#ponytail saw the vision before the academy did

[quaresmastella]

CHARLES MELTON break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored (2019)

[bookpanda13]

Dancing the worries away

Description:

A carefree Rose Hathaway meets the struggling guardian Dimitri. She offers him a night of dancing and forgetting about his troubles for one night.

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Dimitri’s P.O.V.

It was my night off and I had not planned on ending up at a shabby nightclub outside of the province. But I needed to be away from my duties for once. Which meant the Dhampir bar in town was not an option.

Since becoming Queen Tatiana’s guardian I have been going from meetings, to dinners, and fancy parties full of royal Moroi. It does not sound bad at first. However, as a Dhampir my whole purpose it to protect my charge quietly from the shadows. It has been an exhausting few months. So for one night, I wanted to get away from it all.

I took my bike and looked for a bar nearby, and the closest I could find was this club. I went inside, checking how many entrances and exits there were. It was a habit gained through years of learning perimeter control that was hard to shake. I got to the bar and ordered a glass of vodka. A pretty bartender brought me my drink and tried for slight flirting. I wasn’t in the mood nor was she my type. I gave her a polite smile and turned away from her as soon as she was called back to work. I looked across the dance floor watching people moving without a care in the world.

That’s when I saw her. A young woman with curly hair tied in a ponytail, a black silk dress hugging her curvy body. She was smiling while she danced in the ocean of people. Embracing the freedom she gained from moving to the beat. She was mesmerizing, such beauty in one creature. It hurt to look at her.

But it seemed weird to keep watching her. I turned back to my glass and took a sip. It was American, but it was decent. I would stay for maybe an hour, three drinks and then head back to the guardian quarters.

I heard footsteps behind me and suddenly the girl from the dance floor was beside me. She ordered a shot of tequila and waited until it arrived. She was quite short, but held herself with a confidence that the fact didn’t matter. Out of my peripheral vision I could see her look towards me for longer than it seemed appropriate.

“Never knew guardians enjoyed the company of humans.” I almost froze at her statement. I noticed an Australian accent in her voice that indicated she did not come from this province.

“Never knew the Academy allowed their students to go outside the wards for clubbing.”

“I’m not a student at an Academy anymore. I’m just passing through.”

“Where are you going?”

“Lisbon is my next destination.”

“Are you a Dhampir or Moroi?” I was curious. A Moroi traveling the world was normal, but for a Dhampir graduate it was unthinkable.

“Dhampir. Guardian Rose Hathaway.”

“Guardian Dimitri Belikov. How did you end up here?”

“I graduated from St. Jude’s two years ago and went with my assigned Moroi on his travels. He gives me days off a lot when he’s busy drinking or collecting his art.”

“Who is your charge?”

“Adrian Ivashkov. He is a drunk and flirt, but not in a perverted way which is a win in my books.”

“I’ve heard about his stellar reputation amongst the royals. You got lucky that he lets you do your own thing.”

“You are here alone too. You have your freedom, right?”

“It’s my first day off in four months. But I guess that’s what being the Queen’s guardian means.”

“You are one of Queen Tatiana’s new guardians?” I nodded in answer.

“Now I feel sorry for you.”

“Why?”

“Because she seems to think Dhampirs are lesser than her. I thought the Queen before her was bad, but she brings it to a whole new level.”

“Well, I don’t listen to her debates with other Moroi. I usually take far guard and am but a shadow blending into the wall.” She laughed at that. It was like the perfect melody I have been trying to find my entire life.

“That is probably the most accurate job description for a guardian I have ever heard.” I smiled at her.

She downed her drink without much of a flinch. Surprising, considering it was tequila.

“Swapping guardian stories is fun, but I don’t want to think about work tonight. So would you dance with me?” She asked the question while smiling innocently. It seemed more like a sign that she had mischief in mind.

I hesitated for five seconds, then I downed my drink. She took my hand and led me towards the back of the room. There were less people, but she didn’t put any space between us, rather the opposite. Rose put her hands on my shoulders, and slowly moved them down while her hips swayed to the beat.

I put my arms around her waist and moved with her. It was strange how fast we followed the other’s rhythm. She kept dragging her hands over my upper body and it was starting to drive me mad. I realized quickly that this would not end well.

Rose kept on pulling me closer to her and started grinding on me. Which was not helpful because my jeans had already started to tighten. I grabbed her hand, spun her around and pulled her back towards me. Just to get a slight distance between us. She was laughing and I genuinely smiled for the first time in a while.

However, the move did not work because Rose seemed to have other plans. She turned around once the first song blended into the second. Her back was pressed against my front which increased the friction against the front of my jeans. I was starting to contemplate dragging her outside and having my way with her.

The sensations became more intense and I could hear Rose’s little gasps. She was just as turned on as I was. I placed my hands on her hips and moved them against me. Her dress was starting to ride up and I felt lace beneath my fingertips. Rose had her right hand on the back of my head tugging on my hair while the other was placed over mine on her hip.

As the music started to fade, she turned to face me again. Her pupils were blown and her eyes looked almost black under the dim lighting. She seemed to have the same idea as I did before since she took my hand and led me off the dance floor. We both grabbed our jackets at the coat exchange and left through the back. It opened into an abandoned alley. Rose started walking backwards, then pulled me to her and brought our lips together.

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To be continued…

A/N: This my first time posting a one-shot, so please be kind towards my writing since English isn’t my first language. And also because this is my first story in while. This is loosely inspired by their dance scene episode 7 of season 1.

I will post Part 2 either in the tonight or tomorrow.

[wing-ed-thing]

Fraternizing and Spineless (Kabuto x Reader, FINALE)

Synopsis: Kabuto has a fixation and you sometimes apologize to inanimate objects. Ever since one fateful day, you’ve been drawn to each other from opposite sides of the battlefield.

Word Count: 3,169

Warnings/Tags: Angst, Language Probably, Canon Divergence, Alcohol, Implied Torture, Espionage, Fem!Reader @tiktoktheclockisticking​

Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI Finale

Notes: I can’t believe it’s over. Damn... okay.

Kabuto sat at the bar. He fiddled with the neck of his near-empty bottle.

You hadn’t been home for about three days.

Even in a village full of trained shinobi, no one seemed to notice him. But with all his years in espionage, Kabuto would be surprised if anyone did. The bartender came over, motioning to take the glassware, but Kabuto held up a hand with the shake of his head. The bottle stayed. He originally intended for the bottle to be more of a prop than an actual drink, but the more he asked about you and the more people didn’t seem to know, the less decorative the liquid became. No one seemed to know your name and if they did, they certainly didn’t acknowledge it. Kabuto only heard the same story and not much more: that a terror attack was carried out on the Leaf by the Sound. While Orochimaru did send men after you, Kabuto saw that crater with his own eyes. He knew two things for sure: your chakra signature and that the Leaf was trying to cover it up. Kabuto took a deep breath, assuring himself that he just hadn’t found the right person to talk to yet.

“That was a pretty deep sigh there.” Kabuto turned to his right. The man next to him leaned on his elbows, slightly hunched over the counter. A few wisps of hair fell from his high ponytail. He took a sip of his drink, nose scrunching at the strength. The scar across his face flexed with his red-tinted cheeks. The man met Kabuto’s gaze. He motioned to Kabuto’s, unknown to him, stolen vest. “Are they working you Jounin as hard as I’ve heard?” Kabuto faked a slight laugh.

“Oh yes they are,” he answered, bobbing his head a few times. Kabuto fully intended on leaving the conversation there, but he took a momentary pause and studied the man out of the corner of his eye. Kabuto bit the inside of his lip before turning fully on his stool to offer his hand to the stranger. “Asai Takehiko,” he lied. The man grabbed his hand without a moment of hesitation.

“Umino Iruka.” The Leaf ninja introduced himself before downing the rest of his drink before waving the bartender over for another. Iruka motioned towards Kabuto. “I’ve never seen you around.”

“I graduated to Jounin recently. You know how it is with new meat on the battlefield. I suppose being thrown in at the deep end is one way to gain experience.” Iruka chuckled.

“So you must not have been home for a while then. I’ll cheers to that.” He lifted his glass and Kabuto fingers wrapped around the neck of his own bottle. The glasses clinked together. Kabuto held his to his lips, pretending to take a sip as he studied the dwindling liquid of Iruka’s cup. After a few seconds, Iruka came up for air. “Not taking the Jounin exam is definitely something I don’t regret.” Kabuto quirked an eyebrow.

“What are they having you do?”

“I teach.” Kabuto’s eyes flickered in amusement. He restrained the corners of his lips from turning upward, covering his mouth with one hand in order to not give himself away.

“You teach? I’m assuming at the Academy?” Iruka nodded and Kabuto snorted, hitting Iruka playfully on the arm. “You work with kids and you’re day drinking on a weekday?” The mocking tone translated nicely into playfulness.

“It’s been that kind of week, my friend.” Iruka’s smile faltered, his gaze focused on blank space as he seemed to recall a particularly bitter memory. Kabuto’s expression narrowed. He had a hunch, but he wasn’t about to reveal his hand yet. Perhaps luck shone down on him after all. Kabuto took another swig from his drink with a casual shrug.

“I think everyone’s been kinda on edge. You know, with what happened. An attack in the middle of the village is some real scary stuff.” Iruka pursed his lips, a subtle display of body language that was not lost on Kabuto. He went on. “You know, just being a new rank in this line of work. I have family around where it happened. I’m afraid that I won’t be there to protect them if something like this happens again.” Iruka shook his head.

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” he said with a fair amount of hesitation. He gulped, running a palm across his face. “With all the precautions being taken by the Hokage I’m sure that it won’t happen again any time soon.” Kabuto crossed his legs and tilted his head.

“You seem to have more information than I do. And you seem pretty upset.” Iruka let out a bitter huff.

“Yeah, I think that’s an understatement.” Kabuto paused, giving time for his victim to marinate in his thoughts before he probed further. Iruka’s chest puffed out as he filled his lungs with air. Another heavy huff. “It’s all just… very confusing and conflicting and I haven’t been able to get proper sleep for a while because for some weird reason I feel responsible.” Iruka didn’t bat an eye at his own confession or at the fact that he was venting to a stranger. Kabuto’s interest, however, was piqued.

“Responsible, huh?” He put a hand on Iruka’s shoulder and pointed a finger at his chest with the other. “You sound like you’re being way too hard on yourself.”

“I wish I was.” Yet another sigh from Iruka. “I really do…” Kabuto frowned, faux confusion washing over his features.

“It was the Sound Village, my man. I think you’ve had one too many to be thinking that kinda stuff.” Iruka hesitated as he looked around wildly. The bar had, for the most part, cleared out to leave Kabuto, Iruka, and a single stranger at the very end of the bar. The bartender had stepped out at some point during their conversation. Iruka leaned in a bit closer.

“Okay, you promise that this stays between you and me?” Kabuto inwardly celebrated his victory but kept his expression concerned and humble. Demeanor sympathetic, he nodded. Iruka looked around again before whispering, “The Hidden Sound didn’t attack the Leaf. At least not directly.” Kabuto blinked, mouth agape in faux surprise.

“What does that mean?” He started to grow just the slightest bit impatient, but Kabuto reminded himself that after days of information gathering, he had struck gold. He was going to find you, no matter what it took.

“It means that the Hokage is investigating one of our own for conspiracy and treason.” Kabuto covered his mouth before letting his wrist fall back onto his lap.

“No. Conspiracy against the village?” Kabuto couldn’t help the slightest bit of guilt gnaw at him. Maybe he hadn’t been as careful visiting you as he thought he had been, but for the moment he pushed those thoughts from his mind. He tilted his head towards the ceiling, eyes moving back and forth in pretend thought. “This wouldn’t be a friend of yours would it?” Kabuto met Iruka’s surprised eyes.

“How did you know?” Iruka’s guard was officially down. Kabuto offered a friendly smile.

“Well because you’re so distraught! Anyone could take a guess. Have you at least gotten a chance to talk to her?” Iruka recognized something off about his new friend’s statement, but he couldn’t pinpoint it in his intoxication. He nodded, describing the journey to your cell and your painful conversation.

But Kabuto didn’t care much for the bit about your conversation. Rather, he sat in quiet, victorious awe as the building you were in and the floor number slipped from Iruka’s lips. In the end, that’s all he would need. Iruka, at least at the moment, didn’t suspect a thing.

***

The blood remained smeared across your skin despite your injuries healing hours before. The Leaf had gotten creative.

You were certain that Iruka didn’t believe your story, so you were confident that the Torture and Interrigation Force didn’t either. Even if it was the truth. You steadied yourself and slowly leaned back to lay down on your cot. In spite of your closed wounds, your muscles stretched in soreness. You shifted to one side, spine cracking along your back. The taste of your own blood lingered in your mouth.

The moon shone through the sliver of a window near the ceiling of your cell. Looking up, you couldn’t help but wonder what Kabuto was doing. You wondered if he was looking for you. You cringed at the memory of your last conversation. The night where you practically threw yourself at him in desperation, spouting feelings that perhaps should have gone unspoken. Maybe Iruka was right. Maybe you really weren’t making any sense. You sighed aloud to yourself. Yeah, you sure scared him off alright.

You let your eyes flutter shut. You hadn’t been allowed to enjoy a full night of sleep and you knew that it would only be a matter of time before someone came to drag you away again. You didn’t suppose that many fraternized with Sound ninja just for the companionship. The Leaf expected a grander plot. Part of you considered making up a lie, that maybe you’d be let go if you told them what they wanted to hear, but you knew no matter what you said you’d be stuck. Your breathing slowed quickly and for once since you had been locked up, a semblance of peace overcame you.

By the time you heard the door open, you didn’t even know whether or not you had actually had any time to rest. You were still exhausted, but the moment you heard the tinkering of keys at your cell door you bolted straight up. Out of it, you didn’t even register standing until after the fact. Two shinobi entered your confines. You could hardly muster a coherent thought and you certainly couldn’t process the body of the unconscious guard that fell at your feet.

“You weren’t away that long that you forgot about me, were you, dear?”

You dragged your eyes up, heart beating faster and faster. Kabuto stood before you. He still held his kunai. The Konoha Jounin uniform fit him nicely, a vision of what might have been in another world. He grinned ear to ear, smug smirk plastered onto his lips. Your eyes widened. Without a moment's hesitation, you went to him and he accepted you with open arms. His weapon clattered to the floor. Your lips crashed into one another’s like waves on the shore. Kabuto held you close. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders and your fingers tangled in his hair. Kabuto’s stolen hitai-ate fell down around his eyes. He pushed it back up and you both parted. He was there, right there under your fingertips. You couldn’t stop shaking. You buried your face in his shoulder and he caressed the back of your head. Hot tears ran down your cheeks and down his vest. You didn’t even realize that you were crying.

“I wasn’t that bad, was I? I know this wasn’t really my style, but they’re really stingy with the keys around here.” And Kabuto laughed, blinking back the drops that threatened to spill over his own waterline. He wasn’t ever one to cry and he’d be damned if he looked like anything less than a hero during your rescue. You snickered with him and clenched your eyes shut, further staining your cheeks. The side of your face melted into his palm and Kabuto leaned his forehead against yours.

“You came back for me,” You breathed, inhaling his familiar scent. He smelled like the village, something akin to mornings in the forest. “H-h-how, how did you? What did, did you?” You could hardly find the words. Kabuto grasped your hand.

“Doesn’t matter.” He breathed in. He wasn’t too late.

***

Konoha, despite its strength, was in many ways a dated nation. The alarm bells didn’t even begin to ring until you and Kabuto were half way across town. You had to hurry. Leaf shinobi acted quickly and every second a new set of peering eyes were being awakened from their beds.

You followed Kabuto closely. You didn’t get to ask any questions, you didn’t have time. All that you knew for sure is that Kabuto, once again, came to your rescue. What that meant, you weren’t sure, but you weren’t about to question it.

Kabuto stopped in front of you and knelt down.

“You go ahead.” You became very aware of the bags under your eyes and the bolt of adrenaline in your veins. He began to unpack a few items from his equipment, attaching paper bombs to kunai and preparing traps that you couldn’t process properly in your tired haze.

“What are you going to do?” The corners of Kabuto’s lips tugged into a sly grin. He took a bit too much pleasure in moments like these. Nimble fingers pulled knots tightly. By the time he rose back up again, he could’ve easily been mistaken for a walking arsonal.

“Buy us a little more time… and little insurance,” he said, not even bothering to hide the glee in his eyes, “It’s a straight shot from here. You know where to meet me. Wait for me there.” As he turned away you grasped onto his sleeve.

“Wait,” You gulped, casting your eyes downward with hot cheeks. Kabuto let out an amused scoff before leaning to plant a quick kiss on your lips.

“As much as I appreciate the concern, we’re getting low on time, dear.” He dragged a finger across the outline of your ear, tucking a few strands on hair back. “I’ve got this handled. Go, I’ll be there before you even know I’m gone.”

And with one last squeeze of his wrist, he went. You let out a shaky breath before facing the opposite direction. You had started to build up some nerve a while ago. It was recent, but nonetheless you’ve started… so you supposed you shouldn’t stop now. Jumping from your place, you began running across the rooftops. Your eyes locked onto the forest. You sped to your top speed, darting into the woods. Free. The branches and leaves blurred together as you continued on. You took a sharp inhale. You knew that you wouldn’t be back here anytime soon.

You ran until the exhaustion caught up with you. Your back felt drenched with sweat, you stopped at a small clearing among the trees. Leaning up against the bark, you forced air into your lungs in an attempt to sate the burning within them. Your head pounded as fatigue gripped your muscles. The meeting spot wasn’t too far ahead. An often overlooked piece of the forest, you were sure that no one would find you here.

A rustling came from nearby.

“You know, when you said that you’d be back before I knew you were gone I didn’t think you’d be back that…” You trailed off. The man that stood in front of you was not Kabuto, but Iruka. He wore half civilian clothes. The scar on his face and his hitai-ate were the only articles that could have truly signified that he was a shinobi. His determined eyes met yours unyieldingly as he panted from his travel. You were in no shape to fight him. “How did you find me?”

“You’re leaving,” he noted, exasperated. His eyes were opened slightly wider than usual. Perhaps even he didn’t know what he was seeing. The trees rustled above you. Quiet overtook the landscape. It was only you and Iruka. “This was the only direction you could have taken and not have gotten caught. Direct path from the compound...”

“Yeah,” You answered, heart beating rapidly in your chest. “I…” Your features softened. Your shoulders slumped and you let out a heavy sigh. Iruka remained silent. “You know I can’t stay here. I-I can’t just stay locked up like that.” He hung his head, arms coming to cross in front of his chest. He nodded, bobbing his head a few times. Iruka’s hand came to run through his hair.

“I… I know.” He pursed his lips, stammering over his words. “You didn’t, uh…”

“I didn’t kill anyone.” You defended yourself quickly. A shiver worked its way down your spine. “Anyone else I should say.” You mirrored him and crossed your arms.

A pause. Iruka could have taken you in, but something told you that he wasn’t going to.

“I’m sorry for not having more faith in you. I’m sorry if I could have done something to prevent all of this.” The honesty in his admission shot straight to your heart. You weren’t leaving behind a lot that you would miss in the Leaf, but Iruka was most definitely one of them.

“This was inevitable. You… thought what anyone would think. I can’t blame you for that.” You gestured to yourself. “I’m sorry for what I said and I just want you to know that I’ve always appreciated our friendship.”

“No,” Iruka waved a hand before it returned back to the crook of his elbow. “I—”

“Why don’t you tell me next time?” Iruka’s gaze snapped up to meet yours. You shrugged with a smile. “There’s a lot to talk about. A lot to apologize for. Let’s just… save it for the next time we see each other. Because you’re not losing me for good. We’ll just… catch up a lot later than we meant to.” Iruka’s expression melted into something resembling sentiment.

“Yeah. For sure. We’ll catch up later.” You approached him and you enveloped each other in a sweaty hug. You took him in, the last of your life in Konohagakure. He rested his chin on your head. “He better treat you right.”

“He will. He does. You don’t have to worry about that.” You parted, Iruka’s hands remained on your shoulders. A rustling came from behind you and both of you turned to look as Kabuto appeared at the other end of the small clearing. He had two bags slung over his shoulders. He gave a respectful nod towards Iruka who gave a small wave back.

“Umino Iruka, nice seeing you again.” Iruka pointed a finger towards the rogue ninja with playfulness in his voice.

“You, sir, are a menace to spies everywhere.” Kabuto cracked a smile with a snort.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

And with one last contrite look, you and Iruka parted ways. He jumped out into the wilderness and you turned to Kabuto. Leaflitter crunched under your feet as you made your way over. You wrapped your arms around him. He murmured a few sweet words into your ear and your lips brushed against his cheek.

“So where are we going?” You asked as you took one of the bags with the assumption that it was for you.

“Wherever you’d like to go.” Kabuto’s fingers laced between yours. “I don’t know. I don’t have a plan from here if you’d believe that, my dear.” You gave his hand a squeeze.

“Perfect.”

Notes: Does anyone else smell a sequel series ‘cause, uh, I left things very open for a reason? Like any finale I’d love to hear what you have to say!

Thank you to all who liked, reblogged, followed and otherwise supported. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.

[saviorinsilk]

Jealously

A/N: I'm not entirely happy with this one but I hope you enjoy it!

Words: 2 203

Ship: Cordelia x female reader

The loud old clock chimed 1 AM, the sound seeping through the walls of the upstairs bedroom. I sat on the floor of one of the girl's bedrooms. Her name was Emily and she had arrived to Miss Robichaux's Academy a few weeks ago. I usually kept my distance from the other girls, preferring to stick close to Cordelia, Zoe, Queenie, Madison and Misty. Nan and I didn't get along very well but we put up with each other. She had a problem with me being with Cordelia and I wasn't thrilled to be around someone who had a problem with my personal choices but I was civil, for my lover's sake.

Some of the other girls had the same problem as Nan and they thought it was fun to make another person feel like a waste of space. They thought it wasn't appropriate for Cordelia and I to be together, given the age gap. I told them that it was none of their business if there was an age gap of 2 years, 20 years or 50 years. I thought sticking up for myself would have helped the situation but it just made it worse. I was miserable and Cordelia could tell and she hadn't been too happy about it. She tore into them in a morning meeting and I had to admit that it felt amazing to watch those bitches squirm in their seats, Her anger turned me on. I liked a strong woman and that night we had had the best sex I think we ever had, even to this day. They had left me alone after that, leaving me to finally be able to focus on studying my witchcraft. As I learnt to hone and expand my abilities, Cordelia grew adamant that I consider teaching alongside Zoe and Queenie. She had managed to somehow convince me in the weeks that followed and I'm not going to pretend that her sexual methods of persuasion hadn't been the reason I finally conceded. If it made her happy, it made me happy. When a new witch arrived at the coven house near the beginning of the month Cordelia had put me in charge of showing her around and helping her settle in. I was nervous at first but as the days went by I actually started to enjoy myself quite a bit. I had never realized how much I liked helping people. Maybe it was because I saw myself in her, scared and confused at the fact that this whole world actually existed, Or maybe it was because people had been taken care of me my whole life and it felt nice to finally give back. Whatever the reason, I threw myself face first into the new task. Maybe sleepless nights had followed, collecting all the books from the house library that I thought would be a good place for Emily to start learning. Cordelia was surprised but thrilled at my new passion but it had definitely affected our relationship. She wasn't the first thing on my mind anymore and I couldn't help but feel guilty for it. She had reassured me numerous times that we had our whole lives to spend time together and I needed to put my all into this if it was truly what I wanted. It also turned out that Emily and I had quite a lot in common and I felt myself enjoying her company over even Zoe, who was the person I was the closest to other than Cordelia. I found it very easy to talk to Emily as if we had been friends for years. I could tell her anything and she would just listen, not get so worked up and try to fix the issues, as Cordelia did. I felt myself spending more and more time with Emily over the few weeks she had been living at the house. I stretched my arms above my head, yawning as I stretched my stiff body. It hadn't been until the clock sounded that I realized how late it was. I had promised Cordelia we would spend some time together tonight but she was likely fast asleep now. I cursed under my breath, rubbing my strained eyes. Emily sat on the floor, leaning against her bed, her nose buried in the book about the history of witchcraft that I had given her to study. Her dark brown hair was pulled up in a high ponytail that had once been tight but now pieces had fallen out and her whole head was a frizzy mess. She was still in her black dress, long sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She was a cute girl but she was young, no older than me. She may have had the confidence of a lion but she was a far cry from the strong woman I desired. I let the book I had been reading fall closed, the sound of the hardcover slapping against the wooden floor breaking the silence that we sat in. I had been staring at it for so long that my vision was blurry as I looked around the mostly empty room. She was the cleanest person I had ever met and the open space of the room unnerved me. I readjusted my sore legs, becoming aware of the damp material that sat between my thighs. I hadn't picked up a word that I had read, as I had been daydreaming the whole time, not able to concentrate at all today. I was refreshing myself on The Salem trails for the class I was teaching in the morning with Queenie, but I hadn't learnt a thing about the gruesome slaughter that had taken place in 1693. My mind was elsewhere, deep in the dirtiest places of my mind, my face buried in the most intimate parts of Cordelia. It had been a while since we had been together in that way and I had been having wet dreams every night I went without her. Annoyance filled me, the unsatisfied feelings putting me in a dark mood. I glanced at Emily, who sat unmoving as she read, her face full of wonder at the words of magic she was processing. "I think I'm going to head to bed Emily, "I said, forcing myself to sound cheerful. I pushed myself off the floor, still holding on to a sliver of hope that Cordelia was still up so I could quench the desire that squeezed my core unforgivingly. Emily raised her head lazily, her face finally appearing from behind the large book. "Huh?" She asked, clearly too lost in what she was reading to have heard me. I closed my eyes briefly, breathing forcefully out my nose. It's not her fault you are aggressively horny, I reminded myself. "I'm going to bed," I repeated, painfully forcing a smile. I'm sure she could sense the annoyance radiating off me so I picked up my book and walked towards the door which was only a few steps away. "You should get some sleep to Emily. You have been working really hard this past week. You have to guard against burning yourself out." I said quietly as I turned around to face her once again. Also, that way you don't hear me fucking your supreme, I said in my head. I hated being controlled by my desires and I always got feisty when I did. Emily shrugged but flashed me a toothy smile, her face lighting up as she gazed up at me. "Thanks miss Y/L/N. You are such a great teacher and friend." She said, her voice way too perky for this hour of the night. A genuine smile spread across my tired face and I felt my cheeks flush a few shades darker than my usual light skin. Cordelia had told me the same thing many times but hearing it from someone that I was actually teaching was very different. Cordelia was my girlfriend and even though I knew she meant was she said, part of me couldn't help but wonder if she had been embellishing my abilities because she was in love with me. Emily, on the other hand, had no reason to say it if she didn't truly believe it. "Thank you, Emily. That means a lot to me. I having a bad habit of doubting myself and knowing that I'm not doing a completely terrible job definitely helps me feel more confident." I said my head over my heart. "And please, call me Y/N. Miss Y/L/N makes me feel like some kind of authority figure." I chuckled, making a disgusted face. Plus, your headmistress likes to call me that when her fingers are wrapped in my hair, I told her in my head. Thankfully Emily wasn't blessed with the ability to read minds, unlike Cordelia. I had learnt I couldn't keep anything from her very quickly. Emily laughed along with me and then brought her book back up to her face and bit her bottom lip. I raised an eyebrow at her, unable to gauge the look on her face. "As you wish Y/N. I never want you to feel uncomfortable. The other girls were right, you are very sweet." I barely had time to process the fact that she had just said that the other girls had actually said something positive about me before she spoke again. "But they didn't warn me about just how beautiful you are." It took a moment for my mind to begin to function again after I heard her words. What had she just said? I thought I was all right looking but no way was beautiful the word to describe me. Cordelia was beautiful, I was average, even if Cordelia told me otherwise. I knew that even if my cheeks hadn't been red before, they were a deep crimson now. I could feel the heat that gathered there and I wasn't quite sure what to say or do at that moment. "I-I ah..." Was all I managed, shifting my weight awkwardly. A different type of heat burnt in my core and I wanted nothing but to get the hell out of the barren room as quickly as I could. "Miss Cordelia is a very lucky woman. Too bad you like older women 'cause I wouldn't mind getting to know you better." Emily's words were distant in my ears as if they were coming through a vent. I was so stupid. Of course, she had feelings for me. What kind of friend wants to sit on the same side of the table as you, never breaks eye contact and goes red every time you compliment them? A friend who likes you more than you like them, that's who. I felt the distressing wrench of guilt fill me. I should have been with Cordelia tonight, not daydreaming about her while I sat in some girls room. I was disgusted in myself and felt as if hearing the words Emily had spoken made me deserving of a scarlet letter. When Emily winked at me before looking back at her book I thought I might puke. There was nothing wrong with her but the mere thought of being with someone other than Cordelia made my skin crawl. After a few uncomfortable moments of standing there probably looking like a deactivated robot, I turned and almost ran from the room. The door slammed behind me and I winced, hoping it hadn't been loud enough to wake any of the sleeping girls. My body slumped back against the wall and I closed my eyes, trying to collect myself. Cordelia had been right. A few nights early she had been quiet and when I asked her what was wrong and she had replied with something that shocked me. She confessed that she was jealous of the time I was spending with Emily. I told her that there was nothing to worry about, that Emily just needed some extra help. I had shot her down, almost annoyed at her for thinking I would keep spending time with the young witch if I thought there was even the slightest change that she felt anything towards me. Cordelia had been satisfied with my response and now, standing out in the hallway, my heart racing I wished I could take back those words. I breathed deeply in an out, repeating a relaxation mantra that Cordelia had taught me under my breath. The attempt was futile though. No spell was going to fix my state of mind right now, I had far surpassed the level of stress that something like that could help with. I needed one thing and one thing only. Only she could fix the storm that was brewing inside of me. I forced myself up and stumbled down the stairs on shaky legs. I felt as if the journey continued on forever but when I finally reached the door to the bedroom that Cordelia and I shared, I took one last deep breath and entered the room, this time making sure I closed the door quietly behind me, thankful to be back in the comfort of our room.

