#playing with my friends and all of us hustling to gather up whenever there is a singing opportunity is peak Dwarven Gaming

[moonlightfantastic]

I'm enjoying Return to Moria so far, it's not trying to reinvent the wheel as far as craft/survival games go but

They did a pretty good job capturing the scale of Moria

The devs clearly have a lot of affection for Lord of the Rings lore-wise and wanted to make something pretty true to the universe which brings me to

We finally have a LotR game that understands that one of the most important themes of the series is singing little songs with your friends

[writerpeach]

Expensive

Twice Mina x Male Reader

4179 words

Categories: smut, oral, anal, richgirl!mina

I wrote this in two sittings and spent zero time editing this.

“You'll do nicely."

"Excuse me?"

"I said you'll do nicely. Don't make me repeat myself again."

The words came abruptly from a stunning blonde woman approaching you, wine glass in hand and a blank expression on her soft features. She had on an elegant blue dress with a slit on one side that showed off her long legs. Each step she took her high heels echoed as she stepped closer on the hard wooden floor.

"I'm afraid I don't follow Miss-"

"Myoui. Myoui Mina, but you may refer to me as Mina."

She finished her glass of wine before she placed it on a nearby waiter’s tray before continuing her explanation. The place was packed enough that you felt the need to escape to a nearby corner. Mina seemed to have the same idea.

"Okay, Mina. What can I help you with exactly?"

"I'm looking for companionship."

You furrowed an eyebrow at her words. You had come along to this gathering as a favor to one of your friends who had spent months preparing it, only to not have seen them in the last hour.

"Certainly there's someone better to pick than me?"

Mina huffed.

"There's not, look around. Nothing but boring rich men that can't keep their eyes off me. I'd rather die than spend another minute with any of them and having to hear about their yachts."

"Well, I certainly don't have a yacht to bore you, with Miss Mina."

Mina smiled for the first time of the night since she approached you, giving off a hint of her gummy smile.

"Perfect. Then it's settled. You'll come home with me."

Bluntness was her game here. The more Mina spoke the more intimated you felt.

"I'm sorry? I barely know you, Mina."

"What's to know? I'm lonely, I'm rich, and I think you're attractive. Do you really need anything else?"

Mina didn’t seem like she was used to rejection given what little information you had been given about her.

"No, I guess not."

"Good, then come with me."

It hadn’t been much longer than ten minutes before she had abruptly introduced herself, and yet you found it hard to resist such an offer.

"My driver will be here in ten minutes. Follow me,” she said before you could even answer her, and at this point there was nothing that could compel you to deny the companionship of such a perfect woman.

Mina led you into a more quiet room away from the hustle of the crowd, positioning herself in between two white curtains.

“I don’t like to know anything about the men I’m about to sleep with, but you may ask me three things. No less, no more.”

Mina talking so casually about what was about to happen didn’t match her innocence face, but her confidence was still incredibly appealing. 

“How old are you?”

Mina frowned. “You know better than to ask a woman her age, don’t you?”

You gritted your teeth and cursed yourself for being so dumb. Talking to women wasn’t your strong suit.

“Why are you looking for a companion? A woman like you should be able to get any partner she pleases.”

“I’m not looking for a partner. I’m looking for someone to have fun with. Now that’s one. You have two left.”

“Where are you from?”

Mina hesitated before answering, her flashing an expression of disappointment.

“This isn’t a job interview, make your questions count. I’m from America, but I’m Japanese.”

If Mina wanted a little spice well you were going to be sure to give her some as you knew exactly what to ask her.

“What’s your favorite position in bed?”

Mina smiled again and answered right away. “Doggystyle. I love being on my hands and knees bent over so a man can admire my ass while he’s fucking me,” she said as she grabbed the bottom of your tie and played with it before using it to pull you closer.

You felt her hot breath blowing in your ear before her voice turned into a whisper.

“One minute until my driver gets here. Touch me,” Mina said seductively as she looked into your eyes and you didn’t need to be told twice.

Your hands wrapped around her slender waist as she wrapped an arm around your neck and kissed you. She grabbed your wrist and placed your hand on her bare leg, leading you deeper into the slit of her dress as your lips found the crook of her neck and kissed it in several spots.

You savored Mina’s taste on your lips as your hand slipped further into the slit on her dress, stopping just before you reached her thigh which she didn’t approve of, giving a glaring look that urged you to continue. Your hand traveled towards her crotch, waiting to find the barrier of underwear but never finding any as you felt the soft flesh of her bare pussy, not feeling a single hair.

“Surprised? I never wear underwear, it just gets in the way,” Mina smirked. “Come on, he’s here.”

You followed Mina out of the venue and into an awaiting black sports car, heading into its comfy back seat as you closed the door behind you.

"Where to, Miss Myoui?"

"Take us home. Step on it."

"Right away. I see you've found a new plaything."

"Hey, don't scare him off."

The car sped off as Mina kept her gaze focused on you, her hand caressing your thigh.

"We're going to have a lot of fun tonight."

"Mina, this dress looks so good on you."

"It's going to look even better on the floor. Now no more talking," Mina said and you unexpectedly felt her small hand cupping your crotch as you sat in silence.

"You feel big. Can't wait to feel this inside me."

Mina left the car and led you towards her rather large house, multiple cars out from and a gated entrance surrounded by a beautiful garden.

As soon as you entered Mina pulled you against her small frame against your body, pinning you against the entrance door as her soft sultry lips crashed against your own.

"Bedroom. Now," Mina demanded as she broke the kiss and kicked her heels off, her wide hips swaying as she led the way to the bedroom.

"Undress me."

You ran a hand up Mina's back before finding the zipper of her expensive dress, dragging it down as far as it would go.

Mina did the rest, letting the blue dress fall from her shoulders and fall down onto the ground as it crumpled into a heap. She was right, it did look better on the floor.

You didn’t know much about Mina in the short time you had met her. She was beautiful and elegant and very well off but seeing her this way without a single layer of clothing, completely nude took your breath away.

Mina looked so damn good naked. She gave off a shy smile as your eyes roamed every inch of her, focusing first at her beautiful legs that went on for days and thick creamy thighs. She didn’t even know her name, and yet you wanted her so bad as you saw her incredibly toned abs and immaculate tits. Mina’s perky breasts weren’t huge, but they weren’t small either, they looked like they fit into your hands perfectly.

“Enough staring, strip and get up here. A woman should always be pleasured first, ” Mina said as she climbed the bed, keeping her stoic gaze on you and couldn’t agree anymore. You quickly matched Mina’s state of undress as you removed your clothes, leaving a pile in the middle of the floor as you joined her on the bed.

“You listen well. I might have to keep you around,” Mina said as her lips curled into a smirk again. Her legs spread wide open, giving you the perfect view of her beautiful pussy that was ready to be feasted on.

“Eat me.”

You licked your lips as you laid down flat on your stomach, keeping Mina’s legs spread wide open for you. Before diving in you kissed both of her thighs repeatedly, bringing your face to her center as you licked up and down her slit slowly, earning a moan.

The sweet taste of Mina’s pussy was the best thing that had entered your mouth that night as you licked through her folds, running your tongue aimlessly before teasing and sucking on her swollen clit.

“F-fuck, that’s good. Show me what you can do with that tongue.”

Mina’s moans were music to your ears as you ate her pussy out, licking her pussy with purpose as her thighs closed around your face. The taste that entered your tastebuds was unforgettable as you leaked every drop of honey that dripped out of her leaking pussy, savoring her escaping juices that entered your lips.

“That feels so fucking good,” Mina moaned as her thighs squeezed your head tighter, and she ran her fingers through your hair, trying to force your tongue deeper inside her sensitive delicious pussy. You fucked her hole with your tongue, trying to capture as much of her essence in between your lips as her loud moans filled the room.

“Keep going…” Mina said as you kept your lips sealed around her clit, slurping hungrily as you brought two fingers inside her pussy, feeling her tight walls clenching as you curled them and found her spot with ease.

“Oh..oh f-fuck, I’m close, don’t you dare fucking stop.”

Mina was so delicious that nothing could keep you from eating her pussy, lapping up all her juices as your fingers became drenched in slick. You felt fingers digging into your skull as you did your best to keep your lips tight, barely able to breathe.

“I’m gonna fucking cum on your face, oh f-fuck!”

You kept the pressure on her clit, fingers moving in and out of her tight cunt as they clenched tightly, signaling her impending release. You kept constant eye contact as Mina’s toes curled and her thighs trembled violently around your head, holding you in place as her orgasm took control of her body and she made a mess on your face and screamed out in pleasure.

Mina came so hard the bed shook as you felt your face covered in her nectar, and tried to help her ride out her orgasm as best as she came down from her high, releasing her warm thighs around your face as you slowly pumped in and out of her pussy, cleaning your messy fingers off in front of her.

“Y-you’re good at that,” Mina weakly said, catching her breath.

“Let me return the favor,” Mina said as she got into position, kneeling on the mattress as she pulled her hair into a messy ponytail.

“Stand up and let me suck your cock.”

Whenever Mina gave an order you obeyed it, carefully rising to your feet as Mina eagerly awaited. She ran her tongue over her lips as she looked at your shaft, now hard as a rock and eye level as she gripped it tightly and stroked it, sending the first shocks of pleasure through your body.

“This will do.”

Mina didn’t waste time as she licked every inch of your shaft, keeping her eyes on you as her tongue swirled around your swollen head, collecting everything your leaking slit dripped out. Mina hummed as she rubbed your cock on her cheek, slapping her face with it several times and letting out the biggest grin.

“Are you ready to have the best blowjob of your life?” Mina asked confidently. You didn’t have a chance to answer as Mina’s lips parted, and you felt a sudden rush of wetness and warmth as you entered her mouth.

“Oh fuck…” you moaned out loud and sunk your toes into the mattress at the sharp pleasure, letting out a deep breath.

Mina wasted no time getting to work, wrapping her full red lips around your cock as she bobbed her head up and down, sinking her lips deeper as she took all of you with ease, using her tongue to pleasure the underside of your throbbing shaft.

“Oh my god, Mina…”

Mina kept her soft delicious lips sealed around your shaft as you rested a hand on the back of her head, guiding her movements as she fondled your heavy balls.

“Does that feel good?” Mina asked in that sexy soft voice of hers, running her lips down each side of your hard cock before resuming her blowjob, moaning around your shaft.

“It does, fuck it feels amazing.”

Mina upped her pace in response, looking up as she sucked you off and loving your cock in her mouth as much as you did.

Mina looked like a goddess on a normal occasion, and here she was on her knees, pleasuring you as best as she could and she couldn’t have looked any more beautiful.

“Fuck my face.”

The three words surprised you coming out of Mina’s mouth, such vulgarity coming out of what you perceived as a proper woman was such a striking contrast.

“I really hate repeating myself,” Mina said as your cock slipped from her lips and jerked it off furiously, staring into your soul with her deadly gaze.

Whatever Mina wanted Mina seemed to always get.

You took control of your cock as Mina opened her mouth wide, waiting to accept your gift into between her warm lips, the red color on them almost devilish.

Not wanting to keep Mina waiting you took your cock and pushed it into her wet warm mouth, feeling the tight grip of her lips as they instinctively wrapped around it and thrusted gently, hitting the back of her throat with your initial thrusts.

You waited for gagging sounds that never came, and once you realized that Mina was not struggling one bit you grabbed onto both sides and vigorously began to fuck her pretty mouth as she held onto your thighs, sharply digging her nails into your skin.

Mina looked up the entire time as you used her mouth for your pleasure, feeling her throat tightening as you thrusted carelessly. It only took a matter of seconds until Mina’s round pretty eyes filled with tears as you were mercilessly fucking her mouth, moaning every time your cock struck the back of her warm throat.

Your thoughts filled only with lust as you fucked Mina’s warm mouth, thrusting harshly in a rhythm that only made her muffled moans louder as drool spilled everywhere. You kept this up again and again, holding onto the back of Mina’s head and forcing her as deep against your base for several moments before releasing her.

Mina smiled proudly and gasped for air, spitting her saliva all over your shaft and balls before changing her attitude.

“That’s enough. Fuck me. Now,” Mina said as she laid back down on the bed, spreading her legs wide as she rubbed her pink pussy in anticipation. Positioning yourself in between you took just a moment to rub your shaft through her wet folds, gathering her slick before nudging at her entrance.

“Don’t keep me waiting. Fuck me.”

“Needy are we, Miss Myoui?”

Mina glared back at you and shot an intimidating gaze that sent a shiver up your spine.

"Don't use my family name in the bedroom."

It was a mistake you wouldn’t make twice.

With one slick move your shaft entered the warmth of Mina’s pussy, her tight walls clenching to welcome you in as you both gasped at the initial penetration. Mina was dripping wet as you slowly slid in and out of her hole, her juices making every movement as easy as possible.

“God, you’re so tight...”

“And you feel so big inside me. Shut up and fuck me.”

You used your hips and watched your shaft disappearing in and out of her pussy, hearing Mina’s lustful moans filling the room as her head tilted back in pleasure. Her tight cunt squeezed your cock as you thrusted in and out of her body, filling her up to the hilt.

“Fuck me harder.”

Mina always knew what she wanted and you were going to give her everything she desired. Your pace quickened right away as you pumped your throbbing shaft deep inside Mina, causing her breasts to bounce with every rock of your hips.

“Harder. Pound me.”

Grabbing onto Mina’s slim waist you obliged her right away, driving your cock with such force that the bed began to slam against the wall. Mina’s eyes were full of lust as you gave deep pistoning thrusts into her tightness, feeling every single inch of her warm wet pussy.

“Fuck me just like this. Fuck me until I cum again!”

You didn’t let up, increasing the pace even more as you slammed your cock inside Mina’s cunt with every inch of your throbbing shaft. It felt incredible how tight she was, and fucking her at this relentless pace that she demanded.

Mina felt so good around your cock, so wet and tight around your cock as you pounded her into the mattress, watching her half-lidded eyes and her opened mouth filled with pleasure as you gave into her.

“That’s it. I’m fucking close. I’m gonna cum!”

With every thrust Mina felt even wetter, drowning your cock in her juices as you pounded her, moaning and gasping with every harsh movement.

Your initial meeting with her was a prim and proper girl who screamed elegance, and here she was a lust filled mess in between the sheets, about to make a mess on them.

Mina’s tight pussy pulsated around your shaft as you plunged deep inside her, her long legs wrapped around your waist as she chased her orgasm. Her loud sounds of bliss echoed as you fucked her, and soon after Mina came beautifully all over your cock, toes curling as her back arched high and screamed in pleasure.

You fucked her through every last strong second of pleasure, and her limbs uncoiled as she came down a gasping mess, messy juices leaking down her thighs and spilling onto the bed sheets.

“N-not bad,” Mina said as she tried catching her breath, a sly smirk forming over lips.

“You made me cum twice, so it’s only fair that you get to cum now,” Mina said as her stamina began to recover, running a hand through her soft golden locks.

“I want you to cum inside me,” Mina said casually as pushed herself off your cock, repositioning herself on her stomach as she got into her favorite way to be taken, hands and knees on the mattress. You took your first glimpse at her raised plump round ass, perfectly looking soft cheeks that looked very appetizing.

“But not in my pussy,” Mina said as she shook her round ass, giving each of her cheeks a firm slap.

“There’s lube in the drawer. I assume you know what to do with it.”

Bottle in hand you lined up behind Mina’s beautiful big ass, squeezing her warm buttcheeks and kneading them, digging your fingers into her soft flesh as much as possible.

You quickly realized the bottle of lube she kept had been almost depleted.

“Seems like you’re almost out,” you teased as you shook the bottle several times, watching the clear liquid flowing around inside.

“You caught me. Can you blame a girl for loving anal?”

“Not at all. Especially when you have an ass this perfect,” you said, giving both of her cheeks a quick slap as her flesh rippled. You couldn’t help yourself as you rubbed your face all over Mina’s delicious ass, teasing the rim of her puckered hole with the very tip of your tongue.

“Mmm, fuck,” Mina moaned in satisfaction as you spread her cheeks wide, letting you know she enjoyed having her ass eaten. You licked her hole repeatedly, swirling around it before finding your face being pushed away, a frown on your face forming in response.

“I love that tongue, but I’d rather have your cock inside my ass.”

You were disappointed, but what Mina wanted Mina got as you lubed up your cock up and her puckered hole in preparation, the mutual anticipation at an all time high.

Placing a hand on one of Mina’s wide hips you lined up your lubed shaft with her asshole as she arched her back and looked back impatiently, a sultry look on her eyes.

You knew better than to keep her waiting, slowly pushing your cock into her tight rim and feeling how incredibly tight her ass was as your tip disappeared inside. Mina gasped loudly as her muscles relaxed, allowing you to fill more of her ass.

“Deeper. Fill me with every inch, I can take all of you inside my ass,” Mina demanded, needing no adjustment whatsoever. Her pussy was incredibly tight, but her ass was on a whole different level, hugging your cock firmly. The initial resistance faded, and with the combination of your saliva and lube you were able to penetrate Mina’s ass to the hilt.

“F-fuck, I love that feeling so much. I love feeling so full. Fuck me in the ass.”

Mina’s vulgar words once again contrasted with her elegance and beauty. You felt extreme tightness and heat around your cock as you started moving, thrusting in and out of Mina’s ass at a gentle pace.

“You can do better than that.”

Mina was never easily satisfied it seemed. Grabbing onto her full wide hips you squeezed her flesh tightly as you fucked her ass without any kind of buildup, pumping in and out and stretching out her tight little hole.

“That feels so good...that cock feels so good inside my ass, don’t stop fucking me.”

Soon your thrusts were at the same relentless pace, slamming your cock deep inside Mina’s tight asshole so harshly that her ass jiggled with every deep thrust, your balls slapping against her wet pussy that Mina couldn’t help but give out loud needy moans.

“Oh my god, Mina, your ass feels so good,” you moaned as you felt so much tightness squeezing your shaft. Mina gasped and moaned desperately as her fingers dug into her expensive silk sheets, trying to find an outlet for the intense pleasure you were giving both of your bodies.

“Fuck, you��re so deep. I can’t wait for you to empty your balls inside my ass.”

You never wanted your cock to leave the comfort of Mina’s incredibly tight asshole, fucking into her ass with as much effort as you possibly could, hearing the combined moans filling the room.

The tightness gripping your cock was like nothing you had ever felt before, feeding your animalistic urges as you pounded Mina’s ass as hard as you could as your bodies became covered in sweat, the harsh sounds of flesh on flesh encouraging your merciless pace.

“You like that tight pretty ass being fucked Mina?” you hissed as you pounded her hole with every amount of remaining energy you had, wanting to do nothing but make a mess inside her.

“Y-yes, fuck yes! Keeping fucking me, and don’t stop until you cum!”

You wanted nothing more. You squeezed Mina’s hips hard enough to leave bruises, pistoning your hips uncontrollably as you gave her tight ass the deepest and hardest thrusts, opening her up as much as you could as a tightness formed in your abdomen.

“F-fuck, Mina, i’m gonna cum soon.”

“Do it! Cum inside me, fill my ass with cum!”

You wish you could have stayed in this position for eternity. Mina’s bent over body covered in sweat, her tight perfect ass being pounded into by your shaft was something you never wanted to stop, but it grew to be too much. Each thrust into her asshole grew that tightness in your core even more, and you couldn’t last much longer, you’re not sure if anyone could.

It took only a handful more of thrusts until you were at your limits, burying your cock deep inside Mina’s tight asshole as far as it would go. You moaned her name loudly as you violently throbbed in her ass, sending thick spurts of cum deep into her body. You kept thrusting inside her ass as much as you could, emptying your balls as her hole milked every drop out of you.

You rested inside her as you recovered from one of the best orgasms you’d ever had, running your hands all over Mina’s body as you kissed her shoulders. Slowly pulling out of Mina you exited her body as thick semen slowly dripped out of her freshly fucked gaped asshole, dripping down her thighs and staining her sheets.

With nothing left you crashed next to Mina, trying to catch your breath as she pressed her naked sweaty body against yours.

“Mina, that was amazing…” you said, finding your stamina completely gone as you sank into the mattress.

“You weren’t bad either. Like I said, you would do nicely,” Mina said, flashing one more gummy smile.

“Rest up. You’re going to have a long weekend ahead of you.”

[weelittleweasley]

countdown (f.w.)

prompt: a new year on the horizon. new plans, new start, new love? maybe for some, but fred weasley is absolutely hung up on the girl he’s fancied since he graduated from hogwarts years ago.

pairing: fred weasley x fem!reader

warnings: drinking and just some cute fred fluff!

word count: 5.5k

a/n: honestly, the timeline of this is whenever fred and george graduated from hogwarts, but also the golden trio?? but also i don't know?? amuse me and pretend like you know what’s going on because i sure dont LMAOOOO anyway here’s wonderwall...

The Burrow was at max capacity, housing not only the majority of the Weasley family, but Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and you, of course. It was holiday break for Hogwarts and Molly insisted on having over all of Ronald’s friends as well as friends from Fred and George’s time at Hogwarts. The gesture was more than kind, but it did make for tight quarters having four more extra guests in the house. However, the Weasley’s always found a way to make things work; Hermione stayed with Ginny in her room, Harry in Ron’s room, while you delightfully stayed in Bill and Charlie’s vacant room. It was a full house to say the least. And a full house meant lots of hustle and bustle.

Today was a rather special day, more so to Hermione than anyone else. It was New Year’s Eve. The most exciting of all holidays according to the young witch Granger. The holiday was celebrated in the Weasley household, but Hermione insisted that there should be a large celebration this year. Lots of lights, fun games, and the suggestion of a fire works show peaked Fred and George’s interest a lot more...

You weren’t going to lie. It all sounded fun to you. The only thing that made your heart skip a beat was the proposal of the New Year’s kiss. “It’s a tradition that you have to kiss someone when the clock strikes midnight. It supposed to be for good luck and happiness in the new year,” Hermione beamed on the couch, a blushing Ronald Weasley next to her. “I mean, I’ve never had a new year’s kiss, but maybe this year things may change...” she trails off, side-eyeing Ron as he shifts in his seat, uncomfortable about all of the eyes on him. 

A new year’s kiss. How was this supposed to play out? Ron would surely kiss Hermione, Harry would kiss Ginny, and you? You were friends with Fred and George. Simply friends. Nothing more, nothing less. You became fast friends when you were at Hogwarts and kept in touch after your graduation, but nothing ever blossomed romantically from those friendships (unfortunately). 

Although you were mates, Fred Weasley always did something to you. You knew he had the reputation of being the boy who played around with girls until he was done and you knew he had a history of romance with your close friend, Alicia, but still your feelings for him remained no matter how many signs pointed to no. Fred was quite the catch; charming, funny, handsome, witty, and clever. He was nothing short of what you wanted. But you told yourself constantly whilst in school with him, “If he wanted to, he would have.” Since Fred never made a move on you in school, you decided for the both of you that a relationship or any kind of romance wasn’t in the cards for you. Your relationship was strictly platonic much to your dismay.

