starting to sweat from it, despite the high dose ibuprofen. “Repeat after me… all of you have to do it…”

"He who follows the truth will attain the kingdom of immortality."

The sound of their voices echoed through my headset. The power of the words made me dizzy as it was an active draconic speech, not just a pretty song. The doors lit up on the screen, bright light filling a winding pattern of vines and serpents. They opened. The team floated through them.  Lu’s camera swung as he looked behind them. As soon as they were through, the doors shut and they were plunged into darkness.

“Oh no…” He whimpered.

Caesar was watching me, mindful of my deteriorating condition. “Can we break here?”

I shook my head but before I could answer, Johann spoke. “We’ve got trouble.”

Three pairs of bright red eyes blazed in the pitch black. These statues were massive, standing near twice the height of their current benevolent escort, with faces that grimaced with fangs and serpent tongues and multiple arms bearing scimitars.

Caesar’s crystal blue eyes met mine. “What do we do?”

The team all drew their weapons.

“Stop!” I shout and immediately regret it, doubling over.

The first and smaller statue lowered its sickle, then turned to look at them. It’s face was angelically calm and peaceful.

“When I say run… you have to run…” I gasp.

I stared at the screen. The smaller statue ran forward, sickle above its head. But all I could see was the image of Yamir’s father. 

“Run!”

The massive statues swung their scimitars down on the sickle wielder with crushing force. Its weapon was tiny in comparison. Its gears groaned and began snapping under the pressure. Stones rained down on the crew as they sprinted through the behemoth legs towards the back of the cavern where the doors were sliding shut.

The guardian statue crumbled and the scimitar wielders were hacking it to pieces. I realized that the only reason I could see this was because someone had stopped and was watching.

“JOHANN! GO!” Caesar roared into the headset.

Why did he stop? Frozen in fear and desperation, I was silent until I saw him start to run again. The doors ahead were closing. Thankfully his body was thin enough to squeeze through the space left. The doors shut on his jacket, however.

He yanked at it while Caesar berated him. “What part of run do you not understand? Those things would have smashed you!”

Johann drew his sword and cut his jacket loose. “Sorry…” His quiet voice wasn’t as smooth as it usually was.

“Please don’t do that again…” I said, sitting up, cradling one arm around my chest. “There’s a break here. Do you see anything that looks like a fern or a bush? Go find it and wait under it.”

There was. A massive arching fern painting took over the entire wall on their right.

“Are you alright, Senpai?” Lu asked. Johann didn’t reply.

I wiped the sweat from my brow and got my glass of water.

Caesar crossed his arms, looking at the screen. Opposite the painting of the fern was the painting of a woman lying prone, eyes closed.

“Wait here…” I said. “Until it starts to rain…”

[starlightinhumanform]

The Art of Love: Chapter 11

Fandom: She Ra (2018)

Ship: Glimadora 

Summary: Glimmer and Bow have a chat. Glimmer’s secret crush might not being a secret anymore... 

Warnings (for this chapter): Some mild angst, Mild language (please tell me if anything needs to be added)

Genre: High School AU, Angst with a Happy Ending, Rivals/Enemies to Lovers, Eventual Fluff

A/N: Just a side note that I consistently headcanon Bow as trans and even though that doesn’t play a role in this fic, it is mentioned. As always, thank you for all of your continued support and encouragement!! Love you all 🖤✨

Ao3    The Art of Love Masterpost    Fic Masterpost    Fic Request Info 

By the time the day ended, Glimmer was ready to bury herself under five blankets and spend the next four hours watching YouTube. Of course she couldn’t do that. Because life just wasn’t that easy.

Her feet shuffled in a way that could only be described as noncommittal- weak and only partially agreeing to their actions. Her head felt like it was filled to the brim with cotton, stuffed into a too tight headband that squeezed across her temples and made what was left in her head pound. Saturated; that’s was she was. Used up like a sponge.

Such things being considered, Glimmer was in a surprisingly good mood. So she couldn’t help but smile when she heard feet pound up from behind her and stop suddenly beside her.

“Hey, Bow!”

Bow was stopped, bent over with his hands on his knee and gasping for breath. He raised a finger up, “Just... give me a... moment.”

Glimmer giggled, “You good?”

Bow swung upright, “I can’t breathe but I’m great. How are you? Hopelessly in love?”

“I can not handle your bullshit right now,” Glimmer began walking but couldn’t help but smile slightly, “Blocked. Cancelled. Deleted.”

“Why? Because I’m right?” Bow had caught up with her again, grinning.

“It’s a crush Bow, nothing more. It’s definitely not love.”

Bow nodded as they continued walking, “Uh-huh. Is that why you’re blushing so hard?”

“I’m blushing because you are bothering me,” Glimmer grumbled out her words, and turned her head to raise an eyebrow at him. 

Bow raised an eyebrow back, “Wanna talk about it?”

Glimmer stopped walking and flopped backwards so she could lean dramatically against the hall’s cinderblock wall. She let her head roll backwards and stared up at the ceiling. The hall had cleared out, the distant sound of dance practice echoing between her and Bow. She still held a smile but it was quickly growing stale. It wasn’t that she was sad, or that she didn’t enjoy Bow’s company; there was just a lot to consider in that question.

Did she want to talk about it? Well, yes. There was so much she had to say and so much she wanted Bow to at least give his opinion or, at best, offer advice. But of all the things she wanted to say, there was so much she was scared to admit to. She doubted she would even mange to get half of it out. She would choke up and her words would lie, caught and festering somewhere in her throat. And there all those emotions would stay, blocked between her heart and her mouth. They would simmer there for a drawn out second before they boiled over and streamed down her cheeks. Bow would put his hands on her shoulders ask her what was wrong in his too-soft-for-his-own-good voice and Glimmer wouldn’t be able to tell him because the words burned as they bubbled and corroded her vocal chords.

But the feelings, they were hard to explain. She squinted up at the fluorescent panels which only marginally improved the lighting but greatly added to the prison-like atmosphere. The flickering bulbs were a thousand miles away as she tried to wrap her mind around the images flickering behind her eyes. Adora’s smile. The way her eyes shone when she sang. How her voice could wrap around Glimmer’s brain and find all the ways to make her glitch. How her body fit perfectly against Glimmer’s. The raw intensity with which Adora felt emotions and how she let them wash over whoever was nearby.

Bow’s feet made a scuffing sound as he shifted somewhat awkwardly across from Glimmer. The movement brought her back to the present and and made her wonder how long he had been standing there.

“I’m going to take that to mean that, yes, you do have something to say?” He prompted.

Glimmer let her head swing forward and blew a sigh through her nose.

It’s like molten gold filling my chest. And it’s bright and it’s burning and god yes it hurts but it’s beautiful too. It’s smooth and it runs down my throat, stealing my voice. It coats my eyes and tints the world around me but that’s ok because it turns everything beautiful. And at the same time, it’s far too much and it scares me and it hurts because all that shining gold is more than I could ever deserve or ever handle.

She couldn’t explain that. She would sound crazy. Bow probably wouldn’t see it as crazy, but he would take it too far. Glimmer was already freaking out about it, she couldn’t stand Bow freaking out on top of that.

“Glimmer?” Bow reached out, placing the expected gentle hand on her shoulder, “Is everything ok? Are you ok?”

Glimmer gave a breathy laugh. She hadn’t even realized how blurry her eyes had become, “Yeah. Sorry.”

His eyebrows were wrinkled in concern and Glimmer could tell he was worried that he had somehow caused her distress, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

She took a deep breath and made up her mind, “I have a lot to tell you actually. So let’s go to some place more comfortable than the middle of the hallway.”

Bow smiled, “Library?”

“Library.”

Bow and Glimmer had a well-established tradition of spending the time after school together, sharing stories and ranting about life in the library under the pretense that they were study partners. Everyone knew they weren’t actually doing work but left them alone because they stayed to their back-corner sofa and only rarely did the conversations dissolve into yelling.

They walked comfortably next to each other, unbothered when their shoulders bumped and chatting about the ridiculous amount of homework they would undoubtedly procrastinate doing that night.

People often mistook them as a couple; something which both Bow and Glimmer would laugh at. They had the running joke that if neither of them had found someone by the time they were 35, they would just marry each other. They were close as friends could be. He was the first one she had come out as bi to and she has the first he had come as trans to. Glimmer generally didn’t mind people thinking she was dating Bow, but sometimes she worried it would discourage other people from having interest in her. Then she would brush it off as ridiculous because she was pretty sure there was plenty of other things to discourage them.

They reached the library within a few minutes, both flopping dramatically onto their usual couch. They were in an emptier section of the library, most people at tables or occupied in the computer lab.

Glimmer swung her legs over the arm of the couch and leaned into Bow’s side. She let a defeated puff stream out of her mouth, once again unsure of what she could possible say.

Bow let them sit in silence for a few moments before prompting her again, “So... what was it that you wanted to tell me?”

She groaned, “Adora. Pretty. Girls. Yes. Crush.”

Bow laughed and patted her shoulder, “That all?”

Glimmer brought her hands up to hide her face in and shook her head, “Bow, I don’t even know where to start.”

She could feel him shrug against the weight of her body, “How about you just start from last night. I’m pretty sure you liked her before, if I’m being perfectly honest, but it sounds like it only got serious last night?”

The last sentence was stated as a question instead of a statement and Glimmer knew Bow was trying to bait her into giving more information. She gave in, returning the shrug, “Yeah I guess. I have no idea how long I’ve liked her but I think it’s been almost the whole year.”

“Why do you think it took you so long to realize?”

Glimmer had to take a deep breath for that one, “Because I hated her. Because I was jealous of her. And because I was scared of liking her.”

“Ok,” Glimmer could hear the hesitation in his voice, “And why was that?”

“I just- you know how- I couldn’t,” she paused before trying again, “There were- are- a lot of reasons. I just feel like I shouldn’t. I still think liking girls is something bad or at least dangerous.”

Bow started to say something but Glimmer continued before he could get a word in, “So there was that guilt and I guess disgust. It’s that internalized homophobia bullshit. I think that’s what they call it? Anyways, I know Adora won’t go for me and I’ll just get hurt and I know I’m stupid for getting so infatuated.”

This time Bow was able to interrupt, “I wouldn’t be so sure of that if I were you.”

Glimmer snorted, “Oh, and why is that? Has she privately confessed her love for me to you?”

“Well no-“

“Look, Bow, she’s popular and she’s beautiful and she could probably get any girl she wanted. She’s definitely not going to settle for me.”

“Hey hey first of all,” he elbowed her in the back, “nobody has to ‘settle’ for you. We’ve talked about this. What have I told you?”

Glimmer rolled her eyes, “I’m not going to say it.”

He elbowed her again, “Say it, coward.”