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Hit Me with Your Best Shot

A Nova and Shiki short

Hey yall! I'm back with a little short of just @greaser-wolf and I's ocs Nova and Shiki! This one is set after the No One Does It Like You Do fanfic and also is based off the sparring drawing wolf drew!! Hope you guys enjoy!!

⚠️WARNING⚠️: There is usage of adult language and also mention of blood and abuse, viewer discretion is advised.

Word Bank: Rhubarb- An argument or fight 

Shiki looked down at her phone at the address Nova had texted her. After the boar yokai healed from the mountain mission, the cop asked the feline if she would be down to spare. And with Nova being the competitive and boastful yokai she is, accepted the offer. 

Shiki knew what she was getting into, if she lost Nova would rub it in her face for weeks on end, but the cop was a little rusty when it came to cats and if her and the Mud Dogz were going to keep running into cat like yokai, she needed to be prepared. 

As the brown furred yokai went towards the front door, two figures started to head towards her. 

“No way,” she whispered to herself as she finally made out the two yokai that decided to show up. 

“What are you guys doing here?”

Dastardly Danny was practically dragging the ogre next to him as he caught up with his girlfriend. 

“Did ya really think we would miss this rhubarb? Not a chance!” The rat exclaimed as he brushed back the few tufts of hair on his head. Both of the men wore more casual outfits than their usual gang outfits so they could blend in with the crowd. 

Shiki was a little excited to have the boys here after all the battles and adventures they had gone through, the cop never recalled Danny ever seeing her spare one-on-one with someone, and maybe with the guys being there than her and Nova will give all they got into the fight. 

“You sure you want to be here?” Shiki asked as she opened the door and looked over at Leonard, who’s tired eyes and messy hair in a bun indicated that he was forcefully dragged to this. 

“I really don’t believe I have a choice.”

As Shiki asked for Nova at the front desk, the rat yokai leaned in and said something about the feline in question and the ogre just rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. 

 The gym worker led them to one of the large rooms that could be rented out for dance or sparring practice; the rooms had a glass barrier around it so yokai’s could watch from the outside without getting hurt. 

The tabby was sitting on one of the mountain's piles of folding mats, her claws scrolling through her phone as she drank from her water container. She wore a long grey thermal and workout shorts, sweat barely dripping down her face and her hair stuck to her back in its ponytail. The worker that led the three knocked on the door and the feline walked over to unlock it, a poised smile on her mouth.

“Well, not only do I get a sparring partner, but she also brought cheerleaders as well! This must be my lucky day!” Nova laughed out as she let her three friends in and waved at the worker. 

“You would just love to see us in skirts, wouldn’t you?” Leonard asked and Nova stuck her tongue out at him with a wink.

“Well of course.”

Nova placed her phone and drink over in one of the corners of the room and then strolled over to her friend, her multi-colored eyes scanning over the boar’s workout outfit. 

“Do you expect to bleed today, Munchkin?” Nova asked as her eyes landed on Shiki’s handaged wrapped hands. 

“Didn’t the police academy teach you how to fight cats?”  

The tabby flashed her fangs in a bright smile as she turned tail and over to one of the mats, her feet barely pressing into the soft floor. 

“It taught us how to fight almost all different kinds of yokai, I’m just a little rusty in the feline department.”

“More like I don’t want to get my hooves dirty.”

Nova tightened her hair tie and pushed the bangs out of her eyes as she stretched her long arms up towards the ceiling. She then turned to the guys. 

“Well, the cheerleaders can’t be this close to the players,” she chuckled out and then pointed to the row of seats that were outside of the room. 

“Alright, boss.”

 The two members of the Mud Dogz walked out of the room and sat up against the cold, metal bleachers, the only sound coming from the room was the vibration of the speakers that popped out Nova’s songs. 

“Okay, I believe that the most important thing you must know about a cat is their flexibility, most small and nimble cats are flexible, except for lions and such,” Nova started as she sat down and reached for her toes while Shiki popped a few of her tight joints.

“How flexible are you?”

It almost seemed like the cat was waiting for her friend to ask that because stretched out onto her hands and did a handstand and then split her legs away from each other, all while giving a cocky smile. 

“As flexible as you want me to be.”

In the stands Danny had to elbow his friend in the stomach who seemed to have cottonmouth. 

“Would ya like me to get ya a drink? Ya looking kind of parch.”

“Oh shut up I saw you staring at Shiki’s ass on the way in.”

The tabby then did a front flip to land on her feet, her arms now crossed behind her back as she looked over at the stacks of soft mats. 

“Most cats will use height to their advantage, to jump off of or use the hard surface to bring more power. So, that’s what I’ll be using,” she explained and then took a fighting stance.

“Alright, Shiki, got any questions?”

“I’ll ask along the way.”

“Then hit me with your best shot.”

The boar yokai grinned under her fist as she charged, her fist flying towards the feline’s stomach but the tabby dodged quickly, her hands not even coming up to protect herself. Shiki frowned and then lifted her leg to roundhouse kick her but the feline ducked down and then used her own leg to trip over Shiki, who hit the ground with a thud. 

Nova leaned down to look at her, her brown curls creating waves at the end of Shiki’s vision. 

“Your moves are predictable, if you’re fighting a criminal then they’ll know what moves you’ll try to pull since you’re a cop.”

Shiki responded with a grunt as she got herself up and they both took their fighting stance once more, this time Nova was the one to take the first step forward. She turned left and then a hard right at the last second, her paws digging Shiki’s arm as she came up to block.

"Cats will use their claws when they can," Nova grunted as Shiki's strength started to take over her arm.

"So, you'll need to protect yourself whenever they attack."

"Okay, how do I do that?"

Nova took her hands off of the boar’s arm and had the cop grab her by the wrists. 

“You can usually see a cat about to attack with their claws when their claws come out and they’ll look for a perfect angle to attack, so grab them before they can do that.”

With Shiki’s grip on Nova’s wrists she then flipped her off her feet and then onto the ground, a forceful bust of air coming out of her white chest as the cop smiled. 

Shiki helped the mountain cat up and they took a fighting stance once more, the fire boar edging closer to Nova until she had enough room to attack, her bandaged fist raising up to hit Nova in her freckled cheek. But the feline held the fist with her white paws and bounced off the momentum of Shiki’s power and strength, and with her tongue sticking out she flipped over the cop, her own power pushing Shiki to the ground. 

“Jeez, Nova, you know the force could use someone like you.”

“Yes I’m sure they would love someone who’s been in their jail cell to have access to their private information,” Nova cooed and swayed from side to side. 

“I’m barely breaking a sweat, Shiki! I said hit me with your best shot!” The cat challenged and Shiki raised her eyebrow in irritation, but she lifted herself up and went rogue from her usually fighting techniques. 

The tinge of shock that danced over Nova’s eyes was pleasing to see as Shiki swung an underhook into her side, the cat barely dodging it before the fire boar went in for another hit, hitting her knuckles deep into Nova’s thigh. 

A hiss parted between Nova’s teeth and she backed away, her strong legs leaping on top a five stacked mattress and then higher and higher onto the stack of long pillows. Shiki watched closely as Nova rubbed her thumb over the spot that was hit. 

“I’m guessing that you take the legs down, you take the whole cat down?” The officer asked, confidence and arrogance leaking throughout her tone. 

The feline laughed at her comment as she stood up. 

“Their legs are their backup plan, if things aren’t working out for them, they can at least jump out of the situation.”

The mountain cat then jumped from one of the hanging poles and landed on one of the smaller pile of mats and then leapt towards Shiki, the female dodging the attack and Nova rolled to a complete stop next to her, her hand taking hold of her okay colored ankle and flipping her onto the floor. Shiki let out a snort as she felt her lungs hit against her back and her hand went flying towards Nova, bringing her down with her in a single pull. 

They both instantly got up before either of them could get in another hit. Sweat was dripping at the corner of Nova’s face and Shiki’s palms started to feel clammy. But the brown mammal charged after the cat, Nova’s arms constantly going up to use as a barrier and then raised her knee up while Shiki was invested into trying to go for her top. 

But even through the pain that Nova’s knee brought the shorter female slammed her elbow into the middle of her thigh and the fishing cat reeled back as Shiki turled and had her foot make contact with Nova’s flat chest and stomach. 

The feline took a few steps back, her snowy paw gripping her stomach as she took in a few gulps of air and for a second fear traveled over Shiki as she saw spit drip from Nova’s mouth. 

Maybe she took it too far? This was just supposed to be practice.

As Shiki raised her hand closer to the feline her white hand seized her wrapped hooves and twisted it behind her back in remarkable speed all while the tall cat was letting out light chuckles. 

“You can’t hurt me that easily,” she growled and then released the fire boar, her white foot slamming into her back and sending her onto her feet. 

Shiki could taste blood in her mouth and realized that her tongue was between her teeth and she thrashed her head around as she got herself up from the ground. 

‘Cats sure do like bringing their opponent to the ground,’ Shiki thought as Nova came racing towards her, the force of her legs threw her up to the point that her foot could make contact with the Shiki’s face, who rapidly blocked it by shoving her her fist into the sole of her foot. Instead of it hurting Nova, she used it as a boost and did another front flip over the fire boar and once again used her powerful legs to kick her face down into the ground. 

This time a snort of anger erupted from Shiki’s mouth as she felt a bruise start to form on her back for how many times she was kicked. She didn’t even notice the blood that soaked her wrapped hand and how Nova was leaving little pawprints of blood over the mats. 

The two guys that were watching were each growing their own amount of concern as they noticed the drops of crimson that stained the blue mats and how Shiki’s and Nova’s face had changed from friendly to almost cutthroat death glares. 

Nova winced as she walked over to Shiki who was getting up, the feline overhearing that she was done for the day. 

“Oh we are not done, little piglet,” Nova reported as her paws enfolded over Shiki’s ankle and instant panic reaped over her body as flashes of her father crossed her mind. 

“Shiki! Get your ass back here! We are not done yet!” 

“But Dad, we've been at it for hours! I have homework to do!”

“And you have to show that you’re not weak! AGAIN!”

The years of fighting, if never having a break and going to bed bloody and bruised to the point others thought she was a brown and black spotted boar. The cop couldn’t hear the fake giggles Nova was pushing out as she playfully dragged her back to the center of the room, all she could hear was her father’s heart stopping screams trembled in her memory. 

Shiki could feel it bubbling at the edge of her throat, the uncooked and fresh rage that started to take form as a living thing inside of her. And when she turned to look at Nova the feline stopped in her tracks, her white paws letting go of her friend’s ankle as she took a step back. Tusks were now growing out the side of the boar’s mouth and they curled towards her dark eyes. 

“Hey, Shiki, I was only playing, if you need a break-”

“You wanna fight? Let’s fight then.”

Nova narrowed her eyes as puffs of smoke started to leach out of the corner of Shiki’s mouth and the feline took a step back in fear, she had seen Shiki mad before but nothing like this, nothing as dangerous as this.

The blur of smoke and dust was upon Nova in a blink of an eye and Nova was on the floor, Shiki’s body hovering over her as a harsh gargle and shriek boiled from her mouth. 

‘Shit, shit!’ Nova thought as she kneed the boar in the stomach and then rolled away before the fire could spill over her, the liquid flames pinching into the floor where she was laying. 

Back in the stands, both Leonard and Danny started to realize that this wasn’t just friendly training anymore, but a full blown war. 

“Okay, we have to stop this before they kill each other,” Leonard said as he got up to head over to the door, but he came to a stop when the door didn’t budge and the ogre turned back to the rat in panic. 

“They locked the door.”

Nova climbed onto one of the mats as her friend eyed her like a predator to its prey. 

“Shiki! You need to calm down! You won, is that what you want to hear?”

“I want to hear your face bashed into the wall!”

Nova leapt onto another patch of mattresses as the fire boar spat a fireball at her, the sparkling orange sphere engulfing the gym equipment as the feline had to pull her tail closer to her due to the heat. 

The mountain cat vaulted off of the pile and tried to slip past Shiki to head for the door, but the cop was instantly on her, her strong hands gripping the back of Nova’s shirt and panic fizzled throughout the feline’s body at the thought of her scars showing. The feline realized that her friend was targeting her back with how her hands pulled at the fabric, she was the only one who knew about them.

“Shiki, let go! Please!”

“I’ll show you what I can do! I’ll give you my best shot!”

 Without even thinking, Nova’s claws came out and she swiped, a loud roar of pain seizing the room as the grip on her loosened. 

“Shiki! Oh my gosh!”

Nova looked over in horror to see three small cuts over the fire boar’s cheek, not deep enough to scar, but enough to where the scent of blood hit the humid air once again. 

“I’m so sorry-”

“You’re weak.”

Nova’s eyes rose with shock as Shiki licked at one of the cuts that was near her mouth, her tusks now fully grown out and fire leaked from her mouth like a volcano, the liquid fire pooling at her feet. 

‘She’s playing at your emotions, Nova. Don’t fall for it.’

“Shiki, you need to calm down, we are going to get hurt-”

“You’re weak!”

‘Don’t fall for it!’

“You’re weak for hiding it!”

Nova couldn't help but rub the back of her neck, the faintest scar barely poking out from her shirt as Ashur invaded her mind. 

The fury that started to simmer in Nova’s gut was almost too much to bear, she had tried to reason, and even though the cat saw regret flash across the fire boar’s face it was too late and the feline let her full set of claws come out. She heard the hard bang of the door and guessed it was the two men trying to get in, but she gladly ignored it as her tail lashed back and forth. 

“You know, you don’t have to project your sad little daddy issues onto me.”

Shiki let out an offended snort as she watched the long nails from Nova’s feet grow out and tap against the floor as the two of them started to circle each other, as if they were back in the days before yokai, before humans, just animals trying to survive. 

Both of the females could hear the muffled screams from outside the room but Shiki kicked a mat in front of the door without looking as they continued to go around each other. 

“At least it made me stronger, and not a fraidy-cat who can’t show herself.”

With a low roar Nova charged, her extended claws digging into the soft floor as she headed straight for Shiki, at the last second edging herself towards the left and then leaping upward with all four of her limbs, her claws sinking into her friend’s thigh. 

A shriek echoed into the room and Shiki encased Nova in her arms and threw her off, sending the feline into a pile of mats and it falling over due to impact. 

Back outside, Danny had gotten a worker to come and unlock the door while Leonard watched as Nova became a living nightmare. Her tail growing in fur size and her pupils were barely visible from where he stood and she had grown a few inches and he couldn’t help but wince as the feline hid from Shiki and then pounced from the shadows, her hands digging into the boar’s shoulders. 

When Danny and the worker came back, the key was useless due to the mattress blocking the door. 

“What do you think happened?” Danny asked no one in particular as Shiki slammed Nova into the glass wall to get her off her back and all three yoakis took a step back as they could finally hear the hollering and screams that were traveling between them. 

“Daddy’s girl!”

“Weakling!”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“These yokai’s are unstable in their powers, we are going to have to wait until they calm down,” the employee instructed as Shiki took a hold of Nova’s shirt and threw her into the window, the clear sheet bouncing against her, the feline taking a few seconds to get up before she pounced at the fire boar, using her long legs to kick into her stomach and sent the officer rolling across the floor. 

“They’ll kill each other if we wait!” Leonard reported as he eyed Nova’s long fangs, they were even longer than his as they passed her chin. 

Both members of the Mud Dogz were beyond concern at what the girls could do to each other, with Shiki’s fire power and Nova’s flexibility they could go at it for hours, neither of them wanting to give in. 

The women had attracted a crowd as the commotion extended past the semi sound-proof room and the two men had to keep yokai’s from recording it. But with them having the criminal look they had to give one death-glare and the mammal would put its phone down. 

A long yowl bounced off the windows and the ogre and rat yokai turned just in time to see Shiki send Nova through the glass, her body sending the million shards of mirrors scattering across the gym floor as her beaten up body slid with it. 

Her curled body stayed still as Shiki climbed through the broken glass, the smoke and fumes that flooded the room she was in as she threw herself onto the hard ground, the glass under her hooves as the yokai’s who had crowded around started to slowly back away. 

Danny started to make his way over to his girlfriend but with one look he stood stiff in his spot. The fire that stormed in her eyes could barely scratch the surface of her powers, the cuts and bruises that coated her didn’t seem to bother her as she looked for where Nova had landed. 

The rat couldn’t tell if he was utterly terrified or if he should make her mad more often. 

“Restrain her!” 

Two of the buff workers came up behind Shiki and held her arms back, then instantly wincing at the heat that radiated off of her. 

Leonard had raced over to where Nova was laying and he could feel the harsh growls that were rumbling in her chest. 

“Nova..”

Her eyes instantly opened and he was caught in the sunset of her face as she rose from the ground and her pupils landed on Shiki, and with one grunt she was on her feet and past the ogre. 

“Move.”

The leader of the Mud Dogz swallowed as the feline took a stance and charged towards the fire boar, taking out the worker on the left with a kick and the one on the right with a shove as she took Shiki all for herself. 

She had the officer in a dance as her lengthy body crawled over the cop like a bug, her nails digging into any part she could find before Shiki would blow a fireball at her. 

“Should we...Should we do something?”

“I really don’t want to die today.”

Shiki finally got a hold of Nova and launched her across the building, the feline letting an earthy scream as her body came into contact with the front desk, the computer and paperwork flying as her body disappeared behind it. 

Her white paws curled into the desk as she pulled herself up, her curly hair out of its ponytail and spilled over her face. 

“You throw like your weakass mother!”

A wave of heat was jetted over to Nova and she quickly scaled the walls indented grooves of the gyms design, her nails creating long marks into the stainless wall. 

Just as Nova pushed herself off the wall and reached for Shiki, a small grunt of surprise escaped her throat and she looked down to find a dart in her thigh. Shiki let out a squeal of shock as one lodged into her leg as well and they both started to wobble. The boar was the first to go down, her body crashing into the floor as the fire that was tussling around the corners of her mouth extinguished. 

The tranquilizer that hit Nova was having a harder time making her fall asleep, her pupils shaking within her eyes as she fought to stay awake. 

“Jeez, it’s like she’s been dosed before,” the worker who shot them said, making Leonard frown as another dart was poked into her other leg and the feline finally went down, her long fangs slowly shrinking back into her mouth and her tail going back to its thin length. 

Both of the yokai were heavily wounded, Shiki was covered in scratches and bruises, a few bite marks were even covering her arms and blood mixed within her brown fur. Nova had burn marks over her, the tips of her fur in certain areas were singed off, both were breathing heavily, both were exhausted to the bone. 

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

It had been over two weeks since that fight, and Shiki hadn’t seen or heard from Nova. Danny had taken her back to her apartment (after him and Leonard had to pay for the damage the girls had caused). 

Shiki brushed her hand over one of her bandages and rolled her shoulders, the pulsing of the bruises that covered her back hisses with dull pain. 

The fire boar sat on the stair of her fire escape as the city roared under her, the casual conversation of passing yokai poking into her hearing range.  

The officer didn’t know what to do with the situation, even if she went up to Nova what would she say? I’m sorry for throwing up your trauma into your face like an asshole?

Of course the things that the feline spat back were...hurtful, they tore into Shiki’s heart like her claws, squeezing every drop of blood out. 

Maybe this was a sign that Shiki couldn’t have friends, she was somehow lucky enough to have a healthy relationship with a criminal, the cop didn’t think that her luck would run dry with any friendship. 

“Need some company?”

Shiki looked up to find the mountain cat hanging off the railing of the rusted fire escape, a grocery bag hanging off the tips of her fingers. 

The feline had a healing black eye and even though she wore her usual wine colored jacket, Shiki could see the bundles of bandages as they pushed outward due to no room under the sleeves. 

“Sure.”

Nova settled herself on the fire escape and sat on the ledge next to her, the boar yokai seeing the redness that poked through her torn leggings from the burns. The lights of the city blurred around Nova’s sides as she placed the bag next to Shiki’s legs. 

“I brought your favorite.”

Shiki peeked into the bag and saw chocolate covered strawberries along with two handmade smoothes, one being a mixture of purple and the other was a bright pink. 

“Did you steal these?”

Nova let out a snort as she reached down with her tail and picked up the purple drink. 

“I don’t steal food, that department is taken by Mickey.”

It went silent between the two friends as they ate and drank in silence, Nova moving from the railing to sit next to Shiki on the step. 

“How are your wounds?”

“They’ll heal, nothing I can’t handle. Yours?”

“You definitely got claws, you’ll make some yokai happy one day.”

The feline bit into one of the strawberries and stared at it in her hands. 

“I want you to know that I’m not using these treats as an apology,” Nova started and as Shiki looked up at her the cat looked away. 

“I don’t know what exactly happened with your dad, and for me to remind you of him or even bring him up to coax you into fighting. I don’t even know how to begin the word sorry for what I’ve done.”

“Nova-”

“Leonard was scared of me when I came to, like I was a different animal. When I...when I get like that I don’t recall much of what happened. I just know what I said was wrong, what happened was wrong. I’m sorry, Shiki.”

The fire boar was silent as she took in the somber words and she finished her fruit to push the tears back. 

“I’m a lot alike with my father than I would like to admit, and I shouldn’t have let my rage get in the way, I shouldn’t have been like him during that battle.”

“He hurt you, didn’t he?”

The tears that were silent against the cop’s face were now loud and clear and shined bright like shooting stars. 

“Yeah...yeah he did.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Who hurt you?”

Nova leaned into her friend’s arm as she let out her own shaky sigh, her own eyes trying to keep the tears at bay. 

“His name is Ashur… You can call him my ex or whatever, but uh...He didn’t like it when I disobeyed his rules,” the female choked out and she buried her face in Shiki’s arm as a sob got caught in her throat. 

“I’m sorry, Nova.”

Shiki rested her head on top of Nova’s as they took in each other’s presence, the comforting stillness between them was like a bank full of snow; quiet and undisturbed. 

The fire boar decided not to press Nova any further about her past, just like the feline didn’t press on what her father did to her. 

“Maybe you should tell, Leonard. Out of all of us, I think he would understand the most.”

“You know,” Nova coughed out, the side of her fingers wiping the corner of her eyes to conceal the tears and forced a laugh out. 

“You and Leonard are a lot alike.”

“Really? Why do you say that.”

“You both want to be stronger because your shitty dads wanted to be assholes for some reason. But, it’s their loss, those weak excuses of men don’t deserve you both in their lives.”

Shiki let out a shifted chuckle as she took a long drink from her smoothie. 

“You’re not weak by the way. This Assur guy better watch his back if he ever comes around, because not only will he have to deal with you, but the rest of us as well.”

“Did….Did you just call him Assur?”

"What's the difference?"

Their laughter hit the night sky as they continued on to eat their snacks and went onward to talk about other things and even talked about the fight they had, going over the strategies and techniques that they can share with each other in the next round.

With Leonard and Danny in the room next time, of course.

[elefics]

torment / chapter 4

word count: 3.4k

The week after the ball, I heard nothing from Michael. Not seeing him tied my stomach in knots.

It took me a while to realise this was what missing him felt like. It was more intense than anything else I’d felt for a boy before.

I’d had boyfriends, if you could call them that. In high school, I’d had two brief flings with two boys who didn’t know how to be boyfriends (not that I was very good at any of it either, but I knew they weren’t doing it right). It felt funny to put Michael in the same train of thought as high school boyfriends. We’d spoken a handful of times, but the connection I felt to him was different. It was a pull in my core, like my soul was reaching out of my body. I knew there was more to him. I knew I’d barely scratched the surface.

One morning, Cordelia stopped me by the stairs. There was an urgency in her eyes.

“Lyla,” she grabbed my arm tight in her grip. “I need to ask you something, and I need you to answer truthfully.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, nodding slowly.

“That boy you were with, the warlock, at breakfast. What do you think of him?” She asked.

The wind was knocked out of me. I focused on breathing evenly and keeping myself upright as my hands shook against the banister. I brought all my energy to my core, envisioning blue, calm light there. I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, I was totally serene. Cordelia blinked, waiting for me to answer.

“He seems nice. A little quiet, reserved. Why? What’s wrong?” I asked measuredly.

She twisted her lips. “I can’t place it. That morning, I had a vision. Something bad – something evil, overwhelmingly so, is coming. I felt it when I looked at him.” Her voice shook. I saw a flicker of fear in our matriarch, and it was only then that I felt something might be…off about Michael.  

“What did you see?” I asked.

“Death. Decay. So much terror and heartache and darkness. I can’t explain it. I didn’t know where else to turn…” Cordelia trailed off.

“What do you mean by that? Cordelia, what happened?” I urged.

“You must be Lyla. I’ve heard a lot about you, and this boy Michael.” An old voice rang out from the top of the stairs.

I recognised the flaming red hair first. Myrtle Snow.

She was meant to be dead. I’d only ever seen her in paintings and pictures. According to Cordelia, she was one of the best women the Academy had ever seen. She was kind, strong, intelligent. Cordelia often teared up by the fireplace when she recounted stories about Myrtle. Seeing her here, in the flesh, with Cordelia trembling beside me, I knew something was wrong. Cordelia would never have brought her back if she wasn’t at her wit’s end. How had I not known? How had we all missed this?

“Myrtle Snow.” Her red glove extended towards me. I shook her hand and smiled weakly.

“Cordelia, dear, I believe we have an appointment.” Myrtle said, looping her arm through our Supreme’s.

Today, Cordelia was off to visit the warlocks, along with Zoe and Myrtle. She had been busier in the last two weeks than she had all year – diplomacy was her priority right now. I could tell she still had her reservations; over dinner, she’d stare into her wine glass for minutes without blinking, churning over the events of the day. She often went off to meetings and wouldn’t be back until after dark. She was up to something, or maybe she suspected someone else was.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Michael, and Cordelia’s questions about him. He was a boy. A warlock, and apparently a powerful one, but as far as I’d seen, he was just…a boy. What could they want with him?

“Girls! Come down here, immediately!” Cordelia yelled. I jumped from my chair, taking the steps two at a time to see what was wrong.

Two new faces stood beside Cordelia. I recognised them immediately, just like I had Myrtle. I’d seen them in photo albums around the house, but had never met them myself – Madison and Queenie.

“My girls. My beautiful, beautiful girls. Your sisters are home.” Cordelia cried. Myrtle squeezed her hand reassuringly.

A few other girls had congregated at the bottom of the stairs. It was like seeing a ghost. One thought ricocheted around the room like a bullet: How?

“Someone make some tea. We have much to discuss.” Myrtle commanded.

That day, over half empty cups, Cordelia told us everything.

That beautiful boy, the one I’d danced with all night at the ball and who’d adorned my neck with diamonds, was more powerful than he let on. My very first thought was, I should have taken what Jerome said on board. Was it a warning? A message?

“Michael brought our girls back. While grateful, I simply can’t see how he could be the next Supreme. Warlocks have never, ever claimed this title. As far as anybody knows, it’s impossible.” Cordelia mused. Several witches nodded enthusiastically.