However, you weren’t going to let the thought of you not having someone to kiss on New Year’s get you down. The celebration would be fun. You had good company, good food, and you were certain the twins had something fun up their sleeves. 

New Year’s Eve rolled around quickly and preparations for nightfall were beginning. Hermione hung up shimmery gold and silver garland around the house as Ron blew up balloons, face growing red from blowing up so many. Harry tied strings to the balloons, laughing as Ron went red in the face from blowing them up. Ginny helped her mother in the kitchen, cooking dinner for the occasion. Fred and George on the other hand....

“(Y/N)! Could you come out here and give me a hand?” George calls from outside the Burrow as you follow the sound of his voice.

Outside, he stands around a troff of trunks, bags, and suitcases. Most of them labelled fragile or dangerous. Your eyes widen, “Woah, Georgie, where did you get all of this stuff?” you laugh, looking around at the mess of things in front of you.

George beams, “Storage from the joke shoppe. A bunch of this stuff is from overstock that Fred and I have. Lots of fireworks, gizmos, noise makers, etcetera. Fred is back at the shoppe gathering more things. In the meantime, I need you to help me sort through what we are using and what we can get rid of.”

You nod, knowing that you would certainly have your work cut out for you. George flings a trunk open which spurts out bright blue smoke and stinks of something absolutely rotten. The two of you exclaim, blowing away the smoke, coughing at its smell. “George, what exactly are in these boxes? A dead animal? ‘Cause that’s what it smells like,” you cough.

The tall ginger slams the trunk closed and turns to you. “Maybe let’s just work on the fireworks, shall we? Sort them by color and type?” he asks as you nod. “Brilliant. First pile,” he grabs a sack and dumps it on the ground as you two sit on the cold grass, sorting through multiple colored tubes of fireworks, each labelled differently. “So,” George huffs. “You looking forward to tonight?”

“I guess so,” you speak as you create a pile of fireworks labelled Big Ones Be Careful. “A new year. A fresh start. All very exciting I guess.” George laughs at your comment as he sorts other fireworks. “What? What’s so funny? Did I say something?”

George looks at you from under his eyelashes before shaking his head. “(Y/N), dear, I love you so much. But you are quite daft, aren’t you?” His comment makes you fling a firework canister at him as he yelps. “Careful with those! Don’t you see they are labelled Be Careful! Godric, you are daft...”

You groan, “Why am I daft? What’s the name calling for, you fatheaded idiot.”

Your best friend looks up at you. “Okay, first of all that was rude,” he states as you giggle, him soon joining in. “Second of all, you can’t tell me that you’re not excited about the new year and not the new year’s kiss,” he explains. You furrow your brows, confused about what he could be talking about. “(Y/N)...come on, you can’t be that blind.”

“Blind about what? There’s someone in that house that wants to kiss me on New Year’s? You’re out of your bloody mind,” you scoff, standing up to move to another pile of fireworks labelled, Fred--Do Not Touch. You laugh at the label before you sort them into colors. 

George mumbles, “Well, he isn’t in that house at the moment.” You flip your head to look at him, knowing he said something facetious. “Losersayswhat.”

“What?” you say.

George laughs, “Hah, works every time.” You groan as you continue to make your way through the pile of fireworks, not wanting to get distracted by George’s side comments. This news of someone wanting to be your new year’s kiss was getting on your nerves. Who else was there? Percy? And Merlin knows that you could not be paid enough galleons to kiss Percy Weasley. “I’m serious, though, (Y/N), you can’t be telling me that you don’t know that Fred hasn’t fancied you since forever ago.”

This comment makes you stop everything you are doing and turn towards George. You let the fireworks fall from your hands as you stare at him in disbelief. “Don’t play with me, George,” you warn him as he holds his hands up in defense. “We have been mates since we were eleven and all of a sudden you tell me that your twin brother, one of my best mates, fancies me?” you slowly encroach onto George.

He rises from his place on the grass and walks to you. “I’m just trying to say that good ol’ Freddie always thought you were cute and he might make a move tonight. That’s all. I’m being my brother’s wingman and your best friend. Can’t I just do that?” he explains calmly. 

You grab his arms, shaking him. “You cannot just drop a bomb on me like that and expect me to have a perfectly fine reaction, George!” you exclaim. “Don’t you know that Fred and I are just friends? I told you this multiple times! I told you that my crush on him faded as soon as we graduated from Hogwarts! That’s behind me.”

As you look at George desperately, he grabs onto your shoulders. “And you mean to tell me that you don’t fancy him right now? If Fred Weasley, my brother, came up to you right now and kissed you and told you that he’s fancied you for years, you would reject him?” George asks. Your face softens as you give his comment some thought. George was right. You would kiss Fred back with all your might and confess that you really liked him too and you were waiting for this moment for a while. Your silence explains everything that George needs to know. “Exactly. So when the clock strikes midnight and you see Fred next to you, don’t be a coward,” George teases you before walking back to his station of organizing fireworks.

You are left standing there, still processing what was happening. Fred Weasley was going to kiss you when the clock struck midnight. It was happening. This was really happening. And how romantic it would all be. New Year’s Eve, your first kiss with Fred, in the moonlight underneath a fireworks show. And then it struck you, “Hey George?” He hums in response. “The fireworks show tonight. You and Fred are putting it on still, right?”

“Of course we are. Who else would? Ronald? Could you imagine the disaster that would be?” George laughs at the thought of his childish brother trying to set off fireworks all while balancing himself on his broomstick. “Why do you ask?”

Taking a seat next to George on the grass, you say, “Then how is he supposed to get back down from setting off the fireworks to kiss me at midnight exactly?” 

George’s face twists in confusion for a second before thinking out the problem. “Huh,” he speaks. “I mean, I’m not sure, but I’m sure it’s going to happen,” he assures you. “Fred always finds a way. Come on, it’s Fred. When he likes a girl, he likes a girl. And you, (Y/N), my dearest, he likes. I wouldn’t worry yourself sick,” he nudges your arm as you exhale the breath you were holding. “Now come on, we still have much more sorting to do before Fred gets back with even more garbage.”

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

Hours later and you’re in Ginny’s room, getting ready for the party. Hermione brushed through Ginny’s hair as she coated her lashes in mascara. You on the other hand stood in front of multiple skirts, dresses, and tops, struggling to decide what to wear. You groan in frustration as you peel off a glittery gold top of Hermione’s and toss it on the bed gently. “Nothing looks right,” you huff as Hermione turns around.

“I thought that one was lovely on you!” she exclaims as you flop on Ginny’s bed, staring at the ceiling. It may have been lovely, but it was perfect. If tonight was going to go the way George had described, you needed to make sure that you looked outrageous in the best way possible. You wanted Fred counting down the minutes until midnight. “Something’s wrong, I can see it on your face,” Hermione points out as Ginny turns to look at you. “You can tell us if you’d like.”

You offer them both a small smile as you run your fingers over your face and through your hair. “It’s honestly stupid,” you chuckle. “George has, um...informed me...that I might be receiving a new year’s kiss this year...from Fred,” you confide to the girls in a hushed whisper. 

You expected both of them to freak out with excitement or exclaim how exciting it was. Instead they looked at you, confused as to why you were just figuring this out now. “Well, yes, we all knew this. Fred’s had a massive crush on you for years,” Ginny simply states before sailing back into the mirror, reapplying her mascara. 

Mouth agape, you exclaim, “Does everyone know about this and not me?!”

Hermione sadly shakes her head, “Even Ron knew about it. And that’s saying something.” You groan and flop backwards again on the bed in frustration. How come everyone knew about this and you didn’t? How come you had to surprise and hide your feelings for Fred for years when in reality he felt the same way about you all this time? “Well, we didn’t know for sure if you fancied him too since you were always so adamant that you two were just friends...so that’s good news!” Hermione tries to lighten the mood, unsuccessfully doing so as you still remain on the bed. “Alright, well, enough of that. It’s exciting, (Y/N)! You and Fred’s first kiss!” she sits on the bed next to you. “Now I see why you are so nervous about what to wear. Let’s raid the closet and luggage, shall we?” 

You let out a light laugh and sit up, watching Hermione raid Ginny’s closet and your luggage, trying to find something for the occasion. “Hmmm,” she peels back hangers, pulling out pieces before putting them back, sorting through the clothes to find the perfect outfit. Suddenly, something catches her eye in your suitcase. “Oh!” she exclaims as she picks up a white and black plaid mini skirt. “What do we have here,” she laughs as you blush. You had bought that skirt on a whim on a shopping trip with Angelina. The skirt was a little short, but cute nonetheless.

Ginny takes a look at the skirt and chuckles, “Naughty, naughty.” You shake your head and roll your eyes. “I might have the top to go with it,” she speaks, rising from the chair and pulling a black, shimmery, long sleeve cropped shirt. She held it up to the skirt. Perfect match. “I’m not saying that you should dress up for Fred because that’s just gross,” Ginny states as you laugh with Hermione. “But...you’d look hot as hell with this on.”

You get up from the bed and huff, “You two are trouble.” The girls laugh as you begin to change, trying on the clothes to see how it looked. 

As you straightened out the shirt and skirt, you looked in the mirror in front of you, Hermione and Ginny hovering over your shoulders. It was perfect. The top hugged your feminine figure perfectly and the skirt hung from your hips like a dream, falling just above mid thigh under your bum. The material of the top glittered in the light as you twirled in the mirror. It wasn’t too much, it wasn’t too little. It was simply perfect. “If you don’t wear that, I am,” Ginny speaks as you laugh. “You look incredible.”

“Breathtaking,” Hermione adds. “If Fred doesn’t kiss you tonight, damn it, we will.”

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

Another few hours pass before the sun sets and the music starts. It was 9pm and the festivities were just beginning. Everyone was dancing, drinking, and laughing in the living room, celebrating the holiday. Slowly, you, Hermione, and Ginny all joined the party, earning a few stares from the boys. “Nicely done, ladies!” Ron smiles as Hermione rolls her eyes. “You all look lovely,” he retaliates as he looks at his friends, eyes landing on Hermione. “You look lovely,” he repeats quietly to Hermione as she blushes, holding onto the skirt of her pale blue dress. 

Ginny pays no attention to Harry’s gawking eyes as she passes him, wearing tight black jeans and a silver cowl neck top. Ginny had every intention of making Harry a murmuring mess. And it was working.

You on the other hand, poured yourself some punch (that the twins had most definitely spiked) and happily stood around your friends. But you couldn’t help yourself wanting to look at Fred. There he stood in the middle of the living room, blue jeans and a navy blue thermal t-shirt. He was dressed simply and plain, but Merlin, he looked good. You let yourself sneak a peak at him, but you catch his eyes. You stand there frozen as he smiles as you cheekily. “Nice skirt,” he compliment.

You can feel the blood rush to your cheeks. “Thanks,” you simply state as George just smiles and sips his punch. Clearing your throat, you start, “Alright, we got three hours to kill. What’s on the agenda?” 

Hermione shoots up, “Yes! Okay, so I thought to start we could play Never Have I Ever that way it’ll loosen us all up and we can make it a drinking game if we want.”

“Hermione Granger suggesting a drinking game? New year, new Hermione,” Ron laughs as Hermione rolls her eyes. “Sounds good to me. Everyone circle up.”

Everyone sits on the floor in the living room around the small coffee table, drinks in hand. You were sandwiched between Ginny and Hermione, clutching onto your cup, mind racing a thousand miles a minute. You could feel Fred’s eyes on you but you didn’t want to look at him. It felt like you had a dirty secret when clearly his plans were not a secret to anyone except you. 

Harry begins in the game, “Never have I ever broken someone’s arm in a game of quidditch.” Everyone laughs and looks at Ginny and Fred as they roll their eyes. 

You remember during one of Fred’s games when Gryffindor played Slytherin, Fred knocked someone clear off their broom and they fell on their arm, a clean break. You remember Fred proudly walking the halls, knowing that he broke that poor bloke’s arm. Even though it got him suspended from the game, Gryffindor still won the match. Many people thought that Fred’s move was unfair or stupid of him, but when you watched it happen, you couldn’t help but think about how attractive Fred looked as he flexed his muscles and literally threw the Slytherin player off of his broom. 

Ginny sips her drink and then says, “That was completely targeted, Harry.”

Harry shrugs, “No rules to the game. I say we can be as blunt as possible.”

Everyone looks around at the group as you just sip from your cup, needs the effects of the alcohol to give you a confidence boost. Was it hot in here? George claps his hands as Fred oooohs, making you sweat. “Alright, Potter, now he’s playing with the big boys,” George pats Harry’s back. 

“It’s all fun and games now,” Ron laughs. “You’re up, George.”

George rubs his hands together, concocting a statement as your heart races. George was going to be ruthless you knew it. There was so much he could say right now that could make you embarrassed. George was your best friend, he had so much dirt on you. Especially after today. Finally, he was struck with an idea and your heart sank. “Never have I ever had an intricate plan to kiss a girl I’ve fancied since fourth year on New Year’s Eve,” George simply sates.

As soon as the words fall out of his mouth, Fred’s cheeks turn bright crimson red and you almost spit out your drink. You cough a little bit as Ginny and Ron laugh wildly at their older brother, George smugly sitting there, watching the mess he created unfold. 

Fred glares at his brother and shakes his head. Slowly, Fred grabs the cup and takes a long sip from it as your heart races. This just got very real. “You’ve made a grave mistake, brother,” Fred states as George laughs. “Grave.”

You uncomfortably shift in your seat as Fred looks at you from across the table a little smirk on his face. Without anyone seeing, he drops his left eye into a wink and then goes back to the conversation. Your heart skips a beat and your face turns beet red. Tonight was going to be a night to remember for sure.

----------

Time flew by and it was a quarter to midnight. The twins had evacuated the house and ran to the backyard to get the fireworks ready. “We’ve got it all settled, not to worry!” Fred called out when Molly expressed her concern for the boys’ safety. 

The twins darted into the backyard, laughing happily as they jumped on their brooms and set off into the sky. The rest of you made your way into the backyard slowly as your race was beating a mile a minute. The time was approaching. Fred was going to kiss you in ten minutes. It was all happening so fast, you couldn’t keep up.

“Ready?” you feel Hermione’s hands on your shoulders as you roll your eyes, running your fingers through your hair. “It’ll be great, I just know it.”

You give her a hopeful smile as you stand next to her the backyard, wrapping your arms around yourself to keep you warm from the brisk January air. “I still don’t understand how Fred’s going to pull it off. Going from the fireworks in time to come down here and kiss me? I don’t know,” you ponder.

Hermione smiles, “It’s Fred. He finds a way.”

You nodded your head, smiling. She was right. Fred would find a way. He always did. 

Disrupting the silence, Ron speaks, “A minute and thirty seconds, everyone!”

Hermione gasps in excitement. “Already? Alright everyone! Get ready we’re going to start the countdown soon!”

Your heart is still racing as you look around you and up into the sky. No sight of Fred or George. Where were they and what were they doing? “Don’t over think it,” you whisper to yourself as you look around at your friends. Everyone stood around, looking up at the sky, waiting. 

And then, “In 10! 9! 8!” Hermione starts counting down.

“7!”

Your heart is pounding against your chest, you feel like your heart is going to leap out.

“6!” 

Your mind is reeling and racing with so many thoughts. You are in overdrive. 

“5!”

Was Fred going to kiss you? Or was this some sort of sick prank that he and George were in on?

“4!”

Where in the bloody hell was Fred? He had four seconds!

“3!”

Your mouth goes dry.

“2!”

Ron looks at Hermione, Harry to Ginny. It was happening. And Fred was nowhere to be found.

“1!”

Times up.

“Happy New Year!”

And with that, bursts of multicolored lights erupted in the sky, popping and blasting off. It was so bright and colorful, starting off the new year in a decorative display. As you watched the fireworks, you turned around and saw the couples all in each others arms, sharing sweet kisses as the fireworks went off in the background. And you stood there, no Fred. No George. No one. 

Your heart sank into your stomach as you realize what was happening. Fred wasn’t coming to kiss you. Not now. It was too late. You both missed your chance. Did George make this up? Was everyone in on it? Did Hermione lie to you? They wouldn’t dare toy with your emotions like that. Or would they?

Instead of dwelling on the questions, you just stared up at the sky, small tears welling in your eyes, but you quickly swallowed them away, feigning happiness. “Happy New Year to me,” you whisper to yourself. 

The fireworks blast off in shades of red, blue, green, and orange, illuminating the sky with such joy. You had to admit, Fred and George knew what they were doing when it came to things like this. No matter how much you wanted to scream at the two of them, Fred especially, you kept it in. You were supposed to be happy right now.

As the couples pull away from their embraces, you feel eyes on you in excited anticipation, hoping to see Fred holding you and kissing you. But instead, they see you, looking up at the sky alone. “What?” Hermione whispers. She starts to walk over to you, but Ron stops her.

“Give her a second,” he speaks. “Maybe Fred will come down in a second.”

The couples return their gaze to the sky, but the fireworks don’t stop. They keep coming. Which meant Fred had no intention of coming down anytime soon. 

You know that your friends are looking at you, but you refuse to look at them, far too embarrassed. Fred made a fool of you tonight. And that was something you weren’t going to forget. 

Slowly, the fireworks stop as you sigh. “What a show,” you try to lighten the mood as Hermione stares at you sadly. You couldn’t look at her she just made you feel bad. “Happy New Year!” you smile to your friends.

Ron is the first one to embrace you, picking you up and spinning you around as you giggle. He always did know how to make you feel a bit better. You held onto him tight as he spun you around. Slowly, he placed you back on the ground. “Happy New Year,” Ron whispered in your ear as he squeezed you. “My brother has always been a moron, no need to worry.”

He pulls away and gives you a smile and a wink. You just shake your head knowingly and shrug. “It is what it is. My resolution is that I’m going into this year with no expectations at all. Even if someone tells me something, I’m not going to expect it. I’d rather be surprised,” you sigh as Hermione hugs you tight.

You walk inside, arm in arm with Hermione, small chatter entering the Burrow as you walk in together. “Are we going to stay up a bit more a play another game?” Ginny asks.

“You all can, but I’m actually quite tired. I think I’m gonna head to bed,” you tell the group as they all protest, wanting you to stay. “I know, I’m a party pooper, but I am. I’m usually not up this late,” you lie through your teeth, knowing damn well you were up until sunrise yesterday with Fred and George talking about the shoppe and the future for it. “Goodnight, everyone. Happy New Year.”

The group watches you as you ascend the steps to the room you were staying in before they all look at each other, disappointed in tonight’s events. Before anyone can say anything, Fred and George come bumbling through the door, laughing and holding onto each other. “Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!” George laughs. “The fireworks looked insane from up there! How did they look down here?” 

Everyone just stares and doesn’t say a thing. “Geez, tough crowd,” Fred laughs before Ron slaps him upside the head. “Ow! What the hell was that for?”

Ron scoffs, “Didn’t you forget something? You proper git!”

Fred looks at his younger brother confused. “I didn’t forget a thing! I mean I wished I could see what it looked like from down here, but oh well...anyway, whose up for a game?” Fred asks as everyone looks baffled. “What? You guys look like you saw a ghost. And where’s (Y/N)? She’s missing.”

And that’s when it hits him.

George is just as shocked as everyone else, covering his hand with his mouth. 

“Oh, bloody hell...” Fred trails off. “I planned a whole fireworks show for the girl and I forgot to come back down to bloody kiss her.” Everyone just shakes their head and disperses throughout the house, Ginny and Hermione disappearing into Ginny’s room, Ron and Harry trudging up the stairs. “Wait, wait, where did she go? I need to explain what happened to her.”

Ginny groans, “If you had just stuck to your plan like before and not got distracted by the shiny lights, you wouldn’t have to explain anything to her!” This just makes Fred feel worse as he should. He made a promise and convinced everyone to tell his crush about it only to not follow through. “She’s back in her room. You better have a good explanation for all of this.”

Meanwhile, you stood in the bathroom, brushing your teeth in your pajamas shorts and jumper, getting ready for bed. Your glasses hung on the bridge of your nose as you stared at yourself, disappointed in how the night unfolded. Tonight was supposed to be special, but it ended up extremely ordinary. But this is what you should have expected. 

You spat the toothpaste in the sink as you stared in the mirror. Huffing, you shake your head, “He’s just a boy.” That’s all Fred Weasley was. A dumb boy. A dumb idiot boy. A cute, funny, sensitive, witty, charming, flirtatious dumb idiot git moron boy. You groan, knowing that the feelings you have for Fred were stronger than ever at this point after the hype of today. “Why me, Fred Weasley?” you groan. “Why me.”

Swinging the bathroom door open, you step outside, unknowingly bumping into someone. “Oh,” you look up and there he was. The culprit. The man of the hour. Fred. “Oh.”

“Can we talk?” he asks as you just stare at him.

He looked at you with such guilt in his eyes, it was palpable. His face turned downward, feeling so stupid in this moment. He disappointed the girl he cared for most since they were children in school. It was embarrassing for him more so than you. 

You snapped back into reality and simply said, “Talk about what, Fred?”

With that, you made your way down the hall to the room you were staying in as Fred followed you. “Oh, don’t play this game, (Y/N). We both know exactly what this is about and I just want to apologize,” Fred pleads as you enter the room quickly, attempting to shut the door on him, but he stick his foot in the doorway. “Not so fast, tiger. I need to talk to you.”

“And I need to go to bed. It’s late,” you reply, but Fred forces himself inside the room as you groan. “Fred, it’s not a big deal. All is forgiven. Blah, blah. I’ll see you in the morning. Go on,” you shoo him away.

Fred grabs your arms, “No, it’s not alright. (Y/N), what I did was wrong and no one should ever leave someone alone like that after I promised you, and everyone else did, that I would come down and kiss you. I got caught up being an idiot with my brother and I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for the night to go like this for either of us. I wanted it to be special.”

Fred’s words make your heart flutter, but you don’t let your heart get in the way of this situation. “You made me look like a fool,” you cooly speak, maintaining direct eye contact with Fred. 

“And I feel like a crap person because of it. I’m so sorry, (Y/N),” Fred grabs your hands as you huff. “I’m sure George already flapped his big mouth about it, but I’ve fancied you since we were in fourth year and you sneaked into George and I’s dormitory to tell ghost stories to Lee. I thought you were the coolest girl I had ever met. I still do. And when we graduated, you were so ready to help George and I start the joke shoppe and help us get on our feet. You have been so supportive and loving and kind to me. And I want you to know that I think you are the most incredible woman I have ever met. You’re smart, kind, generous, and good Godric, you’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen,” he sighs as you blush gently. “I wanted tonight to be a memory that we could have forever. Because I care for you so much, (Y/N). I wanted to do it so badly. And I still do.”

Your heart is racing again and you feel your mouth run dry again. But you muster up enough confidence to say, “Do what, Weasley?”