She blew a raspberry before droning out the ridiculous mantra Bow had told her in a monotone voice, “I am gorgeous and perfect in every way. I am a queen; y’all are peasants and do not deserve to witness my glory.”

Bow nodded, “You may continue.”

“You’re so stupid. Anyways, with your permission to continue, even if Adora does have the slightest interest in me- which she doesn’t and will continue not to- Cat would get jealous. I’m pretty sure she already is with this stupid project. She won’t let Adora anywhere near me as soon as the project finishes.”

“How do you know that? Adora’s her own person. She can hang out with you if she wants to- no matter what Cat thinks. And by the way, I think she will want to hang out with you.”

Glimmer felt her throat going tight, “She told me she wanted to be friends but I don’t think she meant it.”

“Glimmer, that’s great!! What makes you think she wouldn’t mean it?”

“I don’t know,” Glimmer hesitated once more, “She was acting really weird last night.”

Bow rolled his hand in a Go on motion.

Glimmer’s stomach clenched as her mind flashed back to the night before. She sat up, hunching over her knees as she were worried the sensation would show through. It all seemed very far away, surely longer than the 24 hours reality told her it was. It all seemed very fake. Adora couldn’t possibly have looked at her with that much affection in her eyes. She couldn’t have asked her to dance and laughed so loud Glimmer was sure someone would hear. She certainly didn’t stand a breath away from Glimmer and give her a smirk that made her insides freeze. It was simply impossible.

“Glimmer?” Bow leaned sideways to bump his shoulder into hers, “What do you mean weird?”

“Just very affectionate I guess,” She looked up at Bow, knowing what was coming and not sure if she would be able to answer.

“How is that a bad thing?” There it was.

“Because,” Glimmer seemed to choke for a moment and she could swear it was because her heart was in her throat, “I know that it probably wasn’t real; it was probably just Adora being tired and getting clingy or something. And because I know it won’t ever happen again. And knowing that hurts.”

Bow reached and took one of her hands in his. They were warmer and sturdier than hers- small and trembling. It was such a normal, familiar action but all she could think about was Adora’s hands in hers’ as they sat side by side and she attempted to teach her how to use chopsticks. It had to be some surreal dream. That would be easier. That would make sense. She felt vulnerable and exposed. No doubt the entire library was acting as witness to her breakdown. She hunkered into herself further, almost entirely folded in half now. She just wanted it all to pause. Things would be so much easier if they marched in one at a time. Instead life liked to throw a thousand problems at her at once. And sometimes those problems looked like soccer players who smiled a little too brightly because they were trying to hide just how much more like the ocean they were than the sun. Adora wasn’t stupid; she was deep and dark and sometimes the shades twisted from blues to jagged purples which undoubtably scraped against her sides. Glimmer wanted to learn every shade of that girl- yes the happy yellows but also the stormy grays. She wanted to dull the shards that hurt Adora and do her best heal the wounds she couldn’t prevent. But she would never get the chance. It was all fantasy. The melancholy was corrosive.

Bow squeezed her hand in his grip, cueing her to look up. When he spoke it was with a slow, steady voice. Glimmer knew that voice; that was the voice he used when Glimmer was about to shatter into a million pieces.

She breathed in deeply through her nose and tried to concentrate on his words, “I know this may seem very unrealistic to you but I really don’t think Adora’s affection was fake or just some side effect. I don’t think you just give up on it happening again.”

Glimmer’s face collapsed into a combination of disdain, incredulity, and despair, “If I keep holding onto hope, I’m going to keep getting hurt every time I’m inevitably disappointed.”

“How do you know you’re going to get disappointed though?!” Bow waved his arms out in a way that would have been comical if Glimmer wasn’t on the verge of tears. He was starting to get exasperated, his voice rising dangerously shrill and loud.

Glimmer hissed out a shush and clapped his arms back down to his body.

She rolled her eyes, “Look, I’ll live in your make-believe world for a second, ok? Let’s say that Adora does like me- platonically, romantically, whatever it doesn’t matter. Even if she does, Cat is not going to stand being around me. She hates me. So Adora will have to choose between me and Cat. That will have two possible results: Most likely, she will choose her best friend and leave me behind. That result can be summed up as: Ouch. Either that or she’ll choose me. From then on, Cat will hate me more than she already does- and I do not want to find out what that would mean- and Adora will always resent me because I’m the reason she and her best friend fell apart.“

Bow nodded sagely for a moment, “You’ve really thought this through.”

She could tell he wasn’t as concerned with her hypothetical situations as she was. This time it was her voice that reached a dangerously high volume, “Yes of course I’ve thought this through! Have you met me?! I think everything through!”

“Ok true, but I still don’t think-“

“Actually I’m not finished yet! Because even if by some miracle, Cat and I are able to ‘coexist,’ then I’m always going to be an accessory to Cat and Adora’s relationship. I will always be an add-on; something that is merely tolerated. And I will not be able to stand that. I would rather never talk to Adora again than have to deal with that.”

“Glimmer I get it and you’re making some good points, it’s just,” he paused, pinching the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes, piecing together his words, “of all those situations you’ve thought up, you’ve never once considered the possibility that things will turn out ok.”  

Glimmer leaned sideways into Bow, just trying to affirm that she had heard him. She hated making Bow this exasperated. She knew he was just trying to help her. Hell, maybe he was even right. Still, Glimmer was thinking realistically. She was thinking cautiously. She was... she has no idea what she was doing.

“You know, Glimmer,” Bow returned the lean in her direction, “sometimes the world doesn’t suck.”

She rolled her eyes, “Mm, really? And you’d be what? An expert of the world’s constant condition?”

Bow sat up straight and puffed out his chest, “Yes in fact.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Glimmer’s voice still wavered as she spoke, but she could feel a grin start to grow across her lips.

“And you know what? I might be ridiculous, but I like to think that I’ll be right one of these times.”

Glimmer loved Bow’s optimism but it often came across to her as purely naive. She wished he could be right about this, if only to give him the satisfaction. But it was unrealistic and the sooner she accepted that fact, the easier it would be to take reality’s crushing blow. And the sooner Bow stopped encouraging her wishful thinking, the easier it would be to accept.

But he was giving her a grin that held nothing but purity and confidence, and she couldn’t break that. She tried to return the smile, “Sure. We’ll see.”

His smile grew until he was beaming, “Yep! We will!”

Satisfied that he had beaten Glimmer into optimistic submission, Bow slapped the sofa seat next to him, “Come on, I gotta go.”  

They moved towards the exit together, chatting casually as they weaved through tables of clustered students. The library was filled with the quiet bubbling of 50 voices, each trying not to make noise but none the less adding to the atmosphere of sound. It was relaxing to some extent and apparently Bow found it safe enough to continue their conversation.

“So... what would you do if Adora liked you back? I mean, like, would you go on dates or-”

Glimmer nearly tackled him to the ground but instead froze, hissing, “Shut up! Elizabeth is right there! She hangs out with Adora sometimes! What if she heard you yelling?!”

Bow’s eyes lit up at the mention of Elizabeth, “Really? Where is she?”

“Don’t look so happy about it; she right at the table behind you!”

Bow spun around and waved, “Hey Elizabeth!”

The girl jolted up from where she had been hunched over the table, “Oh, hey Bow!”

Teachers often got Glimmer and Elizabeth mixed up; Glimmer never understood why. She wore huge, round glasses and had a fascination with math that Glimmer could never possibly possess. It was true that they both had dyed hair, but her’s was far darker and nearly hit the floor. (How Elizabeth didn’t trip over it every time she stood up was a mystery Glimmer would never solve).

It wasn’t that Glimmer minded Elizabeth but-

“This is not the time!” Glimmer grabbed Bow’s hand and began dragging him towards the doors.

Before they could actually get out outside, Elizabeth popped up in front of them, grinning broadly and practically shouting when she spoke, “What were you saying about Adora?”

Elizabeth had a habit of appearing randomly in your face, without any warning and giving Glimmer a heart attack every time. That being said, Glimmer was having a heart attack. Even if Elizabeth hadn’t startled her by materializing out of the blue and effectively blocking her escape route, yelling about Adora in the middle of the library definitely would’ve been enough to push Glimmer off the edge.

Glimmer’s eyes widened and it felt like the wind had been punched out of her-  a solid blow straight to core. She struggled to find anything to say, simply trying to remember how to breathe. Finally she shook her head and grabbed Bow and Elizabeth’s hand, “Out. Both of you.”

“Oh, wait- wow. Your hands are really strong.”

Glimmer ignored Elizabeth’s chatter as she barreled outside. When they turned the corner Glimmer let go of their hands and turned so she could glare at both of them. They stood with their backs to the building wall, shoulder to shoulder like a police line up.

The campus continued to move around them as they stood in awkward silence. Glimmer paced back and forth, wringing her hands. She had made an impulsive decision when she grabbed Elizabeth and now she had to deal with the consequences. Bow stood with his arms crossed, staring at random things and avoiding where Glimmer was treading miles through the sidewalk. Elizabeth on the other hand seemed to be entirely unbothered, humming to herself and fidgeting with something she had pulled out of her pocket.

Glimmer shook her head; she was being stupid, “Look, Elizabeth, I’m sorry I dragged you out here. I was really overreacting and I’m sorry you had to be a part of that. Just please don’t mention anything about Adora to anyone.”

“Hmm what?” Elizabeth jerked her head up, “Oh! Adora. Yeah, her, I think she’s cool. I think we might be friends. Not sure. That would be nice though.”

Elizabeth spoke in short, choppy sentences that bounced from one topic to another and made Glimmer’s head hurt. She pinched the bridge of her nose, “Yes, we’re talking about Adora. Just please forget I said anything about her.”

“So let me get this straight. You’re talking about Adora, you told me you were talking about Adora,” Elizabeth was moving her hands in front of her face like she was playing an invisible game of connect the dots, “But you don’t want me to know you were talking about Adora?”

Bow squinted, “Yeah that sounds about right.”

“Just, whatever you heard, don’t tell anyone any of it. Please?”

Elizabeth darted forward towards Glimmer, staring hard into her face. She continued to scrutinize Glimmer as she began to speak, “You have a crush in her don’t you?”

Glimmer’s hand itched to clamp itself over Elizabeth’s mouth. She let her own lips fall open, once again struggling desperately to find words to fill the space with. She attempted to regain some veneer of composure, standing up straighter and turning her chin slightly in the air, “I will neither confirm or deny anything concerning that matter.”

“So... is that a yes?”

“No! Its nothing!” Glimmer growled.

“You’re not acting like it’s nothing,” Bow spoke with a smug grin and subtly raised eyebrows.

