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dumbbitchenergy17 · 4 years ago

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Bringer of Chaos

With the reveal of you as the UA traitor, 1-A and the Pro Heroes now have to face the war coming to them. By the Bringer of Chaos.

Words- 6.6K

UA!Traitor x MHA, Tomura Shigaraki x Reader (Sibling Relationship)

Warnings: MAJOR Character death, violence, death, Stockholm syndrome, angst, and lots of sadness

A/N: For the readers quirk it’s chaos magic just like Scarlet Witch as well as hero costume. This isn’t a crossover making the reader Scarlet Witch, just that that quirk works for the story and I couldn’t think of any other villain costume. Anyways hope you all enjoy.

Was it fear that she felt.

All their eyes on her.

Heroes think they were in the right but how many people died by their hands. Why say you're a hero if you can’t save them all right?

You had always had a dangerous quirk when you were younger, both your parents were quirkless but when they had you, you had one. Chaos Magic is what they called it the ability to tap into and utilizes the chaotic forces of the universe, capable of warping, manipulating and/or reconstructing reality and probability as well as the very fabric of existence. They had no clue where it came from and from which side of the family passed it down. Two quirkless parents raising a child with a strong quirk, they had no clue what to do.

You were pulled out of school after your quirk had manifested and you made a stuffed animal bear come to life, scaring the class and teacher and forcing you to transform it back to a regular toy. With such a strong quirk your parents were afraid that you could hurt someone when your quirk grew stronger and you were homeschooled for the safety of you but mostly the safety of others.

Society deemed people without quirks useless and not successful, if you had one you better hope it was powerful and flashy or you wouldn’t be going anywhere with your life. When you were younger you looked up to heroes, they saved the day and kept everyone safe from the bad guys. You remembered sitting on the couch with your parents watching the news and seeing the heroes save the day and you would stand up and turn to your parents saying you would become a hero and save everyone. They would smile and tell you if you worked hard enough you would be the next number one hero. With your childhood you were happy everyone was safe, until they weren’t.

The police and heroes said there was nothing they could have done to save them, it was a break-in. They had shown up and slaughtered your parents leaving you there sitting in between their bleeding bodies alone. That was when you knew heroes couldn’t save everyone, the society they live among is corrupt. Heroes looking after popularity votes and looks instead of actually saving lives. Ironically there were others they had similar ideals as you did. You were passed around from foster home to foster home but, no one wanted to deal with a child whose quirk was too dangerous; they didn’t want a villain-like kid.

You were six when you ran away after another foster family sent you back after you had made the dog they had got as a welcoming gift disappear never to return. You kept running until your legs wouldn’t let you move anymore and that’s when he found you.

A portal had opened in the alleyway you had collapsed in and out came a man followed by a boy. The man wore a some sort of ventilator mask that covered the entire of his face and neck, next to him was a boy who had a disembodied hand covering his face. The man never told you his name just holding his hand telling you that you would be able to get revenge on the heroes. You grew to see him as your new father and the boy who told you his name was Tomura as a brother. He was a few years older than you but the time you spent together was when you were meeting father or him watching you train your quirk. Another person in your life when you joined what was now the League of Villains was Kurogiri, father was rarely around so he watched after you and Tomura, he taught you everything you would need to know.

When you joined UA you main goal was to bring down the hero society following after Tomura’s lead, him always reminding you that you would get your revenge. You played your part well not holding back when in fights against villains during the USJ, Kamino Ward, everything fell into place. With talk about the UA traitor within the teachers no one suspected the girl who seemed to have little hold on her quirk, but how wrong they were. All this led to now your former friends looking at you in fear and horror, when it was revealed you were the traitor.

You were completely surrounded by her former teachers standing around you ready to take you down and you kept your gaze on your class.

“Y/n don’t make this harder than it is, please just surrender.” Mr. Aizawa held his scarf in both hands ready to attack if you made any sudden moves.

“And if I don’t? Can you really stop me?” You glance at your teacher and he faltered slightly in his stance.

“You’re completely surrounded by pro heroes, so we can take you down.” Present Mic said making you smirk they have only seen what you showed at progression with your quirk. UA only knows the most you could do is change the integrity of a few objects, nothing on a large scale. They barely gave you time to react with Mr. Aizawa sends his capture weapon towards you to wrap it around you, activating his quirk making his hair rise up and float. The weapon goes straight to you half of it landing on the ground behind you.

You look at him with a bored expression, finding humor in him and the others' shocked expression. “Did you think it would be that easy?” You knelt grabbing the end of his capture weapon and he tries to use it but it doesn’t affect you. “What would a simple cloth feel like if it weighed more than that.” A red haze covers the cloth leading up to his neck and slams into the ground, the weight of the scarf alone slowly starts to suffocate him. Present Mic and Midnight rush to him trying to pry the scarf off him.

“Mr. Aizawa!” Class 1-A yells seeing their teacher struggle. Dropping the scarf from your end you look around at your teachers who know they can’t stop you and your classmates.

“Don’t think this is over,” You hear an explosion and someone running towards you, “You bastard get back here!” Bakugo yells, holding his hand out sending a huge explosion. The smoke clears and there is Bakugo panting out of breath looking around for you, but you’re nowhere to be found. The red haze surrounding Aizawa’s scarf disappears, sending him shooting upwards, throwing it off him as he coughs and wheezes. The 1-A and the Pros look to where you once stood, if that was just some of your power, they had no clue what was in store for them if you came back.

In an abandoned warehouse the league hears footsteps heading towards the room they were in. Each of them ready to fight and kill the intruder, the footsteps getting louder until it was right in front of the room.

“That’s funny thinking your quirks could stop me.” A familiar voice calls out through the door as they open it. You stand in front of them and they relax welcoming you in. Standing away from them was Tomura Shigaraki, he was scratching his neck frantically but stopped when he heard your voice. You walked closer to the man you saw as a mentor, as a brother. You stood next to him as he looked out the warehouse window showing the vast city that was part of Japan.

“Tomura...it’s time.”

With your reveal as the UA traitor the school was put on lockdown immediately once you left in fear you would return but not alone. Your face was plaster across the news worldwide ranking you as national alert. News articles found everything about you with your parent’s death, your disappearance from the orphanage to your life at UA. They speculated that you could be in correlation to the league which made you more of a threat, if you had connections to All for One or Tomura Shigaraki.

“Funny how one moment you were just a UA student, now you’re public enemy number one.” Spinner smirks, tossing you the latest newspaper that talked about you. You smirked as you made the newspaper disappear before it could hit you and reappear behind Spinner hitting him in the back of the head.

“They say the same crap as always, not my fault heroes don’t know how to do their jobs.” You go back to laying on the couch closing your eyes, blocking out the noise of the villains around you. You hear the door open and footsteps bounding towards you jumping on the couch crushing you under their weight.

“Y/nnnnnn I missed you so much when you were gone. It’s boring being the only girl here with Mange gone and you always at UA.” Toga wraps her arms around you squeezing the living life out of you.

“Toga if you don’t let me go, I swear I will turn you into a bug.” You open one eye glaring at her and she sighs getting off you mumbling under her breath.

“How much longer do we have to keep waiting we’ve been in this stupid warehouse for the past week.” Dabi said, kicking a can away from where he was standing.

“Yeah I wanna fight, no let’s relax.” Twice responses, god they were annoying as hell.

You huff sitting up look at them, “When Tomura says he’s ready we’ll go until then shut up and let me rest.”

“And why should we listen to what you have to say, you’re younger than any of us.” Dabi gets up in your face and you clench your jaw waiting for him to do something.

“You should watch what you say next, we know who could win in this fight.” You stand both of you up in each other's face.

“Yeah what are you gonna do about it, huh” He smirks and he goes to speak again but his breath hitches as he grabs his throat.

“What’s the problem Dabi? Have something to say?” He falls to his knees as he tries to breath but is unable to. “You feel that right your lungs are failing on you, do you know how easy it is to kill you right now.” You squat in front of him grabbing his face, your hand covered in a red haze when you use your quirk.

“You made your point Y/n stop it.” Toga grabs your shoulder.

“No, he seems like he has something to say right, Dabi.” Tears fill his eyes as he is practically blue in the face.

“That’s enough Y/n.” Tomura calls out and you stop using your quirk as him and Mr. Compress enter the room. Dabi sucks in air coughing profusely Twice, Toga, and Spinner goes to his aid as he regulates his breath lightheaded from the rush of new oxygen. “You all act like children.” Tomura says walking past you all going to the window looking out to the city.

“Whatever.” You roll your eyes sitting back on the couch. “The Nomus are ready, my army is ready.” He turns to look at you all. “You all know what you have to do, so get to it.” He says and they all leave, Dabi walking past you glaring at you with you glaring back. Leaving only the two of you left in the room, you stand next to him as you both look at the calm city that will be thrown into chaos.

“Father would be proud of you Tomura.” You place your hand on his shoulder and he nods.

“You know what to do, you are the biggest piece in the puzzle. You know UA in and out, give them hell.” You nod looking at the man you see as family, the calm before the storm.

“I’ll see you on the other side Tomura.”

The van you were in stopped a few blocks away and you climbed out of it looking back at the villains sitting in it. “Don’t fuck it up Y/n.” Dabi says and you smirk. “You just do your job.” The clothes you were wearing transform into your old school uniform. The league drives away leaving you to walk the rest to UA, they would have no clue what hit them.

With your disappearance UA had been hesitant but continued school as normal, with the dorms they had up campus security and included a strict curfew for the safety of the students. Many students were surprised when they heard that you were the traitor while others found it ironic that someone from 1-A the hero course was actually a villain. 1-A atmosphere had definitely change since the reveal, some were easier at coming to peace that who they thought was their friend was actually a traitor while others still couldn’t believe it. The class seemed dull with you gone. You had put on a convincing performance, actually forming friendships with your classmates some seeing you as family which broke them even more. Midoriya lost some sort of sparkle since you had left, he saw you as one of his closest friends and felt like this seemed like his fault why didn’t he see the signs. Your curiosity for everyone’s quirk specifically his, you seemed to have a love for heroes and he had shown you his notebook with list upon list of everyone with their quirks and their strength and weakness. He let her get exactly what she needed that would affect heroes and the students because he saw her as a friend.

Mr. Aizawa went on about the lesson but Izuku drowned out most of his talking his gaze to the window showing the walkway to the front of the school. Every few minutes he could see cars driving past the entrance, but what caught his eye was someone walking down the path that led to the building. From this distance he couldn’t make out a face but they were a student from the uniform, but why were they there? It was already the middle of the school day and they should be in class. As if his questions were answered an alarm went off shocking the students

“Intruder alert! Please evacuate the building. Intruder alert!” The intercoms repeat as the alarm continues.

Everyone is grabbing their bags, “It’s probably just the press like last time.” Kirishima says as they get ready to leave, but Midoriya is still locked onto the figure walking to the building, they had no school bag and didn’t seem like they were in a hurry as they got closer. Whoever was walking looked up towards the building and Midoriya felt ice enter his veins seeing their face.

“Hey Deku come on we have to go.” Uraraka grabs his arm to pull him away from the window but he is frozen in shock and fear. His classmates look at him confused at his unnaturally pale face.

“Deku you idiot we have to leave.” Bakugo yells at him standing at the door where Mr. Aizawa was waiting impatiently as they needed to evacuate as a group.

“She’s here.” Midoriya said, and the class had a pretty good idea who “she” was.

“None of you leave this classroom, you got it.” Mr. Aizawa pushed them back in, closing the door, locking it and rushing to go to the other teachers leaving 1-A locked in the class unable to do anything but watch out the window.

“This is crazy, why is she back?” Kaminari said as they all tried to look out the window to see you.

“Whatever reason the Pros will stop her.” Ida said having faith in the heroes.

“You saw what she did last time she was here she almost killed Mr. Aizawa!” Mineta cried out.

“If it’s a fight that’s coming I’m not gonna sit around and wait for her to get here. Where’s the button to open our lockers” Bakugo yelled, going to Mr. Aizawa's desk looking for the button so they could get their hero costumes.

“That isn’t smart Kacchan we thought she wasn’t that advanced with her quirk but if she is that strong and involved with the league of villains we are ants compared to her.” Midoriya tried to reason with him.

“I think Bakugo is right,” Momo said which shocked most of the class, “We need to be logical with this, she’s back here for a reason, she wouldn't be coming back if she didn’t have a plan or someone specific she’s after. She is not our friend anymore right now she’s the enemy and if we want any chance of surviving this we can’t be on a lower level than her.” With Momo’s speech their thoughts were decided, they would have to prepare to fight if they wanted to come out of this alive.

You knew the Pros would be here any minute after you heard the alarm go off. You stood in front of the fountain waiting for them to arrive, you knew that this fight some people wouldn’t make it out but the heroes need to get the punishment they deserve. The loud screech from Present Mic when using his quirk could bring anyone down caused you to press your hands against your ears. You could endure this if it meant saving up energy for your quirk. You felt the capture weapon surround your body and the screaming stop and you collapsed to the ground.

“Ms. Y/n we weren’t expecting you to show up but it seems that we were still able to take you down.” You knew you couldn’t use your quirk unlike last time when that had been an illusion you just needed to wait.

“Funny Nezu you always think you're one step ahead.” You smirk looking up at the principal, “I know I’m always one step ahead.” You could smell the fire and there it was the blue flames growing from the forest.

“It’s the League of Villains!” Midnight gasped coming out of the forest were hordes of Nomus each with different quirks.

“You're sure you’re one step ahead?” You smirk and they knew you were just a decoy. The teachers outside had no choice but to deal with the Nomus heading towards the school and to where you were.

Leaving just Aizawa and Nezu to deal with you, “You are much smarter than I expected.” You shrugged and Aizawa tightened his weapon making you laugh

“I was told to give them hell.” With that you swept your foot out from under Nezu and Aizawa causing them both to jump back, with the split second it that Aizawa eyes closed you vanished from his binds. “Truly wonderful time seeing you again, but the fight has barely begun.” Aizawa doesn’t have time to fight you as he is attacked by a Nomu.

Nezu studies you and you stare back at him, “I don’t understand why you’ve done this but we will stop you.”

You grin “You heroes say that but we both know how this ends.” You disappeared from the battle leaving the teachers fighting the Nomus and the students inside defenseless against you.

“Where did she go?!” Sero said seeing you disappear from their view. With the doors locked they couldn’t leave so they stood in the classroom in their hero costumes waiting for the fight to come to them.

“We know that she’s with the league for all we know they could be in the building already and with the teachers outside we would open for an attack.” Midoriya said seeing you easily get captured only for you to be a decoy for the league to appear, it was genius.

“Midoriya, always thinking about the correct things, that was something I liked about you.” You said making the class turn from the window to where you were sitting on top of your desk in the back. “Great to see you all again.” You smiled and your classmates grimaced at you.

“You're a bitch you know that.” Bakugo hissed, making you frown.

“That hurts my feeling, Kacchan.” You hopped off your desk walking towards them, none of them moving when you stood in front of your classmates.

“You guys are smart putting on your costumes, cause out there seems like the final battle, but this is the beginning of the war.” You said and conveniently when you finished rumbling when through the building and loud explosions went off.

Out the window the view showed buildings away from UA erupting into flames explosions happening every few blocks. 1-A watched in horror that this is what she meant by war not just UA and the league, the entirety of villains and heroes battling it out; utter chaos. “With that we sadly won’t be needing you all. I say this as your former classmate and friend, stay the hell out of my way I don’t wanna hurt you.” The class doesn’t have time to fight back or anything when it feels like the ground is taking out from under them and they are warped away.

The teachers outside are struggling with Nomus keep showing up, suddenly they all freeze and walk away from the heroes heading to the building stopping in front of it as if they were guarding it. Aizawa wipes away the blood from his face “What the hell is this.” He sighs.

“Mr. Aizawa!” He hears his students yell out to him and sees them running towards him.

“What are you all doing here I told you to stay inside.” He scolds them

Ida steps up from the group, “It was Y/n she appeared in the class and then warped us all away, there were other students as well. I believe everyone in the building is now outside.” Aizawa looked back to the building that was guarded by Nomus.

“We don’t know why they would take the building but remove the students but we need to take headcount to see if everyone is actually outside. With what is happening in the city and here heroes are spread thin. This is exactly what they had planned but why go after UA and how is Y/n involved in all this.” The teachers didn’t deal with any problems with the league or Nomu they all just seemed to stop after the students were outside. Part of the forest that was destroyed by the flames was used as a base for heroes and students, everyone was outside not a single student was missing. Which put out the question of what they were after.

“Not a single student is missing, heroes from outside of Musutafu are coming in, but even then we don’t know how many villains or Nomus they might have.” Midnight told Nezu. Some of the teachers were together discussing their next plan while others were watching the students.

“We can assume that the League is in the building, we need to figure out a plan to fight them but also keep the students safe.” Aizawa said, looking over to where his class was.

“The only two people that have a decent amount of info on the league would be Aizawa and All Might.” Nezu said, “You had Y/n as a student though she never showed us the full potential of her quirk, you know her as a student. Whether her personality she showed to everyone was a lie, lies are built on truth. We need to remember she is still a child she could be manipulated to believe what she’s doing is right.” The teachers nodded, you were just a child that could be forced in the middle of this war, “Does anyone know where All Might we need some more information on the League.” The teachers looked at each other, no one had seen All Might at all. With him becoming quirkless because of Kamino he wasn’t outside when the heroes fought the Nomus. Then it hit the heroes, that’s what they were after.

“You think they figured out you are gone yet? All Might.” You asked, turning away from the window to where All Might sat tied up. “Think the new Symbol of Peace is going to be able to stop this.” You walked over to where he was and sat down in front of him.

“Y/n I don’t know why you’ve done this, but being with the League of Villains will not help you get what you want.” He tries to reason with you.

“What I want you can’t give, the next best thing is getting revenge on those who failed to save them.” You looked at the frail man sitting in front of you. “Do you know what it’s like losing everyone in your life? My parents died because you heroes failed to protect them. You call yourself a hero but you still fail to help those in need. I wanted to become a hero but my quirk was too dangerous for the public. I had no one when they died, no one wanted the girl whose quirk was literally chaos. They found me, took me in and raised me, they were the only ones who actually cared for me.” You said, tears forming in your eyes recalling your horrible childhood.

“They took you in because they saw your quirk. All for One only saw you as a pawn in his game, Shigaraki “raised” you so you would fight alongside him instead of against him.” All Might explained and you stood up, the chair behind you slamming against the floor.

“You’re wrong..they care for me.” You point your finger at him proving to him but he could see that you were doubting yourself.

“They’re using you Y/n what you are doing is leading you down a path that you can’t turn back from.” You turned away from him looking out the window seeing the Pros standing on the pathway, waiting for the fight to begin.

You could see heroes all around Japan here ready to fight, you could also see UA students ready to fight including 1-A. “Those idiots.” You mumbled. “This is the end for heroes All Might, I will get my revenge.” You exit the room walking down the hallway to the main conference room where the League was waiting as well as villains from all over Japan.

Tomura looks at you and you nod telling him you're ready, “Our time for hiding in the shadows is over, the reign of heroes will end today.” The villains cheer rushing out going to fight the heroes. You don’t move as villains pass by you including members of the League leaving as well. You feel a hand on your shoulder making you look up, “Are you alright?” Tomura asks and you nod, the sick feeling still in your stomach from what All Might said to you.

“Tomura...I’m not a pawn in all this.” You knew that you were needed in getting your revenge that’s what father told you, but were you expendable if need be.

“You are the one that is going to change the future, a bringer of chaos, Master will be proud of us both.” Tomura said and you felt the tension in you loosen a bit, “You be safe okay Tomura.” He doesn’t say anything just nodded and left you alone. What you were doing was right, the path you were following was dark but was the right one.

The showdown between villains and heroes as they stood on opposite sides neither moving yet. “We have visuals on Shigaraki and other members of the League, no visual of Y/l/n.” Aizawa heard through the comm links everyone was given, there were four squads made, squad 1 deals with underground villains, squad 2 deals with the Nomus surrounding the building, squad 3 will deal with the League and Y/n if she shows up on the field, and squad 4 will being helping in the rescue of All Might. Most of the top Pros were involved in squad 2 and 3 while lesser heroes dealt with the lesser villains and the All Might rescue.

“How long are they going to keep standing here, either fight or surrender.” Endeavor said looking at the villains standing there waiting.

“Everyone behind us!” The heroes turned and there was Y/n with villains behind her as well as a few Nomus.

“It’s an ambush!” Aizawa yells and the villains on both sides rush to attack the heroes in the middle. The thundering footsteps rush past you as they attack heroes in front of you, with your entrance on the field you disappear appearing back in the room where All Might was in.

From the window you could see Villains and heroes fought for their lives, many getting injured, some fatally wounded. “You see this All Might, heroes and villains together fighting for their lives, where’s the peace now. There is only chaos.” You glanced behind you looking at the former Pro before turning back to watch the fight.

“I’m sorry.” You hear All Might say, “I’m sorry we couldn’t save your parents, you don’t deserve to have all this hate and sadness in your life.”

You froze staring down watching your comrades and allies being hurt and your former friends and mentors dying due to your goals. “I wanted to help people. I wanted to be the kind of hero that saves everyone so no one is alone in their life. You can’t save me All Might you said so yourself I’m too far down this path to be saved.” You turn to him and he sees glimpses of the person you were in school, a curious girl with a strong quirk ready to help anyone in her class. You were just a child but you have had more problems than anyone has dealt with in a lifetime.

“We can help you, just help us stop this, we can get you the life you always wanted.” All Might pulled against the restraints pleading to you.

“We both know how this fight ends, I’m never going to get that happy ending.” You turned around to look back at the fight when you saw the door entering the room was slightly open. “Smart All Might, distract me with some sappy excuse so the heroes could get in and save you. Who’s here, someone who could be invisible, Hagakure or Asui I know you were working on camouflage with your quirk.” You call out a red haze surrounding your hands ready to fight the intruder. You have no time to react when the window you were standing in front of shatters due to an explosion, another being sent to you sending you flying across the room. You hit the wall, denting it slightly, looking up to see Bakugo, Midoriya, Todoroki, as well some heroes and other students from other classes. “You’re all so good, coming to save him it’s pathetic.” You spit out blood that pooled in your mouth.

“Fight then, though a school uniform wouldn’t be the best suited for this.” Bakugo smirks looking at the uniform you were still in. You smirk getting up groaning slightly from how hard you hit the wall.

“Let’s change into something more suitable.” You slowly walk to them your outfit changing as a red haze starts from your feet changing your clothes. You now wore a red chestplate with angular faulds extending into an ankle-length skirt, elbow-length red fingerless gloves, black trousers and thigh-high boots, and an intricate red crown.

“You had to ask.” Todoroki looks over to Bakugo. Bakugo rushes towards you sending an explosion at your face but it fazes right through you.

“Gonna have to try harder then that.” You laugh now on the other side of the room holding All Might in your grasp blasting the people by him away. A blast of ice is sent to you but you dodge out of the way, with the ice distracting you. Midoriya punches you in the gut sending you flying out of the building down to where the fight was. Bakugo jumps out of the building grabbing onto you using his other hand to send an explosion sending you both shooting straight into the ground making a small crater.

Bakugo hears a groan and smirks, “Not that quick are you..” The dust clears out and Bakugo is shocked to see Midoriya underneath him instead of you. “How the hell did she.” He gets up pulling up Midoriya who holds his ribs in pain. “Where the hell did she go.” He looks around at the fighting around him not given much time to think as villains attack him.

You smirk running through the fight trying to find Tomura even if they were able to rescue All Might the heroes had just as many casualties then you did. You see Tomura disintegrate someone's arm pushing them away, but you could see he was getting overwhelmed with many Pros after him. You rush towards him but a wall of orange flames blocks you from reaching him. You turn to see who sent the flames and there was the number one hero Endeavor.

“You killed innocent people.” He says making his way towards you.

“I’m reshaping the future” You get ready to fight and Endeavor sends a blast of fire towards you and you could feel the heat from the blast. Before it could hit you blue flames appear blocking the attack.

“Go we both have our jobs.” You see Dabi standing in front of you, the flames growing in both men’s hands, both him and Endeavor ready to fight. You nodded running off to Tomura, Dabi can handle himself, like he said we each had our own jobs. You see Snipe aiming his gun towards Tomura and you stand in front of him. The bullets float in midair and you send them flying back in different directions. Some hitting heroes, others hitting villains you couldn’t care as long as Tomura was safe.

“They got All Might, what now.” You stand back to back with him using your quirk to break heroes bones, sending people flying across the field.

“Get the league here we leave now.” He answers, pressing his hand on a hero's face instantly disintegrating them. You spread your hands out closing your eyes, getting a picture of each member on the field and warping them to your location.

“That was a weird feeling.” Toga giggles, throwing a knife into someone’s leg.

“Time to go now.” Tomura says.

You hold your hands out and a portal opens up in front of you. Villains that are close to the portal rush to it as they don’t want to be left behind, and the heroes see this and rush to stop you all.

“You guys go, I can handle them.” You sent a wave of energy towards the heroes nearby, sending them back. “See I got thi-”

You heard it before you felt it. In all the noise and chaos happening around you it’s funny how this small noise from far away you heard. Maybe your quirk knew what was going to happen and in some sick way warned you knowing you wouldn’t be fast enough to stop it. Two sharp pains went through your body and you jolted a bit when they hit you. Why did it suddenly feel like everything was in slow motion, why was it hard to breath, god why is everything so quiet.

You look over at the League and you see Toga screaming but being held back by Mr. Compress, Spinner was standing there shocked looking at you, and Twice and Dabi were holding Tomura back as he struggled in their grasp screaming your name. All this was happening but it was quiet. You look down at your costume and you see two bullet holes blood staining it, one in your chest where your heart is the other in your stomach. Time sped up and the noise returned as you fell to your knees coughing out blood.

“Y/N! NO LET ME GO!” You hear Tomura scream, you hold out your hand.

“Go!” You wheeze, grabbing your chest as you cough up more blood. You look at each of them taking in an image of them as Mr. Compress pulls Toga through the portal, Spinner following after him, you see Tomura still struggling trying to get to you. You make eye contact with Dabi and just nod and he gives you a solemn one back using all his and Twice’s strength to pull Tomura through. You look at Tomura and smile, you would see each other some day.

“Tomura you look after me just like a big brother does! That’s what Kurogiri told me when I asked him.” A younger version of you smiles up to Tomura and he looks at you kneeling down to your height.

“I’ll always be with you and protect you.” He placed his hand on your head making sure to keep one finger up. You smile and giggle hugging him tightly burying your face in your chest.

“Thanks Tomura.”

With the last amount of strength left in you, you wave your hand closing the portal once Tomura has completely disappeared. You feel your weight shift unable to keep yourself up on your knees and fall to the ground. You saw green lightning and they caught you before you hit the ground. You see Midoriya’s face above you yelling out to someone but you're focused on the sky and how you could see the colors change as it almost reaches sunset.

“Hey come on stay awake help is on the way just stay awake.” You see his tear filled eyes stare down at you.

“Why..I’m a bad guy.” You wheeze and he laughs, tears filling his eyes.

“No one is ever truly bad.” You smile looking back towards the sky, “Hey come on don’t give up on me.”

You hear footsteps run up and it’s Aizawa and All Might. “Come on Midoriya.” Aizawa goes to pull him away but you grab Izuku’s arm.

“Please don’t leave me.” You whimper, tears filling your eyes. Izuku nods with tears in his eyes falling. “You heroes...always see the good.. in others...it’s nice.” You smile looking up at the sky and a tear slides down your face, and you wince feeling the sharpness in your chest. “I don’t wanna die.” You cry and that breaks the heroes standing in front of you.

“Your not going to help is going to be here any minute.” Aizawa reassures you and nods.

“The sky it’s pretty…tell them I’m sorry.” You cough your breathing getting more shallow and faint and you could swear you saw two figures standing above you. “momma... papa.”

She felt fear at first but it was inner peace as you saw a bright light.

Midoriya looks down ready to comfort you to tell you that help is coming, but stops when he sees you. Your gaze is on the sky, your eyes blank, a small smile on your face finally at peace.

Izuku lets out an anguish cry when he sees your chest not rising anymore. He cries for many reasons, the pain you went through to make you a villain, the hate you must have felt fighting your former friends, and him and all the heroes failing you.

The battlefield was silent as they looked at the young boy holding her body, many heroes felt guilt ebb at them for letting a misguided child die due to this life. Students from UA are lost at words from the loss of a former friend and student, they never expected this to come this far. Students from 1-A cry, seeing their classmate hold the body of their former classmate. Teachers and heroes that knew her look away not wanting to see her body in fear they would fall apart or cry in front of others.

This day would be remembered for years to come as the day the heroes failed at saving one girl that needed the most saving.

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babbushka · 4 years ago

Text

Happily Ever After (Part 1)

Flip Zimmerman x Reader

10k; Slow burn, strangers to lovers, hidden/secret identity, falling in love, first kiss; cw: Kidnapping, sword fighting, archery, near-death experiences

A/N: I originally was going to upload this as one big oneshot, but then I got carried away and it became too long. So here is part 1, part 2 will be coming tomorrow, which has a much darker tone/set of warnings, please keep that in mind! Thank you to everyone for voting on my 5k Follower celebration polls and allowing me to write this story! I truly couldn’t have done it without you :)

Available on AO3

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Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a magical kingdom known to all as Springs Valley. It was a peaceful and prosperous kingdom, nestled deep in the heart of a mountainous range. Though the villages were small, they were happy, for they were ruled by their beloved Queen and her husband, the Prince. The monarchs treated the villagers fairly, and justly, ruling with a kind yet firm fist from their castle, a grand building called the Purple Palace. And if there was one thing that the monarchs taught above all, it was that the power of goodness and love, would always triumph over evil.

This is the story of how one man fought against all odds to start anew, to find his heart, and earn his crown.

Of the many small villages that co-existed in Springs Valley, there was only one that could be considered the Capitol. It was called Pike Peak, and that is where our story begins. Pike Peak was nestled on the outskirts of the Purple Palace, so named due to the land surrounding it: vast waves of lavender which swayed like a tide in the breezes that traveled through the Valley. The fields stretched from the edge of the palace all the way to the village, and so no matter where one stood in Pike Peak, the castle was always in sight, its crystal walls glittering in the sunshine.

From his home high up in the mountains, just on the edge of the village, Philip Zimmerman awoke every morning to the rainbow beams of light that the sun bounced off of the crystal walls. A humble carpenter, these bright rainbows lured Philip out of bed each morning, and called him to begin his day toiling away in his workshop.

On one particular morning, Philip awoke with a thorn in his side. For over thirty years, he had lived and worked in this home, crafting all manner of things from wood. His father had owned this workshop for eighty-years, and his father had owned it for nearly as long prior. Though in life there were no certainties, one thing could be counted on: Philip was born a woodworker, and he would die a woodworker.

“Another day, another order.” Philip huffed to himself that morning, wishing he were doing something, anything, else with his time.

He wasn’t ashamed to be a carpenter – no of course not! He’s good at it, the best in the village they say. It’s an honor to be the best at something, Philip thought as he stretched and set some coffee atop the stove.

It’s just that…well…it sure would be nice to have someone to share that with, wouldn’t it? He’d never tell a soul, but often when Philip is hard at work assembling the orders that have been given, he lets his mind wander to another world, a different world, where he could be something other than just the man who fixes a wobbly table or loose wagon wheel. A world where he could be a Knight in shining armor, have a beautiful maiden to call his wife and keep warm at night.

He loved living in the village, of course he did. He loved the townspeople and the quaint living, the fresh bread traded for baking paddles carved by his own hand. But as Philip turned his gaze to the Purple Palace, glittering and shimmering in the distance, he had to believe that there was something more to life than this.

He had to, otherwise what was all this for?

And he didn’t know, but looking out through your window in that very same castle high above him, a certain someone was thinking the very same.

Though the walls were made of crystal, mystery shrouded the Purple Palace. No one from the village had ever been allowed inside, so naturally rumors spread across the Valley, of what could be hidden away. One such rumor was that of a Princess, cursed for all eternity to remain bound to the palace grounds. No one had ever even seen this Princess, but still, the rumors remained.

Little did the Valley know, but there was indeed a Princess, although she hardly ever felt like it. Never allowed beyond the boundaries of the East Wing, she spent her days keeping herself company, occupied with her books and her art and her music. It was music most of all which she loved, so much so that when she thought no one could hear her, she would sing in the early hours of morning. The King and Queen had told her it was for her own safety, that she would surely be kidnapped or held for ransom by the neighboring Kingdom – and so out of fear, inside the castle she remained.

It wasn’t so bad, she reasoned, living in the castle. She had all her needs tended to, anything she wanted was given to her. New beautiful dresses and shoes, books and instruments and the latest entertainments, whatever food she desired were all brought to her at the snap of her fingers -- but what she craved most of all, more than any delicious meal or fine gown, was love.

Love like that which existed in the books she read to pass the hours wasting away in her bedroom. True love, pure and sweet. So every morning she sang, her window open, hoping that one day someone might hear her, and she might find the love she was after.

But Philip did not know any of this. Shaking the daydreams out of his head and turning away from the palace, he began to busy himself with the day. He dressed in the clothing that his meager peasant’s salary could afford, and drank the black coffee he had brewed. Leaving his small kitchen to check the post, Philip braced himself for another slew of orders – and new orders there were.

Every day it seemed as though something new in the village needed mending, or replacing. He had come to expect the same requests day after day. However, what he had not braced himself for, what he could never in a million years have expected, was a thick envelope sealed with purple wax, stamped with the crest of the royal family, sitting on top of the pile of mail.

Rushing into the small house once more, Philip tore open the envelope and could scarcely believe what he was reading,

“Dear Mr. Zimmerman, we have heard the wonders of your skill and have decided to commission your talents to build a grand centerpiece for the upcoming harvest festival,” He read aloud to himself, his eyes growing wide with every word, “By royal decree, we invite you to the castle for a consultation.”

Philip took a moment to process the offer, eventually coming to the conclusion that could only be described as, holy shit.

Abandoning his tasks for the day, Philip at once set off towards the Purple Palace.

Though it was early in the day, the path to the palace was filled with villagers, going about their lives in the same orderly fashion as they always had, the very same that Philip did. Philip wondered if they had dreams of grandeur, or if it was only he who was going through this mid-life crisis.

“Good morning Mr. Zimmerman!” One portly fellow, the butcher, waved to him. “Thank you again for the cutting blocks you made me, they work like a damn charm!”

“You’re welcome, I’m glad to hear they are holding up.” Philip gave a friendly nod and waved back.

“Flip? Flip! Over here!” A young boy called to him as he passed through the village square, “Check out this new trick I learned!”

Out of nowhere, this child ran up to him and threw a large stick his way. Expertly, Philip caught it and began to at once deflect blow after blow from his young opponent’s stick. The young boy waved his around and around, acting as if it were the mightiest of swords.

Allowing the boy to overtake him and knock the stick out of his hands, Philip heartily laughed as he fell to the ground with a theatrical flair that had the child bursting into a fit of giggles. Philip tried not to allow himself to grow bitter over the years, never having any children of his own. The village children were good-natured and friendly, if a bit chaotic at times, and it always reminded Philip of what could have been.

“Very good, keep that up and one day you’ll be fighting for our crown.” Nevertheless, Philip always encouraged the children whenever he saw them, so he got up and with a ruffle of the boy’s hair, continued on his way.