A small smirk appears on your lips as Fred lightly chuckles, “Cheeky.”

He wastes no more time, wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling you close and dipping his head down to connect your lips in a gentle kiss. His lips are warm and taste of cinnamon. You sigh into his touch and wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Fred smiles into your kiss as he holds onto you tight, not wanting to let go. He missed his chance once tonight. He wasn’t going to make that mistake again. 

Gently, you pull away and look at Fred who is smiling from ear to ear. “Worth the wait?” Fred jokes as you roll your eyes, him kissing your lips again swiftly.

“Well worth the wait. Only four years late,” you tease him as he laughs. “Happy New Year, Freddie.”

“Happy New Year, darling.”

[pftones3482]

Commission for @crazyfanatic97 who asked for a follow up to their prior commission, which you can find here. Thanks for the multiple commissions!

If you want my commission information, you can find it here.

Under a cut for length.

~~

It had, somewhat miraculously, stopped raining by the time the DJ called out the last song for the night and then sent the teenagers on their way, everyone huddled up in their own friend groups making late night plans to go watch movies or hangout at each other’s houses. With the next two days off school, no one had any qualms about staying up late, and with everyone in high spirits, risk of akuma attacks were low.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the rest of the room gathering up bags, coats, and discarded shoes and ties, though, Marinette’s corner of the room was relatively quiet. Once Rose and Juleka had bounced, saying something to the group about grabbing a few cute pictures on their way out, the remaining four of them had fallen silent, and Marinette knew it was mostly her fault.

They’d been surrounded by people all night, so there’d been no time to talk about the fact that she was pretty much a walking H20 (2006) advertisement.

Marinette sighed, setting her phone down on the table and gripping her purse a little tighter. “Look, guys, I-”

Nino’s hand settled on her shoulder and he squeezed, his eyes soft as she looked up. “Hey. You don’t have to explain to all of us right this second.” He tilted his head in the direction of Alya and offered her a tiny smile. “Adrien and I can wait.”

She hesitated, lifting her stuff on the table and bending down, gathering her heels up in her hands. “You guys sure?” she whispered.

Adrien stepped over, sliding an arm around Nino’s waist and giving her an equally reassuring smile. “We’re sure. But we’re all getting together for lunch tomorrow because we have questions.”

Marinette gave both of them a smile of gratitude before turning back to Alya, who bid the couple a goodnight and then turned her gaze to Marinette. She tucked her phone into her pocket and draped the jacket of her suit over her arm, leaving her in a deep maroon button down that she had rolled up to the elbows. Her bowtie was loose around her neck. “Down for a walk?” she asked, adjusting her glasses.

Her hand slipped into Marinette’s comfortably, like it belonged there, and it eased some of the tension that had been resting on Marinette’s shoulders all night. Sure, they’d all been dancing and goofing around with their classmates and generally having fun, but every now and then Marinette would remember that they knew, or one of them would glance at her whenever anyone got too close with a glass of punch, and it…

She was exhausted, but she was relieved.

Tikki had been right, all those times she’d told her that she should tell them; she didn’t realize how tiring it had been to keep an eye out for potential spills and splashes until Adrien’s hands had guided her away from Kim playing a prank with water on Max, or until Alya had danced her out of range of a punch spill that she hadn’t noticed.

Suddenly she had three more people watching her back, and it felt good. But it was also terrifying, not being able to explain everything to them right away.

They bid goodnight to Mlle. Bustier, who was manning the front door as the students left, and Marinette relished in the cool prickle of pavement under her feet. It was still a little damp, but it wasn’t enough to turn her, and it gave her something concrete to focus on – no pun intended, but goddammit, Chat was rubbing off on her.

For a few minutes, they walked in silence along the lamp lit streets, until they were travelling together along the Seine and had left the crowds of students behind. Alya’s hand squeezed around Marinette’s. “So. Which of your parents is also a mermaid?”

It was such an unexpected question that Marinette couldn’t help the laugh that spilled from her mouth. She clapped a hand to her lips to quell the sound and shook her head, giggling as she pulled her fingers back. “Neither,” she admitted.

“Grandparent, then?” Alya asked, clearly confused. “Magical moon pool situation?”

Marinette squeezed one eye shut and titled her head. “Um. Closer to that last one, actually.”

Alya stopped walking, turning and looking at her incredulously. “Excuse me?”

Marinette gave a sheepish shrug. “You know how Ladybug and Chat Noir have different forms, right? Like for ice and flight and stuff?”

Alya’s eyebrow arched up her head. “I take it this has something to do with the underwater one.”

“Well, when Fu…” Marinette trailed off, her heart twisting, before she steeled herself. “When he…had to leave,” she amended slowly, “he left me all the ingredients and recipes for how to create new ones in case we ran out.”

“Makes sense,” Alya said with a nod.

Marinette wrinkled her nose, shifting on her feet. “Except I ran out of the underwater ones – you’d be shocked how many aquatic akumas there are – and I…listen, it was really dumb. And really impulsive, I blame growing up with Kim, I-”

“You tried one of them yourself, didn’t you,” Alya deadpanned. “Instead of feeding it to Tikki.”

“No!” Marinette yelped. “No, I’m not that dumb, I…okay, so Dad brought up some macarons while I was working, and one of them…maybe…definitely accidentally got mixed into the normal macarons, and I ate it without checking on it first, which I should have done, because the ones I make for Tikki are way smaller than normal ones, and I-”

She stopped as Alya started giggling furiously, her hand pressed to her mouth and her eyes glinting with mirth. Marinette scowled, crossing her arms. “Well if you’re gonna be mean about it.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry babe,” Alya wheezed, wiping a tear from her eyes. “That’s just very much you. It makes sense, when you explain it that way.”

Marinette softened, letting her arms fall and slipping her hand back into Alya’s. “So you’re not mad?”

Alya stopped laughing finally, drawing her closer and pressing their foreheads together. “Nah. I get it. I wish you would have told me? Because then I could have helped. But I understand. Is there a way to reverse it?”

Marinette shook her head, friction burning her skin just a bit. “Not that Tikki or any of the other Kwami’s know of. They’ve never had that situation before, because I was kind of the first person to try putting it into actual food, instead of just leaving them as potions.”

“You, my dear, are lucky you’re cute,” Alya chuckled, giving her a gentle kiss. “So…your clothes don’t transform with you?”

“This is not H20, hon.”

“So I shouldn’t shove you into the Seine and snicker about it, then?”

Marinette glanced behind her at the river, then down at her dress, sighing. “Well. The gold lacing is pretty much ruined anyway from the rain earlier, and otherwise the dress is pretty sturdy, so-”

She dropped her shoes and purse, latched onto Alya’s wrist with a grin and yanked both of them backwards, giggling in delight at Alya’s shriek of surprise as she just barely managed to toss her suit jacket onto the pavement.

The water was chilly but not cold as they hit the surface, and Marinette felt Alya ease as bubbles surrounded them, complete with the usual glitter and shine that surrounded her Ladybug transformation, and then with a push of her tail she eased them to the surface. Tikki waited for them, clutching her stomach and giggling.

Alya’s mascara was running, and she was scowling, but her eyes betrayed her as she looped her arms around Marinette’s neck. She startled a little at the feeling of the scales that crawled up her neck, but she just twined her fingers in her hair and kicked her feet against the current of the river. “You’re paying for my dry cleaning,” was all she said, and Marinette snorted, pressing a kiss to her forehead. The nerves were finally all the way gone from her stomach.

“Deal.”

“How you gonna explain this to the guys without telling them you’re Ladybug, though?”

Marinette blinked twice and wrinkled her nose in frustration. “Aw, shoot.”

[monellabella]

In honor of my favorite boys’ birthday, I thought I’d share a little preview of the fic (would I even call it that??? Idk) I’d started writing for @amourtentiaa‘s sleepover bash. Enjoy!!

Fight or Flight

Fred Weasley x Fem!reader

Warnings: cursing, alcohol/drinking mention (really short), food mention

Tagging some moots just because: @krasivayadarling @wonderfilworld @fictionalwhores @amixedwitch @rorybutnotgilmore @ronbrokemyheart @mullthingsoverinthehotwater @mitsukui @pineapplesandpinas @darthwheezely

Well, fight or flight I'd rather die Than have to cry in front of you Fight or flight I'd rather lie Than tell you, I'm in love with you

Fred and y/n hated each other when they first met.

He thought she was just a boring little teacher’s pet and a pompous know-it-all who didn’t know how to take a joke. 

She thought he was an immature, lazy, conceited asshole who played horrible, unfunny pranks on innocent people. 

The fact that in every class he hardly paid attention only to get perfect marks, while she was studying her ASS OFF to get the same grade, PISSED. HER. OFF. 

“It’s completely unfair!” y/n explained to Angelina, “I’ve never ONCE seen him pay attention. He doesn’t even look at the blackboard!” Angelina hummed in acknowledgment as she continued to doodle on one of her textbooks. She was used to y/n’s daily “I hate Fred Weasley” rants and tended to just tune her out and let her rant as she acted as emotional support. “Are you even listening?” y/n asked. “Hm? What?” Angelina replied, breaking out of her trance. 

Y/n didn’t like George very much either; admittedly, he was the more level-headed of the two, but he was still just as much of a good-for-nothing troublemaker as his twin.

Y/n and Fred were CONSTANTLY competing in EVERYTHING.

Bragging whenever they got a higher mark and reminding the other every chance they got for the rest of the day.

Not letting the other hear the end of it when their team won a quidditch game- Fred supported Ireland’s Ballycastle Bats, while y/n rooted for Scotland’s (far superior) Montrose Magpies.

They’d get into drinking games at parties- taking shot after shot until their friends had to drag them away before one of them died of alcohol poisoning.

When Fred had mentioned gobstones to her, he refused to explain the rules- so y/n quickly ended up with the marble’s putrid liquid being sprayed in her eyes. George later explained the rules to her, and after a bit of practice, she managed to hustle Fred out of the bag of sweets he’d just bought at Hogsmeade.

Y/n had been the one to smugly introduce Fred to various muggle card games. She played a lot with her friends for fun, but with Fred the stakes were always raised. Once in a game of blackjack, y/n was on a winning streak and Angelina had to stop her from betting away the £200 she’d gotten as a birthday present.

They were constantly bickering. Always about stupid things, too. Like, she’d give the wrong answer in class, Fred would say something smug about it, and they’d go on insulting each other until someone told them to stop. Fred bumps into y/n in the hall? they stand there for a good few minutes hurling insults at each other until y/n is dragged along by Angelina. Fred messes up y/n’s potion? Bickering. Y/n takes the last piece of toast at breakfast? Bickering. The list goes on. 

They’d play a lot of chess (both the muggle and wizard versions). When they played the wizard version, it usually gathered a small crowd as they’d both get extremely competitive and pelt each other with both various insults and broken chess pieces, it would usually end in a screaming match as they kept insisting that the other somehow cheated. But when they played the muggle version, they weren’t quite as excitable. They wouldn’t tell anyone when they’d go and play, and it was usually somewhere they wouldn’t be bothered (the common room late at night or sometimes even the library). 

With muggle chess, they were quiet and calculating. Fred was always so bursting with energy, that sometimes it would overwhelm him. Chess was one of the few things that could calm him down. It was the type of thing that allowed him to concentrate deeply without feeling for a moment like he had to think about anything else. Y/n just enjoyed the game. She loved how despite its simplicity, there were infinite ways a game could go. 

They’d usually end up playing when they noticed the other had had a rough day, and one would suggest a game of chess. Sometimes they’d ask what was wrong, and it would either be the simple answer of “I don’t wanna talk about it.” so they’d play in silence. But other times, they’s go on to explain what happened while the other listened. Either way, neither of them seemed to look up from the board the entire time. Sometimes they’d play late into the night when everyone else was asleep. When they’d sneak back into their respective dormitories, if anyone asked, they’d come up with some sort of excuse as to where they’d been.

Playing muggle chess against y/n was probably the only time Fred couldn’t care less whether he won or lost; he’d never admit it, but when they weren’t biting each others’ heads off, he quite enjoyed her company. And while she’d rather die than say it to him, y/n felt the same way. 

[incorrectlumityquotes]

FULL REVIEWS: “Hooty’s Moving Hassle”

I’ve only seen Howl’s Moving Castle once and I thought it was just okay. The animation was amazing. The story and characters were just...okay. But we’re not here to talk about that today.

A Hooty centric episode? Count me in, hoot hoot. The hype train just keeps on going and I was so glad that I found my new favorite show. AND my niece loved it too, so that’s a huge plus. The only thing that I was sure about this episode going in way back when was that Gus and Willow were going to be in it. Let’s check it out and see if it’s still as good as I remember it, hoot hoot.

“Cards! The paper rectangles that old people think are fun.”

Hot damn, Luz. The episode just started and she’s already out firing shots. But to be fair, she did grow up with smartphones and game consoles being a thing so I doubt she sees the appeal. Do kids even still play with toys anymore? Or do they all just play on tablets now? Probably why Toys R’ Us closed. 

Speaking of things that can only happen in this generation, callbacks and continuity! Eda’s curse is rearing its feathery head and like the irresponsible adult that she is, she’s out of elixir, hoot hoot.

It’s not our full introduction to Owlbert, but at least he gets some screen time where he actually moves and stuff. I totally get where Luz and King are coming from. When a friend discovers they’re really good at a game and they want to play it all they time because they like winning but it’s super annoying and you always lose because it’s not a game you would ever play on your own, hoot hoot. Yeah. Eda is that friend. 

People watching in a fantasy world would actually be a fun little way to do some worldbuilding, but I’m afraid some people would call it lazy. We get a bunch of set-up for the third act and then the spice of life returns, hoot hoot.

“Who hurt my babies?”

Hyper fangirl Luz spots her babies wearing frowny faces thanks to Amity and her little group. Apparently Amity’s forced friend brigade is going to have a moonlight conjuring which is basically just a slumber party. It’s literally exactly like a slumber party. I have proof. Just check out this video and see that slumber parties are just modern witch gatherings. 

Thanks to Luz though, Willow has enough friends to have a moonlight conjuring of her own. Wow, typing out that sentences actually made me feel really sad. Willow is a sweeties and she deserves the world. Okay I feel better, hoot hoot.

Also Penstagram? Really? Like freaking really? I hate Instagram. The feed is never in chronological order, I don’t know what “link in the bio” means and I never have enough pictures to just be on there. I mean, who freaking takes pictures for everything all the time? It’s a madhouse, I tell you. A madhouse, hoot hoot.

Like Owlbert, this is our kinda introduction to Boscha and her crew. It’s not a full introduction, but it’s not like we’re not going to see more of her later. There’s Skara again and Cat. Thank you, Owl House wikia.

Eda’s dealer suggests going to the Night Market to pick up what she needs and shoots down Luz’s moonlight conjuring idea. But Luz isn’t going to let something small like a parent’s permission stop her from helping her friends, hoot hoot. So Luz pulls the laziest plot device in all of fiction and lies. 

Sleeping King in a baby sling and Willow saying “I’m a sneaky sneakster” hoot hoot? This episode is all kinds of cute.

Eda heads to the night market and Luz has her little slumber party. A sad thought just occurred. What if this is also Luz’s first slumber party too? Her mom did say that she didn’t have any friends. I made myself sad again, hoot hoot. 

Luz, ever the good host, tries to accommodate her friends and they get to work on the moonlight conjuring. Luz chanting that she doesn’t know the words made me laugh. Especially because I’d do the same thing. 

Side note, but Gus insisting that Beefy Bob is a figurine is just kinda funny. All I kept thinking about was the difference between action figures, dolls, and figurines. Dolls don’t move but you play with them. Action figures do stuff and you play with them. Figurines don’t move and you don’t play with them, hoot hoot. “A real man never takes accountability” is hilarious and unfortunately true. 

“Light as a feather; stiff as a board. Light as a feather; stiff as a board.”

“Something ridiculous this way comes, hoot hoot.”

And just like that, our heroes conjure the whole house. How? Why? Never mind that shit, here comes Bosha! And the set up from early in the episode, hoot hoot. 

Meanwhile at the night market, Eda meets the recurring villain of the series. I like to call these guys jobber villains.

For those who don’t know, a “jobber” is a pro wrestling term. It’s a guy who is hired to just lose to the big name guys. I use the term “jobber villain” to describe any antagonist who isn’t the main villain who is used frequently to lose to the heroes. Think Team Rocket in Pokémon, Dr Light in Teen Titans, Ludo in Star vs the Forces of Evil, etc, you get the idea.

Tibbles hustles Eda over the Hexes Hold ‘em game and we get a bunch of funny ass jokes that I dare not ruin for you. The two plots cross for just long enough for Luz and co to get busted. 

I have concerns, hoot hoot.

Meanwhile, back in the other failed moonlight conjuring, the moonlight conjuring has failed. The girls do what every young girl would do in that situation and complain on social media. Amity gets a really cool shot that I don’t have and the episode ends with a hint that someone on our main trio is more powerful then they are letting on.

FINAL SCORE: 5 - Loved it.

This episode is funny as hell. That’s the main highlight for me here. There are so many good jokes especially since it’s my type of dialogue humor. 

Lots of character work. The reveal that Willow and Amity used to be friends adds depth to both characters, making the relationship a bit more complex than just bully-victim scenario.

I love it whenever Luz speaks Spanish. As a Hispanic guy myself, I’m really happy about this kind of representation. This plus Marco Diaz. 

We kinda get introductions to several characters who play bigger parts in later episodes. Bosch and Owlbert get soft intros while Tibbles takes the center stage as the episode’s main villain.

I’ve never been to a slumber party but I doubt they’re as fun as this.

.

.

.

I forgot what the next episode is so I don’t have a lead up line for it...hoot.

[missmentelle]

Hi MM/Bee! I'm a recent college graduate. I always worked hard in school and I matured a lot at college, but I'm realizing how low my self-esteem is. I'm obsessing over the things I haven't done/accomplished, scholarships I never applied for, my body image, my high school days, "not being as successful as my high school class", an old crush who I never talked to (who is already super successful), and some days I feel like I messed up my life beyond repair. How do I work on self-love? Thank you!

For starters, I think it’s important for you to know that you aren’t the only person feeling this way. I get similar questions all the time, often from people who aren’t even out of their 20s yet. It isn’t even remotely true that you need to achieve wild success by age 25 or you’ve wasted your life, but I can understand why so many people feel that way. 

Our culture is dangerously obsessed with productivity, youth and achievement, to the point that it is actively making all of our lives miserable. It’s not hard to understand where people get this idea that they’re failing in life if they aren’t a 20-something well-travelled millionaire - that is the message our culture throws in our faces all the time - and it’s so unbelievably untrue. We compile “top 30 under 30″ lists, celebrate incredibly young performers and entertainers, and hold up extremely high-achieving lifestyles as something that every one of us needs to be striving for, but we don’t - there is no timeline for “success”, there is no one true definition of success, and people will take wildly different paths in life to arrive at the same set of goals. What you think of as your failure is not actually your failure - it’s a cultural failure that so many of us fall victim to. 

I think it’s also important to remember that you haven’t messed up your life beyond repair: you’ve barely started your life yet. Your college years are supposed to be a time of growing and maturing, and that maturation doesn’t end the moment you cross the stage - you’re going to continue to learn and change and grow throughout your lifespan. And growth means you are always going to mess some stuff up - that’s how we grow. All of us have to make mistakes in this life, and all of us have to prioritize rest sometimes; there are always going to be tests we don’t do so great on, social situations we flub, scholarships we don’t apply for, crushes we don’t confess to, deadlines we miss, relationships we let fall apart and goals we don’t achieve. Nobody speedruns life with 100% completion. And that’s okay. Those missteps and mistakes are what teach us to do better next time, or they give us the time to rest and gather energy for the next goal we want to work toward. 

Of course, learning to accept yourself and let go of cultural conditioning is easier said than done. For many of us, it’s a lifelong journey, if not the overarching theme of our lives. I wish there was a simple way to achieve it. I do, however, have some tips that can help you get there:

Unplug from productivity and self-improvement culture. Going online and seeing “Shakespeare wrote King Lear in quarantine, here’s how to maximize your quarantine time” and “here’s how I became a millionaire by age 22″ is not actually that motivating - in all likelihood, it’ll just make you feel bad about yourself. The internet is an absolute firehose of content about how you can do more, achieve more, squeeze more out of your day, and it’s completely overwhelming; honestly, most of us feel better when we stop pointing that firehose straight at our own face. It’s easier to believe that you are enough when you stop consuming content that tells you that you aren’t. Self-improvement culture looks positive on the surface, but we aren’t actually making ourselves better people by obsessing over our work and productivity - we’re just making ourselves miserable. 

Ask yourself “who benefits from making me feel bad about myself?” It’s not a coincidence that we’ve built a culture obsessed with youth and productivity - that culture is making a lot of people very, very rich. Whenever you can be convinced that you aren’t thin enough, not pretty enough, not good enough, you can be convinced to run out and buy things that might fix the problem. That’s how we ended up with a $10 billion dollar self-improvement industry and a $532 billion dollar beauty industry. Content people are harder to sell to. Of course, knowing that people are profiting off your insecurities doesn’t magically make the insecurities go away - but it’s important to start thinking critically and asking yourself “where do my insecurities come from? Is there really something wrong with me, or is someone profiting from making people like me feel this way?”

Do things that make you happy, just for the sake of doing them. Paint a picture. Plant a garden. Learn to play the mandolin. Read cheesy romance novels. Find some things that you enjoy doing just for you - things that you don’t need to maximize, monetize or optimize. You don’t even need to be good at them. If you enjoy doing it, have at it. So many of us are encouraged to suck the joy out of our hobbies by turning them into a “side hustle” or another regimented form of self-improvement. Find some activities that just make your life better and do them, just for the sake of doing them. 

Examine the role of social media in your life. Most of us don’t post a complete, unedited view of our lives on social media - we just post the highlights and keep the tough stuff - the rejections, the times we got ghosted, the bad hair days - to ourselves. And even if you know that cognitively, it still sucks to log onto social media when you’re having a “blah” week and find yourself bombarded with other people’s engagement announcements, med school acceptances, wedding pictures and photos of the new homes people just bought. Social media forces you to compare your “average” to everyone else’s “best”, all the time. And the numbers don’t help - social media lets you do an exact comparison of how many followers and likes you have compared to someone else, and seeing someone get more positive feedback than you can sting. Working on self-love means taking a hard look at the impact social media is having on your self-esteem. How much of your time do you spend on social media? How do you feel after you use social media? Are you following accounts that make you feel better about yourself, or worse? Do you ever feel bad about the number of likes or followers you have? Do you feel like your time on social media is wasted? Do you follow accounts that make you feel better about yourself, or worse? Stepping away from social media for your mental health is an important move for some people - you can still be happy for your friends and loved ones while acknowledging that it’s not good for you to have their achievements broadcast to you 24/7. 

