#see the ingredients being eaten on their own fine & understandable but why is he putting them together?

[undertheredhood]

tim drake is the one person nobody is going to steal food from because the only type of meals that tim knows how to make are those five minute depression meals that looks like it could kill you if it touched your tongue.

(the rest of the batfam aren’t picky eaters and will probably eat anything but they’d rather drink paint thinner straight out of the container than ever consume anything that tim makes)

[thedelusionreaderbitch]

Kaz Brekker x alkemi Reader - Strange Truths

A/n: This was so fun to do and me being an Alkemi really was happy with this request! Thank you! I'm so sorry it took so long though!

Warnings: None? Needles?

Request: ok ok so i have an idea- a kaz brekker x alkemi reader where kaz accidentally drinks one of the reader's newest chemical (prolly cause jesper slipped it into his drink) and it makes him super flustered and vv talkative and the reader has to keep him in their lab until they can finish the antidote and kaz tells the reader he likes them right after he takes the antidote so the reader realizes he's actually serious-

I do not own six of crows or shadow and bone or you!

Most people underestimated alkemi's but once they did it once they would not do it again. Kaz Brekker knew that alkemi's could just be as dangerous as a squaller all the way to a shadow or sun summoner if they were powerful enough. To be fair, very few were that powerful but most could kill you slowly and far worse than a heartrender so...

But you were a very powerful alkmei- one of the most powerful to ever live and that was why you are part of the crows. You can fight just fine, but the dregs had seemed to be getting very creative with their ways of killing to getting information and this was all thanks to you.

Though not all appreciated your talents.

Nina has grown up thinking that the alkemi's were weak was a part of those few, Inej just didn't understand you, Jesper understood but was still trying to come to terms with his own Grisha powers, Wylan thought you were amazing and Matthias was just flat out scared.

But that all changed when one day you poisoned a whole army.

Oh, Kaz was just... Happy? No one really knew, but sometimes he just seemed a bit more satisfied about how things were going with you around. Unfortunately for you, that meant he had to spend a bit more time around you trying to come up with more ideas. And that would have been just fine if it weren't for the fact that you were falling helplessly in love with Dirtyhands.

Ya, fuck.

Lately, you had been conjuring up something new in that lab of yours in the basement of the Slat. It was almost like a truth potion but not quite, it was to make it easier to get information out of its victims but not enough to notice.

Officially it was finished and you were going to go tell Kaz but you realized today everyone was going to be at the Crow Club. Just your luck that you hated socializing.

You sigh but you quickly grab the elixir and start running to the Club. Being late to a meeting was never really your foreté.

Finding finally the Crows even with the sea of people around you spot them when you meet Kaz's eyes. Of course, you had to meet his eyes. You go and sit down beside him as everyone had already decided on their drinks.

"Y/n's getting them this time since she's late!" Jesper grins in triumph as you just roll your eyes. It doesn't matter you guessed he was almost always going to be the one late so you figured it wouldn't matter if you had done it this one time. Besides, it would give the sharpshooter (and his boyfriend) a break for once.

Getting up from your seat you walk towards the bar and ask for everyone's drinks. He hands you them and you talk to the bartender as you walk back towards the group.

"I'm your waiter for one time only, don't get used to it."

Kaz just clears his throat and starts talking about a plan that's really in reality just a decoy because of Inej's intel there would be Dime Lion spies in the Crow Club today.

And why not take that to your advantage?

Suddenly Kaz stops talking and you lift an eyebrow at him. He just shakes his head and the others just shrug their shoulders and start a different conversation.

For a bit, you do engage in conversation with the other Crows but Kaz just seemed different? Like he was trying not to burst out talking or something?

"Dirtyhands, you good?"

Instantly his face flushed a bright pink and he stutters out;

"Ya-ya fine. Totally fine, everything's good. Go back to whatever I guess. Just leave me alone and do your work you shouldn't have even asked, so can you please-" He cut himself off and flushed (what you didn't even know was possible) red even brighter.

What the- You always called Kaz Dirtyhands as more as a nickname than a mean term almost like a term of endearment. Although he didn't know that he never had even blinked when you used the little nickname more than necessary so why was he now?

Also to add to that fact, was that you really never called him Kaz. It was mostly to keep yourself in check so you didn't get used to him too much. It was more like reminding yourself that you both weren't on a first-name basis even if you already were.

Narrowing your eyes, you can see that his pupils are slightly dilated and that he's bitting down on his tongue really hard to stop himself from talking. This wasn't just Kaz Brekker flustered, there was something else going on here. And you had to figure at fast before the Dime Lion spies did, or if they already had.

"Brekker, I need to you answer me honestly okay?" You lower your voice and you soften your tone like you would with your targets to get information out of them. You didn't like doing it, but it was the price to pay for his safety.

He just bobs his head up and down trying not to say anything.

"What have you ingested today?"

"Just the drink. Not anything else, being that I forg-" He cuts himself off from his whisper-rant covering his hand over his mouth.

"You haven't eaten today!" Accidently you raise your voice and the anger and concern shine through your usual stone-cold tone.

Kaz widens his eyes and gives you a look to shut the fuck up. He was still the Bastard of The Barrel after all.

Wait, now that you think about it...

You reach into your pocket for your newly brewed elixir and when you take it out it almost confirms it for you.

The lid is open.

Oh, fuck maybe it's better not to cure Kaz because you might just die after this.

It all made sense now though; talkative, flustered, overused & exaggerated facial expressions, looseness of the tongue. Those were all symptoms and you hadn't even noticed.

Well... At least you knew it worked and it was effective. Very effective... Fucking hell Kaz really is going to kill you now.

Grabbing onto his coat sleeve (being extra careful not to touch his skin) you drag him out of the crow club away from the prying eyes of everyone and the shouts of 'what the hell!' From your friends.

Quickly you drag him to the basement of the Slat where all your potions, bombs, machines, elixirs, poisons and most importantly supplies are.

"You can sit there." You point at a chair in the back of the room that basically had a view of everything.

"You better make me an antidote or I swear to-"

You cut him off before he says something he'll regret later. "Go sit your ass down Dirtyhands and let the real Grisha do their magic."

He flushes again and walks over to the chair but not without muttering under his breath how Grisha cannot do magic. And how their abilities work and etc.

By the saints! Now you really didn't want to reverse that chemical elixir, he just sounded really cute. But who the fuck are you kidding? This is Kaz Brekker we're talking about and you just thought of him as cute.

Welp, this is getting interesting.

Quickly you mix some ingredients together trying really hard to go as swift as you can. No one could see Brekker like this it would kill his reputation.

You look down at the antidote and you curse under your breath. This was going to need a needle. Oh fuck, you might as well just die right there.

Hurrying over to your cabinet you quickly go through the vials wondering what size you would need till you found the perfect one. It wasn't very big, and because it was fabrikator made he wouldn't even feel a pinch. But at the same time, it would hold your elixir even if it was a very tiny vial.

"Brekker, your gonna have to put your arm up for me."

You don't turn around knowing that this probably could be your death right here in your lab. At least Kaz Brekker will kill you so at least that's memorable. You sigh, Kaz Brekkers Alkemi was killed by Dirtyhands himself.

"Why?" Most of the time Kaz would just raise his eyebrow at you but because of the fun chemicals that he had in his body that was not the case.

"You might want to roll up your sleeve as well." You say nervously turning around so the needle was visible.

"Because I'm going to have to use a syringe."

"Are you fucking kidding me right now?!"

You slowly walk over and you shake your head.

"Sleeves up."

Kas just grumbles while putting his sleeves up you can tell he's uncomfortable. Now looking back at it you didn't really know how many barrel rats have had needles before, and if they did it probably wasn't good.

"What's your favourite colour?"

He snaps his eyes to meet yours and that's the moment you press the needle in his skin.

As you thought before he didn't flinch but he looked like he wanted to kill you with that stare but his eyes seem to soften with your worried stance.

"It didn't hurt did it?"

Kaz just shakes his head and you sigh in relief. "There shouldn't be any after-effects but I might just check in to see just in case."

He's almost out the door when he stops just at the entrance.

"Your eyes."

You whip your head around to meet his dark eyes.

"What?"

Slowly he comes away from the door frame advancing on you and he shakily takes off a glove and presses his hand against your cheek.

"You asked me what my favourite colour was."

You have convinced yourself that at this moment you have stopped breathing. Nothing else matters but you two of you in this room. The feeling of his hand on your cheek sends butterflies everywhere in you. And you can't stop to think about how beautiful and terrifying those brown nearly black eyes are.

"Boss!" There's a shout from upstairs and he quickly pulls away putting his glove back on.

"So I'll be seeing you around Brekker?"

He rolls his eyes. "You know you can call me Kaz right?"

You laugh as you herd him through the door knowing that he has business to attend to.

"But I think you much prefer when I call you Dirtyhands."

The blush spreads across his cheeks albeit not as strong this time but at least you know it's not from one of your elixirs.

"Only you Y/n only you."

Words 1799

-thedelusionreaderbitch

Shadow and bone taglist: @kaqua @rika90 @thefandomplace @musical-theatre-obsessed-dumbass @gallysonegoodlung @navs-bhat @sumsebien @dontjudgeabookbythecover

[cinnamonest]

I am loving all these "Bitter Albedo getting revenge and doing as he wants with the reader"— but also, equally as bitter Creator! Reader growing resentful towards Albedo and wanting to do to him what he's done to her, or even _worse_. Anything to take him out of her life, so she half bakes a plan to "finetune" later, first starting off by building up some trust to get on Albedo's good side, she "gives in", plays nice and gets to work on alchemy with him.

She follows this routine, playing the loving glorified "housepet". But all the while, she's been fine-tuning her escape plan. It would either put him in an equal disadvantage to him, or it might kill her. At this point, either outcome would be mercy. She tells him there's still things from the Art of Khemia she hadn't taught him.

Things she'd learned in her travels while experimenting, not long after they'd gone their separate ways.

It starts out with gathering ingredients for tamer recipes, and just like she'd promised

New techniques, new creations and new knowledge was gained.

She makes him believe that she's adapting to his existence, maybe even tolerating him, but he didn't expect for her to only grow more and more bitter as time went on. The only thing growing in her heart was the resentment she harbored for him, any sort of admiration or genuine adoration she held for her creation all but crushed. She wanted nothing of him ever again, he had gone too far, miscalculated even, in his theory that reluctant "love" would follow his treatment.

Over the course of a few weeks, she has him carefully wrapped around his finger, unknown to him that she would show him just how much mercy she showed him when she sent him his own separate way. He was suspicious at first, of course, but in his moment of weakness, in his need for the approval she had been "showering" him in, he pushes the thoughts aside when he sees that her claims seem to be "valid enough".

He follows her instructions, and each time he gains new information on old, or even lost, techniques. Raging from little things she'd kept to herself so that he wouldn't have to interact with him when they worked together, To combinations only a mad woman who's challenged nature would dare think up.

and one day, she's telling him that she thinks he's ready to try the last thing she had managed to research on her own. He mixes the ingredients according to her instructions, everything seems to be going fine until he adds the last thing— and it's immediately reacted in a messy blast.

Albedo finds himself blinded by the fallout, as well as finding a surprising lack of digits on where his hands should be. His ears are ringing, obviously, such a blast would deafen anyone.

It's the creator's way of getting her own vengeance for the position he's put her in, at least this way, maybe, _maybe_, she can have a chance to finally put her failed created behind her. After all, he was always her most _disappointing_ creation.

AHHHHHH anon that took me aback at the last bit I was not expecting that. Poor little thing, how could master be so cruel...?

After the obvious resulting chaos (and agony), he'd be quiet for a long time. He ties you to the bed with what's left of his hands, having to use his mouth to tie the knot, and... leaves. Usually he's good about leaving you food when he goes out for the day, but not this time. He doesn't say a word as he leaves, even if you call out to him.

And he's gone for several days. You're starving, but even when he comes back, he doesn't say a word at first. Doesn't acknowledge your presence, no matter how many times you call out to him. It goes on like that for hours until eventually, without prompting, after you've given up calling for him, he just simply states a few thoughts.

He was... too kind. He understands that now. You didn't deserve it. You didn't appreciate it properly. So now, you will earn your way back to the way things were.

For starters, he takes the legs off at the scar. No real reason other than to hurt you. To see your horror when you fully wake up, pain, having to adjust. He pulls the same shit where he makes you beg for anesthetic and painkiller, but it's infinitely more painful this time. He keeps you just a little bit awake for the whole thing, even if you beg enough to be given some anesthetic during the procedure.

And after that, he stops talking to you. For good.

He himself is learning to adjust, having been given a prosthetics for fingers (literally Fullmetal Alchemist lmao) that he can make do with. You can learn how to adjust, too. Having *no* legs is actually different than just having numb ones, and learning to live without them is harder than you thought it would be -- your center of gravity and sense of balance changes, you have to avoid certain positions or risk a sharp shooting pain, etc. But even when you stumble and fall, and call out for help... nothing happens. You have to fix it on your own, or, if stuck too far to move, wait until he comes by up to hours later and silently sets you upright. If you call out in what sounds like high distress, he might come running over to make sure you're not in immediate danger, but after looking you up and down and ascertaining you're just uncomfortable and/or stuck, he slowly turns back, deciding he'll help you when he feels like it later.

You don't eat together anymore. He feeds you in a bowl on the ground. The first time, you turn your nose up and fold your arms in disgust... even though you haven't eaten the entire time he was gone. You're just that stubborn. No matter. Eventually, you cave, maybe the second day, maybe the third or fourth. He doesn't say anything the whole time, just takes the food when you make it clear you won't eat it, and puts it out each night, until you give in.

You sleep on the floor. Chained by the neck to the bedpost. You understand the message without needing to be asked out loud. You hated him so much, didn't you? You'd much rather be on the cold, hard floor than in bed, since he's in it, wouldn't you? Since you hate him so much?