Glimmer glared at Bow for a second before breaking off the staring contest by rubbing the palms of her hands upwards across her face and settling across her eyes. This situation had been out of her control since Weaver had assigned her to be partners with Adora. Maybe it had been out of her hands since Adora scampered into her seat in the first day of school, laughing loudly at something Cat had said. Now nothing was in her hands except her own tired fears.

“Hey,” Elizabeth’s voice broke through the darkness Glimmer was hiding behind, “I’ve gotta go so I’m just gonna... um, yeah, bye!”

Glimmer looked up to see Elizabeth jogging back to the library. The girl paused for a moment to wave before disappearing inside. Glimmer sighed and collapsed into a lump on the concrete. She looked up at Bow, “She’s going to say something isn’t she?”

Bow scratched the back of his head. It was possible he was trying to think, but it was more likely he was just buying time; Glimmer knew he didn’t want to say exactly what she knew he was going to say. He deflated and sat down next to Glimmer, “I don’t think she’d do it on purpose. She might just... forget not to.”

Glimmer flopped backwards. The clouds were drifting across the sky slowly; beautiful, serine motions that ran in paradox to her racing mind; so many thoughts and they all blurred together into one word. Shit.

[globerjk]

The Designer, Her Model and Her Hero (1)

For the ML Secret Santa @mlsecretsanta exchange. This is my gift to @chelseaapproved

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

“For the millionth time Plagg, Marinette it’s just a very good friend” Adrien said exasperated. His Kuami was convinced that the boy had feelings for his classmate and was taking the opportunity to tease him once they got to the bathroom before leaving school to go to Marinette´s place for the afternoon.

According to what the little cat kept saying over and over again for the past few months, his chosen -more often than not- showed a softer side for the pigtailed girl who sat behind him at school and now that the boy had agreed, or rather offered himself as the model for her latest fashion competition, Plagg didn’t seemed able to shut up about it.

The assignment was to present a model, male or female, wearing a business casual outfit with a twitch.  The aspiring designer´s first choice had been Alya, but once he overheard them talking about it at their free period he got strangely annoyed and jump at the opportunity to volunteer as a replacement once Marinette´s bestie confirmed that she would most likely be on a trip with her family the same weekend of the event.

Marinette got a little nervous and mumble something about measurements, closeness and fittings that Adrien didn’t quite understand but with the help of an exited Alya and an amused Nino they manage to get her on board.

Marinette tried to at least convince her other friends to join her an Adrien for the first session but Alya had plans to hang out at the zoo with Nino even though he didn’t seem to have any idea about it.

“Plans for the zoo, you say?” Marinette asked.

“Yes! Important plans!” Alya answer with confidence.

“Plans your boyfriend had no idea beforehand” skepticism written all over beautiful blue bell eyes.

“What are you suggesting Marinette?” Alya said smugly “That I´m making up excuses to ditch you alone with your new model? Now why would I do that?” then turned her attention to the boys “Any guesses, Adrien?”

Adrien was taken aback and asked Marinette instead “Want me to try to come up with an answer?

“No!” Shouted Marinette

“Yes!” Said Alya at the same time so the boy turned to Nino whispering “Should I get involve?”

His friend just laugh and place a hand to his shoulder moving him from where the girls were arguing again.

“Dude, time has taught me that when they get like it’s better to just move far, far away and not get any of those girl’s attention when they argue. Believe me when I tell you that you never, ever, want to get in the middle of that and that nothing, and I mean nothing, you say is going to be the right thing to let out of your mouth”

After a hiss from Marinette and an apology from Alya they took off, each couple on a different direction. The walk to the bakery was quiet and Adrien felt like maybe he was imposing on his designer friend with this contest thing.

“I can help you look for another model if you prefer” he said once they were about to enter her building and Marinette was still as nervous as she´s been the entire walk.

“Why? You don´t want to do it anymore?” She asked with big sad eyes.

“No! It´s not that at all, I´m the one who offered, remember? It’s just that you weren’t really sure and we pressure you. Then the argument at the school steps with Alya before leaving… and you´re awfully silent since we left those two.”

She seem genuinely disappointed that he even suggested another person to help with the contest. -Does she want me or not- He thought -she is definitely giving me mixed signals-

“I´m sorry. I was just… umm... Just... Distracted” She hurried to reassure him

“Distracted?”

“Yeah… thinking about… umm… alterations! Alterations to the design because I have cero time to start from scratch so I´m keeping the original design I had for Alya that I loved. Now I have to make it a good fit for your masculine I mean male body” She said it all in one go and got a little fluster at the end.  They entered the front door to the bakery, said a quick hello to her parents and went upstairs to start working.

Once she began adapting her concepts for a boy´s body and showing him her ideas something occurred to him.  It could be distracting for the judges if they knew he was a professional, not to mention what the other contestants may assume given that he was also the heir to a fashion empire, so they agreed that in order to make this all about the design and not the famous guy wearing it, the twitch in the project should be a fashionable mask.  Marinette´s first suggestion was to make it Chat Noir´s stile, but sensing Adrien´s discomfort she rapidly discarded the sketch, or rather saved it for another occasion.  It was a great design after all and she was very fond of the Cat super hero.

“I´m sure you can come up with something different, Marinette. You are really talented… I mean, look at this sketches and it’s only been a week since you started working on them for Alya” Adrien said to a blushing Marinette while admiring the first drafts for the alterations.

“T-thanks Adrien, I guess is better to go with something completely original for the mask as well.  Something that doesn’t make you look like someone else but rather something inspired by you” Marinette answer trying to minimize her stutter and then added in a low voice “and you are plenty inspiring”

“What?” Adrien turned to look at her.

“What?!” she panicked

“I´m sure I heard you say something else”

“No you didn´t” She said with a high pitch voice.

“Okay, I must be imagining things” He dismissed, smiling and returning his attention to her design book.

Marinette let out a sigh and resume her search for types of masks on her tablet.  She didn’t remember to change her computer home screen so turning that device on was in no case an option near this particular visitor.

She actually unplugged it just to be sure it wouldn’t activate by accident.

The rest of the afternoon was relatively calm, as where the other days they got together to resume her work.  Marinette found it easier to be around Adrien when focused on her project, so even the day when she had to actually touch him for measurements, they survived with minimal blushing and stuttering from both.

The mask she ended up making covered almost all of his face, leaving just his right eye on display which, according to the judges, was one of the most interesting parts of the garment.  She also gained extra points for originality since most of the other contestants went with different mixes of denim and formal fabric (denim shirt and black slacks or denim pants with suit jackets).  Marinette opted for a look more on edge, having a trending journalist as her first inspiration and a young hot model as her second.

The attire was what could be described as simple but chick and could easily be worn every day.  Adrien did the catwalk that day in a white form fitting white polo shirt with black skinny trousers and a simple but elegant leather jacket at hand that he put on at the end of the road.

She won the first place. 

---

“You know kid… at this point I’m going to need some proof” The black cat resumed the teasing while eating what felt like the must smelly cheese known to men.

“You keep saying that she’s just your friend, but I could sense the love in the air since you gave her your umbrella. And that was like three whole years ago”

“It was pouring outside and we happened to have a ride home, she didn’t” Adrien defended while cleaning the excess of makeup he used to disguise the one eye he had on display for the contest.

“She lives across the street from school, but whatever” Plagg continued unimpressed “Anyway… you ditched Kagamy on your first date to help Marinette up when she felt on the ice and then went running after her, followed her to the bathroom, even though she had her own date there”

“I... I ran after a friend upset. That’s how friendship works, you should try it sometime” The boy turned to poke on the cats little belly

“Again, I will need some prove. You kept trying to date fencing girl and somehow always got back to your soft looks directed to the baker.  After today? Nothing you say will make me change my mind” Plagg insisted

“She won, I was next to her as her model! Would you have want me to ignore her and not congratulate her? I was right there and just…”

“And just have to get so overly excited?” Adrien was interrupted “You carry her and turned in circles with her on your arms… her feet didn’t touch the floor for at least half a minute there” The smirk in Plagg´s expression could be even overheard.

“It was a big contest! This can open all kinds of doors for Marinette, so what if I was happy for her… Of course I care about Mari, she is my friend”

“If you call her your friend one more time I’m going to scream” The Kwami said “Just for my sanity and I believe for your happiness, go and try to prove me wrong”

“Okay! I’ll go and prove it to you. Plagg transform me” Adrien roared already in his transformation pose.

“I didn’t mean right now….” Plagg snarled as he was suctioned to the ring.

[helloalycia]

super crush [one] // supergirl

summary: Kara has a crush on you and has a hard way of expressing herself, so turns to her alter-identity Supergirl for help.

warning/s: nothing but extremely awkward and cute Kara tbh

part two  | masterlist

          "...and this is your new desk! It's opposite mine, so if you need anything, I'm right here!"

         Winn Schott, my new work colleague smiled cheerily at me as he awaited for me to ask any possible questions or queries I may have. I was a new employee here at CatCo, and part of the I.T. Tech team, the rest of the team consisting of, well, Winn. He had shown me around the whole building all morning and was very generous, helping me settle into my first day pretty easily.

         "Wow, thanks, Winn," I said gratefully. "You've been a really big help. Made me feel very welcomed. Thank you."

         He waved off my compliment and shrugged his shoulders. "Pfft, stop it, Y/N. I was only doing what anybody else would do. I'm just glad there's another person here who'll understand what I'm talking about from now on."

         I laughed whilst nodding my head. "Yeah, I get what you mean. Working for my last job wasn't very challenging compared to–"

         "Winn! There you are!"

         I was cut off by somebody stopping by Winn's side, out of breath and slightly red in the face. She was dressed quite formally for work-attire, and her blonde hair was pinned out of her face, only managing to emphasise her black-framed glasses that shielded her electric-blue eyes from clear view.

         "I have been looking all over for you!" she exclaimed, patting the brunette on his shoulder. "Where've you been?"

         He smiled before motioning to me. "I was showing around the new girl. Kara, this is Y/N Y/L/N. She's the new technician here at CatCo."

         This 'Kara' girl looked to me, obviously unaware of my presence. Then suddenly, her eyes widened as she looked me up and down. A dorky smile formed on her lips as she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out but incomprehensible sounds.

         "Y/N, this is Kara Danvers," Winn introduced as he glanced at his blonde friend with confused eyes. "She's Cat's personal assistant."

         I wore my friendliest smile as I put out my hand for her to shake, hoping I could make two friends on my first day. "Hi, Kara. It's lovely to meet you."

         She tried to say something, but once again, nothing came out, so she bit her lower lip as she placed her hand in mine. A firm grip was in place as she shook my hand, her eyes fixated on me as if she had something to say but physically couldn't. I found it pretty adorable and couldn't help but chuckle at her expression.