Surround yourself with good, supportive people. If you find that your circle of friends tends to diminish each other’s achievements, be overly critical of each other or go out of their way to one-up each other, that’s probably not a circle of friends that’s going to be good for you in the long run. Find people who are genuinely happy for you, and make you feel supported and loved for who you are. If that means you need to branch out of your current social circles, that’s okay - you can find great friends in surprising places, and it’s worth the initial awkwardness of getting to know a new person. 

Challenge your definition of “success”. Success does not have to look like a high-paying job and a giant house and expensive cars and 2.5 honour roll children. It certainly can look that way, if you feel that those are meaningful goals for you, but it doesn’t have to look that way. A doctor is not necessarily “more successful” than a poet, and a lawyer is not necessarily “more successful” than a stay-at-home parent. The only person who gets to define what a “successful” life looks like is you. It takes time to unlearn the social conditioning that “money and prestige = success”, but it can be done. Success looks different for all of us. 

Set goals that are personally meaningful to you. It’s important for all of us to think critically about what we want, and it’s even more important to think critically about why we want it. Do we want that degree program or that accomplishment or that job because it aligns with our interests? To impress others? To prove someone wrong? Or because we feel like we’re supposed to want it? Try to focus your energy on the goals that you want, that are personally meaningful to you. If that’s law school, great. If that’s selling homemade jam at the farmer’s market, that is equally great. 

Remember that success does not have a deadline. I know this is very hard to believe in your early twenties, but your dreams do not shrivel up and blow away the day you turn 30. Life doesn’t end when your 20s are over. You haven’t missed your shot, and you don’t have to figure everything out right now. Growth and achievement are lifelong journeys - people find their dream jobs, accomplish their goals, finish degrees and meet the love of their life in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. The best book I read this year was “Where the Crawdads Sing” a novel that spent 32 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. It also happened to be the author’s first novel, and it came out when she was sixty-nine years old. Your dreams do not have an expiration date. 

Capture the joy and positivity in your life. I think one of the most important ways to feel better about your life is to spend more time focusing on all the good things in your life, rather than focusing on all the ways you could be better. Rather than fixating on whether you could have applied for more scholarships or turned that B+ into an A-, spend more time reflecting on the happy memories you have of your time in college. Again, this isn’t something that will happen overnight - it’s a learned skill that you need to consciously work on. Interrupt yourself when you are starting to fixate on things you could have done better, and make yourself list out three things you enjoyed about college. Connect with old college friends you haven’t heard from in a while. Try to take more notice of good things in your life as they happen to you - take more pictures, keep a journal, make collages, start a scrapbook, keep a box of momentos. You don’t need to have a perfect life to be happy; it’s okay to work on being happy with the life you have. 

Best of luck to you! MM

[rons-hermiones]

Come Find Me

Come Find Me

by rons-hermiones

Summary: Unplanned, Hermione is forced to spend Christmas at the Burrow due to her grandmother falling very ill. After being ignored by Hermione for weeks, Ron is determined to show her how much she means to him. Just before he gets the chance to tell her, Bellatrix Lestrange shows up with other plans for Hermione. Can Ron get to her before it's too late? (Ron/Hermione Half-Blood Prince AU)

Rating: M for language & dark themes in later chapters.

Chapter Four

Not even realizing it, Ron had wallowed in self pity and hatred the rest of the ride. Eventually, the train came to a halt as he hurried to leave Lavender’s compartment, not being able to stomach another talk with her. 

Scrambling, he walks down the corridor against the mass of students and eventually retrieves his trunk, stepping from the platform later then most. 

The mass of redheads is easy to spot despite the crowd. 

His Mum is embracing Ginny as he sees Harry shaking his Dad’s hand. Fred and George have also come, he watches as they step forward and tenderly embrace Hermione. The act is out of character for the pair, but he figured that this gesture coincided with the McLaggen stint. 

The three begin talking in what seems like hushed whispers, no doubt about what transpired, well that is until Ron gathered the courage to join his family. 

As his mother called his name and embraced him, Hermione went silent. Slowly, she slinked back, away from the twins, away from the Weasley’s. 

She was never supposed to even be here. Hermione had told herself that she needed to separate herself from them in order to ensure Ron had the holiday he deserved without her bothering him. 

Ron seemed to notice this, heart breaking a little. He wanted nothing more than to hug her himself and assure that he wanted her here, that he was so happy she was. 

He couldn’t though, not yet anyway, not when he was still reeling from his half breakup with Lavender not long ago. 

Instead, he grabbed onto the Port Key his father got from work, jolting slightly as Hermione’s fingertips gently brushed his as she grasped the old scarf they were using. 

Once the dizziness had subsided and they landed on the grass in Ottery St. Catchpole, he was disappointed to see Hermione already retrieving into the Burrow, ahead of everyone else. Alone. 

He can’t help but groan aloud. 

“Did you do it?” Harry asks as he offers a hand and helps Ron from the ground. 

In response all the youngest Weasley brother can manage is a groan. 

“Sort of.” Ron whispers slightly embarrassed. 

“Sort of?” Harry questions rather loudly, warranting a glance from Ginny who is only a few paces ahead. 

“Shush,” The ginger starts, “and I mean the words ‘I’m breaking up with you’, certainly left my mouth. More than once. In a variety of ways.” He explained, his anger bubbling back up at the recollection.  

“Alright so you did it?” The Boy-Who-Lived asked, confusion evident in his tone. 

“Yeah I told her that and she definitely heard but all she said was no,” at this point he’s stopped walking, “that’s completely mental! I told the girl it was done with and she said no!” He was yelling now. 

At this point, Ginny had come to a full stop, the twins were lingering by the front door, and Hermione had thankfully disappeared  inside along with his parents. Harry was faced with horror stricken on his features. 

“You keep it down!” The dark haired boy staged whispered. 

Ron twinged as red as his hair, “sorry,” he said lamely, “she even started on Hermione. By that time I had already told her it was done twice, maybe three times.” 

A low whistle escaped the chosen ones lips, “so let me get this straight, you broke up with Lavender at least three times, and all she said was no?” This sounded like something out of a Muggle film. 

He nodded, a sour look on his face, “And after all this, she kissed me on the cheek, called me ‘sweetheart’, and wished me a Happy Christmas!” He recapped sounding beside himself. 

“You’re right,” Harry said after a moment, “that is mental.” 

At this the pair started trudging along the grass again, taking it slow as they wanted to finish the conversation away from prying ears. 

“Good news is you did break up with her.” The green eyed boy tried optimistically, a rare thing from him these days. 

Harry was really trying to be a better friend. 

“Bad news is I don’t think Lavender broke up with me.” He notes. 

The pair seemingly sigh in unison, both frustrated, one more so then the other. 

“So what? I just tell Hermione I’ve broken it off with Lavender? I’m sure by now she’s owled all of England that we’re still together.” 

Potter contemplates the situation for a moment before answering, “well you can tell Hermione you’ve told Lavender you’re done but she didn’t seem to accept the fact. Even though that may be the case, when we head back you’ll be implementing this break up full force. Avoiding Lavender even more than before, as if we thought that was possible!” He tries to joke.

Surprisingly a small laugh sounds it’s way past Ron’s lips, “I suppose.” By this point they’ve reached the front door, “it’s kind of mad to be thinking about all this with everything going on isn’t it?” He thinks aloud. 

Harry shrugs, “I know your life may feel like a bad soap opera but it’s quite nice for me to focus on something else for a bit. Especially if it helps you and Hermione out.” He pushes open the door and finally steps inside. 

“A soap what?”

...

Hermione really wished there was a spare room in the Weasley home. Not that she’d ever ask for it, being she would never want to upset Ginny. But an escape would be nice. 

Surely Ginny will try and get her to talk about everything that’s transpired lately, especially with the red heads new found confidence her brother wants to try and patch things up. 

It didn’t matter though, Charlie and Bill were returning for holiday for the first time in years apparently so there was no available room to escape to. And being Fleur was joining as well, Percy’s room was off the table. 

Hermione supposes she’ll just have keep Ginny at bay as long as possible. Which should be easy enough considering all the action within the Weasley household. 

Even now, unpacking her trunk a floor above them, she could hear the hustle and bustle of the Burrow. 

The twins were no doubt sounding off somewhere. Ginny was probably yelling at them to keep it down. It’s very likely Mrs. Weasley was cleaning the house to prepare for Charlie and Bill’s arrival. Mr. Weasley was somewhere consoling said stressed out wife, resulting in more screams. And as previously mentioned, the twins were probably sounding off to Harry and Ron. 

And right now as she considers all this play out, she can’t help but feel a little empty. 

For the first time since she’s been a guest at the Burrow, does she feel like a true guest. Hermione doesn’t feel like she’s at home. Not like she normally does. 

She knows exactly why too. 

After the run in with Lavender and Ron this morning, she decided she’d back off. Ron was probably better off without her constant nagging and knowledge of useless facts. Hermione would do her best to stay out of his way, starting with holiday. She’d hate for him to feel uncomfortable in his own house of all places. And after, she supposes she’ll do the same at Hogwarts. For him. 

It’s kind of twisted isn’t it? Even after all the times she’s felt hurt by Ron, she still cares about him more than anything else. 

Even now, she can still feel her heart clenching, breaking, as he agreed to the terms earlier in the compartment. The feeling alone may kill her, yet, here she is, willing to make that sacrifice for him. For his happiness. 

All this coupled with the pain of her grandmother's condition has been borderline unbearable. She wishes she still had Ron to help her through this. She needs his strength. 

Too bad she’s ruined that. 

As much as she’s yearning to blame Ron for their divide she knows it’s entirely her fault. Because despite being the brightest witch of her age, she is surely stupid for thinking he could ever love her back. To even think he thought of her like that in the slightest. 

Asking him to Slughorn’s,  it had taken everything for her to do. To him it meant nothing. 

And if the past few months have taught her anything, it’s probably that Ron just stuck around for Harry and as an extension, Hermione. All the taunts and jabs Lavender was constantly throwing her way must be true in Ron’s eyes, she isn’t exactly shy about the whole thing. 

And part of her brain convinces herself that Ron thinks she’s an insufferable, ugly, no good know it all. But part of her knows that isn’t true. 

Ron, who saved her from that troll her first year. 

Ron, whose voice rang in her head every night while she was laying petrified. 

Ron, who defended her mercilessly during their confrontation with Peter Pettigrew, despite having a torn up leg. 

Ron, who comforted her to no end when the nerves struck before the second task. 

Ron, who gently would rub dittany on the backs of her hands after detentions with Umbridge. 

Harry hadn’t been there for any of that. Surely that must mean something. 

And deep down she knows it does, but whenever the rational part of her brain pushes that forward, images of him wrapped around Lavender flicker in her head. These thoughts quickly bring back unwelcome ones of the possibility of Ron loathing her. 

She really wishes things were simple. Harry spent summers and holidays with Sirius at Grimmauld place. That Neville could talk to his parents and they’d recognize him. That Ginny would stop tossing and turning, mumbling things about a diary in her sleep. That she didn’t fear for her parents lives everyday. That her grandma would be magically healed and she’d take Ron and Harry up to France one summer to meet her. 

She wishes that Ron was her friend again. If not more. 

But that’s the problem, these are all just wishes. Figments of her imagination, something her heart longs for. Something that’ll never come true. 

And just like that, her thoughts are becoming too much. She’s supposes it’s a bit of a curse to always have your mind working this way. 

Tears begin stinging the backs of her eyes and Hermione wants nothing more to immerse herself within a book. To forget for a little while. Maybe even let her mind wander to a brighter future. 

But instead, she makes use of her whizzing brain by beginning to unpack her trunk. First she checks for the black book, that’s now a lifeline to her. Once she spots it, she relaxes a little and silently begins preparing a letter to her parents in her head. 

Surely that letter would evoke more unwelcome emotions. 

Happy holidays to her. 

...

So far life at the Burrow has been rather uneventful. Sure, they only arrived here three hours ago, but deep down everyone had this silly little notion that upon their return everything would change. 

Of course it didn’t. 

The twins were still taking the mickey out of Ron and Harry. Ginny still yelled when their fighting reached her in the living room. Molly still fussed over preparing the house for her eldest sons as her husband tried to calm her. 

In a way it was nice though, that things were the same. Sure, everyone wishes they could be better 

There was one notable difference. 

Normally, Hermione could be found sniggering behind Fred and George or defending Ron and Harry from their taunts. If not, she was curled up on the sofa with Ginny as she complained over her Quidditch magazine. Oftentimes, the witch was offering Mrs. Weasley assistance with household chores or was explaining a Muggle appliance to Arthur. 

Instead, she was just gone. 

And no one noticed her absence more than Ron. 

“Ginny, be a dear and fetch Hermione for supper would you?” Molly’s voice didn’t leave much room for argument. 

Ron peered up from where he had been setting down the utensils to see his sister rush up the steps leaving a flash of red. 

Upstairs, Ginny tapped on the door lightly, waiting a moment before pushing it open. There, she found Hermione slumped over the youngest Weasley’s desk, writing mercilessly on some parchment. She was honestly shocked to find her nose not in that odd, coverless book. 

“Hermione.” She called out, the brunette hadn’t noticed her presence. 

Startled, Hermione jumped a bit before relaxing at the sight, “yes?” Her voice cracked. 

“It’s time to eat.” Ginny told her. 

“Gin,” The bushy haired girl sighed, “I hate to be rude, but could you tell your mother I won’t be joining you guys tonight.” 

The ginger shook her head, “Hermione if this is about,” 

Granger wouldn’t let the name pass her friends lips, “it’s not about him.” Not a total lie. “I just want to get this owl out to my parents as soon as I can. I have some questions about...” she trailed feeling the tears prick her eyes. Clearing her throat she went on, “anyway, I ate on the train. I promise once I’m finished here I’ll explain everything to your Mum.”

Ginny began to open her mouth questioning the use of the word ‘everything’. Hermione, being brilliant, seemed to sense where this was going and bear her to it. 

“Everything about my Grandma.” She amended. 

Noticing the sad look in the sixth tears eyes, Ginny conceded, “alright but I’m saving you a plate and you best eat it later!” She scolded, sounding just like Molly. 

At this, Hermione was able to muster a true genuine giggle, “thank you Ginny.” She called as the girl vacated the room. 

The last thing Ginny heard Hermione say was a quick ‘thank you’ before she descended back downstairs. 

As she re entered the kitchen she noted everyone seated already, waiting for her. For them. 

Molly however, was standing, hands on her hips and stern look on her face. 

“Now Ginny I asked you to fetch Hermione.” She scolded with a wag of her finger. 

Sighing, the girl plopped down, “she isn’t hungry.”

All the younger Weasley and Harry, had exchanged knowing glances. Ron however, decided to bow his head, focus his eyes on the floor boards. 

“Non sense!” Her mother started. 

“Mum honest, I told her we’d save her plate.” She pauses as her mother frowns, “look Hermione’s got a lot going on right now.”

Concern struck over Molly instantly, “oh Merlin! Is she okay? Are her parents alright?” Then she swiftly turned to the twins, “have you two done something to her?” The older woman asked sharply. 

“We didn’t do anything mother.” Fred starts. 

“Yeah it wasn’t us who did something.” George says next, emphasis on the statement as he looks to Ron. 

“Not us!” They sound off in unison. 

Noticing Ron’s fist clenching beneath the table Ginny jumps in, “it’s nothing like that, it hasn’t got to do with the Burrow.” Her eyes found Ron’s as if to tell him that Hermione wouldn’t spill to their mother about Lavender Brown, “Hermione and her parents are alright. It’s best if she explains.”

Molly opens her mouth to protest before Arthur cuts her off, “it’s okay Molly, the girls fine, remember? We saw her hours ago. Come on let’s eat.” He reasons. 

Nodding to herself Mrs.Weasley finally calms down as they start their meal. 

And dinner was going fine. Ron had done little talking, thankful that Harry was the one recapping the Quidditch season thus far. 

Again, everything was fine. Until Arthur asked his twin boys about their business. 

“So boys how are things down in the alley?” The older man asking, earning a scowl from is  disapproving wife. 

“Wicked dad.” George says. 

 Placing his fork down Fred jumps in, “absolutely wicked. Witch weekly wants to do an article on our love potions, it’ll be great for business.” 

Shockingly, a proud smile crosses Molly’s lips. 

“Yeah we’re thinking of making scented ones, something girls will like. What do girls like?” George wonders, sarcasm underlying his words. 

“Yeah Ronnie, what do girls like?” Fred repeats facing his younger brother. 

Mrs. Weasley not understanding, interjects, “flowers.”

At this Ron grips his knuckles on the table. His brothers are smiling like it’s Christmas morning. His mother just unknowingly set her troublemaker sons up for a joke to make Ron twitch. 

“Hear that Freddie? Flowers.” George grins like the Cheshire Cat. 

“It’s perfect. I wonder which ones though, there are roses.” Fred responds 

“And daisy’s.”

“Orchids.” 

“Jasmine.” 

The pair switch off before Fred’s eyes light up, “wait I got it, how about...”

“Lavender!” The two exclaim in sync. 

Ginny does her best to surprise a chuckle. Harry looks like he wants the floor to eat him. Ron is about to punch something. 

“Yeah how about it Ronnie, Lavender. You’d know all about that, wouldn’t you?” George says leaning in closer to his baby brother. 

A look of anger passes Ron’s face, his Mum  surveys the scene with a curious expression, “what would Ronnie know about Lavender?” Molly questions. 

“Oh mother!” George says scandalized. 

“Ickle Ronniekins didn’t tell you?” Fred asks, already knowing the answer. 

She shakes her head, “on with it.” 

“Your baby boy has a girlfriend.” George announces, loving the luck of disdain across his youngest brother's face. 

“Ronald Weasley!” His mother says standing from her chair and wagging her finger at him. 

Merlin he wishes You-Know-Who would kill him right now. 

“I don’t have a girlfriend Mum.” He defends gruffly. 

“You don’t?” Ginny says with slanted eyes. 

“Not anymore.” Harry mumbles loud enough for everyone to hear. 

“Not anymore?” Molly starts, “and you knew and didn’t tell me Ginny! You boys knew too!” She points to the twins. 

In defense the pair throws up their hands as the red headed girl starts to explain, “it wasn’t really my place to tell. Anyway Mum, it’s not like we were the only ones. Bill knew too.” 

Angrily, Ron stomps on his sister's foot. 

“You told Bill and not your own mother!” She screams, ignoring the yelp that left Ginny’s mouth. 

“Molly...” Arthur warns, trying to tug gently at her sleeve. 

She rips her hand away and places both on her hips, “I am very disappointed in you Ronald! All of you actually.” The woman huffs. 

Ron squirms, “it doesn’t matter. She’s not my girlfriend anymore.” 

“Well...” Harry can’t help but say. 

All eyes land on him. He thinks Ron may strangle him. 

“‘Well’ what Harry Potter?” Ginny asks, tone matching her mother’s. 

Now it’s the chosen ones' turn to squirm, “well,” he repeated, “I don’t think it’s my place to say.” 

At this, all eyes fall back onto Ron. Sighing in defeat, “well you see, the thing is, Lavender is,” 

“Annoying.” Ginny finishes. 

“Loud.” Harry cringes. 

“Pathetic?” George tries 

“Desperate.” Fred corrects. 

And to Arthur and Molly’s surprise, their youngest son nods in agreement, making no move to defend this girl. 

At this, the couple exchange a look. If the twins so much as look at a certain bushy haired witch the wrong way, Ron is up in arms, ready to curse anyone who crosses her. 

“Alright,” Ron says, stopping whatever they were going to say, “let’s just say I chucked her.” 

“That can’t be true! I heard her telling Parvati about how she won’t survive a month without snogging you when we got onto the platform.” Ginny calls out. 

Her brother groans, “Lavender is not my girlfriend anymore, but I might still be her boyfriend.” He explains. 

There’s a silence. 

“I don’t know what you mean son.” His dad finally speaks. 

“What I mean is that when I broke up with her she just said no.” He admits exasperated, pushing back his chair and digging the heels of his palms into his eyes. 

One of the twins lets out a low whistle. As the room enters a tense silence until Molly breaks it. 

“Ronald,” she sounds disappointed, “this Lavender wouldn’t have anything to do with why Hermione didn’t join us at dinner would it?” Her voice is growing louder. 

And there it is. 

Of course his mother would know. 

He had been painfully obvious over the years. 

Ron told himself when she didn’t come down that it was because she was probably writing her parents. But, he also knows, Hermione is capable of constructing a letter in minutes. 

“Why would you think that?” He chokes out sounding pathetic. 

The twins and Ginny laugh at this. 

“Ronald Weasley I am very disappointed in you. Look at the mess you’ve made! Your father and I raised you better than to go around treating women this way!” She screams. 

Losing it, Ron stands up angrily matching his mother’s tone, “why are you assuming any of this has got to do with Hermione?” He screams. 

In all the ruckus, he failed to notice the new presence in the doorway. 

“Hermione.” Ginny says loudly, rather soft. 

Annoyed, he turns to his sister, “Ginny I’ve just said,” before he can finish, Harry is pulling on his shirt and bucking his head to the doorway. 

As all eyes fall on her, she shrinks away, looking almost to tears, “I can come back, I just wanted to talk to...” she doesn’t get the words out, lamely she points to Mrs. Weasley. 

And just like that, any anger washes off the older woman’s face, “of course dear,” she steps over and places a hand on her shoulder, “why don’t you wait for me in the living room while I clean this up.” 

Hermione nods vaguely in response before sauntering out of the room. 

“Way to go Ronnie.” George whispers. 

And just like that, Molly is seeing red again, “all four of you, dishes.”  She says to her kids. 

The twins are ready to complain when they realize they can just do magic. 

“And no magic!” She berates. 

“What did we do?” Ginny retorts, “you’re mad at Ron remember?” She reminds. 

“You three didn’t bother to tell your mother anything!” She stops, “and you.” She turns to Harry. 

“Me?” He asks, scared. 

“Yes you, Harry Potter. You are to stay and make sure not one wand is flicked or else all five of you will be working in the gardens until all the gnomes are gone.” 

“But Mum it’s freezing.” Ron groans. 

“Well then you better do as I say, and being that I have no more house duties for tonight, I’m off to talk to Hermione. Goodbye.” At this she stomps away. 

Sympathetically, Arthur pats his youngest son's shoulder before walking off to his shed. 

A tense silence falls over the group as each of the Weasley’s exchange glares. 

“Well time for dishes!” Harry tries to break the tension. 

Scowling, they all work in silence.

[masterjedilenawrites]

The Helmeted Hunter: Chapter 5

Boba Fett x Reader

Chapter Warnings: A creepy guy

AO3 Link (In case you like it better over there, it’s okay, no judgement)

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Chapter 5: Takodana Castle

You figured it'd been about two weeks since you were first brought aboard the Slave I. It was hard to tell, traveling in space. Every "day" or so, the ship would land somewhere and Boba would go out on some kind of business. Sometimes he'd take you with him, tying you up to his belt like a dog. You never understood what he was up to as he'd talk to people in languages you didn't understand. But you welcomed the chance to get out of the ship and enjoy the fresh air.