And still, he doesn't talk. Somehow, that hurts the most. He was never very talkative, but he'd comment every now and then, ask you for your thoughts on something, but he now acts like you're not even there. No matter how many times you call out to him, he acts like he doesn't hear it.

It goes on like that for a month or so until you finally break down. Latch onto his leg and sob and plead. You feel like you're going insane, you say. You just want him to acknowledge you exist again.

...But why should he, he asks? It's the first thing he's said to you since the leg removal. He won't turn his head or eyes to look at you. What does he get from talking to you? You were so mean. For the few months leading up to the incident, you were so, so, so mean. He tried to be nice and get you adjusted, and you fought him every step (well... not that you were taking many literal steps) of the way. Remember? You were mean from the moment you woke up then. And then, when you were finally nice -- when he trusted you -- you went and did what you did. What reason does he have to acknowledge you? You'll either be mean to him or plot against him again. And that's all he's willing to say.

A few more weeks. A few more breakdowns. You know the intention -- he wants to truly, completely break you in a way that he never could when he was showing you any kindness. And, you hate it, but it's working. You find yourself begging. Sobbing. Rocking back and forth and clinging to his legs. Utterly pathetic, pitiful, humiliating displays of neediness and weakness. It breaks you down until he finally deems you complete, and one day finally makes eye contact with you for the first time in months.

There's not much left of "you" per se, though. The nasty attitude you had back before is almost completely gone. You're finally happy when he talks to you -- something that, after so many months of going insane from silence, you consider a privilege. After so many breakdowns and humiliation, you don't have much pride left to get in the way of begging, no shame about anything you do. It's perfect.

Not that it doesn't come back, sometimes. Sometimes, when you're having good days, you get a bit too comfortable, you forget what a privilege it is to be like this together, and you almost get mean again. But it's fairly easy to shut down with a very specific look that shuts you up immediately.

Oh, and he finds a way to fix himself, in the end. Being an artificial creation, he has a different compositional makeup than a person, so there are... ways to adjust and repair the body he has. In fact, he might even find one that would work on even an organic human, a miracle regenerative formula.

Not that he'd give it to you. But he makes sure to tell you all about it, showing off just how perfectly it regenerated his hands... just to see the look on your face.

[yostresswritinggirl]

hi! ik sojourner's already ended but i have an(other?) idea in case u ever pick it up since i love ur albedo 😳😳 ok so

what abt a reader who is rlly excited abt alchemy, but they avoid talking abt it bc they start rambling and stuttering and stumbling over their words bc they're so excited? they get assigned/asked to go w/ albedo bc they're rlly good at alchemy too, but they end up fidgeting a lot, muttering and stopping just a few words in before their volume rises and giving short answers when w/ him bc they're afraid of rambling (since they do it to think better when alone, sometimes insulting and arguing w the objects when they don't get the expected result) & being seen as annoying or unprofessional?? i'd like to see how he reacts to these and what he'd think!! and how or when he discovers the reason reader is acting like that

it's kinda (a lot, rlly skowkskdk i always have ideas but never write them) specific, but i rlly like the idea!! i'd love to see what u do w/ it if u ever pick it up in the future :D hope you're staying hydrated and well🥺🥰 -🌌

What do you mean Sojourner's already ended, Sojourner is eternal, Sojourner is forever-

Kidding aside, this is too cute to pass up, even if it's quite a lot! Cute Albedo brainrot moments always please. It might be too much sometimes but I hope you enjoy my interpretation of it! Scenarios format! Starry night, oh I'm always hydrated, thank you and I hope you're well!

For the Record

Albedo working with a Reader that's highly enthusiastic about alchemy but insecure about rambling... (masterlist)

You dealt with Alchemy a year before the Kreideprinz entered Mondstadt, your attunement to the mystic arts baffling and intriguing you every time. During that period, you're not really sure of what art you're doing but in the end, you kept doing great that the people had acknowledged your talents.

Through your own effort and self-study even if unnamed, you managed to put your talent into this art of Alchemy and created discoveries regarding powders and mineral-focused ingredients. It was a shame there was no one to share it to, and when you talk to scholars/practitioners alike, you end up rambling so much to the point that on their end you barely make sense. Whether this was caused by your eaten words or lax and personalized vocabulary over the matter, you're not sure.

Their confused and judgmental stare haunts you, leaving you alone with your raging thoughts and overworking mind when you just want to learn and expand your discoveries to other people without driving them away. Your enthusiasm is great and all, but it's not enough to make others understand.

So when the Chalk Prince entered Mondstadt, blessing the city with his scholarly knowledge and boundless creations, he easily made a name for himself and in extension the city itself.

Before Sucrose and Timaeus, you were called upon by the Grand Master Varka to accompany Albedo and be his temporary assistant seeing as his field in the division is still quite new and you were the only other 'Alchemist' in town besides him. You're both giddy and nervous, like really, really nervous.

You've heard of Albedo and maybe a caught a glimpse or two, but you've never actually interacted enough to know exactly what he looks like or how he is as a person. All you know is that he's a very, very attractive person overall.

"Good-looking, carries this aura of wisdom around him, he's just really charming," were the words that rang through your mind as you pointedly watched your steps, following the carpets leading to Ordo Favonius' laboratory while Lisa's words rang through your head.

Is he really that kind of person? You've heard that he's quite stoic too, but if he's really that distracting, you're scared that it would be harder for you to focus and help out. Honestly how would you even deal with him when your fields of Alchemy are so different from each other?

You have no idea how long you've been thinking, standing in contemplation in front of the set of double doors that leads to the workshop with nothing but doubt in your mind. But upon realizing the teal gaze of another person silently waiting instead of wooden doors, you figured it was far too long.

"Ah, I'm sorry! I was in my head, I wasn't expecting you to-!" You flailed your hands around comically before abruptly stopping, noticing the now confused stare of Albedo of which are distracted by your hands. Clearing your throat, you extended a hand towards him to shake, trying to stare anywhere but his face. "I'm (Y/N), I'll be your assistant until you're well settled in the city. It's nice to meet you, Ma-"

His hand finds yours in a firm grip, a firm shake so sudden you bit your tongue back, "Albedo, Kreideprinz of the Art of Kemia, but just Albedo is fine, I'll be under your care."

Albedo finds it intriguing and surprisingly not that distracting whenever you talk to yourself or to the ingredients whenever you so much as feel the slightest frustration. "Ugh, this Zinc powder is so stubborn, clingy," you angrily mumbled under your breath as you washed off the blue powder that spilled at your hand, "So, so clingy." Since you're facing the sink, you couldn't see the way he was holding himself from laughing audibly at your amusing antics.

You seemed lively and open, is what Albedo thought when he first met you. But this observation soon shattered when he kept getting hanged upon your abrupt stops when delving into your field, something he was really irked about the first few times. Your art of Alchemy is much different from his and he's wishing that you'd clarify and expound all your learnings to him, but in the end, you somehow step back everytime your words became lengthy.

Are you hiding something? Did you not want him to learn the same arts as yours? If those were the case, he couldn't bring himself to ask a simple question such ad why. Every time it crosses his mind, it brings a purse of a pout to his lips and furrowed eyebrows.

Every response you gave always hints even tiny bits of trivias and tips he's never heard, Albedo always takes note of your spills that always cuts before reaching its climax. "-sorry, yes, this is activated charcoal Geo and Pyro slimes reaction." He lets out an audible sigh upon your retreat, your frustrated mind too occupied to notice.

"Please," his desperation drips in his word when he looks at you with eyes filled with raw emotion you'd never know he'd be able to pull off. Your tightly locked lips only pressed on further at his puppy eyes, "Please continue, I wish to know more about your Alchemy, if you would be so kind."

"It's not really- I'm not really the best at explaining it..." You're almost fidgeting, cheeks aching from tensing and warmth. But he regarded you with a blank stare, forcing you to fill the silence, "If I- If I start, my ramblings may not uhm they're not easy to comprehend... or something."

Albedo had been watching more than he'd like to admit, and he's come to relieved (yet still confused) realization that your treatment with him wasn't his alone. You always step back before things get lengthy, words then cutting short and concise with a steeled expression. Lips caught between teeth.

"I digress," his hand motions to yourself to emphasize his next clause. "As your field and sole practitioner of this art, like my own condition, your word of mouth is the best ground of knowledge."

If he was irritated, he's doing a very good job in hiding it. And even with the respectable yet close distance in between you still felt cornered. This is still your master and it's not professional to refuse a scholarly talk, "The electro crystals when charged... ionized? create sparks, while also producing the same result when smacking- mining!"

The scribbles of his pen against his clipboard as he nods in attention urges you on, realizing his focus and sincere interest on the topic, "So when you put the little tidbits or even powdered version in a beaker thingy, depending on the material, they interact with the spark. Honestly, I'm unsure yet how lethal it is but if you put the sparks under fire too, they make like those makeshift gunpowder as well as additional reactions such as-!"

The lilt and proceeding high pitch in your voice usually signifies the approach of your insecurity as well as the climax of your enthusiasm. At this point, you pull your hand up to shut your mouth forcefully, and when Albedo really detests the abrupt end of the conversation his hand would shoot forward to grasp your own.

He'd intertwine your fingers to distract, before urging you to continue with a challenging stare, as if daring you to use your other hand to pull that off again. This whole scene felt oddly scandalous, but oh boy does it send your mind into a bambling, overloaded mess. A heated head forces your lips open even if they sometimes come out in a jumbled string, he learns to decipher them.

The more you get used to or feel more comfortable, Albedo uses that fondness skillfully whenever he wants. "Can you tell me more about the scarlet chunks from Dragonspine?" He throws it so casually in the silence as you two work back to back in your stations, without a beat as your mind is partially preoccupied, you answered into a narrative of trivia. It almost feels like you're talking to the flames of the bunsen while you wait, but Albedo smiles at the now filled silence as he listens with divided attention.

He really likes your voice, and the word of wonders you bring along with you.

"For the record, I don't mind it at all," his breath hovers on your lips, cold and prickly, "Whatever comes out of these lips, I want to hear it all."

That last part eheh

Woah, this went long. Like reader babbling hahaha. I said I'm gonna speedrun, not freaking write this long smh

@zelos-simp @legionqueensav @snackgod @rxsalinee @cala-ran @wind-wheel @lilydewi22 @yellowflowre @traveler-lumine @nonniechan @creation-magician @hanniejji @gojos-baby @just-some-stars @volleybloop @tartuu @moaa @dandelion-dreams @witchsungie @lehra @albaedhoe @xiaophilia @heisenwurst @childe-simp-exe

[annmarcus63]

He wanted to say "I love you"

Geralt z Rivii | Geralt of Rivia/Jaskier | Dandelion

Here's on ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/34237159

Injured Jaskier

"Blessed silence"

"Would you shut up, bard?"

"If you don't stop within the next two minutes, I swear, I'll break that fucking lute and shove it down your throat"

"Jaskier, shut up!"

"Alright! I'll stop, there's no need to be such a brute" replied Jaskier while tucking the lute, currently on his hands, on the brand new case he bought a couple of days ago to a retired musician living his last days on White Orchard. It's gorgeous, orgasmic, almost as sexy as the lute.

The music notes slowly fading in Geralt's ears, leaving a weak hum behind. Geralt sighed relieved, and a suspicious feeling that may resemble guilt. But there's not time to dwell on it. He's trying to sort the potions and required ingredients to complete the contract which he needed to follow up  that same night. Witchers were trained to tune out every sound to be able to concentrate. He could meditate for days with not a single thing to bother him, but Jaskier's chatter is a powerful contrary spell to the calmness he was used to. It's a possibility that Jaskier fell upon his path with the sole purpose to test his limits. He is good company but sometimes Geralt wonders if it's worth the trouble.

He needs Arachnomorphs' venom and Griffin's feathers and blue mutagen to brew the antidote to the potent venom of the Endrega warrior he's goin to face. Methodically he starts with the preparation, grind and mix, smell, taste, it hurts...it's ready.

Three weeks ago he received a letter from Eskel asking to meet for pressing matters. Geralt doesn't know what he may want, it maybe a problem with a powerful beast or just a call to drink, which is unlikely because the message seem urgent. So Geralt had to hurry if he wanted to catch him on time, he was two days late and if he doesn't kill the Endrega he'd be three days late. Traveling with Jaskier prevent from a fastest pace, and the reason of those two days were, of course, the bard who asked him to stay longer on White Orchard to wait for his new lute case. Geralt ponder all this with an edge of bitterness towards Jaskier, it's unfair and uncalled for. He feel like shit. He ponder it still.

Jaskier is capable of recognizing when he's being a nuisance. Or well...he can recognize when someone has reach their limits regarding him. He can be too much, he speaks too much, he moves too much, he whines too much, he thinks too much. He's considerate you see, when Geralt snaps at him he understands. He can't help it. Is what he is, and he's not going to change, he tried once for his father. It didn't work, Jaskier was giving too much away for the acceptance of one person, he conclude it didn't worth it.

He understands really, but today Geralt has been a little over the edge, and has crossed the line between banter and plain rudeness.

So the logical response is to be more annoying.

Jaskier can be awful too when he wants.

He prod the wild and stressed animal with meaningless chatter, why does the fire moves like that? is the color of my fingernail normal? have you ever wonder how it'd be to become a fish?

the wild animal spill one or two drops of the antidote while pouring it from the small wood plate in which the ingredients got blend. Jaskier swear have saw how the vein on Geralt's forehead pop.