         Pulling my hand away, she did the same and pushed her glasses further up the bridge of her nose, an adorable habit I presumed she had.

         "So, what did you need, Kar?" Winn asked her, but she was still staring at me with red cheeks.

         Eventually, she zoned back into reality and looked to her friend. "Um, what? Oh, yeah. My computer froze and Miss. Grant needs me to send some emails. Can you fix it?"

         "Y/N can fix it," he immediately said, making me raise my eyebrows and look his way. He smiled encouragingly. "It's your first day. Starting off small will boost your confidence."

         I guess he was right... I shrugged my shoulders and was about to agree then ask Kara where her desk was, but I didn't get the chance because the blonde had already grabbed Winn by his arm.

         "Uh, no, it's fine! Um, Winn, you can do it!" she got out in one breath before I watched her drag him to her desk, which I now knew was a few desks down from ours.

         I tried not to feel offended as I headed to my desk to sit down. I shook it off and smiled to myself as I looked at it's contents, noticing the basic office equipment that was there, along with my own computer. I couldn't wait to make it my own by decorating with my own personalised knick-knacks.

         However, as I was admiring my new workspace, I felt eyes on me, and when I looked up, I saw Kara and Winn talking whilst sending me glances every now and then. I met Kara's eyes the next time she looked up, and a giant awkward smile formed on her lips before she looked away again. I snickered to myself, finding her odd behaviour intriguing.

         Today had been a pretty good first day.

***

         It had been approximately two weeks since I had begun working at CatCo, and I was loving every minute it. The people were really nice, and I had made some new friends in the process – Kara and Winn. Cat Grant wasn't the nicest of the bunch, but she barely paid me any attention unless her computer didn't work or something, so I didn't have to worry about angering the boss.

         Winn was the person I had become the closest to since working here, and I was really grateful for him because he was how I befriended Kara, and it made my move to National City less scary than I imagined it to be. I had hung out with both him and Kara a few times and they were really easy to be myself around, that's what I loved. There was one thing that I was slightly confused at though...

         Remember when I said that I had made new friends? Well, one of them, Kara... I didn't think she liked me. She was friendly and smart and beautiful and probably the most adorable person ever, but I didn't think she liked me. And I was determined to get to the bottom of it.

         "Hey, Kara, Winn," I said with a smile, approaching the two colleagues that were sitting on Kara's desk.

         They both looked up and met my eyes, but their reactions were different. Winn smiled as usual, but Kara smiled awkwardly and immediately looked away, avoiding my eyes. See? Things like that would confuse me and make me wonder whether she disliked me for some odd reason.

         "'Sup, Y/N?" Winn asked with a smile.

         I shrugged and kept my eyes on Kara, despite her avoiding me. "Nothing. I actually just wanted to ask you guys if you wanted anything for lunch. I'm gonna pick something up now."

         "Ooh, can I get a panini from that new place that opened up?!" Winn asked with excitement, making me look his way to see a giant grin on his face.

         I chuckled at his expression which resembled a child's. "Sure. Anything specific?"

         "Surprise me."

         I smiled with amusement before looking to the silent blonde. "Anything for you, Kara?"

         Her eyes flickered up to mine before looking down again, and a faint pinkness spread across her cheeks as she spoke. "What? Um, no, I'm good."

         Winn furrowed his eyebrows when he nudged her shoulder. "What? Kara you were just complaining about how hungry you were."

         I raised an eyebrow as I looked between the two of them, and eventually settled my gaze on the flustered blonde. She seemed uncomfortable with all the attention, and I wondered why she was like this every time I spoke to her. Whenever I saw her from afar, she seemed relaxed with whoever she was speaking to, so what was I doing wrong?

         "I'm not hungry anymore," she said like it was nothing, before standing up and looking to Winn. "And um, I think Miss. Grant wants me, so um, yeah." She turned to walk away, but momentarily forgot I was there and ended up bumping into me. She bit her lip and looked up, her blue eyes meeting mine. Smiling nervously, she mumbled an apology before stumbling away, only leaving me in confusion.

         "Uh, you saw that too, right?" I asked to Winn, watching the blonde walk away. Or should I say stumbling about as she avoided bumping into people.

         "Mhm," Winn mumbled with agreement.

         I kept my eyes on Kara until I saw her about to round the corner. She looked over her shoulder and was obviously surprised to see me watching her, as she widened her eyes and did that adorable awkward smile of hers before rushing away, out of my view. When she was gone, I looked back to Winn and sighed heavily.

         "She is so confusing," I stated before slouching on Kara's desk beside him.

         He quirked an eyebrow. "Trust me, I know that. But I wanna know why you think that."

         I raised my hands, motioning to the direction she just left in, before letting them fall to my sides again. "I feel like she doesn't like me. She's always doing her best to avoid me, and she acts different with me than she does with others. But then I think she does like me because she does that cute little smile of hers and stares at me with those big blue eyes and ugh, I'm so confused."

         The blonde's expression remained in my mind as I looked at the spot where she was once stood. She had such a pretty smile. But I hated that I rarely saw it because she made it her thing to leave whenever I showed up. Like before.

         I sighed distractedly and looked back to Winn, only to pull a face when I saw him smirking at me knowingly.

         "Uh, what are you doing?" I asked, trying my hardest not to feel creeped out by his expression.

         "You like Kara," he said with a teasing tone.

         "No, I don't."

         "Yes, you do. I would know. I was once in the same boat."

         I raised an eyebrow. "You liked Kara?"

         He shrugged it off. "Yeah. So I know that the way you look at her is the way somebody looks at a puppy. Lovesick."

         I almost snorted. "I don't love her. I've known her for two weeks, dude."

         "Yes," he agreed, then stood up to face me. "But you have a crush on her."

         I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest. "Even if that were true, it doesn't matter. She doesn't like me. Whenever I try to get her attention, she leaves."

         He chuckled to himself as if he knew something I didn't. "Whatever, Y/N. All I'm going to say is keep trying. I'm sure things will happen how you want them to be."

         Thinking he was some wise old man, he walked away leaving an air of mystery behind him along with a disgruntled me.

***

         When I returned with Winn and I's lunch, I also bought Kara something, too, knowing she would be hungry even though she wouldn't admit it to me for whatever reason. I found the duo by Winn's desk this time, chatting happily. Kara was actually laughing, and as I neared them, I realised I liked the sound of her laugh. A lot.

         "I've returned! And with food!" I exclaimed as I made my presence known.

         Their conversation quietened down, and I saw the excitement in Winn's eyes as I set down his takeaway. I couldn't help but laugh as he eagerly grabbed his food. I grabbed Kara's bag and held it out to her, noticing the small smile on her lips.

         "I got you a panini too," I told her, smiling in return. "I figured you'd be hungry."

         "Thank you," she said with a nod, accepting the bag. Her hands brushed mine in the process, and I didn't think much of it, but apparently she did, judging from the red blush that spread across her cheeks. She did look pretty adorable.

         We all dug into our food and it was silent as we enjoyed our lunch. However, I couldn't seem to look away from Kara. I was still wondering why she was the way she was with me. Maybe I could change things.

         "Hey, Kara," I called after swallowing a bite of my panini. She looked up with a mouthful of food, so I took her attention as my cue to continue. "Do you want to go out to the movies tomorrow night? I'd love to get to know you a bit more."

         She almost choked on her food when she swallowed, making me grab the nearest bottle of water and hold it out for her. She shook her head and waved me off though, so I put it back down but watched her with concern.

         "You sure you're okay?" I asked, resting a hand on her leg because she was sat on the desk in front of me.

         Her eyes darted from my hand to my eyes, and I was so confused to why she was acting like this. Whatever it was though, Winn must've understood because he was laughing hysterically in the corner. I didn't even bother to question him as I waited for Kara to speak.

         "Uh, yeah, I'm fine," she promised, offering a small smile through her blushing cheeks. "Sorry. And um, the movies? Are you, like, sure?"

         I smiled with confusion and cocked my head to the side. "Uh, yeah? I'm pretty sure, ha."

         She smiled toothlessly and I watched her visibly gulp before nodding her head. "Yeah, um, I'd like that."

         Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I straightened my posture and felt myself smile widely. "Wow, okay. Cool! I'll text you tonight then?"

         She nodded and avoided my gaze again. "Y-yeah. That's fine, Y/N."

***

         Asking Kara to accompany me to the cinema was a good plan, despite her acting strange at first. We ended up watching a comedy, (not just so I could hear her adorable laugh all the time), and afterwards we got some Potstickers, per her request. The weird behaviour between us soon disappeared and I could finally get to know the real her. She was still clumsy and awkward at times, but it was actually really cute to witness. Despite the unfortunate part of her having to leave early for an emergency, I would like to say that it was a good evening, and my crush on Kara Danvers was very much intact.

         Around CatCo, I would continue to hang with Kara and Winn, (and occasionally their other friend, James), and we would spend time together outside of work, too. During these times, I couldn't help but fall harder for the blonde, yet I was clueless on how to approach her and ask her out. She always seemed nervous and distant, and I wasn't sure how to go about it. Even after admitting this to Winn, he assured me that Kara was just being Kara and I should give it a shot, but that was easier said than done.

         "Supergirl is back at it again, having disarmed four criminals at a bank robbery in under two minutes, and managing to save countless more lives!"

         The news reporter on the TV droned on and on about Supergirl's latest achievements and many of my colleagues were sat or stood watching. Winn and I were leaning against his desk as we watched the impressive images and videos playing of Supergirl saving the day.

         "She's so amazing," Winn commented with a hint of pride in his voice, as if he knew her personally. He looked to me, a smile on his lips. "Don't you think?"

         I shrugged in agreement. "Yeah, I guess she is. Always saving the day and people's lives."

         "You guess?" he asked, feigning offence as he pressed his hand to his chest in awe. "How do you just 'guess'? She's Supergirl!"

         I couldn't help but laugh at his reaction, and I was unable to give a response because Kara soon joined our side, having noticed the others watching the news report and me laughing at Winn.

         "What's got you all smiley?" she asked with a small smile of her own, scrunching her nose up a little.

         "Y/N guesses Supergirl is amazing. Guesses!" Winn exclaimed with disbelief.

         I smiled to contain my laughter. "When you say it like that, you make it sound worse than it is!" I looked to Kara and shook my head. "He's just overreacting."

         I figured Kara would drop it, but she bit her lip as she looked me in the eye curiously.

         "What do you think of Supergirl?" she asked, not bothering to hide her eagerness.

         I rolled my eyes and gave her a knowing look. "Oh, no, not you, too." A faint pink blush appeared on her cheeks and I couldn't help but laugh at how cute she looked. Continuing, I said, "Supergirl is obviously amazing. I mean, she has superpowers for crying out loud! I just don't get excited about her like, well, everyone in National City."