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

Glittering in the morning sunlight, the Palace was even more intimidating up close and personal. Guards standing by the door inspected him with raised eyebrows, but the moment he showed the seal on the envelope, the gates parted for him to pass through. As they opened, Philip hesitated – he had never been inside the palace before…no one had. He did not know what he was going to find, or what it would be like, but as the rainbows sparkled across the lavender fields, he knew there would only be one way to find out.

Every bit as magical as Philip had hoped, was the answer. He tried not to gawk at the mesmerizing architecture, seemingly clear and yet reflective all at once. Everything in the palace felt fragile and yet formidable, it was a disorienting experience. His disorientation only grew, as when he made his way through the entrance hall, he found none other than the King and Queen waiting for him atop their tall thrones. Philip knew what they looked like of course, their faces were on every piece of coinage and sent across the Valley by way of statue and tapestry, but much like the palace had seemed, up close they were intimidating.

At once, Philip bowed deeply, not wanting his first interaction with the monarchy to be his last.

“Mr. Zimmerman!” The King’s voice boomed loud and proud through the grand throne room, “How good of you to join us after all. We had hoped you would find our offer compelling.”

This friendliness was unexpected, and Philip, with great hesitation, stood back up to his full height. The King and Queen smiled at him, warm and welcoming.

“Yes your majesty, but I wonder, why me?” Philip had to ask, clutching the envelope in his too-large hands.

“Why not you?” The Queen challenged with a knowing smile, “It is no secret that you are the most talented carpenter in the Valley, and such talents do not go unnoticed by the crown.”

The praise brought a blush to Philip’s cheeks, and once again he averted his eyes. He wished his Ma were still here with him, if only she could have seen him now, being asked to make something for their monarchs.

“What would you like for me to build?” He wondered aloud, hoping it was not out of turn to be so direct with the royals.

“A wheelbarrow, one large enough to hold all the lavender for this year’s harvest.” The King did not seem deterred by his questioning, and had his answer ready to reply.

Philip’s eyebrows shot up at that notion, and through the crystal walls, he stared out into the sea of lavender just beyond. It seemed to stretch endlessly, for miles and miles all around. Philip had heard tales of the ocean but had never seen it himself – he imagined this was not dissimilar.

“That would be big indeed, I’m afraid I don’t think I would have the room to construct such a thing at my workshop.” Philip admitted, suddenly feeling ashamed at his own humble dwelling.

“You may live and work here for the duration of the build, if you so desire. I daresay that our workshop will be more than satisfactory.” The Queen offered at once, something that the carpenter had only ever dreamed about.

“It would be an honor, your majesties.” Philip agreed straight away, his hands already itching to begin carving and chipping and sanding away wood.

“Then we expect you to get started at once!” The Queen gave him a dismissing nod of her head, and he bowed deeply once more, before being escorted out of the throne room by palace aides, and down towards the East Wing.

And with that, Philip began constructing the largest and most impressive wheelbarrow that the Valley had ever seen.

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His routine was the same every day, for twenty days and twenty nights: in the early morning before the dawn, he would hike out into the forest to collect his wood. Chopping down only the most perfect of trees, Philip hauled logs and trunks across his shoulders back to the workshop, where he would use all the tools, space, and materials that the palace had to offer. He would not leave until very late at night, his hands cramped and body exhausted, but it was the most wonderful work he had done in a long time.

It was backbreaking work, especially for only one man, but every evening when he rested his head on the narrow bed in a small room just off the workshop, Philip fell asleep with pride in his chest. The singing helped, of course. Every morning, instead of awaking to rainbow beams of light shining through his window, he woke to the sweet song of a fair maiden. He did not know who she was, or even where she was, for the sound bounced around the crystal walls and made it appear as though she existed everywhere and nowhere.

Songs of longing, wordless melodies filled with a yearning for something which Philip had never been able to voice himself but that he could feel in his own soul, carried him through the day. It was a delight, a privilege to hear the music when it came, and a sorrowful emptiness when it finished.

Working by himself as he always had, alone in the workshop like he always was, he felt as though that maiden sang for him. He had grown so attached to the voice in fact, that when the wheelbarrow was complete and sent out to hold the year’s lavender harvest, Philip cast a yearning gaze up to the stars himself hoping that by some miracle, the maiden would reveal herself to him, and he could thank her for the beauty that was her voice.

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The festival began at sunrise, and though Philip was in good spirits, he found that he could not join in the immense excitement of those around him. Seemingly the entire town had awoken to celebrate; booths were constructed in the main square, and music and dancing were already underway.

In the center of it all, was the wheelbarrow, a structure larger than Pike Peak’s largest building. Standing nearly thirty feet tall and seemingly just as wide, it had been rolled out by palace guards and filled with lavender harvested from the fields, it truly was a sight to behold.

“Flip, it is marvelous.” The baker congratulated him, pulling him into a tight squeezing hug.

“How amazing, one of our own working for the King and Queen!” The cobbler stared at the magnificent sculpture in awe.

“Will they commission you again?” The blacksmith wondered aloud hopefully.

Of all these comments and questions, that one was the only thing that occupied Philip’s mind. Not for the prestige, or for the money, but to hear the voice of that fair maiden once again, to be able to work by the sound of her voice once more.

“That I cannot say, I hope to inquire about that when I receive my compensation tomorrow.” He replied, before sticking his hands in his pocket, and leaving the large gathering to go find a quiet place to smoke his pipe.

So lost in a daydream about the maiden was he, that he did not make it very far before someone collided with his firm chest at such a speed that she toppled onto the ground with a startled gasp.

“Oh shit!” The poor maiden groaned. Belatedly, Philip realized that she was holding a hot coffee fresh from one of the breakfast stalls, and immediately began to search and ensure that she had not been burned.

“Please forgive me!” Philip apologized at once, flustered in his own right, feeling like a fool and concerningly asking, “Are you injured?”

The maiden simply looked at him, and Philip felt as though all time and space came to a standstill. She was, undoubtedly, the most beautiful thing he had ever beheld. Even with her torn and tattered hem and her dirty apron, Philip could feel the tides within him change.

“No, no I’m quite alright. I should have been watching where I was going, the fault is mine.” Dazed, the maiden seemed just as affected by Philip as he was of her, and he pulled her gently to her feet.

“I don’t think we’ve met before, are you new to the village?” His own voice sounded a thousand miles away to his ears, too captivated in the presence of such beauty.

“Hm? Oh! Yes,” She began to stammer, nervous about something. “I, um well you see I come from out of town. I heard there to be a large and impressive centerpiece for the festival, and I wanted to see it for myself.”

“You heard about the wheelbarrow?” He blinked, chest pounding.

“Of course! And I find it absolutely magnificent, seeing it up close like this.” She replied with an honest smile, “Whoever made it surely is an expert at their craft.”

At this, Philip’s heart soared! This beautiful woman had heard of him, had heard of his work. His heart began to beat harder, faster than before. All at once, any worries he may have had about the quality of his craftsmanship vanished, all in the wake of this one person’s praise.

“Do you really think so?” Philip swallowed around a lump in his throat, and all too softly, the maiden nudged the back of his hand with her own.

“Yes, I do.” She whispered, a sparkle of sorts in her eye that made Philip sure he had to be dreaming, that sort of sparkle that told him she knew exactly who built it. Biting her lip for a moment, she looked around and continued in that same hushed tone, “I fear that I am not familiar enough with your village to know my way around this festival, would you accompany me?”

No one had ever asked Philip to accompany them to anything, as a friend or…or otherwise. And the way she was looking at him, he knew that this was most certainly an otherwise.

“It would be a privilege.” He offered her his arm, which she gladly accepted, and back to the festival they went.

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Pike Peak knew how to throw a party, this was extremely evident to the young maiden as Philip led her through the main square. Everyone had donned a costume of sorts, masks and hats and funny tunics made to look like the buds of the lavender flower which they were celebrating. Music played happily and people danced, children ran about shouting out in joy as they chased one another, and merriment was abundant.

As they walked through the square, Philip brought the maiden down towards the merchant stalls, where craftsmen like himself had goods on display for purchase. It wasn’t just those in Pike Peak who attended the festival, no no, people from all over Springs Valley made the journey to partake in the festivities, and the merchants knew it. Philip had of course seen all these goods before, but it was evident that the maiden had not.

She stopped in front of one stall belonging to the Jeweler. Kept in wooden boxes made by Philip’s own hand were one of a kind necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets of purple stones that shone in the late morning light.

“Would you like one?” Philip asked her gently, when he noticed her staring at a particular pair of earrings.

“Oh I couldn’t possibly.” She replied with an embarrassed shake of her head, about to move on from the stall.

“Which pair? Please, allow me.” Philip reaches out to grasp her wrist to prevent her from leaving, wanting to give something to her, wanting to do something nice for her. He didn’t have very much money, but he knew that he would soon be paid for his commission, and decided this beautiful woman was worth the expense.

“Those.” Entranced, she pointed to an ornate set.

Philip had to admit, she had wonderful taste. The earrings were set in gold, small hoops from which stones dangled. The first and largest stone was oval shaped, and from it six smaller circles in two rows of three sat nestled in gold as well. And then, dangling from them, three oblong purple stones twinkled and clinked together like windchimes as Philip picked them up.

“How much?” Philip asked the Jeweler, who eyed him with joy.

“For you, who has done so much for me? Take them as a gift, I insist.” The Jeweler put her hands up as if to say she would not be convinced to change her mind. She regarded the maiden then and told her, “Without this man’s talents, I would not have a studio to make my designs in.”

The maiden grinned at Philip, who only blushed deeply from the kind words spoken about him. Turning to him, the maiden pushed her hair away from her ears.

“Would you put them on for me?” She asked, and Philip had to will his hands not to shake as he did just that. She did not even wince when he tightened the earrings a little too much, and the two chuckled together out of shyness when she corrected it, before addressing the Jeweler and this handsome man, “Thank you, they’re beautiful. I shall never take them off.”

With that, Philip and the maiden continued along their way, exploring more of the festival.

Surely he was delusional, he thought, he must have been. Because every now and again, he felt the barest brush of knuckles against his own, a tentative invitation. He is about to have a crisis about it, when she speaks softly and does it again, the careful nudging of her fingers against his.

“Won’t you take my hand?” She whispered, turning those bright eyes of hers onto him, stunning him with her beauty.

He grew self-conscious, regarding his own palms. Covered in callouses and blisters and bandages were they, cut up by splintered wood and burned by hot glues. They were a peasant’s hands, dirt still lingering under the fingernails, scarred from a lifetime of efforts. Her hands were soft, he could tell just by looking at them, at the smooth supple skin that kept ghosting over his own.

“I fear that you wouldn’t like them, they are rough from years of woodworking.” He admitted, and much like he had felt in front of the King and Queen, he feels shame.

But she only took his hand with a confidence that shocked him, the electric feeling of her fingers weaving through his own making the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

“You are mistaken, my good sir.” The maiden gives him a smile, soft and sweet, “It is because they are rough that I would like to hold them.”

Philip could do nothing but blink.

Could this be…? Could it be the very thing that he had longed for for so long? A person who accepted him for all that he was, and all that he was not? With the way she looked at him, Philip felt his heart begin to pound, growing larger in his chest. She, lovely and gentle as she was, wanted to hold his hand, his dirty scarred hand – never did Philip think he could have ever been so lucky!

In that moment, it was as if the festival disappeared entirely, as if there were no other villagers in the square aside from him and her. He was lost in her eyes, in her smile. Sweating and nervous, Philip let his eyes close and began to lean down, compelled to offer her a kiss. Terrified, he held his breath as adrenaline surged through his body, for though he had his eyes closed, he felt her leaning in towards him, felt her lips just about to press against his own when –

The wailing of a small child snapped them both out of their moment of intimacy, and Philip opened his eyes, seeing a young boy with big fat tears spilling over his cheeks clinging to the maiden’s apron.

“Oh you poor thing!” She opened her arms for him and scooped him up, balancing him atop her hip in a manner that has Philip so endeared to her that he cannot even be angry that their moment was interrupted. She pet down his thick curly hair and bounced him gently, all the while soothing him, “Don’t cry, what is the matter?”

“I’ve lost my Mama.” The little boy hiccupped and cried, and the maiden gets a determined look in her eye straight away.

“We’ll help you find her, won’t we?” She asked Philip, and he was so dazed by the sight of her kindness that he barely recognizes his own voice when he speaks.

“Yes of course -- ” Philip began fully prepared to do just that, before a frantic looking woman appeared out of the crowd.

She had another child on her hip, this one much younger than the boy that had stopped crying once he saw her. The family resemblance was striking, and Philip kicked himself for not recognizing the boy.

“My precious baby! Oh thank you so much -- Flip, madam, how can I ever repay you?” The cobbler’s wife cried tears of relief when the maiden let her son out of her own arms, the boy running back to his mother.

“Don’t be silly, I’m only glad it did not take long for you to be reunited.” She replied. Now that her hand was freed, it once again twined through with Philip’s, an almost subconscious decision that Philip had no intention of bringing up, lest she change her mind.

“Bless you, oh bless you.” The cobbler’s wife surged forward and placed a kiss to each of their cheeks, before gently scolding her son as they walked away, “Darling what have I told you about running off, you gave me a heart attack!”

In the wake of the momentary drama, the maiden couldn’t help but smile at Philip.

“Your name is Flip?” She inquired, and Philip kicked himself – he had never actually introduced himself after all this time.

“It’s a nickname.” He corrected, before bowing with good manners like the gentleman he was as he said dramatically, “Philip Zimmerman at your service.”

“That’s a strong name. You wear it with pride, I can tell.” The maiden laughed at his theatrics, a sound which warmed his heart.

“It’s the only name I’ve ever had.” Philip mused, “So I suppose I have to, don’t I?”

“I suppose so, yes.” She chuckled at him softly, her eyes kind even though they were teasing. He felt no malice from her, and therefore allowed the jests to go unreprimanded.

At the thought of jesting, Philip was reminded of the stages which had been constructed in the now-harvested fields of lavender. Stages where jesters and comedians alike tried to rouse crowds, nestled among smaller stages where those who felt lucky could try their hand at various games and competitions.

“Come, let me show you more of the festival, there are games to be played.” Philip squeezed her hand adoringly, watching in delight as her eyes lit up.

“Games! Oh that sounds wonderful!” She breathed, and Philip could have sworn that he never felt more alive than when he began to run, tugging him along towards the promise of entertainment like that which she had never before seen.

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Hours later, many hours later, when the sun had gone down and the crickets had come out to play, their songs filling the air with a symphony of chirping, Philip sat conflicted. He never wanted this evening to end, because he knew that once it did, this woman that he had decidedly given his heart to would have to leave him…and if she only came to visit for the festival, he did not know if he would ever see her again.

The two of them found themselves sitting alone near the drinking well, after enjoying the last of their dinner together. The maiden was even more beautiful in the moonlight, if such a thing were possible, and Philip spent a great deal trying to figure out how to express that. She didn’t seem to mind the silence, her eyes closed as she rested her head against his shoulder, comfortable with the tranquility.

“I must confess, I have never met anyone like you before.” Philip said eventually, his voice quiet.

“Nor I to be sure.” She replied, the pinky of her hand gently looping around his much larger one. When she spoke again, it was with a breathless sort of sadness that told him she didn’t want to leave him either. Plaintively, she looked up at him and sighed, “Oh Philip…”

“May I kiss you?” He dared to hope aloud, hoping that this time they would not be interrupted.

The smallest of smiles graced her lips, and she gave him a gentle nod. Joy simmering underneath his skin, Philip leaned in and pressed a small, chaste kiss to her lips. She was every bit as sweet as he had imagined she would be, and when she sighed against his mouth and allowed her lips to part, Philip thought he was going to pass out from the way her tongue welcomed his in.

Like that, the carpenter and the young maiden kissed underneath the stars, the last of the festival dying down in the distance. By the drinking well, Philip’s heart soared, as he cupped her cheek with one of his rough palms, and she only leaned into it, nuzzling her face further.

“I’m afraid.” She admitted with a whisper when they broke apart, only far enough to breathe, their foreheads and noses still touching.

“With me, you have nothing to fear.” Philip promised, not knowing why she should be afraid, but wanting her to understand that should she allow him, he would protect her from any kind of harm, from now until always.

He needn’t say the words, for she heard them anyway, and leaned in for another kiss, one that he was happy to give, one that he found himself always willing and eager to give.

So wrapped up in the embrace were they, that the clock-tower struck eleven times nearly unnoticed, until on the twelfth time, the maiden pulled away sharply, eyes wide, afraid.

“Shit, is that the final evening bell?” She scrambled to stand, pulling herself away from the warm arms that had surrounded her.

Philip frowned, confused, worried for her. Was this what she meant by afraid? He had so many questions, only getting so far as “Yes but – ”

“I must go! I’m sorry – ” She interrupted him desperately, regret and terror and sadness plaguing her voice.

The maiden began to dash away, and Philip chased after her, managing to take her hand and pull her towards him with a plea.

“Wait! Please wait, please don’t go.” Philip cupped her cheeks and felt the cold of dread flood through him, realizing belatedly that -- “You never told me your name!”

“It’s (Y/N)!” The maiden ducks out of his grip with a look of despair, torn between wanting to stay and needing to leave. “I must go, or else I’ll be in trouble, big trouble.”

Against his better judgement, Philip releases the maiden. He wouldn’t dare disrespect her wishes, no matter how desperately he wished that she could stay with him.

“Will I ever see you again?” He chased after her still, not wanting to let her out of his sights just yet.

“I hope so.” She threw him a pained glance over her shoulder, her voice breaking as tears stung at her eyes, “I’m sorry!”

“That’s okay – I’ll, I’ll find you!” Philip promised, his voice carrying out into the night, “No matter how far you go, I’ll find you.”

With that, the maiden was gone.

On the far edge of the village, where the town met the mountains, Philip stood alone. He looked out at the vast expanse of the wood beyond him, and let out a deep sigh.

Just then, he noticed the moonlight twinkling on something that had fallen to the ground. Picking it up, he realized it was one of the earrings that he had given her. It must have come free from her ear in her haste, and carefully, ever so gently, he picked it up and cradled it in his palm.

“I don’t know how, but I’ll find you.” He said to the earring, before clasping his hand around it and bringing it to his lips for a kiss.

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

The next morning, feeling a dark cloud of sorrow and frustration beginning to form over his head, Philip dressed himself and began his trek to the palace once more. As part of the negotiations, the King and Queen of Springs Valley had told him that they would pay him his commissioned fee after the work was completed, so that he would not run off with the sum. He thought this perfectly reasonable, although really, who was he to argue with the royals?

The only thing keeping him in a good mood was the anticipation of this payment, which he had, through the night, decided he would use to travel and find (Y/N), which he had silently pledged his devotion to.

He figured she must be in one of the neighboring villages, which weren’t all that far away. Using the payment from the monarchy, Philip decided he would purchase himself the materials and means to ride across the Valley in search of her. But when he got far enough into town on the walk passing through so that he could reach the Purple Palace, he noticed that everyone was gathered in the town square, a concerned hush fallen over a crowd.

Frowning, Philip stood at the edge of this crowd, and tapped the shoulder of a young man to get his attention.

“What’s going on?” He demanded to know, for this was no merry enjoyment of a festival, no no, this was a concerning sort of apprehension and worry.

“Haven’t you heard? There’s been a kidnapping.” The young man explained, growing more impassioned with every word, “Someone has taken the princess! The princess from the Purple Palace! I always knew she was real, apparently the king and queen received a ransom note from King Felix of the Forbidden Forest -- and are on the verge of waging war.”

At this news, Philip staggered back a few feet.

The rumors of the princess were true? She was real? And she had been kidnapped?

Philip didn’t have much time, it would seem. He needed to get his payment and get out now, before any war were to begin. He needed to find the beautiful woman that stole his heart, and make sure she was safe from harm. Without so much as even a goodbye, Philip broke into a running pace, his mind clouded as his feet carried him to the palace.

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

Bursting through the doors, he bowed deeply, out of breath yet respectful.

“Your majesties, I have heard of your tragedy and I am so sorry to hear that such a thing has come to pass.” Philip broke royal protocol by speaking to them first, wanting simply to get what he came for, and get out of their hair.

The royals were, by all accounts, despaired. The Queen wept on her throne, her face buried in her hands, and the King’s sadness manifested in a snappish, “What do you want?”

They were no longer warm and welcoming as they had once been, but Philip could not blame them; their daughter was taken from them after all.

“I come to fetch my payment, for the commission.” Philip boldly requested, making the King frown.

“Your what? No I don’t think so, not now.” He waved the carpenter away, shocking Philip.

“…With all due respect, your majesty, you promised – ”

“I said no! There is war to be had, the money will go towards that instead. I do not expect you to understand.” The King shouted, before his shoulders sagged and he slumped back in his throne.

Philip chewed on his lip for a moment. He could see the palace guards approaching him, ready to throw him out, ready to haul him and drag him out if necessary…but Philip needed that money. He needed it so that he could search for (Y/N). So, without thinking, he blurted out the only solution his mind had thought of:

“What if there need not be a war?”

The King and Queen both looked at him then, eyebrows drawn in confusion.

“I beg your pardon?” The Queen, with her scratchy sorrow-filled voice demanded of this…this…this peasant.

Philip stood tall and strong under their gaze, squared his shoulders and lifted his chin.

“Allow me to retrieve the princess.” He requested, and tried to ignore the snickers and incredulous chuckles of the palace guards behind him.

“You!” The King scoffed, feeling like the cause was well and truly hopeless. “Why you wouldn’t last one night out in the Forbidden Forest, let alone make it all the way to King Felix’s fortress.”

“Allow me to try. Give me five days, if I have not returned by then, assume me dead and send your armies.” Philip insisted, “But if I do return with the princess, I expect double the payment for my commission.”

This was a risk, he knew, but he was certain it was something he could pull off. He knew the mountains like the back of his hand, he spent his entire life in the wood! He knew the paths and the trails, and most importantly, with King Felix expecting an army, he would never suspect a lone carpenter to be of any threat.

The Queen seemed to be thinking the very same thing, because after a moment or two of shocked silence, she stood up from her throne and descended the many steps which kept her elevated. She descended those steps with grace and poise, and when she finally stopped in front of Philip, he got down on one knee.

Placing a hand on Philip’s shoulder, a move which stunned everyone in the royal court, the Queen promised softly, “My boy, if you return with our princess, I will grant you anything your heart desires, and on that you have my word.”

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

And so, Philip’s journey began.

Riding atop the gentle steed that had accompanied him on many a trip into the mountains, and equipped with nothing but his carpentry tools, Philip set off discreetly, quietly. There could be no fanfare, no one in the village could even know what he was up to, lest the evil King Felix catch word.

He had put a sign on his workshop’s door saying that he had gone out of town, but he did not say for what. It felt slightly wrong, leaving the village without another word like that, but all the while he kept one thing in mind: the sooner he rescued the princess, the sooner he could begin to search for his lovely (Y/N).

The mountains were quiet for a long while, the better part of the day in fact. He and his horse had ridden through the winding trails that so many before him had traveled, trails that were easy and comfortable. He wasn’t very far outside the village yet, so things were relatively tame. It wasn’t until dusk began to fall, that he noticed a steady plume of chimney smoke up in the distance.

A chimney meant a house, which meant possible shelter for the night. Philip allowed himself to hope that perhaps the owner of the house would give him refuge, even if only for a few hours – and was so caught up in his daydreaming that he did not notice when a man jumped out of a tree a few feet in front of him, landing on his feet skillfully.

“Halt!” The man said, holding a hand outstretched, startling Philip’s horse.

“Woahh!” Philip tried to calm his steed, and when the beast was no longer threatening to buck him off its back, Philip cleared his throat and tried to be amiable, “Good day to you sir, what – ”

“None shall pass without besting me and my bow.” The man cut Philip off, making him raise his eyebrows.

“…Excuse me?” Philip sized the man up for a moment.

He was handsome, a well styled afro and neatly groomed beard denoting him as a man who prided himself on his appearance. His clothing followed suit in such a fashion – well tailored and made from expensive materials like silk, a brocade tunic shimmered in the warm light of the golden hour.

“You are trespassing on my land, and if you wish to leave with your life intact, you must best me in a test of archery.” The man did not budge, and Philip did not know how to proceed.

“But I have not bow nor arrow.” He explained, to which the man’s proud posture fell a little flat. For how could there be a competition if the competitors were not equally matched?

“Oh.” The man scratched at his beard for a moment or two, trying to come up with a solution. Eventually, he snapped his fingers with an elated smile that showed off brilliantly white teeth, “Well in that case, you may borrow some of mine!”

The man beckoned Philip to follow him, and with only a small amount of hesitation, Philip followed. What lay before them was a grand home, constructed of the most sturdy stone. A family crest that Philip did not recognize waved from flagpoles atop the home, but Philip didn’t need to recognize the crest for him to know that this was a noble home. This became increasingly evident as the man lead Philip to a field where a shed sat – a shed that looked larger than his entire home.

“What’s the test?” Philip asked, having gotten off of his horse and walked up to the man.

He handed Philip a beautifully constructed bow, and three sharpened arrows. He then pointed to two targets way across the other side of the field, so far away that Philip had a hard time locating them at first.

“Best of three shots, whoever gets the most bullseyes is the victor.” The man announced, and Philip gave a single nod in agreement.

It was no secret in the village that Philip had some of the best eyesight around, he needed to. Spending so many hours staring at intricately fine details in his woodwork had sharpened his skills considerably, but more than that Philip also hunted for his own food, as much of the village did. Nearly every weekend Philip went into the mountains to shoot, and every weekend he was successful.

This man did not know that, but it did not matter. The only thing that mattered, was Philip getting this over as quickly as possible so that he could be reunited with his maiden.

Stepping up to a line of dirt in the field, the man allowed Philip to take the first shot. He steadied his aim, took in a deep breath and fired – bullseye! Philip gestured to the man, who went next. With expert precision, he too shot his first arrow directly into the bullseye of the target.

Philip went again, and again he scored a bullseye, so precisely in fact, that this arrow managed to split straight through the previous one. Shocked, the man looked Philip up and down, as if trying to recognize him from a past archery competition. Philip only gave him a shrug, and watched as he too split his previous arrow into two pieces.

Each man only had one arrow left, and Philip knew that this was the one that mattered most. If he struck his bullseye, he surely would be allowed to pass. Closing his eyes, he focused not on the setting of the sun, or of the breeze in the air that evening brought, but of his (Y/N). He visualized her smiling face, her lips upon his, and released his bow into the air.

It soared through the great open field with precision and struck the target with a determination that Philip mirrored in his soul. He cracked one eye open, and saw that the arrow had indeed landed on the bullseye! Not nearly as well as the other two arrows had, but it was undeniably a success.

With a huff, the man raised his own bow and arrow for the final time, and pulled back a little too forcefully out of anger at being bested – causing the bow to snap and the arrow to go flying rogue.

“Dammit!” The man shouted, stumbling backwards, his hand in pain from the recoil of the broken bow.

“Look out!” Philip urged, because what went up must come down, and Philip charged at the man, tackling him to the ground, knocking him out of the way of the arrow which was making its return to Earth directly in the spot where the man had been standing.

Bewildered, the man looked up at Philip with admiration, as he stood away from the nobleman.

“Here, let me help you up.” Philip insisted, “Take my hand.”

“What is your name?” The man asked, accepting the offer and allowing Philip to haul him to his feet.

“Philip Zimmerman, but call me Flip. Yours?” Philip gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder to make sure he was alright, as the two got their footing. The men looked at the arrow in the ground, noted how it had buried itself deep.

“Lord Ronald Stallworth, but you may call me Ron.” Ron replied, with a polite nod of his head. “You are a most accomplished archer, Flip. Where are you headed? I don’t get many visitors out this way.”

Philip looked around, looked over his shoulder, wanting to make sure no one was around to hear.

“The Princess has been kidnapped, and I have been tasked on a secret mission to retrieve her.” He explained, hoping that Ron would understand his urgency, “I’m sorry about your bow, Ron. But I must be going now.”

Philip began to walk back towards his horse, when Ron surprised him by jogging to catch up, walking alongside him.

“Wait!” Ron called, stopping in front of him for a moment to make Philip pause. Ron put his hands on Philip’s shoulders in a friendly gesture, and then pointed to himself, “You are a good man, Philip. Allow me to join you on your quest! I know these woods well, I could be of assistance to you. Two archers are better than one, wouldn’t you say?”

“Why do you want to join me?” Philip frowned. Ron was rich, he had a luxurious home and accommodations, surely that would be more comfortable than a rugged trip up the mountains.

Ron chuckled at his question, and scratched at his beard once more.

“To tell you the truth, it’s pretty fucking boring here waiting for someone to pass by for a challenge. And you are the first man who has ever bested me, I am eager to see where your journey takes you. Where it takes us.” Ron looked hopeful, and Philip reasoned that he was right, two archers were better than one.

“I’d be happy to have you join, Ron.” Philip agreed, officially adding a new member to his party.

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

Not only did Ron allow Philip to spend the night in his large home, but he also ordered his kitchen staff to cook a grand meal for them to enjoy. Philip was grateful for the strength, particularly as Ron was rich, and had no worries about running out of food any time soon, so the portions were large, and there was more than enough leftover to be packaged for the road.

“So, a princess, huh?” Ron asked around a bite of venison, thoughtful and yet slightly confused.

“Yeah, that’s right.” Philip sighed, slightly annoyed at this interruption of his plan to find the maiden.

Ron frowned into his potatoes, confessing, “I didn’t know that we had one.”

At this, Philip let out an honest laugh and shrugged, chugging a large gulp of sweet mead.

“To tell you the truth? Up until this morning, I didn’t either.” Philip admitted, which made Ron laugh too. They cheered goblets, and indulged in another drink at the situation before them. “I thought the whole thing was a bunch of bullshit rumors, but then there it is in the square: Princess Kidnapped.”

“The reward must be great then, for you to go on such a dangerous journey alone to retrieve her.” Ron noted casually, but Philip shrugged.

“Only that which I have been owed, is all that I’m asking.” He replied cryptically.

Of course he had decided he would give Ron a portion of the money for his help, but he didn’t necessarily want anyone knowing just how big of a reward it truly was. In any case, Ron was a Lord, and probably spent that very amount on a month’s worth of goods.

“I wonder what your wife must think of such selflessness.” Ron replied with a grin then, making Philip’s mood soften.

“I…I have no wife to speak of, though I should hope that if I had, she wouldn’t find fault in me for it.” Philip’s voice was quiet, thoughtful. He hadn’t really allowed himself to think about it, about what would happen should he find (Y/N).

Now it only seemed logical, the most obvious step, for him to court her and hopefully, one day, marry her. But that was a dream, one that Philip couldn’t get too ahead of himself to dwell on. He needed to make it back with the Princess alive first and foremost.

“Forgive me.” Ron’s voice too quieted, and he cleared his throat, “It’s just, I can see the love in your eyes, I was wrong to assume.”

“What do you mean?” Philip asked, a frown dipping between his eyebrows.

Ron mused and mulled over a bite of roasted vegetables, tried to best explain himself. He eventually settled on the truth: “It affects everyone differently, love. But every lover I have ever known as the undeniable sparkle in their eye, as do you.”

“Well…there is someone…” Philip admitted, a blush blooming across his cheeks.

“Ah-ha! Tell me all about her my good man.” Elated, Ron clapped his hands together once and let a happiness light up his face.

“Her name is (Y/N), we met last night.” Philip blushed deeper, reminiscing in the fantasy that had been their time together at the festival. “I am hoping that when all this is over, I might find her and see her again.”

“Well then, we must get our rest and leave at the first light of morning! For it is a long journey to the forbidden wood, and then a long journey back.” Ron replied.

Encouraged by his enthusiasm, Philip ate the rest of the food on his plate with a newfound vigor. Perhaps he could do this, he reasoned. With a man like Ron at his side, who had such skill and obvious charm, the two of them could be unstoppable.

When the dinner was over, they retired to their respective rooms, and Philip allowed himself to let sleep wash over his mind, thoughts of his fair maiden dancing in his head.

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

The next morning, true to his word, Ron woke Philip at the break of dawn. During the night, his servants had prepared a bundle for which Philip and Ron would travel, including the leftover food, canteens of fresh water, and a change of clean clothes. Additionally, Philip was provided with a bow and a set of arrows to use all his own. Philip was grateful for it, and the two set off in amicable company, listening to the sounds of the trees and nature sing around them.

They managed to cover much ground in the morning, passing the time by talking of themselves. Ron told Philip all about how his family came from a long line of nobility, and that he inherited the estate from his father. Philip told Ron all about how he too in a way, inherited his trade from his father. Though they came from different places, the two found more in common with one another than they found differences.

All in all, it was a wonderful friendship that had begun to form, and Philip and Ron found themselves in a fit of laughter at a joke Ron had told, when they came to a large stone bridge that sat high up above a gorge of water. Standing in front of the bridge was a tall man, with long sandy hair, and an expression on his face that told Philip he meant business.

“Halt!” The man said, his voice commanding of attention, “Who goes there?”

Philip and Ron looked at one another, and as Ron had a higher rank of authority, he was the one to reply.

“We are Lord Ron Stallworth, and Flip Zimmerman, who speaks?” Ron asked in return, and the man straightened his posture, before bowing slightly, not realizing he was in the presence of nobility.

“I am Jimmy Creek my Lord, owner of this bridge. If you wish to cross, you must pay the toll.” Jimmy introduced himself, making Philip look at Ron.

“Do you have any money on you?” Philip whispered, assuming the answer was yes, and being unfortunately surprised when Ron gave him an embarrassed wince.

“Shit, no. Didn’t think we’d need it for such a short trip, you?” Ron whispered back, making Philip’s mind race to find a solution.

“We have no coins to spare. May we pass by another means? Or perhaps I could send money to you once we have returned?” Philip asked, hoping that Jimmy would be reasonable. He looked like a reasonable sort of fellow, anyway.

Jimmy thought on this for a while, before brandishing the sword that he kept on his hip. The metal glinted in the afternoon light, throwing sparks of sunshine all around as he twirled it and whirled it around effortlessly.

“If you can best me in a fight, then you may pass.” Jimmy announced, and Philip chewed on the inside of his cheek.

“I haven’t got a sword.” He replied honestly, and this stumped Jimmy, for what travelers did not move through these mountains without a sword?

“Oh. Well in that case, you can borrow one of mine.” Jimmy snapped his fingers then, and beckoned Philip over to him as he walked back to a small hut near the bridge.

It was humble, made of stone and wood, and looked similar to one of the dwellings he might see in his own village. Philip waited outside while Jimmy rummaged through his hut and eventually emerged with a sword for Philip to use.

The sword was beautiful. Obviously crafted with care, the grip happened to be the perfect size for Philip’s hand, the jewel crusted pommel and cross-guard weighted just enough to counter balance the long blade. Philip wondered where a man like Jimmy came across such a thing, as he gave it a few experimental twists and spins.

Philip had virtually no training in swordsmanship, except for that of the surprise attacks that the village children waged on him. Jimmy was no child though, and this made Philip gulp, doubting his chances – until Jimmy began to run at him full speed ahead, and the only thing Philip could think about was winning.

Swords clanged, great big sparks flying into the air as they went after one another again and again. Jimmy may have been older, but he was nimble, quick on his feet. Philip found he could not use his sheer size and strength alone, although this certainly helped him. Dodging and ducking away from Jimmy’s blows, Philip pushed pushed pushed Jimmy back, until the two of them began to move down the bridge.

Below them, the gorge rushed with water furiously hungry, white frothy waves of grey-blue water crashing and smacking against craggy cliff walls. Out there on the bridge, the wind had no place to buffer against, and both men began to realize that one strong gust of wind could very well send them over.