Ups…

"Would you SHUT UP for once in your fucking life?” ok he seen that coming “I can't even hear my own thoughts, bard. When we reach Velen you're going to stay there. Do you understand? Not following me around anymore”

To be fair he has caused this. It's what he does, always, being and idiot with and incessant mouth. He has push too far this time, even so that tone on Geralt's voice put him on edge, angry even. That ungrateful witcher and his never ending foul mood. What would he give to see him smile more often?

Everything.

A heavy atmosphere settled on the camp, Geralt's angry and now Jaskier's too, offended to be more accurate. Jaskier hated these often-occurring moments, as if the bard were a stranger and not a years friend.

Are you though?

Whoever sent the letter is Geralt's friend. What give it away? the eagerness to travel fast for instance. Jaskier send a letter once, asking if he wanted to meet at Novigrad, he never received a response nor Geralt went there.

Geralt packed his things, secure the sword straps and with a particular tenseness on his shoulders he turn to Jaskier.

"You're going to stay here. HERE Jaskier. I don't want you anywhere near the nest, the poison..."

"I know"

"Then I want you to repeat it"

"What? Really? I'm not a child, Geralt" but the Witcher kept his stance, waiting, and Jaskier's a sucker for pleasing.

"I'm going to stay here, quiet and still. If I get near the nest there's a high chance to get poisoned, even a small dosis could kill me. And get my body back and bury it would be a big hassle for you Are you happy now?"

"Hmm. I'll be back by midnight"

Geralt disappeared between the trees and Jaskier watch him go with a big lump on his throat. Not five minutes later he started cleaning the broth pot to fill it again with clean water to drink to warm up his bones. How he wish to have tea or coffe to add.

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Wind's howling, Jaskier reflected, feeling the chill colouring his cheeks and breaking his lips unpleasantly. Besides the wolfs living on the wind, there was silence, a sepulchral silence that caused him feel unsafe. Even Roach looks in distress. An hour ago she was lying on the grass getting ready for a good night sleep, and now she's looking everywhere as if she can sense something lurking in the shadows, and that is scary. By the position of the moon Jaskier could guess the time, one and a half hour past midnight. That idiot witcher should be here by now. He knew that, Roach knew that, so why he's not here?

He couldn't think straight, the worry was eating him up from the intestines and it wasn't fair or unnormal, worrying for Geralt is like worrying for the sun to never come up again. It may happen but is unlikely, impossible.

Geralt is fine, he is, or at least is what he kept repeating himself for the past hour like a mantra that no one would ever listen.

Something went wrong, I'm sure. He'd be here by now so why he's not here? What if the Endrega chew his head off? that's sudden and crude Jaskier, what's wrong with you? He can't be dead, I mean I didn't even get the chance to apologize, to clean his wounds, to buy him breakfast, to tell him I love him with all my beating foolish heart.

Agh, but he's not dead, so stop that train of thought right this instant, young man.

For some reason the voice sounded like his dead mother.

"I need to go there only to see if he's safe" said Jaskier to Roach

"But he said rather rudely to you to stay put and not bother him." replied imitating Roach voice like a tired housewife.

"I know what he said" said with an air of petulant child. "And what about you come with me to keep me in check"

"It's dark you can't see and it's dangerous"

"But you can!"

"Fine, hop on me" he loved winning arguments.

He saddled Roach efficiently, Geralt rarely let him do it but he was a quick learner. He put out the fire with a kick of dust, took a small blade that Geralt kept at the bottoms of his bag just in case, he also lit the only torch they carried for emergencies, a beacon of light that Geralt could see if he was in trouble and rode Roach towards the clearing next to the main road from which people get disappearing and getting eaten.

He trusted Roah to guided him, she was a clever one who also worried for her master.

The cold kept biting his skin even under the small fire, he left his cape at camp in case he needed to run, but they're getting closer. A wooden statue with flowers and canisters at it’s feet appear by his right, the notice board said the location of the insect was near that god statue.

He stoped Roach and dismount then he took the short blade wishing he didn't have to use it, before leaving he remembered the possibility of encounter with poison, according to Geralt Endregas not only spit venom but also exuded poisonous gas equally lethal. So he took his undershirt to cover half his face, this might prevent breathing it.

The turned out the torch because the light would attract the Endrega and distract Geralt.

He walked slowly to north realizing how much he was trembling, it wasn't that cold. It was fear and the soft hum of the adrenaline waiting on his brain for being triggered.

And then a rancid and potent smell reached him despite the undershirt. There. A thick unnatural mist and a series of small mountains piled some meters away. No, not mountains, bodies, Endrega bodies lying on the ground slaughtered with efficiency. A witcher’s work.

He almost missed it because of the mist, but there he was, Geralt, lying on the ground in a tragic pantomim of his foes. Jaskier hurried to him almost tripping in the process, he kneel by his side and got shocked by the hardened veins on the witcher's forehead, his levels of toxicity must being dangerous high. But he wasn't dead and if Jaskier wanted to keep him like that he needed to take him away from the mist to help his body fight the secondary effects of the pocions.

He looked the number of bodies surrounded them, more than six when the contract said one Endrega.

He have to be quick so he wrap Geralt by the armpits and with all his strength started to drag him towards Roach, he couldn't risk bringing her here in case of the poison or another insect near by. Geralt was a big guy, he has always being attracted to that, now not so much. Sweating, weary and scared.

Sweating, weary and scared the bard dragged the witcher to Roach when he started to feel dizzy followed by an annoying scratching under the skin. Roach stamped her feet two times before getting closer, she nosed her master while Jaskier catch his breath, then the lovely girl crouched down and wait patiently.

In a matter of a blink, his head started to pound violently and his vision to get blurred. That wasn't good.

The poison, it's the poison.

With all the strength he got left he pull Geralt on his belly over Roach, the position wasn't ideal but it was all he could do before collapsing on his knees.

"Go Roach. Go" She stood with must carefulness, Jaskier watched her go feeling a rush of pride and victory, he saved Geralt, he'll be alright and that was all that matter.

Jaskier fell backwards hitting his head with the ground, his body started convulsing or at least that's what he thought before lose consciousness.

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An insistent poke on his ribs brought him to wakefulness followed by a fall and a sudden sharp pain on his side. A few seconds later the witcher take in his surroundings. Roach neigh by his side, he had fall from her. The heavy cloud from exhaustion and toxicity still rested on his brain.

He felt the bitter tang on the back of his tongue of venom running thru his system and the hollow pain that remained. There were eight Endregas...yes, the Endregas, he had fainted on the clearing knowing well that he might not woke up again if he kept on breathing that mist. How did he get there? Roach answered with a distressed stump of her foot.

"What?" he asked the horse, and she neigh.

Jaskier

"Fuck."

he search on his pouch for White Honey to swallow it in a big gulp.

Awareness returned quickly and despite the injuries and aches on his lef side he took Roach's reins and guided her back to the clearing.

Back to Jaskier, he hoped to not be late, please let him be on time, he begged to no one in particular.

The contract said one Endrega, imagine the surprise and horror he felt when encountering a nest with full grown ups monsters which position were stronger and their hunt abilities an excellency when attacking in pack. He drank the three vials of antidote he carried and a dose of Swallow that burned his stomach and shot the toxicity levels to a mortal point. The Endregas were all dead, but tired and injured he collapse defeated. The position of the moon indicate that was dead for at least two hours during which he continued to breathe the poisonous gas, half and hour more and he'd be dead for good. Jaskier went for him, he could smell him on Roach, his fear and urgency. Idiot, that idiot.

Geralt tried with all his might to not think him dead.

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At the feet of the statue was Jaskier, body bent in an awkward angle. Geralt removed the undershirt on his face, recognizing it as a clever tactic. The mist did not reach that area but the purple and green tone on the bard's skin indicate high levels of poison, he must have went thru the mist to reach Geralt drag him back to Roach.

“Fuck, Jask”  said Geralt with a trembling voice and without thinking carried Jaskier to Roach, there'll be time to check for injuries for now he have to take him back to safety. Jaskier's heartbeat was slow, very very slow. Geralt fret but he did not relent.

He laid Jaskier's frigid body on the bedroll and with Igni he started the fire, he located the water Jaskier used for tea and used to clean his hands of the grime and dirt. A choking noise alerted him and Roach who was nosing the bard.

From Jaskier's nose a dark liquid started to flow, he was drowning from the inside which meant that he had breath the poison and it was filling his lungs with thick mucus.

He put Dandelion on his side and encouraged him to vomit with his fingers to clean his airways as soon as possible. Jaskier throat convulsed on his fingers followed by a steady dark flow. Geralt reached for the pot by the fire to put it under his mouth, which soon was filled to the brim.

"That's it Jask, that's it" Geralt whispered even though the bard couldn't hear him. With a clean cloth, he wiped the bard's mouth once the flow stopped and her lungs sound clear. It was then that Geralt noticed with overwhelming fear that the other had stopped breathing.

"No, no, Jask come on come on"

He acted fast by lifting Jaskier's chin and placing his clasped hands in the center of his chest and began to push down hard more times than he could count.

“Jaskier come back!” he growled when his shoulders felt like jelly, he was getting tired and Jaskier wasn't breathing. He wasn't breathing. He remembered Renfri choking on his arms a reflection of what was happening here. Not this again, not these again. Jaskier's mouth opened follow up by a weak gasp and a weaker heartbeat.

But he came back, and Geralt almost cried right there and there, but he didn't know how. There's nothing else he can do, he had no medicine of herbs for poisoning that could help humans, everything he had was lethal. He instantly regretted overlooking the possibility of this happening. He was traveling with a bard and the most responsible and considerate thing he could do was prevent and buy at least herbs just in case. But he didn't. They were at least a day and a half away from the next town and being that far from the capital meant fewer healers. Jaskier wouldn't survive the travel, not on this conditions.

If the poison hasn't killed him by now then it means that he could survive on his own, or at least that's what Geralt hope.

He put Jaskier in one of his shirts and covered him with all the available clothes they had, his cape and even the blanket with which he covered Roach.

Exhausted he started removing his armour to clean the now faint slashes on his chest and abdomen, then he walked like death to Roach to remove the saddle and pet her gently thanking her for her help.

It was an hour before dawn, but Geralt did not rest, he could not even if he wanted to. He sat next to Jaskier to check his breathing and keep the fire burning.

The fever hit the bard a couple of hours later, he was burning dangerously high, Geralt dipped a cloth on clean water to place on his forehead, from time to time raised Jaskier's head to feed him with water.

His heart didn't stop again which was a blessing amongst the terrible situation. Jaskier didn't deserve to die like this, not for Geralt or monsters.

Then the hallucinations began, feverish and confused, Jaskier babbled under his breath while trembling furiously. He smell like sickness and decay and in that exact moment the witcher missed the natural perfume of the bard's skin. Like sea breeze and orange tree. Like Jaskier.

By day two Geralt got assaulted by an all consuming wave of guilt. He had yelled at the bard for being...well, himself. He was so upset and it was so easy to insult and threaten to leave him in the next town.

Jaskier hated to be left behind.

"Why did you came for me, you idiot?"

"I don't deserve it" whispered before taking the now warm cloth to dip it once again on cold water. Instead of improving, Jaskier's condition began to deteriorate. Painful spasms convulsed his body for hours, the fever did not subside and his breathing were shallow and slow. Geralt lay next to him that night to keep the tremors at bay, he hold him carefully alongside his body.

"You do remember the night after Posada when we make camp and you asked me to cuddle you because you were cold?" He whispered into the night "I didn't. If you were awake I'd never hear the end of this. You'd love it"

The bard moaned softly and shook slightly under his grip. "Come back to me, Jask." He meant to say how sorry he was, he doze off instead.

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First he felt heat on his face, then a relentless pressure on his head as if a heavy stone was on top of it Little by little he maped his body and the multiple aches that alarmed him. On his chest underneath the skin his ribs screamed with fire as if he have been kicked hard multiple times, also his lungs burned like hell, his shoulders were stiff and sore, his belly hurt faintly.

What happened? Where is he? What, what, what, what

"Jaskier Jaskier. I'm here, breathe thru your nose, I'm here." Suddenly he realized that he was sitting up and wide-eyed. It was noon. "Jask" kneeled next to him was Geralt with a worried frown and a canister fill of water. He snatched it from Geralt's hands and drank as if a desert was kept inside his lungs.

"Easy"

“Not…your…horse” Jaskier flinched at how raspy his voice sounded. Beside him, the witcher chuckled and then stretched out his hand to put it on his forehead. Before Jaskier could react at the soft touch tha hand was gone.

"Fevers down" uh, did he sound happy?

"I had fever?" Geralt looked at him with such intensity, a expression he had never seen and therefore didn't know what it meant.

"You almost died" he answered softly. She saw Roach grazing without a mount a few feet away, she also noticed that Geralt was in his small clothes. The camp was a small mess like when they stay on the same place for more than two days.

"The Endrega"

"Endregas, yes"

"I went..."

"Yes"

"I... i'm sorry"

"No, don't be, you saved me" It was a shock when Geralt straightened a lock of hair from her forehead. His fingertips were warm.

"Are you hungry?"

"I don't know. I don't think so"

"You have to eat. I cooked rabbit broth, it'll do you good"

He could only swallow a quarter of the broth before starting to feel nauseous, Geralt said he had vomit enough for the past days before taking the pot from him. Roach came to say hello and Jaskier felt his heart swelled with affection. He wanted to do and ask more, but suddenly he felt tired, very tired, his eyelids fluttered and when Geralt saw him, he helped him lie down and put his cape over him. He was soft and calm, tender even. At that moment Jaskier knew that he must have been in a bad shape if Geralt was acting like this, like Jaskier always imagine on his wildest dreams.

He wanted to said thank you but it felt so meaningless at the moment, Geralt didn't look that good, slump and with drop shoulders a clear sign of exhaustion. if Jaskier still breathed, it was all thanks to Geralt, despite how defeated he was from the contract, he took care of him.