         Winn stayed quiet as he crossed his arms over his chest and sulked like I'd personally offended him. Meanwhile, Kara raised her chin indifferently.

         "So, um, why? Don't you like her?" she asked not very subtly, before looking down and playing with one of Winn's collectibles whilst conspicuously glancing up at me every few seconds.

         "I do," I defended myself with a chuckle, finding this whole situation amusing. "I just don't see the point in fangirling over her like..." I glanced at Winn, who glared at me, before looking back to Kara, who was still trying to seem uninterested. "I'm not from here so maybe that's why I'm not feeling the hype around Supergirl. I don't know."

         I shrugged lamely as I looked between the two Supergirl fans, and they both contrasted extremely, making me laugh all over again.

         "What do you think of Supergirl?" I asked Kara, raising an eyebrow.

         Kara knocked over one of Winn's toys when I asked, and raised her eyebrows as she cleared her throat. "Me? What do I think?"

         I nodded, an amused smile on my lips as I watched her fumble about awkwardly to place Winn's toys back in order.

         "I don't know, I mean, she's Supergirl. What's to say?" she said, then bit her lip afterwards.

         I opened my mouth to respond with something sarcastic, but another voice interrupted, cutting everybody off.

         "Why is nobody working in here? I don't pay you all to stand around and do nothing!"

         Cat Grant entered her office as she spoke, and seconds later, she added, "Keira! I need you over here!"

         Everyone scrambled back to their desks whilst Winn and I stood up straight, ready to get back to work. Kara seemed relieved for some reason, and unbothered by the fact Cat said her name wrong.

         "Aren't you even going to try and correct her?" I asked with a humoured smile, walking past Kara and to my desk.

         Kara shrugged and ran a hand through her hair. "What's the point? She doesn't listen anyway. I don't mind, though."

         "Keira!"

         "And that's my cue," she stated, smiling widely at Winn and I before racing to Cat's office.

         I found myself smiling as she left, thinking back to how beautiful she looked when she smiled like she did.

         "God, you're like a teenager with a crush," Winn said with fake disgust.

         I rolled my eyes and ignored his comment, knowing he was still salty about my Supergirl comment.

         "Can you blame me? She's adorable."

[high5nerd]

The Misadventures of Fanty and Pitch Black---Chap. Four

The room he appeared in happened to be a living room of a different person's, and in the distance he could hear the furious typing on a computer keyboard. The living room was simple, yet Pitch had an immediate drawing to it. Must be the black painted bookshelves. They held many thick books as well as encyclopedias that looked ancient, but more than just decoration. The floor was of dark wood, and a nice TV sat below a big window, shining light into the airy room. Pitch walked a bit towards the room with the typing sound, noticing many pictures hung up on walls as well as certificates and photos of movie characters. The walls in the entire flat were a rich purple, and he passed a small room used as a kitchen with a mini fridge and a small elegant table in the middle, with three, mahogany chairs. They looked quite comfortable.

"I like this person's taste in a home. Nice and cozy." Pitch mumbled to himself, ducking into another room with the same purple walls and wooden flooring. This room was obviously a bedroom, judging by the quilted bed in the corner of the room near the curtained window. There were multiple rugs of eggplant purple and dark brown, fuzzy beneath his feet. He looked up at the light fixture, feeling the fan turn slowly. He was surprised to see a poster up there of a man that looked almost like him, but in tight jeans and a white t-shirt, and looked soaked in water. Pitch made a face, feeling really strange at that familiar face, before turning to the person that sat in a black swivel chair at the wooden desk.

He nearly jumped back noticing the girl was staring right at him, unafraid.

This strange girl wore light blue jeans, a fitted t-shirt, and glasses. Her purple hair framed her face and almost reached her hips. The girl did not smile, just stared at him with mild interest. Pitch moved to the right, then slowly to the left, and once he noticed her eyes were following his movements, he felt both relieved and shocked.

"So another freak can see me." Pitch breathed, not looking away from her. Let's see if she'll react like Fanty does.

The girl merely scoffed, looked him up and down, and said with a smirk on her face, "Please, go look in a mirror."

Pitch felt his non-existent eyebrows rise upwards. Now that was bold, even against a Boogeyman.

"Do you know who I am?" Pitch demanded, taking a step towards this new girl.

"Do you know who I am, Boogeyman?" the girl raised a brow teasingly, "I'm Queen of the Universe, and everyone-including you-are my loyal subjects. Now bow before me."

Pitch couldn't help but crack a toothy grin, and his smile was contagious, for it caused this girl to silently laugh as she got up from her sleek desk. She brushed some hair back before turning towards Pitch with a curious smile on her face. Pitch eyed her, smirking.

"I like you." He said lowly, causing the girl to have a quick blush before shaking it off. She was a tough-nugget like that.

"That's a relief." She said, craning her neck to look at her ceiling poster of her favorite singer, Koz. Pitch felt his upper lip curl. He didn't want to look at that doppelganger poster up there.

"May I ask your name?" Pitch asked, folding his hands behind his back.

The girl stuck out a hand, and Pitch slowly shook it. "I'm Mystic Hawk. I'm one of Fanty's friends," she noticed the look on Pitch's face, "Yes, we heard the ruckus down there. It was hard to ignore it. Did Emma really shoot you with a Nerf gun?"

"She did indeed."

That sent Mystic into cahoots. She clutched at her stomach while holding up a finger to make him wait. She finally sighed, took off her glasses, wiped them, and then put them back on, still giggling. "Wait, so she really shot you in the butt? We all heard a high pitched scream, but we knew even Emma can't make a noise like that! You sounded like a cat in heat when you scream."

"I do not!" Pitch protested, but Mystic was already laughing once more, having the need to sit down in order not to pee her pants. The last time she peed her pants laughing was when she and Drago caught Fanty in the middle of dancing to Boogey Wonderland in nothing but her underwear, a button up, and no, not socks, but swim flippers while holding a pink hairbrush. Just the memory of that hilarious moment made her laugh harder.

Pitch frowned, not finding anything amusing at all. So without another word, he disappeared and reappeared into another apartment. This one, literally screamed pink. It slightly scared him. There was graffiti all over the walls, and surprisingly, none of them had written profanity like he's seen in the cities. His favorite one was a long tag that had the word 'fuck' stretched around the base of this brick building, so it looked like a good long 'fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck'. He laughed for days.

Heh…good long fuck. That sounds kinky. His mind snickered, and Pitch growled for that annoying voice to stop.

A giant flat screen TV hung on the wall with the most colorful and large graffiti, and comfortable looking black leather couches surrounded the living room with stylish pillows. The kitchen was enormous, with a fully prepared table with the whole shebang, including fire truck red candles and glassware. He had to admit it, this person was extremely brave to decorate their home like this funky. If he lived here, his eyes would hurt after three hours from the pink walls.

"Hey, you mind? I'm about to leave." A friendly voice came.

Pitch looked at the direction of where he assumed an office was, and there before him stood Star with her shining brown hair tucked into a high ponytail, and thick black sunglasses that hid her big, emerald eyes. She donned light green leggings and a white tutu with green glitter on it, had at least four wooden bracelets on her left arm and had lavender colored nails. Her lime green t-shirt had big, bubbly yellow letters that simply said 'Hey' and she donned a brown leather jacket for the afternoon, windy chill.

"Good God, you're like a grown Sophie Bennett." Pitch blurted, not guilty of it at all.

"Pardon?"

"Nothing. I really shouldn't be surprised Fanty has strange friends now, but I still am." Pitch shrugged nonchalantly, "You go out like that every day?"

"Yep. And no judging, because you can't talk. Take a look in the mirror before you walk down the street," Star winked as she passed him with her stylish gait, "such a shame a good-looking bod is hidden under a black tarp."

"-!? It's a robe!" Pitch protested, folding his V-neck closed a bit more and pulling his leg forward to hide his crotch. He felt naked, and it wasn't a good feeling.

"Don't kill anyone, or I'll feed you cupcakes until you explode all over the walls." Star casually said, picking up her car keys and pocketbook.

"I'll end up like your graffiti. Hopefully I'm not going to end up as written profanity." Pitch muttered, but sneered as Star grinned, showing her pearly whites.

Once Star left with Drago and Pitch was on his own again, he wandered and meandered to his heart's content. He had to admit, he was starting to grow a fondness for this building. He found Drago's apartment, and it was mostly cluttered and decorated with beautiful antiques and rustic décor. There was a cherry wood desk in the corner of her room with a well-working computer, and piles of papers and archives filled up all the nooks and crannies of that desk. The bookshelves were organized as can be, though. Pitch had to say, he liked the kitchen the best. He didn't know how a Hobbit themed kitchen would be pulled off so well! The apartment, besides clutter, gave off a feeling of homey comfort, and it made Pitch linger a little longer than the others. Well, he would have stuck around if it wasn't for this mangy puppy that was black with gold cheeks and paws that kept yapping up a storm at him and tugging on his robe with his teeth. The last thing Pitch needed was worn-and-torn clothing. So after frightening the puppy by making a growling noise and baring his teeth, he slunked into a shadow and reappeared in yet another room.

Now, you would expect the whole 'let's describe the décor and what the place looks like because the writer is stalling', but no, the first thing Pitch noticed immediately was that, yes, the occupant of this newly found apartment was waiting for him. She lurked right at the darkest spot in her home, which was right behind a painted rocking chair with dark floral pillows. Just as Pitch emerged, the girl shrieked and gave him a good whack with a rolled up People magazine. Pitch yelped and clutched his ear, his hearing thudding a bit before he shook his head.

"What in devil's name-?!" he started, glaring at the girl.

"Fanty warned me you're sneaking around here! Really? Breaking and entering people's apartments? Shouldn't you just knock!? You scared the living daylights out of me!" Xion scolded, shaking her rolled up magazine at him.

"Good, I prefer the dark rather than daylight. Who the hell are you?" Pitch muttered, rubbing the back of his head.

"I'm Xion Five. Now can you please leave? I've got business to do." Xion dropped her magazine as she crossed over to the purple and black striped couches and sitting down.

Before Pitch could ask what she was so busy with that she must ignore a guest, she un-paused an anime movie called Howls' Moving Castle. Pitch gave her a look. "Ah yes, movie watching is serious business. Don't mind me, I'll just be leaving."

"Before you go, you could have some of those strawberry and vanilla cupcakes Star left for me. They have gummy bears on them, they're really good." Xion said, not tearing her eyes away from the screen.