The sounds of their swords echoed through the gorge, as did their grunts of effort from trying to best one another. Jimmy would lunge, and Philip would jump back, waiting for a moment to lunge himself. Their swords met in a flurry of silver metal, blade swinging expertly and with deadly precision.

He thought of the children in the village, thought of the way his beloved (Y/N) might interact with them. How she might cheer them on as they attacked Philip in the very same manner that Jimmy now was. Spinning his sword in the same way that he had watched the young boy from the village all that time ago, Philip managed to generate enough momentum in his arms to block every single sharp and quick blow that Jimmy sent his way.

Back back back Philip pushed Jimmy, his arm muscles flexing and his feet planted on the ground – until he gave Jimmy a particularly harsh swing of his sword, and in the effort to block it, not only did Jimmy’s hand lose its grip on his sword, but Jimmy stumbled backwards and fell, the wind striking at the worst possible moment, sending Jimmy over the edge of the bridge.

“Oh fuck!” Ron’s shout traveled from the other end of the bridge where he waited with the horses, watching with wide eyes, a hand clasped over his mouth as Philip ran to the edge.

Jimmy was dangling precariously close to death, his hands scrabbling for a grip on the rough and rocky side of the bridge that did not promise much purchase. The wind howled and whipped up the spray of water from a thousand feet below, a taste of the certain death Jimmy would face should he fall.

“Quick, take my hand!” Philip shouted over the rush of the wind and water and the pulse in his veins, letting his own sword clatter onto the stone of the bridge as he reached out.

Without hesitation, Jimmy grasped the offered hand and Philip hauled him back onto the bridge safely, Philip’s muscles making quick work of the effort. Exhausted from their fight and this momentary scare, the two men simply laid on their backs on the bridge, catching their breath.

“You spared me?” Incredulously, Jimmy regarded Philip who was not more than a few feet away on the narrow structure of stone.

“Of course, why should I kill you?” Philip replied, a friendly smile teasing at his lips.

“Thank you, Philip. You are a good man.” Jimmy said seriously, and Philip blushed, he wasn’t sure about all that, it’s just, who was he to end a man’s life? Jimmy glanced at the beautiful sword that “You can keep that, you’ve earned it.”

Philip too looked at the sword, at how beautiful it was. Because really, the thing shone in the light magnificently, the jewels sparkling and shimmering in the rays of the sun. Philip was entranced, absolutely entranced by it, but he could not lay around and stare at it all day. He had a princess to rescue, and a maiden to love.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Philip asked as he stood up, helping Jimmy up too.

“I’m sure.”

“We’ll be on our way then.” Philip gave him a nod, and then gestured for Ron to come over with the horses and join them, eager to continue on their way.

“Wait! Allow me to accompany you on your quest?” Jimmy asked, eyes wide with a sudden anxiety.

At this, Ron and Philip looked at one another and then back at him, a slight frown on their faces.

“Why?” Ron asked, looking him up and down, wondering what Jimmy was suddenly so anxious.

“Truth be told, I’m really sick of sitting around on this fucking bridge. My father sat on this bridge as did his – but I never wanted to. This is my chance at something new, something different!” He then turned to Philip, “I see you have bows and arrows, but in combat you’d be best to do with an extra swordsman, and that I can provide. Besides, you’re the only person to ever give me a run for my money like that – I respect you.”

Philip understood that feeling all too well, the ache in his bones for a different life than the one that was promised to him. He had been given a chance for this quest, and now he could do the very same for this man, he could give Jimmy a chance of his own.

Looking at Ron to gauge his reaction, Ron looked back, and then nodded with a great big grin, “Oh I don’t see why not, welcome to the group.”

“Thank you! I won’t let you down!” Jimmy excitedly hugged them both, his long sandy-blonde hair blowing in the breeze as he ran back to his hut just on the other side of the bridge.

When he came back, he had a horse of his own, and a bag already packed. Philip smiled, he must have had this bag packed for quite some time. It made something inside Philip’s chest warm – one was never too old for adventure, a truth that continued to make itself evident.

“Say, where are we headed anyway?” Jimmy asked, sheathing his sword in the holster on his hip.

“To the forbidden wood, to rescue the princess that’s been kidnapped by King Felix.” Philip responded, sure that no one could hear them up on the bridge the way they were.

Jimmy frowned and looked at Ron, scratching the back of his neck and asking, “We have a princess?”

Ron burst out laughing and slapped Jimmy on the back, “That’s what I said!” ---------------------

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Tagging some friends! Part 2 will be up tomorrow :) @mochabucky @sacklerscumrag @artsymaddie @bitchydecisions @direnightshade @reyloaddict55 @thembohux @kylorenswhxre @sunflowersinthesnow @babayagakeanu @safarigirlsp @rennasiance-mama @steeevienicks @mousemakingjam @the-unmanaged-mischief @materialisthicc @drake-bells-waxed-penis @slut-for-harri @littleevilme13 @erys-targaryen @leillaa @hswritingrecs @miabelay11 @han68000 @rosi3ba3z @chapterhappygirl @loverofallthings

#flip zimmerman #flip zimmerman x reader #flip zimmerman/reader #flip zimmerman x you #adam driver fanfic #adam driver #adcu #blackkklansman #flip zimmerman fanfic #5k follower celebration #my writing #fairytale au #storybook au

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whump-a-la-mode · 4 years ago

Text

Nemesis - Part 7

At what point does a story go from being a Whump fic to being a weird mystery short story? I’m not sure, but I really feel like I’m toeing the line here. For more directly whumpy stuff, check out my Villainsicle or Signal series ^^

Votes were tied this time around, and I ended up making the final call, as I felt there was better argument given for it. Thus, Villain chooses option B: Don’t trust Hero, attempt escape. Thanks to everyone who voted!

CW//Drugged whumpee, confusion, panic, injuries, ransom notes, kidnapping, death threats, restraints

There was a haunting quality to Villain’s eyes, in the way they looked at Hero.

For the briefest moment, Hero felt to be something beyond reality-- a deity, a ghost, something that should not have been able to be seen. That was the way in which Villain regarded them.

Their hand gripped Hero’s, fingers grasping as tightly as they could manage which trembling and twitching.

Hero felt that they should say something, do something. Some kind of witty one-liner, some great speech. But they found their mouth devoid of words, and thus, they only smiled.

Villain frowned. Their eyes widened.

The brief moment of peace the two had shared was shattered in a moment. For a second, Villain seemed to forget how their limbs were meant to work, instead flailing across the closet, slamming their back into the wall. Shaking hands struggled with the knot behind their head, finally succeeding in freeing it and tossing the gag across the room.

They panted, wide, unblinking eyes staring at the floor. Mouth the slightest bit open-- lip trembling.

Before Hero could think, however, they were already moving again. Terrified gaze lifting to Hero, before their body seemed to respond, moving into the best defensive pose they could manage, fingers digging into the blankets below. Shaking lips pulling back to reveal bared teeth, brows furrowing.

“You... Hero...”

“Yes.” Hero did their best to keep their voice calm, level, hoping to inspire the same within Villain. “Yes, it’s me.”

Their attempts were in vain. Villain’s voice shook terribly:

“Why are you doing this to me? I- I thought we- I thought you- I want to go home!”

Hero could feel their own throat quaking, though for an entirely different reason.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, it’s-”

“I didn’t want to see the stupid fucking thing anyways! I wasn’t even looking for it! I just want to go, please, please, I need to go! I want to go home!”

There was no time for Hero to answer with words-- with a speed that startled them enough to knock them onto their back, Villain launched themself from the closet, struggling to their feet and lurching unsteadily across the dorm.

Hero leapt to their feet in turn, attempting to chase their nemesis, only for their path to be cut off by a flying Teammate. Their faster cohort landed atop the fleeing Villain, pinning their shoulders down and quickly restraining their legs in similar fashion. At the same time, Villain cried out, pleas muffled by the carpet.

It was a pathetic display, enough so that Hero felt a pit form in their stomach. But Villain wasn’t in their right mind-- this was for their own good.

That was what Head Doctor had thought, too.

But this was different.

They expected Villain’s struggles to quickly die down, but such did not come to pass; instead, their kicking grew more and more panicked, more desperate, as though they were drowning. A desperate search for air.

Physicality-wise, there was no contest between Villain and Teammate, sedatives or not. They had no difficulty holding them down. Hero began to inch closer, ready to once again attempt to calm their nemesis into sleep. That was what they needed, right now. Rest. Recovery.

Unfortunately, Villain did not seem to agree.

Hero only made it a step or two before Teammate was screaming-- a sound accompanied by their body, flung across the room like a ragdoll, leaving behind a sizable hole in the plaster.

The pit in Hero’s stomach quickly filled with a horrible chill.

How could they have forgot-

They had no time to finish their thought, the rain of telekinetically-thrown objects taking their attention instead. A mug struck them in the back, breaking and erupting a hiss from their lips. They shook their head, trying to bring their attention back, but Villain already had all the distraction they needed.

After a few flailing attempts, they got their feet underneath them, bolting forth. Hero lurched after them, but their nemesis had too much of a head start. They were too fast, too scared, too goddamn clever.

Villain flung open the door, skidding to a stop with such force that they fell backwards.

“Hero?”

Hero’s heart sunk. Could Leader have picked a worse time to come back?

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Leader was not the type of person for hugs. They were far too prickly for that, refusing to let anyone get too close, in the physical sense or otherwise.

This, however, must have been an exception. Hero could hardly breathe as their team leader wrapped their arms around them, practically squeezing the air out of them. From behind the display, Teammate’s jaw dropped.

“You have no idea how worried I was!” Leader spoke, exasperated, not releasing their grip.

“Worried?” Hero gasped. “I can’t- I can’t breathe.”

“Sorry, sorry.” Leader released them, backing off a step.

Hero made a quick check of the office; Leader’s office, where they had ushered them to. Specifically, they glanced to the corner where Villain sat. After their telekinetic stunt, they had quickly tired out, leaving them covered with a blanket and muttering, leaned up against the wall.

“Of course I was worried about you!” Leader continued. “We all were. Everyone is out there, right now, looking for you. You could have called, or texted, or anything! Oh, god, Hero, I was worried sick.”

“L-Looking for me?” Hero questioned again. “I was only gone one night.”

“And thank goodness for that.” Leader moved to their desk. “Let’s take a seat. I think you have a lot to explain.”

They nodded, and sat opposite the team leader. Teammate quickly joined them in an adjacent seat.

“So...” Leader hummed. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“What?”

“I want to know what happened.”

“I just left for the night.” Hero raised a brow. “I do that all the time.”

Leader blinked.

“Well, usually, you aren’t being kidnapped?”

“Kidnapped?”

“You weren’t?”

“No? Why would I be kidnapped? What- Leader, what is going on with you?”

“What is going on with you?”

“I wasn’t kidnapped.”

Another confused blink. Leader dug in a pocket, producing their phone. They tapped around it a moment before sliding it across the desk.

Hero picked it up. A picture. A screenshot of an email.

An email without a sender.

“Dear Citizens,

I must say, it is impressive how dedicated your protectors were at their attempts at so-called ‘reform.’ More impressively, they managed to hold me for a year. I sure hope you have not forgotten me.

But, citizens, at long last, I am returning to be among you. And I wanted to have a welcome party, of sorts. Call it a game of hide and seek, if you will. Except, you will not only be looking for me.

One of your protectors, the one by the name of Hero, is currently in my custody. They are safe, for now, but whether or not they stay that way is entirely up to you.

You say you have eyes on the whole city? Let’s test that.

Of course, I want to give you a fair chance, just as you gave me. You kept me contained for 375 days. Thus, you have exactly 375 minutes to save your Hero. That’s just over six hours.

Fair, isn’t it? Just as fair as being locked up for a year of your life.

Your time starts now. I hope you will be quick, I have heard that drowning is a terrible way to die.

Sincerely, your dearest Villain”

Hero’s gritted teeth trembled.

“You escaped?” Leader guessed, taking their phone back.

“No.” Hero shook their head. “I was never kidnapped at all! Where is this from? This message?”

“It was sent out to every member of Organization. Just over... Just over 7 hours ago.”

Hero’s mouth gaped.

“You thought I was...”

“Dead, yes. They...” Leader’s gaze drifted to the corner, where Villain had begun to snore. “They didn’t write this, did they?”

“No. No, there’s no way.”

“How are you so sure?”

“They were with me the whole time, asleep.”

“They were with you?”

Hero nodded.

They wanted, so badly, to speak freely. To let spill every word they had been holding back, every detail of Villain’s captivity, of Head Doctor, of their rescue mission. But once they let that out of the bag, they couldn’t take it back. They knew that.

They had to wait. They had to be sure.

“What happened to them? Did they just, suddenly become your friend?”

“No. No, it’s not that. They’re not... not themself, right now.”

“You drugged them?”

“Well, it wasn’t me.”

Leader let out a pointed sigh.

“What are we going to do...” They placed their head in their hands. “Oh god, what are we going to do?”

“I-” Hero glanced again to their sleeping nemesis. “I assume they’ll be taken to the prison.”

“No.” Leader shook their head.

“No?”

“They’ll only go to the prison if we report this.”

Hero’s eyes widened. A look to Teammate revealed that their face held the same expression.

“You aren’t going to report this?”

Leader’s fingers drummed on their desk.

“Okay. Here, here’s what we’re going to do.” They breathed. “There’s no way we can hide you, and I don’t really see the point in it. I’ll tell everyone that you’re okay, that you escaped. As for Villain... We have a spare room.”

“I don’t understand.” Hero shook their head, dumbfounded. “We’re hiding Villain?”

“What, isn’t that what you wanted?”

“I mean, yes, but, I didn’t expect you to agree.”

Leader chewed the side of their cheek.

“Hero, I trust you. Teammate, you too. And Villain... I guess I don’t view them as a threat, at the very least. But beyond that? I don’t know who I can trust, right now. So we keep this between us. Until....”

“Until?”

“Until... I don’t know. Until I know what to do next.” They cast their gaze downwards. “Hero?”

“Mhm?”

“I knew. I knew Villain hadn’t kidnapped you.”

“I thought you said you thought I was dead?”

“I did. But not by Villain’s hand.”

“Then...”

Leader looked upwards, gaze seeming to stare through Hero. A somber gaze. An exhausted one.

“Hero, I talk to Director a lot. Never in person, never over the phone. But we write. We email, or, I mean, sometimes, they even send letters. They’re old-fashioned, like that.”

“What-”

“Let me finish. When you talk to someone that often, you get to know their style. The way they string their words together, the words they use. That email...” They bit their lip. “Villain did not write that email.”

“You thought that Director...”

Hero did not need to finish their sentence. Leader nodded, and they understood.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Whatever heating system controlled the floor, it must not have reached this room.

The thought came to Hero’s head as they wrapped a blanket around their shoulders, fighting back a shiver. They looked up, glad, at least, to see that Villain seemed to be comfortable in their pile of fabric. There were only so many blankets, and they needed them more.

The spare room was exactly as it sounded, an empty room without purpose. Barren of furniture, barren of everything except a thin carpet. And, now, a stake, hammered into the wall. Holding a chain that ended at Villain’s ankle.

The very thought of restraining them so made Hero feel awfully queasy, but out of everything, it was the only thing they could not argue Leader down from. Without knowledge of Villain’s current state, they still believed them to be dangerous.

Hero had been entrusted with ensuring that they stayed restrained. For a brief moment, they had considered an act of malicious compliance. Using a tiny, thin chain, or not connecting it to anything, or anything that would allow Villain to leave. To not truly chain them.

But... in some small part, they couldn’t help but agree with Leader. Villain was dangerous. Not because they wanted to be, but because they were scared. Confused. Awake.

Awake.

Villain was awake.

They raised their head, shifting the mountain of blankets in which they were wrapped. That confused, hazy look remained in their gaze for a moment-- before being replaced by another expression, one that made Hero’s heart skip a beat.

“Please!” The captive screamed. “Please! I’m trying, I’m trying, I want to go home. Please. Please don’t hurt me! No, no!”

The blankets around them restrained them for a minuscule moment, but they soon tore through the layers of fabric, throwing them about.

The shackle stopped them quickly, sending them collapsing to hands and knees only a moment after they had managed to stand. they stayed like that, limbs shaking, fingertips growing blue from cold.

Holding them down would only terrify them more. Hero had learned that the hard way, and now Teammate had a nasty bruise to show for it.

No. Hero needed to do something they did not often do: They needed to be careful. Gentle.

Slowly, they crawled forward, stopping only next to their terrified nemesis. They placed a gentle hand on one of Villain’s, bringing it off the ground, encouraging them to sit down until they did so. Though their trembling was certainly derived from fear, they too seemed to be rapidly growing cold. Hero took one of the thicker blankets, draping it over their shoulders.

“Hey. Hey, Villain.”

“Please please please please.” They slurred under their breath.

“Villain? We’re friends now, okay? We’re friends.”

“No no no no no no.”

“You’re safe. You’re okay. You’re going to wake up, now. No one is going to make you go back to sleep. You’re waking up. It’s going to take a minute, okay? But I’ll be here the whole time.”

“Waking up...”

“Yeah. I know you’re confused right now, and scared. And that’s okay. But if you just relax, and let me help you, you’re going to be okay. You’re going to feel like yourself soon. It’s just going to take time. Until then, just let me take care of everything.”

“Take care of me...”

“Yeah. Yeah. How are you feeling? Do you want some water?”

Villain frowned.

“I lied...”

“What?”

“I lied. I lied. I lied. I am going to tell Hero. I lied.”

“Villain? Hey, hey. It’s okay. Look at me. Stay with me.”

“Director. Director. I know who you are. I lied. I am going to tell Hero.”

Hero gulped.

“I’m going to get you some water, Villain. Stay here, please. I’ll be right back.”

“Please please please please please please please ᵖˡᵉᵃˢᵉ ᵖˡᵉᵃˢᵉ ᵖˡᵉᵃˢᵉ...”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Thanks so much for reading! Just like last time, there are two options along with every part of this story. Alongside each options is a question, so that you guys can give more specific suggestions if you so wish. The option that receives the most votes will be the choice that our Hero makes!

A.) Go right to the source. Confront Director - What should Hero’s plan be?

B.) It’s too risky. Talk to someone else. - Who should Hero speak to? (Hacker, Leader, another member of Organization, etc)

#whump #whumpblr #whumpee #whump community #hurt comfort #villain whumpee #nemesis #choose your own adventure #choose your own whump

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honeymoonjin · 5 years ago

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ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ: ot7 x reader || ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 8.2k || ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: smut - rated 18+

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ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢs: fxf smut, oral (f receiving), fingering, technically a mff threesome

dedicated to my sfhs girls, everyone in the villa discord, and with a special appearance from eight special guests

A/N: due to burnout, i’m unfortunately putting tgm on hold and logging off of tumblr for a little while, so there will be a bit of a wait before you get the new chapter. i’m going to log back on after 48 hours when the vote is done, because i’m considering putting the results behind a ‘read more’ option so that if you don’t want to wait, you can choose to reveal who is being voted out, otherwise you have the freedom to wait for the chapter. i have a post coming out explaining why i’m going on hold and what that means. please keep an eye out for it xx

ELIMINATION

The vote has closed.

DAY TWENTY-ONE

Your ass is still still a little sore the next morning, and having Hoseok smirk at you every time you shifted is a special kind of torture in and of itself. Waiting for everyone to gather, you’re one moment away from begging Taehyung for a massage right then and there before Sejin finally enters, rapping awkwardly on the doorframe as he steps in.

Skipping the pleasantries, he hunkers down on the coffee table in the middle of the couches, gesturing for you to join.

You swallow, aware of the attention on you. “Can I just stay on the couch?” You stubbornly avoid Hoseok’s gaze, leaning further back into the cushions, Taehyung’s arm wrapped around you as you tuck your head against his shoulder. Maybe you’d ask for that massage later, you reason, massages are platonic, right?

“Sure,” Sejin allows after a moment, eyes softening in sympathy. You flush at the unspoken reminder that he definitely saw the footage, but the producer powers on. “Let’s get started, then, we have quite the day ahead of us.”

Your phone burns a hole in your pocket. You’d been chatting earlier this morning over text with your friend, who was already on a train on his way here. You wonder how the boys will react to Eric. Part of you had worried, but you’ve yet to meet a single person that didn’t like him. It would be good to finally catch up.

The other guys don’t seem suspicious about the news, but before you can dwell on it, Sejin is clearing his throat and lowering his voice into the announcer-like tone he used for the meetings. “This week’s theme was Work Hard, Play Hard. According to the Bangasm Bomb, Week Two’s fan favourite Yoongi was allowed to distribute them. Instead of asking Y/n to guess, I want the players to each say whether they were happy with Yoongi’s choice or not. Starting on the right with you: Jin.”

Perhaps due to their splitting up yesterday morning - you hope their conversation went well in the end - Jin and Yoongi are on opposite couches, and Jin is a little subdued when he speaks to Yoongi. Not necessarily sad, just calmer than normal, like they were old friends. “So, Yoongichi gave me foodplay. As much as I appreciated getting the prompt, and I had a wonderful time with Y/n, never fucking again will I use something so messy. I swear to god, there’s still caramel in my hair, and I don’t think it’ll ever come out.”

You wince at the description, jostled slightly by Taehyung’s laughter rocking his body. Sejin confirms that he’d successfully fulfilled his prompt, and moves along to Namjoon, who looks about as red as a fire hydrant.

“Mine was ageplay,” Namjoon explains, voice dipping so quiet that you can barely hear him, before he clears his throat and glances up again. “I enjoyed it a lot, if I’m being honest. Um- thank you, Yoongi. I’m a little concerned that you knew to give it to me, though.”

“Come on,” Jin jibes, punching his shoulder lightly, “you’re absolute Daddy material. When it doesn’t look like you crawled out of someone’s pocket, at least.”

Namjoon frowns down at himself, the denim overalls rolled up at the ankles, mismatched socks and a t-shirt with a little embroidered sun on it. “Was that a compliment?”

Jin sends him a solemn, meaningful look. “It’s whatever you need it to be.”

“Anyways,” Sejiin jumps in, “congratulations, Namjoon, you’ve avoided the bunks again. Following on, we have Jimin. Go ahead.”

With legs that look a mile long in some skinny black jeans, Jimin winks across the room to Yoongi. “I got breathplay,” he explains, “which I’ll admit isn’t my favourite prompt out of them all, but I still had a really good time. Though I did try and go a little easy just in case.”

Your eyes widen, remembering ringed fingers around your throat and his cold smirk which contrasted with the heat of him inside you. “That was going easy?”

Jimin shrugs. “I’ve barely scratched the surface, Y/n,” he states vaguely and sits back, tilting his head to Sejin to indicate he’s finished.

The producer quickly informs him he was successful, and moves onwards. On your couch, the only active player is Hoseok, who sits on the opposite side to Taehyung. He sends you a mischievous grin before leaning out to face Yoongi. “Wax play for me,” he reveals to the group, “which was an absolute delight. I’m very glad I got this one, just for safety reasons. It sounds like some of the prompts this week were a little more intense.”

He sits back, but Sejin doesn’t move on this time. “Hoseok, unfortunately you failed your prompt this week.”

Hoseok blinks, brows lifting. “But there are cameras in that bathroom! I checked.”

“That’s not the issue,” Sejin explains with a sympathetic smile, “it’s that you directly revealed to Y/n what your prompt was. Now-” he begins, seeing Hoseok’s clear disappointment, “I had a talk with some of the editing and producing teams on this, as well as the higher-ups. Because we understand and appreciate that you revealed the prompt for reasons related to safety and wellbeing, we’re going to change things up a bit. You have a choice. Either you take the penalty and stay in the bunkrooms, or you stay in your own room. The caveat is that you randomly have to draw a name, and that person will join you.”

Hoseok winces. “God, this feels like a variety show,” he complains, “but I’ll risk it and take my bedroom. At least I’ll be comfy, and I’m fine sharing a bed with most of you anyway.”

Sejin’s already prepared, nodding and retrieving seven strips of paper from his pocket, all folded in two. The rest of you hold your breath as Hoseok’s hand hovers over the splayed-out options, finally tugging one out from the bottom. He takes it, flicks it open, and immediately deflates with a frustrated groan.

“This is fucking rigged,” he protests, ripping the paper into two, “I pick the bunkrooms.”

Sejin patiently holds his hand out for the torn shreds, reading them over. Is that a smile on his lips? “Jung Hoseok, you’ll be staying in the comfort of your bedroom with fellow contestant Park Jimin until the date of the next Sunday meeting.”

“Hey!” Jimin shrieks. “I did my prompt! Do I get no say in this?!”

“You don’t, unfortunately,” Sejin replies promptly. “Next up is Jungkook.”

Jimin squawks, collapsing back onto the couch with his arms tightly folded and his mouth screwed up into a scowl. Across from him sits Jungkook, clinging to Yoongi. With his legs tucked under him and his sleeves balled in his hands, the youngest gentleman is reminiscent of his subbier side when you played with him. “I got anal play,” he declares proudly, “I can’t believe it took me three weeks to get pegged. Shoutout to homeboy for sending that prompt my way.” He punctuates the comment by gently bumping his head against Yoongi’s shoulder, like a cat on its owner’s leg. Rather than sitting up, he stays there.

Yoongi doesn’t seem to mind, finishing off before Sejin can even step in. “I was cumplay,” he states plainly, “so of course, I took that. Who needs to fuck around with wax and food and shit when you can stick to the basics?”

The producer nods formally, tapping his shoe against the carpet. “And the two of you both successfully completed your prompts, congratulations. That means nobody will be staying in the bunkrooms this week. Taehyung,” he turns and fixes the boy with a warm stare, “you’re welcome to go back to your room for the rest of the competition.”

Taehyung beams, a boxy grin and crescent eyes. “Noted, sir,” he says with a chirp. “Do we get to find out fan favourite now? I know who I’m rooting for.” Taehyung sends Jimin a shy smile, and the older boy winks at him fondly.

“Yes, of course,” Sejin allows, clearing his throat. “As usual, we tallied up the results from the voting page on our website. I’ll say the top three. Third place this week was Jungkook. Congratulations.”

The youngest man sits upright suddenly with a wide-eyed look. “Seriously? I didn’t even dom! Oh, wow, uh-” he cuts himself off and looks around, finally fixing his sights on one of the cameras near the roof that are streaming to the fans. He pumps his fists with a little cheer, then folds them together and bows. “Thank you! I’ll do even better next week.”

Yoongi’s cheeks go pink as he tries to act like he isn’t cooing over the boy, reaching out to ruffle his ever-growing hair. “Good job, kid,” he compliments shortly.

“Second place,” Sejin continues, “Seokjin.”

It seems as if the therapist hadn’t seen it coming at all. A picture-perfect expression of shock blooms on his face before he lets out a bright peal of laughter, clapping his hands together with a single smack. “I did it! Ah, I knew I still had it in me. Old age won’t stop me yet, see. Everyone should learn from this.”

You shake your head with bemusement, lifting your brows at him. “Silver medal and it’s already going to your head, huh? The fans have created a monster.”

“The fans have seen the light,” Jin corrects placidly, before a line forms between his brows. “Wait. Who got first, then? Who outdid me plus caramel sauce?”

“In first place, and winning the chance to spend an evening outside the Villa with Y/n,” Sejin starts, before pausing for dramatic effect, “is Hoseok. You’re having quite the emotional rollercoaster this morning, Mr. Jung.”

Instead of a hooting cheer, a smug grin, or even disbelief, perhaps the one thing you didn’t see coming was Hoseok blinking quickly, before pressing the back of his hand to his nose. You don’t have to be watching a 1080p close-up to see his eyes misting.

Taehyung immediately croons, throwing his arms around the dom in a tight hug, wiggling in place as Hoseok laughs tearily. “I’m so proud,” you hear Taehyung say, muffled in Hoseok’s shirt.

“I- Goodness, I’m sorry- I really just wasn’t expecting that,” Hoseok admits, tilting his chin up to stare into the ceiling light. “That means a lot. Phew, wow, the audience are some kinky fuckers,” he finishes, relieved when the strange atmosphere splits into easy laughter.

Heart warm, you reach over and squeeze his arm. “I’m really happy for you, Hobi,” you say in a soft voice. “You deserve it.”

“Where will you take her tonight, hyung?” Jungkook chimes, teeth poking out of a teasing grin. “Is it ‘take your fuckbuddy to work’ day at the Red Room by any chance?” His comment rouses whoops and whistles around the room, Taehyung giggling and pinching the dom’s cheek.

“Ah, about that,” Sejin jumps in quickly, a hand held out to settle the noise, “the reward won’t be scheduled for tonight, unfortunately. We’re going to put it on Monday night, since today - as I’m sure you all know - we have some special guests.”

Your brows lift. Guests, plural? Maybe you weren’t the only one who was asked to contact a friend. Your heart skips a little faster at the prospect of being exposed to close friends from the boys’ real lives. What if they didn’t like you? Would it even matter?

Sejin isn’t done, standing up from the coffee table to give the announcement on foot. “A few days ago, you all received text messages from me with some instructions to find a close friend, colleague, or family member to join you on the show. This was up to your discretion, as long as they agreed to a quick police check, however there was one condition. Y/n; you were asked specifically for a male friend. The guys were asked to bring a female friend.”

You suck in a gasp. After three weeks being surrounded exclusively by dudes, you’d suddenly have seven new ladies to talk to. “Just for the day, right?” you question, knowing the plans you’d had to make with Eric.

Sejin’s lips quirk up. “For most of the guests, yes. However, for one lucky lady, they’ll have the opportunity to stay for a full week. At any point today, Y/n, you can draw a name from this box-” he pauses, glancing down at his again-empty hands, “-I’ll, uh, I’ll bring the box out in just a moment. But you’ll be able to randomly draw one name, and if the recipient agrees, they’ll be staying in the bunk room for seven nights. Questions?”

Taehyung raises his hand tentatively. “Hypothetically, would we be allowed to have sex with the guests?”

Sejin sighs. “All but two of them signed a contract in which they consented to the possibility of sexual interaction, yes. But none of them will be required to at all.”

You bite your lip. When talking with you, Eric had mentioned the contract, and stated that since it was just one day he’d rather not offer himself up for that. One of the girls must have done the same, then, but that still left six people who were joining for a day - or a week - willing to consider having sex with the others on the show. Perhaps you were raising your sex drive being on the show, or maybe you just missed the company of women, but that thought excited you more than anything.

“When do they come on?” Yoongi asks with a grimace. While the others are practically vibrating with the anticipation of being reunited with their friends and meeting new people, Yoongi seems begrudging, and you can’t help but wonder what girl in his life he asked to join him.

“They’re waiting outside right now,” Sejin reveals, “we’ll bring them in one by one to introduce themselves. As they come in, I want the person who invited them to get up and stand on the side with them until everyone’s paired up.”

Taehyung’s hands slip into yours and Hoseok’s, gripping them into tight fists with a hoot of excitement. His enthusiasm is contagious, and you sit up straighter, eying the doorway. “Do you think there’ll be a game?” the masseuse hisses, positively wiggling in his seat.

On the other couch, Jungkook’s eyes widen comically. “We’re doing a game? Oh, hell yeah!”

Sejin, who had been sending a text, glances up quickly. “The game isn’t ‘til the eve-” he cuts himself off, but it comes too late. “Ah, dammit. Anyways, please give a warm welcome to our first guest. Please come in.”

Before the person even rounds the corner, you hear an excited squeal. A slender girl with toffee-coloured hair and bright features careens into the room, her giddy smile widening as she lands her eyes on Jin.

If you had pictured someone to be friends with the therapist, it probably wouldn’t be this boisterous woman in tiny shorts and strappy sandals that’s currently cannon-balling onto him, but he lets out an oof, wrapping his arms around her with a fond smile.

Sejin clears his throat. “Could you please introduce yourself?”

“Oh!” The girl sits up, elbowing Jin in the stomach as she gets up to smile at everyone. She looks gorgeous in a summery red lipstick, and the voice that comes out is just as sweet. “Hi everyone, I’m Hyuna, Soogie’s better half.”

Rubbing his hip, Jin scoffs. “You’re my sidekick at best.”

Ignoring the person whose lap she’s sitting on, Hyuna beams. “If he’s been cool on this show at all, it’s my positive influence.”

“Thank you, Hyuna, the two of you can go stand to the side,” Sejin deigns, glancing towards the doorway. “Next?”

In this way, all the guests appear one at a time and pair off. Eric’s next in, and you rush up to give your old friend a tight hug, grinning as he immediately stands beside Jin and Hyuna and begins to schmooze, making the two of them alike fawn over him.

“Hi, everyone,” he announces in a cheery tone, “I’m Eric, longtime friend of Y/n and aspiring Gentleman. Pleased to meet you all.” Sejin nods at him, and Eric’s smile turns down a few watts to sober up. “Also, I didn’t sign the contract, so if there’s any funny business, feel free to not invite me.”

Unlike the first two, the third person that enters the room is shy, a reserved posture and sweet smile. She dresses in a corduroy dress and long-sleeved shirt, her dark hair up in a ponytail. Introducing herself as Ji-eun, she explains that she, too, chose not to sign the contract for sex, blushing at the word.

Equally blushing is Jungkook, who repeatedly bows to her as she comes in, hand hovering over her waist as he leads her to the side. You and Jin share a bemused look as the girl introduces herself as a family friend and Jungkook’s old babysitter.

Picking up the energy, the fourth guest is someone you actually recognise. Jessi, a Bangasm powerhouse in every right that Jimin is, turns the corner with a sultry look, sidling up to Sejin playfully before tugging Jimin up from his seat.

“Jessi, as most of you are probably aware,” she introduces, looking insanely stunning in a fitted crop shirt, high waisted shorts and eyeliner to kill. “Come on, Park; you’re with me.”

As he stands up, letting her ruffle his hair and gushing over his choice of earrings, you marvel at how different he appears around her. In the industry, if you’d heard of Jimin, you’d heard of Jessi. She started a few years before him, met him on a shoot, and the two were practically a power duo ever since. From the videos they had together, they portrayed an image of the King and Queen of porn, always working with each other whenever they could. But now, instead of some sex-crazed couple, all you see is Jimin being fussed over like a younger brother, leaning into Jessi’s fond yet teasing touches.

The two of them sit beside you, and your cheeks can’t help but burn up when she pokes her tongue out between her teeth and flicks you a wink, turning to Jimin and giving him a meaningful nod.

So far Taehyung, Namjoon, Hoseok and Yoongi remain on the couches, and when the next girl rounds the corner, you just about think you must be seeing double.

With a black bob of hair sharper than her jawline, perfectly arched brows and a pouty mouth, an absolute copy of Min Yoongi scans the room. Her face changes, turns mischievous when she spots a begrudging Yoongi, and jerks her head. “I’m the hotter twin,” she announces, “Min Yoonji.”

As Yoongi huffs and gets up to join her, you watch with wonder as the two lookalikes stand together. She mumbles something low, ruffling his hair as he desperately tries to duck away, and the twins settle on the far side of you, beside Jungkook.

Quickly, another raven-haired girl steps in, barely even looking at you as she takes in the decor. “Fuck, this place is nice,” she mutters, before her eyes look directly ahead of her, maroon lips stretching into a smile, “Joon-ah, you’ve been here rent-free for the past month? Holy shit.”

Namjoon winces, bowing awkwardly to her, and you tilt your head. Why does it seem like they barely even know each other? Sejin must hear your internal monologue, as he clears his throat. “Could you please introduce yourself and state your relationship to Namjoon?”

“Oh, my name’s Sunmi,” she says with ease, “Namjoon and I are...” She trails off, looking to him for help.