Other times, though, he'd leave you alone in your cage. You didn't care so much for these moments. Being dragged around on strange planets on a leash may have been humiliating, but it was nothing compared to the crushing loneliness and boredom you already had to suffer as Boba piloted his ship around the galaxy. The one silver lining was that your tampon box had come with a little pencil and calendar to help keep track of your cycle. You instead used the pencil to start translating the box. You clearly remembered the symbols that had been on your wanted poster in that crazy shop, the ones that undoubtedly spelled your name. Using that as a starting point, you'd been able to decipher other words on the box and learn some new symbols. It was a simple way to the pass the time.

You'd also tried coming up with an escape plan, but that activity was less than fulfilling. No matter what crazy ideas you came up with, you'd inevitably find ways you knew they wouldn't pan out. Boba Fett was just too smart for you. Every outing he'd take you on, you were on the lookout for opportunities to break loose and run, or hide. But as soon as you'd spot one, the bounty hunter was already in the process of preventing you from taking it. Your other ideas involved you having physical capabilities you certainly didn't possess. It was maddening.

Today, you'd expected the hunter to leave you behind as he landed on a new unknown planet. You were prepared to entertain yourself by singing; you were too scared to let out more than a low hum whenever Boba was on board, so you were going to take advantage of the solitude and belt out every show tune you could think of.

But apparently Boba was changing up his routine now. He collected you from the cage, secured you to his waist, and promptly ushered you out into a leafy green world.

The two of you traipsed across uneven, mossy floor through what you could only describe as a jungle. Trees and shrubs jutted out from every nook and crevice. You stumbled multiple times, misjudging an unstable rock for a firm foothold. Eventually you discovered that by swallowing your dignity and hanging onto Boba's arm, you were able to make it with fewer scrapes and stubbed toes. He didn't offer you any help, but didn't protest to you clinging to him either.

After a few minutes of miserable trudging, you emerged in a clearing. Toward your left was glistening blue water. You smiled as it reminded you of childhood trips to the lake on your home world. But more impressive was the looming stone fortress in front of you. You gazed up at it in wonder and Boba forged on toward its entrance, pulling you with him.

The courtyard was littered with flags with varying colors and images on them. A massive statue of a female-looking creature with arms held high sat atop the tower above the front door. Though it was all visually overwhelming, you felt an odd sense of peace in this place. Even the helmeted man walking beside you, who was usually so uptight and somber, seemed to have relaxed a little.

As you approached the set of double doors ahead, you noticed one of the flags hanging above it had the same symbol from the armor on Boba's shoulder. It looked like a melting skull of a tusked animal. You'd always thought it was a random decal he used to look more intimidating. But seeing it on a flag on this planet suggested it had much more meaning. A dozen questions ran through your head that you ached to have answered. Where was he from? What did the skull mean? Did he miss home? Were there others of his kind flying around, capturing prisoners and collecting bounties? Or was he an outcast? A rebel? A traitor?

Inside the castle, you were greeted by a sign written in multiple languages. Your face brightened as you recognized one of the scripts as your own. Finally, something you could make sense of! It read, All are welcome (No fighting). Short, to the point, and incredibly comforting. It occurred to you, as you were lead deeper into the fortress, that the only times Boba had taken you on his excursions was when there was a clear indication of safety. The times he'd gone solo, he'd come rushing back on board as if chased. Once he'd even had a spot of blood on his armor.

You knew deep down it only meant he was dedicated to getting the five million credits on your head. But with your friends and family so far away and with no guarantee of you ever seeing them again, it was nice to know someone was looking after you.

There was a bar in the middle of the large room you now found yourself in. All manner of people and creatures gathered around it, chatting and drinking and laughing. A band played a jazzy tune on a small stage in the back. Booths and smaller rooms jutted out from along the surrounding walls. A litany of various languages reached your ears, and you were pleased to be able to understand a few of them. There were some species you recognized as well, though no familiar faces specifically. It seemed like all walks of life were represented, able to relax alongside each other as they enjoyed a reprieve from daily life.

You immediately fell in love with the place.

"Ah! Boba Fett!" a vibrant voice reached your ears, speaking your language. A tall, impeccably dressed older man practically skipped over, extending a hand to the bounty hunter. "It's been ages since you've graced us with a visit!"

Boba did not accept the handshake, saying only, "I'm here for Maz."

The man, a human but with orange-tinted skin, waved a dismissive hand. "Yes, yes, I know. She sends her sincerest apologies. An urgent, personal matter has taken her away for the foreseeable future. But she has a appraised me of your agreement and I am happy to help in her stead."

He gave an overdramatic bow, a wide grin plastered across his wrinkly face. You wished you had a helmet on yourself, so you could roll your eyes at this goofy man in privacy.

"Ah, and you, my dear, must be the precious cargo," the man turned his attention to you. His eyes scanned you over like he was assessing the quality of a diamond necklace. He held a hand out toward your face, as if to caress it, but both you and Boba stepped just out of the way to send the message. The man smoothly recovered, taking his hand back and chuckling softly. "No need to worry. I don't bite."

"My business is not with you, Elon."

Boba made to turn you back toward the door, but the man quickly jumped forward, his hands clasped in an almost prayer.

"Please, my good sir. I didn't mean any disrespect. Maz entrusted me personally to get you the information you need, and give it to you I shall. Please, this way."

He gestured with a sweeping arm toward a staircase that led to a second floor. A balcony wrapped around most of the below area, and you could make out more little nooks nestled in the walls. Boba was silent for a few seconds before begrudgingly leading you to follow the man upstairs.

Boba made you slide into the offered booth first. You were both on the opposite side of a table from the man called Elon. A curtain was pulled over the opening for a bit of privacy, making the air feel more stuffy. Muted sounds from the bar downstairs wafted through. You wished so badly to be out there, enjoying the liveliness, rather than cooped up in the company of an assassin and his business partner.

"Well?" Fett demanded, impatient. Elon shifted in his seat, glancing at the curtain as if someone might open it at any second, but he still had a smile on his features anyway.

"To the point, as ever," he laughed, taking out a cigar. Ugh, you felt yourself dreading the inevitable cloud of smoke that would fill this tiny space. Now you wished you'd just been left in the ship.

"So there isn't much to share, unfortunately. Your man never stays in one location for long. No name, no real descriptions. But Maz did find something that may prove useful."

Elon paused with a smirk, waiting for Boba to beg him to continue. But when the plea didn't come, and no other words or sounds for that matter, he huffed on his cigar and started digging in his jacket pocket.

You didn't think you had to pay attention to their conversation, believing this to be some side hustle the hunter had picked up while transporting you. So it didn't register they were discussing anything related to your situation until Elon set down a device onto the table that you instantly recognized.

"Hey..." you started to say, reaching for the device. But Boba was quick to snatch it up, twisting it around to inspect it.

"What is it?"

You didn't care about your status as his prisoner. You grabbed the object from his hands and held it tightly to your chest.

"It's mine."

[lilibetts]

Sometimes A Girl Just Wants Some...

Falling in love with Riverdale, Theme 2: Spicy

Part 1/3

The 14th of February. A fraught time for the serially single in New Haven, to hear Veronica describe it.

“The end of Cuffing Season is nigh!” she proclaimed, holding an enormous dildo aloft.

(“That’s Colt,” their boss, Zelda Spellman, had explained when she hired Betty, upon seeing the younger woman’s wide-eyed fascination. “He’s a replica of a porn star’s penis. A very popular order, but also a very popular return.”)

In true Veronica Lodge fashion, she didn’t seem the least bit put out by this development. Next to her, Kevin Keller seemed markedly somber, but that was because his own casual boyfriend had ditched him on the very last day of January.

Betty, however, was indifferent in opinion to it all.

From her seat next to their workstation, she held up her pink mug with the penis-shaped handle in a toast. “Cheers, I deleted Findr from my phone,” she announced before taking a gulp of lukewarm coffee.

“Betty!” 

“Betty!” 

Both Veronica and Kevin were aghast.

“It’s barely February. What happened to TwentyTwenty being ‘The Year of Horny Betty’?” asked Kevin.

In her defense, she’d made that New Year’s Resolution last December, after one of those ‘look at your life, look at your choices’ epiphanies that left her life seeming very lacking. The reality of putting herself out there on a matchmaking app and meeting with the rare specimen who didn’t seem completely terrible and who seemed to have an actual body that was not 100% an ugly penis, however, had been nowhere near as exciting as she’d expected.

She was saved by Kevin’s computer chiming. “Sorry, satisfaction waits for no gossip.” He tapped a few keys and answered the incoming call. “Good afternoon and welcome to the Toyz R Us Customer Support Helpline. My name is Kevin. How may I help you today?”

Veronica’s computer chimed too and she pointed an expensively manicured, accusative finger in Betty’s direction. “Don’t think you’re getting away with this!” She hissed before taking the call.

Toyz R Us only had two brick-and-mortar stores, but it did fairly well with online sales in New England. Betty had only taken the job because she needed some extra spending money around the holidays, and she’d stuck with it into the following semester because she liked the new friends she’d made and found the atmosphere surprisingly enjoyable. At least she got to put her writing skills to good use, even if it was for composing informative, yet enticing descriptions of sex toys.

Of course, her parents had no idea she worked here, and if she was careful enough, they never would.

Veronica’s call ended much more quickly once the man on the other end realized she wasn’t Cheryl. Unfortunately, Cheryl Blossom’s brusque and insulting phoneside manner was such a turn-on to a specific subset of men that she really could’ve started her own side hustle and made bank. Ridiculous bank.

“No sir, I can’t tell you how much thicker it will make your penis. We do recommend that if you use a penis pump, you do so regularly and continually,” Kevin advised before tapping a few keys and removing his headset. To Veronica and Betty, he exclaimed. “That idiot just asked me how much bigger the penis pump would make his dick...my god, how would he think we’d know?”

Betty snorted as she stood, penis-mug in hand. 

“Hey!” Kevin called after her. “We weren’t finished!”

“My break time’s over!”

There actually were a few minutes left of her break, but she had a good reason for being sneaky. You see, it might be Valentine’s Day, but it was also a Friday, and Fridays at Toyz R Us meant freebies in the Friday Reject Box. Due to the sheer volume of products that got moved between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, management had provided them with *two* Friday Reject Boxes.

Betty was a college student at heart—if she was going to support her newfound lingerie and sex toy habit, she had to avail herself of cheap and free products whenever possible. 

Carefully sticking her head out around hallway corners, Betty tiptoed around the building like Nancy Drew herself, on the lookout for her coworkers. 

It had taken her about a month of working here before she stopped feeling embarrassed by the products, although she tried to always approach it as any other job...with professionalism.  Still, there was something illicitly thrilling about being twenty years-old and working at Toyz R Us that made Betty feel like a truly independent woman, more so than moving 350 miles away from her hometown.

Betty wasn’t inexperienced, exactly, but she’d been raised a very straitlaced 'good-girl-next-door' and while college had done wonders for her independence and self-affirmation, she still struggled with the idea of discussing sex with her friends/coworkers.

Luckily, she made it to the table holding the Friday Reject Boxes without running into anyone, and Betty wasted no time starting to rifle through them. Hurry, hurry, before anybody else comes and sees you.

In the first one, there was a Fingo Nubby finger vibrator, a very intimidating looking Booty Camp Training Kit that featured three sizes of anal plugs. She didn’t care for the pink crotchless tights but she grabbed the package with the lavender babydoll that had small slits for the nipples and a matching set of panties with an open crotch. That went on the table, and, after assessing the toys in the first box, the Sweetheart Choker and finger vibrator was added to the small but growing pile of goodies. Just the thought of playing with those was already turning her on. With hot cheeks, she turned to the second box.

Since she started working at Toyz R Us, Betty had been exploring her own sexuality, giving more consideration to what actually turned her on and put aside the time to make herself feel good.

She was distracted from the quick nature of her mission when she noticed a stack of dvd cases towards the bottom. “Ooh,” she cooed, intrigued. “The Seduction of Heidi.” That was added to her pile. She skipped The Best of Ron Jeremy and picked up 49 Positions for Lovers, whose cover promised better sex for couples. Well, the way her sex life had been going lately, Betty needed all the help she could get. 

Deciding she had enough, and that she really should be nice enough to leave some things for her coworkers, Betty gathered up her loot and spun around, only to collide with the hard body of the man who had been standing behind her. She yelped and felt a few of her selections spill out of her arms as she nearly stumbled backwards into the table.

Strong arms grabbed ahold of her, righting her, and Betty’s eyes widened when she realized who it was.

“Jughead,” she croaked. “Have you come to look through the Reject Boxes?” 

Jughead Jones was more or less her mentor on the Content team, in some ways her boss. It was him to whom she showed her first product descriptions for approval, him who she worked hard to please. Over the months, they’d gotten to chatting from time to time, and that had been how she found out he was working on writing his first novel.  

Over the weeks, they had shared their personal work—chapters and articles—for the other to comment on. Jughead encouraged her, Betty cheerleaded him. She came to admire him...his intelligence, soul, personality...and she liked to believe he did so for her, as well. He was thoughtful, too, in a way that threw her because none of her boyfriends had been this attentive...it had always been her that listened and took care of people. Jughead turned the temperature up in their office and kept it relatively higher than he was comfortable with because Betty had kept shivering and working with thick cardigans and hoodies on. He remembered how she liked her coffee and made sure their room had a steady supply of scrap paper and colored pens so she could work out word choice and technical phrasing before typing anything up.

One thing was for certain: she was ponytail over heels in lust with him.

She wanted him to do things to her. Things.

Jughead stood there and adjusted his crown beanie ever so slightly. “Uh, yeah, I’ll just…” he trailed off and, to her horror, he bent down to pick up the things she’d just dropped. All she could do was watch as he straightened up and glanced at the educational dvd and the choker before handing them back to her. “Here, Betty.” 

She couldn’t even look him in the eye, so she stood there, intensely aware of the flush climbing up her chest and into her cheeks.

Betty wanted to die.

“Thanks. Uh...I better go get back to work. I’ll see you when your break’s over. Bye!” She couldn’t get away fast enough.

Once she turned the corner, however, Betty did not head back to the Content room. Instead, she slowly craned her head around the corner, just enough to see Jughead as he bent over one of the Friday Reject Boxes. Scarcely daring to breathe, she watched as he quickly grabbed two dvds. Squinting, she recognized them. Scooby-Doo: A XXX Parody, and The Twenty: Self Pleasuring, which featured a bunch of solo female masturbation scenes.

Well.

She knew what tonight’s masturbatory fantasy was going to be about.

[patchwork-panda]

If A Moment Is All We Are (10/?)

AO3 link: HERE

Genre: Romantic Drama/Comedy

Pairings: OC x Dazai, OC x Kunikida.

Story takes place after S2-S3 of the BSD Anime and follows OC’s adventures as she joins the ADA and solves cases with the detectives and falls in love with Kunikida and then Dazai (Dazai will be endgame).

TW for this chap: description of a corpse

“Soooo? How was it?”

Saeki Mei grinned at me from behind the counter.

Just like she had yesterday, Mei greeted me the moment she saw me walk inside the convenience store and as we struck up another conversation, I began to see why the regulars became regulars. Mei had a way of bringing out the fun in people and I was really starting to like her. With just a few words, she’d almost made me forget all about the fact that every lead we’d chased down today turned up nothing.

“Pretty good,” I admitted, smiling back as I put my purchases down on the counter, “My coworkers really liked the sesame bread. Thanks for the suggestion.”

“No problem!” Mei crowed. “I’ve been working here for so long, I can proudly say I’ve eaten one of every type of snack we stock. If you need more recommendations to get on your grouchy mentor’s good side, I am always happy to help.”

“Sure, thanks.”

Although, if I were to be honest, I wouldn’t say I was trying to get on Kunikida’s good side. It was more like I was trying to stay off his bad side...

“Vegetable juice?” Mei asked curiously as she picked up the bottle of green juice I’d placed on the counter.

I nodded.

“He... he said I needed to eat more vegetables. I hate to say it, but he’s right...”

Mei put down the bottle of juice and looked at me, the beginnings of an amused smile tugging at her pink-gloss-coated lips.

“Sounds like he means well,” she said shrewdly. “Is he this nice to everyone at the office?”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it being nice,” I mused, tapping my chin, “It’s just his way of mentoring me while we’re working on this case—”

I stopped talking abruptly. Mei was looking a little too entertained for my liking and in an instant I figured out why. My face grew hot.

“Wait, no—it’s not what you think—!”

“Sure, it isn’t,” Mei drawled, her grin widening.

She propped her elbow up on the counter and leaned forward.

“He’s hot, isn’t he?”

“Mei-chan!”

As Mei hid a small snicker behind her hand, I couldn’t help thinking back to yesterday at the cafe and how those girls had been eyeing Kunikida as he sat there, all calm and composed, his gray-green eyes serious as he studied his notes—

I shook my head to put a stop to my train of thought. Nothing good could come of this kind of talk—nothing!!

Frantically looking around for something—anything—that could change the course of the conversation, I tried to look away from Mei only to find my eyes being drawn to the brightly colored scrunchie in her hair. Either she hadn’t been wearing it this morning or I had been too tired to notice it.

“That’s a really nice scrunchie you’ve got there!” I exclaimed, pointing at it, “Wh-where’d you get it?”

Mei frowned. Clearly she wanted to keep asking what I really thought of Kunikida (not that there was anything to say) but she humored me and turned her head to the side so that I could see it more clearly.

“This?” she asked, pointing at it. “It’s actually for my volleyball game later tonight. One of the other girls loves matching gear and made us these. Cute, right?”

As she shook her head, I saw that several orange bows and a couple of pom-poms were sewn into it, making for a vivid pattern of orange, white and black that moved whenever she did.

“It really is!” I said, and I meant it.

Mei beamed.

“I’m actually wearing my uniform under my clothes right now,” she continued, “I tried to get out of my shift entirely but the manager said I could only leave thirty minutes early for it, so I changed ahead of time. I’ll really have to hustle if I want to get to the station on time.”

“What position do you play?” I asked, determined to make her forget about why I was purchasing vegetable juice. I didn’t know too much about sports but I once had a friend who played back in high school and more recently, I’d started keeping up with a sports manga featuring high school volleyball players. Thankfully, my efforts seemed to be working. Mei puffed out her chest and grinned.

“Libero! It’s how I got this!”

She rolled up her sleeve and showed me a spot near her elbow, where a darkened streak of a scar sliced up her arm. She looked like she was about to tell me the entire story when her phone suddenly buzzed in her pocket, indicating the end of the shift.

“Crap! I gotta go!”

At once, she threw off her apron.

“Bye, Manager!!” she shouted as she dashed out from behind the counter, “Thank you for your understanding! I’ll come in early to open up tomorrow morning to make up for this, okay? I promise!”

And in response to Mei’s call, an old woman poked her head out from the stockroom area and raised her arm to wave.

“See that you do!” she shouted as Mei pelted out the front doors into the night.

But to my surprise, Mei suddenly doubled back and banged on the storefront window by the door.

“Kyou-chan!” she exclaimed, pointing a finger at me, “Make sure you come back tomorrow morning, okay? We have fresh red-bean buns coming in and I want to know more about your mentor! It’s a promise, alright?!”

“Okay!” I called back as she ran off again.

Chuckling, the old manager picked up Mei’s abandoned blue apron off the floor and held it in her slightly wrinkled hands.

“That Mei-chan,” she sighed, turning to me. “You’ll have to forgive her. She’s excitable but a good girl and whenever volleyball’s not on her mind, an excellent employee.”

“I know,” I said, laughing a little myself as I took the bag of bread and juice (receipt already in the bag, wow) off the counter. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”

And so, I returned to the convenience store at seven-thirty the next morning, with enough cash in my pocket for at least two or three red bean buns and a smile on my face.

But as soon as I got close, I realized something was wrong. The lights were off and the shop seemed to be closed; the bread delivery guy was standing there, outside next to his truck, with a clipboard in his hand, scratching his head. And it wasn’t just him. A few people were gathered around the front of the store, trying to peek into the windows and checking their watches. One of them shrugged and went on his way. As he did, he passed the old manager from last night. She was walking down the street towards her store and as I jogged up to her, she took one look at the darkened storefront and opened her mouth in shock.

“Manager—” I started, but she put up her hand.

“Excuse me just a moment, sweetie,” she said, taking a pair of keys out of her hand and going to the delivery guy.

As I watched her, my thoughts began going down a dark and twisted road...

Saeki Mei. Late twenties. Pretty, vivacious, athletic and well-liked. A reliable employee who left for a volleyball game last night and didn’t come in to work the following morning...

It was too similar to the case I was working on.

I could feel my anxiety slowly build as I watched the manager and delivery guy briefly exchange words; a shadow crossed the manager’s face for a brief moment and in an instant, my stomach tied itself into a knot. The manager signed the clipboard and unlocked the front doors and while the delivery guy went back to his truck to grab his bread, I approached her once again.

“Mei-chan... She didn’t come in this morning, did she?”

The manager sighed and shook her head. As I watched her brows furrow in thought, the knot in my stomach tightened.

It was almost exactly two weeks since the last disappearance and Saeki Mei was nowhere to be found.

***

“No bread today, Kusunoki-san?” Atsushi asked as I dropped in at my temporary desk (they were letting me borrow Kyouka-chan’s desk while she was out making deliveries today).

“No,” I sighed, rubbing my eyes. “I... couldn’t get any. When I passed by the convenience store this morning, it was still closed up.”

“Closed up?” Atsushi asked, his eyebrows drawing together thoughtfully. “I haven’t been there before but... is that unusual?”

I nodded.

Last night, Mei had definitely said she was going to be in early and she seemed like the kind of girl who kept her promises. And with the way the manager had reacted this morning when Mei hadn’t shown up for her shift...

My stomach tied itself into a second knot.

“Oh, Kusunoki-kun. You’re here. Good.”

Kunikida hung up his cell phone as he passed me on the way to the printer.

“The police departmen asked to borrow you to do a sketch for them. There was a burglary a couple districts over and they weren’t able to get any surveillance footage.”

He picked up the printout and handed it to me.

“I’ll give you the address, so go check it out when you’ve got a minute—”

Kunikida frowned. His eyebrows knitted together as he looked at my face.

“Is something wrong?”

“Huh?” I squeaked. “Oh, no, nothing’s wrong!”

Trying to shake off the sense of unease I’d walked into the office with, I slapped a smile on my face and held my hand out for the report. I had, after all, promised Kunikida I would do better and I was going to, no matter what.

“Let me see the address. I’ll go right away.”

It was probably too early for me to worry, anyway...

Taking the printout from Kunikida, I grabbed my things and set off for the station marked on the map, leaving a concerned Atsushi and Kunikida to exchange a glance as I left.