“He gives me the creeps. Something about him isn’t right.” Olivia, a witch a few years younger than me, said. Her nose wrinkled in disgust. I clenched my jaw defensively.

“I just can’t see it. I went to the ball with him. He seems so…normal.” I spoke up, surprising even myself.

Every pair of eyes in the room swivelled to face me.

“What’s he like, then?” Olivia sneered.

“Quiet. That’s all.” I said, looking into the bottom of my cup.

“He doesn’t seem so bad. He was at our table, seemed like a decent guy…and he saved our sisters.” Penny spoke up.

I was flooded with gratitude, which I’m sure she felt, as she shot a smile my way. At least I didn’t look crazy on my own.

“That may be so. Regardless, I want you all to be more alert. Because tonight, we’re going to the Hawthorne school. Michael is to perform the seven wonders.”

A gasp ripped through the girls.

“I haven’t even had a chance yet! That’s not fair!” Olivia whined.

Cordelia smiled tightly, “This title is a burden, Olivia. You should be glad you’re not in the spotlight tonight,” She sighed. “I am not happy about it. But if this boy is as powerful as the warlocks say he is, I cannot stand in the way of the coven.” She squeezed both the returned witches’ knees affectionately.

“Be ready by dark. Look presentable.” Myrtle ordered finally.

---

The day, and all its confusing revelations, exhausted me. I fell asleep in my clothes at three in the afternoon. I dreamt of Michael, as usual. This time, he was grabbing my hand, pulling me further and further into the rolling green fields beside the Academy, running – I couldn’t tell if it was away from or towards something.

“Lyla. Lyla, wake up. Lyla-”

Sweat slicked my forehead when I jolted awake. My room was empty and drenched in golden light. I sighed heavily, squeezing my eyes shut and open again.

Like a mirage, Michael stood in the yard outside my window. I blinked to make sure I wasn’t still dreaming. He smiled, and without a word exchanged between us I was hurrying down the stairs. Most girls were too busy with study to notice. I slipped out the back door like a ghost.

“Hi.” He greeted me, reaching out for my hand. My skin buzzed at his touch. He immediately led me away from the house, into the field like in my dream. He smiled, but kept his gaze fixed on the horizon.

I wasn’t used to this kind of contact with Michael – his thumb drawing soft, unconscious lines across the back of my hand. He seemed completely at ease.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“Somewhere quiet. Away from them.” He cast his eyes back towards the looming shadows of the Academy.

I kept quiet the rest of the way. Instead of talking, I drank him in. I felt like an addict, clinging to any scrap of Michael available to me. His black combat boots crunched against the dry grass. He donned faded black jeans and a black tee shirt, a departure from the more formal attire I’d seen him in. I admired the smooth golden skin of his upper arms, and the freckle near his elbow. The chain I loved so much was hanging across his chest. I bit my lip and tried to keep my thoughts quiet, locking them tightly in a box inside me. I hoped it was enough to stop him overhearing.

Eventually, we came to a tall tree with just enough shade for the two of us. Michael sat down cross-legged and waited for me to do the same. Our knees touched, and neither of us moved away.

“What’s with all the secrecy?” I whispered.

“First of all, I heard you earlier. You called me normal.” He fake pouted.

“Well, they certainly don’t seem to think so,” I sighed. “Why?”

“It’s complicated.” He picked at the grass, scattering blades in the breeze.

“Everything’s complicated with you, huh.” I looked at up him. Every time I thought I was starting to get to know him, another wall went up between us.

He smiled, taking my hand into his. He played with my fingertips gently, traced the lines across my knuckles. “You have no idea.”

“So, the seven wonders test. Everyone’s losing their minds in there.” I laughed. Personally, I didn’t give a shit if the Supreme was a witch or a warlock. But I hated the idea of losing Cordelia…and I didn’t want to fathom that that might be the cost of Michael’s success.

“Will you be there?” He asked softly, looking up at me. His baby blue eyes looked so vulnerable, so innocent. He needed me, whether he’d admit it or not.

My heart swelled in my chest as I nodded. “Of course.”

He leaned closer, our noses half an inch away from each other. “Can I kiss you?” He breathed.

“You’ve never asked before.” I whispered. My heart was in my throat.

“This is different. For good luck. Can I kiss you?” He repeated.

I kissed him before he could ask again. This was different to his kisses at the ball – before it was lust, now it was…something else. He kissed me like I was air, like he needed me to survive. His lips fought mine hungrily, moving closer until my back was against the solid tree. His hand cradled the side of my face, tangling into the base of my ponytail. Pinned there, tight against his body, Michael made me forget anything existed at all.

---

The sun was setting by the time I slipped back into the house. Leaning against the front door, my head spun like a coin. I was dizzy with bliss – kissing Michael was how it was supposed to feel, I was certain.

He’d had gone a different route, avoiding the house all together. While the witches were on high alert, we had to keep things quiet. He peppered my face with kisses on that last corner, before he turned right and I continued. I still felt their warmth.

“Where have you been?” Zoe asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

“For a walk.” I’d never been good at lying, but I shocked myself at how easily it rolled off my tongue. I had a feeling spending time with Michael was going to make me a very, very good liar.

“Car’s ready.” She shrugged, leaving the front door open for the remaining girls.

The Hawthorne School didn’t look as nice as Robichaux’s from the outside, but the inside was dark and lush. Wine-red lounges sat on cool cement floors, and every wall was lined with old books. Cordelia and Myrtle sniffed with disdain, claiming the air reeked of unwashed teenage boys. I tried to hide my eye rolls. The witches filtered in, and the cement doors slid shut. We milled around the common area, chatting idly with the warlocks, but the air crackled with anticipation. I hadn’t seen Michael yet.

Ariel and his men stood by the hallway, muttering under their breath to one another. John Henry lit up another cigarette, tapping his foot impatiently.

I made my way to the edges of the room, wanting to melt into the walls. If Michael wasn’t here, I had no desire to be here either. As I inched around the outskirts of the room, I felt a warm pair of hands around my waist. He pulled me backwards into the pitch-black hallway and I didn’t flinch.

“I missed you.” He whispered against my lips. The jeans and tee shirt I’d seen earlier were discarded – tonight, Michael was in a full black suit, with a small silver pendant close to this collar. I laughed softly. It had been a few hours, tops. I had this kid in the palm of my hand. Michael didn’t seem happy to overhear this; he bit down on my lip, then wedged his knee between my thighs. Rocking it there, the friction was unbearable. A moan rose in my throat, but Michael clapped his hand over my mouth before it surfaced. I ran my tongue against his thumb and his eyes darkened, even in the low light. He kissed me again, deeply.

“Tonight, doing all this, know that all I want is to be here with you.” His eyes smouldered with intensity. I believed him.

He pushed me into the room softly, smirking in the darkness. He didn’t come out until he was called.

Ariel’s hand rested on Michael’s shoulder like a proud father.

“Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, is a momentous occasion. The first warlock to ever attempt the seven wonders. Michael Langdon.” Ariel said his name like a prayer.

“No need for theatrics. The first task is telekinesis.” Cordelia said shortly.

Michael summoned the fire poker from the fireplace across the room, landing in his hand with ease. My heart soared with pride, then guilt. How could I be happy for him, and be a witch? Weren’t the two at odds with each other?

“Vitalum vitalis.” Cordelia declared.

A small, brown mouse lay dead on the tabletop. Michael gathered its tiny body into his hands, closed his eyes, and in seconds the animal was alive, sprightly.

“Concilium.”

Zoe and Madison’s bodies were pushed together by invisible forces, and they danced an awkward waltz. This all seemed to come so easily to Michael – he was the real deal.

“Divination,” Cordelia said, scattering a handful of stones across the table. “The locket hidden somewhere in this building-”

Michael immediately rose to his feet and strode to a small cabinet. I hadn’t even noticed it when we’d arrived. But somehow, he knew. The golden locket hung between his fingers delicately. The smugness emanating off Ariel was palpable.

“Transmutation.” Cordelia spoke. There was a smile in her tone – clearly, she thought this would be Michael’s downfall. She was searching for a chink in his armour.

Michael stood in the centre of the room. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. When I blinked, he’d moved twenty feet, to stand beside the warlocks. The boys’ cheers filled the room. Again, with a small puff of smoke, he appeared beside me, across the room. I longed to touch him, but quickly remembered where we were. He smiled softly. I ignored the witches’ sounds of disgust.

“Pyrokinesis.” Cordelia’s voice shook a little now.

Ariel handed Michael the short blade. Without a second guess, Michael sliced his palm open, letting the blood drip into the flame of a candle. The light was brighter than anything I’d ever seen – nuclear, incredible.

“The final task, descensum. Today, I am not asking you to perform this wonder. I am asking you to conquer it. You must retrieve Misty Day.” Cordelia said. My gut twisted – I was torn in half. One part of me knew Cordelia was grasping at straws, desperate for a rule change this late in the game to dethrone any potential Michael had at being our leader. The other part of me knew something about this boy wasn’t magic at all, it was something more.

Ariel asked for a word alone with Cordelia. The room burst into chatter the second they left.

Michael stood beside me, hands behind his back. His confidence radiated like flames.

“Are you nervous?” I whispered, keeping my gaze ahead of me.

“No. I have you.” He whispered back.

After some heated debate, and Cordelia appearing especially flustered, Michael laid on the floor, reciting incantations. Six minutes. That’s all it took. Six minutes for him to descend into Hell, Misty’s own personal suffering, and bring her back to life. He barely broke a sweat.

After standing up and straightening his jacket, Michael glowed with pride. He avoided looking at me, knowing better than to draw attention to us, but glanced my way a few times. I tried to make my thought as loud as possible – I am so proud of you. You’ve done so well. Thank you for bringing our friend back.

“Cordelia.” Myrtle spoke, eyes wide with worry. Our Supreme’s nose had begun dripping with blood, and she quickly stumbled.

“What’s happening?” I asked, rushing to Cordelia’s side. I felt her arms quivering weakly.

“What always happens when a new Supreme rises: the old one fades away. We demand what’s ours.” Ariel spoke, his face hard with determination. The other warlocks nodded in agreement.

“You are a pathetic pompous ass!” Myrtle yelled. It seemed to be directed at all the warlocks, not any one in particular.

“I did everything you asked. I descended into Hell, and I did what you couldn’t. I brought her back. I passed the seven wonders. Unless you want to add another one.” Michael’s said calmy, with a pinch of sass. His expression scorched under the surface.

“No. There can be no doubt. You are the next Supreme.” Cordelia managed, before falling to the floor.

“Cordelia!” I yelled, reaching out for her. Among the chaos, Michael smiled.

---

Later, in a room off the main corridor, Cordelia sat wrapped in a blanket. I hid just outside the door, listening. I had to know what was going on, what they were planning.

Misty brought in a cup of tea, and I ducked into the shadows.

“I knew you for such a short time, but I missed you forever.” Cordelia said softly, looking at Misty in awe.

“You should have left me where I was. That man you sent to fetch me – he gives me the heebie-jeebies. There is something wrong with him.” Misty whispered.

No. I can’t accept that.

“When he came to get me, he was…talking to somebody. Something. I could hear their gibberish, all around the classroom. Evil was speaking to him.” Misty recounted.

“Delia, what have we done? We’ve anointed that boy the next Supreme.” Myrtle lamented.

“He will never be the Supreme. I needed to know how strong he was. I knew there was something…dangerous about him, something dark. I had to keep him close, so we’d be ready. Something is coming. I can feel it. Michael Langdon has already given us an advantage – I have all my girls back with me.” Cordelia smiled.

My heart was by my feet and my arms were covered in goosebumps. There was no way Michael was as bad as everyone said he was. I knew in his core, there was good. I just had to bring it to light.

The women stood to leave.

I quickly snuck away, watching where I stepped so as to not let them know I’d been eavesdropping. Taking a few steps down the corridor, I hid I the shadows like a creep until they’d moved back into the common area.

“How long have you been hiding, angel?” A familiar deep voice asked behind me. I yelped, and Michael grabbed my hand to let me know it was him.

“You scared me!” I whispered, smacking his chest lightly.

He smirked, chuckling to himself. “Listening in on gossip?” He teased.

My stomach churned. “Something like that. They’re worried about Cordelia.” I lied. I focused on that blue light inside me, hoping Michael wouldn’t sense my heart racing. I knew in my heart I couldn’t tell him what I’d overheard, not yet. I had to understand it for myself first.

“How are you feeling, boy wonder?” I asked lightly, tracing the outline of his tie.

“Tired, and seen – I’m sick of everyone staring at me.” He growled, flicking his eyes at the warm light of the common room. He brought my hand up to him mouth, brushing his lips against my knuckles. I shuddered.

“I need coffee. I know a place.” He smiled, taking my hand.

 taglist: @theneverendinghunger @outpostmichael @angelicmichael  @leatherduncan 

[demigodsanswer]

Once Upon a Pointe - Chapter 6

Story Summery:

“Annabeth, you’re with Percy,’ Chiron said. Annabeth. She looked like the figurine in a little girl’s music box had come to life to dance in City Ballet. Percy felt like every opportunity to dance with her was a privilege. Just don’t forget the choreography, Percy thought as he got into the right starting spot for the wedding pas de deux. Don’t forget the choreography, and don’t drop her.”

Percy is soloist with the ballet company, and he is offered one chance to dance with Annabeth, one of their star principals. If he nails the choreography, he might just earn a chance to dance with her. And, if he’s really lucky, he might get a date out of it as well.

Chapter Title: Vision

Read on AO3

Start from the beginning

Notes: I am in no way finished bringing attention to issues of race, religion, and cultural appropriation in Rick Riordan’s books & in the fandom. Do not misinterpret me posting an update as a desire to move forward. 

Katheryn Morgan (soloist with the Miami City Ballet) has recently uploaded an interview with the dancer and author of "A Final Bow for Yellowface" Phil Chan, where they discuss race in ballet. Please consider checking it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYw2pLn9CAg

Percy woke up to the soft February sun beaming in his face through Annabeth’s large bedroom window. When he opened his eyes, squinting in the sunlight, he saw that she had already gotten up. He rolled over to check his phone – 8:30 a.m.

They both had today and the next day off before the show as other casts ran their dress rehearsals. Usually he spent his days off wandering the city, catching up on TV, or hanging out with Grover once his boring and normal nine-to-five job at a nonprofit ended. But those days off didn’t usually start in Annabeth Chase’s bed – in face, none of them ever had. He hoped that maybe they’d end up spending the day together.

Or maybe she’d ask him to leave as soon as he left the bed.

He stayed there for another moment, trying to think of the perfect “spend the day with me” line, but he came up blank. He’d just have to wing it.

He opened the door and stepped into the living room. Annabeth was standing in the kitchen over a frying pan, still in her pajamas (now rumpled from a night of sleep), and her blonde hair was up in a high ponytail, the ends tangled together.

She looked up and smiled at him. Percy’s heart raced, fuck, he thought, she’s gorgeous. Before he could say anything to her, though, she told him: “You drool when you sleep.”

Percy flushed, a hand going up to his mouth to wipe away any trace of drool that might still be there. She laughed at him, and he smiled.

She turned back to the frying pan. “I’m making eggs. I hope that’s okay.”

“Eggs are great,” he said. “I thought you didn’t cook.”

She shrugged. “I told you, I’m not completely incompetent. I can scramble an egg reasonably well.” She said, dishing out the servings onto two plates.

Percy took a seat at the table. “Have you been up long?” He asked.

“No, ‘bout half an hour.” She said. “Coffee?” She offered.

He nodded, and she put a mug down in front of him, and then his plate of eggs and avocado toast.

She sat down at the other end of the table.

“Thanks,” Percy said, about to dig in.

He piled some eggs on top of his toast and took a bite. They were good, although he would struggle to find an adult who couldn’t make a decent scrambled egg. “How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Better,” she said. “A lot better. Thanks for listening to me and for staying the night.”

Percy smiled. “Of course, any time.” He realized what he said and felt his ears get hot. “Anyway …” he tried to think of literally anything else to say, but nothing came to mind. Annabeth saved him, though.

“Do you have any plans for today?” Annabeth asked.

It took a moment for Percy to register what she had said. He was preoccupied by the casual way she sat at the other edge of the table, sunlight bouncing off her curls, as if they sat together like this every day.

Finally, though, he remembered she’d asked him a question. “No, not really.” He told her.

“Do you want to hang out downtown for a little while?” She asked.

Percy smiled. “Sure, that’d be great.”

Percy stood in front of Annabeth bathroom mirror, which had fogged up with steam from his shower. She had showered before him and was getting ready in her bedroom.

He leaned forward and drew a smiley face on her mirror for her to discover the next time she showered.

He dressed quickly, only having the same sweatpants and tee shirt from the night before, but it would have to do.

Annabeth was waiting on her couch for him to get ready. She was dressed in a light pink sweater and light jeans with her hair braided over her shoulder.

“Ready to go?” She asked.

Percy nodded. They grabbed their jackets and headed out the door.

~*~*~

They walked down the avenue to Washington Square Park, stopping on the way to indulge in some hot chocolates. It was just starting to get a little warmer – they daily temperature tended to hang out in the forties during the day, rather than what Percy called ‘face hurting temperatures.’

Still, he wished it was a little warmer so they could sit on a bench or the grass for a while and just relax in the Spring sun. But the cold sun of the end of February would have to do.

It did come with its perks, Percy realized, when a cold wind blew, prompting Annabeth to instinctively move closer to him. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into his chest for a moment as the breeze blew by. When it was over, they parted, neither blushing or uncomfortable.

Sure, he was usually physically close to her, but stage intimacy was far less erotic than many people assumed. On stage or during rehearsal, both were sweaty, trying not to breath too hard, and mostly worrying about their own steps and safety and the safety of their partner.

A gentle closeness so far removed from the studio, though, felt deeply intimate. He almost reached down to hold her hand, but she had it in her jacket pocket. He left his hand by his side in case she had the same thought, but she never reached for it.

When they reached the arch, Annabeth paused in front of it. “You know, if I hadn’t joined the company, I would have gone to school for architecture.”

“Really?” Percy asked, looking at her.

She nodded. “I guess I kind of am or was at least.” She said. “I was part time at NYU for a few years, but between being a principal, and planning a wedding, then calling off the wedding, and everything that came after that, I haven’t taken a class in almost …” she paused, “almost two years, I guess.”

“Why architecture?” Percy asked.

She shrugged. “Aesthetics, partly. I really enjoy aesthetic, design, and flow. Obviously, I do, or I wouldn’t be a dancer. But buildings can have all of those things too, just not in the same way.” She sipped her hot chocolate. “It’s also the opposite of dance. Buildings are static, and they’re so permanent.”

Percy nodded. The fleeting nature of ballet loomed over all of them. Most men could go until thirty-five at least, and a lot of women made it to forty, if not longer. But one bad injury could end a career in an instant.

“Do you want to be an architect when you retire?” He asked.

She shrugged. “Maybe, but that’s a hard career to start at forty. Knowing myself I’ll end up teaching or choreographing. I don’t think I could ever really leave it behind, you know?”

“You could design theaters.” He suggested.

She smiled at him like she had had the thought before. “Yeah, I could.” Her hand dropped out of her pocket and rested near his, but he didn’t feel courageous enough to take it. “What about you?” She asked.

“Oh, I have no idea.” Percy said. “I barely graduate high school.” He admitted. “College is not my speed, so I’ll probably linger in the ballet world as long as they’ll have me.”

She bumped him with her shoulder. “Come on, you have no ideas?” He shook his head. “Wildest dream? If a genie showed up right now and told you he’d give you your dream career, what would it be?”

“Well,” Percy said, “if I’m wishing for stuff, I’d just wish to be able to dance forever.”

“Alright that’s on me,” Annabeth said, laughing, “I set the bar too low.” She took his hand, and his breath caught. “Seriously, I won’t judge you.”

It was a hard question to answer. Percy had spent a lot of time in his training thinking about what he’d do if he didn’t get a company contract when his training ended. Teaching was one option, but he didn’t know if he’d like doing that if his own dreams had fallen through. With his poor grades, he always figured he’d just get a retail or restaurant job and try and work his way through management and dance on the weekends.

But if today were the day that he had to stop dancing …

“I guess I’d teach,” he admitted, “but I don’t know if I’d want to teach at the academy.”

“Why not?” She asked. They started walking out of the park and towards the street, wandering aimlessly through the West Village.

He had never really wanted to teach at the academy, he realized. Sure, the prospect of training a new group of kids who would go on to join City Ballet, Miami, Royal Ballet, Ballet West, and all the other big companies was exciting, but he was lucky to have had that education at all. So many things had to go right in his life to even make it into their ranks – a good ballet teacher off the bat, scholarship money, his mom marrying a man who had a savings account and cared about her son. Without any of those things, Percy wouldn’t have a career.

“I was on my own at the academy,” he said, “one of the only kids who started late and didn’t have great training before that. Most other kids were,” like you, he though, but he didn’t say it, “born lucky. They had exposure to ballet young, good training, and they never had to worry about how they were going to pay for things. I had to worry about that all the time. And I was still luckier than most.” He said. “Just think about how many talented kids there are just on my block alone that will never get my chance.” He looked ahead towards the street. The West Village had once a bohemian shithole, but (thanks in no small part to NYU), it had been gentrified into one of the most expensive areas in the city. “I guess if I could do anything I’d just try and help those kids. Don’t know how I’d do it, but that’s what I’d really like to do.” He told her. “I know it’s crazy.”

She stopped walking and pulled him to the side of the path, getting out of every one’s way.

“It’s not crazy.” She said.

For a moment on the edge of the sidewalk, hugging the wall of some coffee shop, neither of them moved. She looked at him, tilting her head up just slightly to look him in the eye. When she licked her lips slightly, Percy’s heart almost exploded, sure that she was going to lean in. But instead she broke the tension, turning back to the middle of the sidewalk to keep forward, dropping his hand.

“At least,” she said, not looking at him, “not as crazy as wanting to pivot to architecture.”

He jogged to catch up with her. “That’s not crazy either. Besides, if I know you at all, I know nothing will stop you from getting what you want.”

She smiled, looking down at the sidewalk as she walked forward. “Nothing stops you either as far as I can tell.”

“I am notoriously scrappy.” He said, pulling a laugh out her, which dissolved any remain uncomfortable tension while taking away any remaining hope of a kiss.

~*~*~

When they finally got too cold to stand walking around any longer, they ducked into a dimly lit pub.

“Do you ever just wish you had a job where you didn’t have to worry so much about what you ate and drank?” Annabeth asked him. They did eat a lot, of course. They both probably ate more than the average person, they just also had to eat way healthier than the average person.

“Pretty much every day.” Percy said. “Every time a season ends, I just crush a cheeseburger, first thing.”

Annabeth had been to the pub before, and guided Percy through some good options on the menu.

Their conversation stayed light – childhood stories, embarrassing moments, favorite TV shows. When Annabeth started to ramble about architecture being a universal language for people, and how The Hunchback of Notre Dame is actually all about the building, and how the novel saved the church, Percy couldn’t stop smiling. Her gaze was distant, but her eyes were bright. Percy was delighted to see her so happy.

When the check came, Annabeth grabbed it off the table before Percy could even reach for it.

“Absolutely not,” Annabeth said when Percy reached across the table. “You’ve done so much for me the last few days, buying you lunch is the least I can do.”

Percy didn’t protest anymore, instead just choosing to thank her for the meal. He hoped it wasn’t the last one they got to share together.

~*~*~

As the afternoon went on and the sun started to set, Percy realized he needed to go home. He didn’t want to leave Annabeth, but he also didn’t want to be wearing the same clothes for twenty-four hours.

“I can come back if you need anything, or if Luke comes around,” he said as they headed towards the subway.

Annabeth shook her head. “I should be fine. I think I’m going to call Piper or Silena and talk some things out with them.” You can talk to me, Percy wanted to insist. But he knew she was closer with them than with him, no matter what he wanted to be true.

“Call me if you need anything,” he told her. She nodded and promised she would.

They stood at the top of the subway stairs, doing their best to stay out of everyone else’s way, but that was almost impossible to do when you were standing still on New York City sidewalk.

“Percy,” she said looking up at him, “thank you. Seriously, thank you for everything.” She pulled him into a tight hug, burying her face in his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her, trying to hold her even closer. Her hair smelled like lemons.

“Anytime,” he told her. He pressed a gentle kiss into the top of her head; if she noticed or minded, she didn’t show any sign of it.

Annabeth pulled away after a little too long (not that Percy minded) and smiled at him. “Get home safe,” she said, before turning to head towards her apartment.

~*~*~

Percy rested his head back against the subway window, grateful for a seat on his way back up town, trying to remember the way Annabeth’s hair smelled, and the ways her eyes lit up when she was excited.

He hoped that they stayed close when they weren’t dancing together anymore. The have to, he figured. They were friends now, not just coworkers or dance partners.

He knew from experience that performances come and go too quickly – a month of rehearsal just for four shows? It was almost unfair. Lee’s husband, a Broadway actor, had once complained about his eight shows a week schedule at a company party. Eight Sleeping Beauty’s a week was probably physically impossible, but Percy did sometimes miss doing six or eight ballets a week as an apprentice or corps member. He certainly wouldn’t pass up one or two extra performances of Sleeping Beauty if he had the chance. He wanted to hold onto it for just a little bit longer.  

~*~*~

The next morning, Percy woke up feeling like he was an astronaut on the moon, hearing the air leave his spacesuit, but he could not find the leak. He didn’t remember his dream, but his heart was beating hard and fast. He performed tomorrow, he remembered. He took a deep breath, but it didn’t do anything to calm his anxiety. Throughout his morning routine, of breakfast, palates, and stretching, he felt like he was the vice president of anxiety, and the president was nowhere to be found.

He had fleeting moments of confidence as a dancer – moments where he was sure he was good, that he was going to succeed, moments where, if he closed his eyes, he could swear that he was flying not just jumping. But mostly he would bag on himself for things he couldn’t do or didn’t do well. Those fleeing moments of confidence could be diminished by any small error.

He had to succeed. Part of it was vindictive – people had always underestimated him. But most of it felt like debt. His mother had sacrificed so much just to get him to dance practice and to keep him enrolled at the school. If he never made principal …

When he was eleven and his YMCA teacher told Sally that he should be in more advanced classes, Sally asked him if he wanted to continue ballet. Just say no, he had told himself, knowing that there was no way his mom could pay for all the lessons he’d need. It would hurt less to stop dancing at eleven than to make it all the way to fourteen or fifteen only to give it up then.

He had spent as much time in dance classes dancing as he spent worrying that at some point the rug would be pulled out from under him, and he’d lose it all. That there would be a point where he just couldn’t continue. He already spent most of his training playing catch-up with people who had been dancing since they could stand, and he always feared his career being stunted on the other side.

But when he was eleven, and he told his mom he wanted to stop dancing, he had called him on his lie. “If you want to do it, we will do what we have to do,” she told him. That meant he had to switch to public school and work jobs to pay for summer intensives and after-school classes. Even with all that, and his scholarships, it was Paul that made any of it possible. He’d gotten lucky; finally, some of that luck that seemed to grace some of the worst people finally trickled down to him and his mom. She had married a man with a savings account and love of the arts. He had no problem helping them pay for his summer intensives or his academy tuition.

He thought his meeting with Chiron at the end of his last year in the school. The year before, he had been encouraged to try out for other companies but told that an apprenticeship wasn’t out of the picture. When he got back to his apartment, he tried not to tell his mom, to keep it a secret and to work as hard as he could the next year to earn his spot.

He’d cried as soon as he saw her though; guilt and disappointment cut through his stomach and chest like a knife. Sally had tried to assure him that he wasn’t a failure, but that didn’t change any of his thinking on the issue.

When Nutcracker season came, and Percy wasn’t offered an apprenticeship, he figured that it truly was over. He had almost gotten to a point where he thought his entire dance career was over, until Lupa Lopez had called him back about his audition, and offered him a spot at Miami. His mom had let him have a glass of Champaign to celebrate.  

Chiron was less enthusiastic than his mother had been. When Percy told him the good news, he kept a straight face and asked, “Have you signed anything yet?”

“No.”

“Good, don’t.”

He was called into the office two days later. “Lupa and I have the same eye for dancers,” he said. “She’s taken some of my best away from me. So, it wasn’t surprising to hear that she was interested in you joining her company. She must see the same things in you that I see.”

Percy’s eyes went wide.