Namjoon’s eyes widen, and he blurts, “best friends!” before going bright red. “Uh, we’re, um, we’re best friends.”

Sunmi beams, nodding matter-of-factly to the rest of you, before walking forward to pinch his cheeks and wiggle his face back and forth lightly. “Oh, yes,” she coos, “we go way back.” Letting go, she takes his hand and guides him to the side of the room where everyone but Taehyung and Hoseok are gathered.

You try to send Namjoon a questioning gaze, but he avoids everyone’s gaze but Sunmi’s, nodding shyly at the things she tells him quietly.

Luckily, the second-to-last guest takes up your attention fully. With velvet boots that reach the middle of her thighs, and a black shirt that reaches just as low, she’d look cute and preppy were it not for the black harness that brackets the shirt, reminiscent of Hoseok’s leathers, the sharp smokey eye and a red lipstick so dark it’s almost black. It doesn’t take you much to work out which of the remaining boys she’s accompanying. “Thank you to Hope for inviting me,” she begins, and your eyes widen at how silken and sweet her voice is, a total 180 from the typical dominatrix stereotype, yet it seems to fit her perfectly. “I’m Bee, I’ve worked at the Red Room for several years, and been friends with him for just as long.”

The two share a light hug, but you can see the affection there as his eyes crinkle and her beam widens. She hooks a finger around one of Hoseok’s belt loops and follows him to stand beside Jimin, barely enough room for them as it is.

Lastly is Taehyung, who’s already on his feet by the time a gorgeous blonde enters. Before you can get a good look at her, the two are bear-hugging, Taehyung lifting her off the ground for a moment as he grins so widely all his teeth are on full display. It warms your heart to see, and even when she settles back on solid ground, the two are attached at the hip, his arm tightly holding her to him.

“This is Chungha, my best friend,” Taehyung announces proudly, “we met at work when I was a trainee.”

“Aren’t I supposed to do that?” she questions with a throaty laugh, but still gives a warm smile to the rest of you. “But yeah, that’s me!”

They go to move over to the crowded corner, but Sejin steps in, clapping his hands once to gain everyone’s attention. “Alright, everyone!” he declares. “Welcome to all our new faces! You’ll have until 10pm tonight to socialise, have fun. For lunch today, we’ll be having a barbecue and picnic outside, but after then, you’re free. Be sure to respect Ji-eun and Eric’s choice not to partake in any sexual activity. And Y/n, I’ll be right back with the box. Make sure you pull a name before 10.”

Once he leaves, you let out a dramatic breath, collapsing into Eric’s side. “Today is gonna be busy,” you anticipate, “so many pretty girls to talk to. So little time.”

“Hey!” your friend protests, wrapping his arms around to trap you against his front. “Forget about the girls, you should be hanging out with your best friend! I’ve missed you, lest you forget!”

Suspicious, you wiggle around to face him, narrowing your eyebrows. “You just want me to be your wingman,” you accuse, “who is it? What guy here are you crushing on?”

Eric scrunches his face up, clutching at his chest in offense. “I am not crushing on anyone,” he insists, before glancing over to Hyuna, Jessi, and Sunmi have gathered around Namjoon like a flock of seagulls, cooing over the little embroidered patches on his overalls. “I just want the Iron Giant over there to crush me.” Squinting his eyes, he inspects the room until he locates Yoongi, who’s pouting like a wronged child as Yoonji makes herself at home in the kitchen, pulling out drawers and cabinets like she’s searching for something.

“He’s the doctor, right?” Eric asks of Yoongi. You nod, suspicious. “He likes to eat cum, I have cum to spare… I’m no mathematician, but x equals sex, you know?”

You wince. “Not your best line,” you say in a disappointed tone, “but anyways: I thought you told me you didn’t want any funny business? You didn’t sign the contract.”

Eric’s eyes skirt over you, taking in the seven men as he shakes his head slowly. “I was young then. Foolish. I know better.” Suddenly, he grips your shoulders and ducks his head to look you intensely in the eye. “Take me to Sejin’s office. I have a contract to sign.”

It’s a beautiful day for a picnic, and an even more beautiful day to watch the muscles in Jin’s back flex under his t-shirt as he mans the barbecue.

Sharing the same sentiment is Jessi, who sighs dreamily at him, sitting beside you on the sun-warmed grass with her legs stretched out in front of her. “They don’t make men like those anymore,” she muses, “face of a fucking god. You get to fuck him?”

You chuckle at the abrupt question, quickly learning that Jessi wasn’t one to beat around the bush. “Generally once a week, yeah. Unless I vote him out, I suppose.”

“God, please do,” she enthuses, “save some for the rest of us, you know?” Suddenly she sits up straighter, glancing around to take everyone in. “You know, when I heard about this, I thought for sure they’d either get a bunch of porn-addicted dweebs who jack off into crusty socks or all the airheads in the industry would sign up for a vacation. I guess they really filtered out the duds. I’m impressed.”

“They did good,” you admit, smiling fondly as you watch Taehyung jump around a small cross-legged group on the picnic blanket, holding out handfuls of beads. The masseuse had discovered Hoseok’s penchant for jewellery-making somehow and had demanded a tutorial. Jungkook and Namjoon look like two flustered schoolboys as they quietly help their respective friends, and Yoongi has his sister in a headlock as he tries to tie a bright pink and green bracelet around her wrist. Hyuna and Chungha are practically in each other’s laps, giggling as they wind delicate anklets onto each other.

Some of the others hang around Jin as he cooks. Bee is chatting up a storm with him, hip propped against the edge of the barbecue, and Jimin steals pieces of caramelised onion, sneaking glances towards you and Jessi. Your heart warms at his inquisitive look, the look of happiness and relief on his face when he sees the two of you getting along.

So caught up in your observation of the group, you don’t realise you’ve been silent too long until you get roughly punched in the shoulder. “Holy shit!” Jessi declares. “You like them!”

“Who?” you counter defensively.

She laughs, her whole face lightening up. “Fuck, maybe all o’ them. Is there anyone you don’t have a crush on? Anyone that doesn’t make you feel all giddy and happy?”

You’re stumped at that. For a long time, you’d been seeing having a crush as some grand, dramatic realisation. Realising you liked Tae and Jimin, and then more recently being confronted with your feelings for Jin, those romantic notions seemed so loud and all-encompassing. But the guys making you feel giddy and happy? Their presence cheering you up, missing them when you spent time on your own? It was a lot easier to admit to yourself that perhaps all seven of them fit within those constraints. “I… I hate to say that you have a point.”

Jessi squeals, briefly attracting the attention of the haphazard circle of jewellery makers. “I knew it! Oh my goodness, isn’t this so exciting? Have you had an orgy yet?”

You gape. “Jessi!”

“What?” she asks innocently. “If you’ve been here several weeks and you still haven’t had an orgy, you’re wasting your time, girl. Get onto that.”

“I have, actually,” you admit with firing cheeks. “Before Tae got eliminated.”

“The puppy?” When you send Jessi a bewildered look, she just shrugs, tipping her head over towards the barbecue where Jimin has taken to kissing the back of Jin’s neck and shoulders, standing up on his tiptoes to try and bribe the older man for some food. His friend sighs at his antics. “Park told me,” she explains in a matter-of-fact tone, “said he was an absolute delight to play with when he’s got his collar on. Fuck, and looking at him now really solidifies the image, you know? I’d love to make him beg for a treat.” Your face must sour, because without a pause Jessi is cackling, poking you lightly in the cheek. “Oh my goodness, you’re jealous! You can’t fuck him anymore so you don’t want me to!”

“It’s not that,” you protest, not wanting to expose that selfish desire.

“It’s fine, I get it! I’ll keep my distance,” she allows, rolling over on the grass to lean in, chin almost resting on your shoulder as her voice deepens to a conspiratorial tone. “But if I’m honest, you should just fuck him and take the penalty. I know I would.”

You bite your lip. “What if he accidentally touched me? He’d be sent home. It’s such a risk.”

She just shrugs, leaning back to watch him as he sits in the middle of the group, Chunga reaching out to playfully ruffle his hair. “Tie up his hands,” she deflects easily, “there are always solutions, you know? And if you really like him, I kinda think he’d appreciate you making the sacrifice to be with him.” Sighing out one last time, she stands up, brushing off her pants. “Food for thought. And speaking of food, there’s a big hunk of meat over there that isn’t on the barbecue.”

As Jessi makes her way over to Jin with a heavy swing to her hips, you decide to join the group. There’s a small gap between Ji-eun and Jungkook as they keep a respectful distance, so you wedge yourself in with a few muttered apologies.

Up close, Ji-eun is gorgeous, rosy features and kind eyes. It’s no wonder Jungkook looks at her like she hung the stars in the sky. Perhaps you’d normally feel jealous, but you get it. “So,” you start, reaching out for a cord to begin a bracelet, “the two of you are family friends?”

Jungkook nods hastily. “Our parents went to high-school together,” he divulges, fiddling with his finished bracelet to look busy. “And since my mom and dad both worked full-time, noona babysat after school.”

You coo, tying a knot at one end of the waxed cord so the beads don’t fall off. “That’s so cute, oh my goodness! Ji-eun, was he a troublemaker as a child? I bet he was.”

“Hey!” Jungkook protests, but the older girl just chuckles, sending you a genuine smile.

“Gukkie was actually a sweetheart,” she admits, “always super polite. He was cute, too, had this coconut haircut and the roundest eyes, little tiny hands. Not like now.”

Jungkook gasps again, clutching at his chest like he’s been mortally wounded. “How dare you! I’m still cute!”

You hum in an unconvinced way, turning to poke at his cheeks, tapping his button nose. “You’re a little bit cute,” you allow. “Though I bet you were cuter with the bowl cut.”

The camboy’s temporary pleased look vanishes and he abruptly stands up. “This is slander, it was not a bowl cut, I just have a very round head! I’m going to find Yoongi-hyung, he respects me.”

You glance around the group in confusion, but Yoongi isn’t in the immediate vicinity like he was earlier. In fact, the group has dissolved into a few stragglers finishing off their bracelets as most of the gathering emigrate to the sheltered patio. “Oh shit, is lunch ready? I’m starving.”

“Looks like,” Ji-eun chirps, but once the two of you stand up, she hooks her hand in your elbow, preventing your departure. “Before we go, I just wanted to say,” she begins, eyes earnest as they lock onto yours, “thank you for making Jungkook so happy. I know it’s not like it’s just you, and I’m going to try and thank everyone in due time, but he speaks so highly of you especially. He’s really coming out of his shell here, I can see it now.”

Your heart swells, instinctively turning to seek out the black and red hair in the crowd. Jungkook has slipped a glove on one hand and is cutting up pieces of meat with tongs and a pair of kitchen scissors, a broad grin on his face as he hands them out. “I’m really lucky to have met him. You helped raise him well.”

She beams at that, tugging on your arm as the others call out for you to join them. “It’s not me. That’s all just our Jungkookie.”

Throughout the lunch, you can’t help but think that every time you look at him. Our Jungkookie.

Much like Taehyung, Chungha is very generous with her hands.

The offer comes quickly after lunch. Most of the guests and guys are still outside socialising (Eric has managed to con a bunch of them into playing a rather hands-on game of football on the grass), but while you were inside getting a drink, both massage parlour workers joined you, Taehyung’s arms naturally slipping around your waist for a lazy back hug.

“Pour us one?” he requests casually, his voice like molten brown sugar. “I want you two to get to know each other. Maybe we could go upstairs for a bit?”

Beside you, smiling with her eyes as well as her baby pink lips, Chungha pats your hand. “I’ve heard so many good things,” she assures. “But Taehyungie is so disappointed that he can’t take care of you anymore.” Your heart freezes in your throat when she comes in close, smelling like cherries. Her voice dips so that only you and Taehyung could hear, the latter nuzzling his nose against the back side of your neck. “I could take care of you for him, if you want?”

You turn around in Taehyung’s grasp, seeking out his confirmation. He smiles, nods, and lets go to take the two extra drinks you’d poured. It’s only lemonade, but he takes an indulgent sip as if it were champagne.

Without another word, he begins to make his way to the stairs, glancing back to make sure you’re following. You think back to Jessi’s words, of showing him that you cared. It seems like, in his own way, he’s reaching across that divide and showing you he cares too. Chungha’s fingers winding between yours, you follow the two masseuses upstairs.

Perhaps it’s their job experience, or maybe just their sweet, puppy-like personalities, but being near them both feels so comforting and relaxing. In Taehyung’s bedroom, he sits on a chair, as close to the bed as he dares. Chungha tugs you directly onto the mattress, and you gasp as a slight push to your shoulder sends you collapsing backwards, head on the pillow.

She looks divine above you, smiling down as her pale golden hair hangs down and brushes against your collarbones. With a knee on either side of your hips, she straddles you and leans in closer, lips barely brushing. “Can I kiss you, Y/n?”

Your heart thuds strongly against your ribs. You nod, feeling dizzy as the pressure on your mouth increases and her hands slip into your hair. Her lips and fingers move in sync, massaging your lips and scalp indistinguishingly. Perhaps she’s even a better kisser than the others on the show, or perhaps it’s that the touch of a woman after three weeks of men feels like pure oxygen, like eating with a gold spoon after years of stainless steel.

Her fingers slide further, molten relaxation with every stroke. Soothing your temples, the crown of your head, the nape of your neck, she keeps you feeling warm and light, even a little hazy. Lips parting from yours for just a moment, Chungha whispers to you, her fingers playing with the waistband of your pants. “Will you let me taste you?”

Arousal thrums hot between your legs, but something makes you hesitate. Or, rather, someone. You shift your head on the pillow, looking past the curtain of Chungha’s hair to where Tae sits, cross-legged, on the armchair.

His eyes widen, soft and concerned. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, Y/n,” he assures.

Chungha pulls up at that, sitting back against her heels again. Losing the closeness makes a whine catch in your throat. “It’s not that,” you confess quietly, “I just… I don’t want you to feel left out.”

The blonde masseuse straddling you coos as Taehyung turns pink, and she beckons him closer. “I don’t feel left out,” Taehyung assures you as he tentatively perches on the edge of the bed, tugging your hand gently to clasp between his own. “I can’t touch you like you deserve, at least not now. But Chungha can. If you want this, I want you to have it, Y/n.”

Your hand feels so warm between his smooth palms, but your heart feels even warmer. “I do want it. But… Stay close to me.”

Taehyung laces his fingers through yours, holds your hand up, and delicately presses a kiss to the back of your hand, making your breath catch. Afterwards, his eyes dart accusingly to the cameras recording your every move and sound. “That was technically platonic contact,” he insists quickly, “they do it in movies all the time.”

You laugh softly, but it quickly mutes into a silent gasp as Chungha suddenly moves down, hooking her fingers into your waistband and undressing your lower half as she goes.

Spreading your knees and sinking to her chest between them, her perfectly manicured fingers run teasing lines up and down your bare thighs. “Just relax,” she coos, “just let yourself enjoy it.”

Her hair, like spun gold, tickles your thighs as she lowers her face closer. So light you can only just feel it, she presses a kiss into the seam at the top of your right leg, so close yet too far from where you need her. Doing the same to the other side, she begins slowly trailing them closer to your core, giggling onto you when your breath hitches in impatience.

Taehyung shifts, situating himself behind you so that your head lies back and rests on his lap. With the same hand that holds yours, he takes the other, holding both of your wrists together in less of a restraint and more of an embrace. Together, him and Chungha bracket you in this cocoon of gentle touches, and as his other hand begins taking over the scalp massage Chungha had started earlier, you can’t help but let your eyes slip shut.

It’s because of this that when she finally licks a bold stripe up your folds, it catches you by complete surprise. You squeak, jolting between them, but Taehyung just tugs on your hair lightly, shushing you.

“Doesn’t it feel good?” Taehyung asks softly, bent over so he can speak lowly.

Chungha, now that she’s started, uses her tongue and lips just as expertly as her fingers, marking Taehyung’s question redundant. You nod anyway, and are rewarded with the subtle vibration of her chuckling, lips wrapped around your clit.

There’s something inherently different about the way Chungha eats you out, that’s clear even with your eyes shut. Her lips are plush like Jin’s, her cheeks soft like Yoongi’s and her tongue roving deep like Jungkook’s, but with every second that passes, it feels like she’s explored your pussy a million times before. Each swipe and suck and nibble seems practiced, learned, and in mere minutes your thighs are trembling.

She alternates attention to your clit with fucking you on her tongue, and Taehyung’s hand never ceases its languid journey through your hair. The two poles of pleasure have you unable to catch your breath, unable to even open your eyes as every movement makes the lids heavier.

Two separate people, yet they work in unison. When Taehyung presses behind your ears, Chungha flattens her tongue on your clit in a slow drag. When that muscle becomes pointed, flicking over you to make you jump, Taehyung’s fingers curl so that the nails run over your scalp. Each nip of Chungha’s teeth is punctuated with a tugging of a lock of your hair, and caught between these tides, the only things that feel incomplete are your lips. What you wouldn’t give to have Tae bend a little lower and brush his mouth against yours, even for a moment.

Instead, you slip your bottom lip between your teeth, occupying them needily. A coil tightens in your stomach so slowly, like a gentle bubbling simmer, but it isn’t until you feel two slender fingers sliding inside you that there’s a tangible shift in pleasure. Like taking an exit on a highway, you feel a distinct change of path, like you’re now moving directly towards your orgasm. Driven by that desire, you rock your hips, moaning as her mouth hones in on your clit and her fingers curl, seeking out that spot inside you.

Unsurprisingly, she locates it with ease, and before you can even catch your breath she’s massaging it without mercy, twisting her fingers inside you with every audible thrust so that the pleasure is inescapable. You writhe, but she still has an arm free to throw over your stomach and hold you down.

Taehyung is still deliriously in-sync, and you can’t hold back a moan as his fingers press harder and nails drag stronger. Eyes rolling back, you feel that crest build, so close you can taste it, and your moans become desperate.

The two of them read the signs and up the intensity one last time. Taehyung drops your hands so that both of his can bury deep in your hair, and Chungha switches to three fingers inside you, scissoring and grinding them against your g-spot.

You come with a broken cry, seizing up as the pleasure wracks your body. While Taehyung stops his massage to brush your hair back, carding his fingers through it comfortingly, Chungha fucks you through it without mercy, sucking harshly on your clit and spreading you open on her fingers.

It’s not until your whole body is shivering and you try anad wriggle out of her hold that she finally lets up, leaving you boneless in Taehyung’s lap.

Far more full of energy than you are, Chungha straightens up with a satisfied sigh, licking her lips. As you fight to catch your breath, she runs a hand up and down your thigh. “You’re a fucking gorgeous specimen,” she compliments warmly, “when you get out of here, come by anytime.”

Suddenly Taehyung’s arms wrap tightly around your arms and chest, chin tucked onto the crown of your head. Even as you can’t see him, you can hear the pout in his voice. “When she gets out, she’ll be coming by for me,” he protests sweetly, “but I’m sure we could invite you too if she wanted.”

You laugh tiredly, leaning your weight back against Taehyung. “I’m definitely not turning that down, holy fuck.”

Chungha giggles prettily, chin still glossy from going down on you, though it doesn’t seem to bother her. “Won’t you give me one last kiss before we go clean up?”

You can’t deny her sweetly batted eyelashes, though you wouldn’t even want to. Once Taehyung begrudgingly lets you go, you lean forward and meet her halfway, tasting yourself on her tongue. It’s filthy but chaste, a quick swipe of her tongue into your mouth, a peck, and she’s pulling away with a wink, jumping off the bed.

Once she prances into Taehyung’s bathroom and closes the door behind her, Taehyung goes slack, winding his arms around your torso from behind and tucking his face into your neck. “I hope you liked it,” his voice comes out, muffled and shy.

You ruffle his hair fondly, wishing you could do more than that. “It was perfect,” you say without a doubt. “Thank you, Tae. I-” There are words that you can’t say, shouldn’t say now. “I like you a whole lot.”

If it’s possible, his hug tightens. “I like you a lot too.”

The rest of the day goes without hiccups. You spend your time getting to know the girls - albeit in less intimate ways than you had with Chungha - and slowly the idea of pulling a name out of the box becomes both exciting and worrying.

Hyuna brings out a new side of Jin. He looks more unburdened with her than he has the whole time on the show, and their vibrant energy together is contagious. Jungkook acts like a smitten schoolboy around Ji-eun, and she’s so patient and endearing that you can’t help but sympathise with him. It’s very clear Namjoon and Sunmi don’t actually know each other very well, but fuck you could watch their awkward banter and dynamic for hours. Sunmi is a relentless, unflappable tease, and Namjoon eats it up with a nervous laugh and bright eyes. Chungha seems more interested in the other girls than she is with Taehyung, but they’re never far apart, sharing countless meaningful stares between conversations. Bee is much like Hoseok, in that she’s so sweet and bubbly when she doesn’t don her dominant persona, and quickly she wins you over, her kind words and cheerful laughter a highlight of the evening. Jessi seems like the type of bossy but protective older sister that seems perfect for Jimin, whose usually-concealed soft interior lifts closer and closer to the surface with every minute spent in her easygoing, boisterous company. And finally, Yoonji is an absolute enigma, commanding attention with ease but seeming entirely disinterested with it. The moment a conversation bores her, you watch her eyes shift, inspecting some person or other like they’re a science experiment. You’ve been under that gaze yourself, and you practically feel the heat of the magnifying glass. But at the same time, when she does get engaged and speaks up, she’s just as articulate and sharp as Yoongi, and you can’t help but hang off her every word.

After relaying all this information back to Eric, who seems equally supportive and bemused, the only conclusion you can draw is that it would be entirely preferable to have all seven of them stay.

“Goodness, you insatiable minx,” your best friend teases with a mock look of disapproval. It’s 9:58pm, and the two of you have been stuck in the living room for almost the whole hour, staring hopelessly at the box. “Seven men is good, but fourteen people is better?”

“It’s not that,” you defend with a whine, “not that I would protest. No, it’s just- I wanna get to know them more, you know? And I feel like I’m learning more about the guys while they’re here, which is going to prove very important for tomorrow’s decision. And once I pull a name there’s nothing separating me from elimination, and I have no fucking clue who to eliminate, but then at least-” You huff, unable to articulate it. “I’m procrastinating.”

Eric grimaces, nodding. “It took you roughly fifty-nine minutes to come to that conclusion, but I’m glad we got there eventually.”

You kick your feet up over his lap, throwing yourself back onto the couch in despair. “I could’ve been out there researching this whole time, why didn’t you tell me?”

He shrugs, bouncing his knees so that your feet are jostled off. “I thought you wanted to work it through and that explaining every vivid detail of the past three weeks was necessary. It was riveting, by the way,” he adds in a drawl, “I’m certainly relieved you felt it pertinent to describe exactly the size and appearance of all the cocks in this house.”

You jump up, kicking him in the shin. “Hey! Don’t be sarcastic, I’m in a crisis!”

“Oh, I wasn’t,” Eric defends, brows lifted. “I’m doing my own research. Taking into account the past several hours, as well as the interesting mental pictures I’ve now been able to make, I’ve decided I wish to become the sexy meat in a Namjoon and Hoseok sandwich. Do you think it’s feasible?”

You open your mouth instinctively to protest, but then you stop, mulling over the combination. They had spent a lot of time together…

Eric claps his hands together with a victorious cheer. “You considered it, that’s basically a yes! Anyways, I hate to say it,” he digresses, quickly sobering up, “but it’s time to draw a name.”

Nerves immediately alight down your spine, but you fight them off. “Fuck, okay, I guess it’s random so it doesn’t matter, right?” Before you have the chance to second-guess that statement, you lean forward and plunge your hand into the circle-shaped slot in the box, feeling sharp edges of paper bumping against your skin.

Managing to close your fingers around a slip, you pull it out, opening the fold. Two words, three syllables. Eric and you read over it in silence for a moment, before you let out a amused chuckle. “Yoongi’s going to be pissed, huh?”

ELIMINATION

On the seventh Day of every Week in the game, the Elimination vote is released for 48 hours following the post of the fic. Please note, this is NOT the fan-favourite vote, which has already happened.

The vote has closed.

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ectolights · 4 years ago

Text

Haunting Questions

Happy Holiday Truce @rebel-skull! Sorry I’m skating right up against the deadline. This holiday season got busier than I expected.

Thank you for letting me change the prompt a little! This is a DP/Buzzfeed Unsolved crossover fic with a side of Demon Shane. (Read it on AO3 | FFN)