I love you seem something meaningful to say, every feeling and thought Jaskier have had of the witcher, taking form into three little words.

Sleep took him away before he could have the courage to say it.

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The next morning Jaskier insisted he was fine and he wanted to travel to the next town , of course he was a liar Geralt always knew when he lied, because he wrinkled his nose in a cute but irritating way. With a small smile, he pinched the bard's nose back to normal.

“No, you’re not ready” Jaskier let out a laugh as he smack the witcher's hand away. and before Jaskier could protest Geralt added "But we need go there to get you to a healer and reastock"

"Your letter Geralt, don't forget about your letter"

"Uhmm"

Before setting off on the journey, Geralt made sure that Jaskier could endure the journey. He applied what was left of a soothing balm to Jaskier's chest for the pain and bruises that remained after the compressions. Riding would be painful, but they have to get to the healer in case of a relapse or permanent damage. Jaskier let him applied the balm and he couldn't believe the patience and care the witcher put on his motions as if Jaskier could break if enough force was used. He was crumbling in tiny little pieces, melting, but from a different source. The witcher is going to be the end of him one day of these.

I love you, we wanted to said. He put on one of Geralt's shirt instead, it smells like onion and Roach and Geralt and smoke and safety. It smells like home.

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Riding Roach was painful and tiring, walking was out of the question He kept waiting for Geralt to get upset by the multiple stops they made but that never happen, in fact the witcher was the one who plannified and suggest to rest every one or two hours.

Something has changed between them, but the bard does not know what to name this new atmosphere, but he sure welcomes it. For the first time in all the years they have travel together Jaskier felt wanted, cared for, treasured! With a rush of happiness and satisfaction, Jaskier acknowledged that the walls Geralt has built around him to keep him out and stranded, have collapsed. He finally was someone to hold on to. Jaskier was sitting on the bed roll with a warm tea canister on his hands while the witcher set up camp to sleep the night. A day and a half away from the next town has become two days, they'll be reaching the inn (if it were any, Jaskier hope there would be) by night fall.

Geralt was stoking the fire when a mad idea occurred to him, he crawled to Geralt and before he could voiced his displeasure the bard embrace him in a tight hug. Two seconds later, Geralt hugged him back almost urgently, nuzzling his face where Jaskier's shoulder and neck met. He withdrew with a goofy smile on his face and his heart hammering on his bruised ribs, he couldn't care less. But he didn't get any far, he was a selfish man. Geralt was smiling too, a soft and crooked smile, when he straightened the bard's hair over his forehead and ears, he then, like under a spell trace his thumbs over his eyebrows and eyelids. Jaskier could die right here and then from happiness.

Their faces were so close. I love you, Jaskier wanted to say, he took Geralt's hands instead to place a kiss on each dirtied palm.

"You reek" of course Geralt would know how to break the moment.

"You too, mister. For once Roach smells better than us"

“She always smells better tan us” Jaskier snorted getting back to the bedroll pondering on how lucky he was despite the near death experience, he was a lucky men.

By the next afternoon Jaskier was beyond exhausted, every single one of his bones scream with pain, he felt as if he was about to pass out at any moment.

"Geralt..."

"We have to get going, Jaskier, only for a few hours and we'd get there"

"I can't"

"Please, Jask, I'll take care of you when we get there"

Please, what a strange word to express how much you care.

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Geralt practically carried him up the stairs to the room, Jaskier fell face first on the bed already half sleep. Geralt was placing his things when the bard murmured “Wake me up before you go in the morning." The thing is that even if he were on time to reach Eskel, Geralt didn't want to go anywhere.

Jaskier woke up sometime in the night when the mattress sagged next to him.

followed by a strong arm curling around his belly.

"Grlt'?"

"Sleep"

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Jaskier woke up to the chirping of birds on the windowsill, it was still early, the sun was not up yet. Not even the drowsiness could prevent the joy he felt and finding himself tuck to Geralt chest, they're facing each other naturally as if they have sleep like this forever.

And like a bucket of cold water thrown over him he remembered the letter "Geralt" he called softly "Geralt it's morning"

"Hmm, I can see that" came the sloppy reply, but instead of getting up Geral cuddled him more, practically tucking his face against the other's.

as if sensing his distress Geralt added "I'm not going anywhere"

"But your contact..." he withdrew (a few inches) to make a point. Geralt opened his perfect eyes and hold him under them.

"Eskel, my brother. I already send a letter, he'll understand"

"I'm sorry" a kiss was place on his forehead

"Don't be, I want to be here"

"You...you didn't want to" Geralt sighed ashamed

"I know and i'm sorry. Now I know where i belong"

"Here?" replied Jaskier with a snort

"With you"

"With me?!" Now was Geralt's turn to snort happily, resembling Roach when they feed her apples.

"You risked your life even though I was an asshole to you, even when I told you that the poison would kill you if you got anywhere near the place. I...I'm sorry"

"You were an asshole, yes" Geralt gifted him with a smile full of teeth "To be fair i was behaving like a brat at the time"

"You are a brat, yes"

"Hey"

Jaskier wanted to say I love you, instead he kiss Geralt's lips softly.

Geralt wanted to do better, so better he did.

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers DARK FATE ー Ayato Dark [Epilogue]

Yui: ( Huh...? When did I fall asleep...? )

Ayato: ..Nn...

*Smooch*

Nn...Aah, you finally woke up, huh?

ー Yui wakes up in the castle’s bedroom

Yui: Ayato-kun...Good morning.

Ayato: ‘Morning.

...Chichinashi. You’re really livin’ up to that name, huh?

Yui: Wha...!? Oh come on...!!

Ayato: Hehe, don’t get your panties in a knot. You can’t blame me for statin’ the truth, can you?

Yui: ( Uu...It’s frustrating how I can’t deny that. )

( But...I guess Ayato-kun feels a little better now? )

Ayato: ...

Oi, Yui.

I...

ーー I’m goin’ to kill that shitty Old Hag once more.

This time, I’ll end her life for good.

Yui: ...Ayato-kun...

( Is that his answer? )

...

( ...I guess there’s no point in me racking my brain over it. If that’s what Ayato-kun has decided, then I’ll... )

...Right, Ayato-kun.

You haven’t eaten since this morning, so should I make you something? Takoyaki, for example.

Ayato: Oh, sounds good! Yes please. Guess I’ll have no other choice but to eat a bunch.

ーー Ah, but just one thing.

*Rustle*

Ayato: You better don’t think ��bout goin’ outside looking like that?

Yui: ...!! I-I know!!

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the living room

Yui: ( I wonder if I can make takoyaki here? While I have the chance, I’d like to cook various things for him... )

( I wonder what kind of ingredients this world has to offer? )

( There might be a bunch of other differences as well. )

( ...This is the place Ayato-kun grew up at. )

( ...I should try and get to know it better. Even the smallest of details. )

( Okay! Anyway, I’ll start by cooking up a deliciousーー )

???: Where are you going in such a rush~?

Yui: Laito-kun!

Laito: Nfu~ Exactly! The one and only!

Hmー... Say, Bitch-chan? Did you perhaps...have some ‘fun’ with Ayato-kun last night?

Yui: ...!?

Laito: Nfu~ Guess I was right judging by that reaction.

You’re making me jealous...I would have loved to join in if you had told me.

...But well...

I guess you made the right choice, staying close to him during these times.

Yui: Eh...?

Laito: Ayato-kun is the one who made the first move on her after all...As a result, I’m sure he is more shocked than anyone to see her still alive.

As for Kanato-kun and myself...How should I put this...Right...

We just can’t seem to bring ourselves to wholeheartedly hate her. It’s complicated, very much so.

We loathed her to death, and we actually did slaughter her. 

However...We still can’t quite claim to hate her from the very bottom of our hearts.

However, Ayato-kun might have been the only one who genuinely despised her. Although that’s something only he knows for sure.

Yui: I see...

Laito: ...Oh dear. I suppose I broke character there for a bit by speaking so honestly~

I’ll go get some fresh air...

ー Laito leaves

Yui: ...

( They all bear different sorts of emotions inside. )

( ...Ayato-kun said he would kill Cordelia, but... )

( Still...I wonder if that will truly make him feel better? )

( After all, when I first met Ayato-kun, he seemed to be in emotional distress as well. )

( I wonder if he’ll end up repeating that same outcome? )

( But...Even so, I don’t exactly know what to do either. )

( I... )

Reiji: ーー You are in the way.

*Rustle*

Yui: Wah!

ー Shuu and Reiji appear

Yui: ( ...! What a strange sight to see these two together... )

Reiji: ...You have this annoying habit of showing whatever you are thinking on your face.

Yui: S-Sorry...

...Anyway, why are you guys here? Did something happen?

Reiji: Wellーー

Shuu: ...Pwaah...

Reiji: Shuu! Is this truly the time to be yawning!? Good grief...How vexing!

Yui: U-Um...Excuse me...?

Reiji: Haah, good grief...

You should not be spacing out either.

I do not know how that woman has been brought back to life...However, right now this is more important.

*Flip*

Yui: This is...

Reiji: An invitation to the evening gala held by Father.

Yui: Evening gala...?

Reiji: Exactly.

Apparently he intends to invite guests from across the whole Demon World, and we have been put in charge of all preparations.

First we must start by putting together these invitations. ...Aah, so much work...!

Yui: U-Um...Shall I help out?

Reiji: Hmph. And how exactly would you do that? I suppose sealing the envelopes would be the most you can handle.

Yui: Right...

Reiji: Haah...However...Why did Father decide to hold an evening gala during the Lunar Eclipse out of all times...?

It is too dangerous, no matter how you look at it...

Shuu: ーー There must be some people he wants to lure out, no?

Yui: Eh...?

Reiji: ...Aah, I see...Those two Founder gentlemen, right?

Yui: ( Carla-san and Shin-kun... )

Reiji: Those two are most definitely an eyesore.

...However, I fail to understand why someone as powerful as Father needs to rely on an evening gala to take them out...

Shuu: ...

Yui: ( ...I don’t know what Karlheinz-san is thinking. )

( But ever since those two Founders showed up, it’s been one strange happening after the other. )

( I don’t want any more trouble to occur... )

Ayato: Heh, bring it on then...!

Yui: Ayato-kun...!

What brings you here?

Ayato: ‘Cause you were takin’ a damn eternity, duh!

...Hehe, so I listened in on the conversation.

That scarfed freak and the eyepatch dude won’t back down so easily.

I bet they’ve still got some tricks up their sleeve, don’t you think?

In that case, we should just send them an invitation or whatever and straight-up call them out.

I’ll crush them fair and square!

They better don’t think I’m gonna keep quiet after gettin’ my ass kicked!

Yui: B-But...

( What if they really do show up and it ends in a fight...? )

( Oh no, at this rate... )

Shuu: Pwaah...Well...I don’t know what their motive is, but I’m sure they’ll show up eventually either way.

In that case, making the first move might save us a lot of trouble.

Yui: ( Shuu-san too... )

Reiji: How thoughtless. What if a fight breaks loose at the gala?

Ayato: Che...! You wimp...!!

ー Ayato leaves

Yui: Ah...Ayato-kun, wait...!!

ー Yui chases after him to the garden

Yui: Haah, haah, haah...

Where is Ayato-kun...?

???: ...What are you looking at?

Yui: Kyah...

Ayato-kun...

Ayato: Why do you seem afraid still...? Che...

We’re already at the point where we’ve tried out plenty of things, no?

Yui: T-That doesn’t mattーー

*Thud*

Ayato: Say...!

Yui: ...Uu.

Ayato: What’s your answer? Huh!?

Yui: ( Ayato-kun’s extremely worked up. )

Ayato: Or have you still not had enough? In that case...Should I remind you?

Yui: ( He is frustrated by his own incapability to do something about the whole situation despite his strong desire to do so...That’s the vibe I’m getting. )

( ...But... )

( Right now, being by his side is the only support I can provide. )

( I don’t mind what happens to me, if it helps him feel better. )

( He can suck as much of my blood as he wants too. )

Yui: ...

Ayato: ...Che...!

...Ugh.

...

Aahー God!

...Listen...

I’m sorry!

Yui: Eh...?

( What did he say just now...? )

Ayato: ...Come on, you heard me...I said sorry.

Yui: ( Ayato-kun’s apologizing to me... )

You don’t need to say sorry, really...Well...It surprised me a little though.

Ayato: D-Don’t be surprised!

I...wouldn’t get upset with or hit you without a reason either, you know...

Despite what you might believe, I’ve been puttin’ a lot of thought into everythin’!

Yui: Ayato-kun...

Ayato: Also...

If I were to take my anger out on you right now...That would make me exactly like that woman.

That’s the last thing I want!

So...I’m sorry.

Yui: ( Ayato-kun’s been trying his hardest in his own way. )

...I’m sorry for getting scared as well.

But you know, Ayato-kun?

Ayato: What?

Yui: I...want to be with you, even when you’re angry.

It’s fine even if you take it out on me. I want to accept all of it.

So don’t ever force yourself to act a certain way in front of me.

After all, I will love you no matter what.

Ayato: You...

...Ugh.

...Well...You know...I’m glad to hear that.

Anyway, I’m sorry. And also...

...Thank you.

Yui: ( Ayato-kun... )

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

<- [ Dark 10 ] [ Maniac Prologue ] ->

[adam-banks2024]

Bliss

Word Count: 2.1k

Summary: Adam steals you during a long study session to go play some hockey like the good old days.

The scent of parchment paper filled the Great Hall, along with that of fresh ink. You could see it shine on the paper if you were seated directly in front of a tall window. The most light comes through during sunrise and sunset, but at the time I’m studying, I wasn’t there during those hours. 

It was almost noon on a Saturday, but here I am, studying. These tables were a place I usually enjoyed, mostly because of the large quantities of food, but it soon had become the place that gave me migraines and a strong urge to doze off every now and then. 