“You’re talented, Percy,” Chiron continued, “and disciplined,” that was the first time a teacher had said that about him, he realized. Chiron handed Percy a stack of a few papers. “And you should stay with City Ballet.”

It took Percy a moment to realize what he was looking at. His dyslexia only acted up when he got stressed. Finally, he deciphered it. “Wait … is this for real?” He was holding an apprentice contract with his name on it.

“Sorry for making you go on all of those auditions,” Chiron said.

Percy hadn’t even waited to get home to tell his mom. Instead, he found a quiet stairwell where he could tell her and cry with her. He thought she was going to break his ribs with how tightly she hugged him when he got home. “I’m just so happy,” she said, “that you don’t have to move to Miami.”

He was tired of barely succeeding – barely making it into the academy, barely getting an apprenticeship, barely getting leading roles. He wondered for a moment if she had these fleeing moments of confidence met quickly by self-doubt, before he remembered their last Diamonds rehearsal. Percy was terrified when she had stopped dancing, and he became more worried when he saw the frantic look in her eyes. She had broken, he realized; she had hit a level of doubt and pain that you can’t easily pull yourself out of.

He didn’t, Percy realized, have the luxury of breaking, though. If he left, there was no guarantee that his spot would be there when he came back. He could only bend.

Annabeth couldn’t break either. Percy could end up stagnant if the shows didn’t go well. If Annabeth broke again, though, her career could be over.

They both had to bend and bend far. Four shows, Percy realized, four shows to get it right. Just don’t forget the choreography, and don’t drop her. He told himself. And if you forget the choreography, just make it up.    

Luke had left a principal male spot open that Chiron still hadn’t filled. In a fleeting moment of confidence, Percy told himself You’re the perfect fit.

He felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, but he couldn’t see what was at the bottom. He was safe as long as he stayed on land. If he jumped, he could die, or he could land safely in the water. There wasn’t another way forward.

[neonsentient]

Haikyuu! Rise Above

A ragtag group of students from a school for troubled teenagers forms an unconventional co-ed volleyball team in hopes of proving to themselves that they're more than what people make them to be. With the help of a few loopholes in the rulebook, they'll have the chance to win the gold for what might possibly be the last time in their lives.

Think of it as a spin-off, the Karasuno's first years are now second years, but I will focus on this paticular team.

Warnings: Mentions of drug abuse, underage drinking, self harm, eating disorders, depression, suicide, racial and homophobic slurs. Not all at the same time though.  

Chapter 1: Promising Young People

Amara leaned closer to the toilet as she gagged, throwing up her measly breakfast of tea and apple slices, the only things she could stomach that morning. In an unusual lucky strike, the bathroom she was currently in puking her guts out was empty.  It probably had something to do with the fact that she decided to arrive at the school building an hour earlier, otherwise she would’ve had an audience.

She rose from the floor, wobbling like a newborn fawn, and went to check herself in the bathroom mirror. Her russet skin had an unhealthy pallor to it, her waist-length crow black braids were loose and poorly made and the bags under her eyes could’ve been easily mistaken for bruises. That morning she didn’t even bother to look for her makeup bag in her suitcase.

“First impressions matter, you know?” Her parents would’ve told her. “It’s not every day you get to make them.”

“But I already made mine.” Amara thought bitterly.

She splashed cold water on her face and rinsed her mouth as best as she could.  Now she was regretting not bringing at least some concealer or even chapstick.

“As if that were to make things any better.” A voice hissed from the back of her head. “As if that would…..”

Amara shook her head, bringing herself back as she checked her wrist watch. She was supposed to meet her guide at the entrance. In a normal scenario, she would’ve already known by now where everything in the school was, her classes, the gym, the best spots for a smoke break……

But despite being her second year of high school, it was her first year at Ōkamiyama Alternative Academy. In fact, since most of her education consisted of homeschooling, it was her first time back at school since she was in elementary, period. And unlike many other students who had arrived at least a week earlier, Amara’s messy flight schedule made her arrive only a day before the school started.

One look at the main building and it was clear that the school had a thing for a certain color scheme, or lack thereof, rather, since Amara noticed that all the buildings were either black, white or gray. That and the uniforms, a dreadful combination of a prison concrete gray blazer and pants or skirt with a white shirt and black tie. Luckily, the school didn’t seem to be too strict on the dress code, since she saw several students with all sorts of accessories, shoes and even altered pieces of the uniform.

She decided to play it safe by wearing it plain with a pair of rather sad looking black loafers that had seen better days - an emergency purchase at Target after her suede Jimmy Choo boots fell victim to an unexpected downpour-, and a gray Casio. It's not like she was expecting the sailor tops and blue skirts she saw on TV, but the overall look did leave Amara incredibly disappointed.  

Her guide was a girl called Emine Narisawa, also a second year and in the same class as her. Other than that she didn’t knew anything else. It was still a bit early, so she sat at a bench near the entrance, and to no surprise, it didn’t took long for the stares and whispers to start.

“That’s her, right?”

“Oh, so it was for real?”

“Is it just me, or did she looked taller on TV?

Amara’s vision turned blurry, her eyes curdling with tears. She quickly dug into her bag, pulled out her IPod nano (one of the few devices that the school allowed) and headphones and pressed shuffle, not even paying attention to the song that was playing as she took several deep breaths.

She tried her best to distract herself with anything, yet not even a second later, Amara felt a light tapping on her shoulder. She jolted on her seat, took off her headphones and turned to face the person behind her.

“Ups! Sorry!” A cheery voice apologized. “You’re Amara Murakami, right?

The girl was tall, not as much as Amara, but still taller than the average second year girl, and model-thin, with long hair the dark red of rose petals tied in a high ponytail. A ridiculously big, silvery gray bow sat atop her head. Amara immediately noticed her uniform, or “uniform”; the blazer had been turned into a button vest, the gray skirt was embezzled with black and white rhinestones and she sported a pair of white Adidas sneakers. Amara had bought the same ones just two months ago. A thin, white gold anklet with pea-sized bubblegum-pink sapphires was clasped at her slim ankle.

“My name’s Emine Narisawa, but everyone calls me Emi! Wow, you’re taller than I imagined.” The girl chirped. Her voice had a slight hoarse edge to it, which combined with her super girly perfume, an overly sweet combination of flowers and strawberry, made Amara suspect that she was a smoker and that she probably had a cigarette before the tour. “Welcome to The Den!”

Amara could only raise her eyebrows.

“Get it? Cuss we’re wolves!” The girl pointed at the welcoming banner hanging in the entrance, where a menacing looking gray wolf was painted.

“Right.” Amara nodded, not knowing what else to say. "Umm, thanks?"

The redhead caught her hand in an overly enthusiastic handshake. She had a pretty face, although her cheeks looked a tad bit gaunt, and she wore silver eyeshadow with glitter all over her face and hair. Her tanned skin, a shade lighter than Amara’s, was completely covered with freckles, and her lips were painted a shimmering soft pink.

“Wow, your eyes look super cool!” She said, inspecting Amara’s face. “You’re from America, right? Is one of your parents Japanese?”

“So she hasn’t heard of me.” Amara thought with relief. She then noticed that Emine was waiting for an answer.

“Y-yeah I’m from Massachusetts.” She answered. “Umm, my dad’s Japanese and m-my mom’s Nipmuc.”

The redhead cocked her head in confusion.

“Native American.” Amara explained.

Emine’s licorice black eyes lit up.  

“Cool! So you guys are the ones that make, like, dreamcatchers and stuff?” She asked. There wasn’t a single hint of malice in her voice, just genuine curiosity, but still, it made Amara feel annoyed.  

“Ummm…”

“My Nine was from Turkey,” Emine said. “And they have these Nazar amulets to ward off the evil eye or something. Is it the same thing?”

“I don’t…”

“Anyways, you’ll love it here. It never gets boring!” Emine explained as she leaned uncomfortably close, linking her arm with Amara’s. “Follow me, I’ll take you to our classroom.”

The girls made their way inside the building and all the way through Emine "discreetly" pointed out rooms and people, giving Amara a crash course on the school, the students and teachers.

By the time they reached their classroom, Amara had learned that the captain of the baseball team had just began dating the president of the Student Council, crop tops were back in style, the back of the football field was the best place to smoke and that the guys from the Shōgi club sold the best ketamine during midterms.

"Don't they do drug tests all the time?" Amara asked. She herself had an appointment in the nurse’s office later that night for one.

Emine nodded.

"Yup, but it's a six panel."

It was Amara's turn to be confused once again. She had drug tests done before but she only...provided the sample, she never bothered to ask about the details.

"Weed, coke, speed, benzos, angel dust and opiates. All the mainstream stuff," Emine explained. "Ketamine doesn't show."

“Oh.” Amara said. “I thought there weren’t a lot of drug users in Japan.”

“Oh there are,” Emine said, occasionally waving to the people in the hallway. “And here are some of the ones that got caught.”  

“Good to know?”

Amara thought that drugs were a rare commodity in Japan, but then she remembered where she was….

“So…” The redhead began, pulling Amara out of her thoughts. “How are you liking the dorms so far?”

“They’re cool.” Amara replied in a monotone voice. “My roommate hasn’t showed up yet, though.”

“Oh yeah, I heard she’s busy with some family stuff.” Emine pointed out.

“So you know her?” Amara inquired. “What’s she like? I mean, personality wise.”

Emine scrunched up her face, trying to find the right words.

“Well, she’s a bit of a…..

“Bitch!” A voice yelled from the other side of the hallway.

A girl walked towards them with a rhythmic and intense stride that made Amara think she was going to do a handspring or cartwheel at any second. She was gorgeous, what people would call a “Bombshell”, with sun tanned skin as if she had spent an entire summer at the beach, and a long mane of sandy blonde waves styled in the same way as Emine; a high ponytail with a bow on top, though hers was black. Her dark teal eyes had a gleam that Amara could only describe as “keen”.

The girl faced directly at the redhead with a quasi indignant look. Amara noticed that her look was very similar to Emine's; the embezzled skirt and altered blazer, shimmery eyeshadow and glitter sprinkled all over her face and hair.

"I can take a couple missed calls but ignoring me the whole summer was just mean!" She said, giving the redhead an angry look.

Emine looked saddened.

"I'm sor…..”

Before the redhead could finish the blonde interrupted her with a big hug.

"I've been worried sick! Even a "Don't text me" would've been enough!" She cried, clinging to Emine's neck. "Never do that again, got it?"

Emine's expression eased as she returned the hug.

"Never again."

If there was something worse than being a third wheel Amara sure was being just that at the moment.

The girls broke their hug and a pair of teal eyes immediately fell on Amara. They weren't menacing, just, observing her. The blonde was significantly shorter than Amara and Emine, but her presence felt more….. imposing. Even with the uniform, Amara could see the outline of muscle on her legs and arms.

"Oh!" Emine exclaimed, as if she had just remembered that Amara was there, and gestured towards the blonde. "Amara, this is Erika Sawai, captain of the cheer squad.

“Now it makes sense,” Amara connected the dots as she looked at both Emine and the blonde. The perky attitude, the lithe build, and even the bows. “They’re cheerleaders.”

“And Erika, this is….."

"Amara Murakami," Erika said, capturing Amara's hand in a firm handshake. "Rumour mill went that you were gonna end up here. But for future reference, I wouldn't trust anything they say around here. It tends to be a little….unreliable."

"Umm, sure" Amara said. She wasn't sure how to react to that. "I-I'll keep that in mind."

“My, my,” Erika leaned a bit closer. Amara caught the scent of the blonde's peach blossom perfume.  “What pretty eyes you have.”

“Uh, thanks.” Amara muttered.

"Oh, I know!" Emine perked up with an “Eureka!” type of expression. “Since I can’t join you guys for lunch why don’t you go with Amara to the cafeteria, Erika?”

Amara felt incredibly awkward. Day one and she was already being ditched by the one person that was supposed to be with her.

“Sure.” Erika shrugged, a smirk appearing on her face. “I love fresh meat.”

Amara gulped. Why did spending a couple hours with a cheerleader, a really pretty one to boot, made her more nervous than stepping into a court filled with professional players?

Then the bell pulled her out of her thoughts.

“Come on, Amara!” Urged Emine. The redhead turned quickly and gave Erika one last hug before entering the classroom. “And see you later Erika!”

Erika waved them goodbye before making her way to her classroom.

Their first classes; English, Math, Japanese literature and Science seeped through Amara’s brain like water on a strainer. Luckily none of her teachers made her introduce herself to the class so far.

But on the other hand, she couldn’t help but notice the “subtle” whispers and looks from her classmates.

A few minutes after the bell rang they found Erika already outside. Emine apologized to Amara, promising to be back as soon as lunch was over and making quick plans with Erika to catch up later in the day before she made her way into an unknown destination. Amara was tempted to ask, but at the same time she told herself that she knew better than prying on someone else’s business.

She exited the classroom and was immediately greeted by Erika’s sly smile.

“Long time no see, Sugar.”

Amara gave her a tight smile as they walked towards their destination.

_________________________________________________________________________

The principal was a firm believer that a healthy diet was key to a healthy mind, therefore, the school’s vending machines only offered water, organic soy milk, sugar-free drinks, fruit and protein bars.

There were two cafeterias, but Amara was told upon arrival that she only had access to one of them. There, most of the menu items were either boiled, steamed or baked and it also had an all-you-can-eat salad bar and a drink station where one could get teas, coffees, smoothies or juices. Amara thought it was a sharp, yet nice, contrast with her old elementary school’s cafeteria choices of cardboardy pizza, dry meatloaf and congealed mac 'n' cheese.  

Amara silently wondered what was the deal with the other cafeteria as she took a spoonful of miso soup.

“Liking the food so far?” Erika asked, placing her tray opposite to Amara's. She had a bowl brimming with a colorful salad of greens, pecans, apples and fennels, a plate of spiced tofu and two cups; one filled with a pale orange drink and the other with a beige colored liquid. She handed the beige one to Amara. " Here, try this."

She had told Erika that her stomach was feeling a little odd (yet not the reason as to why), so Amara trusted that anything she had given her wouldn't kill her on the spot. She took a sip and despite the unappetizing color the flavour was delicious; sweet, creamy yet not too heavy, and with the aftertaste of almonds. It felt nice on her tender stomach.

"Wow," Amara said, pleasantly surprised. "What's this?"

Erika winked and smiled. For a second, it reminded Amaran of someone else's smile.

"My Mama calls it the Jitter Killer." She explained, her voice emitting a hint of nostalgia. "She's been making them for me ever since I started competing. But once I got here I had to start making them myself."

"It's really good!" Amara complimented, taking another sip. She then thanked her, wholeheartedly. Gestures like those literally made her day a thousand times less shitty.

"Any time, Sugarcube." She chuckled, and then leaned towards her with a curious expression. "But do tell. How is a first day of school more intimidating than stepping into a court filled with three meter sized Amazonians?"

Amara lowered her face and blushed. She only told her that she wasn’t feeling good, she never told her the reason.

"Is it really that obvious?"

"You look exactly how I did on the day of my first competition." Erika recalled. "I believe I was around six?"

"What?" Amara said. "Do cheerleaders really start that young?"

"Yup." Erika nodded. "Especially in the States. They love their cheers there, let me tell ya."

"You're from there too?"

"Mama's from Texas" The blonde said. "So it’s always been half and half until now. We still go for the holidays though, they’re much more fun there."

"Sounds cool. I'm from Massachusetts, and I've only been in Japan like twice….until now."

The atmosphere suddenly became grim, and Amara felt her breath hitch. Erika's hand reached for hers.

"Hey." Emiki said, her voice serious. "I know you probably heard this enough but...I'm really sorry for your loss."

Amara's eyes began to curdle with tears.

"You're actually one of the only ones to tell me that."

Then she broke into sobs.

"S-sorry." Amara tried to apologize. Last night she had cried herself to sleep in her dorm, clutching a pair of worn out volleyball shoes, not even bothering to unpack, she just wasn’t in the mood for anything but crying. And there she thought that she had cried everything last night…...

Erika bolted from her seat and to her side, placing her hands on Amara's shoulder in a comforting manner.

"Oh, Honey Bee." She said. "Don't you dare apologize for your feelings ever again. You better promise me that"

Amara sniffed and nodded.

"You wanna talk about it?" Erika asked, the way a mother would when trying to comfort her child.

"I….

"There you are!" A voice interrupted. "We've been looking for you everywhere, morra!"  

Amara and Erika both turned and looked. There were three girls, each one different from the other. They were around the same height but that was where the similarities ended. One had brown skin, long glossy black hair in a single thick braid tied with a gray bow and umber brown eyes traced with glittery makeup. A gold stud glinted in her nose. The other had bronze skin, waist-length chocolate colored hair with a gray bow atop and eyes like two yellow tourmalines. On her face was a red lipped, wicked dimpled smile, like a kid who’d just finished pulling up a prank. The third one was a bit meek looking, with rosy white skin, a cloud of short strawberry blonde hair with a white bow on top and soft green eyes. She fidgeted with her hands and seemed ready to throw up at any second. Amara immediately felt a bout of compassion towards her.

“It’s lunch time, where else would I be?” Erika asked with a confused expression.

“Good point.” The brown haired girl said. She took a sip from the giant coffee cup in her hand. “Can we join you?”

Erika gestured at the empty seats.

The black haired girl looked at Amara up and down, from her messy braids and puffy red eyes to the plain black loafers.

“First time here?” She asked her as she sat.

Amara nodded and noticed their outfits; skirts embroidered with flowers and crystals, Miu Miu sneakers and Birkin bags. How she wished she had her new Air Jordans with her….

“Aww! I remember my first day as if it was yesterday.” The brown haired girl sighed.

The black haired girl furrowed her brow.

“Didn’t you threw up from withdrawal?”

“It was from a hangover, not withdrawal! They’re like two different things!” The brown haired girl corrected, indignant.

Erika cleared her throat, making the three girls turn their heads at her.

“Amara, these are my friends and members of the cheer squad.” Erika explained.

She pointed at the black haired girl.

“This is Kumari Hanan, our best flyer.”

Kumari gave Amara a small nod.

“This is Ximena Otakara, our dance expert and choreographer.”

“And future celebrity, don’t forget that.” The brown haired girl added with a wink.

Erika rolled her eyes and then pointed at the strawberry blonde girl.

“And this is our newest addition to the team, Kara Tamada”

Kara gave Amara a timid smile and wave.  

“Kumari is a third year like me, Ximena’s a second year like you, and Kara is a freshman.” Erika explained and then gestured at Amara. “Girls, this is Amara Murakami, please don’t torture her.”  

“A la madre! ” Ximena looked at her, surprised. “Wicked eyes, girl!”

Amara lowered her gaze and mumbled an empty thanks. If there was something she was used to at that point in her life, was of people making comments about her eyes.

"Sectoral heterochromia." Were the doctor's oficial words.

"Stained glass eyes." Her friends often called them.

"Woodland eyes." Her grandfather had called them. "Brown for the soil, black for the stone and green for the life."

"You carry your land within your eyes, Amara." He told her once. "You will never be lost."

“If only that were true.” Amara couldn’t help but think.

But then she saw Ximena’s eyes squinting in concentration.

“No mames, I’ve seen you before!” She said, proud of her discovery. “You’re that volleyball chick!”

“Holy shit, you’re right.” Kumari joined.

Amara’s stomach plummeted and her face paled, which Erika noticed.

“Damn it you two, what did I just say!?” The blonde scolded. Her tone was the same one Amara’s mom used when reprimanding her. “Hope you’re in the mood for running suicides today!”

"What? Why?" Ximena and Kumari cried.

"That's okay, Erika." Amara reassured her. "It's not like it's a secret, anyway."

“See? We have the Ok.” Ximena said, earning a murderous gaze from Erika.

Then an awkward silence filled the table.

“So…” Kumari began, taking a sip of her purple smoothie. “You’re joining the volleyball team?”

In Ōkamiyama, all students were required to join a school club or association, and from looking at the list that came with the welcoming pamflet, there seemed to be quite a lot, from embroidery and cooking to horse riding and rock climbing. There were even some odd ones like “The Cheese Connoisseurs Association” and “Apocalypse Survival Prepping Club”. And there were also the typical sports clubs like baseball, basketball, football* and of course, volleyball.

She didn’t wanted to give up volleyball, but the wound was still so fresh it still bled…...

“I-I don’t know.” She mumbled. “I’m still not sure. I have a week, don’t I?

“Yeah, of course.” Erika reassured her. “And if you need more time, you can ask the therapist for an extension.”

Amara had completely forgot about the therapist.

In a normal school, a counselor was usually available for students if they wished so, but here it was mandatory to have individual one hour weekly therapy sessions,and once she joined a club, group therapy would also become obligatory. Amara’s first session was scheduled for Sunday.

“Yeah, don't sweat it!” Ximena said.

“Isn't Emi also joining the volleyball team?” Kumari inquired.

Amara raised an eyebrow.

“I thought she was a cheerleader.” She asked, looking at Erika.

“Emphasis on was.” Ximena sighed.

“And not just that, she was...is...the best tumbler in the prefecture.” Kara explained in a soft voice.

“Really?” Amara asked, she knew from somewhere that tumbler meant acrobat, basically a gymnast with a mini skirt instead of a leotard. “Then why did she quit?”

Ximena, Kumari and Erika looked at each other.

“She didn’t told you?” Kumari asked.

“Tell me what?” Amara looked at Erika for guidance.

“Okay that’s enough.” The blonde’s face had a not so subtle hint of worry. “That’s not for us to talk about, I’m sure that in time Emi will tell you all about it.”

Amara certainly felt a bit pained for being left out, but it was someone whom she literally just met, so she concluded that she had no right to be upset either.  

Kara must’ve sensed the tense atmosphere and quickly asked some questions about the cheer squad. There were many terms that Amara did not understood, but she soon became fascinated. The cheerleaders at the games Amara played in danced around and cheered (duh!) but the way Erika and the others talked about the work plan for their squad it was clear that they did more than that.

“Hey, why don’t you join the squad?” Erika suggested.

“We do need more tumblers.” Kumari pointed out.

“Yeah.” Ximena agreed. “How are your back handsprings?”

“Ummm...nonexistent?”  Amara admitted, although the idea did sound nice. “I do have a mean cartwheel, though.”

The girls chuckled.

“Okay, maybe we can help you find another club if volleyball and cheerleading won’t do it for ya.” Erika smiled and stood, walking towards a notice board and taking a poster version of the clubs and associations list.

“Let’s see then.”

They tried to summarize each club as best as they could, counting the pros and cons and telling her about the people in them.

“What’s the Wolf Kingdom Club?” Amara asked, slightly amused by the odd names.

Everyone grunted, which Amara took as a bad sign.

“That’s the historical reenactment club.” Erika said. “They do everything medieval, and I mean everything.”

“Except dying from the plague.” Kumari muttered.

“So that’s a no?” Amara inquired.

“Depends.” Ximena said. “Do you like dancing with seven layers of clothing on and churning your own butter?”

“Pass.” Amara said.  

And so they spent the rest of the lunch break going over the list in hopes of finding something for Amara, but nothing seemed to catch her attention. Kara spoke on occasions whenever she felt in danger of being forgotten.

By the time the bell rung, they’ve managed to narrow it down to the basketball team and the basket weaving club. She had the height and the jump for the first one and the skills for the last one.

“If you change your mind, you should go with Emi to the tryouts after school.” Erika reminded her as they walked towards Amara’s classroom.

She nodded weakly, lost in thought.

Erika sighed and tapped her shoulder, making their eyes meet.

“Look, I don’t know a lot about volleyball, but I do know that it shares something in common with cheerleading.”

Amara arched an eyebrow. Then, Erika grabbed her hands, the blonde's lightly tanned skin clashing with Amara's russet complexion. Their eyes met, and Erika’s had one of the most serious expressions Amara had ever seen.

“Jumps are the most thrilling part, as well as the hardest.” She said. “When we jump, we don’t take steps back, not even to gain momentum. It’s always forwards, full force.”

Amara had so many questions about those words, yet she didn’t ask. Was it fear or confusion that stopped her? She didn’t knew. But for a moment she was sure the girl was saying that there was only one way to go.

Forward.

[handsoffmyfriends]

winter roulette

chapter two - quirk apprehension test

— masterlist

WORD COUNT: 4,880

Akira knew she couldn’t avoid it forever. Really, she’d probably just get into even more trouble for taking so long to tell him how she placed. It wasn’t like she was purposefully avoiding Enji, it’s just that she hadn’t seen him until the night before the school semester started.

Still, here she was, seated next to Fuyumi, with Enji staring her down from the opposite side of the table. Shouto was very pointedly not looking at anyone, entirely focused on his cold soba. Great, thanks for the backup, brother.

“Did you place first?”

There was no doubt to who the question was for. Akira stiffened in her seat and chanced a glance up at Enji. She was used to his apathetic glare, but sometimes it still hit her hard. This was one of those times.

“There’s no way you failed the exam, so tell me. Did you place first?”

“No...” she said quietly, returning her attention back to her own soba. Hot, in soup, unlike Shouto and his freaky cold noodles. “I placed second...” She considered adding how close it had been, that she would have tied for first had she just gotten one more point, but she knew it wouldn’t do her any good. He would probably just use it against her.

The silence was heavy. The air became tangible with the tension. Akira felt so very small. Time stretched on as everything became unbearable. She looked up once more, finding Enji’s glare boring holes into her very soul. She felt her stomach drop and her blood run cold, ice pricking at her heart which had nothing to do with her quirk.

“Then who did?” The real meaning behind the question went without saying; who embarrassed the name Endeavour?

Akira swallowed thickly, her mouth suddenly very dry. “Bakugou Katsuki.”

Enji dragged his attention away from her, pinning his glare to Shouto. The boy continued to busy himself with his soba, paying his father no mind. “I expect you to defeat this Bakugou Katsuki at every opportunity.”

Shouto didn’t even look up. “If I do, it wouldn’t be for you.”

Fuyumi, bless her, tried to break the tension. “Shouto and Akira both will do great, I’m sure! Akira’s been making the media with her performance in the exam!”

“I’ve seen,” Enji said coolly. He cast Akira one more look before sighing in disappointment. “Don’t keep embarrassing me like this when you’re at U.A.”

She flinched. It could have been worse. She lowered her gaze back at her food, no longer hungry. “Yes, sir.”

--

Alone in her room, sitting on her futon, Akira stared down at the letter in her hands, the rankings teasing her. Just one point above her sat the unknown Bakugou Katsuki, the one person to upstage her in the exam. She had no idea who he was, no idea how he had managed to score so highly on villain points alone.

It was only the top ten rankings that had been published, but the other eight below her meant nothing to her. It didn’t matter that one kid got in on rescue points alone, not when the first place was dangled so close to her nose like that. She didn’t even take in any of the other names, she had nothing to gain from knowing them.

Enji had drilled into her at an early age that she needed to be the best, that by being the best it would shine a light onto his teachings. That even an orphan could do well under the tutelage of the number two hero. It was a given that Shouto would excel, a natural born genius with a powerful quirk. Akira didn’t know what she had inherited from her parents. She knew nothing about them, only that they died on the job and were praised for such an honourable death. A hero’s death.

It hadn’t always been like this. It felt like forever ago, but Rei and Touya had made life a whole lot easier, a whole lot happier.

Hot, heavy tears welled in her eyes, spilling down onto the paper. Whoever the fuck this Bakugou guy was, Akira vowed to upstage him. Her frustrations were probably misplaced, she probably shouldn’t blame this Bakugou for her problems, but it felt a lot easier to do so. If he hadn’t performed so well, if he had just missed a single two pointer, then Akira might have—

Who was she kidding. She’d never be enough. She was just an orphan.

She choked back her sobs of helpless frustration, her vision blurring through wet eyelashes. The paper felt hot, burning in her hands. She tossed it aside and threw herself into her pillow, rubbing her face into the fabric.

Yes, she was an orphan, but she wasn’t without family. Enji was just a bastard, even Shouto thought so. She shouldn’t put so much stock into what Enji thought of her. She would still succeed. She would become a better hero than Endeavour. She would become a real hero. She would protect those who couldn’t protect themselves.

The scorched paper drifted delicately across the room, a faint smell of smoke permeating the air.

--

Shouto had come by before turning in for the night to check up on her, to reassure her that she had done a good job, that the old bastard had no right to treat her as lesser. It wasn’t the first time that Enji had gotten under Akira’s skin, though she was pretty determined to make it the last time. As the man liked to remind her, he wasn’t her father. That, in itself, was a small blessing.