Thanks also to the ever wonderful @oboenotclarinet for your help when I got stuck. I’d be a mess with out you <3

~~~

Maddie attacked the living room with the rare intention of making it look somewhat presentable, for the equally rare occasion of guests coming over. The scorch marks on the wall from the ectopus incident last month she could, unfortunately, do nothing about, but maybe the lime green stains on the couch could still be scrubbed out.

“Danny! Come help me clean up! Our guests will be here soon!”

“Why can’t Jazz do it?” Danny’s automatic response to housework rang out from upstairs, in the direction of his room. Maddie eyed the stain on the couch critically. It’d probably take more than Incredible and elbow grease to get this one out.

“Also, what guests? We literally never have anyone over. Are you actually cleaning?” Danny plodded down the stairs, stopping on the bottom step with his arms draped over the railing. He quirked his eyebrow at his mother in inquiry.

Maddie walked over to the closet with the cleaning supplies, responding over her shoulder, “Jazz is out with her friends, she’ll be back just before the guests arrive—yes, she does have friends, don’t give me that, young man—and I need you to help me tidy up because we were contacted by a team of professional ghost hunters, to be interviewed for their show. Isn’t that exciting! We’ll have the opportunity to share our knowledge about ghosts and ghost hunting with viewers all across the country!” She rifled through the haphazard piles in the closet, searching for the Fenton Foaming Cleaner that would surely (hopefully) remove the sickly splotch on the couch.

Danny moved from the base of the stairs to flop down on the armchair, helpful as ever. The raised eyebrow never faltered as Maddie made her way back to the offending couch, spray bottle prize in hand. “They don’t sound all that professional if they have a tv show. Most of those shows are just a bunch of fancy tricks, you know. Are you sure these guys are for real?”

Maddie spared a glance in her son’s direction, to where he lay sprawled across the chair, one leg carelessly thrown over an arm. She turned back to the stain and spritzed it with the cleaner. “They’re from a company in Los Angeles, called Buzzfeed. They were nothing but professional when I spoke to the representative on the phone.” The stain began to bubble green, an acrid aroma piercing the air. She hummed in concern. It wasn’t supposed to do that. Hopefully that meant it was working.

“Oh wow, that’s a real vote of confidence. Mom, Buzzfeed is like, ‘what pizza you are based on your favorite color,’ or ‘we tried being hipsters for a day,’ they’re an entertainment company. The last thing they are is professional ghost hunters.” Of course, this would probably work in Danny’s favor more than if they were actual ghost hunters, but, well. No one needed to know that.

Maddie paused from her observation of the science experiment that was the couch and met Danny’s raised eyebrow with one of her own. “Even so, sweetie, they’ve offered to pay for this interview and they’re already on their way here. Besides, even if they are a little… new, to the ghost hunting world, then it’s just an even better opportunity to get the word out there! We can outfit them with proper ghost hunting equipment and make sure they’re equipped to handle all the standard ghostly threats. Your father will certainly be excited to show them all his latest inventions!” Her trademark optimism could rival even Pamela Manson’s, and at times Danny questioned how anyone could have that positive of an outlook, even about things like phony ghost hunters coming for a flipping tv show. Still, there was clearly nothing to be done about it now, so Danny figured he might as well brace himself for the inevitable catastrophe.

As Maddie returned her attention to the couch, concerned frown deepening at what she finally decided was a lost cause, she opted to wipe away what was left of the “cleaner” and cover the whole couch with a long, wide throw blanket. That would at least hide the hole that the Fenton Foaming Cleaner had eaten into the cushion. Better than nothing, she supposed. “Now then, Danny, if you’re done griping about people sharing our passion, then you can get your dirty shoes off the arm of the chair and help me dust the living room. They’ll be here soon, and I want the house to be somewhat presentable. Once Jazz comes home we’ll get your father out of the lab and we can all be here for the interview. It’ll be so exciting!”

Danny huffed and reluctantly got to work. “Still think this is a dumb idea,” he mumbled under his breath. His mother rolled her eyes and didn’t comment.

When Jazz came home a little while later she revealed to Danny she had known about this interview for a few days, but after having looked up the show she’d deemed it a non-threat. She explained she was under the assumption Danny knew about the upcoming interview as well, so she didn’t think to tell him. They both supposed their parents had simply had it slip their minds—not an unusual occurrence. Besides, it was a moot point now; the tv people would be here any minute.

“Alright, kids, I’ll make sure your father has kept the lab in one piece and get him to join us before they arrive. Danny, you’re on door duty. Don’t let your father get close enough to threaten them with the Fenton Bazooka. We don’t need a repeat of last time,” this last part was said under Maddie’s breath as she headed to the lab door in the kitchen. Jazz and Danny exchanged a knowing look.

When the doorbell finally did ring, Jazz perched neatly on the chair, Jack and Maddie came running into the room (“Ghost!” “No, Jack, ghosts don’t use the front door, we’ve talked about this Sweetie.”) and Danny opened the front door, pained smile already in place. He was met by two young-ish guys—or, more accurately, a guy and a tree with legs—who both looked very out of place in a town where ghost attacks came on the news as often as the weather. The shorter, more average looking of the two had a bright smile on his face, and the guy with trees for legs (Seriously, how was he so tall?) had his hands in his pockets and a laidback grin.

As soon as Danny laid eyes on the taller one, his smile fell from his face.

There was no way this guy was human.

“Hi! I’m Ryan Bergara, and this is my co-host, Shane Madej. Our cameraman Mark is grabbing the equipment out of the car. We’re the guys from Buzzfeed Unsolved; we’re supposed to interview the local ghost hunters. This is the Fenton residence, correct?” The shorter guy—Ryan, apparently—bounced a little on his toes.

“Well I should hope so Ryan, they have a giant neon sign,” Shane grinned, earning him a lighthearted jab to the ribs from Ryan. Danny narrowed his eyes.

“Yes, of course, welcome!” Maddie came up behind Danny, and he stepped to the side grudgingly as his mother continued, “Please come in and sit down, we’re very excited to have you here. I’m Maddie, and this is my husband Jack and our kids Jazz and Danny. We’ve been looking forward to this ever since you contacted us! It’s a thrilling opportunity.” She led them into the living room, not noticing Danny’s sudden change in attitude. As soon as Shane stepped over the threshold, the electric ice that usually accompanied Danny’s ghost sense washed down his spine—but his ghost sense hadn’t actually gone off. He’d know if it had. This guy was giving him major danger vibes, but he clearly wasn’t a ghost. Danny swallowed the growl that was building in his chest.

Maddie continued welcoming them, unperturbed.

“I always love meeting fellow ghost hunters!” Jack announced in his usual booming fashion. “Always good to see more folks interested in this perilous profession! You can never have too many people fighting back against the threat of those putrid ectoplasmic post-human manifestations.”

Ryan faltered, his smile wavering. “What? I don’t… Fighting? What do you mean, fighting?”

Maddie’s brows creased. “Well, you’re ghost hunters, right? Surely you know that all ghosts are the evil incarnations of human imprints, driven by obsessions to violence and chaos. They have to be dealt with to protect people.”

Based on the gobsmacked expressions on the two purported ghost hunter’s faces, they hadn’t exactly expected this answer.

“So I take it you definitely believe in ghosts, then.”

A brief moment of stunned silence followed Shane’s statement, even Jack temporarily lost for words. “Well of course ghosts are real, that’s ridiculous!” Jack exclaimed once he recovered. “They attack the city practically every week! We Fentons have developed the most advanced ecto-technology capable of harming and containing ghosts. We’ve been studying ghosts for years!”

In what to Danny was a clear effort to ward off one of their father’s ghost rants, Jazz asked, “You’ve been doing this show for a while, correct? You must have fought a ghost before, or at least encountered one?”

“Well, no, we’ve never seen a ghost, or any paranormal creature. We always look for evidence, but we almost never find anything that counts as compelling.”

Ryan, still stunned, held up his hands. “O-okay. Hold on. This is… this is a lot. Why don’t we uh, why don’t we set up for the interview, and then we can continue this conversation while we’re recording, so we don’t have to repeat anything? It’ll be more genuine that way.”

While the Buzzfeed guys, now including their cameraman, set up for the interview, the Fenton parents whispered to each other in heated sounding tones, presumably still baffled by the lack of proper hunting knowledge. Jazz came over to stand by Danny, who (despite the strange turn the afternoon had already taken) hadn’t taken his eyes off Shane. The longer he was in his house the more Danny felt the urge to fight. Jazz didn’t seem to notice her brother’s weird mood, instead commenting, “Well I guess they’re just yet more phonies, huh?”

“No.”

“What?” She sounded taken aback.

“The taller one. Shane. He’s not human. I don’t think he’s a ghost either, he didn’t set my ghost sense of properly, but he’s definitely something. And he’s powerful, too. He gives me a really bad feeling.”

Okay, Jazz was definitely worried now. “Well what are we going to do about it? Is he a threat? Should I call Sam and Tucker?”

“No, I don’t think they’ll be able to help. I don’t think I could take him. I don’t know how to explain it, but I can just sense that he’s too much for me, even with help. I don’t like it.” His hands curled into fists at his sides. “Besides, he hasn’t actively made any threats yet. For now, we just keep an eye out. If it goes bad, I’ll deal with it while you get Mom and Dad out. Hopefully it won’t come to that.”

Jazz glanced between Shane and Danny, pensive. “Okay, but… please be careful.”

Danny spared his sister a brief look. “I’ll try.”

There wasn’t much they could do but act normal and hope for the best, so once everything was set up and the cameras were ready to roll, Shane and Ryan sat on the recently-blanket-covered couch across from Jack and Maddie, who were each in an armchair. Jazz and Danny perched on the loveseat, out of frame and on edge.

Ryan worked quickly through his usual introduction and explanation, eager to get to the meat of the situation.

“So Drs. Fenton, what can you tell us about Amity Park as a haunted location?”

“Well,” Maddie began, “The ghosts started appearing frequently about a year and a half ago, coming from the Ghost Zone into our world and attacking people. They generally cause havoc a couple times a week, destroying property and attempting to injure people. They fight amongst themselves as often as they terrorize average citizens, being the violence-driven creatures they are.”

“Wow, there’s… a lot to unpack there. What is the Ghost Zone?”

“That’s where the ghosts come from!” Jack chimed in. “They need ectoplasm to survive, since that’s what they’re made up of, so they go back to the Ghost Zone when they get weak.”

“So I take it ghosts can be seen to the average eye, then?” Ryan asked.

“Well of course they can! All ghosts can make themselves invisible, but their default state is in the human field of vision. All ghosts are typically tangible, unless actively using their powers of intangibility, and they seem to stay hovering or flying unless deliberately doing otherwise. Most ghosts have offensive powers as well, such as ectoplasmic blasts and elemental attacks, but the weakest ones don’t maintain a consistent form and don’t display anything beyond the basic capabilities,” Maddie explained.

“Wow,” Ryan said, “I had no idea ghosts were so… present. I thought they were, like, barely able to move pencils or turn on flashlights.”

“Nonsense,” Jack declared, “Ghosts are a very serious threat and can cause a lot more harm than turning on the lights!”

Shane leaned forward, hands clasped over his knees. “So ghosts can hurt people? And they do it actively? So much for Casper the Friendly Ghost.”

Maddie waved a hand, nonchalant. “Oh yes, all ghosts are driven by malice; their base instinct is to turn to violence. They’ll just as soon attack each other as they will a human. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure you always have the proper weaponry to defend yourself.”

“What kind of weapons? Like salt and holy water?” Ryan asked, hopeful to at least have gotten one thing right about ghosts.

“Of course not! A little saltwater isn’t going to do anything against a grisly ghoul! That’s why we have these bad boys,” Jack sprung up from his seat, pulling out an ectogun from seemingly nowhere and brandishing it in front of the two guests. They leaned back quickly in response, startled. Mark, from behind the camera, watched nervously, and Jazz put her head in her palm. Danny grimaced.

“This here is a state-of-the-art Fenton brand ectogun, designed and built by yours truly. It uses ecto energy to fight ghost fire with ghost fire. Nothing on Earth is more effective at takin’ down those scary spooks!”

“Alright, Dear, let’s maybe put the gun down; I think it’s making our guests just a little uncomfortable. I’m sure they can admire it just fine from the coffee table.” Maddie stood and placed her hand gently on Jack’s arm, lowering it and deftly taking the gun from his hands. She set it on the table and smiled apologetically at the men on the couch. “I’m sorry, Jack can get a little… enthusiastic. But it’s not to worry, ectoguns can’t hurt humans. They’re designed specifically to target the unique energy that constitutes ghosts; the most even our larger guns would do to humans is knock the wind out briefly.” She encouraged Jack to sit back down, and returned to her own seat.

It may have been Danny’s imagination, but he could have sworn Shane slid further away from where the gun rested innocently between them.

“…Okay, so you use actual weapons to fight ghosts. Cool. Uh… where do you find ghosts? You said something about them going to and from the—Ghost Zone, correct?—so I assume they aren’t bound to one place like in most tales about them,” Ryan said, attempting to brush off any lingering awkwardness from Jack’s well-meaning outburst.

At this, Jack brightened up considerably and said, “We use the Fenton Finder! Ghosts all have an ectosignature, so we use those to detect when they’re nearby, like radar! Even if they’re invisible, this puppy can find a ghost on the other side of the city.” He beamed proudly, and Maddie gave her husband an endearing smile.

Shane perked up once again, absently picking at the threads on the edge of the hole Maddie had attempted to conceal. “So you’re saying this finder-thing makes it impossible for ghosts to hide?”

Danny had a bad feeling about this.

“That’s right! We’d know a ghost was near long before it had the chance to get the drop on us.”

Ryan asked, “Does it work on other creatures, too? Like demons, for instance?”

Maddie laughed, “Don’t be silly! Demons don’t exist. Everything that people think they see is usually some form of ghost. There’s a vast spectrum of forms a ghost can take.”

Shane nudged Ryan. “See Ry, I told you demons weren’t real! You’ve been getting so worked up about nothing. Annabelle’s got nothing on these ghosts we’re learning about.”

Danny tuned out Ryan’s spluttered denials and defenses as he came to a worrying suspicion. Shane wasn’t a ghost—even if he had been a half-ghost, Danny would have been able to tell. But he wasn’t human either; the moment he first saw him he just knew. But if he wasn’t a ghost and he wasn’t human… then he had to be something else entirely. Danny had never encountered anything else, but if his own existence proved anything, it was that he couldn’t jump to conclusions about what did and did not exist.

Shane didn’t seem to believe in any of this stuff, even if he was currently going along with the ghost thing (Danny felt pretty sure that was just out of politeness to his parents, based on the faces Shane had been making and the near-constant laughter he appeared to be fighting). But Danny knew from experience how helpful putting on a persona could be. He couldn’t assume anything about this guy.

(Ryan seemed pretty safe. He didn’t seem to share any hidden glances or take any second meaning from his friend’s actions. He was probably in the dark.)

So if Shane was something else…

Danny was suddenly very worried he perhaps knew what that ‘else’ might truly be.

“…so ghosts have different power levels,” His mother was saying as Danny brought himself back to the events at hand, “and that determines how difficult it is to defeat.”

“So you can’t purposefully antagonize anything while we’re here, Shane,” Ryan said, giving his friend a stern eye. “I am not going to be the one to tell Sara you got yourself murked by the undead.”

“I don’t know,” Shane replied, “Could be fun to fistfight a ghost. A good old-fashioned brawl.” He turned with a Cheshire grin and stared straight at Danny, too-dark eyes glittering.

Yeah, this definitely wasn’t good.

#liv posts #fic #danny phantom #buzzfeed unsolved #shane madej #ryan bergara #demon shane

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fanficimagery · 5 years ago

Text

Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner [Part 2 of 2]

Summary: Imagine being the “baby” of the group. Now imagine celebrating your 21st birthday with the squad.

Words: 3.5K Warnings: You guys peer pressured me into writing pt. 2! I swear I wasn’t going to write this, but well.. I had a little too much to drink New Year’s Eve and here you go. Sorry if it sucks. Sequels are never good.

Also.. this took an unexpected turn. I’m not even a sorry.

Days before your party was to take place that your friends have planned for you, David calls you over to his house. You have nothing better to do, so you stop by to pick up some Chipotle before making your way over. Then when you get there, you're in the middle of kicking off your shoes when Natalie takes the food from your hands and Josh Peck rounds the corner. You've met him a couple of times, but it still blows your mind every time he addresses you.

"Alright, Baby, you should know the drill by now." He pulls a blindfold from his back pocket and your stomach drops. His smile widens at your nervous expression.

"Nooo." You whine, backing up for every step Josh takes in your direction. "Fuck you guys." You can hear David laughing, his laughter only getting louder as he rounds the corner with his camera. "You are not putting a scaly reptile on me. No. Fuck you, David."

"Baby!" He laughs. "Come on. Everyone but you has done it."

"I'm not about to die! I thought you guys wanted to party," you then pout at him. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"Dammit, Baby, just put the blindfold on!" Zane shouts from the other room.

"God I hate you guys."

"Lies." Josh gleefully blindfolds you when he realizes you're not going to fight it anymore, and then he ends up behind you with his hands on your shoulders to guide you. "Cheer up. You're gonna love this."

"Yeah? Well I'd probably love it more if I wasn't blindfolded and paranoid about instant death."

Your friends all laugh and then Josh guides you someplace, stopping where they want you. They tell you all who is present- David, Natalie, Josh, Heath, Mariah, and Zane- and your anxiety only rises as you can hear gasping and shushed giggling.

"Okay so what you're going to do," David starts to explain, "is hold your arms out at your sides. Then we'll guide your arms from there."

"If I get bit or attacked or whatever, you're dead, Davie."

He giggles. "You're not going to get attacked."

"Well.."

You immediately wrap your arms around yourself, stepping back at the unfamiliar voice. "Nope. Not doing it. You heard Stranger Danger, there's a possibility that whatever you're surprising me with will attack me."

Everyone laughs, but then Mariah's soothing, trusting voice pipes up. "Come on, Baby. Trust me when I say there's nothing to worry about." She grabs your hands and spreads your arms out. "Now just breathe and let it happen."

You groan but then go as lax as you possibly can. One moment everything is good and then next small, thin arms are being placed around your neck. You immediately tense, fisting your hands tightly. "No, no, no. Fuck you guys. What is that?" A heavy weight then settles against your chest and stomach, and your friends grab your arms. "Get it off. David, get it off." Your friends start cackling.

"Baby." Heath chuckles. "Open your hands. You need to cradle it."

"Fuck off, Heath. You cradle it!" Someone snorts, but then they're prying your hands open and making you cradle whatever is hanging around your neck. "I'm gonna die. This is it. This is how I go out."

"If it bites you, you get to bite David," Natalie says, giggling.

"Hey!"

Whatever they've made you hold has really course hair and you're super uncomfortable. But then the blindfold comes off and after letting your eyes readjust to the room lighting, you look down into the face of.. a sloth.

"Oh my god." Your eyes immediately tear up. "Oh my god! This is- it's a-"

"Surprise!" David laughs. "We know you've always wanted to hold one, so.."

"Oh my god. I love it so much." You nuzzle the sloth with your nose, silently crying as your friends all laugh. The caretaker- whose name is apparently John- hand feeds the animal grape halves. "It's so cute."

"That is honestly the ugliest animal I've ever seen," Zane says, shaking his head.

"I honestly can't believe you're crying," Mariah says. "I knew you'd love it, but not this much."

"You're lucky this isn't a baby otter. I'd be a blubbering mess if it were."

"Dammit!" David remarks. "I knew I should have gone with the otter."

You smile, using one hand to support the sloth's bottom while you run your other hand up and down it's back. "If you get me one of those baby wrap carriers, we can strap the sloth to my chest and I'll walk around in public telling everyone who stares that it's inappropriate to stare at my really hairy baby and will likely make him grow up with insecurities."

David laughs, beaming. "Let's do it."

The day of your party, you're in the middle of an outfit crisis when Matt shows up and tosses a bag at you. "The boys voted and they do not want an outfit repeat of your actual birthday." You snort as the blonde chuckles. "So we all got together and put together an outfit for you."

"Oh no." You groan and start to dig through tissue paper in the bag. "You guys probably chose footie pajamas or something." Then pulling out a black long sleeve crop top and a pair of black ripped skinny jeans, you grin. "Oh. I can work with this."

He chuckles. "You're welcome." Matt then follows you into your room, he lounging on your bed as you gather undergarments for your shower. "Don't dawdle in there, Baby. We gotta be at David's in an hour."

"Yeah, yeah. I know."

- X - X - X - X - X -

When you show up to David's, you let them go through with the show of blindfolding you and escorting you inside. The party is not a surprise, but David's viewers don't know that so you film it as if it were. But really, the surprise you show as your friends all pop black and gold confetti blasters when you enter the living room is genuine.

"Oh thank god," is the first thing Heath says when he hugs you. "I was nervous you wouldn't agree to our outfit and we'd have to slap Todd and Ilya upside the head all night for staring."

You laugh. "You boys really need to stop being overprotective."

"Never."

"What's going to happen when I decide to date?"

"We'll get Jeff to kick his ass."

"Shut up."

You make your rounds hugging every one of your friends in the room, letting David then lead you to the back yard. Three very attractive fire dancers greet you, they putting on a performance that leaves your jaw dropping open in awe.

"Here. Hold this. I wanna try," David says. He passes over his camera and asks for one of the large wooden batons, he then twirling the flaming stick almost expertly. Almost.

You video him, grinning. "Hey, Davie, stick to your day job and let the fire dancers have their baton back."

He laughs. "You're so mean to me, Baby."

"It's only because I adore you."

- X - X - X - X - X -

You take shots with everyone, you letting them serenade you with an awful rendition of Happy Birthday and then nurse a bottle of Corona with a wedge of lime shoved down the bottle's neck.

You grind with the girls, singing and laughing and letting them keep you hydrated in between all the alcohol the boys keep pushing on you.

Jeff and Todd take turns herding you into a corner when they catch you dancing with the opposite sex, David giggling as he records the guys standing on either side of you with their arms crossed over their chests while they stare down other males.

Soon enough you end up back at David's side, sipping some water and smiling tiredly at his camera.

"Having fun, Baby?"

"Duh." You hip check him. "I always have fun when you're involved."

David giggles and presses closer to you, he angling the camera so it catches the both of you. Then addressing his would-be viewers, he says, "So I know I already surprised Baby with a sloth, but there was another present that I just couldn't pass up when the opportunity presented itself."

"What? David, no! You've already done so much for me."

A familiar tune that you know all too well because it's by one of your favorite artists starts to play, but you don't pay it much mind. David, however, merely beams at you and points the camera directly in your face, and laughs with the tip of his tongue stuck between his teeth.

Familiar words are then sung, but you're too caught up in a staring competition. After a few more moments, your mind recognizes that the music doesn't sound like the album version. It sounds live.

"And all the kids cried out, please stop you're scaring me. I can't help this awful energy. Goddamn right you should be scared of me. Who is in control?"

Your brow furrows and then widen, and your head turns so fast that David cackles. "DAVID!" You then whip around to stare at your friend. "Fuckin' Halsey?! What the fuck!?"

"Surprise! Happy birthday, Baby." Your expression crumples and he laughs some more. "Don't cry!"

"Shut up, you asshole. This is all your fault." You step closer to him, shoving your face into the side of his neck as your arms wrap around his waist in a hug. "You're seriously the best, bub."

"I know. Now go have fun. Mariah looks seconds away from having an aneurysm. No one, other than Natalie, knew I got Halsey to come here."

Stepping away from him, you sniffle some as your teary eyes meet his. "I adore you, Dobrik. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"I adore you too."

David watches as Baby joins the crowd, singing along with Halsey and just enjoying her time. As he records from afar and looks for any of his friends acting like fools, Jason sidles up to him.

"Halsey, huh? So when are you going to tell Baby you're in love with her?"

"What?! I'm not.. in love with Baby." David looks at Jason, hands holding his camera to his chest. At his best friend's expression, David's smile falters. "Come on, man. It's Baby. I'm not about to ruin anything between us."

Jason shakes his head. "How do you know it'll end up in ruins? Baby could be the one you're with for a very long time."

David shrugs. "It's Baby. None of us are good enough for her."

Jason watches as his young friend looks back out at the girl he obviously adores, he sighing and clamping down on David's shoulder. "For what it's worth, she looks at you the same way you look at her. You never know how something will pan out unless you give it a try."

As Jason walks away, David stares one last time at Baby before moving on to film the boys. There's just no way he can chance what he has with Baby.

But that doesn't mean his friends won't do it for them.

A few days later and it feels like you're still recovering from your party. David has surprisingly uploaded the video of your sloth surprise and the party, and you can't believe how many times he caught you saying fight me, you little bitch every time someone attempted to take your drink away or annoyed you. Natalie, Ilya, and Jonah were the unlucky three, they being the ones you attempted to fight when you weren't occupied by someone else.

It's nearing ten in the morning when your phone dings with an email, and since you're in between jobs and waiting to hear back from a few places, you immediately open it. Only the email is from Natalie and you're confused as to why she's emailing you instead of texting.

[Hey Baby, attached is some unedited video footage I thought you should see. David might actually kill me, but then again he might thank me. Both of you will. Text me when you're done.]

Clicking on the link attached, you watched the footage Natalie thought so important for you to see. It's of your party and the moment David surprised you with Halsey. You have to pause the video when the adoration shining in David's eyes catches you off guard, and you spend a couple of minutes just thinking what if. Your crush on David had completely caught you off guard and you blame those damn diamond studs he pierced his ears with on Black Friday. But David is David and you're you, and there's no possible way you can ruin that.

Hitting play on the video, you watch the rest in shocked silence. David zooming in on your ecstatic expression, Jason coming up to him and claiming David being in love with you, and David not denying it.

"Holy shit." Exiting out of the video, you bring up your texting app and create a new group chat. Heart now hammering, you text out a 911 to Natalie, Corinna, Mariah, Kristen, Carly, Erin, and Suzy. You tell them to meet you at a local cafe where they serve some great brunch and then hurriedly throw on some clothes nearly suitable for public.

You need to talk about this video clip as soon as possible.

- X - X - X - X - X -

Sitting in the cafe with an iced coffee and a half eaten breakfast sandwich, you anxiously await the arrival of your girls. Natalie is the first to get there, she grinning knowingly as she goes to place her own order before taking a seat at the table with you.

Carly, Erin, and Suzy all show up together, followed by Corinna, then Mariah and Kristen. The girls are all eager to know what's going on, but Natalie takes charge and tells them to order what they're going to order before getting down to business.

So while the girls all settle down, you sit there with your right knee bouncing anxiously under the table and front teeth clamped down on the straw of your drink.

"Okay so what's going on?" Kristen wonders.

Natalie smirks as everyone slowly digs into their brunch and you can't help the following words that leave your mouth. "I'm in love with David."

Corinna swallows wrong and chokes on her bite of food, and Suzy cackles at the following that takes place.

"I knew it!" Mariah points a finger at Natalie. "Didn't I tell you?"

Carly and Erin exchange money, Carly clearly the victorious one in whatever bet they had going on.

"What the hell brought this on?" Corinna finally asks, sipping on her orange juice.

"It's all Natalie's fault!" You then blurt. As all gazes dart to your friend, you slump in your seat with a small sigh. "She sent me a video clip that David cut out from the final product of his latest vlog. Jason confronts him about telling me he's in love with me and David- well he doesn't deny his feelings."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Mariah asks.

You shrug. "I don't know! On one hand I kind of want someone to tell David I like him and see if he makes a move, but on the other I agree with David. Why ruin what we already have by trying for something more?"

Erin smiles sadly. "I get that you're scared, but what if by being scared you're ruining any chance of happiness with David? We're young, Baby. This is the time to fall in love, make mistakes, and fall in love again. But who knows, maybe falling in love with David isn't a mistake? Give him a chance, Baby. I think I speak on behalf of everyone here when I say we're rooting for you."

"Do it, Baby," Corinna says. "It's about time that boy gets some action."

This time it's your turn to choke and the girls all laugh at your misfortune. "I hate you." Then looking at Natalie, you ask, "Was anyone else at the house?"

"Nope. David was just lounging in his room and going through footage for his second channel."

"Okay. Okay," you then say again after taking a moment to think. "Everyone steer clear of David's. I think me and him need to have a chat."

- X - X - X - X - X -

Showing up to David's with some In-N-Out, you call out for him once you enter and kick off your shoes.

"In my room!"

You nervously make your way towards David's bed, smiling when you see him sitting up against the headboard and his laptop cushioned on his lap. "I bring good food."

His own smile brightens as he sets his laptop aside, he making grabby hands for the bag in your hand. "You are the best, Baby."

"Duh. Now make some room. We need to talk."

"Uh oh. This sounds serious."

"It is," you chuckle. "Somewhat. Don't worry, bub. You're not in trouble."

"Oh. Okay then."

As you plop down on the empty side of David's bed, you pull one of his pillows into your lap and take your phone out of your back pocket. David digs into his food and you bring up the video Natalie had sent you.

"So what'd you want to talk about?" He asks after eating half his burger.

"Now don't get mad or shut me out," you start, anxiously biting the bottom corner of your lip, "but I kind of want to talk about this." You hit play on your phone and watch David's expression slowly fall as he realizes what you have.

"Baby," he sighs. "I can explain."

"It seems our friends really want us together." David cleans his hands off on a napkin as you then admit, "You do know Natalie wouldn't have showed me this unless my feelings were mutual. Right?"

"Natalie is- wait, what?"

David's head whips in your direction, gaze darting over your expression for any sign of deceit. "Apparently we both suck at hiding our feelings if our friends were able to figure it out and push us towards each other. Carly and Erin even had a bet going."

He laughs. "Goddammit."

"This is really awkward for me, in case you can't tell," you say, nervously plucking at invisible lent on his pillow. "I'm terrible at admitting my feelings and talking about them, but yeah. I like you too. A lot."

"Baby-"

"And it's all because of those damn earrings you put in your ears on Black Friday. I was fine being your friend and then BAM! You get your ears pierced and I'm suddenly wanting to climb you like a-"

"Baby!" David laughs some more, startling you. "You're rambling."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. It's really adorable."

When you meet his gaze, you can't help but blush under his adoring stare. You groan, chuckling, and scoot down in his bed until you're flat on your back and pulling the blanket over your face. "God why am I so awkward?"

"Hey, we're both awkward." You can feel David shifting, he maneuvering himself so he's laid out beside you, supporting his weight on one elbow as he slightly leans over you. Then pulling the blanket off your face, he says, "We can be awkward together. That is if you want."

You stare up at him, gaze darting over every inch of his face. His smile falters, but you reach up and gently brush his hair out of his eyes. "I kind of really want," you tell him. "Promise that if things don't pan out, we'll still be friends?"

"We'll always be friends, Baby," he muses. "Always. Now can I at least kiss you before you start talking about us not working out?"

You laughing sets off David laughing, and you have no idea where the sudden burst of confidence comes from that has you leaning up and pressing your lips against his. All talking ceases and your heart swells when David pushes you down onto the bed in order to lean further over you.

Then after a few moments of testing the waters, he pulls back and gulps. "I think we can work with this."

"Mhm. Definitely." You agree. David snorts and you gently push him away. "Now finish your food so we can nap. I woke up early and then had one hell of a morning, and I kind of just want to cuddle you."

He mockingly gasps. "What will the others think?"

"Screw the others," you huff. "I'm pretty sure the girls all texted the boys by now, but I told the girls to steer clear of the house. Lets get as much sleep as we can before the boys show up and grill you about corrupting me."

Expression slowly crumpling, David collapses on the bed next to you. "Fuck. They're going to have a field day with this."

"Yep." Snuggling down, you pull the blanket up to your chin and close your eyes.

"Is it too late to book a flight somewhere and just enjoy us before they start messing with me?"

You giggle. "Buck up, bub. It won't be so bad."

#fanficimagery #imagine #vlog squad x reader #vlog squad imagine #vlog squad #david dobrik x reader #david dobrik imagine #david dobrik #matt king #jason nash #natalie mariduena #corinna kopf #mariah amato #erin gilfoy #carly incontro #kristen mcatee #suzy antonyan

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wordsfromthesol · 5 years ago

Text

Research Paper

Author: @wordsfromthesol Pairing: Tim Drake x Reader Summary: You and Tim get assigned to complete a research paper together. The two of you end up spending way more time together than originally planned. Warnings: Cursing and balls of fluff Word Count: 2k A/N: I still have a few requests, they are coming I just haven’t had too much time to write new stuff...so I’ve been posting old stories I’ve already completed.

The two of you sat at your dining room table, typing away at various research sites and scribbling down miscellaneous notes that could be helpful later. Finally, you looked up at your silent partner.

“So, why the rush to get this research paper done?”

“I’m busy. This is when I have time to do it.”

“Hm –” Before you could continue the thought, Tim cut you off.

“Look, I know you don’t want to be paired with the weird kid. Let’s just finish this and you don’t have to talk to me anymore.”

“Woah there Tim, relax. I don’t know anything about you. Especially not enough to qualify you as the weird kid.” You watched his face turn a slight shade of crimson. “Ya’know, there’s only 20 kids in this class. I bet if you actually talked to some of them you would make friends.” You got up from your seat and sauntered into the kitchen. “So weird kid, you want something to drink?”

“Oh…uhm…I’m fine.” You chuckled to yourself as he stuttered through his response.

“Well, if you insist on completing this in one night, I need some wine. Sure you don’t want a glass?”

“Okay…” Tim hesitantly responded.

The bottle was gone and you began to spiral down a YouTube worm hole. Clicking video after video, ending up on the ever popular topic of vigilantes. “Why do you think they do it?” You mumbled out loud, forgetting your research partner was still sitting across from you.

“Why does…” Tim tugged at your computer and glared at the screen before him. The video was paused on an image of Nightwing and Red Robin. He remembered that night. Mr. Freeze had armed some kind of mass freeze ray in the subway system. There were 5 casualties that night. His voice echoed throughout the room. “Sometimes the police aren’t enough. They have too much red tape or not enough training to handle certain criminals.”

“There’s just so many of them…”

“I think they need each other. Each one making sure the others don’t cross a line they can’t come back from. Keeping them responsible for their actions.”

“You think they aren’t just inherent do-gooders running around?”

“No. I don’t. This city is a toxin, no one born of it is inherently good. Everyone comes to a crossroads, some chose to go left and others, right. Once one goes to the left, you may never go back. However, those who chose to go right are always tempted to take a shortcut to the left. Even knowing they could never return.”

“Dang…you should write a book or something Tim.”

“Just a lot of experience I suppose?” You furrowed your brows and shot him a questioning look. “I was…uhm…rescued by Batman awhile back. Though not before my parents were poisoned.”

“I’m so sorry…” Your eyes cast to the ground as your hand reached across the table, landing atop of his. “I didn’t know.”

Tim brushed it off, “I didn’t expect you to know. I don’t advertise it. Anyways, how’s the ACTUAL research coming along.” You rolled your eyes and turned back towards your computer.

Tim realized he hadn’t heard from you in awhile, so he glanced up from his computer. You were asleep at the table. His eyes shot over to the clock, 4:07am. “Shit.” He mumbled under his breath. Tim then sat there debating what to do for several minutes before pushing his chair back and taking you up in his arms. He laid you on your bed, draping the covers over you, before heading back into the dining room. Almost as soon as Tim sat back at his computer, his phone buzzed.

Don’t forget to get some sleep tonight, baby bird.

Dick had started sending reminders almost every night. Tim debated ignoring it, until more messages came in. Jason, Damian, Barbara, Stephanie, even Cassandra had texted him. Dick truly went all out tonight.

I swear if I have to listen to Dick complain about you not sleeping one more time, I will lose it. Go the fuck to sleep, replacement.

Drake, I was just informed to remind you to sleep tonight. May this serve as that reminder.

Dick just let me know you haven’t slept the past two nights. The body can only properly survive without three nights of sleep. Please sleep.