Ever since I started my sixth year, the advanced potions class had turned into a monstrosity that I wasn’t sure I could handle. At first, it started with a few trips to the hall every month. Then it turned into weeks...and now I’m studying during most of my free time. 

I can’t understand why I’m struggling with this class in particular. In all of my other classes, I’m performing above average. Apparently, I just can’t get the hang of “the art that is potion-making.” God, if I hear one more uninspiring word from Snape I might jump from the Ravenclaw tower.

At this point I had been studying for at least four hours now, and I hadn’t even eaten anything that would resemble breakfast. Unless two stale crackers count. The best part about the whole situation is that I had only managed to memorize the ingredients of one potion in my whole time studying. One. So, still, I must persist. Because I do not want to spend a study hall with Snape. I let my grade fall once and suddenly I found out how awkward and unsettling an hour with the professor was. It’s not like he would even help me. He just told me to read from the book and stared at me the whole time. As much as I hate to admit it, having no time to relax was better than spending any extra time with Snape than I had to

As I reached across the table for more ink, a separate hand was already there. 

“Hey.”

 A long, dark robe hung from his shoulders, and a green and grey scarf was loosely wrapped around his neck. His cheeks and nose had a blush, while the rest of his face appeared icy. He carried a bag with him that had unorganized papers going every which way. 

“Oh hey, Adam. How’ve you been?”

Adam passed the vial to me and I dipped my quill. He put his belongings on the table and sat on the bench. 

“Pretty good. You?” He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm the mess. 

“Eh. I’ve been better.” My voice was laced with tiredness and a pang of hunger. Nothing that would have been noticed, though. 

He paused for a moment and then spoke again. “What’s wrong, Snape got you down because he couldn’t meet for a study session?” 

I snorted. Me missing Snape? Yeah, sure, in his dreams. It took me a few seconds to compose myself before I responded. “No. Quite the opposite actually.” Adam hummed in response and gave a small laugh. 

Once the noise subsided there was an awkward pause. I was waiting for him to respond, and I honestly didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t had a decent conversation with the kid since the beginning of fifth year. Now we’re almost done with our sixth. I decided that maybe if I returned to my studies, he’d take that as an opportunity to drop the conversation. 

I hadn’t even gotten the chance to open my book before he cleared his throat. “Gosh, I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.” He leaned his arm against the table and rested his head in his palm, fingers twiddling with the feather of my quill. 

I sighed, slouching in the process. “Yeah. Social interaction has been foreign to me.” 

Adam moved his other arm to the table, resting his head in both hands now. “Well I’m glad that you were just studying and not being torn apart by the whomping willow.” 

“Haha, yeah. I think I would prefer the willow.” We both laughed, knowing that potions class was hell. Well, I assumed that he thought it was hell. 

“Ahh, don’t say that.” It looked as though he was trying to think of what words to say. Mouth opening and closing, eyes darting everywhere. He must have pieced together what he wanted to say.  “You should join me and the guys for some skating.” I shrugged my shoulders, not answering. I knew that if I entertained the idea at all then I wouldn’t be productive the rest of the day, so I decided to read over my notes to get my mind off the subject. Still, Adam persisted. “Maybe take away some of your stress?” I paused. A break sounded really nice, but could I really afford one right now, or even have enough energy? 

“I don’t know, Adam. I have an exam on Tuesday.” 

Adam stood up and walked around the table with a childlike bounce in his step. “C’mon, y/n, it’ll be fun. Just like old times.” Now he was sitting right beside me, his lip now forming a pout.

 “Well...I guess skating for an hour or two couldn’t hurt. What time were you thinking?” He pulled me up. “Right now!”

All of my belongings were still in the hall, but I don’t think Adam had any regard for that. He seemed extremely excited that I had agreed to go skating with him. Well, and other people. Obviously. It’s not like it was just an invitation with him. They probably just needed an extra player so the teams were even. Whatever the case, I was glad to leave my studies for a few hours. 

We earned glares from the portraits as we ran through the west wing haphazardly, bumping each other as we went. Giggling filled the air and it was just like it was a year ago. There was no awkwardness, no distance. It was like we had stayed in touch the whole time we were apart. I’ll have to make a mental note to not let that distance between Adam and I grow again. 

“So, this is where I leave you.” I smiled at him as I turned to enter the Hufflepuff common room. “Well, for a moment. I don’t really want to get yelled at for being in  another house.” Adam shifted his feet.

“Oh. lighten up, cake eater.” He didn’t say anything, just stared at me. “Okay fine. If you’re that much of a stickler to the rules, you can stay out here.” He gave a sheepish grin.

As I walked up the stairs to my dorm, I wondered how that kid was even in Slytherin. He follows the rules, he’s super kind, and he brightens the room. Then again, you find tons of kids who break their house’s stereotypes. 

I ended the thought as I reached to grab a coat, scarf, and my skates. It had been at least half a year since I used them, so there was no doubt that I would be a little rusty when I got back on the ice. Once I was all bundled up, I made my way back to the hall where I found an Adam Banks standing in the same position that I had left him.

He gave a small smirk as I exited. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

He hooked his arm through my arm and started to tow me to the frozen lake that was above the Slytherin common room. A blush drew to my cheeks, but I wrote it off as the scarf I adorned. Thankfully he didn’t notice. He was so focused on getting to the makeshift rink that I don’t think anything could have phased him. Not even Dumbledore in a bright, pink dress. 

The trek was long, but there wasn’t a lot of snow, so that made the trip more enjoyable. As we neared the lake, I could see the other guys in the distance. I could only make out Connie and Guy because they were holding hands, but there were four other people that I couldn’t see out on the rink. 

“Who’s all gonna be there today?” I looked up at Adam. The blush on his nose was even darker now because of the cold.

“Umm, Charlie. He had the idea in the first place. Averman wanted to come too. I think Connie and Guy. And then we asked Julie and Goldberg so we had goalies.” He smiled as he spoke, his love for hockey apparent.

Adam and I had played together when we were first years, but we hadn’t really known each other then. That’s where I first learned how to even skate. While I was still getting the bearings, Adam was already an extremely skilled player. When we were closer he used to tease me about it all the time, but he eventually stopped, and then just stopped talking to me all together. Maybe that’s why I’m so excited to go skating with him. After all, there’s no better feeling than reconnecting with an old friend.

The lake was pretty bare aside from two makeshift goals on the ice, and a few benches on either side. There weren’t any blue or red lines that we would have for actual games. Just plain ice. 

“And you’re sure the lake is frozen enough?” Images of me falling through into the chilly water invaded my mind. 

Adam shrugged his bag from his shoulder, “I’m a hundred percent sure. And if I’m not, I personally allow you to punch me.”

I rolled my eyes as I started to sit on one of the benches, putting a skate on. “Wow. how convincing.” He didn’t respond, so I just laced up my skates. Looking at the other people skating around, I wasn’t so sure how good I was gonna be. It had been at least three years since I’d really played a game of hockey, and you could clearly tell that these people practiced consistently. 

I stood up once I laced my other skate, and started to make my way to the ice. Much to my surprise, my balance wasn’t awful. I could successfully skate and stop without much effort. There were still times where I would wobble or need to regain my balance, but I should be able to hold my own. 

Adam brought me a stick and nudged my shoulder. I almost tripped, but I caught myself before anything else could happen. 

“You’re real funny, Banks.” I spoke through gritted teeth, still struggling to stay afoot. He offered both of his hands out to help me gain my bearings again. To my surprise, he started skating backwards, pulling me forward. I laughed, “where are we going?”

I could see Adam’s breath as he laughed with me. “To play, silly goose.” An amused expression was painted on his face while speaking, and he gave a big smile after. I started to skate with him instead of just letting him drag me along. After a moment, he just stopped. Because physics exists, I kept sliding and bumped into him. I almost fell but Adam grabbed me by the elbows before I could drop to the ice.

When he pulled me up, our faces were only an inch or two apart. The world around me seemed to fade until it was just Adam. Neither of us had said a word, we just stood there. Staring at each other. It was in that moment when I realized the blades of my skates were slipping on the ice. I didn’t really know why, because the lake was definitely frozen over, like Adam had said. It might have been because my knees had locked

Then I noticed the slight tug on my arms. I realised I was being pulled, not slipping. I was being moved at such a tiny rate that it was almost unnoticeable. Almost. As I neared Adam’s chest, I simply stopped breathing. My heartbeat sped, and I slowly started to lose my hearing. This feeling that I was only now feeling, had it been there the whole day? At the table, running through the hall, walking to the lake. Was it there the whole time? I was just to blind to have seen it. All of the time Adam and I had spent before we lost touch, was the feeling there too? 

Once there was no more room between him and I, Adam started to part his lips. My stomach was instantly in knots, and my mind preparing myself for the moments that were to come. Nothing else was said, and Adam closed his eyes. With no hesitation, he closed the gap between us, and pressed his lips against mine. 

There were no fireworks. No sparks, no pits in my stomach. Just pure bliss, as I kissed the boy that I met in fifth year.

[btsmakesmehappy]

Palate Cleanser | 1

Genre: Agent au, friends with benefit (sort of), Stranger to lover, Angst, Fluff, Eventual Smut

Pairing: Agent!Taehyung x Baker!reader

Word Count: 5,6k

Rating: 18+ (M)

Warning: broken heart, cursing.

Chapter: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 completed

Summary: Taehyung needs something to take his mind off his broken heart. His best friend, Jimin, suggests that he should meet another woman and the first woman he met was you. Would you help him even though you have your own problem, that you hate men?

a/n: Hello again! This mini series is a continuation from Broken Vase. You can read it as as a standalone, but it’s better if you read it first for better understanding! As always, english is not my first language, so I would really appreciate if you give me correction or any suggestion. Please tell me if you want to be added on the taglist!

Also this is gonna be a part of The Company series (Click it for agents’ description!). Please look forward for it!

Taehyung walks mindlessly in the city. It is already noon, but still, he doesn’t want to go back to the company. The sun shines brightly like it is mocking him. And how the roads are full of couples, it is like hell to him. He hates it. He wants to be with someone too. Someone whose hand he can hold in the middle of a busy street. Not just someone, but someone he truly loves. That particular one who chooses Namjoon over him. He knows that the girl loves Namjoon deeply. He always knows it. Yet he refuses to acknowledge it. He thought that if he stays with her by her side, she will reciprocate his feelings. But it is just a mere hope. Love is not that simple.

His phone vibrates inside his pocket. He looks at it only to find Jimin is calling him. “What do you want, chim?” He then moves to the sidewalk, to take the call. His back leans onto a brick wall.

“Hello to you too. Where the fuck are you? The meeting is in 5 minutes, you know!” Jimin yells from the telephone. Taehyung taps his foot impatiently, waiting for Jimin to stop his blabbering. “Just come here fast!”

Taehyung interrupts, “I am not coming.”

There is silence on the phone and when Taehyung wants to turn his phone off, Jimin yells again. “Are you crazy? The meeting is about our mission in Hawaii. All of the agents who worked in it must be present. Our boss and that girl are gonna ask me about you.”

Taehyung can feel his heart stop for a bit after hearing about that girl. The girl he loves. But still, he doesn’t want to meet her. He is not ready. She will be together with Namjoon in the meeting. A sight he never wants to see. “Just act like you don’t know anything! I am hanging up!” Taehyung hangs up before Jimin replies back. He then turns his phone off and puts it again inside his pocket.

Yes, he thinks that it is not professional for him to avoid Namjoon and the girl. He doesn’t hate them, Hell no. Namjoon is one of his best friends and so does she. But he still needs a moment to mourn, to finally moving on. He sighs and walks again. His stomach grumbles. He hasn’t eaten anything since yesterday. He doesn’t even believe it himself. He thinks that only women will have anorexic as a breakup phase. But it seems, losing appetite applied for every human being who is brokenhearted.

His feet stop in front of a small bakery. It has a blue color outside and yellow inside, a rare combination since some people think that blue is not an appetizing color. He decides to buy some bread and eat it in the park, he is not in the mood of any rice right now. He just needs something to fill his empty stomach. The bell in the door rings as he opens it.

He is welcomed by delicious smells of freshly-baked bread. He takes a tray and walks around. Somehow the smells make his stomach growls even louder. After many considerations, he chooses a bread with red bean paste and butter and also an egg sandwich. He also takes a coke from the chiller and walks to the cashier.

He puts the tray in the cashier and his eyes wandering around the small bakery. The bakery itself is cozy, with some corners full of cute photo spots. There is only some seating area in front of the cashier. Taehyung is nodding at the rhythm of the music when his eyes dart at a little placard with a hand-written scribble beside the cashier.

Girls get 50% off

Taehyung frowns his brows and asks. “Why do only girls get 50% off?”

You raise your head. “Because all men are trash.” You reply dryly.

Taehyung gawks with that sudden explanation. “I’m sorry, what?”

Just before you say anything to the random guy, someone hit your head. “What the fuck, Hani? Why did you hit me?” you touch your head and look at another girl, Hani, who holds a rolling pin in her hand.

Hani then grabs the placard and tears it into pieces. “How many times did I tell you not to use this stupid ‘girl only’? You want us to go bankrupt?” She then throws it into the trash can. Hani turns to the man in the suit in front of them. “I am really sorry sir.”

“Why? I said the truth!” you shrug. Hani then glares at you, which shuts you up. “Fine. You handle this then.” you then walk to the back, to the kitchen, while Hani handles the cashier.

Taehyung is flabbergasted. His eyes following your back. What a weird girl. “So, how much?”

Hani then smiles, “2700 won. Would you want to pay with cash or card?” Taehyung gives her an exact amount. “Oh, this is a free cookie for you. It’s a new recipe.”