“Fuck him,” she ended up spitting with venom. She threw a gentle fist to Shouto’s shoulder, a grin on her face. “I’ll surpass you and piss him off even more.”

Shouto simply shook his head at her with a gentle smile. “Get some rest. You look like shit.”

She poked her tongue out as he left her room, fondness tugging at her heart.

--

The first thing Akira noticed when she stepped into the classroom was the angry boy, shortly followed by the bird headed boy and the huge boy with six arms. She really needed to learn people's names, it was getting tiresome thinking of them by their characteristics. It made her wonder what people mentally called her. Probably something equally as dumb.

Several pairs of eyes fell on her and Shouto and her brain kicked into mild panic. Maybe she should have arrived separately to Shouto. Don't be stupid, it made no sense to come earlier or later than him. They'd still catch the same train and still come to the same classroom. At least having him by her side made her feel a little more confident, but she wasn't stupid. He was under the spotlight. Recommendation student, son of the number two hero to boot. He was the student to compete against. He had so many expectations to meet.

So did she. It wasn't a secret that she was adopted into the Todoroki family. Akira didn't pay attention to the media, not after she found a click bait conspiracy article, debating her lineage and claiming her to be an illegitimate child. No, she knew the world had its own expectations of her. Fuyumi had said they were covering her exam results, so did everyone already know her?

Maybe she should have worn her tie properly, despite the physical discomfort of having the material rub against the scar. The open collar made her neck more visible and she was very much not looking forward to prying eyes and questions all over again. Middle school had been enough.

She nervously fiddled with her gloved fingers, suddenly doubtful. They weren't part of the uniform, would she be asked to take them off? It hadn't been a problem in middle school, but would U.A be different? What then? What if she—

Shouto stepped forward and returned her to the present. It seemed barely a second had gone by as she processed a myriad of stress, all of which was suddenly silly. He quietly glanced at the vacant tables, finding his assigned seat at the back of the room. He gave her a small gesture to the seat diagonal from his. Two seats behind the angry boy.

Akira nearly flinched when she noticed he'd not stopped glaring at her. The glare was piercing, crimson eyes looking at her with so much undiluted hate. She narrowed her eyes in turn. She hadn’t done anything to deserve such a heated glare. He’d already gotten her back by stealing her points, so why did he think he had any right to be angry with her? He got in still, didn’t he?

If she blinked, she would have missed his expression shifting to one of mild shock before rearranging into something even more aggressive. He hadn’t expected her to meet his glare.

She was so consumed with this staring contest, with this silent, mental war waging between her and the angry boy that she hadn't realised a boy with glasses and a stiff posture had approached her until he was right in her face.

"Good morning! My name is Iida Tenya. You seem lost. Do you need some assistance?"

She blinked at him stupidly, caught off guard. "Kagami Akira," she replied automatically. She looked over at his recently vacated seat, which was on the entire opposite side of the room to the angry boy. She looked back to Iida, his expression growing more concerned. "Yeah, actually,” she recovered, cocking an eyebrow. “Swap seats with me."

He hadn't expected that. His expression turned to disapproval, eyebrows furrowing and eyes turning sharp. "I'm afraid I can't do that. They're assigned seating. It would be disrespectful to the faculty of this academy!"

She frowned and it suddenly hit her. This was the stiff boy from the lecture before the exam, the one that tried to call U.A out for printing errors. She mentally slapped her face. Of course he'd be such a stickler for assigned seating.

"Right," she dismissed, waving off the topic.

Rather than weave through the chairs and tables, she rounded the front of the class and came up the side, walking straight past the angry boy. She felt more than saw his glare on her the entire time, and she half expected him to call her out on something, but his aggressive tone never came and he didn't move from his kicked back position, feet propped up on the desk.

As she sat herself two seats back from him, in front of a very pretty girl with a high ponytail and next to the bird headed boy, Iida stormed right through the maze of desks. Destination: the angry boy.

"Take your feet off of that desk now!" Iida demanded, both earning and losing a point in Akira's books. Earning one, since he was squaring up against such an angry looking boy and losing one for being such a square. She couldn't help the chuckle at her own stupid joke.

"Haah?"

"It's the first day and you're already disrespecting this academy by scuffing school property, you creep!"

"You're kidding me, right? Your old school put a stick up your ass or were you born with it?"

She really couldn't help the audible snort. Despite what she thought of the guy, she couldn't have said it better herself.

Iida glanced at Akira, suddenly realising he was creating a scene and earning an audience. He cleared his throat and went for a different approach. "Let's start over. I'm Iida Tenya from the Somei Private Academy."

Somei? That would explain why he was so severe. Not that Akira was one to judge too harshly, she and Shouto had gone to an equally prestigious school.

"Somei, huh? So, you must think you're better than me? I'm gonna have fun tearing you a new one!"

"You would threaten me? Your own classmate? Are you sure you're in the right place?"

At least Akira wasn't the only one to think that of the angry boy. From what she'd seen so far, he reminded her all too much of—

She was ripped from her thoughts as the door opened to reveal one of the plainest looking boys she had ever seen. With all eyes on him, he freaked out, flushing in embarrassment and avoiding any kind of eye contact as he greeted everyone with an awkward, "um, hi!"

"Good morning!" Iida called out, forgetting all about his argument with the angry boy. He very quickly and very robotically marched over to the front of the class. "My name is Iida Tenya and—"

"Yeah, uh, I know," the boy interrupted, waving his hands nervously. He seemed to realise how rude the interruption was, taking a moment to look even more embarrassed. "I'm Midoriya Izuku. It's super nice to meet you." He didn't sound all that convincing.

"Midoriya. You realised there was something more to the practical exam, didn't you? You must be very perceptive, and I completely misjudged you. I admit, as a student, you're far superior to me."

What was he talking about? She gathered that these two must have been in the same battle station, but what would that plain looking boy have possibly done to impress someone as uptight as Iida?

Another addition to the ragtag group up the front joined the class, but being on the other side of the room, she couldn't hear the conversation through the doorway. Not that she was particularly invested in eavesdropping on the trio. She was more interested in exactly what kind of surprises that little guy had tucked up his sleeve. After all, appearances were deceiving. She should know.

"—taking down that big one with one punch—"

Wait, did she catch that properly? She’d heard something preposterous, that an examinee had taken down a zero pointer with one hit, but she didn’t believe it. That thing had been almost impossible for her to stop, the event replaying in her mind very vividly. If it hadn't been for that tired boy... God, she didn't even know his name!

She knew she wouldn’t have been the only one to take out the robot, it would be silly to think she was that special, but... this guy? The plain looking boy from the lecture, the one that had annoyed her with his incessant mumbling, he was the one to compete against? She was surprised to have even recognised him, given that he had no outstanding features, unlike the other boys from her group that stood out.

“The way the ice girl took out our zero pointer was impressive as well,” the boy with the bird head spoke up, earning the attention from the growing crowd at the front as well as the rest of the class. “I apologise for using such a crude nickname, my name is Tokoyami Fumikage,” he added, addressing Akira directly.

She stiffened in her seat. She should have expected such a call out, but it still caught her off guard. “Uh, it’s fine,” she remarked lamely. What a stupid response. Suddenly, she felt really awkward. People were really referring to her as the ice girl. Should she admit that she’d been using equally as dumb nicknames for everyone? That would probably make it even more awkward. Great, now everyone was looking at her expectantly. “It’s Kagami Akira.” Yeah, that was better.

"Kagami..." Midoriya mused quietly, trailing off into inaudible mumbles. It irritated her slightly, having the boy mutter on about her like she wasn't even there.

Before she could decide to ignore what was going on, the three up the front startled in surprise and a— wait, what the fuck? A yellow sleeping bag was moving towards them? Wait, was it talking? Akira resisted the urge to pinch herself to see if she was still sleeping.

Holy shit, she was such a dumbass. As it spoke, a person stepped out of the bag, although person might have been pushing the description. He looked like he hadn’t slept in a week. His black hair was an absolute mess, his stubble prominent and his eyes bloodshot. His black jumpsuit looked too comfortable to be real clothes, they were probably pajamas in disguise. Hell, even the scarf taking up his entire neck and shoulders could probably double as a pillow in a pinch.

“It took eight seconds before you all shut up. That’s not gonna work. Time is precious. Rational students would understand that.”

He paused, letting his words sink in, as he stepped further into the classroom. He gave a tired glance to the entirety of the classroom, looking entirely underwhelmed at what he saw. Akira could have sworn his bored gaze fell on her for a split second longer than anyone else. “Hello, I’m Aizawa Shouta. Your teacher.”

Akira frowned, something in the back of her memory demanding her attention. Aizawa rang some kind of bell, but why? She'd never actually heard the family name before, nor had she ever seen this man in her life. So, why did she feel like she should? She shook it off, deciding it was just first day nerves.

“Right, let's get to it,” Aizawa continued, rummaging around inside the sleeping bag. He pulled out a gym uniform— wait, he really couldn’t have twenty sets stashed in there, could he? Just what kind of teacher was this guy? “Put these on and head outside.”

--

She joined the other girls to the locker rooms, keeping to herself. She didn't know how to talk to people and she was still feeling flustered about before. At least she wouldn't have to introduce herself individually to anyone anymore, everyone had been staring at her earlier. Instead, she quietly observed the others, paying enough attention to catch their names.

Of course, all good things can't possibly last and Akira found herself the focus of one pink girl's attention. She had horns growing through her pink hair and her sclera were black, which might have made her look unapproachable, but her overly bubbly personality rang loud and clear and obliterated any kind of unapproachable factor.

"Kagami, right? My name's Ashido Mina, but you can call me Mina if you like!" she practically bounced up and down in her excitement. "Did you really take down your group's zero pointer? That's crazy!"

Akira could barely keep up with her. "Uh, yeah, I did," she answered with a rising blush at the praise and attention. She wasn't used to such positive reinforcement.

"That's so cool!" Mina laughed. "Remind me not to mess with you! Your quirk's ice control, right?"

"Y-yeah," Akira managed, hating how it sounded. It was technically true, so she wasn't outright lying. It still made her feel icky. "Is your quirk... uhm?" She had nothing. Pink skin and horns could be anything.

Mina giggled, skipping a little ways ahead as they neared the locker rooms. "You'll just have to wait and see!"

Akira felt more than saw the eyes on her as she quickly changed as casually as she could. The last thing she wanted was to have attention drawn to her scar, but that's exactly what happened when she'd slipped her shirt off and the marred skin of the left side of her neck was revealed to span her collar bone, her shoulder and down the length of her bicep, to her elbow and down her forearm. It was big, it was obvious and it reminded her of things she'd rather forget.

To her relief, none of the girls asked her about it, even though it was clear as day that they wanted to know. Unfortunately, the shorter sleeves of the gym uniform revealed more than she'd like. She'd have to remember to wear her compression bandage more.

Mina continued to prattle in her ear on the way back to class, though this time the other girls also joined in on the conversation. Akira very happily took the backseat, merely listening to the others talk and nodding along where she figured it would be required. People were hard.

Thankfully, the girls didn't seem to mind. Mina was very good at holding the conversation, and Tsu bounced off her just as easily, no pun intended. Ururaka was equally as excitable and bubbly as Mina, whereas Jirou and Yaoyurozu were more relaxed.

By the time they met back up with the boys, Akira felt more comfortable amongst the girls, but it didn't stop her from joining up with Shouto while Aizawa led them all outside.

"I think I just made some friends," Akira admitted quietly, with a hint of confusion. "I mean, I'm already on a first name basis with Mina and Tsu?" She gestured to the girls in question. "I didn't think it worked like that?"

Shouto shrugged with indifference. "I don't know, I'm not really interested in making friends. We're here to become heros, right?"

Akira faltered slightly. "Yeah, I guess." She glanced over at Mina, who gave her a wide grin in return. She smiled back gently, turning her attention over to their teacher.

Again, he looked entirely unimpressed with his new class. “We’re going to start with a quirk apprehension test.”

That was unexpected. Akira figured the school would want to have some kind of quirk assessments, seeing as the hero course would be more driven in quirk usage than anything she'd experienced in middle school, but weren't there procedures first? Didn't they have to attend a school-wide assembly first? Some kind of orientation?

Akira wasn't the only one to have such doubts. Uruaka was the only one to voice hers though. “But orientation! We’re gonna miss it...”

Aizawa narrowed his eyes, his surprisingly piercing gaze locking onto Uruaka. “If you really want to make the big leagues, you can’t waste time on pointless ceremonies. Here at U.A, we’re not tethered to traditions. That means I get to run my class however I see fit."

He paused for a moment, dragging his gaze to the rest of the class. “You’ve been taking standardized tests most of your lives, but you never got to use your quirks in physical exams before. The country’s still trying to pretend we’re all created equal by not letting those with the most power excel. It’s not rational. One day, the ministry of education will learn."

Another pause, letting his words sink in. Finally, he turned his attention to the angry boy. “Bakugou, you managed to get the most points on the entrance exam.”

Akira froze as all other eyes fell on the angry boy. Aizawa kept talking but suddenly she couldn’t hear a thing. All her focus was zeroed in on the boy that had upstaged her, the boy that she had already known and hadn’t even realised it was him. Not only was this the boy that had stolen the first place from her by two points, it was the same boy that had stolen her two one pointer robots from the entrance exam.

Those two points... from the very beginning, he had stolen victory from her.

She outright glared as Bakugou stepped forward to the pitching ring. She felt so angry, so foolish that she hadn’t even realised the angry boy that had been bothering her since the start, the angry boy that had given her nothing but contempt since the moment she met him, was the very same Bakugou that had beat her. So stupid.

She knew what to expect. As he tossed the ball, backing it up with an explosion much larger than the one that had knocked her aside previously, Akira didn't so much as flinch. The heat washed over everyone and the ball careened through the air, very quickly disappearing from view. She was, however, reluctantly impressed with the raw power behind the throw and found herself understanding how he had managed to place first in the exam.

“All of you need to know your maximum capabilities. It’s the most rational way to know your potential as a pro hero.”

Akira stayed silent as some of the class erupted in chatter. Had it not been for the bombshell known as Bakugou Katsuki, she probably would have been part of the chatter. As it was, she was deep in thought, agonising over the revelation that the unknown boy that had bested her turned out to be not so unknown.

“So this looks fun, huh?”

Aizawa’s mocking question broke through her reverie. She shook her head to clear her mind; now really wasn’t the time to be getting lost in her own head. She could worry about it until it crippled her in the anxiety of it, but it wouldn’t do her any good.

“You have three years to become a hero. You think it’s going to be fun and games?” Aizawa grinned, though it wasn’t a friendly one. “Idiots. Today you will participate in eight physical tests to test your potential. Whoever comes last has none, and will be expelled immediately.”

The threat weighed heavy on her class. Akira cast her attention to her fellow classmates, wondering just who was going to be kicked out on the first day.

“Like I said, I get to decide how this class runs, understand? If that’s a problem, you can head home right now.”

Despite Aizawa outright stating they were standardized tests, Akira was still caught off guard by just how normal they were. She was already pretty athletic, quick on her feet, though she did lack physical strength. She never needed to be overly strong because she had her quirk.

Speaking of her quirk, it wasn't especially helpful to her in the tests like this. She couldn't really use ice to assist in the ball toss or the fifty metre sprint. Definitely not for the grip test or the toe touch. She had ideas of what she could use it for if she could use the full range of her quirk, but... it wasn't worth it for a mere quirk apprehension test.

She wasn't just going to lose. She was still aiming to win. To rub it in Bakugou's face that he wasn't going to beat her again. Except his quirk was a lot more useful, had a lot more practical uses that gave him an advantage. The more she stewed on it, the more frustrated she felt.

In the end, Yaoyurozu placed first, much to Akira's surprise. The ponytail girl hadn't seemed like someone to compete against. No one had, so maybe that's why Akira only placed tenth. It was such a disappointing position, a very far cry from the top spot that she had been aiming for.

Was it her quirk? Or was it her complete disregard for her classmates? She had been so quick to dismiss everyone, focussing entirely on Bakugou, she hadn't even considered someone other than Bakugou or Shouto could beat her. Yet here she was, middle of the pack, her pride wounded with only herself to blame.

She wasn't the only one disappointed, she could see it in the firm expression Shouto cast her with. Hell, even the teacher she had known for all of half an hour looked at her with disappointment. Even Bakugou seemed disappointed, like he had expected her to be some prime competition only to be let down.

She was so disheartened that she barely paid attention to the wrap up of the lesson. Turns out no one was being expelled, Aizawa had just pulled a fast one on them to get them to give it their all. Midoriya had gone so far as to somehow break his finger in the ball toss, which Akira found to be somewhat strange, though not something she hadn’t experienced before. She had her fair share of injuries from quirk misuse.

As the class finally broke away to begin their proper school day, Aizawa called out to Akira with a small gesture for her to stay behind. She didn't have it in her to see Shouto's reaction. She had no idea what Aizawa wanted, though no doubt it would have to do with her performance. Considering she had placed second in the entrance exam, she should have definitely placed better today. Maybe he saw her lack of potential and was going to expel her. She certainly felt like it if she couldn't beat half her class.

"Kagami," he started with an emotionless tone, his gaze boring into Akira. She was used to piercing glares, but this one was different. She couldn't say how, exactly, but it felt warmer than the glares she received from Enji. "You have a lot of potential. That doesn't mean you can look down on your classmates. They're going to be your allies, not your competition."

She flushed, both with frustration and embarrassment. This wasn't the conversation she was expecting to have and it just made her all the more flustered. "I know that—"

"I don't think you do," he quipped, arching an eyebrow. "I think you got yourself so wound up in wanting to beat everyone that you lost your focus."

She opened her mouth to argue, but nothing came out. He was right and nothing she could say would change that.

"You're here to become a hero, right? Start acting like it. Now, move along, Mic'll give me a mouthful if you're late to his class."

[daybreak-academy-fanfic]

Daybreak Academy: Chapter 57

The Problem With Raspberries

Summary: In which Kieran encourages Anora to ask Ephemer out. Word Count: 1,658 First | Previous | Next ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆

Anora anxiously waited by the school gates. She didn't know what to expect as she waited. A part of her feared that she wouldn't even remember what he looked like. Anora looked back down at her phone, rereading the last message he had sent to her. It was almost noon. Where was he?

The sound of a taxi honking its horn made Anora jump when she heard it. She turned her attention to the sound to see it come up Daybreak Drive and around the cul-de-sac. A part of her expected a student to come out, the other part of her knew that this was who she was waiting for.

Out of the taxi stepped a young man that looked to be in his early 30s. It was quickly apparent that he was a good head taller than she was, but his overall body mass was about the same to hers. His feathered, dark turquoise hair reached to his shoulders and was partially tied back with a small ponytail. His round, dark brown eyes surveyed the area before they fell on Anora. His smile was exactly how she remembered it being three years ago.

“Hey Razzie.” the young man greeted with a smile. Anora could feel her vision start to blur as her eyes welled with tears. Without a second guess, she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on for dear life.

“I missed you...” she mumbled into his shirt.

The young man smiled at her, holding her even closer. “I missed you too, cousin.”

Kieran, Anora's only cousin, had decided to make a surprise visit.

The two were locked in their hug for several minutes before Kieran finally pulled them away. He still kept his hands on his cousin's arms- he looked like he was admiring how much she'd grown since they last met.

“So,” he casually mused, “You've told me that there's a tourist trap of a town nearby, right? Mind showing it to me?”

Anora's face lit up before giving him a quick nod. But then a small frown appeared on her face as she said, “The taxi left...”

Kieran smiled at her. He held up a set of roller skates that he had been holding in his hand. “Race ya.”

The girl looked from her cousin, to the skates, and back again with widening eyes. With a wide grin, she signaled for her cousin to wait where he was so she could get her skates. Kieran laughed as he watched her dart back to the dorms. Some things just don't change.

. . .

“I hate boba tea.” Kieran idly noted as he stirred his straw around his boba. “It's the tapioca pearls that get me. Like, what am I supposed to do with these? Choke on them? Have them get stuck in my straw so I can't actually drink the tea? Ridiculous.”

Anora raised her eyebrow at her cousin- taking a very judgmental sip of her milkshake in doing so. Kieran was quick to pick up on it.

“Now, don't give me that look Razzie.” he admonished. “'Why would you get a boba if you don't like it?' you might say. To which I rebut, because the tea itself is still fantastic! I mean, depending on who's making it, it's not like a smoothie or anything- but it's not actual tea either. It's just the little balls of potential choking hazard that turns me off. That's it.”

With a little chuckle, Anora shook her head at her cousin before continuing to sip on her milkshake. Kieran was the face of normality after the weirdness from the summer. Just hearing her cousin's voice was enough to make her forget about Strelitzia's kiss, and seeing Ephemer react to it, and how Anora almost kissed him on his birthday, and...

“Something's eating you, cousin.” Kieran noted, snapping her out of her thoughts. He pulled his straw out of his boba, gave a disgusted little look at the tapioca pearl stuck at the end, then sucked it off before sticking the straw back in the tea. “Wanna talk about it?”

She should have seen this coming. In fact, she should have known this was coming- Kieran's visit wasn't completely out of nowhere. She had asked him to come because she really needed someone to talk to. Well, she didn't directly ask him to visit. But the subtext was written all over their last email to each other, and since Kieran knew how to take a hint, he immediately made plans to travel over to Departure County.

Shrinking a little in her seat, Anora quietly said, “Remember in our emails I mentioned a boy named Ephemer?”

“How couldn't I?” Kieran snorted. “The first time you brought him up, you composed an entire essay on the way his hair bounced when he laughed.”

Anora bashfully looked away for a moment. It hadn't had been that bad. Had it...? Was it even possible to have a silent crush on someone for that long?

“You also mentioned him in your last email too.” Kieran added, his tone a bit more somber now. “You said he saw you kiss another girl. And in seeing him react, you thought you had developed feelings for him. Like, the kind where you dream about getting together and wake up a hot mess.”

“He's always been a friend to me.” Anora quietly agreed. “But now… I don't want to be just a friend anymore. I don't know how...”

Kieran studied Anora with interest. It really was bad, huh? The way she would blush when she thought about this dude. How badly you could see that she did want to make some sort of move, but was afraid on how to do it. Kieran himself had only a small amount of previous lovers to fall back on; in all but one relationship the girl had been the one to make the first move. And if he knew his cousin well, he was more than aware that she would write off her feelings as belonging to something more circumstantial. But this? This was different. It needed to be different.

“Hey, is there a library around here? I wanna see if they have something real quick.”

Anora gave her cousin a funny look, but nodded her head. After the two finished their drinks, they started to make the short walk over the Cable Town's public library. The library was on a side road, so it was able to have a unique structure apart from the mixed-use buildings that tended to be on the main road. While matching the overall tudor aesthetic the rest of the town had, the library's exterior looked a lot more like a small castle.

Kieran led them both into the library- he made his way through as if he had been here a million times over. He went over to the kids' section and started to comb through the shelves for something in particular.

“Oh darn,” he mumbled to himself, “They don't have it. But they do have...”

Anora could barely see what book he had pulled out. He wouldn't let her see it as he then went over to a small reading area. Since it was made for younger kids, the much larger Kieran almost didn't fit as he made himself comfortable under a canopy.

“Come Razzie,” he cheekily told her, patting the spot beside him, “It's story time.”

For a moment, Anora wondered if her cousin had gone insane. But she carefully started to humor him- it was a tight fit for the both of them to be under the canopy. Anora held her legs close to her chest before carefully leaning against Kieran. Her cousin smiled at her, gave her a little peck on the head, then opened the book up.

“Once upon a time,” he started to read, “There was a princess who lived in a kingdom surrounded by raspberries. But there was one problem- the princess didn't like raspberries! So one day, an evil wizard came by and promised the princess that he could make all the raspberries go away.”

Anora cuddled her cousin a little closer as he went on with the story. She missed having him read to her; his voice went into a slower cadence and worked to pronounce each word with purpose. When she was much younger, and he'd volunteer to read her a story, she'd almost always go to sleep during. It was comforting; relaxing. She had really missed this.

When Kieran was done reading, he carefully closed the book and let out a small sigh.

“Your problems aren't going to go away if you ignore them, Anora.” Kieran told her. At the mention of her real name, Anora jumped and looked up at her cousin with wide eyes. He looked back at her thoughtfully. “While I'm no expert in love or anything,” he went on, “You should definitely talk to Ephemer. Maybe he feels the same way, but since the summer was so eventful, he can't tell if you feel that way too. I mean, if I saw a girl that I liked kiss another girl, I'd immediately assume that she wasn't into dudes. And you don't like girls like that… Do you?”

Anora flinched.

“So you're bi then.” Kieran casually deduced. “Or close enough to it- no big deal. But you do like him, right?”

For this, Anora could feel her face burn up as she looked down at the ground, nodding her head. Kieran put a comforting hand on his cousin's head.

“Tell him Razzie.” he stressed. “I'd hate to think that one of the few times we meet, and you're this upset about a guy, of all things. And don't worry, if he breaks your heart, I know how to use a shotgun.”

Anora laughed. “I love you Kieran.” she giggled.

“Love you too Razzie.” he replied before giving her another kiss on the forehead. “Now, go get him.”

[azure-wolf-227]

Rosebird Week 2019: Day 1

Hi, I’m starting this late because of real-life interfering and this one-shot ended up being harder to write than I expected. This resulted in the following one-shots being delayed as well but I’m working to catch up.

Also, these one-shots will be set in the same universe as the RWBY story that I’m planning and will be considered canon with it.

Day 1: First Meeting

Summer is excited (and nervous) about attending Beacon and meets the most beautiful woman ever.

Meanwhile, Raven wouldn’t admit that the clumsy, hooded girl who crashed into her has lovely eyes.

-----

“Oh my Gods!” Summer Rose glanced out the huge windows excitedly, watching as the airship that she was traveling in approached Beacon Academy, the white-hooded girl’s enthusiasm increasing with each passing second. How could she not be excited? This was the greatest Huntsman Academy in all of Remnant! They only accepted the best of the best, their graduates often going on to become living legends. Heck, even the professors were often legendary Hunters themselves!

A sudden thought struck her. “Oh, my Gods, what if I’m not ready?” the silver-eyed girl frantically whispered to herself as her mind conjured all sorts of nasty scenarios where she ended up either dead or expelled, or worst still, got whoever she would be teamed up with killed or expelled. Unbeknown to Summer, her Aura was reacting to her inner distress, and a small gale blew through the ship. The other future students stared with a mixture of surprise, confusion, and awe as red and white rose petals manifested from the hooded girl’s cloak and swirled around her form on the wind.

Summer was unaware of this as she tried to calm down her anxious thoughts and put her worries to rest with some self-reassurance. ‘It’s fine, everything will be okay. I may haven’t attended a combat school, or any kind of school for that matter and my upbringing wasn’t in any way normal, but my fighting skills were good enough to impress Professor Ozpin into admitting me one year early.’ Her expression turned into one of determination.

‘Besides, Aurore, Ro, Dodger, and Olive also believe in me. I’ve never let them down before and I won’t start doing it now!’

It was then that Summer noticed that all the other passengers had their eyes on her. Wondering what they were all her eyes widened when she noticed the petals fluttering around herself, the accompanying wind now a gentle breeze to match her no longer frantic emotions. Summer blushed a deep red and pulled up her hood to hide her face, her mortification increasing as the majority of those watching recovered from their shock and chuckled, except for one tall, muscular blond guy who gave Summer a look of sympathy.  Luckily, her embarrassment didn’t last long as the ship finally docks, and the students can disembark.

Summer makes a quick escape by manipulating the wind to give herself a boost in speed. Unfortunately, since she had her hood up over her head while her eyes were focused on the ground as to not make eye contact, her field of vision was impaired so it was no surprise that she did not see the dark-haired girl right in her path.

The white-hooded girl squeaked as she crashed into someone, who fortunately was skilled enough to not be plowed over, though her face ended up pressed against a pair of soft, firm masses. Before she could try to figure out what these orbs were, Summer felt a hand grasping the back of her cloak and pulling her away, their strength great enough to even lift her off the ground.

“What are you doing?” The female voice was slightly deep, resounding with strength and annoyance.