Timothy Jackson Drake. If you do not sleep tonight, I will be forced to take drastic action. One word: computer.

Don’t make me come knock you out.

Tim quickly sent a group message to everyone. Everyone calm down. It’s only been a day and a half. I’m going to sleep now. And Steph, don’t even look at my fucking computer. Tim sighed and threw himself on your couch, welcoming some much-needed sleep.

You woke up very confused. You glanced around your room, you definitely did not remember going to bed. You threw your legs over the side and noticed you were still completely dressed. What the fuck. Hesitantly, you opened your bedroom door. Your eyes darted around the room, noting the two computer still at the dining room table. Tip-toeing over to the living room, you saw Tim passed out on the couch, his phone buzzing beside him. You attempted to end the call, but it answered instead. Shit shit shit. You leapt as far from Tim as you could before whispering into the phone.

“Look I didn’t mean to answer this, but Tim is asleep…and he strikes me as the kind of person who doesn’t get much –” The man on the other end cut you off.

“I’m sorry, who is this? Why do you have my brother’s phone?”

“Oh…uhm…I’m in class with him. We were partnered on a research paper. He slept…is sleeping here.” You heard the man sigh before he continued.

“Do me a favor and try not to wake him, but tell him Dick called when he does get up.”

“Uh…sure…”

“Oh and put his phone on silent…actually I’ll just block the calls from here. Oh and thanks...I didn’t actually get your name.”

“Y/N.”

“Right, thanks again Y/N.”

You hung up the phone on the weirdest conversation ever and set it next to his computer. You snatched yours up and went back into your bedroom. Might as well get some work done while you waited for Tim to wake up. A few more hours passed and you heard footsteps coming from your living room. Thank god, I so need coffee. You threw open the door and saw Tim standing over his computer.

“Oh, uhm, sorry I slept here last night.”

You waved off the apology, “No problem. What time did we stop?”

“I noticed you were asleep at like 4 in the morning. So I…” Tim ran his finger through his hair, “I just figured the bed was more comfortable.” You smirked as you watched his face turn crimson. Stronger than he looks apparently. “Then I thought it was probably best not to leave that late…so I just crashed on the couch.”

“So we didn’t finish then? As in you better not have finished it without me.”

Tim held up his hands in defense. “No no, I stopped once I saw you were asleep.”

“Well…want coffee and some...” you glanced at the clock. It was nearly noon, “brunch I guess.”

“Oh, uh…if you’re offering? Then sure, I guess.”

“Great, then we can just finish up today.” You made your way to the kitchen, “Oh your brother called.”

Tim’s eyebrows furrowed, “which one?”

“You have multiple? Uh…Dick, I think he said.”

“Yeah, three of them. Do you mind if I call him back?”

You shook your head as you put on the coffee. Tim grabbed the phone from the table and went into your bathroom.

“Dick? Is something wrong?”

“Nah, Alfred just told me you hadn’t been back to the Manor yet. Wanted to make sure we didn’t need to send search and rescue.”

“I’m fine. Listen, do you mind if you cover my patrol tonight?”

“Oh, hot date with Y/N?”

“How do you – nevermind. No, we are finishing a project.”

“Hm, whatever you want to tell yourself Timmy. She seemed sweet on you though.”

“How – who even says that anymore? Are you 60 years old?”

“Awe, look who’s deflecting.”

“Bye Dick!” Tim screamed into the phone before hanging up on his brother.

After brunch was had, the two of you got back to work. However, it didn’t take long for you to get sidetracked.

“Alright, if I sit in this damn chair for another minute I’m going to have permanent back problems. I’m moving to the couch.” You huffed out, before scooping up your computer and plopping down sideways with your back against the armrest. Surprisingly, Tim joined you, propping is feet up on the coffee table. Once the two of you moved to the couch, no more work got done.

“So you close with your family?” You began the barrage of questions. People often called you out for being nosy, but you still couldn’t help it.

“Oh,” Tim glanced up from his computer. “Yeah, I suppose. Too close sometimes.”

“Eh, they wouldn’t be family otherwise. I gather you have a big one?”

“What are we playing 20 questions?”

“Just curious…”

Tim huffed, but began to answer your question anyways. “Yeah, I guess. Though it’s a family forged from bonds, not blood.”

“I’d say that’s the better kind. You chose to stay with and support them, as opposed to being guilted into it because they’re family.”

“Well that clearly struck a chord.”

You shrugged it off, “So three brothers. Blood or bond?”

“Well…a forced bond? Bruce adopted all of us, except Damian I guess.”

You continued to pose questions to your newfound friend, though you found getting most answers was like pulling teeth. Eventually, you made progress and after a few hours you closed your laptop, which had been long since asleep, and tossed it to the floor. “I vote take away and a movie.”

“But we haven’t finished.” Tim argued.

“And I don’t think we are going to tonight. Come on, we still have a month. Relax a little, we’re like 75% done anyways.”

“I –” Before he could protest further you pulled yourself off the couch and reached for your phone.

“I vote Thai.”

You heard a sigh come from the other end of the couch, “Sounds good.” A smile grazed your face as you placed the order and settled comfortably back on the couch. You turned on the movie and didn’t realize you were laying half on Tim until the doorbell roused you. This time it was your turn to don a shade of red. Thankfully, it was too dark for Tim to see.

The food was gone and the movie continued to play in the background, but the two of you were fast asleep laying against each other. That was, until Tim heard a knock on the window. He looked up to see the familiar costumes of his older brothers. He gently held you in place with one arm, while stretching to grab his phone with the other. Tim quickly typed a message.

I’m clearly alive. Leave me the fuck alone.

Tim saw Dick smirk through the window just before a bright white light shone through. Tim’s phone buzzed.

Look Timbers found someone to put up with him.

Of course Jason just had to send that in the group message. Tim typed out his response.

I’m muting this conversation until further notice. Also I’m never telling you guys where I am ever again.

That’s alright, I’m sure Y/N won’t mind telling me. We had a great conversation earlier.

Tim ignored the baited message Dick sent and threw his phone to the other side of the couch before settling back into the comfortable position at your side.

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pinoyrella · 4 years ago

Text

“A Love So Beautiful” Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Please Vote for Me

FT: Tsukishima Kei, Yamaguchi Tadashi, Hinata Shoyo, Kageyama Tobio, Yachi Hitoka, Manami Aoki, Watabe Nozomi, Minaho + Takeda-Sensei

TW: Y/N kicks Stinkyshima lmao, Teasing/Acts of Bullying, Mild Language

Genre: Fluff, Comedy, Angst, Coming of Age + Slow Burn

WORD COUNT: 5,390

“A LOVE SO BEAUTIFUL” Masterlist

A/N: Hi everyone! So sorry for the delay of this chapter! Tumblr ended up marking my account as explicit as I was trying to change my profile picture🗿, so I wasn’t able to post :,(( This chapter’s a bit long.. but thank you so much again! MWAH ILYYY!! 💖

The sound of students chattering fills the classrooms of Class-4.

“Good morning class-4” Ono-Sensei strolls in, her heels clicking the floor. The students quiet down as they stand, greeting their homeroom teacher back in sync before sitting. “As you may know we are near spring semester, following will be our Culture Festival, held on campus before your spring break.” The students cheer as she stands tall in front of the podium, her hand resting on the left arm. “Alright-alright, I’m not finished yet. We are in need of a class monitor to represent us for not only the event, but for the rest of your high-school career.” She scans the room before her eyes fall on Tsukishima. “Tsukishima-kun, I would like to ask if you can hold up to this position.” She says out loud.

Tsukishima visibly freezes in his spot before standing, clearing his throat. “I apologize, Ono-Sensei, but I am a bit occupied at the moment with preparing for the Spring High Preliminaries with the Volleyball Club. I won’t be able to dedicate most of my time towards the Culture Festival.” He says before seating himself. “That’s not a problem. Yamaguchi-kun?” Yamaguchi stands before speaking. “I’m sorry Ono-Sensei, I’m also a part of the volleyball club…” Yamaguchi trails, rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh that’s right, it’s no worries as well” Ono-Sensei clears her throat before beginning. “Since two of our top students are unable to represent our class, we will hold an election. Remember the job of the class monitor holds a lot of responsibility and weight. Not only will you be the class monitor, you will represent class-4 as a whole. All you do will be reflected back to us, understood? We will continue this discussion after break, now if you can all pull your textbooks out to page 17 where we left off.” She announces, turning her back to the board preparing her chalk.

The bell rings for break as the lesson pauses. Students make their way out of the classroom to spend the short period.

Yamaguchi stands from his seat, making his way to Yachi, pulling a chair by her desk. You turn to face your four friends in excitement. “Who do you think will join and win the election?” “Ahmmmm” Yachi places a finger under her chin. “I have no clue, I would have thought Tsukishima or Yamaguchi-kun would be perfect for the position.” She turns to look at Yamaguchi. “You’re very good at leading, and have a friendly reputation.” The freckled boy blushes immensely from the compliment. “Though if I’m honest, I feel Manami-chan has been very active in the class lately.” “Oh! Yachi-san you do have a point!” Yamaguchi agrees with her. You grit your teeth to the name of that she-devil before turning to Tsukishima, your expression softening. “What do you think, Tsukki?” Tsukishima not sparing a second to think. “Manami Aoki.” Before putting his headphones back on. You huff in jealousy at the sound of Tsukishima mentioning her name. ‘What’s so good about her anyways? I’m just as capable..’ You think looking in her seat’s direction.

The bell rings and the students make their way back to class, Ono-Sensei following after.

“Welcome back class, I hope you had a relaxing break. Now before we move onto our next lesson, please raise your hand if you would like to run for class monitor. Keep in mind what I had said earlier, this position holds a lot of duty and trust, there will come many responsibilities. Do I make myself clear?” Ono-sensei eyes her students, before the class responds with a “yes” in sync. “Perfect. Now please raise your hand if you would like to run for the position.”

She watches as three students raise their hands, of course Manami Aoki being one of the three. Writing their names down one by one, when she finally reaches Manami, your ears perk remembering Tsukishima saying her name, ‘Manami Aoki’. You close your eyes, not having any control, you raise your hand. “Ah, and lastly f/n l/n.” The sound of your name causes the class to go silent, turning their head back to you.

Whispers among the students are heard. Yachi turns her head to you whispering “y/n!” You open your lids and see dozens of eyes looking in your direction. Feeling embarrassment creep up your spine, you look towards Tsukishima’s seat. He too was staring, but immediately looks away the moment you made eye contact.

“Hah, I didn’t think y/n would want to run. Not with her best skill being irresponsible.” Watabe comments, gaining a couple chuckles from the class. You let your hand down, sinking into your seat in embarrassment. “Watabe Nozomi-” Ono-sensei tries to scold before; Tsukishima, irritated, slaps his pen to his notebook, immediately shutting up the chuckling students.

You and Yachi find yourselves at Ukai’s shop afterschool, Yachi offering to treat you to snacks, hoping to help cheer you up after Watabe’s uncalled remark.

“Hey y/n, don’t listen to them. I think it was pretty courageous of you to raise your hand and run for such a… interesting position.” Yachi says, tapping the two wrapped pastries in her hand together.

“Yaaaaachiii!!! I had no idea what came over me, after I heard her name I couldn’t control myself. It’s like my hand went up on it’s own, and before I knew it Ono-sensei was writing my name down!” You cry to her.

Yachi pats your shoulder as you turn the corner of the aisle, pausing and turning back immediately from hearing and seeing Watabe Nozomi and Manami Aoki.

“Y/n has some nerve running for class monitor.” “Nozomi-chan, everyone should get a chance. No matter how underqualified they are.” Manami replies, the two letting out a laugh before heading out.

Yachi turns to you, seeing the hurt look on your face. “Hey, ignore them, I think you’re going to do well, come on let’s go.” She takes your hand, paying coach Ukai at the register before you two head out.

The next day approaches, and you stand by the vending machines, rehearsing your lines. You let out a yawn, you stayed up all night preparing your speech. As you close your mouth, you feel a straw poke your lips. Jumping back in confusion, you open your eyes to find Kageyama standing in front of you, a strawberry milk carton in hand with its straw facing you. “Morning boss.” “Kageyama Tobio! Don’t scare me like that!” Kageyama lets out a sly smile as he waits for you to take the milk carton that has already touched your lips. You take it from his hands and sip. You pop your lip, letting out a refreshing “ah” before looking up into his blue eyes.

You guys stare for a few seconds before you let out a cry, clutching your hair. “Kageyama! What am I going to do, I’m so nervous and scared, I feel like I’m going to embarrass myself in front of the class again! Everyone’s going to make a fool out of me and-and-” You let out a yelp as Kageyama pulls you into an embrace. You let yourself suffocate into his school’s blazer, letting your hands fall to your side, letting out a muffled scream.

Kageyama pulls away and you look up at him with a pout. “You got this” he says, cheeks a bit flushed. He takes both his hands and awkwardly begins to pat your hair back down, fixing it. He then takes your bag in his hands. “Ready for class?”

Just as the bell for break rings, you immediately jump to your seat, grabbing your water bottle and making your way to the water fountains. You feel sick, absolutely sick to your stomach, absolutely afraid, thinking you need more water to help quench that feeling in your stomach. You look up as you take the steps onto the platform, seeing Tsukishima filling his water bottle. You turn around quickly, flattening your hair before approaching right behind him. “Tsukki!” The boy pays no mind, as he continues to fill his water bottle. “I feel so nervous…” He stops the water from running, turning the lid of the water bottle. “You’d vote for me right?” You ask looking at him. He turns to make eye contact with you before replying bluntly. “You think?” He begins walking back to class, having you stand there, your smile dying.

“And this is why, I hope you would not only allow me to partake in such a responsible role, but to also server for you all as a class. Thank you for your time.” Manami speaks before bowing. The class erupts in claps. She takes a step to the side, shoving you slightly with her shoulder as she steps down the podium. “Well done Manami-chan, now may I have y/n please step up to the podium.” Ono-sensei asks of you, and you do so. You begin to lightly shake, setting your written speech on the podium. You look up to immediately find your friends to seek comfort, Hinata, Kageyama, Yachi, Yamaguchi… Tsukki? Before you can ask where Tsukki had gone, Ono-sensei speaks. “You may now begin.”

Taking a large gulp, you hold onto the ends of your paper, trembling slightly. “M-my name is f/n tsuki- I-I mean l/n… and I would.. I would..” You begin to stutter, the class beginning to laugh quietly. “You’re laughing? Try going up there and speak-” Kageyama bursts irritated. “Enough-” Ono-sensei is interrupted by Yamaguchi’s hand slapping onto the desk.

You turn to catch eyes with him, Hinata, Kageyama and Yachi, holding up a mini sign “You can do it!” You close your eyes to take a deep breath before your smile reappears on your face, opening your eyes as you begin;

“Hi everyone, I know that you may feel it's ridiculous that I am standing here. I have never been a good student, when it comes to academics, or socialization. A lot of times I make mistakes and embarrass myself. However, I would like to make a change for you. We will be classmates for the next three years, when we may quarrel and get angry at each other, and make mistakes. What's more is when we work together as a class, I hope that the l/n f/n that remains in your memory, will not be the one that always causes trouble, but also one that is there to help you. I want to be a monitor who is with you from now until the end. Thank you.” You give a bright smile before bowing.

The class stays silent before rounds of applause are heard, and you smile brightens just a tad bit more.

“Beautiful, now, let’s get to the votes.” Ono-sensei cheers as students begin to hand their ballot in. “Yamaguchi-kun, would you mind collecting the ballots and reading to me the names?” Yamaguchi agrees and begins to collect the ballots. Making his way to Ono-sensei afterwards. “ “Hamada Hiro. Manami Aoki. Manami Aoki. L/n F/n. Manami Aoki. Manami Aoki. L/n F/n. L/n F/n. L/n F/n. L/n F/n. Manami Aoki.” Yamaguchi reads as Ono-sensei writes the tallies on the board. Manami gives you a side glance as Yamaguchi reads the final slip. “And L/N.” You turn to the board, seeing you have one vote more than Manami.

“Alright class that settles it, let's congratulate L/n F/n on her new role as class-4′s monitor!” The class erupts in a cheer, clapping as they congratulate you. “W-wait!” Ono-sensei turns to look at you. “Where’s Tsukishima?” “He had gone out to collect some paperwork from Takeda-sensei for me, it’s okay we can skip him-” As Ono-sensei finished, Tsukishima walks in with a stack of paper in hand. “Ono-sensei, here’s the paperwork.” He says, handing it to her before heading to his seat. “Tsukki!” The blonde stops in his tracks before turning to Yamaguchi, “Your vote?” he asks. Tsukishima looks to you, then to the board. “Manami Aoki.” He replies before sitting down.

Yachi, Kageyama, Yamaguchi and Hinata are in shock before Hinata yells “He betrayed us!” You feel your heart tear once again by the blonde, as the girl besides you lets out a snicker.

“Well, since we have a tie, we will allow both Manami Aoki and L/n F/n to be co-monitors for this week, in the meantime we will observe and have a final vote at the end. Please take your seats, and turn to page…”

You tune out the sounds around you as you sit back down, shrinking into your seat.

The next day you arrive to class, immediately sitting before resting your chin to your arm, pouting, looking towards Tsukishima’s direction.

Hinata, Kageyama and Yachi come in together, greeting you before they notice your depressing behavior as you look at Tsukishima. Kageyama immediately pats your head while Hinata and Yachi try to cheer you up with their sweet words. As they do, the three stop seeing Manami approach Tsukishima with a cutely wrapped jar, filled with various sweets.

“Disgusting” Kageyama mutters before pulling away from you. The four of you watching the exchange.

“Tsukishima-san, thank you so much for your vote the other day, these are for you!!!” She attempts to get his attention, but he ignores her, headphones still on. Kageyama and Hinata begin to chuckle, causing her attention to face you four, giving YOU a scowl look before turning back to Tsukishima. “Excuse me, Tsukishima-san?” You watch as Tsukishima lets out an irritated sigh, lifting his headphones off. Looking back to Manami you see as she smiles and perks up, probably due to finally getting the boy’s attention. “These are for you-” “No thanks.” He interrupts immediately. Now it's your turn to chuckle. Manami scoffs, leaving the jar of sweets on his table before stomping away.

“Oh! Tsukki~” Yamaguchi lets out cheerfully as he makes his way to his desk beside his friend. “Shut up Yamaguchi” He says back. “Wow, look at those sweets they look delicious” He comments as he sits. You watch as Tsukishima grabs the jar, immediately moving it to Yamaguchi’s desk before putting his headphones back on. “Thanks Tsukki!” The freckled boy says cutely. You turn to look towards Manami, irritated that the boy she admired just gave her present away to someone else so easily.

You, Kageyama, Hinata and Yachi make your way back to class after fetching water during break, Hinata begins “Y/n, it’s time for you to turn to another guy.” At this, Kageyama immediately perks up, looking towards your direction nodding. “Never” You say pouting, holding your water bottle closer to your chest. The three let out a sigh before entering the class.

As you enter and make your way back to your seats, you hear the voice of Watabe speaking to Manami, talking badly about you as always. “That last vote for y/n was so embarrassing.” Hinata immediately stands, defending you. “Don’t talk about y/n like that.” The two girls turn their heads to the boy “Huh? It’s a fact. Y/n really thinks she has the weight to be a class monitor.”

The tension in the room becomes heavy, Yamaguchi speaking, about to break up the possible fight. “Hey-” Tsukishima immediately gets out of his seat, walking towards the door before-

Kageyama grabs him by the wrist, stopping him in his tracks. Not even looking at him, he lets out a demanding “Say it.”

The whole class turns their attention to the two, Yamaguchi too turns his attention, confused and terrified of what is to come.

Hinata then turns, making his way to stand in front of Tsukishima. “Yeah! Why didn’t you vote for y/n?”

Tsukishima gives Hinata a glare before snapping his wrist away from Kageyama’s tight grip. He turns to look at you, you’re looking back at him wondering the same question. “She doesn’t fit for the position.” He says coldly before moving past Hinata, making his way out of the class.

You sit there, processing what he had just said before running out after him. You stand in front of him, blocking his path. He stops confused why you had followed him out, now blocking him. tears forming to your eyes you ask “How come I don’t fit for the position?” “You just don’t” He replies immediately. “But Manami Aoki does? Why?” “Because she’s better than you.” He hadn’t meant to say it like that. You look up to him in disbelief, before lifting your leg to kick him. “FUCK- Y/N!” He cries, grabbing onto his leg. You look at him in shock, not believing you just kicked him before running back inside, tears streaming down your face.

You sink into your seat, casing your crying form into your arms. Yachi, Hinata and Kageyama immediately notice.

“Y/n? What happened?” Yachi asks. From this, Yamaguchi turns to you four, immediately making his way, grabbing a chair and sitting beside you. “Y/n-chan?” Yamaguchi now asks, trying to get you to look up. “Y/n. Please tell us what happened, are you okay?” Yachi asks again. Kageyama now upset, he stands, making his way in front of your desk kneeling down. You don’t budge. Irritated, he asks “Did he bully you?! I’ll beat him up!” He begins to roll the sleeves to his blazer and storm out. “Yeah!” Hinata stands, mimicking the tall boy. Before the two can move, Yamaguchi stops Kageyama, as Yachi stops Hinata.

“I-... I-...” You begin slowly lifting your head. The four turn back to you, sitting down as they listened. “I kicked Tsukki…” You begin to cry harder, feeling guilty. Yamaguchi feels the soul leave his body, Yachi sits there in shock trying to process if what she heard you confess was right. “What?! You kicked him?!” Hinata asks, “Damn” Kageyama lets out a laugh before patting you on the back. “Good job y/n!” You begin to sob harder. “What should i do? Do you think he hates me? Should I apologize to him?”. Yamaguchi rubs the back of his neck, and Yachi goes in to hug you while Kageyama glares at Hinata for making you cry harder. “I don’t think he hates you” Yachi tries comforting you. Yamaguchi then suggests “let’s do something else to take your mind off this.. Hey miss monitor, don’t you have to collect the activity fee for next week?” You look up to him and nod.

Grabbing your backpack, you take the envelope Ono-sensei gave you earlier. The four immediately pull their wallets out, handing you the money for the activity fee. You smile at your friends as Yachi goes to help you ask around the class for them to turn the fee into you.

During lunch, the five of you sit together, you’re still sulking over the incident while picking your food. “Come on y/n, eat! It happened already, don’t think about it too much!” Yamaguchi says. “You’re the one who kicked him, but I’m the one who feels good.” Kageyama lets out a low smirk, turning to you. You begin to tear up again, he immediately stops and offers you his dessert. “‘M sorry…” You take his dessert and begin to stuff your mouth with it.

“How’s the collection going?” Yamaguchi tries changing the topic, before you look up at him. “Er- Almost done but…” Yachi replies looking back to you. You pout as you continue to gaze mindlessly at your unfinished meal. “I don’t want to ask him for the fee…” The three boys know who you are referring to.

Back in class, the five of you sit down in your seats. You look towards Tsukishima’s direction.

“Y/n… I can go with you if you want…” Yachi says, you turn to face her. “No Yach, it’s okay…” You grab the envelope on your desk, making your way towards Tsukishima. Immediately he turns his head, looking up at you. “Um…” He notices the envelope in your hands, immediately pulling out a full bill. “Change” he says as looks back to his notes. As you take the money, you notice Manami’s presence in front of you. She looks to you before facing Tsukishima. “Tsukishima-san, Takeda-sensei asked for me to notify you to go to his office later.” Tsukishima nods, not even looking from his notes. You see Manami lean closer to him. “You know-” Jealous, you immediately slap the change back onto Tsukishima’s desk. The two surprised by your demeanor, looking to you as you make your way back to your seat.

You sigh as you slip the envelope of money into your notebook, the bell for class ringing.

After class, the second break takes place. Manami makes her way to you. “Don’t forget about the activity fee.” She looks down at you. You look up to her from your seat nodding. As she walks away you let out a quiet “You’re telling me.”

You begin to take your backpack out, retrieving the envelope. You notice, it’s not in your bag. Looking into your desk, you begin to dig every scrap, taking everything out as you begin to panic. Yachi turns to you, watching you panic. “Y/n?” You turn and give her a look. She then knows what you’re trying to say. “You lost the-” You slap your hand to her mouth, dragging her out of the class. Kageyama notices and follows after you two.

You dragged Yachi to the girls’ bathroom.

“Yes…” You admit to her looking down.

Making your way out of the bathroom, the two of you notice Kageyama waiting outside.

“You okay boss?” He asks.

You turn to look at Yachi, trying to think of an excuse. You begin to bend over, holding onto your stomach. “Argh- yeah! My stomach just hurts…” You give Yachi a side glance, begging for her to go along with it. “Uh yeah! Y/n wasn’t feeling well so we went to the bathroom together…” Yachi trails.

Kageyama looks between the two of you before letting out a relieved sigh. “I was very worried for a second, but now I’m just worried.” He looks back to Yachi, then to you. “I’ll go to the nurse’s to get you something that can help you.” Before the two of you can stop him, he’s already running away in the direction of the nurse’s office.

You two look at each other in disbelief that he actually bought the horrible acting, now making your way back to class.

“Y/n!” You turn to Hinata and Yamaguchi who were waiting for you to come back. “Is everything okay?” They ask, and you admit to them as well you had lost the money.

The four of you immediately go on a quest to find the missing envelope, before class begins.

In the meantime…

Kageyama takes a deep breath before going into the nurse’s office, bending over with his arm to his stomach. The nurse looks from his clipboard, noticing the boy.

Kageyama stares at him before remembering his act. “Argh…” He plops down into the seat in front of him. “Sir I don’t feel well…” He keeps himself down. “Oh?” The nurse lets his clipboard down. “What seems to be the problem?”

Kageyama blinks trying to think of something. “My leg… no uh my stomach, it hurts so bad argh…”

The nurse lets out a small laugh. “A stomach ache?” He stands, heading to the cabinet behind him. “For you or?” Kageyama looks up at him, then resumes back to his normal behavior. “For a friend sir…” The nurse laughs, before taking out a heat pack, handing it to him.

“You’re not too good with acting champ.” Kageyama takes the heat pack from the nurse, before heading out, embarrassed.

You plop down at the staircase, frustrated. Yamaguchi looking to Yachi. “Y/n, why don’t you stay here and relax, we’ll try out best to find it.” Yamaguchi says, before the two head off to continue the search.

As they head down, Tsukishima turns the corner of the steps, making his way up. Before turning again, he stops, his hand on the railing. “You lost the activity fee?”

You freeze, looking up to him. “No…” You lie.

“Oh good” He lets out sarcastically with a fake sigh of relief, about to continue his way up the stairs before-

“Ah!” You cling onto his leg. He looks down at you, surprised by the sudden action. “Yes… help me?”

Tsukishima pauses for a second before replying “Why would I?” “Please?” You immediately reply, giving him puppy eyes.

He sighs before taking a seat next to you on the staircase.

“How did you lose it?” “I can’t remember…” “When did you last have it?” “I can’t remember…” “Think harder” “I can’t!” You let out in frustration, Tsukishima lets out a sigh.

“You asked me earlier for the activity fee during class, what did you do with the envelope after?” He asks, you look up trying to remember. You stop before turning your head to him. “It’s in my practice book!” You smile at him, before it immediately drops.

“The one I turned into… Takeda-sensei…” Tsukishima sighs, he sees Kageyama making his way to you two from afar. He begins to get up before you stop him once again, clinging to his leg. “I still need help…” You try using your puppy eyes again.

Tsukishima kneels down on one knee, leaning closer to your face, as he motions his hands in a ‘come closer’ motion. You lean your ear towards him before he replies.

“Aren’t you good at kicking people? Kick him.” He says before leaving up the stairs.

You watch as he makes his way up the stairs quickly. “Tsukki!”

Kageyama makes his way to you, handing the heat pack before sitting beside you. “For your stomach ache.” You look at him, replying with a “thanks” before handing it back, making your way up the stairs where Takeda-sensei’s office could be. Kageyama watches as, thinking you are following after Tsukishima, he lets out a sigh.

You turn your head as you walk down the hall, looking left and right, making sure the ‘coast is clear’ before sneaking into the teacher’s office, and slowly shutting the door behind you. You immediately make your way to Takeda-sensei’s desk, sitting on his chair as you search for your practice book.

You are so focused on your search, that you didn’t realize another person had slid the office door open, making their way in to stand in front of Takeda-sensei’s desk, watching you.

You feel the presence of someone watching you, looking up you notice a figure, before you can hide down, you notice it’s just Tsukishima. You sigh in relief as you begin searching for your practice book.

Tsukishima watches you, before turning his attention to the door.

As you continue searching, the door slides open, revealing Ono-sensei and Takeda-sensei making their way in. Tsukishima immediately blocks your view from them as you stand straight, shuffling Takeda-sensei’s desk to how it originally looked.

“Tsukishima-kun?” The two teachers ask. Tsukishima stands, trying to figure a way to hold them as you finish. “Takeda-sensei, Manami-chan had mentioned you wanted to meet with me?” Takeda-sensei looks at the boy before remembering. “Ah yes!” He turns to his coworker. “Tsukishima-kun has been very active, towards his academics and performance in the school’s volleyball club.” Tsukishima gives you a side glance, tuning out whatever Takeda-sensei was talking to Ono-sensei about.”

“And you?” Tsukishima freezes, before turning back to Ono-sensei. You poke from behind his tall figure. “Tsukishima-san asked me to accompany him...” You lie. Ono-sensei looks to Tsukishima, he nods looking away.

“Well there’s no need, Takeda-sensei’s here now. Let’s get back to class.” You nod and make your way out with her, looking behind to Tsukishima as Ono-sensei slides the door shut.

Tsukishima watches as the two of you disappear into the hall.

Back in class, the bell rings for instructions to begin again.

“Monitor’s please hand in your work that was assigned to you.” You watch as Manami hands a folder of documents to Ono-sensei.

“Y/n-chan?” She asks looking to you after taking the folder from Manami.

“Ono-sensei…” You stand from your seat, everyone in class turning their attention to you.

“I… I lost the activity fee envelope…” You confess, hanging your head down as the class erupts in shock.

Tsukishima stands by Takeda-sensei’s desk as his advisor goes on about the volleyball club. He notices one of the practice notebooks, bulging. He reads the name on it, it's yours. As Takeda-sensei speaks, Tsukishima discreetly nudges the stack of practice notebooks, causing them to fall over.

He apologizes to Takeda-sensei, immediately diving to pick up the notebooks, slipping the envelope into the sleeve of his blazer, before setting the stack of notebooks on his desk. Bidding a farewell as he makes his way out, running back to class.

“Are you serious?” “How much was in the envelope?” “I can’t believe you lost all the money!” The class begins to interrogate and scold you. “What a joke for y/n to be the monitor” Watabe scoffs, you look down saddened and ashamed before the classroom door opens, revealing Tsukishima catching his breath.

Tsukishima looks at you, making his way inside. “Sensei, the money is right here.” He turns to face Ono-sensei as he hands her the envelope. “Y/n-chan left the money to me.”

“No” Tsukishima turns to look at you. “I lost it, and Tsukki- Tsukishima-san retrieved it for me. I’m so sorry, I’m not fit to be a monitor.” You apologize, with your head low. You don’t notice Tsukishima looking at you in shock as he makes his way back to his seat.

You stay standing, before Ono-sensei speaks up.

“Look, you’re all still young. I don’t remember if you still remember what Y/n-chan said during the election. ‘We will be classmates for the next three years, when we may quarrel and get angry at each other, and make mistakes.’ Y/n-chan had made a great point.” Ono-sensei turns her attention back to you. “But you also missed, Y/n-chan, that these three years is a time when you will truly grow up. It doesn’t mean how many chemical equations you master, nor does it mean whether you can solve all the questions in math. It means how you are going to be qualified as an adult. You should have the courage to admit to your mistakes.”

You look up to her, making your way from your seat to the front of the class. “I made a mistake, and I am sorry.” You apologize.

Ono-sensei smiles to you, proud of your mature action. “And you” She turns her attention back to the class. “You all also need to have a broad heart to tolerate each others’ mistakes.” Everyone turns to face you. “It’s okay Y/n-chan.”

You look to your class, giving a warm smile. “Thank you, but really- It was my fault this time.” You turn your attention to face Ono-Sensei. “Ono-sensei, thank you for the opportunity, but I would like to resign from the position.” Ono-sensei looks at you, before letting you back to your seat. “Okay” She calls, “It’s over. Manami Aoki is our new class monitor.” She announces before class resumes.

You walk beside Tsukishima as he pushes his bike in hand. You stop, grabbing onto the ends of his blazer. He stops and turns to you, looking down.

“You were right. I don’t fit to be a monitor.” You admit to him.

Tsukishima gets on his bike, before turning his gaze back to you. “But actually, you were a really good one.” He says as he begins to lightly pedal, riding off slowly.

You stand in shock, before running after him smiling. “Ah! Tsukki- wait!”

Tsukishima replies out loud “Wait for you to kick me again?”

You let out a laugh, as you hop on the end of his bike, missing the small smile on his face.

A/N: AAAAAAAA Thank you so much again for taking the time to read my very bad writing! 💖I hope you’re enjoying the series so far, I swear half of the time as I write and plan out what happens, I’m giggling and flustered, I srsly can’t concentrate ToT I just love the Chinese drama so much and just AAAAAHH JIANG CHEN!! See uuu next chapter!! Hehehe! 🙈

TAGLIST: @cvlliesstuff , @strawberries-en-cream , @beanst0ck , @kimiiiiiiiiii .

Please let me know in the comments (or in asks) if you’d like to be added to the taglist!!!

“A LOVE SO BEAUTIFUL” Masterlist 🌸

#tsukishima x y/n #tsukishima x reader #tsukishima x you #tsukishima kei x reader #tsukishima kei x y/n #tsukishima fluff #tsukishima angst #tsukishima crack #tsukishima kei fluff #tsukishima kei angst #tsukishima kei crack #tsukishima kei a love so beautiful #tsukishima kei a love so beautiful series #tsukishima kei series #haikyuu #haikyuu!!#Haikyuu!! TO THE TOP #haikyuu tsukishima kei #tsukishima kei x you

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maraudersandlily20 · 4 years ago

Note

Characters playing among us as a prompt?

Marauders Play Among Us (feat. LilyPetal, AliceInWonderland, and more)

(Youtuber Marauder AU)

PadFoot: Hello Everyone, and welcome back to another week of gameplay. Today, the Marauders are joined with some of our best friends from different platforms: LilyPetal, Marchinnon, Dorky, AliceInWonderland, and FranklyFrank

LilyPetal: Hello!

Marchinnon: Happy to be here.

Prongs: Yes, indeed, we’re lucky to have them on our gameplay this week. Because today we’re playing Among Us. That’s right. The boys and I have been playing this game nonstop for the past week and figured it was about time to show you all how terrible Wormtail is at it.

Wormtail: I resent that.

PadFoot: but he doesn’t oppose, because he knows it’s true.

Prongs: We all know the rules, it’s like Mafia or Werewolf, just online. Basically there are killers and innocent people and the innocent people have to guess who the killers are before they themselves get killed. It can be tricky and has started many many fights between us boys since we started playing.

Wormtail: Prongs didn’t buy me dinner because I killed him one time.

Prongs: I stand by that decision.

Moons: Alright boys, that’s enough chitchat, huh? So, as you all know, the Marauder boys all live in one house. In order to make things a bit more fair, we have all chosen a different room in the house so we can’t cheat. Hopefully March and Dorky will do the same?

Marchinnon: Dorky is in the kitchen, I’m in our bedroom.

Moons: Noted. Alright then, we’re playing the smallest of the maps, since it’s Frank’s first time and we wanted to go easy on him.

FranklyFrank: I hate all of you. Let’s do this.

5-4-3-2-1

*Mics/Cams are muted as the game starts*

-Sirius POV-

Pads: Okay, so I’m a crewmate. That means I get to run around and do some tasks, which is fun. Sometimes, (oh there’s Frank and March, leaving weapons), sometimes I get so tied up in tasks that I get annoyed when people find dead bodies cause it stops me from doing my tasks.

-Remus POV-

Moons: 100 pounds that Pads isn’t it. Look at him. He’s just running around doing tasks. Yup, there’s the task bar going up. Can’t be Pads.

-Frank POV-

FranklyFrank: How the fuck do I kill someone? Where’s the... how do I... shit.

-Marlene-

Marchinnon: Okay, so Frank has been following me around quite a bit, which is a bit sus, to be frank. But I’m going to medbay, so hopefully he doesn’t kill me while I do my scan.

*Frank stabs Marlene*

Marchinnon: BITCH! That devious bastard. I hate him. UGH!

-Dorcas POV-

Dorky: Okay, I can hear Mars yelling, meaning that she’s definitely dead. So she wasn’t the killer. I’m gonna go and find her body hopefully.

-Lily POV-

LilyPetal: pew, pew, pew. Yes! Okay, on to O2. Here we go. Okay, hi Prongs. Please don’t kill me while I get rid of these leaves. Thank youuu.

*James shoots Lily*

LilyPetal: NO! I... I trusted you! Ah Frank, find my body. Come on, come on buddy. Find itttt! Wait, no, Frank where are you... You just walked over my dead body. Okay, It’s definitely Frank and James. Pricks.

-James POV-

Prongs: I just had to kill Lily, which may mean she won’t go out with me for dinner later tonight. A real shame. Maybe I’ll take Pads.

*BODY WAS DISCOVERED*

Moons: Shit, two already?

Dorky: I found Mars’s body in Medbay.

Prongs: Okay, where was everyone? Wormy, where are you?

Wormtail: I’m, uhhh, I’m in reactor.

Prongs: Close to Medbay, then, wouldn’t you say?

Wormtail: sod off Prongs, I’m doing the button pushing task where it plays and you have to copy it. This is my third try.

PadFoot: Worms, that really isn’t that hard.

Prongs: Alice, where were you?

AliceInWonderland: I’m in shields.

Prongs: Franky?

FranklyFrank: I’m in Nav.

Moons: I can vouch for Alice, I’m in shields too. She hasn’t killed me yet.

AliceInWonderland: Yet?! What is that supposed to mean?

Moons: I’m saying you’re fine, Alice, you’re not sus yet.

AliceInWonderland: Jesus.

Prongs: Well, I’m in storage.

Moons: and we don’t know where Lily’s body is yet.

*Lily and Marlene are muted because they’re dead*