Taehyung takes the paper bag and nods politely. “Thank you.”

“Thank you! Please come again!” She yells to the girl as Taehyung walks out of the door. He can hear how the weird girl is being yelled at. Somehow he finds it amusing and funny, not at all weird.

He walks to the nearby park and sits on the bench. He puts the paper bag beside him. He looks at the bag. Palate Cleanser. A weird name for a bakery. It should be used for an ice cream parlor or that kind of stuff, but instead, they use it in a goddamn bakery. Well, not only the people working there are weirdos, the bakery itself is weird too.

He chuckles. Taehyung loves unusual stuff. He was once scolded by the higher-ups when he showed up in the Company in a pajama set and the other time in a suit with some doodles on the back. It is just his fashion sense, and everybody in the Company just looked at him like he was crazy. Why can't he be the unique one? It’s not that he bothers anyone with his habit nor his fashion sense. He opens the sandwich first and bites it. Not bad. Maybe he will come to that weird bakery again.

“What the fuck, Y/n? You almost scared him away!” Hani yells at you. She puts her hand on her hips. It may be the fifth time she yelled at you about this, this week.

You shrug. “So what? That is my intention anyway.” You open the kitchen cabinet and pull out a sack of flour, chocolates, caramel, and a bottle of peanut butter.

She pinches the bridge of her nose. “He just wanted to buy some bread for god sakes. Not making a move at you!”

You look away and walk to the kitchen island to make another batch of cookies. “Men still are trash.” You said as you rolled your sleeves.

Hani just shakes her head. “Not all men are trash.”

“They are!” you yell. “You lucky you found a good one.”

“Enough with the stubbornness!” She sighs. “Fine then, just think like that. But don’t you ever put that placard again! People would think that this bakery is a lesbian crib, you fucker.” Hani stomps her foot to the front, leaving you alone in the kitchen.

You sigh. I hope I am a lesbian, maybe It’s just better that way. You begin to measure the cookie ingredients. Your mind wanders freely as your hands work. You have done this for almost 5 years now, and you can measure a basic cookie dough subconsciously.

It’s because of Youngjae.

It was maybe the lowest point in your life. You found Youngjae naked in the bed with your college friend who you thought was your best friend. But frankly, she was just a bitch. Youngjae was your boyfriend for 3 years, you dated him in the last year of high school. He was kind, handsome, and smart, basically a grade-A boyfriend. You thought you were blessed for having a nice boyfriend. You gave all of you to him. But apparently, he cheated you all the time in your relationship. For 3 fucking years.

You are glad that you have a nice family and friends to help you through it. You cried, starved yourself, and did not take a bath for weeks in your break up. Hani is one of your friends that supports you in that hard time. Instead of just depressed and sad, she helped you move on. She was the one who printed huge ass banners that said ‘Youngjae got herpes’ with his photo and stuck it on every surface in your college. It probably cost you some dates but you were happy and satisfied. You were relieved that you got out of that unhealthy relationship. But still, you despise all of the men in this world.

You studied hard after that, took patisserie classes, not bothered by guys and dating. You get on your feet and finally, you open a bakery in the middle of the city with your best friend. It is like a successful revenge. Even that jerk ruined your life, you still have your best friend and a great job that you have always dreamt of.

You always love baking since you are just a little kid. You love the moment when you wait in front of the oven. You love to see how all the raw ingredients turn into an edible one. And you love to give your food to people, you love seeing their reaction. There was even a time when you made bread with a miso paste fillings. It was a horrible combination that made Hani and your family throw up. But you love trying new things, or just watching them trying your disgusting food.

You put the cookies in the oven. This time you made a batch of sumbitches, cookies filled with peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel. It is your bakery’s special and most favorite one because your customers are mostly girls. Who says that the girls need love? Well, who needs love if you can eat chewy, sweet, salty, and crunchy fresh baked cookies while watching Netflix?

Taehyung decides to go back to the Company after his lunch. He is racking his brain to avoid the other guys. He looks at his watch. The meeting should be over in an hour. He better moves faster. He speed-walks to his cubicle, nodding at everyone in his way. It is not that he has a job to do. He hasn’t got a new mission yet, so he basically can slack around. He sits on his chair. It’s been a while since he moved back to this city. He always chose to be located in other countries as an asset. He loves to interact with new people and to be in a new environment, not stuck in this tiny cubicle in a suit. But after that Hawaii Mission, the boss orders him to return to the head office, and well, he can’t refuse. Even Yoongi, who was an asset in Hawaii, ordered his return too.

He moves his chair around. He is bored. Maybe he is going to ask Jungkook to play with him. Oh but Jungkook is at the meeting. He sighs as he props his hand under his chin.

“Tae! Where have you been?” It’s the voice he wants to avoid the most. She walks to his cubicle with her bag on her shoulder. He can see the scar on her cheek is not as red as before, since it was from two weeks ago. “You are lucky, the Boss didn’t ask for you!”

He smiles sheepishly. “Ah, right. I kinda forget. So how is the meeting?”

She looks at him suspiciously and puts her arms across her chest. “Yoongi found that Ji Seok had contacted some people before he came to Hawaii. So, we need to investigate them. They sound suspicious from what Yoongi told us before. We thought that they might be the newest members of the Black.”

He tilts his head. “I’m sorry. We?” He is fine with another job to save him from boredom, but to work with her again? It’s just uncomfortable.

She laughs, “Oh, I am sorry. I mean you, Yoongi, Jin, Jimin, and Hoseok. Everyone except me and Namjoon. Can you believe that?”

Taehyung raises one of his eyebrows. At some point, he feels relief that he won’t work with her. “What? Why?”

“Namjoon is getting his ‘punishment’ and sent away to teach the recruits and as for me, I have finally decided to go on therapy.” She smiles proudly.

His jaw drops, “Oh my God! I am so glad you decided to do that!” He stands and hugs her tightly. “What makes you change your mind?”

She returns the hug. “Well, Namjoon kinda talked me into it. I was afraid I would get fired, at first. But he told me that if I get fired, he will leave too.” She laughs. “And after that, I gathered all of my courage to tell our Boss. Fortunately, he doesn’t fire me and encourages me to go to therapy. They told me to think about myself first.”

He gulps and gives a faint smile. “I am so happy for you.”

She then releases his hug. “I want to talk to you more, but I must go to my first session. Talk to you soon, okay?” she then waves and walks to the tall man standing beside the door. The tall man smiles and then puts his arms behind her back and walks with her happily. She never smiles like that before and if Namjoon is the only one who can make her happy, he will gladly let her go. Even if his heart aches whenever he sees her with Namjoon, he will be happy for her. He tries to be happy for her.

He needs to move on. He must let her go.

He drowns in his thoughts, not realizing Jimin walks to him. “Hey, bro. How are you?” Jimin has always been his best friend. They both went to college together and finally decided to work in the same place, Taehyung works in the field area, whereas Jimin works as a handler. Her handler. And Jimin was the one who introduced her to Taehyung.

Taehyung sighs. “So-so.”

Jimin pats his shoulder. “I know. You are doing good, by the way. I am so proud of you.” Jimin always knows about Taehyung’s love for her. It’s not that he is not supporting it, but Jimin has always known that the girl loves Namjoon, since a long time ago. Basically, he is stuck in between helping Taehyung, his best friend, or helping the girl. But love is not that simple, and can’t be controlled with a mere human being like him. It just goes with the flow like a log in the river. And unlucky for Taehyung, the log flows to another stream. “Just tell me if you want to hit the strip club okay? Hoseok is waiting for it too.”

“Haha. Yeah right.” Taehyung shrugs. “Maybe next couple of years.”

“Dude. Why are you so pessimistic about it? You are going to move on soon.”

Taehyung glares at him. “I have loved her for 3 years, okay? It’s not that simple to unlove someone you love.”

Jimin sighs. “You know what? I think you need a palate cleanser.”

Taehyung knits his brows. “What? Why do I need that bakery?”

“What bakery?” He asks back. “No, what I mean is you need some sex to help you get over her! And then you can get ready for a new one.”

“So, you suggest that I should hook up with a prostitute?” He crosses his arms across his chest, finding Jimin’s suggestion to be amusing. Amusing as Jimin who is a hopeless romantic and has been in love with his childhood friend since he was a kid suddenly told him to get a one night stand.

“Eww. No! Just look for a girl, you stupid. Hang out more.”

Taehyung chuckles. “Shouldn’t it be easier to find a prostitute?”

Jimin’s nose scrunches in disgust. “If you say a prostitute again, I won’t ever talk to you.” He then drops a binder on Taehyung’s desk. “Anyway, this is the data for our mission. Jin said that we would have a meeting tomorrow, so you should study it. Oh, did I mention that I am joining the fieldwork too? Finally, I don’t need to stay in front of my computer. I am so thrilled!”

“Wow, congrats bro.” Taehyung pats his shoulder and takes the binder and opens it. “But you should practice your gun skill more then.”

“Right! I think I will practice after this. Alright then, if you need other data just tell me, okay? I’ll see you soon.” Jimin then walks away.

Taehyung drifts his attention to the binder. It looks like there are 3 suspects. They have been contacted by Ji Seok for at least ten times in the last 3 months before Ji Seok is caught. The First suspect is Byun Baekhyun, he went to the same college with Ji Seok, now working in a restaurant in the city. The contacts all happened in his restaurant, with no telephone trace. The second suspect is Park Chanyeol, he lived in the same neighborhood with Ji Seok. He now works as a journalist in a food magazine, last seen with Ji Seok at a work party. The last suspect is Jung Eunji, she has no connection with Ji Seok, but her credit card was used to buy a plane ticket to Hawaii.

His forehead furrows. There is still not enough data to capture them, which means they needed to go to the field to investigate. Another troublesome mission. But at least, he won’t be stuck in front of his computer.

It is the morning. You wake up lazily. You are not a morning person. Even though you have a job which requires you to go to work at 6 am for years, you still go to bed after midnight. You always have other activities that make you busy, either you watch movies or read books. Well, not books. You have been using Tumblr for almost 10 years now. That application has occupied your browser history for almost 10 years, and that is the only reason why people never get to see your phone, there are too many links to your favorite smut authors. There is no way people can see that. Basically it’s just like porn, but you always think that it is more than that. Smut is just full of artistic things too. You love how the author writes such a poetic description of humping with emotional touches which make you cry until 2 in the morning. Well, you did other stuff too besides crying. Let’s just say that not only your face is wet.

You take a quick shower before you go to work. You wrap your body in a towel and pick your clothes for today in the closet. You never go to work in classy clothes, usually, you just wear a t-shirt and jeans, you have to change into your kitchen clothes later after all. You wear your black t-shirt and your ripped jeans quickly, then after tying your hair into a messy bun, you grab your jacket and your purse on the couch. You should go now if you don’t want to be late, or getting scolded by Hani. You shudder in reflex.

It is still chilly in the morning. You keep thinking to yourself, why you hate morning so much when you love the morning weather and how empty the road is, like you own it. You yawn. Well, you hate the wake-up part in the morning. You hate to leave the comfort and the warmth of your blanket.

The walk from your apartment to your bakery is not that long. You are lucky to find such an affordable apartment in the middle of the city. It is small, but it is still livable and pretty. It is close to many things, like the market, train station, and even your bakery. It is a pity you don’t live with Hani. You were going to be Hani’s roommate when you first moved to the city, but now she lives with his boyfriend, Jackson. That’s why, when you first saw the ad of your apartment, you called it without any further thinking.

You arrive at the bakery as you sigh in relief for not seeing Hani’s head inside. Lucky to you, she won’t scold you for this morning. You unlock the door and go straight to your locker room to change your clothes. You then skillfully sweep, mop, and wash all the dishes. And after an hour, you begin to prepare your today’s bread. It’s just your usual menu in your bakery. While you are preparing the dough, your mind wanders, where the hell is Hani?

It’s almost 9 am, and you still can’t find Hani anywhere. You wanted to call her, but as clumsy as you are, you left your phone in your apartment. So you just hope that Hani is fine but her ass will not because you are gonna kick her ass for letting you prepare the bread alone. You sigh as you walk to the front door to turn the sign to ‘Open’.

It has always been a hectic morning for two people to make, display the bread, and handle the customers. And now you are the only one here. It is basically like a war. You still feel lucky, to have people loving your bread. But after 2 hours of working alone, you are admitting defeat. You change the sign on the door to ‘Still baking’ and run to the kitchen to bake some more. It is the only thing you could think of right now. All the bread this morning has already sold out, after all. You are never a multi-tasking girl. So it seems fair for you to work in this type of situation or you will go insane.

Your next batch of bread is already in the oven, and you finally can take a breather. You look at your clock on the wall, it’s almost noon, and Hani is still nowhere to be seen. You begin to worry, but it’s not like you can leave the bakery alone. Then the bell on the door rings. You almost run to the front to yell at Hani for coming so late, but instead Hani, it is a guy.

It’s a guy from yesterday.

He wears a different suit from yesterday, now he is wearing a navy one. His curly hair falls on his forehead smoothly, framing his frowning brows. “Are you close or something?” he asks after he observes your display area.

“My friend is a little late, so I work alone right now.” You give a half-smile, a business one. “If you do mind, you can come back for an hour for the bread. Can’t you see the sign on the door?”

He turns his sculpted face to the door, “Oh, right. Sorry.” He then walks to the seating area, “Can I wait here?”

You bite your lip. But before you say anything to him to forbid him, your alarm in the kitchen rings. You snarl and walk back to the kitchen. “Your call.” You begin to pick your bread and put it to the cooling rack. You then put the already cool one to the plastic back to put it on the display later. Your eyes leer to the guy sitting casually in the seating area in front of the cashier. The presence of a man close to you is kind of uncomfortable.