Looking up, the first thing that Summer saw were the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. They were the color of a red sunset and seemed to almost glow with their own light, boring into her soul with their piercing gaze. It was another moment before Summer stopped focusing on the eyes to take in the rest of the woman’s appearance. Her face was slightly round with a sharp chin, a cute nose and full lips set in an annoyed frown that matched the look of her eyes; her skin was a light color but not as pale as Summer’s, her long ebony hair tied up in a ponytail, styled in a way that it resembled a raven’s plumage; she was very tall with a muscular but curvaceous body, wide hips and a pair of large breasts (and Summer blushed deeper than before as she quickly realized that was what she had faceplanted); she was wearing a black-and-red outfit with samurai-like armor, a sword hanging from her hip. In short, she was the most beautiful woman that Summer had ever encountered.

“Hey! Are you deaf?”

Summer was jolted out of the spell she was under and realized that she had forgotten that the dark beauty had asked her a question. “Oh, sorry.” She mumbled but that seemed to make the other woman angrier.

“Sorry? You almost knocked me into the ground then just stare at me like an idiot and all you have to say is sorry?”

“Um, well…” Summer wasn’t very good at talking to new people and this girl’s attitude was making her more nervous and she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “I really didn’t mean to put my face in your boobs!” ‘Idiot! Why did I say that?’

The tall, dark beauty looked at Summer like she couldn’t believe what has just come out of her mouth. The shock was so great that her grip on the back of Summer’s cloak loosed and the smaller girl was dropped back on the ground, who thankfully didn’t fall on her butt. The dark girl just kept staring at Summer with a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.

“Geez Rae, we haven’t been here for a day and you already have girls wanting your goods. I’m so jealous!”

The two women turned to look at the voice’s owner, a young man about their age, his hair, eyes and skin tone the same as the taller girl’s. He was wearing a white shirt that was half tucked in his black slacks and a ratty, red cape draped over his shoulders. Summer could see that he was also a sword user, the handle of his blade visible over his shoulder. And while his appearance was similar the dark woman’s, his face was instead set in a playful, teasing smirk.

While Summer looked at him with curiosity, ‘Rae’ appeared to be more exasperated and annoyed than before. “Shut up, Qrow.” She glared at who was obviously her brother though Qrow seemed unaffected by the burning eyes. “Aw, come on, sis.” teased Qrow. “No need to be embarrassed! You’re very good-looking so it’s not strange that people would want a closer look.”

“Qrow, I’m serious! If you don’t shut up, I’ll kill you!” He just chuckled softly with that teasing smirk, not looking worried at his sister’s death threat.

Summer let out a giggle at she watched the siblings interact, remembering how Ro and Dodger liked to tease Dawn all the time. Her giggles caught the twins’ attention, ‘Rae’ switching her glare to Summer while Qrow chose to introduce herself.

“Hey,” he gave a wave. “Name’s Qrow, and I see that you’ve met my big sister, Raven.”

“I’m Summer, nice to meet you both.” ‘Yay, I’m making friends!’ Qrow nodded. “Likewise,” then his smirk widened as he motioned to his still scowling sister. “And Raven feels the same but she’s too shy to say it.”

“Augh!” shouted Raven exasperatedly and stomped away as Qrow and Summer laughed.

----------

‘Stupid Qrow, can’t go one day without getting on my nerves! One day I’ll finally lose my patience and kill him for real.’ Thought Raven as she stood at the back of the crowd waiting for the opening speech. The crowd gave her spot a wide margin, most likely intimidated by the angry energy that Raven was emanating. Good, she wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone else today.

As she subtly watched the entrance while she quietly seethed, Raven saw her brother and the hooded girl come in. They exchanged a few parting words before the girl headed for a spot closer to the stage while Qrow looked around for a moment until he spotted Raven and headed towards her. Raven glared as he approached but, as always, it was ineffective. Immunity to Raven’s patented death glare was one of the advantages of being related to her.

“Hey, sis,” His greeting was met with angry silence. “Don’t tell me you’re still angry?” Raven’s glare intensified. “Come on, it was just some teasing! Your girlfriend thought it was funny.”

“She’s not my girlfriend!” That managed to break Raven’s silence. “Just some clumsy girl that bumped into me because she wasn’t paying attention. What is she even doing here? She looks like she’s, I don’t know, twelve or something.”

“Sixteen, actually.”

“Really? She was short for her age then. What else did you to talk about?” By this point, Raven’s anger was momentarily put aside as her curiosity was piqued.

“Mostly about our weapons, girl is a bit of a nerd about them and was interested in Harbinger. She then showed me her own and it was really impressive.” Qrow was himself a weapons enthusiast and crafter, so he clearly was happy about talking with someone with similar interests. “She also told that she got early admittance because she impressed the Headmaster.”

Raven’s eyebrow raised, interested. “Really, what did she do? Defeat a Beringle with her bare hands?”

“Don’t know, she said it was personal but that’s beside the point. If she managed to get into Beacon early then she must have some skills, apparent clumsiness aside.”

“Well, whatever we did to get in early doesn’t concern us or our mission, so don’t get too attached since, if she manages to graduate and become a Huntress, we might one day end up having to kill her.”

Qrow’s smirk faded into a frown as he was reminded of their mission. He hadn’t been happy when the Tribe’s leader told them to become students to learn how to counteract Hunters and make the Tribe stronger. Neither had Raven for that matter despite her harsh personality and love of fighting. She did not like killing people without a good reason, but the Leader’s word was the law on the Tribe so Raven resigned herself to completing the mission.

Qrow scoffed. “Whatever, I’m still going to talk to Sum later and no one from the Tribe is her to keep tabs on us, so what they don’t know won’t hurt them.”

“Ugh fine!” Raven said exasperatedly, knowing that she couldn’t stop him anyway. “Do what you want! Just don’t start flirting with her.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. She’s not my type anyway, even though she’s cute.” Qrow’s smirk was back as well as the teasing. “So, you don’t have to worry about me stealing your girlfriend.”

“Qrow!” 

But before Raven could try to strangle him, Professor Ozpin cleared his throat to indicate that he was about to give his speech. So, Raven just settled for sending burning glares her brother’s way, but he just answered each of them with a smirk. Finally deciding to just ignore him, Raven focused on Ozpin’s words of ‘encouragement’, though she caught sight of a familiar white cloak near the front.

She found herself blushing as she remembered how the girl crashed into her chest but tried to shove these thoughts into a far corner of her mind as they would only distract her from the mission.

Though she admitted to herself (but to no one else, ESPECIALLY not Qrow), those silver eyes were quite beautiful.

----------

Yeah, I gave Summer Airbending as her Semblance, so I don’t want to hear any complaints! As for the comments about Summer having never gone to school, those are part of the backstory that I gave her for my story and it won’t be revealed until I have it posted. The same goes for the people that Summer mentioned.

Edit: In the part where Summer mentions the people who believe in her, I changed one of the names from 'Dawn' to Aurore (formerly it was Roxie) because I liked it better (and it means 'dawn' anyway).

[nightbts]

be my drug pt.2 | kth, pjm

pairing: intern! park jimin + doctor! kim taehyung + doctor! reader

genre: fluff, angst + doctor! au

word count: 3.1k

warning: So I’m going to apologize in advance if any medical terms, scenarios or such are incorrect!! I did a bit of research to try and make it as accurate as possible but if anything is wrong, I’m sorry!! But please do let me know if anything is incorrect so I can fix it! Also, this is super overdue like months maybe so I apologize for that! Enjoy!!!

parts 1 2 3

A choice: “an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.” In this case, your choice would make one and break the other.

Flashback

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” you scoffed as Jimin slouched into the couch, “Hey, I’m serious here.” 

“Jimin, you’re literally one of the best dancers I know. What do you mean you’re not good enough to go and audition at that dance academy,” you said, frowning at your best friend. 

You didn’t know why he couldn’t see what everyone else could. How much of an amazing dancer he was, his every move like the ocean breeze, soft yet powerful and had enough power to steal one’s breath away. 

Slouching even further into the couch, his body almost folding into a ball, he mumbled, “Yea right. You haven't even see the other audition tapes that I’ve seen. They're just too good.” 

Turning to face him better, you held his shoulder tightly and said, “Look, we’re only 17. We still have so much in life okay? Trying something out is never going to be a waste. Take it as a challenge and just another experience in life. And so what if you don’t get in? Not only are they going to lose a great and passionate dancer, but also an amazing person.”

Seeing the corners of Jimin’s lips raise at the slightest, you knew you had done your job. 

“See, that's what I’m talking abo- oh!” you yelped as Jimin suddenly pulled you into his chest, his arms wrapping around your waist as he hugged you tightly. Blinking, your lips parted in shock as you felt your heart beat at an erratic rate. 

“J-Jim-” 

“Thank you.” he whispered softly, “Thank you for always being there for me, especially when nobody else is.” 

Ignoring the flutters in your stomach, you simply smiled widely before hugging him back, “You’re always welcome.”

Present Day

“J-Jimin?” you stammered, your voice falling short as the boy in front of you looked up. His own eyes widened, mirroring yours as a frantic look that once endowed his face disappeared, now replaced with one of surprise and utter confusion. 

“Y/N?” he replied, disbelief in his voice as he laughed, shaking his head, “Is that really you?”

“Alive and breathing,” you replied, laughter spilling past your lips. 

Giving you no time to think, Jimin quickly approached you and engulfed you in a hug. Even though it had nearly been ten years, you’d never fail to recognize Jimin’s hugs. Everything from the way his arms wrapped around you to the way his heart beat steadily in his chest, you knew, this was your best friend. 

“I can’t believe it. T-They didn’t even tell me who my doctor was, they just gave me a room number, but- Wow! I never thought I’d see you again,” he whispered the last part as he pulled away, still holding you in his arms. 

Chuckling, you gave him a wide smile before hitting his chest lightly, “But what are you doing here? I didn’t know you were going into med?!” 

“Well what can you say, I didn’t think I would be either.” he joked, as you chuckled in response, a small yet comfortable silence falling over the both of you. 

Park Jimin

If you were to name someone who made you the person you were today, it would’ve been him. Since elementary to high school, the both of you were thick and thin, always there for each other even when you had managed to get into new things, get new friends and become new people.

But as graduation came along, so did college. And with the both of you interested in two different things: you wanting to pursue your dream career and Jimin wanting to pursue his dream hobby, you both traveled across the world and eventually contact fell out. 

You never really believed in miracles, or fate, or any such things, but seeing Jimin again, made you think differently. 

"I don't even know what to say. It’s been long, hasn’t it,” you chuckled, still not believing your eyes as Jimin smiled brightly, his words melting your heart, "I always knew you'd make it far, Y/N."

And as you smiled back, came back the rapid beating of your heart and the nervous flutters in your stomach, and before you knew it, falling for Jimin had been as easy as it was years ago. 

As a couple hours passed, with you giving Jimin the tour of the hospital, it was finally time for lunch. Walking out of your office with Jimin, your lunch in one hand, you were laughing at something he said when you heard a someone call your name. 

"Y/N!" a deep voice called as you and Jimin both turned around to see Taehyung walking towards you with a pretty young girl sauntering beside him.

"Hey! Do you wanna have lunch with us?" Taehyung asked, as his eyes made its way to Jimin before gesturing towards him and saying, "Is this your intern?"

You nodded and nudged Jimin, motioning him to introduce himself as Jimin stuck his hand out and said, "Hi, I'm Park Jimin, Y/N's intern."

Smiling widely, Taehyung shook his hand back and said," Well, I'm Kim Taehyung, one of the best surgeons here at (Hospital's Name)."

Scoffing you retorted, "The best? The last time we were in surgery you almost cut into a nerve, remember?"

Hearing a gasp of surprise from his side, your eyes fell on a short figure who stood next to him. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail as she wore a name tag, the name Eunhae written in cursive. Her eyes were big and wide as she stared at Taehyung, her lips parting when she squeaked, "You did w-what?!"

Coughing, Taehyung rubbed the back of his neck as he flushed deeply, shooting you a look that said I'll get you for that later before joking, "Hey now, they don't need to know all that. But since I met your intern, this is mine. Kang Eunhae, this is Dr. Y/N L/N."

The girl gave you a sweet smile, her pearly whites gleaming at you as she said in a high voice, "It's so nice to meet you, Doctor!"

Smiling yourself, you said, "You too Eunhae-ssi. And don't take what I said too much too mind, Dr. Kim here is really a great doctor. You can trust me on that." you finished with a wink directed in his direction.

He rolled his eyes and said," She already knew that, didn't you Eunhae?" to the girl who smiled up at him, her cheeks a rosy pink as her eyes sparkled in response, her voice light as she replied with a small yes.

Biting your lip as you stifle your laughter, you gave Jimin a look to which he returned as you both stared at the girl who was evidently awe-struck by Taehyung.

I mean, it was obvious. Taehyung was quite attractive. His face and body proportions were fit to be a model, and the charm that exuded him, well, the ladies could simply never escape it. Something you learned from being by his side basically all of college and med school. 

"What?" Taehyung asked as he looked at the two of sharing secret glances before you quickly shook your head, "Oh it's nothing. We should get going? I'm starving." you laughed, as Jimin nodded beside you.

Giving you a weird look, Taehyung simply shook his head and chuckled before all of you walked to the break room to have your lunch together. 

"So you've known him since you guys were kids?" Taehyung asked as you nodded, popping a piece of popcorn in your mouth before handing the bowl back to him.

"Yup, it's crazy, isn't it? We were really close too. Both our parents were family friends and I'd known him since elementary school all through high school but then we went to different colleges and just drifted off I guess." you said, as you flipped through channels, nothing managing to catch your interest.

Taehyung hummed in response and said, "Well that explains it."

Looking over at him, you raised your eyebrows and said, "Explains what?"

Shaking his head lightly, he chuckled softly, "There was something that seemed weird at first like you two looked really comfortable with each other. Besides, knowing you for like the last 10 years I knew how you are with people you first meet, so it just felt odd that you two seemed so close all of a sudden." 

"Someone has me figured out already." you teased, as you shoved him playfully to which he rolled his eyes and said, "Literally, how could I not. I was basically your only friend through college."

"Were not!" you gasped, holding your hand to your chest in offense. Just as you were about to continue arguing against the fact that you very much were not a loner throughout college, you heard a loud knock coming from the front door.

Both your heads turned in unison towards the front door, as Taehyung raised his brow, asking, "Were you expecting someone?"

Pursing your lips, you shook your head no lightly, as you stood up from the couch, before making your way to your front door. As you opened it, your vision was quickly filled with a familiar outline as you were met with a warm smile. 

"Jimin?" you said, as you chuckled in disbelief for the second time that day, "What are you doing here?"

Giving you an embarrassed smile, Jimin rubbed the back of his head before saying, "I know it's pretty late but I thought we could just catch up for a bit? If you’re free?"

"Y/N, who is it-?” Taehyung started as he stood behind you, his tall figure peering over your shoulder. The voice quickly caught Jimin’s attention, making him look behind you when you saw his eyes widen in surprise.

"Dr. Taehyung?" he remarked, the surprise evident on his face, before you chuckled nervously, looking between the two, "Yea, we were just watching a movie together-"

"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt the both of you..." he trailed off apologetically to which you quickly shook your head, "No, it's fine! We weren't really watching anything important, right Taehyung-ah?"

Taehyung beside you nodded but instead gave you a tight smile in return, "Right." he said plainly before Jimin rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Did you have something in mind?" you asked quickly, to which Jimin nodded, "I just thought we could get some coffee together, but Dr. Taehyung, it'd be great if you could come along too."

"It's just Taehyung out of work," Taehyung said to which Jimin smiled and chuckled," Taehyung it is then."

"Well, I'll just go get changed and we can go?" you asked to which the both boys nodded, before you disappeared back into your apartment, rushing to your room to put on some more appropriate clothing for the cold night.

"So, how long have you guys been dating?" Jimin asked cautiously, stirring the cup of coffee in his hand.

Almost choking, you laughed as you quickly shook your head. Feeling  Taehyung stiffen beside you at the question, you looked at him and raised your eyebrows when he quickly replied with a playful grin on his face, "As if I'd date this mess."

You scoffed, shoving his shoulder playfully when you remarked, "Feelings mutual Kim."

"But Jimin, how was your dance academy?" you asked, remembering how he had wanted to major so badly in dance all high school, always going to dance lessons every day after school, having competitions, dance battles and performances to which you had always attended.

His face immediately brightened, although it was quick to disappear as he sighed softly, "It was amazing, but I think it made me realize that it was just a hobby and I didn't think I could've made it big–"

"Jimin..." you trailed off, "You really could've, I mean you're one of the best dancers I've ever seen."

"But just think, if I never quit, I would've never seen you again."

You laughed at that, teasing him, "Right, and that's the worst isn't it."

"I didn't know you danced." Taehyung piped up suddenly, his eyes gazing at him in a way that suddenly had your skin crawling. 

Jimin looked over at him and chuckled, "I guess I don't really look like it, do I?"

Taehyung's eyes were quick to widen as he shook his head, "N-no! I just–" he started, "Anyways, what made you change into medicine?"

"I guess I'd always wanted to be a doctor since I was a kid but dance took over my life in high school and blinded me for a while. But I think I know what I want to do now." Jimin smiled, giving you a pointed look.

"And it helps that I have possibly the best mentor to teach me," he added jokingly making you blush softly as Taehyung laughed beside you although not failing to notice how forced it had sounded.

If you hadn’t known Taehyung for as long as you had, you would’ve brushed off the signs but everything from the way he sat beside you, to his hands clasped together tightly in his lap and the forced smile on his face, you knew something was wrong, but you just didn’t know what. 

As you gave him a slight nudge, your brows raising lightly as to ask him if everything was alright? Jimin spoke up. 

"So, how long have you known Y/N, Taehyung?" Jimin asked.

"Since the first year of college, so around ten years, I'd say," Taehyung replied, a certain challenging tone in his voice that started to make you frown. 

But knowing how oblivious Jimin was at times, he simply grinned and said, "Wow! Although I do have to say, I beat you by just a couple years," he joked, his eyes disappearing with the wide smile he gave the two of you. 

However, Taehyung simply smiled grimly in return, making you instantly feel uncomfortable as a silence washed over the three of you.

Jimin briefly looked at you, his eyebrow raising in question when you quickly intercepted, "Ahh, well we should probably get going. It's getting pretty late and we have an early shift tomorrow. Taehyung?"

"Yea." he simply said, making you sigh inwardly. What had gotten into him?

Standing up, Jimin laughed softly, although even you could tell at that point he was forcing it too. "That's okay!" Jimin said, "But we should all definitely get some coffee together again!" 

Gathering your things, you got up too, Taehyung quickly following in suit behind you. Giving Jimin a hug, you pulled away and gave him a warm smile before reminding him, “10 AM tomorrow, don’t be late this time.” 

“Yes ma’am,” Jimin quipped, before giving you a wink as you laughed back. 

After saying your final goodbyes to Jimin, Taehyung and you walked out of the café and made your way back to your apartment in silence, when you suddenly couldn't take it anymore.

"Taehyung, what was that?" you questioned, an underlying anger laced within your voice as Taehyung stopped mid-step. 

He turned and raised an eyebrow at you, as he shrugged nonchalantly, "I don't know what you're talking about." before he continued to walk towards your apartment complex.

"Well, maybe the fact that you were being completely rude to Jimin?" you retorted as you caught up to him, looking at him from the side when you saw him huff in annoyance. 

"I wasn't. That's just the way I always talk," he replied so casually it made you clench your fists at your side.

"No you don't, Taehyung." you muttered heavily under your breath.

"Oh yea, then how do I talk?" he snapped, making you whirl around in front of him, giving him an incredulous look. 

"Are you giving me attitude now? After what you just did?” you fumed, finding yourself in absolute disbelief. Where did the Kim Taehyung you knew from a mere couple hours ago, disappear? 

"What exactly did I do?!" he shot back, making you groan out loud. 

You couldn't believe him.

“You were treating Jimin like actual shit, that’s what! I-I don’t even know why you were acting the way you were, being unresponsive, giving him cold looks, like what was the point of that?!” you yelled, your face burning in absolute anger at this point. 

“I just wasn’t in the mood.” Taehyung responded coldly making you scoff, and before you could say anything else, he added, “Maybe next time you can just go see him yourself if I’m so ‘rude’ to him.” 

Feeling like he had just knocked the air out of your lungs, you stared at him, blinking in absolute shock, as you spluttered, the anger rising in you as the seconds passed, “Fine! Be that way. See if I care. But if anyone's acting real immature, it's you Kim Taehyung." you snapped as you stormed off, muttering colorful language under your breath as you left Taehyung standing there alone, with no regret. 

Sitting in bed, you read over the text as your fingers hovered over the send button. 

Taehyung, do you want to talk about it? 

Finally deciding against it, you let out a sigh before setting your phone back on your nightside table. Nestling into your covers, you pulled your blanket up before thinking to yourself, You’ll figure it out. The two of you always do.

As you were sound asleep, your phone lit up, it’s dim light illuminating the room as a text filled your lock screen. 

Taehyung: I’m sorry. 

[anonil88]

LOYAL LINES, LOYAL STUNTS (WAYHAUGHT COLLEGE AU): CHAPTER 9-fatbob

Took me a minute to write this because i had to get some help. I have 0 first hand sibling or police experience so i had to call in some friends advice. But here is Chapter 9 and wayhaught action is coming soon...very soon.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16373183/chapters/40642073

Waverly was running off of pure adrenaline and partially whiskey. She was laying in the middle of green grass, her coat zipped up all the way. The whiskey helped settle the gnawing sickness Waverly felt growing in the pit of her belly. She kept the liquid courage in a small flask that doc gave her years ago. Wynonna convinced her to always keep something strong on her at all times for “emergencies”. Today was one of those emergency days. She did try to do school work, tried to keep face with other sigmas as they comforted her, and she kept her composure until she knew the spare soccer field would be empty. Until everyone would not be looking for her and she could turn her phone off and go there to be alone.

After intense cheer practices or finals week this became her spot to decompress and drink in peaceful quiet. Waverly winced as the whiskey burned her throat when she swallowed it quickly. while securing the top of the flask back on a loud rumble of a motorcycle pulling into the parking lot shook her from her thoughts. Thoughts about how maybe she should have called a certain security officer instead or in fact called anyone else instead. A long silver chopper roared closer, the rider confidently weaving around the fence to ride on the concrete walkway parallel to the metal bleacher. The bike reflected the stadium lights creating a glare against Waverly’s vision.

She was propped up on an elbow after trying to push herself up and realizing she was more tipsy than she thought. The bike slowed before reaching the middle of the field where Waverly was laying and clumsily attempting to get up. It was a brand new Harley Davidson Fatbob with flames etched into the chrome hood light and tire covers. It gleamed with gold tinted accents against chrome and matte black finishes as the bike tipped against the light.  The bike came to a complete stop, but it was left running as the rider dismounted the main seat of the bike. The rider was wearing an almost completely black helmet except for the faded Revenant logo on the side of the helmet. A black leather vest perfectly fit to the curve of the riders chest and fit her like a second skin. On the front of the vest a  patch read Revenant MC and below that President in scripty times new roman.

Waverly started to push her flask into her book bag before hiccuping and struggling to steady herself on her feet. She was shaky for so many reasons and it was not just the whiskeys fault. No, the whiskey caused her cheeks to flush red and her brain to mellow out. A hand gripped her bicep and helped her to stand up completely straight. Waverly turned her face and through a flipped up visor was met with broody green eyes. Eyes that had seen their fare share of growing up too soon, pain, and horror.

They reminded Waverly so much of the ones she saw every morning when she looked into a mirror. Diverting her gaze she reached for her own wrist rubbing small circles there to help her calm down. It was something Nicole did the other day that helped her relax when she felt like the walls around her were collapsing. Long brown curls similar to hers flowed in the wind once as a helmet fell to the side of the woman where Waverly kept her eyes fixed.  

"Hi, Willa", she strongly said without looking up. Her eldest sister gripped her chin and pulled her to look her face over. Willa searched Waverly’s face for anything, a scar, a bruise, before dropping her gloved hand. Waverly kept staring at her sisters face she felt a range of emotions. It looked so familiar but somehow so different less angry than she always remembered. Waverly wanted to scream at her sister and she could feel the words in the back of her throat.

Yet, nothing came out and she swallowed back tears instead. Willa saw the tears forming when their eyes connected and they both looked away before she was pushing her helmet into her Waverly’s hand. Upclose a sickle and Eve was airbrushed into the sides of the helmet lightly as Waverly rotated the helmet in her hands. She could only swallow hard and wipe away the tear that managed to fall before adjusting the helmet over her head. Protesting would end up nasty especially when she was the one who called her.

"Time to get you somewhere warm angel face,” Willa said as she walked back to the bike. The hogs exhaust rumbling low and gravely when she sunk back down onto the driver's seat. There was nothing to say now and Waverly pulled her backpack tight against her shoulder. She saddled onto the back of the seat and pushed the visor down. Willa was tying her own hair back in a ponytail and waited for Waverly to give her the go ahead. Waverly slid her arms around her sister and adjusted as Willa flipped up the kick stand while turning on the main headlight. I really should have just called Nicole she thought. Waverly could see a flashing light reflecting through the tinted visor. It wasn't anything but a security car doing rounds but Waverly was still on edge.

“Lets go,” she said through the helmet. Willa snailed off slowly across the grass field until she hit pavement. The fat bob roared with life as Willa shifted gears and pulled out of the lot. She was actually going speed limit Waverly thought as she watched the familiar streets and business pass by. Waverly felt the lump in her throat grow, she didn’t even know where Willa was taking her. *** Nicole gazed at her phone with a mixture of sadness and annoyance. Waverly had texted her that something had come up with Wynonna so they would have to have that talk another time. She felt for Waverly having to babysit her sister once again but she wanted to see Waverly. She missed Waverly and she had only just seen the girl that morning. Heck she even slept in the same bed as her. But, Nicole missed the brunette who seemed to bounce into her good graces so easily. The brunette who was making it hard for her to pay attention to the paperwork on her desk because her lips were having flashbacks to the feeling of Waverly’s against hers.

She really did wish she was able to say screw Champ and his feelings, but she would never push Waverly away from who she wanted even if he was a Chump. On purpose. The annoyance had nothing to do with Waverly nor her urge to just find the girl and continue the kiss from the night prior. That had to deal with one of the police academy’s she applied to. The Gendarmerie in northern Saskatchewan’s website kept crashing every time she went to refresh the link. Nicole received an official email that said her application and recommendation had been received via the fax she sent earlier in the day.The link was supposed to let her know if she had been at least accepted to start attempting to take her training courses there. They said the results would be ready in an hour and it had been an hour and then some.

“This is taking forever,” Nicole groaned under her breath.

“Maybe you should take a break then from hitting the refresh button Haught,” Lonnie mumbled from the student officer desk.

Nicole glared at him but, she knew he was probably right. Standing up from her seat she told him she was taking her dinner break and slipped out of the offices. She ended up taking a security vehicle onto campus and grabbing a slice of pizza before she went to one of her many hiding spots. It was the parking lot of the barely used Woodbridge soccer field. The one where the campus potheads would often gather to smoke on the bleachers when it was warmer out.

It was usually empty this time of year because of the changing weather. Nicole thought about how she would sometimes go there after basketball training or practice. She would park in the lot and sit in her car gazing at the clouds through the sunroof of her car. Thinking about everything and nothing, sometimes very rarely bumming a joint off of one of the aforementioned potheads and clearing her head. It was there and the spot at the edge of the woods where Nicole would think about the future and helping people in one of the best ways she could think of. Being a cop. And, now she was so close her fingers could refresh that link one more time.

Nicole pulled into a spot in the lot, before grabbing the slice of pizza in one hand and fishing for her phone in the other. She was opening the email yet again and a loud engine kicked its way into the parking lot but faded towards the grassy field. Her eyes became focused while she continued to chew the pizza in her mouth and watched the motorcycle causing the noise approach the middle of the field. There was a person standing there,her protective instincts wondered if she should call it in. But, a ding let her know the page had actually loaded this time.

Her brown eyes looked down at the screen and her jaw clenched. Congratulations were the first words Nicole read and she stared in disbelief.

“I got in,” she smiled to herself and looked back up through the windshield. The biker and new companion were now leaving the field. She made a note to write a suspicious persons report when she got back in to the office. Right now though she had to call Dolls and everyone else to let them know, she was officially going to be a cop. *** Obeying the speed limit lasted until Willa reached a more scenic route. Waverly noticed they were leaving town as the streetlights became fewer and fewer. They were on the back roads that led to trails into the forest. It was dark but she could still make out the large conifer trees surrounding her from the headlight. Willa started to slow down as they reached one of the older secluded suburbs outside of the college town. The chopper leaned smoothly against a tight turn onto one of the dead end roads in the cul de sac. The bright golden head light lit up the rust colored brick of a large three story family house at the end of the road. Willa pulled into the backyard of the house her tires grinding against the stone driveway until she cut the engine in the grass. She dismounted first before helping Waverly do the same. Waverly pulled off her sisters helmet and looked around on the property which held more land than could be observed from the front of the house.