LilyPetal: FUCK ALL OF YOU. James, I will never forgive you for this. I want that to be known.

Prongs: Well, I don’t know if there is enough info this time.

LilyPetal: AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Moons: Shall we skip then?

PadFoot: Yeah, let’s skip.

*Next Round Starts*

-James POV-

Prongs: I can feel Lily’s anger. She’s not even here, and I can feel it. I’m so screwed.

-Lily POV-

LilyPetal: I’m gonna haunt this bitch for the rest of the round. Fuck tasks. I’m just gonna follow him.

-Frank POV-

FranklyFrank: Alright, so I’m currently with Remus and Alice. They’re sticking together, it looks like. So, they can be my cover story. This game really isn’t that difficult. Oh, Peter’s going into Admin. I’m gonna go kill him.

*Frank stabs Peter*

FranklyFrank: Got him. Vent away, vent away!

-Peter POV-

Wormtail: NOOOOOOO FRANKLINNNNNN!!!!

-Sirius POV-

PadFoot: Alright, well, Worms is definitely dead. He’s too easy to not kill off. So I’m gonna try and find his... James? James, what are you doing? No, no, no, no, noooooooo RUUUUUUNNNN!!!!

-James POV-

Prongs: Kill him, kill him, kill him...

*James shoots Sirius*

Prongs: HA! okay, two more. Let’s go Franky boy.

-Marlene POV-

Marchinnon: I want to save Dorky, but I don’t know how. I know that Frank is gonna try and kill- OH MY GOD! Prongs just killed Pads. He killed him. No!

-Alice POV-

AliceInWonderland: I’m pretty sure it’s Frank. He just seemed a little, I don’t know... Sus. Ope, here he is now, and there’s Prongs. Okay... Little Sus, not gonna lie.

*James stabs Remus, Frank shoots Alice*

AliceInWonderland: CALLED IT! I CALLED that!

*Victory for the Imposters*

Prongs: Hell yeah, Franky Boyyyy!!

Moons: I can’t believe you won you first round of this and no one suspected you at all.

AliceInWonderland: I did! I totally knew it was him.

Moons: Well, why didn’t you say anything?

LilyPetal: James, I want you to know that we’re broken up.

Prongs: Noooooo, Lils. I’m sorry! You were just an easy target.

LilyPetal: Broken up.

PadFoot Okay, next round?

Dorky: Let’s go kids.

*Next Round Starts and everyone Mutes*

-Sirius POV-

PadFoot: Crewmate again. Okay. This time, I’m gonna call Moony so we can team up.

Moons through the phone: Hello?

PadFoot: Hey! Let’s stick together so we don’t die, yeah?

Moons: Deal.

-Remus POV-

Moons: Okay, so I have Pads following me. But I’m one of the imposters, so that’s gonna be fun. But, we’ll let it be for a bit. See what happens.

-Dorcas POV-

Dorky: ~How could I make a man, out of yooooooou~ Ope, there’s James. Hello my friend. Trying to swipe your card? I know he always does this task too fast so he has to do it like four times. So... I’m gonna kill him.

*Dorcas stabs James*

Dorky: That’s for Lily. Hopefully she feels avenged. I’m gonna turn the lights off.

-Lily POV-

LilyPetal: alright, so, I have an electrical task. Which is stressful. Because everyone dies in electrical. So, we’re gonna try to be very careful. Okay, Hi Moons, Pads. Pleasure. Just here to fix the lights. Okay they left.

-Peter POV-

Wormtail: I hate it here, I hate it here, I hate it here. Running to admin nowwww, and I hate it here. I always die or get blamed. I’m really a victim. It’s so annoying. Okay... Dorky’s in here. Gonna just check the cams.

*Dorcas stabs Peter*

Wormtail:.... Fuck.

*Dead Body Reported*

LilyPetal: HA! James is dead. Thank you to whoever killed him.

PadFoot: Yeah, cause that’s not sus at all, Lils.

LilyPetal: If I had killed him, I would have freely admitted it.

Marchinnon: Facts.

Moons: Okay, where was the body?

AliceInWonderland: Nav. I’m in here with Frank. So it’s not either of us.

Dorky: Or it’s both of them and they’re covering for each other.

FranklyFrank: I’m sus on Dorky now. That’s exactly what an imposter would say.

Dorky: coming from one of the people in Nav, where there’s a dead body.

PadFoot: Well, I’ve been with Moons the whole time. We passed Lily in electric a while ago.

LilyPetal: Complete other side of the map.

Marchinnon: Did anyone see Wormy at all?

Dorky: I saw him in Caf earlier, I was on my way to upper engines.

LilyPetal: Okay, well I think it’s either Alice or Franklin. Because they wouldn’t reveal each other out of love and mutual respect.

AliceInWonderland: Fake news. I would 100% throw Frank under the bus if possible.

FranklyFrank: Thanks babe. I love you too.

Moons: I’m voting Alice. I think it was a self report.

PadFoot: I’m trusting Moony.

LilyPetal: Same.

*AliceInWonderland was Ejected*

*Everyone Mutes Again*

-Remus POV-

Moons: Alright, so now I have Pads with me. He still thinks we’re protecting each other. But really, he’s my alibi. So... I’m gonna pretend to have a task in electrical and kill him there. Okay, yup. Just stand there for a second Pads. Andddddd...

*Remus stabs Sirius*

Moons: Don’t trust anyone, bitch.

-Sirius POV-

PadFoot: I swear to God. He really... He really got me. He had me going that whole time. Son of a bitch. I trusted him. And he betrayed me.

*Dead Body Reported*

LilyPetal: I hate electrical.

FranklyFrank: I’m in Nav, I’m nowhere near electrical.

Marchinnon: I... I haven’t seen Dorky in a minute.

Dorky: I was in Medbay.

Moons: That’s cap. I’m in Medbay, and you’re not here.

Dorky: What? No you aren’t!

Moons: I 100% am. I just finished my scan. You are nowhere in here.

LilyPetal: Wait, Moons, weren’t you with Pads?

Moons: He broke off with me at shields. I had no idea he was in electrical.

FranklyFrank: and... now you’re in Medbay? Where there’s a vent that leads directly to electrical.

*The dead are muted, but are pissed*

PadFoot: YES FRANK! AVENGE ME!

Prongs: It’s Dorky. It’s Dorky! Come On!

Wormtail: I just wanna do my tasks.

LilyPetal: Honestly, Moons and Dorky are kinds sus. If Dorky isn’t in medbay, like she says, then it’s her. But if she is, and Remus is too, then it’s probably Remus because he would have vented.

Moons: I swear I didn’t see Dorky anywhere.

Marchinnon: I... Yeah. I think that may be fair.

Dorky: BABE!

Marchinnon: I’m sorry! I’m just saying! You were in Weapons, but you didn’t run into Caf, you ran down to O2. Meaning you were nowhere near Medbay.

LilyPetal: It’s Dorky, it’s Dorky!

FranklyFrank: I voted.

Moons: Yup.

Dorky: I hate all of you.

*Dorky was Ejected*

*All Mute again*

-Lily POV-

LilyPetal: alright, so we didn’t win. Which means that we voted Alice off for no reason. Sorry Alice. My bad. But that leaves Franky, Mars, and Remus. And I’m definitely sus of Remus, because Pads was literally glued to him, and now he’s dead. And he was in Medbay, where there is a vent. So, I’m thinking it’s Moons.

-Marlene POV-

Marchinnon: I’m scared. I’m scared of everyone.

-Remus POV-

Moons: Okay, I don’t have much time left, and Frank definitely suspects me. So, I’m gonna kill him. I had to vote Dorky off to save myself, but if I win, then she also wins.

-Frank POV-

FranklyFrank: I just, fuck. I just saw Remus. And I’m almost certain that he’s the imposter. And I’m not prepared. I am not PREPARED.

-Remus POV-

Moons: Run while you can, Frank. I’m almost there.

*Remus stabs Frank*

Moons: There it is. THERE IT IS.

*Victory for the Imposters*

Dorky: YEAH MOONY!

PadFoot: I fucking hate you, you asshole.

Moons: I’m sorry, it was just too easy.

Prongs: Gotta pick better teammates next time, Pads.

PadFoot: Yeah, well, Lily was glad you were dead. So, who’s the real loser here?

LilyPetal: Valid point.

PadFoot: I’ll never get over this betrayal, Remus. I want you to know that right now.

Moons: Well, I won. So I think I’ll be fine.

*Everyone Laughs as the Video Fades*

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

Hi! If you haven’t played Among Us, either go play it, watch other people play it, or don’t read this story, lol. It’s all I’ve been doing the past four days.

Here’s a note though, for all y’all. If you’re playing Among Us with strangers, DO NOT give your information out. Not your snap, or your instagram, tumblr, anything. Just don’t. People will exploit you and I want y’all to be safe. Also, there are some real assholes playing that game. So if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, just leave the game.

I love y’all. Be safe!

#prompts #prompt #wolfstar #sirius black #remus lupin #lily evans #jily #james potter #my writing #marauders

75 notes · View notes

snowdice · 4 years ago

Text

Big Bang (Sort of) Editing Story [Day 31]

I started writing this fic while editing my Big Bang story, but am going to continue doing it for other things now that Kill Dear is out. I will write and publish 100 words of the story every time I finish doing whatever task I’m doing. If you’d like to block these proceedings, please feel free to block the tag proofread stories. I will reblog this post with the parts of the story I do today. Edited chapters are linked; everything else I’ve done so far is under the cut.

My Master Post Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

Going to clean my apartment, edit, and do this. I’m hoping to do a couple of votes that will mater in this one, so stay tuned!

Chapter 12

Logan had needed to spend some time performing royal duties today which left Patton and Virgil alone after breakfast. Patton had started out trying to teach Virgil different board games. He’d seemed intrigued at first, but after a few games of checkers seemed to grow bored. Patton had gotten a blank stare when he’d asked if Virgil had any ideas about what to do for fun, so now he was trying to figure out something else they could do. He cast his eyes around at what Logan had in his bedroom.

“How about I read you a book?” he suggested.

Virgil seemed very intrigued by that idea. “Sure,” he said.

“Okay!” Patton said cheerfully. “He popped to his feet and glanced through the small shelf of fiction books Logan kept in his room. He decided to choose one of the lighter ones that Logan and he had liked to read when they were younger. “This one is called The Never-ending Garden,” Patton said. “It’s about a group of four children and their adventures in a garden. It’s full of magic and adventure and friendship! Is that alright with you?”

“It sounds good,” Virgil answered.

Patton happily walked back over to sit next to him. “It is!” he said.

First, he showed Virgil the picture on the cover of a wild looking garden with four kids roaming through it. One of the children was in a little red wagon being pulled by another one wearing a fancy hat. One of the others was walking, looking at a map while the last had a wooden sword. After giving Virgil a couple of moments too look at the picture, Patton cracked it open.

“We start with Lydia’s perspective,” Patton said. “She’s one of my favorites!” He pointed to a picture of a girl in a raincoat at the beginning of the chapter and Virgil leaned slightly closer to see. Then, Patton cleared his voice.

“It had been raining that day,” Patton began, “but Lydia had been so bored that she still begged her father to go out and play when the storm lightened into a sprinkle. He made her change from the yellow dress she had been wearing into the one she often used to help him garden because he knew she was certain to get herself muddy. Her younger brother Marcus asked if he could come too and though part of her wanted to say no because she wanted to explore on her own without her baby brother slowing her down, her father had taught her to be a good big sister, so she agreed to let him come.”

Patton watched Virgil out of the corner of his eye as he read about Lydia meeting up with the neighbor boy, Al, and the three children started to explore the garden in Lydia’s backyard. Virgil leaned in slightly to look at the pictures and listen to the story intently as the three children traveled deeper and deeper into the garden, but never made it to the back fence. They’d just made it to the part where they heard rustling behind the blackberry bush which Patton knew was the last main character, Melly, when Patton felt the need to adjust his posture a bit. Virgil moved in kind and ended up leaning further into Patton.

Without even really thinking about it, Patton brought his arm around to touch the top of his head. Virgil flinched the second Patton made content and Patton drew the hand away immediately. “Sorry,” he said with a wince. Patton was a naturally touching person and he’d been having trouble battling his instincts to cuddle everyone and everything while around Virgil, but he knew most touch was not welcome. The poor thing startled every time Patton went to touch him unannounced and even sometimes when he’d said something before doing it.

“I-it’s okay,” Virgil said.

Patton gave him a tight lipped smiled and turned back to the book.

He stilled a second later when Virgil leaned back in and their shoulders brushed. He blinked over at him. “Oh,” he said softly. “Do… do you want me to touch your hair?”

Virgil curled up into himself a little bit but then nodded.

“Okay,” Patton said. “I’m going to put my arm around you and do that then, okay?” He drew upon his years and years of convincing easily startled cats to allow him to give them pats as he slowly moved his arm back to where it had been before and gently touched the side of his head. He tensed, but didn’t startle this time, and so Patton gently ran his fingers through the hair a couple of times. Eventually, the tension bled out of him and he sort of slumped against Patton’s shoulder. Patton just barely restrained a coo before going back to reading. He continued to stroke the side of Virgil’s hair as he described the gang meeting up with Melly and them being told she was a fairy that lived in the garden.

He'd only gotten to the part about them finding the wagon when Virgil started to shift a bit uncomfortably, his neck craned in an awkward angle. Patton kept reading as he brought the hand in his hair down to his shoulder and pushed lightly. There was the slightest bit of resistance as Virgil didn’t know what he was trying to do, but then he allowed Patton to move him. Patton leaned back a bit and picked the book up off his lap before continuing to push him down. Virgil did not help at all, seeming confused about what was going on.

Patton had to poke him around until he was on his back laying across Patton’s lap. He grinned down at the boy who was looking at him in blatant bewilderment and propped the book up on his chest. He held it there with one of his hands and stretched the other out to resume messing with his hair. Virgil relaxed into the new position after a few minutes of reading, eyes shutting as he enjoyed the attention. His eyes would flicker open every time Patton moved to show him a picture, but other than that, he seemed content to not move.

Eventually, he stopped responding when Patton moved to show him the pictures.

“Are you asleep?” he asked quietly. When he didn’t get a response, he bookmarked the last picture Virgil had responded to, and then continued reading to himself.

Eventually, there was a knock at the door. It was the one he and Logan had decided on to tell the other one that it was just them and not to panic when the door opened. The door opened to Logan a moment later.

He paused, taking in the sight of the assassin sprawled across Patton’s lap like a sleepy kitten. He shook his head fondly and walked over to them on silent feet. He bent and pressed a hand to the top of Virgil’s hand. Virgil stirred just barely, but didn’t open his eyes, pressing into the touch a bit.

Logan smiled. “He wanted to learn how to make protection charms today. I assume you’d like to join us?” Patton perked up and nodded happily, making Logan chuckle softly. “I will go set it up then. Would you like another book for the time being?”

“Just the one I was reading last night would be nice,” Patton said.

“Of course.” Logan stepped away to grab it and handed it to him. Then, he disappeared into his potion’s lab. Patton smiled down at Virgil’s sleeping face and settled the new book onto his chest to replace the children’s book. He didn’t even stir.

Chapter 13

Logan was able to quickly set up the station for making protection charms. Patton had always liked making them, though he often used his more as fun accessories than for protection. The one he was going to show Virgil how to make was a very simple low level one used for little more than to keep bugs off of yourself and, in the event of a well made one, alert one to imminent danger by changing temperature. It was a nice thing to hold in the middle of the night if one was frightened by real or imagined threats. It would be warm to the touch when your environment was safe; he thought Virgil might appreciate it.

He and Patton decided to wait until Virgil woke up naturally which only took about 30 minutes. Then, Logan brought him to his set up supplies. He explained briefly the process for making a protection charm. “I will be the one performing the enchantment for today,” he told Virgil. “I will show you how to make your own later, but I thought seeing how to make them would help with the learning process.”

“Plus, it’s fun!” Patton said.

Logan flashed a smile at him. “And that as well. I’ve prepared a small number of possible pendants for you to choose from. You can choose the shape and color, then we will put on a custom engraving, as well as decorations.”

“Glitter! Glitter! Glitter! Glitter!”

“Yes, Patton, everyone knows you’re going to choose glitter,” Logan said, amused, “but why don’t we let Virgil decide for his own pendant?”

“Fine,” Patton said, “but mine will be glitter.”

Logan grabbed the box of blank pendants and offered it to Virgil. “Choose whichever one feels right,” he suggested. Virgil moved forward and looked over the box. “You can touch them,” Logan said. “In fact, I would suggest it as it is meant to be held when it’s done and you may as well get a feel for it.”

At his prompting, Virgil did. He reached into the box and shifted a few to the side. Eventually, he started picking a few up. “I like the crescent shape for holding the most he said,” holding a blue one up, but I don’t know.”

“What’s your favorite color?” Patton asked.

“Oh, um,” he mumbled. “I dunno.”

“Well here,” Patton said, reaching for the box. He dug through it and pulled out every single crescent moon shaped pendant and lined them up. “What do you fancy?”

Virgil considered them all for a long moment and then tentatively pointed the purple one out.

“Great!” Patton said. “Then, we’ll use that one.”

Virgil nodded and Patton picked up the pendant to drop it into his hands. His fingers curled over the shape and he seemed satisfied by the choice, so Logan turned to Patton. “Your turn,” he said.

Patton happily grabbed out a heart shaped blue one, but then paused and exchanged it for a purple one. “We match!” he said.

Virgil smiled slightly at his enthusiasm, and Logan dug out a blue crescent moon shape for himself. “Now that you have your base, you get to choose the engraving.” He opened up the instruction book to the correct page and showed it to him.

Virgil looked over the two pages of designs with carful focus. He wavered between the spiral sun and the flames for a moment, but eventually settled on the flames. Patton chose the interlocking hearts design as anticipated; it was his favorite, and Logan chose the spiral sun design for himself.

“Now, I’m going to engrave this design onto yours,” Logan said getting out the thin pen like instrument and dipping it into the slightly glowing bottle of potion he’d set out. “In the meantime, Patton will show you what we have for decorations.”

He was careful to get the symbol as perfect as he could and then started on Patton’s. Patton apparently managed to corrupt the boy because both of them came back with brushes and glitter to add as decoration.

Logan shook his head and handed them their freshly engraved pendants. “Apply the glitter how you like,” Logan said, moving on to his own engraving. Once he was finished, he selected some glow in the dark paint to decorate his own.

Once he’d finished decorating his own pendant, Logan looked up. “Are you finished?” he asked.

“Yep!” Patton said, shoving his pendant at Logan while Virgil nodded. Virgil had been far less enthusiastic than Patton, having carefully brushed glitter into the flame design only whereas Patton had haphazardly covered his own all over with glitter. Logan took both pendants.

“This,” Logan said, bringing over a different potion, “is used to make sure the decorations never fall off. It basically allows the other substances to become a part of the stone. “It isn’t too dangerous, but I’d suggest you stand back for the moment.”

Virgil stepped back farther back than was strictly necessary and gave the potion bottle a wary look. Logan moved all three pendants to the prepared surface (else they ran the risk of also getting stuck to the table) and put on gloves, having learned that magically gluing rocks to ones hands was not fun years ago. Then, he carefully drizzled a bit of the potion onto each rock. The rocks fizzled loudly, and Virgil gave off a startled yelp before toppling over flat on his face with his wrist glued to his sides.

“Oh no, honey,” Patton said immediately crouching next to him. “I’m sorry. We should have warned you about the noise.”

Logan wasn’t sure what type of action he’d tried to take when the sound started up, but whatever it was, it had caused him to move his arms fast enough that he’d activated the binding potion and it snapped his wrists to his side, overbalancing him.

Patton’s hands hovered over the startled boy, but he didn’t touch. After a few moments, it was clear that the magic keeping Virgil’s hands at his side released because his hands slowly crept forward to push himself up, so his face wasn’t planted against the ground. His eyes still looked incredibly startled.

“Are you alright?” Patton asked.

Virgil blinked. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said.

Logan took his words as permission to move without risking startling him more. Virgil’s eyes bopped back and forth between him and Patton a few times as he crossed to his wall of potions and grabbed one.

He also selected a clean cloth from a basket on his way over to them. “A light healing potion,” Logan explained as he knelt in front of Virgil. He uncorked it. “May I?”

“I’m fine,” Virgil said with a frown. “I’m not even bleeding. It’s barely anything.”

“Which is why it’s a light healing potion,” Logan said. “You are sure to bruise with the way you hit. This will prevent it and make it stop hurting.”

“Okay,” Virgil agreed after a moment. Logan dribbled a bit out onto the rag. After a moment of thought, he touched the damp part of the cloth with his own finger, just to quash any fears that it would harm him.

“It will tingle slightly,” Logan warned. Virgil tilted his face to let him dab it onto his nose and the light scrape on his face. His nose scrunched up and he moved to rub the sensation away quickly only to have his arms slam back to his sides.

Patton caught him so the sudden involuntary movement didn’t cause him to fall back, and then giggled when Virgil titled his head to what could only be described as pout back at him.

“Aw, poor thing,” Patton cooed, reaching forward to rub a hand across the top of his nose and then his forehead where the potion had been applied for him.

“Better?” Patton asked.

“You’re really bad at this being captors thing,” Virgil commenting, willingly leaning back into Patton. Patton just smiled happily.

Logan took the bottle and got to his feet, before returning it, and then glanced at the pendants as Patton helped Virgil to his feet. The pendants had stopped fizzing, so Logan felt okay reaching in and grabbing them all.

He handed both Patton and Virgil their pendants when they walked closer to the table.

“And now for the actual enchantment,” Logan said. “For today, I already prepared the potion up to the last step as it has to sit for a few hours, but I will show you the last step and eventually teach you everything if you are still interested.”

Virgil nodded, but said. “No more noises?”

Logan smiled. “No more noises,” he confirmed. Then he pushed forward all of the ingredients he was about to put in the pot for Virgil to study one by one before putting them each in it in the correct order. Then he demonstrated how to stir it correctly and told him how many times, though he doubted he’d be able to retain all of the information from this one demonstration. “There,” he said, setting down his spoon. “Now we just all put our pendants into the pot, and they should be ready in 25 minutes.”

Logan showed Virgil around his potion’s lab while they waited, explaining what certain pieces of equipment did and a bit about his organization system. Virgil followed him around, looking at the things he pointed out curiously. He, however, got very distracted when Logan showed him one of the experiments he’d concocted. It was a thick liquid that was super attracted to itself and would form a small ball that could be disturbed by touching it. He seemed to like the sensation of squishing it down onto a table… over and over and over again.

“We should get him a ball of yarn,” Patton said out of the corner of his mouth. He may have been enjoying watching Virgil play with the substance more than Virgil was enjoying playing with it himself. And that was saying something.

21984

Eventually, however, the pendants were finished, and he dragged Virgil away from his new toy to show him the finished product.

“What do you think?” he asked.

“Is it supposed to be warm?” Virgil inquired.

“Yes,” Logan replied. “It’s temperature changes based on if the magic on it senses a threat or not. Warmer temperatures mean you are safe.

“Oh,” Virgil said softly, hand squeezing around it. “I like it.”

Logan found himself smiling. “I’m glad. It’s yours.”

“Thank you,” he said.

“If you would like, I’m sure Patton has some suggestions if you’d desire a way to keep it attached to your person. He in particular likes to make them into necklaces or clip them to his clothing.”

Virgil looked over at Patton and nodded shyly. Patton immediately perked up. “I’ll go get some supplies!” he said.

Chapter 14

“So then,” Patton was saying. “We ran to the stables.”

“We went to gazebo first,” Logan cut in.

“Right, we tried to go to the gazebo first,” Patton corrected, “but Mr. Deknis was over there tending to the tomatoes, and we knew he’d tell Mama the second he saw us. So, then we turned around and went to the stables.”

Virgil tilted his head, listening to the story Patton was telling. Patton was not the best storyteller. He tended to get lost in the middle and embellish, though Logan always corrected him. It was still very entertaining to watch though because he got incredibly animated. He’d even toppled himself over in excitement a couple of times.

Virgil squeezed the small pillow he had in his lap. He… wasn’t 100% sure what was going on. Logan and Patton had settled him on the blanket covered ground near Logan’s bed and proceeded to feed him snacks and talk about a lot of different things. It had started with them talking about what they’d done that day, and when Patton had made reference to something Virgil hadn’t understood, the two of them ended up talking about things from their childhood.

Virgil found himself entranced by their stories about playing in and running around the castle. It was all so different from what Virgil had experienced.

“…but, right as we were about to get to the ladder to climb up into the hay loft, Logan tripped!” Patton said, arms whipping around him. “He fell into a container of grain for the horses and it spilled all over the place. He tried to get up but grabbed the edge of the water trough and apparently it wasn’t very secure because it fell over and soaked him. So, then he was wet and covered in grain. He looked hilarious.”

“I did not!” Logan protested, but it did not sound like all of the other times he’d corrected Patton’s stories that night.

Patton looked over at him. “You did! You woke up the cute stable hand and he laughed himself silly at you, and by the time we got you even partially cleaned up, your dad had already found us. That’s how we got caught.”

“I have no recollection of these events,” Logan clearly lied, his cheeks a bit flushed.

“Liar,” Patton claimed. “You complained about picking grain out of your sheets for weeks.”

“No,” Logan growled.

“Yes! It’s okay. It was a good laugh.”

Logan’s eyes narrowed on him, and he looked pissed, but a second later, his expression lightened up. “You know what else was a ‘good laugh’?” he asked.

There was a second of silence before…

“Don’t you dare Logan.”

Logan looked him directly in the eye. “Patton was thirteen,” Logan started, but was interrupted the next moment when Patton lobbed a pillow at his head. Logan grabbed the pillow and leaned forward to smack Patton back with it. “He was thirteen and had just ‘discovered boys’ as his mother and my father called it when they attempted to explain his behavior to me. The focus of said ‘discovering’ at the time was the son of an ambassador from Lamir” who was staying for the summer, a seventeen-year-old boy by the name Bernardo.”

Virgil flinched back as Patton suddenly threw himself across the semicircle they’d made with their bodies to tackle Logan to the ground. He watched as they ineffectually wrestled on the ground for a few seconds before Logan, voice strained continued to speak, while battling Patton’s hands away from his mouth.

“Patton’s only knowledge about flirting… ow… at that point was laughing at everything someone said and touching their arms and shoulders.” Logan managed to flip himself onto his stomach which was a horrible move as far as Virgil was concerned. It put him at a disadvantage to get out of the pin. However, Patton just kept reaching for his mouth and didn’t bare down on his neck to try to cut off his oxygen like Virgil expected. So, perhaps it was a rational move. “Our parents were speaking leaving Patton, Bernardo, and I in the garden,” Logan mumbled into the ground. “Bernardo said something ‘funny’ and Patton went to slap his shoulder while laughing, but shoved too hard… Patton did you just lick my face?!”

“And I’ll do it again if you don’t shut up!” Patton threatened. That was a… weird fighting strategy.

Logan paused to consider his options. “He shoved Bernardo into the fountain and when Bernardo asked him why he did that, he ran away and wouldn’t talk to him the rest of the summer!” Logan rushed out.

Patton reached over and grabbed the nearest pillow, proceeding to whack him viciously in the back of the head. Logan was lucky the nearest object was a pillow and not something any sturdier. “It’s not funny!” Patton yelled, smacking him even more, which was when Virgil realized Logan was laughing despite the pinning and pillow pummeling. “It’s not!” Patton said. “I really liked him!!”

“He was seventeen!” Logan said. “It was never going to happen!”

Patton groaned and rolled off of Logan to lay on his back and stare at the ceiling. “But he had so many muscles,” Patton said. “He probably could have thrown me 10 yards.”

“And that is… a benefit?” Logan asked, rolling over onto his side to face him.

“You don’t. Get me.” Patton tilted his head to look at Virgil. “Anyway,” he said. “That is the story of how I died at 13.”

Virgil stared at him, and Patton’s forehead crinkled looking at him.

“Is something wrong, honey?” he asked.

“What was that?” Virgil asked.

“What was what?”

Virgil just blinked at him. Patton seemed to think for a moment.

“Oh, did you think we were fighting?” Patton asked. “Like, really fighting?”

“You weren’t fighting?” Virgil asked.

“No, sweetie,” Patton said. “We were just playing.” He popped up into a sitting position. “Well, play fighting, but emphasis on play!”

Virgil looked over at Logan for confirmation. “No one is harmed nor was there any intention to harm each other,” he assured.

Patton grabbed the pillow he’d been smacking Logan with. “Like this!” he said. “Bap.” Unlike how he’d smacked Logan ruthlessly, he basically just touched Virgil’s shoulder with it.

Virgil squinted at him.

“Bap!” Patton said again, smacking him again, this time with a little bit more force and on the cheek. Virgil’s nose scrunched up. “Pillow fight!”

“Pillow fight?”

“You try,” he said, pointing to the pillow in Virgil’s lap.

Virgil glanced down at the bands around his wrist. “Um…” he said. “I don’t think I can?”

“Oh, right,” Patton said with a frown. He bit his lip and glanced over at Logan. “Maybe…”

“Ill-advisable,” Logan said.

“But…” Patton said. “Pillow fight.”

“We would have to be very cautious and make sure there were no weapons in the area.”

“No weapons but pillows!”

“Fine,” Logan relented to whatever was going on. “Let’s clear the area.” Virgil watched them with mounting confusion as they removed everything within a few meters radius of him except for pillows and blankets.

“There!” Patton said after a minute. “All done!”

“What are you doing?” Virgil said.

“We’re going to have a pillow fight,” Patton said.

“But I…”

“We’ll temporarily allow your restraints to be in the third setting like when you’re in the closet.”

Were they serious? Were they stupid? Virgil could have killed them dozens of times with the second setting and now they were giving him even more range of motion?

“You have to promise not to try to hurt anyone though,” Patton said. Virgil stared at him dumbly, as Patton held out his pinky finger. “Pinky promise.”

“Pinky promise?”

Patton nodded solemnly. “We lock pinky fingers and make a promise. It’s the most binding promise in the universe.”

Virgil looked at his finger, confused. He’d never heard of that type of deal. “What kind of magic is it?”

“No magic,” Patton said. “Just friendship.” Virgil tilted his head but brought his hand up so Patton could twine their fingers together. “Now, promise you won’t hurt anyone.”

“I promise I won’t hurt anyone,” he said.

“It’s a deal!” said Patton, squeezing Virgil’s finger with his own briefly before drawing away. “I trust you.” Virgil felt a rush of something that was no type of magic he’d ever come into contact before but was definitely far more powerful.

Logan came over to them and waved his hand over the restraints on Virgil. They buzzed slightly and Virgil looked between them. “So, I just hit you with pillows?”

“Try not to hit too hard near the face, and Lo and I should probably take off our glasses before we start, but yeah,” Patton said, taking his glasses off as he said it. It was yet another foolish move on his part. “It’s fun, and it doesn’t hurt.”

“Okay…” Virgil said.

“I will demonstrate,” Logan said as he took a pillow and smacked Patton in the stomach.

“Hey! No fair!” Patton giggled. “We haven’t started yet!” This did not deter Logan however, as he continued to smack Patton with a pillow.

“On the contrary,” he said. “It has started, and we’re getting you first.”

“No,” Patton whined, but the way he crumpled to the ground under the onslaught seemed far too staged to make Virgil worry. He didn’t even try to curl up into a ball or to protect his head, just taking the hits and giggling.

Logan looked up at Virgil and motioned with his head. Virgil inched over and looked down at Patton. Logan slowed for a few moments. “Go on,” he urged.

Virgil bit his lip and reached forward to smack Patton lightly with his pillow which seemed to do nothing to him but renew his peels of giggles. From there, it was easy to continue. Logan picked up the pace of his strikes and he and Virgil proceeded to ‘fight’ Patton until he couldn’t breath through his laughter and pushed the pillows away, curling up on his side to recover.

23897

“No what?” Virgil asked when Patton sat up.

“Now I get vengeance!” Patton said, popping to his feet and smacking Logan in the face. “Help me Virgil!” So, Virgil turned on Logan and he and Patton gave the prince the same treatment. Then, because it was only fair, it was Virgil’s turn, though they were a lot more careful with him then they’d been with each other, and really Patton spent more of the time checking in on Virgil then actually hitting him with the pillow. It was nice. Fun. And when Virgil pushed them away, they pulled back. Then, it was Patton’s turn again and they went around teaming up on each other and sometimes just smacking at each other at random.

Eventually, they slowed, and all ended up laying near each other on the floor.

“Well, that made me hungry,” Patton said, sitting up and stretching. “I asked Mama to make us a bunch of mini sandwiches with different flavors. I’ll go get them.”

He hopped to his feet to walk over to where they’d stored the food earlier in those little glowing magical balls Logan had for food preservation.

Logan and Virgil sat up too, and Virgil offered him his wrists.

“Right,” Logan said with a blink. He made a motion and Virgil could feel the magic weighing down his hands once again. He’d almost forgotten, Virgil thought with an internal sigh. They’d given an assassin free range of motion, had a pillow fight with him, and almost forgotten to restrain him again. What was Virgil going to do with these idiots?

Chapter 15

Patton strolled up to the doors to the royal wing, his arms crossed casually around his middle.

Kalani raised an eyebrow as he approached and gave her the most innocent expression he could. “Whatcha got there, Pat?” she asked.

“Hmm?” he asked, as his sweater squirmed. “What do you mean?”

She considered him for a moment. “Well, I see nothing suspicious here,” she said. “Do you Owen?”

“Nothing,” he replied without hesitation.

Patton grinned at them both.

Kalani leaned in like she was going to tell him a secret. “Who is it?”

Patton made a show of glanced around like he was hiding it from anyone passing by. Then he shifted around to pull up just the bottom of his sweater.

A small black paw reached out from the depths of his sweater and swatted at the air.

“Ah, I see,” Kalani said, reaching out to touch the little paw. “Hello, Mittens.”

Patton giggled as Owen poked the cat’s stomach gently through the sweater, making her wiggle a bit and try to bite him.

“Well,” Patton said. “I better be off with my totally normal sweater.”

Kalani nodded and stepped to the side, and Patton was free to head down the hallway to Logan’s room. Patton knocked on the door with their new extra secret knock and Logan all but ripped open the door. “I’m late. I have to go,” he said, darting past Patton.

Patton smiled, happy that his plan to be running a little late to come watch Virgil had worked so well, even though he felt a little bit guilty about it. He hoped Logan wasn’t late to his meeting, but he also knew that if Logan had noticed Mittens, he wouldn’t have let her into the room.

Virgil was already out of the closet, sitting on one of the chairs. Patton came in and smiled at him. Unlike Logan, Virgil’s attention was immediately drawn to the oddly shaped lump in Patton’s sweater.

“You’re not very good at hiding things,” Virgil said.

“It worked on Logan,” Patton defended himself.

“Logan was about to rocket into space if you didn’t show up in 5 seconds,” Virgil pointed out. Patton just shrugged, and Virgil tilted his head. “What do you have?”

Patton grinned wide and carefully pulled Mittens out of his sweater. She did not resist this maneuver at all, simply purring. He held her up for Virgil to see. “Ta da!”

“A cat?” Virgil said.

“This is Mittens,” Patton said. He then turned to Mittens. “Mittens, this is Virgil. I thought I’d introduce the two of you!”

Virgil blinked at the cat. Mittens blinked back. Patton thought maybe he should have let them sniff each other from under a door before doing this.

He didn’t need to worry though, as Mittens started purring after a moment. “You can pet her,” Patton offered. Virgil looked up at him. “Just…” he said.

“She likes chin scratchies!” Patton prompted.

Virgil reached out a hand to scratch under her chin and that was the end of it. Mittens stretched out her chin happy to get the attention and Virgil’s eyes widened at how soft her fur was. It was a work of minutes before Virgil was sitting down on the floor and Mittens was happily kneading his thighs and spinning around in circles to make sure he pet every inch of her.

“I did not understand why people like cats,” Virgil commented. “All I’ve seen of cats is people coming back with bloody scratches from trying to pet them, so I never even tried.”

“Well,” Patton said. “Cats are just like people. If you’re nice to them, they’re more likely to be nice to you.”

Virgil’s hand paused briefly on the cat’s head, but then continued with the petting a moment later. Patton wondered what he was thinking about, but didn’t press.

“She seems to like you,” Patton said.

“Don’t know why.”

“Hey, don’t be mean.” Patton scolded.

Virgil hands jerked away from the cat he’d been petting and then were forced abruptly to his side in reaction. Mittens meowed, seemed very unhappy with the jostling as well as the sudden lack of petting.

“Sorry,” Virgil said, eyes wide. “What did I do wrong. I didn’t mean to be mean to her.”

It took Patton a moment to sus out what he was talking about and felt a pang in his chest when he did. “Oh, no honey. You didn’t do anything wrong. I meant don’t be mean to yourself.”

Virgil gave him a confused look. Mittens bumped her head against his chin and with a blink, he cautiously went back to petting her.

“Of course, she likes you sweetie, you’re a good boy.”

“I came here to kill the king. I’ve killed before.”

Patton smiled sadly. “I don’t think you ever wanted to,” he said. Virgil seemed to grow very interested in mitten’s ears. Patton scooted over so he was sitting beside him and carefully brought a hand up to touch the top of his head. Virgil sort of curled into him, pressing his face against Patton’s shoulder, but continuing to pet the cat.

“It’s fine. You’re going to be okay now,” Patton said softly.

Virgil shook his head against Patton’s shoulder.

“Yes,” Patton insisted. “You’ll be okay. You won’t have to go back.”

Virgil didn’t respond for a long moment. “You can’t keep me in Logan’s closet forever,” he said softly. “When his dad comes back, you’re going to have to turn me in.”

Well, that was true, but… “It’ll be okay. No one will hurt you.”

“The kings would be assassin?” Virgil asked skeptically.

“Thomas is nice. He’ll understand.”

“He’s nice to you. He’s nice to Logan. Maybe he’s even nice to the people he rules over, but what am I? An enemy assassin who would have slit his throat if I hadn’t gotten the wrong room.”