Taehyung looks at you from the kitchen window. It is a big glass window to show what’s going on inside the kitchen. And that noon, the window lives to its purpose, he can see what you are doing inside. He can see how uncomfortable you are. How you fidget every time you have nothing on your hand. How your eyes sometimes leer at him. It is his ability to know body language, he is an agent, after all. He knows that you are nervous.

Since you told him that all men are trash yesterday, he still thinks of you as a weird girl. Somehow he is drawn to you. At first, he thought it was just a joke or a prank, but seeing how awkward you are when you see him, he realizes that you do hate men. And he thinks it’s really adorable.

You then go out from the kitchen with a pan of freshly baked bread and walk to the display. You put them neatly, quietly, trying not to mind him, while mentally praying for Hani to come sooner.

“Wow, you really do hate men, don’t you?” He asks abruptly.

His deep voice startled you. Your empty pan falls to the ground as the impact, making a loud noise in the room. You then give him a dirty look. “Pardon?”

He walks to the display area, casually observing the bread. He then takes a piece of bread. “I thought it just a joke when you said all men are trash.” He walks back to his chair, opens the plastic, and bite the bread.

You raise one of your eyebrows. “So?” You ask without batting an eye.

“Nothing. Just find it amusing.”

You walk to the chair in front of him and pull it. You sit there facing him. “You have a problem with that?”

“No.” Taehyung throws his last bite to his mouth and chews it quickly. He inches forward to your face. “Let me guess. Hm.. You got dumped, didn’t you?”

You widen your eyes. “No, I didn’t! I was the one who dumped him!” You put your hand on your mouth. What the hell are you doing telling strangers that?

He hums and folds his arms across his chest. “Okay, let me try again.” He studies you for a bit. “Your boyfriend cheated on you with your friend?”

Your jaw drops and you can feel a flush crept on your face. “How do you know?” You ask in a shock.

He smirks and shrugs confidently. “I am just that good you know.” He chuckles. “Actually no, I just guessed it.”

Just when you wanted to reply to him, the door opened harshly. And there you find your best friend rushing towards you. “Oh my God, Y/N! I am sorry.”

You observe her from the top to her feet, well, she seems fine. That’s the important thing. You sigh. “Where have you been?”

“Jackson got sick so I took him to the hospital. I have been calling you for a hundred times, where is your phone?” Hani asks. You can see her face is bare, she didn’t even draw her eyebrows.

“I left it at home. Is Jackson okay?”

Hani takes off his jacket and rolls her sleeves. “Yeah, just a little infection, he will be fine.” She looks around the bakery. “I can’t believe you open this yourself, I feel terrible.”

You wave your hands. “It’s okay. But I think we should hire a part-timer. It has been a hell for me.”

She rubs her chin. “Yes, I think it is time for us to have a helper.” Hani then looks to the side to find a man there. “I am sorry. Am I interrupting something?” She smiles.

Taehyung smiles back and laughs. “Not really. We just discussed about her hatred of men. I got free bread for guessing the reason right!”

“It’s not free-“

You are interrupted by Hani’s laughter. “It is ridiculous, right? I talked to her all the time that not all men are like that.” Her voice then quieten. “I even told her to find a palate cleanser, you know. And, this is a lil bit TMI. But actually, it’s the reason why we use that name for our bakery.”

Palate cleanser. Taehyung then remembers what Jimin said to him yesterday. And an idea comes to his head.

You push Hani’s back to the locker room. “Alright, alright. Just go change already.” She follows your instruction as she waves to Taehyung.

Taehyung looks at his watch and then gathers his stuff and rises from his chair. He walks towards you and he holds out his hand to you. “I am Taehyung.”

You take his hand after many considerations. “Y/N.”

Taehyung smiles. He then takes his wallet out from his pocket and pulls out a card. A black name card. “This is my number. If you are interested in the palate cleanser thing,” he then forcefully puts the name card on your hand, “please give me a call.” He winks and Taehyung walks away to the door, leaving you speechless on the spot.

You are stunned, seeing the card on your hand. After a few seconds, you realize. You ran outside to catch him. “Hey, you haven’t paid!” but Taehyung has vanished in the crowded road.

“Finally!” Jimin yells. All of the 5 members gather in the meeting room, with Jin in the middle. It’s already 15 minutes past the meeting time. Taehyung walks faster and sits beside his friend.

Jin sighs, “I swear to God, if you are late one more time, I will kick your ass in the practice room.” He shifts his eye to Jungkook beside him. “Actually, I will ask Jungkook to do it.”

Taehyung being such a brat, like he always does, shrugs. “Fine. I am sorry. Please continue the meeting.”

Jin pouts and rolls his eyes. “What I am saying is, we need to gather as many pieces of information from the 3 suspects and they should know nothing. The Black is still an influential organization. We must be careful not to attract any attention.”

Hoseok raises his hand. “But actually, haven’t we attracted the attention already by capturing the leader in Hawaii?”

“That’s true. But most of the new members seem to be a rookie in this field, they haven’t been that loyal to him. For short, they are terrified. They will do whatever they take to throw all of the evidence that shows they’re in the organization right away. That’s why it’s our chance to dig a little deeper.” Jin continues.

“So what is the plan?” Jungkook asks.

Yoongi rises from his seat and connects his laptop. He then shows all of the suspect’s profiles. “Jin and I already talked to our boss. We think that we should divide ourselves into groups to tail them.”

“So, Jimin and Yoongi will investigate Jung Eunji. Taehyung and Hoseok will investigate Park Chanyeol, and the last, Jungkook and I will investigate Byun Baekhyun.” Jin folds his hands across his chest. “You will be needed to submit your report every single day at 00.00. Just tailing, no harsh approaches. If they suspect something, you will retreat and report to me. We don’t need another attraction. Are we clear?”

All of the members nod and rise from their seats as Jin dismisses them. Taehyung walks to Hoseok. “So do we get a stake-out van?”

It is almost midnight but you still can’t fall asleep. You move your body anxiously on the bed, trying to get comfortable. Finally, you surrender. You pick your phone, scrolling on Tumblr. It is a bad idea actually. You always think that reading some stories will make you go to sleep, but instead, you feel excited and end up reading fifteen chapters of 10k stories. But tonight, you can’t find other stories to read.

You sigh. Your mind begins to wander. And suddenly Taehyung pops out in your mind. A palate cleanser, huh? It is tempting actually. He looks nice. Well, nice doesn’t do justice to him. You have never found a guy as handsome as him. It really makes nonsense to you. His beauty is beyond words. And to have such a guy to offer you such service, you must be dreaming.

Or, is he a prostitute? That’s why he looks so ethereal!

You turn your headlamp on and walk to your purse, where you kept his name card. You look at it carefully on both sides. It is just a simple card, with simple ‘Kim Taehyung’ written in gold in the center, with his email and phone number under it and ‘The Company’ on the other side of the card. It seems too sophisticated for a prostitute’s agency, well, not that you ever got it though. Or is he like an exclusive prostitute?

Should I just text him? You sit on your couch. You input his number on your phone and hit the message button. What should I send? You tap your phone on your chin. You have never texted a guy since college. It is lame actually. Whenever you got a guy’s number, you always ignore it. But now, you just got the feeling that you can ignore Taehyung.

You walk to your pantry, pouring a glass of wine, and bring the bottle to the couch. You begin to type.

To Taehyung: Hey...

You knit your eyebrows, what are you? A high schooler? You can do better than this. You delete and begin typing again. You gulp the wine in one shot and pour another glass.

To Taehyung: Dear, Kim Taehyung. I was happy to receive your number and I hope to see you again.

Are you his business partner? Damn, woman. Just type casually. You drink your wine again. Typing and deleting, and drinking. For several hours. Until you fell asleep on the couch with the phone on your hand.

And just like the safety slogan on the road, ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’. You need a new one.

‘Don’t drink and type’

[sonderwalker]

wow look at the time! time for more modern fluff! this drabble is the first part of a several part story thread discussed with @tomicaleto who also wrote the first part of this drabble which you can (and should) read here

When Obi-Wan woke up the next morning, he was surprised to not smell coffee brewing from the kitchen. He was surprised to see that Anakin was still in bed, and he contemplated waking him up. But he retracted his arm after reaching out, deciding that it was better to let Anakin sleep. He realized as he watched Anakin's chest rise and fall, that the semester had ended. Anakin didn't have any classes to get to at 8 in the morning, and instead, was only working, instead of going to school as well. Obi-Wan looked up, watching as a few snowflakes gently floated down to the surface. He watched as weak rays of sunlight came in through the gaps in the blinds, lighting up Anakin's face- who was still buried under the covers. He saw dark circles, a little splash of freckles, beautiful golden curls that he reached over and brushed away, and most of all he saw his husband. Peacefully sleeping beside him. Anakin shifted in his sleep, pulling the covers up even higher as the light hit his face. Obi-Wan smiled softly, watching as even in his sleep, Anakin reached out for him and his warmth.

Obi-Wan turned away, reaching over on the nightstand for his phone and checked the time. It was mid-morning. Anakin never stayed in bed this long. He looked back over at Anakin, whose chest was still rising steadily. He watched as Anakin continued to sleep, curled up under the large comforter that he had insisted on getting for their bed. It was a deep grey, thicker than the other ones in the store. But Anakin had insisted- stating that Obi-Wan liked to sleep with the temperature lower than the arctic. Obi-Wan had huffed, but eventually gave in, agreeing to the comforter.

Now, watching as Anakin continued to sleep, he had no regrets about getting it. But he did wonder when Anakin had come home yesterday? Why had his phone died? How long had been asleep?

He wanted to ask him these things, but he also didn't want to wake Anakin up- opting to instead quietly get out of bed and prepare for the day. Obi-Wan walked into the kitchen after getting ready for the day, turning on the kettle to make a cup of tea, and sat down at the kitchen table, scrolling through news headlines on his phone. He looked out of the window in their kitchen and watched as the snow continued to fall. Anakin had mentioned wanting to go see a light display for the holidays, but now figured that perhaps it would be too cold for him to want to go. Or perhaps, he would still be too exhausted from the end of the semester to even want to go outside.

Either way, Obi-Wan figured that it was best to not disturb him.

He wasn't sure how long he had been sitting there- he had finished two cups of tea, and had moved onto reading through his emails when Anakin appeared in the kitchen. He was wearing the largest hoodie that Obi-Wan thought he owned, and had the hood pulled up, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Good morning, dear one." Obi-Wan said, adjusting his glasses as Anakin slid into the seat across from him at the table.

Anakin rested his head on the table, and Obi-Wan pushed the hood back slightly, running a hand through Anakin's curls.

"Morning." He mumbled, smiling slightly.

"Still sleepy, I take it?" Obi-Wan asked, setting his phone down.

"A little." Anakin replied and shrugged. He pouted.

"What's wrong?" Obi-Wan asked. "We had all of that stuff planed today, for the holidays." Anakin replied.

"We can still go if you're feeling up to it." Obi-Wan noted. Anakin huffed.

"You sound like you aren't feeling up to it, but don't want to admit it."

Anakin sighed and sat up. "No, no." He said and stretched. "I'll start making the cookies for Ahsoka." He continued, standing up from the chair and walking over to the cabinets, pulling out ingredients."

Obi-Wan frowned. "You're shivering." Anakin shrugged and pulled his hood back over his head.

"It's cold"

Obi-Wan stood up, wrapping an arm around Anakin's waist. "I got you those socks."

He noted with a soft smile. "I was tired of your ice cold feet pressing against me."

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Just because not all of us are as resistant to the cold as you are doesn't mean you can make fun of me about it." He replied.

Obi-Wan smiled and held his a little tighter. "If you don't want to do this, I'm sure that Ahsoka would understand." He said again.

Anakin shrugged. "No, she's also had a rough time, I wanna do something nice for her." He said as he measured out the flour. But a sudden shiver ran up his spine and he spilled some of the flour onto the counter.

"Anakin."

"It's fine." He replied and sighed. "Could you turn the thermostat up?" He asked. Obi-Wan nodded, letting go of Anakin's waist to walk over towards it. He watched as Anakin melted the butter, pouring all of the ingredients into a bowl.

"Is this your mother's recipe?" Obi-Wan asked, now familiar with the steps and ingredients that went into making these cookies. Anakin nodded, concentrating on measuring out the right amount of vanilla.

"Do you want me to help you with anything?" Obi-Wan offered. Anakin laughed softly.

"You don't like baking." He pointed out.

Obi-Wan shrugged. "No, but I can always make an exception for you." Anakin had declined again, but it didn't seem to matter. Once all of the cookies were done, Anakin had promptly collapsed onto the couch, pulling the blanket he kept out there over himself.

"More tired than you thought?" Obi-Wan asked, coming over to stand next to him. Anakin opened his eyes.

"I guess." He mumbled, closing his eyes again as Obi-Wan ran a hand through his hair. He looked up at the clock on the stove, it was early in the afternoon.

"Wait, have you eaten anything today?" Obi-Wan asked suddenly. Anakin's eyes opened.

"I had a few cookies." He replied before closing them again.

"Anakin."

"Later." Anakin replied, pulling the blanket up higher and sighing.

Obi-Wan sighed and sat down next to him on the edge of the couch. He contemplated texting Padme and Ahsoka right then and there that they wouldn't be going to see them, and that he would be stopping by with the cookies that Anakin had made instead. But he also didn't want to leave Anakin alone, and he figured that Anakin probably wanted to see them. Despite his body saying otherwise.

Obi-Wan's hunch had been right. He looked up at the time and the back over at Anakin, who had fallen back asleep. He had let him sleep for another hour, but he knew that he needed to wake Anakin up. There were things that they still needed to do, never mind heading out towards the light festival and meeting up with Padme and Ahsoka. But as he watched Anakin sleep, his face squished into the side of the couch, Obi-Wan found that he didn't have the heart to wake him. He quietly stepped over to Anakin, smiling softly as he noticed that his mouth was open slightly. But he frowned as he noticed the ever present dark circles, or the flush on Anakin's cheeks.