Pitch made a face, but then felt his face fall into shock as he saw the open room used as a display room and an office space. There was a polished desk with a super thin, black laptop and silver mouse, dark bookcases much like the ones in Mystic's apartment, but other than that, he was amazed at the homemade costumes and weaponry that hung on walls and were on mannequins. Some looked like dark Lolita dresses, others looked Elven-like, and some looked like royal mages or even frilly princess stuff. He guessed the clothing was inspired by the anime Xion watched. He especially liked the steampunk jumpsuit with the dark red goggles. Apparently she painted those goggles herself, from what it looked like up close. On the walls hung homemade weapons from anime shows as well, like throwing knives, hammers, magic wands, even giant things like shepherd's crooks, staffs and a scythe that he absolutely wanted to steal, except it was light purple with stars on it.

Wow, she really has a talent in making this sort of stuff, Pitch thought, peering at a neon blue wig that almost reached the floor, so that's why she called it 'business.'

After content goodbyes, Pitch finally met Lil Angel, who was Fanty's neighbor that took care of the Bennett children. Pitch couldn't help but keep her at bay since she was affiliated with those children, but he had to admit she was a very eccentric and friendly person much like Fanty and her friends as well. He only had a peek of her apartment, which was very modern and had many things that were light purple but also light blue, yellow and red. The fuzzy floor was white, and the walls were a cream color that complimented the comfortably sized kitchen that looked as if a batter explosion occurred with fireworks of icing. He also met Angel's pet kitten, Oreo, that seemed instantly attracted to his face so it leaped out of Angel's arms and hugged Pitch's face like a starfish, it's claws digging into his ears.

Pitch gruffly removed the kitten from his face as if it were a leech. It had quite a grip on his face! He held it out to stare at it, holding it by the back of the neck. Maybe if he scared it, the kitten would pee all over Angel's carpet. That'd be funny.

"Boo." Pitch growled.

Angel waited with baited breath, knowing Pitch was trying to make the kitten have a potty mess. But instead of what they thought would happen, the kitten merely mewled and somehow detached itself from Pitch's hand and star-fished his face again, purring into his cheek and nuzzling his nose.

"This is by far the strangest kitten I've ever met." Pitch said seriously, looking at Angel who was trying not to burst out laughing.

"Oreo can be a little lovable. The last dog that tried to chase her ended up getting snuggled so much it ran away from Oreo itself. You should've been there. It was both cute and funny to watch." Angel said, plucking Oreo off his face finally and giving his head a gentle scratch.

"…Was the dog black?" Pitch asked, feeling a smirk threaten at his lips.

Angel thought for a minute, before nodding. "It had a red collar on and bright blue eyes."

"Yeah, I remember giving a nightmare to that dog. Apparently Oreo instilled a fear of kittens in him."

That made Angel burst out laughing, and Pitch truly felt accomplished for making someone laugh once more.

By the time Pitch got back to Fanty's apartment, the strange girl was already lying upside-down on the couch, boredly watching the shadows for Pitch's arrival. It was kind of hard to swallow a turkey and tomato sandwich upside-down.

Pitch raised a brow at Fanty, unamused. "What?"

"Well? Were they cool, or were they cool?"

"…You teens creep me out worse than Tooth's feelings for Jack." Pitch hissed under his breath, folding his arms in a pout.

"OOOOOOH DO I DETECT A CRUSH?! JEALOUSY?!" Fanty beamed, flipping upright and tossing her sandwich on the coffee table, "Wait…Tooth? Jack? Who're they?"

Pitch gagged, feeling a baby barf almost float up his esophagus. "Ew, on Tooth? You're sick."

"Who the hell is Tooth?!"

"You sure you're not the jealous one?" Pitch grinned, and Fanty blushed a bright red. "OW!"

Note to self: Fanty's got quite the fist.

"Tell me who Tooth and Jack are or I'll instill fear into you!" Fanty threatened, making her fingers dance in the air as if she were to summon dark magic.

Pitch laughed rather loudly, still keeling over from when she punched him in the gut. "That only works for me, Fanty. Like this,"

He grabbed her neck and shoved her to the couch, causing her to gasp and clutch at his wrist, her eyes widening in shock at his sudden movement. He kneeled right in front of her, his face just mere inches from hers with an acidic snarl on his mouth. His eyes burned a bright gold, that literally flashed danger. Fanty started to breathe heavily, scared out of her shorts that he was going to hurt her.

"Tell me your fears or you'll see them brought to life." He growled, almost like an angry wolf.

Fanty panicked, forgetting that he was just setting an example of how to really threaten someone. He didn't mean to scare her like that, he was only trying to teach her how to really threaten someone. But he was over the top, and he realized that only seconds before Fanty spilled.

"I'm afraid of heights! I'm afraid of spiders and big fish and I'm afraid of bugs with stingers, and I'm afraid of-!" she cried out.

Pitch slammed a hand against her mouth to stop her, and Fanty saw the worry flash across his eyes. It scared her even more. It scared her so much she nearly wet herself. He looked so startled, so honestly worried that it actually worked and that she was so close to confessing…

But before Pitch could apologize, the door was burst open with a strong kick, and they both heard two voices scream, "HY-YAHH!"

Pitch bolted up, and Fanty turned around to see Mystic and Xion standing with tightened fists, giving death glares at Pitch. Fanty furrowed her eyebrows and shouted, "IDIOT! Look at the door! You busted a crack in it! Mr. Joyce will kill me!"

"DIS BASTARD HERE!" Xion pointed at Pitch, who cursed under his breath as he took three baby steps back.

"Was he hurting you, Fanty?! We received a distress call that sounded like you confessing your fears and we're here to kick BUTT!" Mystic said strongly, cracking her knuckles to prove her strength.

"I wasn't meaning-!" Pitch started, but Fanty stood up on the couch and waved her arms.

"He didn't mean to! He was showing me an example of how to properly threat someone. It's okay, guys. Thanks for the concern, though." Fanty finished with a promising smile.

Xion and Mystic were suspicious, and gave Pitch a doubtful look before closing the door tightly. Fanty and Pitch could still hear them walk down the hall and discuss about fixing the dent they kicked into the door. She smiled to herself before looking at Pitch with an apologetic smile. He breathed a sigh of relief before plopping himself onto a cushioned chair, and put one foot up onto the footrest to really let himself relax.

"That was way too close." Pitch sighed, rubbing his tired face.

"Is it just me or were you just scared of my friends?" Fanty folded her arms with a smug little face on her lips.

Pitch gave her a knowing look before chuckling. "Everyone is afraid of something…I learned the hard way…"

Fanty noticed his eyes turn silver, misty with memories that made his smile fall and for a second, look…remorseful. Her dark brown eyebrows crinkled in worry as she sat on the floor in front of him, watching with pure rapture. How do his eyes do that? She wondered, resting her head in her hand, I wish I could change mine from brown to blue.

"You're lucky you have protective friends like that. I don't have any." Pitch said quite truthfully.

Fanty shrugged, knowing very well why he doesn't have many. She has heard of some sort of war he lost, and she knew from the start that he was apparently a bad egg, but no details whatsoever.

"I'm sure you do. You just haven't found them, yet. You could be my friend if you want." Fanty offered, smiling at the idea.

Pitch scoffed, "With a human? Hun, I am an immortal being that instills fear into every living thing, and I do this as a duty here on earth. It isn't an occupation where I get paid."

"Racist." Fanty pouted, folding her arms like a child, "Then why do you try to drill fear in others?"

Pitch didn't miss a beat. His eyes returned to the fiery gold Fanty was starting to get used to, and he hissed his answer, an answer full of history and angst, "To be believed in. That's what all the spirits do on this planet. They are cursed with the life of immortality and with a purpose, and if that purpose isn't fulfilled properly, they die."

"Wait, whoa, back up!" Fanty held up her hands, "There are other people like you out there?"

"Hardly people," Pitch said, leaning closer to her, "just call them what they are. Beings. Spirits. Guardians." He snarled at the word in spite.

"You monologued about them once, but then I shut you up with a pillow. All I know is that it's Jamie Bennett's fault as well as Jack Frost. Isn't he just an expression?"

Pitch thought for a second, looking away from her earnest eyes. And after some time…he grinned evilly.

"Yes…yes, Fanty. He's just an expression. He doesn't exist at all. But Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and-"

"The Easter Bunny and Sandman do?!" Fanty exclaimed, excitement ringing in her voice.

Pitch curtly nodded, "But they brought me pain. I ruled the very era of the Dark Ages, and they brought me to the shadows at the Earth's core. I tried regaining what once was mine, but I lost the battle yet again. I was so close to gaining a victory, but that stupid child Jamie-"

"Jamie's not stupid," Fanty said, shaking her head vigorously, "He's a smart kid with a big heart. And I know Jack Frost exists because a, he talks about him 24/7, and b, you are a terrible liar."

Pitch stuck out his lower lip, angry at being so carefully read. Fanty continued that she did believe his story, just that maybe there was a better way to be believed in without parents and children hating him. He couldn't help it, he was the Boogeyman for crying out loud!

But there was something Pitch left out in his story. He didn't tell her how his belief was very thin, like the width of a string. But when Fanty spilled some of her fears to him, he felt that string grow stronger, become more durable and thicker. He learned that though kids were the easiest targets for fear, the teenagers have the strongest and most powerful fears. They're trickier to harbor and snag onto, but they're long lasting and can be a better resource than just petty children.

And Pitch liked a good challenge.

Leave a review, follow, favorite, I dunno, bookmark this on yo favorites bar on the internet or something. :D Have a great day/night!

[starship-squidlet]

companionship

A/N: inspired by this post by @sosoubrette!

Summary: Leorio and Kurapika adopt a cat.

Word Count: 2,194

Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter X Hunter, Kurapika, or Leorio. I do, however, own this story! Cross-posting to ChocolatteKitty-Kat on FF.net and Ao3 and maliciousbubbl3s on Tumblr.

"I'm home!" Leorio called, shutting the door and kicking off his shoes.

"Back here!" Kurapika's voice came from the back of the apartment.

When Leorio walked through the door to the bedroom, it took him a moment to realize that Kurapika wasn't there—he was in the bathroom, ok his hands and knees, scrubbing the floor of the shower. "What, uh… what're you doing down there?"

"Cleaning," Kurapika grunted, scrubbing harder at a mark on the floor.

"I'm pretty sure that's part of the floor, there, babe," Leorio said gently, setting his briefcase aside.

Kurapika sat up and swiped his wrist across his brow. "You know I hate it when you call me that."

"I know, sorry," Leorio sighed. He sat down behind Kurapika and wrapped his arms around the blond, pulling him into his lap.

Kurapika tried to pull away, but Leorio held him tight. "Let me go. I want to finish what I was doing."

"The shower is already spotless," Leorio said soothingly. "You already finished."

"But…" Kurapika mumbled. The scrub brush slipped out of his hand and clattered to the floor.