It…it did sound bad when he put it like that, but, but… “Thomas will understand,” he promised, hugging him tight. “He will, and we’ll keep you safe and I’ll introduce you to every single cat in the castle. In fact, we’ll get you a cat to keep as a pet if you want and he or she can snuggle you as much as you want. I’ll show you all around the gardens and introduce you to Mama and help you figure out what your favorite type of cookie is. You’ll never have to hurt anyone again and no one will ever hurt you again.”

Virgil drew away a bit and shot him a half smile. He clearly didn’t believe him, and it made Patton’s stomach twist a bit. Patton knew. He knew Thomas would be nice. There was no way he’d hurt Virgil. Virgil was just a kid and with Logan and Patton on his side, there was no way anything bad would happen to him. He could see it from Virgil’s perspective though.

“I like her feet,” Virgil said, touching Mittens’ little black paw that contrasted her otherwise white coat. Mittens purred and began kneading his legs again with those paws. “I’m guessing that’s why she’s named Mittens?”

“Yeah,” said Patton softly. “‘Cause she looks like she’s wearing mittens.” Virgil leaned forward to kiss her little head and that little action made Patton’s heart ache for him. He deserved so many kitten kisses. So many.

Patton was determined to make sure he got them.

Chapter 16

“Well done,” Logan complimented when Virgil looked up at him for approval. It was the first time Virgil was trying to make the protection charms without Logan’s instructions. Logan was of course still in the room in case he had questions and the boy had a written set of instructions next to him, but for the most part Virgil was doing it on his own.

“Now,” Virgil said squinting down at the paper next to him, “we wait for 35 minutes.”

“Fifty actually,” Logan corrected offhand, focused on his own potion.

“Oh, yeah, right,” Virgil said. He grabbed the timer and set it for the appropriate time.

Then, he stepped away from Logan’s nontoxic potion station. Logan saw him edge a bit closer to peak at what Logan was working on, though he was careful to maintain a distance. Logan wasn’t sure if this was because he’d been warned of the possible harmful substances Logan sometimes used at his experiment table or because he was worried Logan might not want him to approach.

Logan looked up at him. “You can come closer. Nothing here is very dangerous.”

Virgil nodded and walked over to peer at the boiling pot. “What are you making?” he asked.

“I am once again attempting to invent a potion that will reliably remove cat hair from surfaces,” Logan said, glancing over at Patton.

Patton looked up from the bracelet he was making and stuck his tongue out at Logan.

“I can never seem to find an adequate solution,” Logan said.

“The solution is to accept all parts of kitty love!” Patton insisted.

“Or maybe the solution is to exile you from my room for the rest of time,” Logan muttered. Patton chose to ignore him and go back to working on the bracelet.

“Do you want any help?” Virgil offered Logan.

Logan smiled at him. “I’m actually almost finished with this step and there isn’t much left to do but thank you.”

Virgil nodded. “Oh, okay,” he said. He shifted back and forth a few times.

“You’re well on your way to mastering this potion,” Logan said. “I was thinking that next I could teach you how to make a tracking charm. I marked a passage about it in the book on that shelf.” He gestured to one near the station Virgil had been working at. “Why don’t you go ahead and read that while you wait?”

“The…” Virgil said. “The green book?”

“Yes,” Logan said. “I left a bookmark in the correct page.”

“Um… yeah, sure. I’ll go… read that.”

Logan nodded and turned back to put the finishing touches on his own potion as Virgil walked away.

Logan finished up his potion up after a few minutes and covered it to let it simmer. He looked over to see that Patton had flopped onto his back, still working on the bracelet and Virgil had sat near to him with the book on his lap open. Logan walked over to them.

“What do you think?” Logan asked.

Virgil glanced up at him. “Erm,” he said. “Looks good.”

“Which option do you like better?”

“…The second one.”

“Really?” Logan asked, surprised.

“Uh… yes?”

“I’m surprised,” Logan commented. “I figured you would shy away from the ones that required a blood sacrifice.”

Virgil’s eyes widened. “Oh,” he said. “I… didn’t notice that. I would like to not do that one, please.”

“You didn’t notice?” Logan asked. “Half of the entire first page is dedicated to a discussion of it.”

There was a beat of awkward silence.

“Virgil,” Logan said. “Can you read the first paragraph on that page?”

He grimaced.

“You can’t read?!”

“Logan, tone,” Patton snapped when Virgil flinched.

Logan took a breath. “I am not upset that you cannot read, but what have you been doing for the past week when I have given you written instructions for the protection charm potion?”

“Not… read it.”

“How have you been making the potion?” Logan asked.

“I just remember the steps, and if I’m not sure I ask. You’re usually distracted enough that you barely notice.”

“If I had known this, we would have done a completely auditory explanation.”

“Sorry.”

Logan sighed. “You didn’t need to pretend, Virgil.”

Virgil blinked up at him. “Sorry.”

Logan just shook his head. “There is nothing for you to be sorry for. In fact, you are the one who is owed apologies from many people in your life for a multitude of reasons.” He knelt down to take the book from him. “Here,” he said. “For now, I will read this passage to you while we wait for the potions to finish brewing. Later we can talk about changing my lesson plans in reference to the potions as well as adding reading lessons into your schedule.”

“You… want to teach me how to read?” Virgil asked.

“If you are willing,” Logan replied. “It’s a useful skill to have and opens up many doors.”

“I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it,” Virgil said with a frown.

“If you can memorize an entire potion recipe from start to finish with inadequate vocal instructions, I’m sure you can learn the alphabet perfectly well.”

“Okay,” he replied sounding a bit doubtful.

“And once we get you to an appropriate level, I��ll let you read a book about stars I enjoyed in my youth.” He seemed pleased with that prospect, and Logan smiled at him. “For now though, let’s read this together.”

“Okay,” Virgil said. Logan opened the book in his lap and started to read. He noticed that Virgil was leaning over to look at the page despite the fact that he couldn’t read it, and so he began to point to the words as he read. His reactions to the words on the page were honestly quite funny when Logan caught them. His nose would scrunch up in confusion every time he thought an instruction nonsensical, and he’d squint his eyes at the words as though willing the sounds and letters to connect in his head. Logan wouldn’t be surprised with his memory if he had parts of it memorized by the end.

26422

After a few minutes of reading, a light weight descended on Logan’s shoulder. Virgil had settled his chin on Logan’s shoulder to peer at the words. Logan did his best not to draw attention to this fact and shot a glare at Patton when he clearly noticed, sitting up to smile widely at them. Luckily the boy was sensible enough not to squeal as he oh so clearly wanted to. Logan pointed out a picture while explaining what the caption said and then giving a personal antecedent. Virgil touched the page curiously and asked a question about the story before laying his head back down on Logan’s shoulder. They continued in this way until the potion was finished.

#proofread stories #not writing

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glitchh3d · 4 years ago

Text

Among Us 2.0 Snippet (Helping to Forget)

“No. You know I love playing Among Us with you, but I seriously can’t right now. I’m studying for that History exam Taichi and I have in a few days,” (Y/n) said, shoving Terushima away from her with her feet as she stared intently at her history textbook. He whined and dropped more of his weight onto her legs.

“Just one round! Please! We got Bokuto and Akaashi and Kuroo playing with us this time!” Terushima begged. (Y/n) sighed but closed her textbook.

“Fine. One round! Then you’re gonna let me study for a bit in peace, right?” Terushima nodded. “Alright, let me grab my iPad.”

A few minutes later, (Y/n), Terushima, Atsumu, Taichi, Futakuchi, Bokuto, Akaashi, Kuroo and Kuroo’s boyfriend Kenma were all in a discord call playing Among us.

(Y/n) chose white, Terushima was lime, Bokuto was yellow, Akaashi was orange, Atsumu chose black, Kuroo chose pink, Kenma was red, Futakuchi was dark green, and Taichi chose purple. They started the game up a few seconds later and (Y/n) pouted as CREWMATE flashed across her screen.

“What’d you get?” Terushima asked her from her gaming chair. She shrugged.

“I can’t tell you. That’s cheating.”

“Hm, okay well I trust you so I’m going to stay with you, okay?” (Y/n) hummed and ran her character to admin so it could swipe the card.

Too fast. Try again.

She swiped again.

Too slow. Try again.

She swiped it again.

Bad read. Try again.

Too slow. Try again.

Too fast.

Too slow.

Bad read.

Too fast.

“OH MOTHER FUCKER!” (Y/n) shouted, swiping the card again. It finally went through right as Kuroo called an emergency meeting. Terushima laughed at her.

The discord call came to life seconds later.

“So, um. (Y/n) was at card swipe for way too long.” Kuroo laughed. (Y/n) groaned.

“It kept getting declined! I swear! I promise!” (Y/n) said as people started to laugh and vote.

“I can confirm.” Terushima said, looking up and winking at (Y/n). She rolled her eyes. “She said motherfucker super loud and looked pissed so I completely believe that she was just super shit at the card swiper.”

“Thank you, Yuu-chii.”

“You’re welcome, princess.”

“Alright, we’ll let her off this time but I got my eye on you (Y/n).” Futakuchi said with a laugh as everyone finished voting. The call became silent again as the game continued.

(Y/n) ran down to storage to fill the gas can to fill the upper engine, Terushima following closely behind her, not doing any tasks.

She glanced up at him with narrowed eyes but he was too busy looking at his screen, tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth in concentration, to notice.

(Y/n) filled the upper engine with gas then ran back to storage, filling it again to refill the lower engine when the doors to storage closed. She swore.

Terushima grinned to himself, sabotaging the lights and then killing (Y/n) who gasped and stared at her screen in horror as she was stabbed in the back multiple times by Terushima.

He reported her body seconds later.

“SOMEONE MURDERED MY GIRLFRIEND IN STORAGE!” Terushima shouted in fake horror. (Y/n) glared at him and he smiled innocently at her before looking back at his screen.

“Oh shit, Akaashi is dead too.” Kuroo laughed.

“No!! Agaashi!!!” Bokuto whined, making Terushima sigh.

“It’s okay, Bo bro. We can avenge our lovers.”

“I hate to be that person, but Atsumu has been following me and he disappeared for a few seconds when the lights went out. We were in communications.” Taichi said. Atsumu let out a horrified gasp.

“Fuck you, Taichi. Are you accusing me?”

“Yeah, I am. You disappeared from my side as soon as lights went out and then (Y/n) died.” Taichi said. (Y/n) shook her head sadly, typing in the dead chat to Akaashi.

(Y/n): Akaashi!!

Akaashi: Hey (Y/n). Who killed you?

(Y/n): Teru ): Hbu??

Akaashi: Bokuto-san.

(Y/n) gasped. “Oh my god, you assholes.”

“HEY! Woah. You’re supposed to be dead so shut up,” Futakuchi laughed. (Y/n) glared at Terushima again as the voting ended. Atsumu ended up getting voted out.

Atsumu was not the Impostor.

The game continued and (Y/n) chose to follow around Terushima to watch who he’d kill next. Unfortunately, the next victim was Kenma. She sighed as he became a ghost, then welcomed him to ghost chat.

(Y/n): Hi Kenma!! Welcome to the ghostie partyyy

ApplePie: Hello. Thank you.

(Y/n): OHHHH!!!! Akaashi! Kenma! Atsumu! Let’s have a ghost sleep over in medbay!!!

Sangwoo: No.

(Y/n): tsumuuu ):

Sangwoo: Alright fine, RACE YOU

(Y/n) giggled, racing Atsumu’s ghost towards medbay. Akaashi and Kenma were both there already, sitting on the beds. (Y/n) and Atsumu sat on the beds and a few seconds of silence later, Kuroo, Taichi, Terushima and Bokuto ran in. (Y/n) gasped.

The medbay door shut and then Bokuto killed Taichi as Terushima killed Kuroo.

DEFEAT.

“I can’t believe you, Yuuji.” (Y/n) said sadly as everyone joined the call. “When I get impostor I am going to kill you so hard.”

“Alright, so now we know that if Terushima dies first, his girlfriend did it.”

(Y/n) muted herself. “Hey, Teru. Mute for a second.” Terushima did, looking up at her with big, concerned eyes. “You called me your girlfriend…”

Terushima blushed.

“Shit, okay listen! I- we went on a date and-”

“No no! It’s okay! I just didn’t know if you wanted labels yet but-”

“Yes! I want everyone to know that I’m dating you!”

“Oh! Okay! Good!”

“Hey, love birds. Terushima you moron, you forgot to mute.” Futakuchi called out.

“Oh…”

“Well congrats?” Atsumu laughed. Bokuto and Kuroo both started laughing too. Akaashi sighed and congratulated the two. Taichi on the other hand, stayed quiet.

“Thanks boys.”

“Hey, (Y/n). I thought you said you were only playing one game?” Terushima said as another game loaded. (Y/n) shrugged.

“I really feel the need to kill you so I’m playing as many damn games as it takes to get impostor.” Terushima’s eyes widened.

“I’m staying with Taichi.”

“No, what? Stay away from me,” Taichi chuckled. (Y/n) grinned.

“SHH! We’re on mute.”

The game went by fairly fast. Taichi and Kuroo double killed Terushima and (Y/n) in communications, then they went and double killed Bokuto and Akaashi together in Electrical. They voted Kenma out for no reason and then they killed Futakuchi, winning the game.

The next game went by in a similar manner, Kenma killing off Kuroo first then being voted out after being caught venting by Akaashi. Then Atsumu killed Terushima and Bokuto. No one got voted out. Then he killed Taichi and Akaashi, leaving Futakuchi, (Y/n) and him alive.

“Okay hear me out,” (Y/n) started as she called an Emergency Meeting. “Futakuchi just appeared out of nowhere behind me when I went to Electrical. I think it might be him because Atsumu went the complete opposite way.”

“What? No! I was just coming to make sure you were safe.”

“Nah, seems sus. Let’s get him out of here, (Y/n). Better safe than sorry,” Atsumu said, voting for Futakuchi. (Y/n) followed suit and Futakuchi whined, voting for (Y/n). In the end, Atsumu and Kenma won the game.

“GG guys. Great play by (Y/n).” Kuroo teased.

“Shut up! Ken-Ken, I’m sorry!”

“Nope. You’re dead as soon as I get impostor.”

“KENJI!”

“YOU BROUGHT THIS ON YOURSELF BY VOTING ME OFF AND LOSING!”

“I didn’t mean to!”

“Right, I’m sure you didn’t.”

Terushima laughed and scooted (Y/n)’s desk chair towards her bed. He patted her leg lovingly. “It’s okay baby girl. I’ll protect you from him.”

(Y/n) rolled her eyes with a smile as the game started.

IMPOSTOR.

She grinned. Then frowned as she noticed Futakuchi was also the impostor so she couldn’t kill him.

She hummed as she faked doing wires in storage. Terushima was following her again like a lost puppy. Perfect.

She went to Communications next, Terushima still following her. The door to storage shut behind them and she killed him in the very corner of the room then set off the reactor. She rushed out and over to the reactor so no one would suspect her.

“I-” (Y/n) glanced up, winked at Terushima, then went back to the game.

Terushima pouted at her and crawled onto the bed, laying next to her. She kissed the top of his head lovingly while patting one of his cheeks. “It’s okay you big baby.”

She killed Atsumu next, then passed by Kuroo and Bokuto’s dead bodies in medbay, deciding to call them.

“Okay, so both Bokuto and Kuroo were dead in medbay. But there wasn’t anyone near.”

“I dunno, kind of seems like a self-report, don’t you think?” Futakuchi said suddenly. She gasped, thinking he’d back her up.

“What? No! I just-”

“And look, Terushima is dead too. She said as soon as she got impostor she was going to take him out,” Everyone agreed, voting (Y/n) out. She pouted and Terushima laughed at her.

“Aw, it’s okay you big baby.”

***

One round for (Y/n) turned into ten rounds. Then fifteen. Then twenty.

“Oh! Shoot, hang on guys, my boss is calling me.” (Y/n) exited the game, answering her phone. “Hello? Kait?”

“Oh my god, where are you?(Y/n) you’re late for work. Did you get kidnapped? Hit by a bus? Car?”

(Y/n)’s eyes widened in horror and she glanced at her phone screen, checking the time. She was indeed 43 minutes late for work.

“Oh shit! No, no. I-” She glanced at Terushima who was still playing the game. “I got caught up studying and I didn’t even realize the time! I’ll be in, in a few minutes!”

“Just get here safe, alright? We’ll chat once you get here about your unhealthy studying habits.” (Y/n) chuckled and nodded.

“Okay! I’ll be right there. See you soon!”

The phone hung up and (Y/n) leaped off her bed, scaring Terushima.

“Woah, where's the fire?” He asked as she pulled her shirt off to change into one of her black work shirts.

“I got distracted playing Among Us and I'm late for work! Grab the black shoes under my bed for me, would you?” Terushima nodded, saying goodbye to the rest of the guys before logging off the game and shoving his phone in his pocket.

“Here,” He handed her shoes to her, watching her slip them on quickly. She grabbed her apron and kissed him once before rushing out the door.

He smiled as he heard the front door of her apartment click shut, but then he noticed her phone and keys laying on her bed still.

“Oh shit, she needs these.” He said to himself, grabbing them quickly. He shoved them into his pocket then rushed after her, trying to catch up before she got too far. But by the time he was out the door, she was long gone.

He sighed and locked the apartment up before starting his trek to the small coffee shop. He really hoped she didn’t get in trouble. It was his fault that she got distracted in the first place.

***

(Y/n) rushed into the small coffee shop, slipping behind the counter and washing her hands quickly before turning to help a customer. Kait, her boss and friend, came out of the back, tying her hair up into a quick ponytail.

“Oh, (Y/n) (L/n). You and your studying-” Kait started, grabbing (Y/n)’s arms, turning her to make her look her in the eyes. Steely green eyes stared back into startled (e/c) ones.

“I’m sorry! It won’t happen again!”

The door burst open and Terushima rushed in, holding (Y/n)’s keys and phone in one hand.

“Hi! Hey, it’s my fault she’s late! I distracted her with a game and she lost track of time and-” (Y/n)’s eyes widened even further as she realized she’d been caught in a lie.

“A game? I thought you said you were studying?” Kait asked, eyes narrowing. (Y/n) gulped nervously.

“You heard him, he’s the one to blame. Not me,” (Y/n) said making Terushima gasp at her as Kait turned to glare at him.

“You, you’re Terushima Yuuji, right?” He nodded. “Keep your ass away from my employee. Got it?”

“I- Your gonna make me stay away from my own girlfriend? That’s mean!” Terushima whined and Kait’s eyes widened.

“Oh. Girlfriend?” (Y/n) nodded slowly. “This is news to me. I thought you said that he was-”

“SHHHH!” (Y/n) slapped her hand over Kait’s mouth, silencing her. “I didn’t say anything Yuu-chii. Thank you for bringing my stuff! See you later, okay?” Terushima nodded slowly, handing her stuff to her before waving goodbye and leaving the coffee shop.

Kait pried (Y/n)’s hand off her mouth. “Was he the one you went on a date with on Friday?” (Y/n) nodded. “I thought you said that he would, and I quote, “never date you”? What happened to that?” (Y/n) groaned.

“We confessed to each other at laser tag last saturday and then we kissed and-”

“YOU KISSED HIM AT LASER TAG?”

“Shhhh! Yes! I’ll show you the video and-”

“There's a video? Oh my god, Hikari, come work the counter for a few minutes would you? (Y/n) and I need to talk in the back.”

Okay hear me out-

I’ super tired and this isn’t the best but @kaitycole IS NOW AN OFFICIAL CHARACTER IN THIS SERIES.

Because I love her and she inspires me and she’s the whole reason this snippet even exists so if you enjoyed, say thank you to Kait <3

Taglist: @kaitycole, @cosmicmermaid25, @sempiternal-amour, @99astrid, @hidden-otaku-stuff, @vicassa, @elianetsantana, @ankl3s, @newfriendjen, @oikawa-simp, @dakotacecily, @axolotleyeliner, @heyyourecute, @tchalameme, @toobsessedsstuff, @marinovakovich

#terushima yuuji #terushima x y/n #terushima x you #terushima x reader #kawanishi taichi #atsumu miya #Futakuchi Kenji #kenma kozume #kuroo tersurou #boktuo koutarou #akaashi keiji #haikyuu!!#haikyu #haikyuu!! x reader

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zelenacat · 4 years ago

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When We Were Young- Chapter 14- An Obitine Story

Satine let Korkie take his siblings out into Sundari that day, giving them a small guard detail. She didn’t see them again till dinner, when they arrived flushed, gleeful, and in hysterics.

“What happened?” Satine asked, already knowing.

“I’m not as think as you drunk I am, Lady Mother.” Korkie winked.

Khaami burst into laughter.

“Dear boy, I was there when you were born, and now you’re seventeen and drunk.”

“Quickly, Ladies,” Satine urged, “we must get them sober so I can punish them.”

Parna snorted, “Of course, Your Grace.”

Once it was clear that no one was going to throw up, they would just have headaches tomorrow, Satine had all her children on the couch in her personal parlor.

“Children,” she began, “I am very disappointed in you.”

“We saw the statue of Tarre Vizsla,” Mara croaked, “he had a weird looking face.”

Parna and Khaami lost it.

“Children,” Satine frowned, “all of you are below the legal drinking age. This is not allowed!”

“But, Lady Mother,” Tyra grinned, gesturing widely, “it was fun!”

“Yeah,” Tristan agreed, “and we only drank after seeing all the cool stuff.”

Satine groaned.

“You could’ve been recognized!”

“Don’t worry, Lady Mother,” Korkie snorted, “we ditched our guards.”

“You what!”

Parna and Khaami let loose another burst of laughter and Satine turned to them.

“Ladies, what shall I do with them?”

“I think,” Parna hiccuped, “I should go look for the guards.”

“Yes,” the Duchess nodded, “go.”

Clutching her sides, Parna left.

“Perhaps, Your Grace,” Khaami suggested with a smile, “you could bore the children with stories of your escapades with their father.”

Tyra gasped, “Lady Mother, were you a rebellious royal child!”

Satine leveled her gaze at Khaami, “Perhaps you could help me put my children to bed, Khaami?”

“Of course, your Grace.”

“All of you are grounded,” Satine announced as she stood, “and no dinner tonight!”

Ignoring the groans, the Duchess dragged her sons to their room and slammed the door behind them.

“Lady Mother,” Korkie whined, “I’m tired.”

“Don’t make me change you like I did when you were a little boy.” Satine warned.

Tristan fell face first into his pillow.

“You both are very lucky you have the week off school.” Satine sighed.

Outside, Parna returned with the four guards the Duchess had assigned to protect her children.

“I'm not angry with any of you,” Satine stated, “but two of you need to remain in front of the boys’ room and two in front of the girls’ room.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” bowed Gorg, “our apologies.”

“No matter,” Satine sighed, “just make sure they sleep through the night.”

Jaym smiled, “I don’t think that will be a problem, your Grace.”

“Don’t let them leave.” Satine reiterated before leaving.

Tyra and Mara were already asleep when Satine arrived, Khaami was pulling a blanket over the latter.

“I have to call Ursa,” Satine frowned, “she’ll want to know.”

Countess Wren was furious when she found out.

“They ditched their guards, Ursa,” Satine explained, “and Padme’s coming tomorrow, I had to prepare.”

Ursa groaned, “I can’t believe him.”

“Don’t worry,” Satine promised, “I’ll make sure they understand what they did was wrong.”

“That’s a mother’s job,” Ursa said sharply, “are you sure you’re up to the challenge?”

The jab hurt, but Satine knew the Countess was just angry.

“Yes, Ursa, I’m up to the challenge.”

Satine had her ladies wake her up extra early the next morning.

“Dress me in that ensemble Waldie made to look like Queen Mara’s famous red dress.” she ordered.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Parna,” Satine turned, “have five breakfast trays brought up to my private parlor.”

“Of course, your Grace.”

Satine was fully dressed by the time Parna and four maids returned with the trays. Once the maids left, the Duchess sent Parna with two navy blue gowns to Tyra and Mara’s room.

“Arrange the trays,” Satine told Khaami, “I’ll wake the boys.”

Satine nodded at the guards outside the boys’ door and stepped inside. Korkie had fallen asleep facing the end of the bed, and Tristan was snoring.

“Tristan,” Satine whispered, shaking him lightly, “it’s time to wake up.”

“Five more minutes, Mom.” he whined.

“Come on now, Tristan,” Satine smiled, “surely you know that Lady Mother knows best.”

Tristan stirred and stretched.

“I’m up, Lady Mother.”

“Good.”

Satine walked over to Korkie and did the same. Only he woke up immediately.

“Lady Mother?” he asked, his head popping up.

“Dress in your formal uniform today,” said the Duchess, “and find something navy blue for Tristan to wear.”

“Yes, Lady Mother.”

Satine kissed Korkie’s head.

“Come to my parlor when you’re done, boys, okay?”

“We will,” Tristan sat up, “I can smell the breakfast from here.”

“Good.”

Back in her own room, Khaami had set up the trays and was now preparing to do the Duchess’ hair.

“Resourceful as ever.” Satine remarked.

As she began to brush, the Duchess asked Khaami about her daughter.

“Sophi is ten,” Khaami smiled, “I think I better understand what you did back then now that I have her.”

“It’s certainly a powerful feeling,” Satine stated, “isn’t it?”

“Most certainly.”

When Khaami finished the Duchess’ hair, the door burst open and Mara and Tyra burst in.

“Tyra Satine-”

“Must you always single me out, Lady Mother?” Tyra sighed.

Satine raised an eyebrow, “I was simply going to remark on your unceremonious entrance.”

Tyra opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again, “Lady Mother, I have to tell you-”

“Her master is coming to pick her up early!” Mara interjected.

Satine clicked her tongue, “Pass me my comm, Khaami.”

Khaami did.

“Let me ask who’s on Padme’s security detail.”

The Senator replied.

“Masters Vos, Skywalker, and Padawan Tano are coming.” Satine announced.

“So many?” Parna questioned.

“Oh, Parna,” Mara grinned, “everyone knows Senator Amidala is the Republic’s most esteemed diplomat.”

Tyra snorted, “Like the Separatists would try anything.”

“No more talk of this girls,” the Duchess stood, “go get your breakfast.”

“Shall I check on your sons, Satine?” Khaami questioned.

“Yes, please.”

The Duchess turned to Parna, “Has the schedule arrived for the Senator’s visit?”

“I shall check, Your Grace.”

Satine moved into her personal parlor where her daughters were happily chatting and munching on fruits and buttered toast.

“We’re here, Lady Mother,” Tristan announced, bursting through the side door, “and Korkie’s clothes fit this time.”

“Good,” Satine smiled, “now eat while I instruct you on how to spend the day.”

The children obeyed, and the Duchess explained that she and the Senator would spend the morning in meetings and discussions. “We shall break for lunch,” Satine continued, “and that’s when I want you to join us.”

“We’ll be in the palace,” Korkie promised, “I can show my siblings the library and the`sun room.”

“That’s it?” Tyra asked.

Korkie frowned, “I assume you don’t want to see the medical ward.”

Tristan sat upright, “I do!”

“Just stay out of the way till lunch,” Satine reiterated, “you’ll all be leaving afterwards.”

“Yes, Lady Mother.” the children chorused.

After kissing all her children on the head and quickly grabbing a piece of toast, Satine headed out to the receiving platform. She only had to wait five minutes before the distant rumbling of a spaceship was audible. Satine smiled as the ship door lowered. Flanked by Masters Skywalker and Vos, and Padawan Tano, Senator Amidala stood proud as she descended onto the platform.

“Senator.” Satine curtsied.

“Duchess,” the Senator replied, “it’s good to see you.”

Master Skywalker cleared his throat.

“Yes, Anakin,” Satine sighed, “your presence is much appreciated.”

Master Vos snorted.

“And you must be Tyra’s master,” Satine nodded, “she is quite the darling if I do say so myself.”

“She is an acquired taste, Your Highness,” Master Vos smiled, “I’m glad you’ve taken to her as I have.”

All of a sudden, there was a tug at Satine’s sleeve.

The Duchess raised an eyebrow, “Padawan Tano?”

“Can I call you, Momdalore?”

The Jedi burst into laughter while Padme chastised the Padawan.

“Ahsoka, this is the Duchess of Mandalore, be respectful.”

“Sorry, mom,” Ahsoka grinned, “but Master Skywalker said-”

“Perhaps we should talk somewhere else,” Satine interrupted, “although I am very interested in what Master Skywalker has to say, certainly it shall be enlightening.”

Master Vos laughed.

“But thank you for coming, Padme,” Satine addressed the Senator, gesturing to her to move forward, “I know our decision to stay neutral has caused, distress, in the senate. But for many here the fallout from your war has been too much.”

“If your government has trade concerns we can talk,” Padme assured, “many systems have been affected. I assure you not everyone in the Republic has neglected Mandalore, and there are those of us who would still vote to give you any help you require.”

“The help we need now is opening trade routes,” Satine explained, “so we may get supplies more freely.”

“We are making progress in the Senate.” the Senator stressed.

“Forgive me, Padme,” Satine smiled, “I did not bring you here to discuss politics, I had hoped to show you the new Mandalore.”

The ship took off.

“Not the typical Mandalorian welcome,” Padme remarked with a smile, “Senator Organa teased that you’d have a royal court waiting.”

“I just wanted to greet you myself,” Satine grinned, “before the others.”

Padme gasped as the crowds appeared, showering them with lily petals. Satine waved.

“Now this,” the Senator smiled, “is a Mandalorian welcome.”

Satine was elated, “We are a people of tradition.”

When they arrived at the palace, Satine intended to leave Padme starstruck.

“Please, Senator,” the Duchess began as Padme gasped at the high ceilings, “follow me.”

They entered the throne room from the back, in front of Satine’s elegant seat stood a circle of chairs, whose occupants all stood when Satine and Padme appeared.

“Her Grace, the Duchess of Mandalore, and the Honorable Senator Amidala of the Republic.”

Gracefully, Satine sat in her throne and gestured for Padme to sit next to her.

“Esteemed colleagues,” Prime Minister Alemc started, “leaders of Mandalore, friends, I’m afraid our neutrality has caused our people to suffer. The war between the Separatists and the Republic wages across our galaxy, which has caused trade routes to be closed and has caused us to turn to a black market filled with corruption.”

Governor Eldar was not impressed, “We know what is happening, Almec, what will be done about it?”

“Mandalore should not need to pay smugglers to feed its people.” agreed Countess Bralor.

“It’s not that we want to deal with smugglers,” stood Governor Eldar, “it’s that we have no alternative. I’m sure you and the Trade Federation make a profit whether our business is legitimate or not.”

Countess Bralor was deeply offended, as head of dealings with the Trade Federation in her region, one would assume she took her job very seriously.

“I resent that!” she stood, finger pointed.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Almec strode forward, “please order, order please.”

Padme turned her head towards Satine, “Prime Minister Almec seems a bit overwhelmed.”

“If you’re volunteering your services as a negotiator,” Satine smiled, “please, be my guest.”

Padme straightened, “Perhaps they will listen to a new voice.”

“Ruling council,” the Senator stepped forward, “may I speak?”

Alemc turned and gestured to the open space, “Senator Amidala, the floor is yours.”

“I hear your worries,” Padme said affectionately, “and your frustration, but the longer you argue the more your people suffer.”

“You’re right,” she continued, “new trade routes are essential, but the black market is no substitute for legitimate and legal trade.”

“What would you propose, Senator?” Almec interjected.

“The Republic can provide security-”

Governor Eldar stood, “The Republic’s own dealings with the black market far surpass Mandalore’s!”

“I agree,” Countess Bralor stood, “it’s quite hypocritical of you to come here, a member of the Republic senate, to lecture us about corruption.”

At that moment, everyone stood and began to argue. Satine’s anger boiled over.

“Silence,” she shouted, “I told Senator Amidala that Mandalore was not part of the war, yet here I find a battle in my own palace.”

Stepping down onto the floor, Satine continued, “I call this meeting adjourned, we shall reconvene and allow cooler heads to prevail.”

Then, she vacated the floor and let herself into the hallway. Padme came to see her soon after.

“Satine-”

“We’re not normally like this,” the Duchess sighed, “I swear.”

“This is a stressful time,” Padme said sympathetically, “war isn’t good for anyone.”

“I agree.” Satine stated plainly.

Padme looped her arm through hers, “Would you accompany me on a walk to cool off?”

Satine smiled, “I would love to.”

They walked towards the gardens in silence for a few moments before Padme spoke up again.

“So tell me,” she began in a low voice, “there’s more that ties you to the Temple than I thought.”

Satine looked at her watch, it was lunch time.

“Khaami,” the Duchess smiled into her comm, “have the Duke of Sundari and his friends meet me in the private lunch room.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Padme raised an eyebrow, “Isn’t the Duke of Sundari the title for the Mandalorian heir?”

“Yes,” Satine grinned even wider, “and I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

The Duchess entered the private lunch room and let Padme sit at the head of the table facing the door, Satine would be opposite her.

“Parna,” Satine said into her comm, “tell the Jedi that we’re in the private lunch room and they’re welcome to join us.”

“Of Course, Your Grace.”

Padme tilted her head, “The Jedi too?”

Satine nodded. There came a knock at the door.

“May we enter, Lady Mother?”

Padme gasped.

“In order of birth, please.”

Korkie came in first, and when she saw him Padme did a double take.

“Korkyrach is my firstborn son,” Satine explained as he bowed, “but we pretend he’s my nephew.”

“He looks like-”

“Yes,” Satine interrupted, “hence the need for secrecy.”

Padme looked like she was going to explode.

“This is Tyra Satine,” continued the Duchess, “Korkie’s twin sister is force sensitive, so she’s a padawan at the Temple.”

“To Quinlan Vos,” Padme nodded, “I’ve seen her around, I’ve always wondered about those eyes.”

Tyra stood behind the chair next to Korkie.

“Tristan,” Satine gestured, “hurry up.”

“Oh,” Padme smiled, “He’s got your hair, Satine.”

“I know,” smiled the Duchess with pride, “my dear friend the Countess Wren raised Tristan, I was actually pregnant with him and his sister when I met you the first time.”

Padme’s jaw dropped.

“Then came Mara,” Satine smiled, ushering her youngest in, “she’s the baby.”

“I can do mind tricks!” she nodded.

The Senator raised an eyebrow, “I’ve heard that name before.”

“My faster father is a criminal.” Mara explained.

Padme turned to Satine.

“His sister is my lady, Parna.”

“Ah.”

Satine clapped, “Sit down, children.”

They obeyed, just then Anakin entered with Quinlan Vos and Ahsoka.

“Oh, my, kriffing-”

“Yes,” Satine cut Anakin off, “Korkie looks like his father.”

Korkie perked up, “I have a father?”

“No.” Satine answered.

Korkie shrunk back into his seat.

“Lady Mother,” Tyra began, “why-”

“Secrecy is of the essence, darling,” Satine turned to Padme, “would you like to introduce my children?”

Master Vos was still staring at Korkie, grinning like he had just hit a pot of gold. Ahsoka had a coughing fit.

“This is Korkie,” Padme gestured, “he’s Satine’s nephew.”

“Love the quotation marks.” Ahsoka commented.

“I’m Tyra,” she waved, “but you already know me.”

“This is Tristan,” Padme smiled, “he was raised by Countess Wren.”

“And I’m Mara,” the princess gestured widely, “ I'm an apprentice to a criminal.”

Master Vos laughed at that.

“Children,” Satine smiled, “be nice to your Auntie Padme, Uncle Anakin, Uncle Quinlan, and your cousin Ahsoka.”

Korkie waved, “Hi guys.”

Ahsoka snorted.

Tristan spread his arms, “Welcome to the family.”

Satne pressed a button on her comm, “Parna, have the food brought up, and three extra chairs.”

For a moment, no one said anything.

“Okay, let me get one thing straight,” Quinlan Vos pointed at Satine, “you and Kenobi-”

The Duchess shushed him, but the damage had already been done.

“Master Kenobi,” Tyra gasped, “oh my God, Korkie does look like him!”

“Who?” Korkie asked.

“Oh, wait a minute,” Mara turned to Master Skywalker, “didn’t he train you?”

“Yeah.” Anakin smiled. “Who?”

“Oh,” Tristan perked up, “he was just here on Mandalore wasn't he?”

Satine put her head in her hands, blushing furiously.

“Again,” Korkie stated, “who’s Master Kenobi?”

Everyone burst into laughter.

“This is not how you were supposed to find out children,” Satine confessed, still pink, “but yes, Obi-Wan Kenobi is your father.”

“Oh, him,” Korkie tilted his head, “I guess I do look like him.”

Ahsoka snorted.

“He doesn’t know, children,” Satine said solemnly, “and I suppose now that you know I have to tell him.”

“Wait,” Anakin paused, “he doesn't know?”

“No,” Satine shook her head, “I was worried his morals would be compromised.”

“Knowing Master Kenobi,” Ahsoka snorted, “I’m sure he’s gonna freak when he finds out.”

“Aw man,” Quinlan slapped his leg, “I wanna be there when you tell him!”

Everyone laughed again.

“I hope you don’t mind, Senator,” Satine turned to Padme, “but I really wanted you to meet the children.”

“I love family meals,” Padme smiled, “and the best people to spend family meals with are family.”

Satine looked around the table at her children, she certainly appreciated that.

A knock came at the door, “My Lady, we have the food.”

“Woop woop!”

Laughter filled the room again, and Satine stood to open the door. As servants set down the platters of food, the Jedi grabbed chairs and wedged themselves into the remaining spaces.

“Eat up, please,” Satine gestured as she sat down, “Korkie and the others will be leaving after the meal.”

“So,” Quinlan Vos picked up a chicken leg, “any fun stories to tell?”

Korkie shook his head, “None-”

“Actually,” Tristan interjected, “Korkie took us to his favorite underage bar.”

Anakin began choking on his water.

“Don’t worry,” Satine turned to Padme, “they were severely punished.”

“I would imagine.” nodded the Senator.

“That’s funny,” Quinlan smiled, “you know, I once bet your father I could drink him under the table-”

“And you failed.” Anakin raised his glass in gesture.

“No more talk about the children’s father, please,” Satine said calmly, “I would prefer if we spoke about other things.”

“Why,” Anakin asked, “it’s not like you’re the mother of his children or anything-”

“Ani!”

“What?”

Satine sighed, “I really should call him, but it can wait till after the meal.”

“Cheers to the Duchess Satine,” Quinlan Vos raised his cup, “everyone's favorite Mrs. Kenobi.”

“Woop woop!” Anakin agreed.

Satine bit her lip and shook her head, trying to control the heat coming to her face.

“Mrs. Kenobi,” the words sounded strange to the Duchess, “I don’t know if I can accept that title.”

“What do we call your kids?” Anakin asked.

“I know,” Tyra piped up, “Jedi spawn.”

“Jedi-Spawn?” Padme asked.

“Sounds crude.” Satine agreed.

“It’s a juxtaposition though,” Tristan grinned, “we aren’t supposed to exist.”

“But look at us,” Mara gestured wildly, “we’re right here.”

“I like it.” Korkie agreed.

Satine found herself strangely amused, “You all took to this much better than I thought you would.”

The children looked around.

“We talked about it,” Tristan confessed, “we were all angry about something, but now that we know why, being Jedi-Spawn, it’s understandable why you hid us.”

Satine smiled, “I’m glad you feel that way.”

“One thing I wanna know,” Quinlan licked his fork, “when did you and Obi-Wan-”

Satine held up her hand, “No.”

“You don’t even know what I was gonna ask.”

Anakin snorted. Padme sighed into her palms.

“What? The children have to be here somehow.”

A collective groan went up around the table.

“Quinlan Vos,” Satine growled, “you are in trouble.”

“Am I?”

“Yes,” Satine frowned, “and as punishment you are barred from speaking about the father of my children.”

“You can’t-”

Satine glowered at the Jedi, “It wasn’t funny.”

Quinlan nodded, “Yes, Ma’am.”

“Now,” Satine clapped her hands, “no one disturb my eating before we continue with the meeting.”

“Yes, Lady Mother.” the children chided.

“You've trained them very well, Satine.” Padme observed.

“I should think so,” smiled the Duchess, “they are royalty after all.”

“Aw man,” Tyra mumbled, “seeing Master Kenobi around the temple now is gonna be hella awkward.”

“What do you mean?” Anakin prodded.

Tyra sighed, “I know I’m gonna forget and randomly call him dad in front of the whole council.”

Her master burst out laughing.

“You will do no such thing, Tyra Satine,” the Duchess gestured, “your father loves being a Jedi, they’ll easily kick him out if they find out.”

“It’s true.” Anakin nodded, sparing a glance at Padme.

A knock came at the door.

“Your Grace,” Khaami appeared, “the ruling council has asked to resume the meeting.”

Satine looked to Padme, who nodded.

“We’ll be right there, Khaami, thank you.”

#obitine #obi wan kenobi #obiwan #satine x obiwan #korkie kenobi #Duchess Satine #satine kryze

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