***

The sketch job turned out pretty easy. I was lucky that the clerk on duty had a pretty good look at the burglar’s face and so I finished with time to spare. Enough time to take a little detour on my way back to the Agency, so I hopped onto a different bus line on my way back and decided to swing by the convenience store.

As I got off my bus and headed back in the direction of my apartment, I thought about the possible reasons Mei had not been in this morning. Maybe she’d just overslept for once in her life—she was human, it happened to all of us. Or maybe she had exhausted herself at her game last night and had to rest at home. Or maybe she’d gotten injured going after a ball and was in the hospital and couldn’t text.

Or maybe she had gotten kidnapped like the other women and was being held in a dark room somewhere...

Shuddering, I shook my head to clear away the bad thoughts.

I could say for sure that nobody in my neighborhood had gone missing so far. Hopefully, that would still be the case. It could just be a horrible coincidence that Mei was around the same age and build as the other missing women and that it was essentially two weeks since the last disappearance...

The convenience store came into view and as I looked at the now-familiar store front, I couldn’t help thinking that surely Mei had come back by now and was standing behind the counter or loading boxes as usual. If I just walked in through those doors, I’d see a cheerfully smiling Mei, wearing her apron and ready to start chattering about my coworkers again.

The doors slid open with a soft whoosh as I approached.

“Mei-chan...?”

But she wasn’t there. Instead, the old manager looked up from Mei’s usual perch at the counter and nodded slightly in greeting as she saw me arrive.

“I’m sorry, young lady,” she sighed when she saw my face fall. “I can’t seem to get a hold of her. But she’ll turn up, I’m sure she will.”

She didn’t sound very convinced herself...

I felt my stomach clench painfully and hoping it was more due to hunger than anything else, I went to the bread aisles where I picked up a few of the plastic-wrapped red bean buns. The last item Mei had recommended to me.

I took them to the counter along with another bottle of vegetable juice.

“Maybe she’ll call later?” I said hopefully.

The old manager looked at me for a moment.

“I certainly hope she does,” she replied, taking my purchases from me and ringing me up. “Ah, these.”

She smiled gently.

“For some reason, it feels a little like buying this might summon Mei back,” I admitted, taking my bag.

She nodded.

“Hopefully. Hopefully.”

It wasn’t the manager’s fault that I left the store in a worse mood than when I came in. Nor was it anyone’s fault that I remained distracted throughout the morning. However, when I bit my cheek for the third time while I was trying to both type and eat my bread, Kunikida had had enough.

“What’s going on, Kusunoki?” he asked, turning from his laptop to me as I winced and rubbed my cheek. “There’s clearly something bothering you.”

“Huh? No, there isn’t.”

“You really expect me to believe that?” Kunikida sighed. “Come on, out with it. Whatever is on your mind, it’s costing you productivity. Now talk.”

I sighed as well.

“It’s probably nothing, but...”

As I told him about Mei and my concern at her disappearance, in light of the recent kidnappings, I couldn’t help but think about how strange this felt. I had just been talking to Mei about Kunikida last night and now it was the reverse; I was talking to Kunikida about Mei. But as I spoke, Kunikida’s expression grew cloudier and cloudier until he suddenly pulled out his notebook and started jotting things down.

“I think you should trust your instincts more, Kusunoki-kun,” Kunikida said, “This is indeed troubling.”

He flipped through the pages until he found what he wanted and presented me with the schedule for today.

“The store isn’t very far from us and I had a client cancel their last meeting at the end of the day today, so why don’t we go and check it out? It’s entirely possible this isn’t related to our case at all, but given the circumstances, I think it’s a good idea to at least investigate.”

He went back to his computer.

“At the very least, the missing persons case is the only major case you’ve been assigned to so far and you’ll be working with me for it. So if someone related to Saeki decides to open the case with us, you can take it on your own, or look into it pro bono off of work hours if you wish.”

He looked at me.

“Sound good?”

He was taking this seriously. Maybe I wasn’t crazy after all.

Relief flooding through me, I smiled.

“Sounds good. Thank you, Kunikida-san.”

Kunikida immediately turned away. He started fixing up his glasses again.

“No need to thank me. It’s a part of your detective training after all.”

Training or not, I was grateful. I went back to eating my bread and I didn’t bite my cheek again for the rest of the day.

***

“I see. Thank you for your time.”

As the sliding glass doors of the convenience store slid closed behind us, I could feel Kunikida’s eyes on me. I probably looked every bit as worried as I felt. Rather than calming me, the third trip to the convenience store rattled my nerves even more and based on what we uncovered, even Kunikida was starting to look concerned.

It turned out Mei lived alone. She moved here from the countryside and rented a single studio not too far from the convenience store. The only known contacts she had in the area were her volleyball friends. Unfortunately, neither we nor the manager we spoke to had any idea who they were or how to get in contact with them. The only thing we could do for now was set off for Mei’s apartment, using the address she’d filled out on her employment application, and hope that she would show up eventually. That was the best case scenario. The worst case scenario was something I really didn’t want to think about...

I stopped walking.

“Hey.”

Kunikida’s hand was heavy but comforting on my shoulder.

“It’s still been less than twenty-four hours since she was last seen,” he said. “I know you’re worried but you should try not to think too pessimistically about this. I know it doesn’t look good but it almost feels like a bad omen, to act like she’s unreachable or dead.”

I felt his hand drop as I looked back at him. I tried to smile.

“That’s a good point.”

Kunikida sighed.

“Don’t let any one single case consume your thoughts if you can. It’s not good for your mental health... For now, let’s just treat this as we would any other case. Let’s look for leads however we can and follow them.”

I nodded and let my gaze trail absentmindedly towards the river. I found myself counting the leaves that washed by as Kunikida talked. But then something big and dark emerged from water just beneath the walkway and out of curiosity, I went to the railing, leaned over and looked down.

My hands flew to my mouth

“And you never know,” Kunikida continued, “maybe something will turn up—”

“K-Kunikida-san!”

I jabbed my finger at the water below.

“What is that?!”

As Kunikida rushed over, we saw the thing bob and flip onto its side.

It was a body. The body of a young woman with long, dark hair.

I screamed.

***

How many corpses had I seen in person now?

There was the guy who had tried to meet me for a movie back when I was a student. Then there were the two security guards Akutagawa had slain in the gallery... and now there was Taneda Mayu, the second of the missing women to vanish. Why did it feel like I had seen so many more...?

Oh...

I clutched my arms even more tightly about my shoulders as Kunikida finished talking to the police officers nearby.

It was because I had forgotten to count all the people I’d seen in my visions but hadn’t met in real life. Mrs. Yamazaki had been the only one to survive her impending death.

I watched hollowly as Kunikida nodded briefly to the officer and came back towards me. The instant we realized we were in the presence of a dead body, Kunikida had called the police and they’d come rushing over and fished the body out of the river. They had to first prod it until it was unstuck from its position near the edge of the canal and then one of them had to jump in and haul the waterlogged corpse to shore. As the police closed off the area to terrified pedestrians, the one in charge immediately made a beeline for me and Kunikida and wanted to talk to us about the recent kidnappings.

I didn’t think I would ever be able to get the image of that bloated corpse out of my memories. All four of the missing women had been beautiful. Taneda Mayu had been slim and athletic, with an elegant figure and long legs that looked fantastic in the tennis skirts she loved so much. The only resemblance that thing bore to Mayu was the mass of long, silky black hair that trailed down to her waist; even the skin color had changed with rot and the passage of time. The coroner had yet to arrive but I could overhear the officer talking to Kunikida mumbling something about how Mayu had likely been dead about three to five days judging from her physical condition. Given the manner in which we found her body, the police suspected she had been either drowned or asphyxiated; there were strange marks on her neck, suggesting that someone had either choked her or held her under the water until she took her last breath.

“They’re going to interview everyone who was nearby within the last couple hours,” Kunikida said quietly, tucking his hands into his pockets as he sat next to me on the bench. “But I doubt they’ll find any real suspects. There aren’t any traffic or security cameras for this particular area and people have been moving in and out of this street for some time now.”

He sighed heavily and put his head in his hand.

“Kusunoki-kun.”

I turned to him.

“I know what I said before, about not using your Ability unless we really needed to, but the nature of the case has changed.”

He took his head out of his hand and looked at me, his green eyes blazing in the light of the setting sun.

“This is no longer a kidnapping case—we’re looking for a serial killer. And we’re going to need your Ability if we’re going to find him before the next body shows up.”

[noona-clock]

DaySense: Winter ❄️

A Day6 collab series with the lovely @cramelot 💋

Genre: College & Soulmate!AU

Pairing: Brian x You

By Admin B

Part 1, 2

Since the Halloween party had been a success, Brian had been thinking of other ways to get Day6 out there. Other ways they could showcase their music, try out the new songs they were writing, attract a new audience.

They couldn’t just keep doing coffee shop gigs and uploading band practice videos on YouTube.

I mean, they could and they would, but they shouldn’t keep doing only that.

An idea didn’t come to him until almost mid-January, though, after the crazy hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Plus, both Jae and Sungjin had been a little less occupied with the band and a little more occupied with their new(ish) girlfriends.

Although... it was safe to say they were more than that.

It hadn’t been a coincidence that Jae had suddenly started seeing in color when he met the girl he was now madly in love with (and, in turn, black and white had been added to her own vision color spectrum, so to deny the fact they were soulmates would just be silly!).

And Sungjin’s absolute adoration for anything his own girlfriend/soulmate cooked or baked... I mean, honestly, it wasn’t a sure sign they were soulmates because the guy had always loved food. But he (and his girlfriend) both insisted the food the other one made was just better than normal, so Brian took his word for it.

He was happy for both of them, truly. Jae and Sungjin were two of his best friends, and he wanted nothing more than for them to be happy. (False: he wanted nothing more than to annoy the crap out of them, but in a loving way, but we don’t have to count that.)

...He would be lying just a little if he said it wasn’t just a tiny bit annoying that their main focus was no longer 100% on the band, though. Many times in the past several months, he’d asked for input on lyrics or melodies or ideas for performances, but they had been too distracted with their love lives to be of any actual help.

I mean, except for the fact Jae had contributed some really nice lyrics for a love song. Brian had almost 100% decided on calling the song ‘Hi Hello’ but he still wasn’t ready to make a decision; it was about meeting someone for the first time and suddenly not being strangers anymore.

Jae, obviously, had some quite recent experience with that. Brian, on the other hand, was writing from his imagination.

Maybe that’s why he felt the song wasn’t ready just yet...

But, anyway. Back to the idea he had in mid-January.

“What if we just set up our instruments outside and do a set?” he asked the guys during one of their rare dinners together at the house. 

These days, either Sungjin, Jae, or both usually ate with their lady loves. (Sungjin, most definitely, preferred to, but that was understandable.)

“...Sing outside?” Jae asked with one raised brow. “It’s January. It’s freezing.”

“Yeah, but it’s unexpected. And you know nobody else will be doing it,” Brian pointed out.

“Nobody’s going to want to stop and listen because they’ll be too cold. Or too busy, on their way to class,” Sungjin countered in-between bites.

Brian was about to retort with a semi-snarky remark about nobody else coming up with any other ideas, but Wonpil spoke before he had the chance.

“I’m down,” he stated, lifting his shoulders into a small shrug. “I think it’ll be fun.”

“Yeah,” Dowoon agreed. “Something we’ve never done before.”

“We can only play a few songs if you’re that worried about freezing to death,” Brian smirked.

“Yo, shut up, dude,” Jae tsked, trying to hide an embarrassed blush.

“When were you thinking?” Sungjin asked.

“Can we do it this weekend?” Wonpil pleaded, letting it be known with his slightly whiny tone that he had quickly adopted the idea and was now desperate to do it.

“No one’s on campus during the weekend.” Jae rolled his eyes before reaching out and thwapping the back of Wonpil’s head.

“Friday, then,” Brian suggested as Wonpil reached around to nurse his stinging cranium.

Sungjin opened his mouth to say something, and Brian just knew he was going to say he had plans with his girlfriend on Friday. He threw his friend a Look, though, and Sungjin’s mouth quickly formed into a forced smile.

“Friday afternoon works for me,” Sungjin said instead. “My last class ends at 3.”

Everyone else confirmed they were done with classes either before or around then, so they decided to meet at the house at 3:30 and set up on the North Quad around 4pm.

As Brian and Dowoon began cleaning up after dinner, Brian had to admit that he felt... he didn’t want to say ‘uplifted’ because that made it seem like he was discouraged or depressed about his current situation.

And he wasn’t at all!

But, still. He felt like things were back to the old days as far as the band went. Except not really because they really had come so far in turning things around since Battle of the Bands over six months ago. But you know what I mean!

“All right, Friday at 3:30, yeah?” Jae asked as he grabbed a coat from the hall closet.

“Friday at 3:30,” Brian confirmed. He carefully handed a freshly washed dish to Dowoon who dried it off with a towel and set it in the dish drain.

“Friday, 3:30,” Jae repeated, sliding his coat on and reaching for his keys on the key hook.

“Wait, where are you going?” Brian asked, his brow furrowed. “We should probably start rehearsing for that.”

“I’ve got studying, bro,” Jae told him.

Brian pursed his lips in slight annoyance. “Jae, the semester just started. There’s no way you already have an exam.”

Jae paused for a few moments... and then he rolled his eyes in a sort of guilty way. “Okay, fine, I’m going to study my girlfriend’s face. Sue me. We can rehearse tomorrow!”

Brian opened his mouth to issue a rebuttal, but Jae had hurried to the door and fled before he had the chance.

Sungjin, who was standing behind a chair at the kitchen table, began drumming his fingers on the seatback. His facial expression was that of someone who was trying to be cool and casual but also trying to be obvious. He might as well have been whistling a suspiciously jaunty tune.

With a soft sigh, Brian shifted his gaze from the plate he was scrubbing over to his slightly older friend.

“Go ahead, then,” he murmured. “We’re rehearsing tomorrow. Go have some dessert with your soulmate.”

A smile split Sungjin’s face, and he rushed to grab his own coat from the closet in the hallway.

“See you guys!” he called out as he dashed toward the door.

As Brian and Dowoon continued to do the dishes, Wonpil leaned against the kitchen counter, resting his elbow on the granite surface and setting his chin in his palm. A dramatically mournful sigh escaped his lips, and he waited until Brian looked over at him to voice his thoughts.

“When are we going to find our soulmates?” he asked pitifully.

Brian let a tiny smirk tug at his lips, and he shook his head. “The whole point is that we don’t know,” he reminded the sweet but sometimes naive keyboard player.

Wonpil pouted slightly and let out yet another sigh. “Yeah, I know. But still. Aren’t you lonely?”

Brian shrugged as he handed Dowoon a clean glass to dry. “Not really. I’m focused on our music. That keeps me company plenty.”

He just wished all of his bandmates were the same way...

By the time Friday afternoon rolled around, the guys had managed to get in a few rehearsals - at least, enough to be fully prepared to perform four songs out in the most crowded area of campus in near-freezing temperatures.

As agreed, they all met up at the house at 3:30 and began to gather up their instruments in both Jae’s and Sungjin’s cars. The two guitarists took their acoustics, Wonpil lugged his keyboard, Dowoon brought along the wooden box he used in lieu of actual drums, and Brian simply brought all the microphones.

Brian didn’t own an acoustic version of a bass guitar, so whenever they decided to perform a song scaled-down and raw, he simply used his voice as his instrument.

Sungjin led the way with Dowoon and Wonpil in his car, Jae following up with Brian in the passenger seat. 

“How’s that song going?” Jae asked as he turned onto the main road toward North campus.

“Which song?” Brian murmured absently. He was already getting into the performance zone, and his mind was on the four songs they would be singing.

“The one you’ve been working on for a while. About the moment you stop being strangers with someone?”

“Oh, yeah, that one. I...” Brian inhaled sharply, quizzically. “I don’t know. I just can’t seem to finish it. It doesn’t seem quite right yet.”

Jae scoffed and glanced over at Brian with an overly offended expression. “Dude, I helped with some of those lyrics. What do you mean it doesn’t seem quite right?!”

Brian smirked a little, letting out a soft ‘you’re something else, Jae’ chuckle. “It’s not your part I’m having trouble with. It’s mine.”

“That’s because you haven’t met anyone lately.” Jae briefly took one hand off the steering wheel and reached over to nudge Brian’s shoulder. “You need to get out more. Sungjin and I have met our soulmates...”

“Not because you were looking for them,” Brian pointed out. “Besides, you know I don’t need to write lyrics from experience. Let me just sit on that song for a while longer. Something will come to me.”

“All right,” Jae sighed. “Whatever you say.”

They drove the rest of the way in silence, arriving by the quad only five minutes later. Jae parked next to Sungjin, and all of them began unloading instruments and sound equipment.

The frigid air spurred them on to set things up more quickly than they usually did, and it wasn’t even 4 o’clock when Wonpil stepped up to his keyboard and began to play the opening notes of the first song they’d chosen to perform.

Jae had barely sung one line before people walking by noticeably slowed their steps. Of course, Jae and Sungjin’s girlfriends were already there forming a two-person audience, but it had grown to a substantial handful of people by the time they got to the first chorus.

As Brian began to sing his part of the bridge, he noticed someone coming to stand next to Jae’s girlfriend at the very front. Instinctively, his eyes locked with yours, and... 

Why were you staring at him like that?

And why was there something so familiar about you?

He had definitely never seen you before (trust me, he would have recognized your face), but he just had a very eerie feeling that he already knew you?

For some reason, he figured you would leave after the first song.

But you were still there as they sang the second... the third... the fourth and final song.

And you still had that look on your face. Come to think of it, you looked kind of how Brian felt. You were gazing at him with a clear question in your eyes: Do I know you?

As the crowd applauded and cheered after they finished the fourth song, Brian heard Sungjin explaining who they were and why they were out here singing in the freezing cold. He asked everyone to introduce themselves, and after Brian greeted everyone with a smile and a wave, he set his microphone down and stood.

There was no way he was going to let another minute go by without talking to you. He had to figure out why you seemed so familiar.

Your eyes widened slightly as he headed toward you, and Brian tried his best to look friendly rather than seriously curious. The last thing he wanted to do was scare you away.

“Hi...” Brian said a bit cautiously once he was close enough to you. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but notice...”

He tilted his head slightly as your eyes gazed up into his, your eyebrows raised and wrinkling your forehead. It was just so weird that he had absolutely no idea who you were, but still had the unquestionable urge to ask:

“Have we met before?”

Part 2

[bithegai]

Across Worlds Part V:

part IV / part VI

so here’s the next part of the story! i promise i do actually have plans for everything

Wels can’t recall what happened after that

He just wakes up in the shack three days later with swollen eyes, sore limbs, feeling completely empty

How did this happen? What had gone wrong?

You were right

He did his best. He followed the process and did all he could to be the best squire. He listened to his elders and never stepped out of line. And yet-

You’re going to be a great knight

What kind of a knight was he? How could he protect the kingdom when he couldn’t even save his best friend?

You followed the code

That damned knight’s code. If only he wasn’t so busy ranting at the time. Maybe if he hadn’t been so obsessed with that trival bullsh-

It’s always the castle before people

No! After their fight it was clear that he’d never put anything before their friendship. That week without her was hell. Nothing was more important than Cl-

It’s always the castle before people

Wrong. It was the people BEFORE the castle. He should’ve known. It was always the people first. It should’ve been the good of the people before the crown. It should have been for the livelihood of them all, not one. It should have been his loved ones before his duties

It should have been Cleo before all others

In the darkness of the shack, Wels makes a vow to himself to put the people of the kingdom before anyone else and takes on a new motto: Protect the people, fight for the kingdom, and serve the castle

He calls it the Code of Cleo

And so, with his new vow, Wels marches on with his renewed goals and his first mission? To finish Cleo’s investigation

Meanwhile Cleo wakes up in a new world on a dock. 

“Wels?”

The memories seep in before she gets a chance to think

Willing away the sting in her throat and the unshed tears, she wanders into a tavern and for a moment she relishes in the familiar hustle and bustle of the patrons and scent of rum

She’s startled out of  her momentary haze by a familiar bespectacled face 

“JOE?” “Cleo?!”

And so they spend the night at the tavern, with Cleo frantically explaining everything that went on and Joe listening carefully

She makes it through most of the story before the tears come

“-So then they ripped away my home” “I’m sorry they took your world” “It wasn’t the world I cared about losing”

By the time all tears have dried, the sun’s on the horizon and Joe offers Cleo a role in this world as a pirate

“You always said you’d love to explore the world. And didn’t you say you’ve stolen in the pa-” “Okay LISTEN-”

And she agrees after a brief moment of consideration

She joins a small crew with about eleven or so other people and it’s all fine and dandy

Cleo finally gets a chance to use some of her cartography skills as she works with the navigator to determine travel routes for the ship

She also occasionally helps out with the tidying, if the ship really needs it

(But no one dares call her a maid after what happened to the last guy)

At night the crew gathers on deck to eat dinner and play cards and there’s a genuine camaraderie

And for now Cleo’s content

She finally has the chance to see and do everything she ever wanted to 

There’s no need to worry about roles or administrators or any of that

She’s free

...at what cost?

Because as much as she loves adventuring and pillaging other ships, she can’t help but pause whenever she catches a glimpse of a flower field or kids running across the docks

There’s days when the sky is just the right shade of blue and she’s taken back to afternoons in the shack recounting stories and fighting over cookies

And one night when the burn in her throat is too strong and she can’t help but think of training grounds and flower crowns, and warmth, she accidentally stumbles into her wide-eyed crewmate

“Oh Cleo! Hi! I’m surprised to run into you here”

Cleo stared back blankly. She hadn’t expected to run into Keralis either. It was late. He should’ve been asleep. Hell, she would’ve been asleep if the moon wasn’t so bright and the waves weren’t so blue.

“I was just going up to stargaze but I could always use some help with the constellations if you’re up to it” Keralis gently offered. 

Cleo absently nodded. Grinning slightly in response, Keralis then immediately tugged her up the stairs towards the top of the ship. The moon cast a soft glow across the deck, and Cleo relaxed slightly at the shift in air. They could hear the low rhythm of the waves as they collided against the boat. Keralis made his way towards the bow of the ship and dragged a few crates over as temporary seats. Cleo wordlessly sat next to him before staring out into the distance. 

“Isn’t it so nice here at night?” Keralis asked cheerfully. “I love coming here when almost everyone’s asleep so I can enjoy the peace.”

Cleo pushed past the lump in her throat, “I never knew you were up this late”. Usually when she woke up, he was already awake, and based on her conversations with the others, he was probably one of the first ones up. So she expected him to be the type to go to bed early.  

Keralis winked cheekily. “Ah but there’s a lot you don’t know about me! Just because I’m up early doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the night”

Cleo chuckled blandly. “I suppose not.” She had only been with them for a few months. “Who knows what goes on behind those huge eyes.”

“Ah don’t worry about it, they just help me see everything better. I’m just here to relax and enjoy everything life has to offer” Keralis explained, leaning back slightly.