The sun was setting but, she could see that the yard was huge and spanned at least 100 feet in the distance before a large wooden fence met the start of the woods. Two large sheds, one with a window and lights inside sat close to that edge of the property. Based on the amount of tarp covering the one Waverly knew exactly what illicit things were being grown there. Bikes of varying sizes and models were parked in worn out spots near the back deck attached to the house. A few of them Waverly recognized especially one that highly resembled peacemaker. Despite the motorcycles, a few empty stray beer cans, and low playing rock and roll it looked normal. Waverly felt a cold gaze on her and turned around.

“It’s nice right, and i thought you would never call me,” Willa said staring straight through her sister.

“Me too,” Waverly responded quickly avoiding her sisters eyes.

“So, Why did you im sure youve got friends, or a boyfriend. Hell from what Wy, says maybe a girlfriend. You even have her and yet you called me.” Willa asked her sister while keeping her own hands firmly settled in her jean pockets.

Waverly was silent and just gazed at Willa like she was from another planet. She was filled with the same conflicting feelings that gnawed at her insides earlier. Wait Wynonna and Willa talked and about her? When?

“Come on Waverly you have to say something.”

Waverly closed her eyes and took a breath but, remained quiet.

“Of course angel face.” Willa scoffed impatiently, “You call me, have me waste gas just to say nothing to me. I am trying and you just stand there judging me because you're the perfect one.”

Waverly’s expression went from cold to sad and then she started to shout her voice getting louder and louder.  

“My name isn’t perfect Willa,” Waverly pronounced both syllables of her elder sister’s name. “I am not perfect and i would love if you and everyone stopped thinking i am so damn perfect. Ya Know the sister you made run away to an entirely different province because you were a fuck up. My name is Waverly fucking Earp and i am just as much a screw up as you you. You who abandoned us for your boyfriend and the stupid revenants. Waverly Earp not angel or angel face.” Her voice giving away the watery tears daring to break through.

Willa stood up straighter and started to approach Waverly, her expression wasn’t an easily read one. Waverly instinctively went rigid.  A sad chuckle rested on the cold fall air. Willa stepped forward again and rested her hand on Waverly’s shoulder, “I’m not going to hit you Waves. And, I am so sorry for everything, but also you kind of are a revenant too.”

Waverly shrugged and mumbled, “Technically and i know you are Will.” She moved forward to meet Willa in an awkward hug. Willa held her sister there for a second before saying over Waverly’s shoulder, “Wynonna you can put the gun down now.”

The sound of a gun clicking into safety came from the porch.

“Just making sure,” Wynonna said, “and I hate to break this up but, we have other things to take care of.”

A loud crash of glass came from the house.

Willa freed her hair from her hairband before heading towards the door. Waverly noticed the icy resolved of the Willa she once knew replace this warmer one. She mumbled to her sisters as she passed them, “Come on you two,” before she opened the door to a warmly lit kitchen.

[angst-and-heartache]

Ranger!UA

Chapter 1: Old Friends

The folowing is a fictional story based off events in the show RWBY. All rights and ownership belong to Rooster Teeth. Any pallels between this story and future episodes of RWBY are pure coincidence and I claim no credit for them. Please support Rooster Teeth and watch the show through them if you haven't already.

There are many times, future and past, where simple changes create a whole new timeline. In this time the Fall maiden was rescued before she lost her powers and Beacon Academy was never attacked. While the attackers fled Qrow tracked them silently and reported back to Ozpin. It has been many years since the teams RWBY and JNPR finished their training at Beacon Academy. After graduating the teams went their separate ways. Team JNPR remained together and traveled the world offering their services as huntsmen and huntresses. Yang and Blake left for Menagerie, home of the Faunus, to get married. Weiss returned home to Atlas to reform the Schnee Dust Company. Ruby followed the example of team JNPR and set off on her own adventure. Just south of the kingdom of Vale was a small settlement, just large enough to be considered a village. This village was surrounded by thick woods save the large open space between the trees and the edge of the village, usually used for farming or gatherings too large for the village center. There were trails leading through the woods, barely noticeable due to lack of travel, and one road leading towards the larger towns and cities. It is here that our story begins.

“So much noise for such a small village.” Mumbled a woman as she approached the village, her form hidden by the shadows of night. She could hear the sounds of celebration from the woodline outside the settlement. Music and laughter filled the air. As she drew closer she could make out the shapes of the buildings in the village. She guessed there were around ten or twelve buildings in the village. On the left side were six buildings, all around the same shape. “Hm, living quarters perhaps?” She pondered, scanning over to the middle of the area. Here was a long and tall building with large windows. “Warehouse most likely.” To the right of this building were two more buildings. One was multiple stories tall with a very square base, likely a hotel of sorts. The other was a wide, single-storied building with multiple windows and double doors in the front. “That must be where they hold public meetings.” The woman was mere meters from the edge of town now, the music and laughter even louder. A flickering light, as if from a fire, danced across the building exteriors. When the woman stepped into the light her figure was illuminated. She looked to be about twenty-four, her hair was pure white, fastened into a long ponytail. Her face was stern and determined, a scar over her left eye. Her eyes were a brilliant blue, perfectly complimenting her hair and pale skin. Her outfit consisted of white heeled boots accompanied by a pair of white dress pants with a dark blue stripe going down the side. Her top was a short blue vest over a white undershirt topped with a white tailcoat. At her waist hung a silver rapier with a multi-colored revolver chamber. The blade was noticeably thicker than a normal rapier with elegant engravings adorning the blade and hilt. She walked with a stiff posture, hands behind her back. Her overall appearance radiated status, leaving no doubt that she was one of importance. As she rounded the corner of the warehouse she entered a clearing. There was a large group of people dancing, a fire burning in the middle of the clearing, and a band playing cheerful and upbeat music. The woman scanned the crowd carefully. Her eyes locked on a man in the clearing. As she did this the man looked up, locking eyes with her and smiling. “Miss Schnee, I presume!” He shouted from across the clearing, making his way over to her. Weiss approached the man, noting his size. He was easily a foot taller than her and massively built. He wore a pair of shorts and an unbuttoned hawaiian shirt. The man approached Weiss with a smile and outstretched arms. “Greetings, Miss Schnee, I’m Hacha. I’m the leader of this here village. I’ve been waiting for you.” Weiss nodded her greeting. “Hello, Hacha. Do you have somewhere quieter we can talk?” Hacha nodded and gestured to what Weiss assumed was the meeting hall. “We can talk in there.” The two turned and made their way to be building. As they walked Weiss turned her head to glance at the group of people.. “Looking for someone?” Weiss turned her head back, her gaze in front of her once again. “No one in particular. What’s with the celebration?” Hacha looked down at her. “It is an attempt to keep everyone's spirits high. To keep the Grimm at bay.” As the two reached the building two kids came running out, laughing and fighting with wooden swords. Weiss watched them as they made their way towards the festivities. They’re only kids and they’re already learning to fight. I hope they never have to put those skill to use, “Miss Schnee?” The chief’s voice snapped her out of thought. She cleared her throat before turning her attention to the building once more. “We have business to conduct, no?” He nodded and the two entered the building, closing the door behind them. A little over an hour passed before they emerged from the doors. “Then we are in agreement?” Weiss asked. Hacha nodded. “If you supply forced to defend this village I can guarantee they will have adequate housing and sustenance. They will be treated as family, I assure you.” The woman nodded. “Very well, I shall make the arrangements. I will send word ahead of when you should expect your new arrivals.” Weiss turned and began walking away. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to stay the night, Miss Schnee? We’ve plenty of room.” She turned her gaze to the sky, the shattered moon hanging in the sky accompanied by countless stars. “I’m sure.” She said with a smile. It only took Hacha a moment to connect the dots. “Very well. Enjoy the view, Miss Schnee.” Hacha nodded a farewell before making his way to his own home. Weiss stood with her hands behind her back, taking in the night sky, a view she would never get in Atlas. “I suppose I should get going, wouldn’t want to keep father waiting.” She tore herself away from the stars, sighing as her smile faded. The woman looked around the village, the bulk of the celebrations had died down and people were returning to their homes. The bonfire that had burned so brightly in the middle of the town was mere embers, heat still radiating from it as she passed.

Leaving the village she entered the forests, the moon shining through the trees. Several silent minutes passed before a low growl caught the woman’s attention. She stopped, her hand moving to her rapier. The foliage around her lit up with several pairs of glowing red eyes. “Not good.” She drew her blade as she examined the area. “How many?” She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the first attack. As she steeled herself the first grimm lept from the bushes, slashing at the woman. She backstepped out the creature’s range, piercing its skull. As the first died another lept out, swinging as Weiss before she could recover. Her eyes widened as she saw the claws a mere foot from her face. Her body reacted before her mind, throwing herself to the ground as the beast lurched past her. Weiss hastily got to her feet, blood pouring from a gash on her cheek. The beast resembled a large bipedal wolf. Most of its body was solid black with an ominous black smoke rising from its fur. It's head was adorned with a white skull with two small red lines running parallel to each other from the snout to the back of the head. There were long, white, bone like spikes that lines the creature’s spine, forearms, elbows and knees. She grit her teeth, regaining her composure. “I can do this, it's just a beowolf.”She mumbled to herself. She stood, poised to strike as her blade glowed red, a white glyph appearing at her feet. Two more grimm emerged next to the first one, snarling at their opponent. Weiss lunged forward, her glyph propelling her towards the trio. She ran the middle one through, its body combusting instantly. The other two reared back, growling viciously. In one swift motion she pulled her rapier from the first grimm and leapt back. As she landed the middle grimm exploded into a burst of fire, igniting the other two grimm. Before she could admire her handiwork a massive force slammed against her side, throwing her against a tree. Weiss cried out in pain, feeling several of her ribs cracking upon impact. Panting, she pushed herself up to a sitting position, her back against the tree. Through her blurred vision she could see the outline of a massive ursa. A bear like creature that had the same white and red skull as the beowolves. This beast had spikes covering its entire back with huge white claws on the tip of its fingers. It was easily five times Weiss’ size. “Damn.” She spoke through gritted teeth. Weiss grabbed her weapon, using it as a crutch to get to a kneeling position. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her scroll. Her hands were shaking. She fumbled with the device, dropping it just as she activated the voice commands. “Hello, Miss Schnee. How may i assist you?” The phone chimed cheerfully. Weiss winced as she breathed. “Call… Winter.” “Calling Winter Schnee.” Panting, Weiss stood. She reached out to the tree to steady herself. One ring. The ursa began to move towards her, snarling. Two rings. Weiss tightened her grip on her weapon and pointed it at the beast. Three rings. Mustering all her strength Weiss charged at the beast. As she moved away from the device a click was heard, connecting to the other line. “Hello, Weiss. To what do I owe the pleasure?” a soft voice asked from the other end. Weiss swung clumsily, her blade glancing harmlessly off the ursa’s hide. The creature growled and swung it claws at the woman. She managed to block the majority of the attack, one of the claws slicing across her abdomen. Weiss cried out in pain and staggered back. “Weiss? Weiss are you okay?” The voice called out. Weiss fell to one knee, clutching her bleeding side. “Winter…” A coughing fit interrupted her sentence, blood landing on the ground beneath her. She took a shaky breath, the ursa moving closer once more. “Weiss, talk to me. What’s going on?” Winter was almost yelling now. “Ursa…” Weiss struggled. Now light headed from blood loss, the fighter collapsed, barely able to see the beast that was now mere feet from her. The ursa let out a roar as it raised its claws, poised to finish off the woman. The roar was cut short as three meter-long arrows pierced the beast’s chest. It staggered backwards, falling to the ground motionless. “Oh, Weiss. You really should be more careful. It’s dangerous out here.” Weiss tried to look to the source of the voice, catching only a glimpse of a hooded figure before passing out. The figure sighed and shook their head before picking up the phone. “Hello?” “What the- Who the hell are you? Where is Weiss? Answer me, dammit!” The figure chuckled and smiled. “No need to worry, Winter.” Hanging up, the figure pocketed the phone and knelt by Weiss. “Always biting off more than you can chew.” Sliding their arms under her the figure picked Weiss up and carried her off.

[bvidzsoo]

Linked

 A/N: Ah, finally! I updated the Halloween Series...I was really busy with school so yeah...I really hope you’ll enjoy this one shot and please leave feedback, it would mean a lot! Since you never tell me guys what you think about my writings I don’t know and feel insecure, so please do that! Moodboard created by the amazing @sun-moon-and-pcy !

 Genre: Supranatural AU, Vampire/Moroi AU

 Author: bvidzsoo

 Warning: swearing and a little of sexual things

 Pairing: Yixing x Reader

 Word count: 6, 394

 Summary:  You find players everywhere. Zhang Yixing was your player boy, and if being a simple player boy isn’t enough…he was the most charming moroi (vampire with royal blood) in the whole academy. He knew it and profited of it, but when you’re linked to a person like him, life isn’t easy. Y/N was a damphire (half human, half vampire), and on top of that she was Yixing’s guardian. If you think all these aren’t that bad, having him all day in your head and seeing what he does, I think might change your thoughts. But what if, all Yixing was doing, was to catch your attention?

      Y/N Heves. Descendent of a Hungarian Dhampir mother and a Korean Moroi father, nice combination, right? But first of all, what is a Moroi? Moroi’s are vampires with royal blood, well...not everyone has royal blood, but they are the good vampires. Moroi’s don’t live forever, the sunlight doesn’t kill them, but their main source of life is blood. What a Dhampir is? Well, we are half human, half vampire. I have no problem with walking in the sunlight and I prefer real food, not blood. But we can survive with blood too. Why are there Dhampir’s? Aren’t Moroi’s enough? Well...not really. You see, there are vampires called, Strigoi. Now, these guys are bad...they kill without mercy, they die if you rip their heads off or implant a silver stake in their heart. They also can’t go out if there’s sunlight, because it would burn them. And all they want is blood. Trust me, not your type of people. If you thought Moroi’s are special enough by now...I have something else to tell you. Moroi’s aren’t just good vampires, they also have powers. There are four or five, in my case. Water, Fire, Wind, Earth and—Spirit. The Spirit is not well known, because there are only a few of them with this power. How did I discover it? It’s not a pleasant memory, but I’m willing to tell you.

    I’m the daughter of Elena Heves, one of the most well known and respected female Dhampir guardians. The thing is—that I never really got to know her, she was busy protecting a Moroi family. And my father—well—I don’t know him either. I was told he’s dead and that he gave me to the Zhang family, who he was close friends with, and they were rather happy to take me in and raise me up. So just like that, the family I consider my real family are the Zhang’s. I was raised by Moroi’s, not that I mind. I always had everything, from things I wanted to love. The Zhang’s had a boy, Yixing. He was always a shy, cute and friendly little boy. But as the years passed, he changed. He became a handsome guy, and he profited of it. He played around with girls, shamelessly. From the friendly little boy, he became an arrogant prick. Two years ago, Yixing and I were out. It was summer and it was warm, we sneaked out and went for a walk. We were supposed to sleep at that hour. Like you know, Moroi’s had a power they mastered in. By fifteen years, your prominent power shows...but at Yixing it was different. He didn’t know which was his power, and he was frustrated. So if you wonder what we were doing outside at night...we were practicing. I was helping him.

“Yixing, if you keep looking at me, the water won’t raise up.” I rolled my eyes.

“What if I want to move your hair?” He scoffed.

“I thought we were exercising water?” I swung my legs in the air.

“I feel like doing wind.” He shrugged, walking closer to me.

“Alright, do it then.” I nodded, starring at him. Yixing stopped in front of me, furrowing his eyebrows and concentrating on my face. I raised an eyebrow at him, and chuckled at his focused face.

“So? What are we moving?”

“Ugh—If you don’t keep quiet I can’t do it.” Yixing glared at me.

“Alright, I’ll give you two minutes.” I chuckled, crossing my arms in front of my chest and waited for him. Yixing huffed, his fingers twitching. I tried hiding my smile, he couldn’t do it and he was getting angry. Before I could mock him for it...a big gush of wind pushed me back, and if it wasn’t for Yixing’s good reflexes I would have fallen into the fountain with water.

“Yixing!” I exclaimed “Why did you do that?”

“Sorry! But you were smiling and it annoyed me and—I only wanted to move your hair.” He pulled me close to him, his heart beating fast.

“Yeah, you caught me, so it’s fine.” I chuckled, my cheeks flushed at the close contact.

“Let’s get you off there.” Yixing lifted me up, placing me on the ground.

“Thanks.” I whispered, staring at the ground, my heart beating fast. Yixing chuckled, no contact anymore between us. I looked up, but saw no one.

“Yixing?” I asked confused, he was here...hugging me a few seconds ago. There was no answer.

“Yixing?” I asked again, starting to walk around “It’s not funny, where are you?” The night suddenly felt chillier, I shivered. There was a light breeze, I started walking towards the road, where the lamppost’s were giving light.

“Yixing, please come out! It’s not funny, I’m—scared!” I shouted, hoping he would stop his stupid game. I was turning in the same circle, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. But he was nowhere, and in my desperation to find him—I missed the car with a drunken driver coming towards me. In the next moment, what I felt was the air leaving my lungs aggressively...strong wind around me and then—a big hit on my back and head. I whined when I landed on the ground, rolling onto my back. The car has disappeared, and my head was hurting. I tried focusing on one thing, but darkness started to envelope my whole being. I could hear someone talking to me, but I wasn't able to tell who or what it was saying. A bright light blinded my vision, and a tall man appeared in front of me. He had hazel eyes just like mine.

“Darling, what are you doing here?” He asked, concern written all over his face.

“Who are you?” I asked, my voice small.

“Your father, Hyungsik.”

“My father, but then—am I dead? That car—" Suddenly everything came back, me being on the road, missing the car with drunken driver, I was...hit and now...I'm dead.

“You are not dead, at least not yet.” My father answered with a smile.

“But—Is that a good thing?” I asked unsure.

“Someone really loves you out there, and he's trying to bring you back. And it's working.” Father chuckled.

“I'm not going to die?”

“No, goodbye darling. Don't forget I love you, and you are strong, you'll get through this.” Father smiled and waved at me, the air left my lungs and pain entered my whole body.

“Y/N, Y/N...Y/N please wake up...I can't lose you...mom and dad will kill me...Y/N, I can't lose you, wake up!” Yixing shouted sobbing, his hands resting on my stomach, I felt a tingling sensation enter my whole body, the pain partially gone. I groaned, my eyes slowly opening.

“Y/N...what—Y/N...you are alive, but you were—”

“Dead?” I gasped out, a headache taking over “I know.”

“You know?” Yixing asked shocked.

“My dad told me.” I sat up, my back aching.

“You saw him?”

“Yeah, he told me to come back.” I looked around “But—what happened? How did you bring me back?”

“Uhm..I don't know...I kept calling you and you woke up.” I touched you and you woke up.

“Wait, what did you say?” I asked my eyes widening, he did not move his lips and I heard his voice in my head.

“That I kept calling—”

“No, not that. After.” I pressed, my heart beating faster.

“I didn’t say anything after that, Y/N.” Yixing furrowed his eyebrows.

“Maybe you thought it?”

“What do you mean?”

“I touched you and you woke up?”

“How—what—how did you do that?” Yixing asked taken aback.

“I don’t know, I just suddenly heard you saying it.” I shrugged.

“That’s weird, I—oh.” Yixing closed his eyes, clutching his head.

“Hey, what happened? Yixing?” I touched his shoulder and before I could react he went limp, falling into me “Yixing? Yah, Yixing! It’s not funny, stop joking! Yixing!” But I didn’t get an answer from him...and just like that, we became linked. Or as we call it, I became Shadow Kissed. If it wasn’t for Yixing, I would be dead now...but if back then I’d know what the prize was with being linked to Yixing—maybe I would wish he let me die and be with dad.

       Life at Saint Iacob’s Academy wasn’t the easiest, we had homework, the usual training a day, occasional class meetings and Yixing. Because life without Yixing wouldn’t be life, his words not mine.

“Come on, Y/N!” Yeri with her big eyes beamed at me, pulling me outside on the hallway.

“Just a little bit, Yeri—ugh, why can’t you wait?” I exclaimed, rolling my eyes. I still had to pull my hair in a ponytail and zip up my skirt.

“Class is starting soon!” She exclaimed, tucking in my white shirt and zipping up my skirt.

“We have half an hour ‘till then!” I exclaimed not believing what was I hearing.

“But until we walk there...come on Y/N! We can’t be late!” She dragged me after her.

“Is this about Minseok? Are we going quicker so you can see him?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at Yeri.

“Uh, I—” Her grip loosened on my arm “No, of course not! I just don’t want to be late.”

“Yeri, since when do we know each other?” I smiled at her.

“Five years?”

“Exactly, I can tell when you lie. You just want to see him!” I teased her, chuckling.

“Okay, and so what?” She exclaimed, her eyes wide, looking at me.

“Nah, it’s fine. I know you like him a lot.” I patted her shoulder. I want to fucking punch his pretty little face!  I rolled my eyes at Yixing, of course...looking for fights like always.

“What are you rolling your eyes at? I didn’t say anything!”

“It’s Yixing, not you.” I sighed.

“What did he do?”

“He’s looking for a fight, again.” I rolled my eyes.

“I will never get used to your bond..it’s so strange.” Yeri shivered. Yeri was one of the few people that knew about the bond.

“Just—let’s go. Minseok is with Yixing, and they are heading for class as well.”

“Really?” Yeri beamed.

“Yes.”

“At times like this—I really like this bond thing.” She chuckled, running ahead. I shook my head and quickened my peace in order to catch up. The night was not too cold but not too warm either. It was the beginning of September, when the weather was still acceptable. The Academy was lit by torches, like in the medieval times. This school, is kinda old fashioned, not that I’m complaining. We do have computers and stuff like that, but I guess vampires like old fashioned things. Why am I up at midnight?, you wonder….because things here are a little bit different. We go to school at night, while we sleep at daytime. Weird at first, pretty okay after you get used to it.

Someone knocked into me and I was ready to punch, when Sehun jumped in front of me.

“Y/N, my favorite person in the world. How’s your night?” He rested his arm around my shoulder, a smirk on his face.

“So far, it’s been fine.” I smiled at him, kissing his cheek.

“Y/N, are you—hello Sehun—coming?” Yeri tapped her feet against the ground.

“Yes, I am!” I rolled my eyes, for the nth time.

“Why is she so eager to get to class? She’s not a nerd, this Moroi is so weird.” Sehun shook his head.

“Minseok.” I chuckled.

“Ah, tell me no more.” Sehun laughed, and we entered class. Yes, Yeri is a Moroi, a fire user. And no, Sehun isn’t a moroi...he is a Dhampir, just like me, Minseok, Jongdae and Kyungsoo. The class was loud, everyone laughing over something. Sehun and I made our way to our group of friends. Jongdae had his arm around Irene, her girlfriend while Junmyeon was chatting with Joy, his sister. Baekhyun was busy sleeping, while Chanyeol and Jongin were busy speaking and laughing loudly. Kyungsoo was sitting beside Minseok and Yeri, his legs propped up on the table, while the other two were speaking timidly, like two love sick teenagers. And Yixing, well he was Yixing...so he was busy starring at a Moroi girls ass, but once sensing me enter the room he focused his gaze on Sehun and I.

“Little Moroi is starring again.” He chuckled, his mouth close to my ear.

“Shall we put on a show for him?” I raised an eyebrow at Sehun.

“Anything for the lady.” He chuckled and nuzzled his face in the crock of my neck. I chuckled and playfully pushed his chest away. Once we neared the table, Sehun leaned against it and pulled me in between his legs.

“Oh, like this?” I whispered at him, surprised by his actions.

“Too much?” Sehun chuckled.

“I don’t know.” I shrugged, glancing at Yixing, who’s jaw was tightly closed. He could play around with girls but not me? Seriously, get a grip boy!

“You smell nice, like always.” Sehun said loudly enough, patting my hair.

“Thanks.” I smiled sweetly at him.

“Today we have combat class, right?”

“Yep.” I nodded, an eyebrow raised at him.

“Can’t wait for it—I’m going to see you in tight clothes.”

“You are a perv, Sehun.” I pushed his chest with a roll of my eyes, only to be pulled into a hug by him.

“Can you stop doing that on my table?” Yixing asked, his voice tight. I could feel the anger radiating off him.

“Got a problem, bro?” Sehun asked, voice cold, an eyebrow raised. They weren’t the bestest of friends.

“Yes, you are almost fucking on my table and that annoys me. Get a room.” Yixing spat.

“What’s your problem?” I asked, my voice raised “You can bang a girl on the teacher’s desk but I can’t hug a guy while leaning against the table?”

“Exactly, you can’t.” Yixing smirked, taking a deep breath.

“Cut it off, asshole. You are so annoying, I don’t know why Y/N still befriends you.” Sehun glared at Yixing.

“Sehun—it’s fine. You know why.” I tapped his chest, pulling away from his grip and sat down beside Kyungsoo. Sehun sighed and walked to his seat, between Joy and Junmyeon. Fucking asshole, I’m going to leave him without his teeth. Speaking like that to me...touching Y/N. Who the fuck does he think he—

“Stop!” I glared at Yixing “Just shut up! I don’t want to hear it!” Other people looked at us, they clearly didn’t know I was speaking to Yixing who didn’t even move his mouth.

I don’t care what you want, you both are asses. And stop shouting, people think you are crazy. I looked at him with a glare, to be met with a smirk.

“Ignore him.” Kyungsoo said, not even glancing at me.

“That’s what I’m trying.” I nodded, not looking at him either.

“He will realize soon, very soon.” He muttered.

“Realize what?” I asked, my eyebrows furrowed.

“His stupidity.” Kyungsoo slowly rolled his head towards me, face serious.

“What are you talking about?” I asked confused.

“When the time will come—you will know.” He winked, than turned back to stare at the blackboard. I stared down at the book in front of me, wondering what he meant. Yixing couldn’t possibly like me, I wasn’t his type. Besides, we grew up together...he sees me as his sister. And he’s also rude to me, something that proves that somewhere along the road he started hating me. It’s fine by me, I can’t say it doesn’t hurt...and there’s no reason why I should lie, I like him...but he doesn’t, if the bond wouldn’t exist, I’m sure he’d ignore me completely. Sometimes I wish things would go back to how they used to be, no bond, just us and our friends.

    Seulgi and I were stretching by the running field, while Sehun and Minseok were already running and Jongdae and Kyungsoo were with the wrestling team.

“Uh, it’s so tiring to be a Dhampir.” Seulgi whined, while sitting on the ground, stretching her legs.

“Are you saying you’d rather be a Moroi?” I raised an eyebrow at her.

“No, I don’t want to be a Moroi...but we are girls, they should go more easier on us.” She rolled her us, standing up.

“The Strigoi’s won’t go easy on you because you are a girl.” I rolled my eyes, we started running too. It was known, that female Dhampir’s are rare. At the Academy, there are only twenty female Dhampir’s...the rest are males, our life’s at training has never been easy.

Thanks to our good stamina, Seulgi and I stopped running after twenty laps feeling dead. She layed down on the ground and started whimpering like a little kid someone ignores. I stared at her and shook my head, chucking down a whole bottle of water.

“Look at you, all sweaty.” Sehun chuckled, walking up to us. He threw a towel at me.

“Please, at least keep your perverted thoughts to yourself.” I mumbled, while drying myself off.

“Did you bring me a towel too?” Seulgi asked sitting up.

“Oh, I didn’t see you were here too.” Sehun smirked and winked at her. She huffed and sat up.

“You saw me, but I’m not Y/N, so of course you wouldn’t bring me a towel.”

“I’m glad you know how things work around here.” Sehun chuckled, I smiled with pity at Seulgi.

“Here, take this.” Kyungsoo handed a towel to Seulgi with a small smile.

“Oh, thanks.” Seulgi blushed and quickly took the towel. She always had a crush on Kyungsoo, but they are both Dhampir’s, so even if they wanted...their relation would be forbidden.

“Let’s head to hand to hand combat.” Sehun pulled me after him, making me stumble behind him.

“Are you ready to get your ass beaten?” I smirked at him.

“Keep dreaming, little dhampir. You know you can’t beat me.” Sehun smirked back.