Leorio sighed and pulled him even closer. "It's okay," he murmured. "Come on." He scooped Kurapika up in his arms and maneuvered the two of them carefully through the doorway and into the bedroom. He sat Kurapika down on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of him, taking Kurapika's hands in his own. "What's wrong?" he asked gently.

Kurapika sighed. "Nothing."

"Come on, talk to me," Leorio urged. "Did something happen?"

"No…" Kurapika sighed.

"Then what's wrong?" Leorio pressed. "Come on, I need you to talk to me!"

"It's nothing!" Kurapika insisted, pulling his hands away. "It's just… when you're gone, sometimes it gets so quiet around here. I have to do something to break it. Cleaning is usually the best option."

Leorio sat back on his heels, stunned. "Why didn't you tell me that's how you were feeling?"

Kurapika shrugged. "It's not like there's anything to be done about it. You have class and work. And even if you didn't, it wouldn't be fair or practical to ask you to spend all your time with me."

"Yeah, but I could try and rearrange my schedule a little bit so I'm not gone for so long at a time," Leorio protested.

"No," Kurapika said shortly. "I don't want you to have to change your life for me."

Leorio smiled kindly and reached up to cup Kurapika's cheek. "You're my whole world. I wouldn't mind changing anything for you."

Kurapika smiled and nodded, but pulled away. "I need to go pick up the things in the bathroom."

Leorio let him go with a sigh. "Hey, what do you want for dinner?" he called out as he started to change out of his scrubs.

"Nothing in particular," came the reply.

"How does spaghetti sound?"

"Fine by me," Kurapika appeared at Leorio's elbow, smiling brightly. Leorio could still see a shadow in the rich blue of his eyes, but let it slide.

Kurapika helped him make dinner, which was generally an… experience, but spaghetti was a hard dish to mess up. Leorio set him to stirring the pot of pasta while he cut some veggies to steam in the microwave. He glanced over his shoulder and frowned slightly. Kurapika was stirring the pot listlessly, staring off into the distance. Leorio sighed and turned back to his vegetables.

.*.*.*.*.*.

"How do you feel about dogs?"

Kurapika glanced up at the question. It had been two days since Leorio had come in to find him frantically cleaning the bathroom, and they hadn't said anything about it since. However, Leorio hadn't been able to get the image of Kurapika scrubbing the already-clean tiles or the conversation that followed out of his head, and had been trying to come up with a solution.

Kurapika tilted his head to the side thoughtfully, his blond hair slipping away from his face. "I don't mind them," he said finally. "They're not the worst, but there are definitely better animals. The only dogs around when I was a kid were the few stray Nightwolves that would wander down from the mountains, and you didn't want to get too close to those. I guess I've never really been around dogs, though, so I've never really thought about it."

Leorio nodded thoughtfully and turned back to his laptop.

"Why do you ask?" Kurapika leaned around to look at the computer screen. "The local animal shelter?"

"Well…" Leorio sighed, shutting the laptop and setting it aside. "I've been thinking about our conversation from the other night, and I guess I just thought that maybe there's a solution to how lonely you get when I'm gone all day."

"... A dog?"

"It was just a thought," Leorio said defensively.

"It wasn't a bad one," Kurapika said quickly. "And I really appreciate it. It's just that a dog seems like a lot of work, because it can't really stay cooped up in the apartment all day on days when I'm not here."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Leorio sighed.

Kurapika laughed. "I have a feeling that you were already kind of set on getting one."

"Maybe a little," Leorio admitted sheepishly. He opened the laptop and clicked out of the browser window, returning to his homework.

"Why don't we go by anyways?' Kurapika suggested after a while. "We could see if we could like… sponsor a dog until it gets adopted or donate to them or something. I know it's not quite a solution to the problem you wanted to solve, but I'm sure they could use the support."

Leorio visibly brightened. "We could go tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow?" Kurapika repeated.

"I have a half day at school, and you're home, right? I could come pick you up after class and we can go together!"

Kurapika smiled at how easily excited Leorio was. "Okay. Tomorrow it is."

.*.*.*.*.*.

When Leorio pulled up outside of the apartment building, Kurapika was already outside, standing under the awning above the front door. He wore a heavy jacket and dark jeans, and even from a distance Leorio could see his breath coming in puffs of cloud. As Leorio came to a stop, Kurapika darted across the sidewalk, golden hair bright against the deepening gloom of the rainy winter afternoon.

"Where's your umbrella?" Leorio admonished once Kurapika was in the car and shaking water out of his blond locks.

"I think it's in here, actually," Kurapika craned to look in the backseat, then reached back and produced a bundled-up black umbrella. "Ta-da."

"Put your seatbelt on," Leorio laughed, already pulling away from the curb.

The animal shelter wasn't far from their building, but the end-of-day traffic made the drive take twice as long as it should have. By the time they finally got to the shelter and parked the car, the rain had trickled off to a mist. Nevertheless, Kurapika and Leorio ran to the door of the building, Leorio holding an arm over his head as if it would somehow keep his hair dry. The air inside the shelter was blissfully warm, and Kurapika peeled off his heavy jacket and hung it on a convenient coat rack near the door.

"Hello there!" the clerk behind the counter had neon green hair and looked altogether too young to be there. "Welcome to the North Yorknew Animal Sanctuary. What can I help you with today?"

Kurapika hung back and let Leorio explain their situation to the clerk. While he waited, he looked around, his eye finally caught by movement behind a large plate glass window to his left. He wandered over.

The window overlooked a room full of cats. There were several cat trees, most of which had cats on every vaguely flat surface. Any bed or cushion on the floor had at least one feline occupant. Kurapika thought he even saw a large tomcat curled up in what was almost definitely a litter box in the back of the room.

"Our cat population has grown quite a bit lately," he turned at the chuckle next to his elbow. A little old woman, stooped over her cane, stood next to him, a smile splitting her wide, wrinkled face. "As happy as I am to see them all in here, we're rather overcrowded. We won't be able to take in many more before we run out of space."

Kurapika frowned, looking over the room full of cats. "Where are they all coming from?"

"In the cold weather, people are more likely to bring in animals that they can trap off the streets," the woman turned and headed deeper into the building. Kurapika glanced back at Leorio, still chatting amicably with the desk clerk, before following her. After the big window, the wall was lined with smaller windows, looking into small cages, many of which were occupied by at least one cat. The woman took him through a door that led into a small room, one of the walls lined with large cages. These were occupied by groups of very small kittens.

"These are litters that have been brought in by some of our cat foster parents lately. The foster parents take in a pregnant mother cat and give her somewhere safe and warm until she gives birth, and then until the kittens are old enough to be separated. Then, the mother is spayed and put up for adoption, as are the kittens." The woman stopped to coo at a trio of white and black kittens who hurried over to the cage door to mewl at her.

At the sound of a weak little yowl, Kurapika turned to look into a smaller cage that he hadn't noticed before. He leaned down to peer into it and was met by a pair of wide, golden eyes gleaming in the shadows of the cage.

"Hi there," Kurapika whispered, smiling kindly even though he knew the expression meant nothing to the animal.

"Oh, this one is a sad one," the old woman sighed, joining Kurapika in front of the cage. "Half of his litter died within days of being born, along with the mother. There were two other kittens that survived, but they were snapped up within days of getting here—kittens usually are."

"Then why is he still here?" Kurapika asked. He stuck a finger through the cage and wiggled it at the kitten, trying to coax it forward.

"He's not very friendly, as you can see," the woman laughed. "What you can't see is that he's all black. It may be silly, but people still believe that black cats are bad luck."

Finally, at Kurapika's coaxing, the kitten crept towards the front of the cage.

"Why don't you have a seat?" the woman smiled. Kurapika obligingly sat on the floor, and the woman opened the door to the cage, pulled out the kitten, and handed him to Kurapika. Sure enough, his fur was completely black, as were his nose and the pads on his feet. The only spots of color were his golden eyes, and the white teeth and pink tongue visible when he squeaked in protest at being picked up. "Here you go," the woman smiled, handing the kitten down to Kurapika.

Kurapika took the cat and held it out at arm's length at first. When the cat started to wriggle and kick, however, he brought it close and cradled it in his arms. When it reached up to lick his face, he couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey there," Leorio's voice came from the doorway. "I was wondering where you'd gotten to."

Kurapika glanced up, beaming. "Hey, Leorio… how do you feel about cats?"

.*.*.*.*.*.

"That should be fine," Leorio stepped back and eyed up his work. He had moved the chair out of his and Kurapika's bedroom and into the living room, in order to set up a litter box for their new roommate in the corner.

"I'm sure it will be," Kurapika laughed. He was sat cross-legged on the bed, playing with the cat with a feathered toy.

Leorio flopped onto the bed, careful to avoid the kitten pouncing around Kurapika's legs. "I thought you didn't want a pet."

"I didn't want a dog," Kurapika corrected. "They're too needy, and require too much attention, which isn't a practical thing for either you or I at this point. But cats are a lot more independent. I think he'll be okay with us. And also…"

"Yeah?" Leorio prompted when Kurapika paused.

"I'm not really sure. But when I was holding him, back there in the shelter, it was like he… told me that we all belonged together. I don't know; it probably sounds stupid, but…"

Leorio smiled and reached out to pet the cat, yelling when it wrapped its paws around his hand and dug in with teeth and claws. Kurapika laughed, and Leorio wrestled himself free of the cat. It’s not really a solution, but maybe it’ll help, he thought to himself. "Well, the way I see it, there's one more thing we have to do here,” he said out loud.

"What's that?" Kurapika asked, still distracted by the black kitten.

"What are you going to name him?"

[the-beastslayers-queen]

A Dangerous Game: Chapter 8

Chapter 8 is here! This is a bit long, but I needed it to be. Tagging: @queenofthearchitect @biforbecky2belts @writtingrose @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk @jeffhardyenigmawwefan @mox-made-me-do-it @sassyspacedust @afauss2009 @calwitch @theworldofotps @sammyfireheartashryver @romans-babygirl-wwe and @romansrgn Sorry for those that are new to this tag list, I’ve decide to make my tag list universal for the sake of my sanity. I will be making a masterlist for this one tomorrow. Also, if you want to be added to my tag list, hit my ask box. Enjoy!

After spending most of our day unpacking our things and then making out on every available surface of his house, Seth and I ended up sound asleep on the couch, exhausted and left the TV on from binging a random show we found on Netflix. I woke up find Seth was still sound asleep, but thankfully he wasn’t holding me down to him. I decided to get off of him carefully, not waking him up, and walked over to the kitchen. I stopped along the way and slipped on Seth’s discarded shirt. I went over to the fridge and got out the supplies to make us scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast before getting out some bread to make toast.