“Aren’t we all” Cleo sighed.

“That’s how it is for most pirates.” Keralis agreed “But I’m not sure that’s how it is for you Cleo”

“Really?” Cleo turned to look towards him. “Why do you say that?”

Keralis shrugged. “I don’t really know. You just never really seem happy wherever we are.” Cleo opened her mouth to protest. “Not that you’re not happy with us! Just that you always seem to keep moving and never want to stay somewhere too long.”

“Isn’t that the point of sailing though?” Cleo argued “To keep exploring and finding new places?”

“Maybe...” Keralis conceded “You just seem a little restless that’s all. I mean I love sailing as much as the next man. But isn’t it nice to just stop and relax? Some of the places we visit are absolutely breathtaking! But you never want to. You’re always moving. It’s almost like you’re searching for something...” He trailed off.

The image of those bright blue eyes flashed through Cleo’s head once more. “Don’t be ridiculous!” she weakly dismissed “Searching for diamonds maybe”

Keralis frowned.  “Cleo I’m just worried. I told you I see everything. The books. The seeds. The late nights. I know it’s not my business, but I just want to know you’re okay. Because I’ve seen this all before and I don’t want to see it again.” 

Cleo stared back speechless, eyes wide.

“You don’t need to talk to me. Just-” Keralis rapidly muttered under his breath, seemingly arguing with himself. “Go see Joe. I shouldn’t be saying this but go talk to him. He- he has a way of getting you where you need to be” 

“Keralis, what are you on abo-”

“Please Cleo just go talk to him tomorrow. I know he can help you” Keralis pleaded. “Do you really think it’s just coincidence that you’re in the same world right now?”

[bamby0304]

Apple of my Eye- Ch.18

Series Masterlist

Summary: When Sam and Dean were pulled back into their world, you were left behind. Stuck in the hustle bustle of Hollywood life, you have no choice but to play along, leaving almost all of your old life behind. Seven years later, when a rip in time and space opens up, you are finally able to go home… but you don’t go alone.

Warnings: Angst. Fluff. Drama.

Bamby

“Are you nervous?” you asked Dakota as you knelt in front of her, fixing the purple butterfly clip in her hair.

She chewed on her lip and shrugged. “A little.”

“It’s okay to be nervous,” Dean assured her as he came over to crouch down by your side. “I was nervous every time I started a new school.”

“You were?” She looked up at him with doe eyes.

“Oh yeah.” He nodded. “Sammy and me, we moved around a lot so I was always going to new schools. I would worry about people liking me, about being behind in class, about getting lost. It was really scary. But you know what?”

“What?”

“I was okay. I made friends, the teachers helped me, and I quickly realised there was no need to be worried.”

Her lips turned down in a pout. “But you had Sammy… I’ve got no one. And I’m a little girl. You were a big tough boy.”

“You’re a tough girl, Dakota. Toughest girl I know.”

“Really?”

“Seriously?”

“What about my mum?”

Dean glanced at you for a moment, but instead of watching him trip over his words you spoke up. “I get scared too, sweetie. Like right now. I’m scared.”

“You are? Why?”

“‘Cause it’s your first day and I’ll miss you.”

Her eyes fell to the ground, deep in thought, before she met your gaze again. “When school finishes we can get pie and I can tell you about my day,” she offered. “So then it’ll be like you were with me the whole time.”

Your lips pulled up into a smile as you reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear. “I’d like that.”

“Dean, you and Sammy can come too.”

“Thanks sweetheart.” He smiled at her. “Before you go, though, I got you something.”

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a green glittery pencil, with a white and gold unicorn at the end that was surrounded by green fluff.

She gasped excitedly. “That’s for me?”

“Yep.” He nodded, handing it over.

“It’s green like our eyes!” she exclaimed.

He chuckled lightly. “I know.”

“Thank you!” Throwing her arms around his neck, she held him close and tight before quickly pulling back. “Okay, I gotta go now. I’ll see you after school.” Spinning on her heels, she started running off towards the other kids. “Bye mum! Bye Dean!”

Getting to your feet you watched her nervously. Without thought, you brought you hand to your mouth and started chewing on your thumb nail.

“Hey.” Dean stood beside you, taking your hand away from your mouth gently. “She’s gonna be okay,” he assured you. “Come on, we should get back.” Leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss to your temple before leading you to the car.

The whole time, even once you were sitting in your seat, and after he drove off, you watched the school nervously. While you knew you were doing the right thing, you couldn’t help but feel odd.

Since coming back to this world you’d had Dakota with you. Not once had you left her side, or at least left her alone with strangers. Even back in the other world she’d had people keeping an extra eye out because of who you were. But here, now, in this school… she was just a regular kid.

“This is a good thing.” Dean reached over to rest his hand on your thigh. “Don’t overthink it.”

“Easier said than done,” you grumbled.

“You know if anything ever happens, Sam and me will drop everything and anything to help her out. She doesn’t just have you watching her back now, she’s got a whole family.”

Finally, you felt some of those nerves dissipate. “I know.”

“Patience, hey. This is, uh, Dean Winchester,” Dean started, talking on his phone, as the two of you entered the war room. “Listen, I know that I, uh, told you to avoid this life, but, uh... me and my brother, we're– we're looking for someone.”

You smiled at Sam silently as you put the bag of food you’d brought home onto the table.

Dean plopped down onto one of the chairs, still leaving a message on the phone. “And we put an APB out with every hunter we know, and... nothing. We really could use a psychic's help on this. So... if you could call me back. Thanks.” Hanging up, he spoke to Sam without looking at him, “Any word from Cas?”

“Yeah.” Sam nodded, focused on the laptop in front of him. “Uh, he says he's still looking for Jack, working a lead in Tucson.”

With Dean now off the phone, you reached for the paper bag and sug inside to retrieve the food. “Double bacon cheeseburger for you, and a gluten free, vegan breakfast burrito for the moose.” You handed the brother’s their food.

“Oh, you are an angel!” Dean exclaimed, grabbing his food and digging in.

“Thanks, Y/N.” Sam smiled widely at you. “So how was Dakota when you dropped her off?”

“She was fine once Dean gave her the unicorn pencil.” You nodded, taking a seat. “I think she was mostly nervous because I was, to be honest.”

“She’ll be okay,” he assured you. “Once you both get settled in to the new school and routine, you’ll both be fine.”

Dean’s phone started ringing then.

Swallowing the mouthful of food he’d shoved in his mouth, he grabbed and answered it on the second ring. “Hi Jody!” he said before putting the phone on loudspeaker.

“Hi Jody! What's going on?” Sam asked.

“Hey boys, I got something for ya. Friend of mine from Bismarck PD called with a lead. He said that a local artist was found dead with his eyes burned out.”

Dean, who had been picking at his burger, paused with a frown. “Sounds angel-y.”

“Yeah, that's what I thought, except for that there was a witness– the victim's girlfriend. She pegged someone at the scene. She gave the police a description. I think its your boy.”

Sam and Dean shared a look before the former’s gaze fell to the phone. “Uh, send us through the details and we’ll check it out, okay Jody?”

“Sure thing, boys.”

“Thanks Jody,” Dean called before the line went dead.

You sat there, staring at the now black screen. “So… you’re heading out.”

“We don’t know if it’s Jack,” Dean countered.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s Jack, Jill, or José, you’re heading out. Angels killing people is kind of a big deal, and definitely your thing.”

Sighing, he glanced at Sam before turning back to you. “We’ll be back before she needs to be picked up.”

“You don’t have to rush for us. We both understand that you’ve got a job to do.”

“Hey, no.” Reaching over, he grabbed your hand and held it until you met his gaze. “Dakota wants to eat pie and unwind as a family, and that’s what we’re gonna do. We will be back… I promise.”

“We’re gonna be back,” Dean assured you as he backed you up against his dresser. “We’ll be back before Dakota finishes school, and then we’ll all go out and eat pie, and then we’ll come back home and I’ll make it up to you.” Leaning in, he pressed a kiss to your neck.

Tilting your head to give him better access, you chuckled. “Make it up to me for what?”

“Ditching you.” He kissed you again. “On your first day without Dakota.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Sighing, he pulled back to meet your gaze. “I know, but I hate leaving you here on your own.” He pouted much like Dakota had earlier.

“God you two are so alike,” you mumbled to yourself. “Dean, seriously, I’ll be okay. I’ll do some laundry, maybe head into town to do some shopping. I’ll keep myself busy, and I’ll be fine.” Wrapping your arms around his neck, you pulled yourself closer to him. “And when you do come home, whenever that is, we’ll do the family thing and then the sneaky thing.”

“Mmm.” He gave your jaw a quick kiss. “Okay. It’s a deal. But for now, how about a quick preview of the sneaky?”

Laughing, you shook your head and pushed him back. “Nuh-uh, Winchester. The faster you get out of here the faster you’ll finish up and get home. So… off you go.” You nodded to the door.

“So bossy,” he grumbled, reaching for his bag as he backed up towards the door. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay.” You nodded, leaning back against his dresser. “Be safe!” you called as he walked out of the room.

Keeping your word, you made yourself busy. All day you plotted about, cleaning up or fixing things. You went out and bought some food to stock up the kitchen, you even picked up a few things that weren’t necessarily needed.

For Sam, you grabbed new headphones for his jogs and long road trips. For Dakota, you grabbed a few extra notebooks, and some knew hair clips. Dean, however, was a joint gift… you bought yourself new underwear which you knew he’d like.

As the afternoon rolled around and the time grew closer, you watched your phone with slight anticipation. While you hoped Sam and Dean would finish whatever they were doing, find Jack, and bring him home before Dakota finished school… you weren’t a fool. You knew things hardly ever ran so smoothly. So when the time came and you had to go, you weren’t really surprised when you slipped into one of the spare cars and headed out to pick Dakota up by yourself.

Drumming your fingers against the steering wheel, you tried not to think too much as you drove towards town. You tried not to worry as you turned into the school’s parking lot. You tried not to think about how Dakota might react as you pulled the car up.

The bell rang after a few minutes. You sat up straighter, focusing on the field that stretched across the buildings. You watched and waited, hoping and praying things wouldn’t go too badly…

When you saw her skipping along the grass, scanning the parking lot, you realised she was looking for the Impala. Sighing, gathering as much strength as you could muster, you slipped out of the car and moved to lean on the hood.

Once she spotted you, you gave a slight wave. Even with so much distance between you, you saw the moment her smile faltered.

Not moving a muscle, you waited as she hurried along- though not as enthusiastically- and headed your way. When she was certain she was close enough for you to hear her, she spoke up.

“Where’s Dean?”

Your face fell into a sad smile. “He had to go to work, honey.” Lowering yourself down to your knees, you reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear. “He and Sammy might’ve found a lead on Jack, so they went out to look for him.”

“So… they’re helping Jack?”

“Yeah. They’re helping Jack.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “If they’re helping Jack then we can do pie later.”

“Really?” You were impressed that she let it go so easily. You were proud, too.

“Really. But maybe we should pick up some pie on the way home? Just in case they come back tonight.”

“Of course honey.” You smiled at her. “What flavour should we get?” you asked as you stood and held her hand, leading her to her side of the car.

“Pecan and cherry. Just in case Dean doesn’t know which one he wants when he gets home.”

Chuckling, you opened the car door for her. “Sure. Pecan and cherry it is.”

Dakota’s bedtime rolled by and you’d heard nothing from either of the guys. Midnight came and you found yourself sitting at the war room table, waiting, staring at your silent phone. Still, you’d heard nothing. No text, no call.

After last time, you were certain Dean would’ve reached out, but he hadn’t. Despite that, though, you were doing everything you could to stay calm. You didn’t want to worry. You didn’t want to freak out and then find out they had no cell service or something.

Time kept ticking and your phone remained silent. Your anxiety grew with each passing moment, even though you were trying your best to keep it under wraps.

When you gave up waiting and chose to go to sleep, you found that you couldn’t for hours you tossed and turned, grunting and groaning. Eventually you found yourself staring up at the ceiling. Eventually your alarm went off, telling you it was time to get up and to get Dakota ready for school.

You hadn’t slept a wink… and you hadn’t heard from the Winchesters.

Bamby

[coldace24]

CA/SUAL

Standing on the edge of the sidewalk, the whole crossing was laid out in front of me, filled with crowds and cars, hustling and bustling in yet another busy day. With the sun glaring at amazing intensity on the top my head, I could only breathe a heavy sigh, casually wiping off another drop of sweat with my sleeve.

As I crossed to the other side, the overwhelming heat had me decide to use a different route home than usual, somewhere with more shade, perhaps through the small-time market lined with wonderful, sun-blocking canopies overhead.

I really didn’t want to leave my apartment, especially not during noon when the heat was this bad, but alas, I had ran out of toilet paper, and running out of it during times of emergencies would be…devastating. So I went and bought a pack of rolls, just so I wouldn’t need to have to go out again in a while just to restock.

Passing by the electronics store just around the corner of the market, my eyes caught sight of the video playing on the store’s large screen display. Four girls were dancing to an upbeat music, looking fierce and rather pretty at the same time, and before I realized it, I was standing there, admiring their performance. Even as the video looped, I found myself still watching, entranced as it showed a girl with blonde hair and….cat ears I think, singing with an expression that seemed to speak to my heart.

“KDA huh…” I mumbled as their group name popped up at the end of the video before looping again. “They seem pretty cool.”

I stopped myself from getting too absorbed with the video and started to walk towards the market, humming their song that was now stuck on repeat inside my head. In a few more steps, I was under the canopies, and the familiar sight of meat shops, vegetables and spices put a smile on my face. If I was any good at cooking, this place would probably have been heaven, but sadly, all I can cook are instant noodles and fried food.

The calm breeze passing through the street, and the shades provided by the canopies allowed for a comfortable stroll, much appreciated as the heat seemed almost unbearable. To my surprise though, from the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of someone wearing a rather thick coat which seemed impossibly uncomfortable to wear on such a sunny day.

“….well, to each their own.” I mumbled to myself, but before I could look away, the person in question tripped at uneven ground, sending cabbages and leeks flying everywhere, a deadly hailstorm of gastric healthiness. In a fit of panic, the person started hurriedly collecting the vegetables scattered all around the floor.

“…..are you trying to tell me something, huh, life?” I grumbled as I went to approach the person, picking up the rest of the sprawled greenery on the way.

“Hey, are you alright?” I asked as I picked up a handful of greens.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just tripped and it’s nothing big, ahahaha…” The voice of a female surprised me, my attention shifting to the golden high-heels on her feet that were about five inches tall. Well yeah, with shoes like those, you’re bound to trip on these uneven streets.

“Uh… here you go.” I held out my hand filled with the veggies.

“Ah, thank yo-” She froze as she looked up to my face, or at least I felt like she did. I couldn’t exactly tell as her features were hidden by a black face mask that covered her nose and mouth, and round-rimmed purple sunglasses for her eyes. Is she a fugitive or something?

“Ah…감사함니다.” She continued in what seemed to be Hangul or Korean, much to my surprise and dismay. Why would she start speaking Korean now?

“Oh uh… do you need help?” I tried not to sound suspecting as I asked. She only shook her head, her black cap sliding from side to side. Only then did I notice the letters “KDA” printed boldly at its front. Fangirl…?

Although she denied my help, as soon as she stood up, the paper bags holding the vegetables ripped, leaving the greens sprawled out on the floor yet again. I swear I heard a yelp come from her as she hurriedly tried to gather them again. As amusing as it was to watch her get flustered trying to hold everything in her arms and fantastically failing, I decided to help her out instead.

“Woah there!” I quickly caught the few leeks that fell off her arms. “Um… how about I just help you, okay?”

She shook her head vigorously in protest at first, then noticed the amount of veggies still on the floor while her arms were already full. A heavy sigh escaped her breathe, nodding weakly as she passed me the ones in her arms to pick up the rest. Not long after, we were headed off to her destination, vegetables in hand, and awkward silence in the air.

“So uh…” I tried to start up a conversation. “…you’re Korean?”

“예, 저는 한국인입니다.”

I have no idea what she said, but it sounded like a yes. Gah, why is she even speaking in Korean? I’m pretty sure she spoke straight English before. This is more trouble than it should be.

“Uh…so what brings you here then?”

“Hm…우리는 영화 촬영을했습니다.” She turned to me as she spoke, although there wasn’t really much point since I couldn’t see her face. Okay, this time, I really have no idea what she just said.

“…Oh, okay. Cool.” I tried to play it calmly, hoping she wouldn’t notice my inability to comprehend what she was saying. To my surprise, she started laughing. Crap, have I been caught?

The rest of the way was me trying to figure out her answers to my questions, which, apparently, she found fairly funny as all she ever did was laugh at my pathetic attempts at understanding her. Soon, we were standing in front of the door to some apartment, on the fifth floor of some building…somewhere. Seems I focused too much in trying to understand her that I lost sight of my whereabouts on the way.

As she rung the bell, the shuffling noises and muffled chatter from inside turned into the sound of rushing footsteps that grew louder and louder. After a brief pause, the door swung open, and we were face-to-face with a woman who seemed oddly familiar; her purple hair and amber eyes gave it away, but I couldn’t seem to pinpoint who she was exactly. The way she stood in front of us, her stature, posture, and aura seemed to give off the kind of vibe you’d get from divas and celebrities. Perhaps she was one?

“What took you so long?” Her brow was raised as she asked.

“미안 늦었 어.”

“Hangul….?” The purple-haired woman looked surprised, but seemed to understand as her gaze fell upon me. “Oh… well, hello there.”

“Uh…hi.” I couldn’t make it sound any less awkward. “Here’s your uh…vegetables.”

I tried to hand her the greens, but she didn’t seem to be willing to accept them. Her eyes darted back and forth between the girl in the coat and the veggies in my arms, as if silently asking what she’s supposed to do with this. After a brief pause of awkward staring, the purple-haired woman smiled a mischievous grin.

“Well, why don’t you come in?” She stood aside and gestured for me to enter. A yelp came from the coated lady beside me as she shook her head vigorously at the woman’s words.

“Uh no, it’s okay I-”

“I insist.” Her grin grew wider. “It’s just a little hospitality and gratitude for helping my friend here with her…vegetables.”

“Uh…okay then. I’ll just drop these off inside.” I didn’t really know what else to do nor what to expect from this turn of events. She ushered me inside, the lady in the coat following right behind us who seemed to be avoiding my gaze whenever I turned to her. The place wasn’t anything fancy, kind of like those common four-person apartments with the kitchen, dining, and living rooms connected all together at the center, with only the bedrooms separated. Sitting on the sofa were two other ladies; one had dark hair tied back to a rather wild ponytail, her features suggested she was of Japanese descent, while the other had violet hair tied up to two buns on either side of her head, complimented by her slim facial features, she seemed to carry a style reminiscent of Chinese culture.

“Oh hey, you’re finally back, A-” The Japanese woman stopped mid-sentence as soon as she saw me. “Wha- who are you?”

“Uhh…nobody. I’m just here to uh, help carry the um, vegetables.” I tried to explain, motioning to the greens in my arms then pointing to the coated lady.

“Oh.” She seemed to accept that so easily, much to my delight. “Well, let me get that for you.”

She stood up and took the vegetables from me, giving me a quick thanks as she carried them off to the kitchen. The Chinese lady followed behind her, giving me a quick nod before she proceeded to help the other. Seeing as my job was done, I turned around and started to walk towards the door, only to be stopped in my tracks by the purple-haired woman.

“Leaving so soon?” She smiled, which at the sight of, somehow managed to make me feel chills. “Why don’t you join us? We’ll be having hotpot for lunch. It’ll be good~”

“Uhh, no it’s okay. I’d be imposing too much.” I tried to decline as politely as I could, but her smile was setting off a lot of danger flags all over my head. Who the heck would want to eat hotpot on this freakin’ hot day?

“Oh but it’s just our way of saying thank you for helping out our friend.” She made it sound as convincing as possible, which somehow seemed to affect my thinking, even if just for a bit. “Isn’t that right, Ahri?”

Her gaze turned towards the woman in the coat, much to her surprise as her name was called. With a heavy breath of sigh, she removed all the accessories covering up her face, revealing a familiar blonde hair and…cat ears? Oh.

Her features were stunning, the hazel color of her eyes seemingly glowing, threatening to mesmerize me if I stared any longer. Needless to say, she was very pretty, her aura exuded that sense of beauty and grace, someone who was positively poised and charming at every move. Then, I remembered her tripping… Oh.

“Evelynn…” Her eyebrows were furrowed as she called the purple-haired woman’s attention. “왜 이런 짓을하는?”

“Oh just let it be, Ahri. It’ll be fine.” She rolled her eyes in response to what seemed to be worry in Ahri’s tone. “Besides, I haven’t seen any reaction yet. Probably doesn’t know who we are anyway.”

“Uhh…..” I wanted to tell them that I did know who they were, thanks to Ahri revealing her rather memorable face, but it might’ve made my situation more…difficult. Besides, I never really knew any of them, I just know they’re part of some group called KDA and they sing and do uh…stuff.

“So, you will be staying, yes?” Evelynn’s eyes were staring at me, accompanied again by that smile that always seem to make me feel weird. Somehow, with the way she said it, tone and all, I felt compelled to accept. Well, whatever. Might as well.

“Um…yeah, okay. Sure.”

“Perfect!” She clasped her hands in what seemed to be delight in her expression. “Akali! Kai'sa! We’ll need to prepare enough for five people! Our guest will be staying for lunch~!”

The way Evelynn said ‘guest’ felt weird, like it wasn’t really what it was supposed to mean. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Ahri planting her face deep into her palm. Imagine that, a face-palming cat-girl. Not a sight you see everyday.

I stood at the side as I watched the other two prepare, the Chinese woman whose name seemed to be Kai'sa was setting up the table while the Japanese, Akali, was cleaning and cutting up the vegetables Ahri and I had carried. Somewhere to my right, near the far side of the room, Ahri pulled Evelynn along and started a somewhat quiet argument. I watched them bickering for a good while, then a glint of light came from somewhere to my left, catching my attention and gaze in the process.

With each masterful cutting and slicing motion of Akali, the metal surface of the knife in her hand reflected the sun’s rays coming in through the window, sending it towards my way in a flash of blinding light. Upon seemingly finishing her job, she gently set the knife down beside her. It was then that I realized, it wasn’t really a knife, but rather a Kunai, a sort of Japanese dagger you commonly see in movies and anime. Woah, this girl’s hardcore.

“Why don’t you take a seat?” Kai'sa had approached me, gesturing towards a seat on the table she had finished preparing. She had a sweet smile on her face, which I very much appreciated after going through a couple of Evelynn’s 'smiles’. Although, when I tried to look closely, her eyes had this tinge of worry, perhaps due to having a stranger in her abode. Well, I couldn’t really blame her. I’d worry too if some stranger was suddenly going to eat lunch with me.