“Just because you are bigger doesn’t mean I can’t beat you. Have you seen Jordan? That guy is huge, and I was still able to put him down and leave him with a black eye.” I smiled triumphantly.

“Exactly, Jordan...He’s Jordan, even a Moroi would be able to put him down.” Sehun laughed loudly.

“Not Baekhyun.”

“Even Baekhyun.”

“Are you just bragging about you being so cool, tall, handsome, strong and big? It’s really annoying after a time, Sehun.” I rolled my eyes playfully.

“And you keep saying big as you’d know.” He smirked at me.

“Are you serious? I didn’t mean it like that...god, you are so dirty.” I pushed him away.

“But sweetie, it’s nothing new that I’m big...you’ve known it before too.” He slapped my ass.

“Oh my god, Sehun. Just shut up!” I slapped his firm and wide chest, lining up at the girls side.

“With pleasure, little dhampir.” He bowed, than went to stay in his line too.

“Okay, everyone. Today, I make the pairs.” Miss Lin announced, her voice firm and her long face firm and scary like always.

“Minseok, Jongdae you are together.” Her voice boomed “Seulgi you are with Sehun” Seulgi cracked her knuckles and mouthed to Sehun ‘you are dead’ while he rolled his eyes, “Y/N, your pair will be Kyungsoo.” She stated and continued calling the pairs. I smiled at Kyungsoo and we went to a mattress, where we could practice safely.

“Y/N, I know you are a girl...but I won’t go easy on you.” Kyungsoo stated, getting into an attacking position.

“Please, we both know that’s not necessary.” I grinned at him, mirroring his position.

I grunted when my back made contact with the mattress for the fifth time, “How the hell can you put me down, when not even Jordan is able? Or Sehun?” I mumbled flustered, starring up at the back sky. Kyungsoo was smaller than me, and yet he was able to put me down? What was happening?

“Y/N, stand up.” He held his hand out “You are distracted.”

“No, I’m not.” I glared at our intertwined hands.

“Yes, you are. I tested you, I made twice the same move that even first years are capable of blocking and you didn’t even pay attention.” He sighed, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.

“Maybe you are just too good, and I’m not even that good. Thought of that?” I shrugged, drinking from my water.

“You are just distracted, care to explain?” He sighed, stretching his back.

“I’m not—” I took a deep breath, the wave hitting me again “Okay, it’s Yixing. I have no idea what he’s doing, but my body feels on fire and this stupid warm waves keep hitting me. It feels very bad and it’s frustrating.”

“You could tell him to stop?”

“You are forgetting that the bond works one way...meaning I can’t speak to him or anything, he’s the one that can.” I sighed, getting into the fighting position again.

“Then channel your frustration into your moves, it will help.” Kyungsoo instructed, and I collected my thoughts and took the initiative of the first punch. Kyungsoo jumped away, but didn’t waste time in returning it. I blocked the punch and instead kneeled him in the stomach, earning a grunt from him. He straightened quickly back up and aimed towards my legs, but I was able to block him once again. Suddenly, I could hear some voices in my head...definitely Yixing and a female..but I couldn’t make out the words they were saying. I growled and cursed out loud, what the hell is doing Yixing? He should be at class, learning how to control his power. With a hard punch I aimed towards Kyungsoo’s shoulder, tripped him and successfully pushed him down, landing on top of him.

“See? That wasn’t so bad, you just need to focus on what you are doing.” Kyungsoo chuckled, his hands resting on my thighs.

“Yeah, I should take you as my trainer, you are definitely better than Miss Lin.” I chuckled.

“Not a bad idea, but she wouldn’t be too happy about it.” Kyungsoo flashed me his rare, genuine smile.

“She doesn’t have to find out about it.” I smiled back, but at this point the heat was becoming unbearable...and Kyungsoo touching my thighs wasn’t helping at all. I lowered my head, my lips centimeters away from his neck.

“Y/N, what are you doing?” He asked, confusion lacing his voice.

“I have no idea.” I furrowed my eyebrows when another wave hit me, my lips connected with his neck. Kyungsoo gasped loudly and within a second I was in the air and then on my back. He blocked my legs and both hands.

“You shouldn’t do something like that.” He said, his voice hard.

“I know, I’m very sorry—” My whole face felt on fire, what the hell was I doing? I heard a loud moan, my eyes widened.

“What happened?” Kyungsoo asked, his eyes turning soft.

“Oh my god, I hope Yixing isn’t doing what I think he is.” Kyungsoo helped up, and I brushed my pants down.

“Are you feeling okay?” Kyungsoo asked, not letting entirely go of me.

“I don’t know.” I shrugged, right when I was about to pull away my arm from his grip, I suddenly wasn’t on the field out and practicing. I was in a classroom, with a girl and—Yixing. Oh my God! The girl didn’t have her uniforms shirt on, leaving her in a bra and Yixing was kissing her neck—and yes, she was the one moaning. No wonder why I felt on fire, Yixing was hard, his thoughts filled with dirty things.

“Y/N?” I could hear Kyungsoo calling me.

“Kyungsoo!” I exclaimed, when Yixing’s hands started to travel downwards “Get me out! Oh my God! Please Kyungsoo, you need to bring me out of Yixing’s head!”

“I—I don’t know how!” He stuttered “How do you usually do it?”

“It won’t work, Yixing’s mind is too fogged with other thoughts and he’s too powerful like this, I can’t get out without someone’s help.” I explained. The girl stopped Yixing’s hand, thank you God, and smirked at him.

“You think you are getting it so fast?” She purred at him “You did nothing to deserve it.”

“Oh, you want to play?” Yixing chuckled darkly “Sure kitten, anything for you. Holy mother! I have to get out! I can’t see this, I don’t want to! Please!

“Kyungsoo!” I shouted desperately “Please, I can’t stay in longer—Kyunsoo they are about to do it, please!”

“I—oh my—hang on.” He rushed and suddenly I felt him gone.

“No! Kyungsoo, don’t leave me you asshole!” I whisper shouted, unsure if someone was around me.

“Tell me, what should satisfy you?”

“I have a few things in mind.” The girl chuckled.

“Care to share?”

“Of course, Lay.” Lay? What the hell! His name is Yixing, you bitch. I suddenly felt hands on me, no not on me, on Yixing and—oh hell nah! I have to get the hell out! Yixing had no longer pants on him. I swear to God, Yixing if you don’t keep it in your boxers for a little longer I’ll cut off your dick. I gasped when I felt two hands on my cheeks, yes this time they were really on me.

“Who’s there?” I quietly asked.

“Y/N?”

“Sehun! Please help me, I can’t stay in any longer.” I gripped his wrists tightly.

“Kyungsoo told us, but I—I don’t know what to do.”

“Anything, Sehun just do anything!” The girl didn’t have any skirt on her anymore, I’m going to die if I have to see this, I’m not kidding. I abruptly pulled my head back when I felt something on my lips but Sehun wouldn’t let me, he pulled me closer to him. Was he...were those lips on my lips? I gasped and suddenly was brought out of Yixing’s head, all the heat leaving my body, leaving me shivering. My eyes widened when I saw Sehun’s closed eyes..his lips on mine! I pushed him away, starring wide eyes at the four boys standing in front of me.

“I’m sorry!” Sehun exclaimed “It was Kyungsoo’s idea!”

“No, it wasn’t mine!” Kyungsoo slapped the back of Sehun’s head “Minseok told me to tell you!”

“I didn’t!” Minseok raised his hands in the air “Jongdae whispered it to me!”

“So, what?” Jongdae shurgged, with a lazy grin on his lips “It worked, didn’t it?”

“It worked.” I sighed, crouching down.

“Are you okay, though?” Jongdae asked, concern lacing his voice.

“I’m—fine, don’t worry.” I mumbled.

“Come on, we’ll tell Miss Lin you don’t feel well and I’ll take you back to your room.” Sehun helped me stand up.

“Okay.” I whispered, trailing after him.

Once in front of my room, Sehun stopped me.

“Hey, I’m sorry for kissing you, if that made you feel like this. I didn’t want to do it, but the boys thought it might help.” Sehun scratched the back of his head.

“They thought well, it helped. Thank you, Sehun, I’m very grateful.” I hugged him, inhaling his familiar scent.

“I’m glad I helped and didn’t make you hate me.” He chuckled quietly.

“Don’t worry, you didn’t.” I smiled and pulled away.

“Take a rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. But if Yixing shows up, I’ll break his nose.” Sehun said through greeted teeth.

“No, don’t! I’ll deal with it.” I shook my head and entered my room “Take a rest too.” He nodded and locked the door after me, Yeri had keys too. I threw my things beside my desk and didn’t bother to take anything with me, I headed for the shower. Yeri won’t be back in an hour, so I don’t have to worry. Also, skipping one class won’t kill me. I stripped and went under the arm water. It slowly washed my sweaty body, and for the first time I felt dirty—I felt wounded and my heart was aching. Before I could stop myself, I broke down crying, curling up in a ball, sitting on the cold floor of the shower. This never happened before, I never entered Yixing’s head before when something like this was happening. I just knew what he was doing by his thoughts, seeing it—It’s just worst than ever. The thought of him doing it with any girl because why not? Me never having a chance? It hurts, you know?

I dressed up in my warm pyjamas and went to bed, pulling the covers over my head, crying myself to sleep. From time to time, it was okay to cry.

    Someone was softly brushing my hair back, softly breathing besides my head. It was Yeri without a doubt.

“Well, good morning.” She chuckled, once I moved.

“Morning.” I mumbled, not opening my eyes.

“I hope you don’t mind that I crawled into your warm bed.” She whispered.

“No, it’s fine.” I sighed and finally opened my eyes.

“Did you cry all night?” She sighed, her eyes showing pity.

“Just until I fell asleep.” I shrugged, not in the mood to speak.

“Minseok told me what happened, and I don’t need to ask if you are okay, because you aren’t.”

“You are right, I’m not.” I mumbled.

“But—there have been more people who saw Sehun kissing you and—you are both Dhampir’s and—”

“We’ll just say it was on the cheek and they didn’t see right, easy.” I rolled out of bed, getting ready for the day or night, which ever you prefer.

“I don’t know if—”

“Yeri, can you leave me alone today?” I sighed.

“Oh, sure—I understand. You need space, since I’m already done I’ll meet you at the Cafeteria. Will you eat the usual?” Yeri asked, her voice quiet.

“Yes, and thank you.” She nodded and quickly left. I took on my uniform and went to wash my face. My eyes were puffy, and I had bags under them but since I don’ use make up I didn’t cover them. I pulled my hair in a ponytail, took my bag and headed to the Cafeteria. A few whispered when I passed by, maybe it was because they heard about the kiss or because my aura was dark, and I’m usually smiling and very loud. Not today, though.

Once in the Cafeteria, I headed to our table and instead of sitting near Yeri I sat down near Irene, who was a calmer and a more quiet person. She nodded at me, and took the tray of food beside Yeri and placed it in front of me.

“Thank you.” I mumbled and started eating.

“No problem.” She smiled sweetly at me and continued eating. Our table was buzzing, full with life, everyone chatting and laughing. Yeri and Kyungsoo kept glancing at me until I glared at them, trying to tell them it was annoying and that I was fine. Baekhyun joined our table with Joy by his side.

“Morning everyone!” He greeted the table “Y/N, how are you?”

“I have been better.” I sighed, finishing my breakfast.

“I’m sorry about yesterday and that I wasn’t there to help.”

“And how could you possibly have helped, Baekhyun?” I raised my eyebrows at him.

“If I had kissed you, things would have been a little different.” He tried hiding his smile.

“Baekhyun!” Joy exclaimed and hit his arm “Are you serious? Don’t you see she’s clearly hurt by what Yixing did and you tell her things like that?”

“Why would she—oh, I forgot. You like Yixing.” Baekhyun looked down at his food.

“I—” I looked wide eyed at Joy.

“I’m sorry, but they already knew.” Joy looked down, and quietly sipped on her drink. I told her I liked Yixing, hoping she wouldn’t tell anyone…

“If we are already speaking of Yixing, where is he?” Jongdae asked.

“I haven’t seen him this morning.” Jongin said, who was his roommate “He left early.”

“Where’s Sehun?” I asked, searching the table.

“He left after I woke up.” Baekhyun shrugged.

“That’s weird, why—” Irene didn’t have time to finish before I abruptly stood up.

“Oh my God—I have to leave. Don’t wait for me, nor Yixing and Sehun. Just go to class.” I gathered my things quickly and rushed towards one of the study rooms. How could they be so stupid? Not placing the dots together...Yixing and Sehun being gone at the same time? They don’t get on well very much? I don’t know who’s a bigger idiot anymore!

I rushed through the academy, pushing everyone in my way aside, trying to get to the study room faster, before Yixing and Sehun kill each other. I pushed open the heavy door, my bag instantly dropping to the floor.

“Yah!” I shouted “Stop right now!” But did they even pay attention? Of course not. I rushed up to them, and forcefully pulled Sehun off Yixing.

“Are you both deaf? I told you to stop! What the hell are you two idiots doing?!” I glared at both of them, Yixing stood up and touched his dark blue cheekbone.

“He came up on me, punched me.” Sehun glared at Yixing, brushing his bleeding lip.

“And so the big idiot you are—you punch back, right?” I stared annoyed at Sehun, I thought he knew better.

“Yes!” He looked at me, calmer than before. Yixing was quiet, but he was angry. I could feel it radiate from him.

“Sehun, leave. Get changed and go to classes.” I pushed him away.

“And you?” When he held my arm Yixing growled, walking up to us.

“You heard her, get the hell out of here.” He growled.

“And you—”

“Sehun, stop! Just go.” I told him with pleading eyes. He sighed, made eye contact with Yixing and kissed my forehead. Yixing’s jaw tightened and he stood tense beside me until Sehun left the room.

“Now you tell, what the hell is your problem?” I glared at Yixing.

“You tell me, Y/N.” Yixing said through gritted teeth “Why did that stupid Dhampir kiss you yesterday?”

“Seriously? That’s it? That’s why you had to punch him? Amazing.” I rolled my eyes and went to leave, but Yixing was quick to stop me. He took my arm and turned me around.

“I’m not done, Y/N. You think you can just go around and kiss everyone?

“Excuse me—”

“Let them touch you—”

“What the hell—”

“And on top of that, seriously? With Sehun? I thought you have better taste.” Yixing glared at me.

“First of all, what the hell is your problem? Why do you care who I make out with? And yes, Sehun, got a problem with it?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Surprise, I don’t care. Just keep ignoring me like you always do, it’s not that hard right? So why are you getting all angry now?”

“I didn’t give you permission to kiss with Sehun.”

“Since when do I need your permission, who are you, my father?” I glared at him “Curious why he kissed me? It was because of you. If he didn’t kiss me, I’d have had to watch you and that blonde bitch how you fuck, happy now? Or would you prefer me watching?”

“What are you—”

“Yesterday, when you should have been in class—you were busy doing something else. I saw, so don’t deny it.”

“Ella isn’t a bitch.” Yixing rolled his eyes.

“Oh, she isn’t? Okay.” I scoffed, my heart hurting more “Because from my knowledge, everyone who goes to you and is female wants to get in your pants—and only bitches are that desperate—”

“Y/N, shut up!” Yixing growled, he gripped the back of my neck tightly.

“What are you doing? Let go of me.” I glared at him, gripping his wrist.

“We didn’t fuck, I don’t know how much you saw—but we didn’t do it.” He said sighing.

“Oh, really?” I asked not believing him.

“Yes, and stop being sarcastic. Since a time, I’m not—I can’t do it.” He said not looking at me.

“Why? Is your dick not working anymore?” I restrained a chuckle. They aren’t you.

“What did you say?” My grip tightened on his wrist. Yixing looked me in the eyes, his gaze making me uncomfortable. I haven’t done it since a month—I just can’t—they aren’t you. They don’t speak like you, they don’t move like you. They don’t smell like you, they don’t feel like you. They aren’t you, and I can’t do it. I want you, not them. Yes, they are bitches who want to be fucked, but you aren’t. You are Y/N, and I want you.

“What—the hell is wrong with you? Are you drunk?” I asked flustered.

“I punched Sehun because he kissed you, because I’m jealous. I don’t want him kissing you, Y/N. I want to kiss you and hold you, because I like you way too much.” He breathed out, and in the next second I felt his lips on mine. I wasn’t dreaming, right? I kissed back, my lips moving against his warm ones. Yixing pulled me closer, and his breathing was shaky. I bit his lower lip, and he growled in appreciation. Before the kiss could deepen, I pulled away.

“How do I know you aren’t lying?” I asked, my eyebrows furrowed.

“I never told anyone I like them, and you know me better than anyone. You always know how I feel or what I think. I tried hiding the feelings from you, but I don’t want to anymore. And therefore, I like you.” He stared at me with big eyes.

“If you are lying, I’ll beat you up with the help of Sehun, because I like you too.”

“I know.” Yixing chuckled.

“What?”

“Kyungsoo told me.” He started laughing at my horrified face.

“Well thanks for telling me, you just gave me motivation to beat his ass for real at combat.” I smiled at Yixing and peeked his lips.

“Let’s go to class, we don’t want them to have dirty thoughts, right?”

“If you are having dirty thoughts I will know, therefore...try not having them or you might end up with a blue eye.”

“Noted.” Yixing laughed, and pulled me after him.

If he’s lying, he’s dead.

 Halloween Series 

[mrkrychek]

Brighter than the sun (Part 6/?)

I'm so sorry that it took me forever to continue this story. At first life got me really hard. Then my muse left me. And the well it got a little bit into the dark corner of the forgotten things (actually I'm barely on my laptop to be reminded that I want to write this story)

But well now I'm back. Can't promise that there will be a regular upload this time but I try my best.

This chapter was also already finished on my laptop (like I said I'm barely on my laptop - or I was it) but I actually wanted to have a chapter in advance before I would upload a new one. But I could let you guys wait any longer.

Next chapter is in the making ;)

Also thinking of making some kind of masterpost to have all the links for all the chapters. But I’m not that talented in making some kind of header for it. So if someone of you is talented and/or willed to make one...well you’re welcomed by me and I would like to give you the credit and all! (Does that make sense? My English is not the best today because my brain is like mashed potatoes)

Here you can find the last part

Warning: no warnings yet

Word count: 2562

Part: 6/?

Yorktown was amazing to see from the outside but as you stepped out off the shuttle ship and got a better look on the inside and it was even more amazing. How did this is even possible to exist like it does? It was stunning.

“Lieutenant (Y/L/N)!” You heard someone saying your name. As you looked around you saw Commodore Paris waiting for you. With a smile you walked over to her and saluted. “Good to see you. A little bit earlier than I expected you.”

“I may or may not have forced them to add a little bit extra speed” you joked making her smile just a little.

“Let me show you around and let us talk about your new assignment.” So you followed her around Yorktown. Damn it was such a beautiful starbase.  The way it was built in this giant glass ball, playing around with the gravity. You just loved it. While walking around Commodore Paris told you a little bit about it. It felt a little bit like a sightseeing tour. But as soon as you entered her office everything changed into business mode for her. You talked about you and your previous work on the USS Robinson, all the achievements you reached. She spoke highly of you from what she got from Lieutenant Grasgo and also from your former captains. You were impressed how the others thought of you especially Keith. He never told you that he was so fond your work. Sadly he never told you personally maybe you would have done even a little bit better back then. After that she told you about your work on the Enterprise that was waiting for you. She told you everything you needed to know and everything you wanted to know. You had so many questions in your mind.

Both of you didn't watched the time while talking so it happened that you missed the arrival of the Enterprise. You were interrupted by a firm knock on the offices door. Commodore Paris allowed them to enter and you turned around to look into a face you've seen before.

“I don't want to interrupt you but you gave me the orders to immediately get to you when we arrived. So here I am Commodore Paris.” No one other than James T. Kirk was entering the office with a bid smile on his lips. You really haven't noticed him back at the academy but now that you see him you had to hold back a laugh. Of course the handsome guy from a year after you had to be your new captain. Why didn't you knew back than that this has been him?

“Captain Kirk, I'm must be sorry for not being there to get you personally” she said and stood up from here seat. “But Lieutenant (Y/L/N) and I were a little bit too much consumed by over conversation. So can I introduce you to your new Stellar Cartographer Lieutenant (Y/N) (Y/L/N), Captain Kirk?” You rose from your seat to and smoothed your uniform before holding out your hand.

“It's an honor for me to be signed on you ship, sir!” He smiled at you and grabbed your hand.

“The pleasure is mine. I heard much of you and I'm happy that you'll be on my ship.”   He made you blush with his words. You weren't really used  to compliments like this so it was an easy game for him.

“Good that both of you are happy to work together soon. Shall we talk about it a little bit more together?” Commodore Paris said and pointed at the seats in front of her. Both of you nodded and sat down and started to talk a little bit more about your work and especially the Enterprise.

Kirk and you left the office a little later. You walked a while in silence next to each other until you got outside. This is when both of you turned to each other.

“So Miss (Y/L/N) what do you think of getting to know the crew? We are having a little party tonight...and I would like to introduce you to the rest” he said with a smile on his face.

“Sounds great, sir. When and where should I meet you?”  He told you the exact time and location and with a little wink he walked away. Damn you really regret it that you haven't been with him back at the academy. He was more than handsome but now that he was your new captain he was out of the race. But you could always dream of it.

-

Most of the waiting time until you would meet the crew you spent in your temporary quarters with reading and some research of stuff you couldn't find on the USS Robinson. You took a quick shower before you got into one of your favorite dresses and put your hair in a ponytail. A look into the mirror showed you that you look quite acceptable for meeting the crew. So you took off to the meeting place where Kirk was already waiting for you outside.

“Lieutenant, it's good to see you” he said and smiled at you with his oh so sweet smile. You returned his smile with one of your best.

“I hope I didn't let you wait for long.”

“You are even a little bit early but everyone is already here. So shall we?” He pointed to the door and started walking towards it. And of course he was a gentleman so he pulled it open for you and let you walk in first. How attentive of him to do so. You stepped inside and already heard the chatter of people. A little bit nervousness made it's way through your veins. When was the last time you've been so nervous? And it was ridiculous to be honest because you were just going to meet your new crew – hundreds of eyes would be on you at one. Okay this was actually something you didn't like at all. A steady hand on your lower back got you out of your thoughts. You looked up straight into the captains eyes. “They won't bite. At least if you don't want anyone to do so.” A little chuckle of him. “An they are excited to meet you.” You nodded and smiled. After you took a deep breath you followed him into the room and looked around. So many people were there, so many unknown faces. Yet unknown. With time you will get to know them. Maybe not every one but most of them you guessed.

“Everyone listen please!” Kirk shouted, asking for everyone's attention. After all of them turned around and getting together he continued to speak to them. “May I introduce you to our newest crew member and new Chief Stellar Cartographer Lieutenant (Y/N)(Y/L/N)?” Now all eyes turned to you and they raised their glasses and greeted you.

“Ehm..hi everyone” you said a little bit shyly but tried to smile. “It's nice to meet you...and I hope we'll have a good time together.” Seeing them nodding and smiling at you made you relax a little bit. They seemed nice after all. At least at first sight. But suddenly a few started to mumble an moving out of the way of something or someone.

“(Y/N)? Is zat you?” you heard someone with a familiar voice and accent asking out of the crowd. A few seconds later a blond curly head  on a slender but tall body came out of it. You had to blink several times to make sure you weren't dreaming. But your vision didn't fool you.

-

There he was, standing right before you and you couldn't quite believe your eyes. Your little Russian boy turned into a good looking young man. He was now taller than you but he still got this bright smile and this gleam in his eyes. His curls were a little bit less messy but still messy enough.

“It's really you...” you said while staring at him and slowly starting to smile. After all these years you haven't expected to see him again neither to be so happy about it. Accounted for your separation.

He nodded fast and his smile got even brighter. “Yes it's me!!” You couldn't stop yourself to throw your arms around his waist and hug him tightly. He returned it immediately. “It's so good to see you again.” His voice got a little bit darker over the years you noticed but it sounded wonderful in your ears.

“Glad to see that I could reunite some old friends!” you heard Kirk saying with a little chuckle and you let go of Pavel to look at him. “I think you have a lot to catch up to. It's been a while since the time at Starfleet Academy. Grab a drink an something to eat. You can get to know the rest of the crew another time. Not that we would ran away from you.” A quick nod from  you and you went off with Pavel by your side to get something to drink and sit down on the couches at the one side of the room.

At first both of you didn't really know what to say. You parted as friends but on a very hard level as you remembered. Back then you'd broke his heart but time must have healed it. He seemed as happy as before. He had to be a women magnet by now with his looks. He really grew into a handsome man. The girls on the Enterprise had to have a really hard life with someone like Pavel and their captain on the ship. You couldn't help but finding yourself staring at this now man. Oh how much you missed this beautiful smile of his. You couldn't help but smile at him to.

“You look good” he said and took a all-over look over your body. “Still really beautiful.”

“Thank you” you answered and blushed even a little bit. “You've grown...much. Last time we saw each other you've been a lot smaller.” Both of you laughed.

“May be true. I got older and bigger.”

“The girls must love you. With all your charm and the look.” Now he was the one who started to blush.

“Maybe...but I'm not as popular as the Keptin...” You could tell the reasons for it but you also had to admit that Pavel was close to him. With a shy look his eyes met yours and a smile got on his lips. “It's so good to see you again, (Y/N). I zogt I would never see you again. And now you got on ze Enterprise too. So we can work togezer!”

“I'm happy about that too. There is a lot we have to catch up!”

So you both started to share your experiences over the years. Trying to tell the other as much as possible. It was like you've never actually parted or had a fight – or whatever you wanted to call what happened before you left. You were so  deep in your conversation that you barely noticed that Kirk left the party and came back after nearly two hours. It was when you hear him shouting for everyone's attention that you an Pavel turned to him.

“I'm sorry for all of you who maybe had some plans for tonight or the next days. But there has been an incident that needs our full attention. We're the only ship and crew that is capable to do this. I want all of you at the deck in 20 minutes!” His eyes were searching for you until they found you. “This includes you now too, Lieutenant! Get yourself dressed in our new uniform!” You just could nod before he left. Actually you thought that you would at least get a few days before you would leave with your new crew. Well faith was never on your side when it came to your plans.

You felt a hand on your should and when you looked behind you you found yourself looking into Pavel's eyes again. Damn they were so beautiful. Somehow your heart suddenly filled with so much relief and happiness. You didn't actually knew why but it felt like you found a part of you again.

“Everyzing will be alright! Vat ewer ve hawe to do!” He smiled at you before he also left the room. You left soon after him for your quarters. They already left you some fresh uniforms which you put on immediately. Your heart was pounding heavily in your chest. There was a kind of nervousness raising inside you but also a feeling you couldn't define. You haven't felt that way before. Some kind of happy and free but mixed with anxiety and the feeling of losing something again. But it also felt not like your own feelings. It was like you also felt what someone else was feeling. But that wasn't possible. You shook your head and left your room, heading for the docks.

Everyone was bustling around, getting their stuff on board. You took a deep breath before you steppe inside and made your way through the corridors. When the time has come you need to get a proper walk around here to get to know everything. But now was not the time for it. You asked around to find your office. When you stepped inside you were overwhelmed by the size of it. The office you'd shared with Grasgo was nothing compared to this. You had everything you needed and even more. You couldn't wait to start working properly. Slowly you walked through the room, your fingers touching all the consoles and buttons and whatever.

“Hope it's satisfying you to work here. We have the newest technology on board.” someone said standing in your doorway. You turned around and looking to the man. He was a Vulcan. “I'm sorry if I scared you. This wasn't my intention. My name is Commander Spock, First Officer of the Enterprise.”

“It's nice to meet you, Sir. I assume you already know about me.” A slightly nod from him in agreement. “I think I could work with all this here very well. Therefore I have to admit the view up in space will be amazing thanks to this.” You pointed to the big window pane. Then you turned your attention back to Spock. “When will we leave?”

“In about 5 minutes. The captain will soon speak to all of us and will give us more information. We'll see us later, Lieutenant (Y/L/N)!” He left the room while you took a seat on your new desk. Working here would be a pleasure.

Spock wasn't lying. Exactly 5 minutes later Kirk announced their departure. It just had been a few hours but it felt like ages that you've been in space. And to be honest you already missed it. The space gave you a feeling of total freedom. And this freedom was nothing someone could take from anybody. Not even what ever was waiting there for you where you were heading to. You haven been more wrong in your entire life. But you couldn't knew what was waiting there for you.