“I like you in my shirts,” Seth came up behind as I was frying up the bacon, wrapping his arms around my waist, “You look so much better in them than I do. And you’re making breakfast, you spoil me.”

“I try,” I smirked before I turned and kissed him on his cheek, “Would you mind helping me out and getting the toast started?”

“Sure,” Seth moved over and got to work popping the bread slices into the toaster, “So are you willing to go meet my mom today? I think we can swing by her house before we go pawn off that damn ring. After that, we should look into getting jobs that can pay us under the table or have you fudge us backgrounds to get something legit.”

“I can see about looking into setting up fake backgrounds for us,” I replied, “And I’m kinda excited to meet your mom. I’m sure she has embarrassing pictures of you as a baby.”

“Please don’t make my mom bring those out,” Seth groaned and rolled his eyes, “I have a rep to protect. I’m a damn badass hacker and I want to keep it that way.”

“I can see through that already, babe,” I laughed wholeheartedly, “You’re a big softy around me. I will not let you live it down once we’re done with burying McIntyre and his whole crew.”

“Only when it’s just us,” Seth warned, “Or I’ll ruin your rep of being a sarcastic, unapologetic hacker that will kill when she pleases. Because I know how much you dislike violence you poetic softy.”

“Damn it you got me,” I snickered as I plated up our food, “Now let’s eat up.”

Finn

It’s been four months since Cat ran out of town with Seth. Drew has been coming to my house every other day, checking in to see when she’d come back. I had lied to Drew and told him that she was on a long term heist job, going in very deep and not being anywhere near Orlando. So far he’s been buying it. Or so I thought. Drew’s been getting restless as of late, get very upset with me whenever I tell him I haven’t heard from Cat.

Which has been true. Ever since Cat left, she hasn’t called or texted me. Hell, she hasn’t even sent me a message on the encrypted messenger we use to stay in touch within the Club. But I wasn’t the only one worried about the radio silence from the lovebirds caused when they left town. Hunter and his wife Stephanie were worried sick over Seth. I guess he was never one to do something like this on impulse. He was always so careful and calculating. No wonder he’s known as The Architect, the man plans out everything and makes plans for every scenario and outcome.

“Bálor,” Drew shouted as he barged into Bullet Club while I was busy with the pre-opening duties, “I have had it with the games! Where is my fiancée?”

“I’ve told ya time and time again, mate,” I pinched the bridge of my nose, “I have no idea where Cat went. If I knew, I’d have to ask her if she’d want me to tell you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean, Bálor,” Drew asked.

“I know that you raped my sister,” I got up in his face, “And I know that it wasn’t just you. I also know my sister was beaten pretty badly from the ordeal. I’m about to pull out of this arrangement with you. I don’t tolerate men that rape and beat women, especially when it happens to my sister.”

Drew punched me right in the jaw and I swung right back. We traded blow for blow until Corbin and Gallows separated us from each other. I had a bloodied nose and lip but Drew had a split lip and a broken nose.

“You’re going to regret this, Bálor,” he boomed in anger, “I will have your sister. I will find her.”

Drew stormed out of the club and Gallows finally let me go. I looked over at him and Anderson. Just from the looks on their faces I knew this was the spark to call for war. Cat and Seth were in danger. I had no doubt Drew would send out all his enforcers and hitmen out to try to find them.

“We should warn her babe,” Anderson spoke up at last, “She has to know he’ll come for her and take her away from Rollins. Worst case scenario, Seth will die trying to keep her from him and that will destroy her.”

“You’re right Karl,” I sighed and pressed the damp towel Becky handed to me for my nose to my face, “We have to send her a message tonight. Hopefully she’ll get it in time and try to be careful.”

“If she’s already married to Seth, McIntyre might try to kill them both,” Becky looked so concerned for Cat, and they’re so close like sisters since Cat joined the Bálor Club, “We should warn Hunter too. See if he can get in touch with Seth so we can send people out to protect them from McIntyre and his crew.”

“We can try,” I told her, “We should send AJ with Ricochet and Aleister to meet with Hunter to let him know what’s going on.”

Cat

I was coming in the door from work. Seth and I were lucky enough to get jobs that were willing to pay us under the table. Seth found work at a mechanic shop and I got work at a computer repair shop to build and repair computers. I get paid by commission so I’ve been able to make a lot of money to help us stay afloat while we hide out here.

But the weirdest thing is that I’ve now been two weeks late for my period. I mean I knew the risk of making like rabbits with Seth all over the house. I mean he can’t keep his hands off me and I’m the same with him. Since Seth was going to be at work for a couple more hours, I decided to stop at the drug store on the way home to get a couple tests.

As I waited for the timer on my phone to go off for my tests, I got to work doing some chores around the house. I knew Seth would need his laundry done so he’d have clothes tomorrow for work. So as I was lost in my thoughts, treating his shirts with dawn to get the grease stains out, my phone went off, signaling it was time to check the tests.

I set Seth’s clothes aside and I went to our bathroom to check the tests. I just about fainted at seeing the results.

Positive.

Pregnant.

+

How the fuck was I going to tell Seth he was going to be a dad? Should I risk being found to tell Finn he’s going to be an uncle? Do I risk everything and go with Seth to Bray to tell my parents?

I was curled up on the couch, the TV was on for background noise, when I heard the front door open I tilted my head to find Seth shrugging off his jacket and tossing his keys into the bowl on the table by the door. He kicked off his shoes and rubbed his face before coming over to me and kissing my forehead.

“Hey babe,” Seth hummed as he came around the couch, “How was your day? You look tired. Do you want me to make dinner tonight?”

“That would be nice,” I hummed as I curled up into his side as he got comfortable on the couch with me, “So I’ve noticed that I’m late for my period.”

“How late are we talking,” Seth asked, concern etched on his face.

“Two and a half weeks,” I replied before taking a deep breath, “I went to the drugstore on my way home from work and picked up a few tests. I wanted to be sure.”

I got up from my seat on the couch and went into the bathroom to grab the tests. I returned to the living room and stood before Seth. I took a deep breath before I spoke.

“Hold out your hand,” I told him.

“Okay,” he replied and held out his hand. I put the tests into his hand. I waited on baited breath for his reaction. His face was blank before it twisted up in confusion. But then he started to smirk.

“Seth,” I asked hesitantly, “Are you going to say anything?”

“We’re going to be parents,” he looked up at me before setting the tests down on the coffee table, “You’re pregnant? I thought we were being so careful. Babe, I’m really happy for us, but I’m scared too.”

“How do you think I feel,” I looked at him as he rose from his seat and closed the distance between us before pulling me into his chest, “I’m terrified. What if Drew finds us? What if Drew takes me away and I lose the baby trying to fight him off. Or worse, what if he takes me and makes me marry him, and then forces me to raise our son thinking it was his all along when that isn’t true?”

“Hey calm down,” Seth hushed me and kissed my hair before running his fingers through it, “I’m not going to let anything happen to you or our baby. We’re going to figure this all out okay. We’ve kept a low profile so far. We’ve not reached out to our families since we took off and we’ve used nothing but cash to pay for anything. For now, we’re going to play it out by ear. First thing first is to get you into a doctor’s office to be checked.”

“Which is the issue,” I replied, “We don’t have insurance to see a doctor and Shawn is in Orlando. I don’t know of anyone up here that could check me out without having insurance.”

“I know someone,” Seth kissed my forehead, “I’ll give him a call and set it all up.”

Seth was taking me today to my first appointment to the doctor he knew out here that could take care of me without having insurance. I was so nervous about this whole thing. I’m so young and I don’t know what it’s like to be a mother. I never got to meet my birth parents. They left me in the care of the system, choosing to abandon me instead of raising me themselves. Sure if they had kept me, I never would have had Finn as my brother. So I guess it all worked out in the end. I was also still on the fence about telling Finn I was pregnant. I’m sure Finn would ask where we were hiding to send up Gallows and Anderson to protect us, but that could draw unwanted attention and tip off McIntyre.

“I think we should tell Finn,” Seth said as we were on our drive to the doctor, “He has a right to know. We can do a video chat with him in the local library while we run a VPN to ping our location all over the country so Drew can’t have Alexa trace the connection.”

“That could work,” I replied, “But we should do it after the appointment.”

Once we got into the doc’s office, I was shaking like a leaf as Seth held my hand. I was so nervous and afraid of this whole thing. The timing of me getting pregnant was horrible. I mean Seth hasn’t married me yet. We just have the new ring he bought me the second day we were here. It was a beautiful ring compared to Drew’s. Seth picked out a beautiful India cut, deep blue sapphire in a white gold setting surrounded by small diamonds. We weren’t rushing getting married because we wanted to save up our cash to buy me a dress before we’d elope.

“Catherine,” the nurse called my fake name, “The doctor is ready to see you now.”

Seth and I got up and followed her back into an exam room. She took all my vitals before leaving the room to go get the doctor. Seth held my hand as we waited for the doc to come and check me out and perform the first ultrasound. I was so freaked out by all of this, I wasn’t able to enjoy this at all.

“Relax, Cat,” Seth cooed as he rubbed my back, “Everything is going to work out. This all happened for a reason. When we get done here, we’ll do some serious work to get married okay. And then Drew can’t touch you or take you from me, okay. We’re going to be a family and we’re going to make the bonds between the Authority and the Bálor Club.

“Catherine,” The doc poked his head into the room before walking all the way in and closed the door behind him, “Or should I say Catriona Bálor?”

“How the hell,” I was confused.

“It’s good to see you Seth,” the doc greeted Seth, “I’m Dr. Jacobs. I’m a friend of Seth’s from back before his Authority days. That’s why he brought you to my office. I’m a legit doctor willing to take care of the criminal elite on the side and off the books. I’ll take care of your pregnancy care free of charge as a favor for Seth. I owed him from the last time he was up here.”

“Thank you,” I replied, feeling much better about this whole thing.

Jacobs got to work on doing a physical on me, getting reading on my health before he got the ultrasound ready. Since I was so early, I had to have the vaginal ultrasound. I got changed and prepped for the procedure and laid back on the exam table as Jacobs got to work on firing up the machine. It was weird to have the wand put into me, but I adjusted. Jacobs turned on the speakers on the machine and I heard our baby’s heartbeat for the first time, and I started to cry.

“That is one strong heartbeat,” Jacobs commented, “This is a very good sign. I will get you prints of these early images and I’ll set you up with my recommendation for prenatal vitamins and supplements. I want to see you back in my office in a couple weeks so I can see how you’re progressing. And I will keep your presence up here secret. I’ll take it to my grave.”

“Thanks Jimmy,” Seth hugged Jacobs, “I owe you one for this. I’ll make sure to donate to your low-income clinic once I’m back in Orlando and in the free and clear.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Jacobs replied, “Take good care of her and call me if you need anything.”