“Ah, thank you.” I thanked her in the most polite tone I could muster and proceeded to sit down. In front of me, just around the center of the table, was a large ceramic pot on top of a portable stove, inside it was some sort of yellowish-orange broth and a few cabbage leaves already being slowly simmered at low heat. After a few moments, Akali approached and started to add the rest of the ingredients in, organizing it in a way so that each one stays in one location and avoid mixing up with the others. There were cabbages, mushrooms, leeks, radishes, carrots, some noodles, and delicious slices of meat; a good, hearty home-cooked hotpot.

Soon, everyone had settled down at the table; Evelynn right across in front of me while Ahri sat beside her, and the two Asian beauties, Akali and Kai'sa, at each end of the table.

“Before we eat, I’d like to thank you again for helping our Ahri with her groceries.” Evelynn had her wry smile on as she turned to me. “But it’s a shame how you never really knew who we are, so why don’t we introduce ourselves.”

“Ladies?” There was a brief pause.

“We are KDA!” On cue, they all spoke together, spelling out their group name with an energetic tone. I was surprised at their sudden increase in volume that all I did was stare at them for a couple of seconds.

“Hey, you okay?” Akali was the first to break the silence. Her brow was raised in concern at my lack of reaction.

“Uh…yeah, I think.”

“Well, to explain it clearly, we’re a Korean-pop idol group called KDA.” Kai'sa tried to calmly expand on their previously laconic introduction. “Well, we say Korean, but really, we’re from different countries. Although, the language we use for our music is a mix of English and Korean, thus we fall on the category of Korean-pop, or K-pop for short.”

“Ohhh, I see. That’s fairly easier to understand.” I nodded my head just to show that I understood.

“우리 정말 이러는거야?” I thought Ahri spoke to me at first, but then I realized she had her face turned to Evelynn.

“Yes we are doing this, Ahri. It’s good PR.” Evelynn rolled her eyes as she replied. Ahri could only furrow her eyebrows in concern.

“So uh hey, I’m Akali.” Akali extended her hand towards me, looking rather chill compared to anyone else in the room. “I’m the group’s rapper, and well, the youngest and last member to join. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” I smiled as I shook her hand. She was so chill with it that it never ocurred to me I was shaking hands with a celebrity.

“I’m Kai'sa.” Kai'sa introduced herself as soon as our gazes met, although she didn’t seem to want a handshake. Bummer. “I’m KDA’s dance choreographer and um, hi.”

“Cool.” I smiled at her which managed to bring a smile out of her lips too. As the two ladies finished their self-introductions, I turned to the two sitting across me. Evelynn caught and held my gaze, her other brow was raised as if questioning my stare.

“If I must.” She finally sighed. “I, as you must already know, am Evelynn. One of the group’s lead vocalist and, well, elder sister perhaps?”

Akali and Kai'sa seemed to hide a snicker as Evelynn mentioned the words 'elder sister’, much to the purple-haired diva’s dismay. But instead of calling the two out though, she turned to their blonde companion.

“And of course, this is Ahri.” She motioned her hands as if presenting Ahri. “Our group’s glorious leader, as well as it’s face, and our main lead vocalist.”

“Wow, uh, quite a lot of titles, huh? Nice to meet you, Ahri.” I beamed a smile at her.

“안녕.” She responded with her own smile which was very much breath-taking, but after that, she turned away. Was it something I said?

“A-Anyway, now that introductions are over, we should start eating.” The anticipation was within Kai'sa’s voice, she must really like hotpot. “The hotpot should be well cooked now, and the broth should’ve seeped well inside the ingredients. I guarantee it’ll taste best if we dig in now.”

“잘 먹겠습니다!” All four of them say together, perhaps a small thanks for the food. Not before long, we were chowing down, positively delighted with the flavor.

“So, what do you think?” Akali asked me just before she slurped up some noodles.

“It’s pretty good.” I say as I set my bowl down. “Amazing flavors.”

“Oh, thanks, I guess. But I don’t mean that.”

“What do you mean then?”

“What do you think about our group, I mean.” She pointed to her groupmates with her chopsticks.

“Oh. Well, I think you guys are pretty cool.” I say in all honesty. “Actually, I just saw your music video a while ago, before I bumped into Ahri. Awesome neon rap by the way.”

“Heh, thanks. So…” She seemed to want to continue our conversation. “…who do you like the most?”

Everyone turned towards me at the mention of Akali’s question, their eyes actually looking eager to know.

“Uh…” The hardest question was suddenly dropped on me from out of nowhere, all the more harder as the people in question were sitting right in front of me.

“Well?” Evelynn’s impatience was oozing.

“To be honest… I don’t really know.” I tried to play it safe, but irritation seemed to appear in Evelynn’s face. Perhaps it wasn’t best to be indecisive and just go for one? So I immediately followed up. “BUT… if I really had to pick one…..well, um…it would be… uh…. Ahri..?”

“Huh, another point for Ahri then.” Akali shrugged.

“Of course it would be Ahri.” Evelynn shrugged too.

“Well, we knew it would be Ahri.” Kai'sa also followed suit.

“너희들…” Ahri seemed to want to say something, but just shurgged and continued on eating.

“Can you tell us why, though?” Akali pointed her chopsticks at me.

“Hm…well, I guess I just find it cute that she keeps speaking in Korean even though she knows straight English.” As if on cue, Ahri choked on her food and started coughing and wheezing. Evelynn quickly started rubbing her back as she gave her a glass of water.

“You knew?” Evelynn turned to me and asked, as if it was such a surprise.

“Well yeah, I guess?” I tried to recall how we met at the market. “She spoke to me in straight English before she somehow started speaking in Korean.”

“Oh dear.” Kai'sa’s face was planted with worry. “Are you alright, Ahri?”

Ahri responded with a nod as she set down the glass and started inhaling and exhaling deep breaths.

“Oh…was I not supposed to know?” I asked.

“No, you weren’t.” Ahri replied, and this time I could understand her in full English.

“Well, it’s not really much of a big deal…kind of.” Akali set her chopsticks down. “We were kind of trying to sell Ahri’s image as, well, someone who only speaks Korean, and that Evelynn, or any of us would be the one to translate for her.”

“And now that you’ve found out…” Kai'sa’s eyes looked pleading as she spoke.

“Um…if it needs to be kept secret, I can just not tell anyone, right?”

“I find that hard to believe.” Evelynn was glaring at me, but then it softened to more like a stare. “…or so I would say if you weren’t so ignorant about us or our fandom. Can I trust you to keep your word?”

“Absolutely.” I gave her a thumbs-up. “Besides, I think you guys are awesome, and so is this hotpot you invited me for. Oh, and if you’re talking about images, then maybe you should worry more about Ahri tripping on the street.”

“What…?” They all simultaneously turned towards their leader as she could only blink at them without any explanation. “Why did you have to tell them that too?” Even when she was pouting, she still looked so pretty.

“Well, they had to know how we met, right?” I tried to stifle my laugh. Before we knew it, we were all smiles and laughter as we kept talking about the silliest of things over hotpot.

“Last piece of meat is mine!” I shout as I reached for the meat with my chopsticks, but before I could, Ahri swooped in and took it for herself. “Hey!”

“You can’t beat a fox when it comes to meat.” She grinned and winked at me before munching it down.

“Oh wait…those are fox ears?” I only realized then. “I thought they were cat ears.”

“I’m a fox. And foxes love meat.” She then swoops over my bowl and steals the slice of meat I was setting aside to eat as a finale.

“Hey!!!” I stopped her chopsticks with my own. “Well you’re definitely acting like a theiving cat.”

“Aww.”

“What’s the deal with those ears anyway?” I took the meat off her chopsticks and sliced it in half, giving her the other part.

“It’s my image. Oh, thanks.” She happily ate the slice I gave her. “My fans call me Gumiho, which is in reference to a nine-tailed fox lady from Korean Mythology.”

“Ohhh, so that’s why you had all those shiny tails in the video.”

“Mhm.”

“Are the ears real though?”

“That’s a secret.” She winked at me. I could only stare at the protruding animal parts on top of her head in wonder.

“They’re real.” Akali whispered sarcastically loud in my ear, loud enough for everyone to hear and laugh about. “Ahri and her ears aside, how about we all get a photo?”

“Um… I don’t think that would be a good idea.” Kai'sa warned.

“Why not?” I asked out of curiosity.

“If the fans find out…they might find out who you are and stalk, or even assault you just to find us.”

“Woah, that seems extreme.”

“You have no idea.” Akali shook her head as if remembering something bad. Then, her face lit up, as if an idea had sprung inside her. “But what if….”

Next thing I knew, I was posing in the middle of the four ladies as Ahri held up her phone for a group picture. My face was covered with the same disguise Ahri wore when I first met her at the market; apparently, the mask and cap belonged to Akali, while the purple shades were Evelynn’s. And with that, we took a close up photo of our faces. Cheese~

Click! Snap!

“Hey.” Ahri called my attention as I stepped outside the apartment, about to leave. “Thanks for helping me carry those vegetables. Funny how I never actually got to thank you for that.”

“Nah, it’s cool.”

“So…see you around?”

“Maybe?” I shrugged. “If we ever run into each other again in the market, I guess?”

“Hopefully, I’m not tripping down again.” She laughed at the memory of it. I raise my hand up for a high-five, and she slaps it hard. Soon, I was on the street, waving goodbye at the celebrities standing outside their apartment door. Hopefully no one saw them. Hopefully.

The next morning, the whole internet was going crazy about an official post from Ahri, the leader of the super popular K-pop group KDA, on twitter. Apparently, she posted a picture of her and her groupmates with an unidentified person in the middle, sharing a groupie with them with the translated caption “Hotpot with our newest fan~”. The picture went insanely viral as the search for the mystery fan continued.

This is insane. How do you even deal with this, huh, Ahri?

That’s a secret. Come on, they’re waiting for those veggies.

[End]

[mrs-hollandstan]

Making Amends {2} || Peter Parker

Read Part One Here!

Warnings: America’s version of underage drinking, language, teasing, more buildup, drunk confessions

Word Count: 2,775

Author’s Note: Here’s part two! I feel like this part was so boring but eh, I think it’ll get better. Lemme know what you think!

Request something here! Wanna be added to this story’s taglist? Ask here!

The next few days were eerily quiet between Peter and I. He would steal quick glances at me over the table at dinner, but all words were left unspoken. Training was strictly kept between Steve and I and somehow, Peter had somehow talked Bucky into being his training partner. Anything Peter could do to avoid me, he was accomplishing. Other than the meetings with us, Bucky, Steve, and my father to go over the mission and our positions. But he sat across the table and only answered my father, swallowing whenever our names were paired. It was hilarious to me though. Despite not wanting to torture Peter, and be the bigger person, Pete has managed to inflict his own pain on himself. The bags under his eyes, the sad look, the light dying from the chocolate brown puppy dog eyes. His skin was even whiter and I could tell he hadn’t slept like he wanted to. 

When we arrived in Paris, Steve and Bucky fetched the keys to our room, Peter rocking on his feet and avoiding my eyes. I giggled, looking around the lobby at all of the other guests, merrily carrying on conversations and drinking.

“Well, your father outdid himself.” Steve muttered, approaching us again. I cocked my head, looking up at the tall blonde,

“What do you mean?” He licked his lips and lifted his bag from the floor,

“How bout we go up and you can see what I’m talking about.” I nodded and followed, Peter and Bucky just behind us. Bucky looked around the lobby like a little tourist child, his eyes wide as he looked over the ceiling mural, and fountains dug into marble floors, pristinely polished and kept shining for future guests. His eyes didn’t dim when he stepped in the elevator though his nose crinkled at the smell of stale cigar smoke from the wealthy businessmen that rented out rooms for their trips. The gold plated elevator shaft rose gracefully, a quiet ding sounding through the small space as we crested all the way to the fourth fifth floor, gasps leaving Peter and Bucky while I looked to Steve,

“Penthouse?” His blue eyes sparkled humorously as he nodded,

“Typical Tony Stark.” Stepping off of the elevator, there were only four doors down the expanse of the hallway. Steve stopped at the first one on the left,

“Its only got two bedrooms so we’ll have to bunk up, but that’s okay. Pete… Y/N… good together?” Peter opened his mouth as I nodded,

“Yeah… we’re fine. Right Pete? Don’t we wanna let these two reconvene since we stole them from each other for training?” I cooed, Peter’s eyes on me the whole time, his chest starting to heave gently. When I batted my lashes at him, he nodded,

“Yeah… uhh, yes, that’s fine.” Steve nodded, looking between Peter and I for just a moment before unlocking the door and waltzing inside. I looked to Bucky who motioned us forward before him with a glinting metal hand. I smiled and walked forward, Peter trudging after. The four of us were in awe over the room. Yes, with my father being Tony Stark, I’ve seen luxurious, but to be in a penthouse, just South of the Eiffel Tower was absolutely spectacular. Tony Stark, once again outdid himself. Turning to the three boys, I internally laughed at myself as I realized what I was about to do. Taking a broad step forward, Peter’s eyes widened when he realized what I was doing as well,

“Come one Petey, let’s go claim a room before the grandpas do.” Lacing my hand under his arm, I held his bicep firmly, walking him towards two separate doors, split by a large bathroom with jack and jill doors connecting all three. When we were met with carpet, I kicked my shoes off and disconnected from Peter, walking forward and sitting at the end of the big white bed,

“What’re you doing?” Peter spoke up huskily. I looked up, watching as he closed the door behind him and left his suitcase just behind it, taking a step forward,

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean Y/N! What the hell did you just do back there? Agreeing to share a bed? Calling me Petey? Dragging me in here with you? How the hell am I supposed to give you space if you keep-”

“What do you mean give me space?” I asked, my eyebrows furrowing as he paused, dramatically with his hand in the space in front of him. He closed his open mouth, his cheeks turning the softest shade of pink,

“Well ya know… I figured you’d need it after i pushed for us to be best friends at the compound last week. I mean, like you said, sounds take time to heal and I was invading all of your space, trying to get you to talk to me. I knew we’d have this mission, but I figured I could take the couch or something. You just volunteered us to be roommates when I wanna give you some time away from me.” Letting silence ferment for a few moments, I decided on a comeback,

“So you thought your best option was to cuddle the Winter Soldier?” I giggled which drew a laugh from Peter’s chest. It was a nice sound. Smooth yet sultry like a glass of tea on a warm summer evening. He looked forward and out of the window wall looking over the hustle and bustle of Paris,

“I guess I kinda did. He and I did some really good training stuff. I dunno… I guess I just figured you and Steve would’ve been okay rooming it up together.” I cocked my head and crossed my legs beneath me,

“Nah. I mean yeah, we woulda been fine but Bucky gets night terrors sometimes. I suppose being back doing this’ll trigger something. We’ll be fine, me and you. Just as long as the cuddling you and Buck were gonna do dies with the idea of you two sleeping in the same bed.” Peter chuckled again, my heart skipping a beat. He kicked his lips and nodded, finding my eyes,

“Deal.” I nodded, standing and turning to the bed,

“Let’s establish who’s side is who’s. Hey, we could make a pillow wall between us. There’s enough here. I only need one.” He nodded, watching as I laid back against the left side of the bed, wiggling around before rolling to the right side and doing the same. I frowned,

“Help. I can’t decide.” Rather than laying beside me like I expected, he looked around the room,

“Well, on the right you’re more vulnerable because the door is closer so if someone were to come in, they’d attack you first. However, you’re also farther away from the bathroom and kitchen in case of you know, needing water or using the restroom during the night. You have a more likely chance of stubbing a toe or knocking your knee into something in the dark.” I smiled, standing up,

“I’ll take the left. I think the view of Paris at night’ll be comforting.” He nodded, pulling his suitcase over to his side of the bed while I sat facing away from him. Looking out over the city, I looked down at my hands,

“I’m not gonna kill you.” The bed shifted and I could only imagine him turning to me.

“Huh?” I turned my head to look him in the eye,

“What my dad allowed me to do… I won’t. I’ve decided to let it all go. What happened is the past and I don’t wanna dwell on it. Yeah, sure, you hurt me, but holding a grudge isn’t gonna fix everything. We’re not best friends, but I don’t completely hate you.” He smiled shyly,

“Thanks.” I nodded, the door behind him opening. Bucky smiled, holding a champagne bottle up,

“You guys are old enough to drink here. We could go get some later if you’re up for it but test out the waters with this lovers.” Tossing it towards us, Peter caught it, looking the label over,

“Seriously? You’re gonna take us to a bar?” Bucky shrugged,

“Why not? There’s one in the hotel and I know damn well Y/N brought formal wear seeing that she’s bait. We could just have a couple drinks. America’s just prudish. There’s no reason you’re not mature enough to drink. Hell, you save lives, that’s reason enough.” I giggled,

“You’re just tryin yo give my dad more reasons to hate you huh?” He shrugged, backing from the room,

“We’ll order dinner at six and go down at seven.”

Just as he’d said, Bucky, Steve, Peter and I gathered around a small table when room service delivered dinner. Peter stared down at it like he’d been starving and it was the first meal he’d had. Right after, Peter took the bathroom to get ready while I got dressed in our bedroom. When I stepped out of the room, all three boys looked to me, three sets of eyes going wide,

“Oh stop. You act like you’ve never seen a girl in a dress and heels before.” Bucky swallowed,

“Not one that looks like you that’s for damn sure.” I looked the three of them over, cocking my head,

“Dad said we’re supposed to stay under the radar but the three of you-”

“Are nothing compared to you.” Steve spoke up. I sighed, playing with my hands,

“The four of us are a threat. Something tells me someone’s getting laid tonight.” Bucky scoffed,

“Right. No one’s gonna talk to me because of the arm, Steve is too nice to just lay someone out and you two… okay maybe you two will-”

“Whoa, what is that supposed to mean?” Peter piped up, turning to look at him. Bucky looked between Peter and I,

“You two… oh come on there’s all kinds of chemistry there. I see the way you look at each other.” I scoffed,

“Right because my high school bully is my soulmate right?” Bucky’s eyes continued between Peter and I for a few moments before he shrugged,

“Okay sure… whatever you say.” I shook my head, walking towards the door and opening it. I waited for the three of them just outside before Steve held his arm out,

“Would you like an escort?” I smiled, lacing my hand in his arm,

“Of course.” Walking me to the elevator, we waited for it, my eyes wandering to the other two men beside us. Bucky stared up at the elevator going through floors while Peter stared at his feet, playing with his fingers. When the elevator dinged, Peter looked up, his eyes momentarily finding mine before it was right back to the opening doors. But that look. The look in his eyes when I caught them. Like he was… sad. Steve didn’t let me think about it, dragging me into the elevator and then out into the lobby and across it into the small bar. All four of us sat at the bar, lined like ducks and all looking forward.

“Four beers.” Steve spoke up.

“No,” he found my eyes, his brow furrowing, “I’ll take whiskey. I’m not afraid.” Bucky smiled over Steve’s shoulder as the bartender served three beers and a whiskey, watching as I sipped from the tumbler. He smiled, looking between the four of us. Bucky chuckled,

“Yep… she’s a Stark.”

                                              {Peter’s P.O.V}

Nearly three tumblers of whiskey and four shots of vodka later Y/N was wrecked. She was a giggling mess in the booth we had moved into. She had flung herself at Steve and I when we trapped her in,

“Petey. Be a dear and get me another drink.” She slurred, draping her head over my shoulder. I chuckled, sliding my water towards her,

“I think you’ve had enough honey. Drink some of this.” Seemingly thinking it was more alcohol she downed what was in the glass and crinkled her nose. She’d done it a lot tonight and I had to admit… it was actually pretty cute. She broke me from my thoughts when her beautiful eyes met my own,

“You’re pretty cute you know that?” I nearly swallowed my tongue while Steve and Bucky looked on, snickering to themselves,

“W-what?” She blinked slowly, swaying a little bit as she moved to drape her arm around my neck,

“You’re cute Penis Parker.” She giggled to herself, covering her mouth like she’d just admitted something she wasn’t supposed to. And seeing how the past few days had been tense, it was some big secret she wasn’t supposed to reveal.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. You’re cute Peter Parker.” She spit out, swaying some more and practically falling into my lap. I smiled, rubbing her back,

“Yeah… I don’t think you’d like to hear yourself say that if you were sober.”

“No, no, I’ve always liked you. That’s why I hated you so much. You were so cute and I and I had a… crush on you and you were an ass. You were a big ass. You just ripped my heart from my chest and you… you just stomped on it. You hurt my heart Parker.” It felt like my own heart had been ripped from my body. She HAD been in love with me. Before she left Midtown, people loved to tell me she had feelings for me. I was selfish and I pushed her down and I told them no but she did. She’d liked me and I screwed it up just to be something that wouldn’t matter in five years. I’d hurt Y/N and at the time I didn’t even care. But I regretted it. Trust me I regretted it. Especially now.

“I’m sorry.” I muttered, resting my head over hers on my shoulder. She hummed, wrapping her arms around my own, and snuggling into me. I looked up, both Steve and Bucky looking at us. I swallowed, averting my eyes,

“What?” Bucky shook his head, looking around at the other people in the bar,

“Nothin. You two are just-”

“Forget it. She’ll never admit this stuff when she’s in her right mind. She’ll never go out with me or like me the same way again. I screwed up and it’s not like it was back in middle school and the beginning of high school. She dropped out of school because of me,” looking down at Y/N slowly but surely falling asleep against me, I shook my head, “I bullied her and I don’t deserve her now.” Steve cocked his head,

“If you’re soulmates, she’ll forgive you Peter. You just have to show her that she’s worthy. Show her that you’re sorry rather than saying it because until she’s seeing you in a different light, she’ll have no idea how into her you are.” I looked down at her, taking her hand in mine. It felt right. I’d been a dumbass in high school. I wouldn’t push her or hit her but mentally I scarred the poor thing. She was so sweet and she had no idea what she was doing when she “ruined my life” but I knew exactly what I was doing and it didn’t feel right back then. She absolutely dreaded coming into classes if I was in them. I’d seen her stand just outside to prepare herself.

“Do you think you’d go out with me if I talked you into it?” I mumbled into Y/N’s ear. She nodded, squeezing my hand. I sighed, laying my head over hers,

“Then I should probably get on making you like me again huh?” Opening her eyes, she looked up at me,

“Yes.” I nodded, rubbing her back,

“Let’s get you up to bed. We’ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” She groaned when I stood, taking my hands and standing on wobbly legs. Bucky and Steve followed as I led Y/N back to the elevator, her arm around my neck. Looking down at her, she stared back up at me,

“Kiss me.” I smiled, shaking my head,

“Like I said babe, wait until we’ve established some boundaries. If you come to and find out I kissed you, you’ll gut me and what you said today about not doing what your dad said will fly out of our window wall with me.” She pouted, but moved on when I led her into the elevator. Bucky scoffed as he and Steve trapped the two of us in the small shaft,

“And you told me you’d never be anything. Liar.” I frowned up at him as the doors closed before us. 

Taglist: @bethanystan @peter–man @tiny-friggin-human @tom-hollands-eyelash