Obi-Wan bent over and ran a hand through Anakin's hair. He felt warmer than before, but maybe that was because he was under a blanket with a hoodie on. Obi-Wan smiled softly again as he watched Anakin's eyes flutter open.

"Get enough rest?" He asked as Anakin sat up and rubbed his eyes. Anakin shrugged.

"Hungry?" Obi-Wan asked next. Anakin ran a hand through his hair.

"A little." He replied, his voice cracking.

He cleared his throat "Definitely thirsty." He noted.

"Well, you were sleeping with your mouth open." Obi-Wan replied.

"It certainly feels like it." Anakin said as he placed a hand against his throat.

"I put the cookies away for you." Obi-Wan said, changing the subject. Anakin perked up.

" I completely forgot!" He exclaimed as he threw the blanket off of himself and stood up. Anakin walked over and rested his head on Obi-Wan's shoulder while wrapping his arms around his waist.

"I appreciate it." He mumbled into Obi-Wan's shoulder. Obi-Wan smiled and leaned his head to the side when Anakin moved to kiss him on the cheek.

"It's no trouble." He replied as a blush began to form on his face. Even now, after being married to Anakin, he could still do the simplest things to make him blush. But he wouldn't change anything.

[bangtan-sonyeonddaeng]

|Yoongi Royal AU|

Yoongi was tired. Tired of having to act proper all the time, tired of constantly having to attend to royal duties, tired of constantly being reminded of what his role was in someday taking over the crown. He was in his 20′s. He just wanted to live like a normal person, just for one day. He didn’t think that was too much to ask, but apparently his father disagreed. 

“You never were going to be able to live a normal life Yoongi. I’m sorry but I can’t let you just leave the palace without guards. Someone could try and hurt you. It’s for your own safety.” 

Well, Yoongi has never really been one to listen to what he was told anyway. So he asked his most trusted attendant, Jin to get him commoner clothing. 

“Why do you want that your highness?” 

“Don’t ask questions just, get them for me. Please, hyung?” 

“Ah, Yoongi I told you not to call me that.”

“But we’re friends, aren’t we?” 

“Yah, don’t look at me like that with those wide puppy eyes! This is exactly why I try to put distance between us you’re too hard to say no to and it conflicts with my job duties.”

“So.. does that mean yes, hyung?”

“Ugh fine! But whatever nonsense you are planning I don’t want to know about it.” 

“Thank you hyung!” 

He did end up getting him the clothing. He even got him a face mask and a hat to mostly cover his identity. He must have known he was planning to sneak out. When Yoongi grabbed the hat to put it on his head a note had fell out onto the floor.

Be safe, Yoongi. Your father will have my head if anything happens to you. But I understand how frustrating it must be to never have had the opportunity to just be treated like a normal person. So although I don’t condone this, I won’t say anything. Just be back before 6am. Your father will be up at that time and I don’t want to be responsible for explaining your whereabouts. 

~Jin hyung

Yoongi smiles as he crumples the note and puts it in his pocket. He puts the mask and hat on, and decides that his disguise will have to be good enough. He checks the time, it’s currently 8pm. His father would be getting ready for bed by now so he should have nothing to worry about. He ties his blankets and bed sheets together and knots it around the bed post, the rest is tossed out the window. He climbs down and heads toward the town. 

It’s even more beautiful at night. The streets are alive with people coming and going to different stores, cafes, and vendors. People are walking by laughing, going into restaurants to have a drink and catch up with friends, it’s a totally different atmosphere than when he is around. When people know they are around the crown prince of the nation they tend to act as if they are walking on egg shells. Now he can just walk amongst everyone else and feel... well,  normal. 

A few people walked by, offering him a smile and kept walking. No bowing, no avoided eye contact and apologies. The smiles were genuine, and he finds himself incredibly happy at this. He decides to stop inside a restaurant for a few drinks and a meal, wanting to eat unhealthy food for once and as much as he wants. When he opens the door, he sees nearly every table is full. He doesn’t want to be recognized, so he walks around until he finally spots an open table in the back corner. He goes to sit down facing away from all the other patrons, only he notices someone else has sat down right across from him at the exact same time. 

“Sorry! Do you mind sharing a table? It’s just that I only now got off from work and I am starving and don’t want to wait for a table.” Is this normal for commoners to do? He doesn’t know. But nonetheless he would at least enjoy some company so he nods. 

“You can stay.”

“Thank you so much! My name is y/n, what’s your name stranger?”

“It’s um..” Thankfully he doesn’t have to finish that sentence as the waiter comes over to take their order. He orders nearly everything on the menu and your eyebrows lift up in surprise.

“Are you really that hungry? Has it been a while since you’ve eaten?”

“No. I just wanted to try one of everything. I’ve never had this kind of food before.” 

“What?! Never ever?!”

“No my family... doesn’t really like me eating this kind of stuff.” 

“Ah, are they vegetarians or something?” Yoongi chuckles.

“Something like that.” 

“Well you’re in for a treat! This place has the best food I think I’ve ever had. They really know how to make the ingredients go a long way.” 

“Oh? Are they running low on food?”

“Well, the harvest wasn’t the best this year so a lot of restaurants are lacking or had to change their menus.” 

“But...you’re not starving right?”

“Oh, no. We make it work! Thank you for being concerned though.” You smile at him and his heart thuds loudly in his chest. You have a beautiful smile, and beautiful eyes that seem to light up when you do. Before he can dwell on it any further you begin asking him questions.

“Are you from around here? I just run one of the stalls at the market so I pretty much know everyone but, you don’t seem familiar to me.” 

“Half my face is covered how would you know that?” 

“Ah, I recognize people pretty easily by their eyes. Yours don’t look too familiar to me. Like, I feel I have seen them before just not up close. They’re really pretty though.” Yoongi is glad his face is covered so you can’t see him blush. 

“Ah, t-thank you.” 

“You’re welcome! I don’t see why people shy away from complementing others. If you see something or someone beautiful, you should let them know that. It really brightens peoples’ days and that’s all I want to do.” The more you two talk, Yoongi finds himself relaxing and just feeling completely comfortable with you. However that is short lived when your food finally arrives and he realizes he’s going to have to take his mask off.

“Shit...” 

“Hmm? Oh.. if you don’t want me to look I can sit on the same side of the table as you. If you are insecure or hiding something I promise I won’t say anything. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” You reach your hand across the table and give his arm a small squeeze in an attempt to comfort him. 

“It’s not that it’s just... okay promise me you won’t freak out.” 

“I won’t! I promise.” He takes his hat off first, judging your reaction.

“Your hair is very shiny. It looks really soft too. Can I touch it?” Yoongi stalls for a moment, surprised by how open and honest you are. Are all commoners like this? 

“Um.. sure, I guess?” You reach your arm across the table and run it through his hair. 

“Ah, goodness it’s just like a cats fur! You have to tell me what products you use.” 

“I don’t know if you’ll be able to get them.. They’re um.. imported.”

“Oooo fancy rich boy huh? Did you come down here to explore the life of a commoner? See how the other life lives? Well it’s only fair then if you let me have the same treatment someday right?” You wink at him and he lets out a breathless chuckle. You are something else, although he can’t say he minds. When he does finally lower his mask your eyes widen to the size of saucers. 

“O-oh my god. You...”

“You promised you wouldn’t freak out!”

“That was before I knew you were the prince! Oh my god I touched your hair I’m so-” He presses his fingers against your lips and you immediately shut them.

“Don’t apologize please. I like how things have been between us so far. I came here and disguised myself so I could just see what it’s like to be normal for a day. I’m just tired of everything. There’s so much responsibility on my shoulders, I don’t have any say in what I do, what I wear, what I eat, when I sleep. Every little bit of my day is controlled and I just wanted one night of freedom.” Your heart aches for him. You never even gave thought to how hard it must be for him having that much to deal with at such a young age. You were the same age as him, and you couldn’t imagine having to prepare to rule a whole country. You decide in that moment you won’t treat him any differently then. If the least you can do is give the prince one fun night out on the town, then that’s what you’ll do. You reach over with your chopsticks and steal some of the food off his plate. 

“Hey! What-”

“Friends share food.” You make a motion of zipping your lips shut and he laughs at that. 

“Okay then. You can have anything of mine that you want then.” You two relax back into easy conversation after that, Yoongi more interested in hearing about your life than anything. You tell him how you grew up, and he seems to be fascinated by it all. 

“So you went to school with other kids? Like you had friends and played games with them?”

“Yeah! Did you not have that?”

“No... I just had tutors to do my schooling.”

“So you don’t have any friends, Yoongi?” 

“Well, I mean I have Jin hyung. He’s one of my attendants and he tries to pretend like we’re not friends but, I know he’s secretly very fond of me and does consider me one of his closest friends. I overheard him talking about it once.” 

“Well, now you have two friends.” 

You finish up your meals and drinks, the alcohol is pleasantly buzzing through your veins and you find it even easier to relax around him. 

“Do you have to go back now?”

“Ah, no Jin just told me to be back before sunrise.”

“You want to take a walk with me then?” Yoongi nods and leaves money on the table for the both of you to pay for your meal. 

“Oh, you don’t have to pay for me!”

“It’s the least I can do, trust me. Just let me do this for you.” You nod and take his hand to lead him out of the restaurant. He can’t help blushing at the contact of your fingers on his skin, even if it’s just as simple a thing as holding hands. Was he really that touched starved? Or was it just you? Either way he’s not going to question it when you don’t let go and continue holding his hand and walk around the town. You point out every shop and bakery and tell him little pieces of information about the places and the owners. He finally feels like he is getting to know the people he will be ruling over someday, and it makes his chest feel warm with pride. He wants to be a personable and kind king, one that the people can rely on and feel they can count on to address problems and make changes. 

“Oh this bakery! My friend owns it and she makes THE BEST muffins you will ever have in your life. Come, let’s go try one!” 

“Y/n it’s super late at night, I doubt they are open.”

“Nah, she’s probably back there baking right now as we speak. She stays up really late so the food is fresh the next morning.” You let go of his hand as you walk up to the door and he finds that he already misses the contact. So after you knock and you drop your hand he decides to take a risk and lace your fingers back together. You don’t seem to mind, in fact you give his hand a light squeeze and smile at him in return. The door to the bakery opens and your friend is covered in flour.

“Ah y/n! What brings you here so late?”

“My new friend here has never tried your famous muffins. Can we steal one?”

“Of course!” She walks to the back and brings out 2 of them in a box.”

“Thanks! You’re the best!”

“You’re welcome. What’s your friends name? Will I get to meet him properly someday?” 

“Oh gee would you look at the time. We better get going, thanks for the muffins! Bye!” You slam the door and run out with Yoongi in tow behind you. 

“Yeah that wasn’t suspicious at all.” 

“Oh shut up, I panicked okay?” He laughs at you and you love the sound of it. Normally you had never heard more than a chuckle out of the prince, but hearing his actual laughter and seeing the way his eyes light up sends a warm feeling into your chest. Which you quickly fight away. You are not about to develop a crush on the crown prince, absolutely not. But when he lowers his mask and actually smiles at you, you know you’re doomed. He takes a bite of the muffin and he seems to absolutely love it. 

“Oh my gosh this is so good! I have been missing out on so much.” He wolfs down the first one so you offer him your own. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I can get these any time I want. You enjoy them.”

“Thank you.” You two are approaching the road that leads to the palace now and Yoongi’s smile immediately vanishes. “I don’t want to go back.”

“Based on what you’ve told me, I really don’t blame you.”

“I’ve had a lot of fun with you y/n. Thank you for helping make this night more, enjoyable. I don’t think I would have had nearly as much fun if I was by myself. I don’t know how to repay you.”

“It’s no problem! All I could ask for is to see you smile and hope that you had a good time. And since I accomplished both, there is nothing I could possibly ask for in return. Take care of yourself, okay?” He nods his head, and brings your hand up to his lips as he kisses the back of it. You’re blushing and you know he’s noticed by the smile that has spread across his face. 

“Do you think maybe I could visit you again?”

“Oh.. Yoongi I don’t know. You’re the prince, you shouldn’t be seen with some commoner like me.” 

“I don’t care about that. I don’t care about any of that. I felt really happy when I was with you and I want to see you again. Would you like to as well?”

“Um, well yeah of course.”

“Then that’s all that matters. I’ll see you again soon y/n.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

[cuddlepilefics]

Five star Michelin

Fandom: Stray Kids

Sickie: Felix

Caregiver: Hyunjin

 No one’s POV.:

Hyunjin had wanted to learn how to cook for a while now but since he barely got to go home to visit his family, he couldn’t ask his mother to teach him. Next option was to maybe ask one of his members but who could he ask without getting made fun of? His first choice would be Chan but the leader wouldn’t even let him into the kitchen for fear of a disaster. Well, that fear wasn’t unfounded but how was the dancer going to get better if he didn’t practice? Then Hyunjin remembered their brownie-boy. Felix was certainly good when it comes to baking, so cooking should be fine. Also, the younger wouldn’t have a problem with letting Hyunjin be in the kitchen, he’d probably find his hyung’s struggle very entertaining. After one of their dance-line practices, the older waited for Minho to leave to the dorm, so he could have a talk with the Aussie alone. “Hey Lix, you know, I wanted to learn that thing for a while and I didn’t really know whom to ask”, Hyunjin started, fiddling with his water bottle. The younger perked up, eyeing his hyung suspiciously: “What thing, hyung?” – “Cooking”, the older admitted, “I really want to be more independent and therefore not starve when left alone. We both know Chan isn’t going to help me, so I thought maybe you could teach me?” The Aussie laughed when he remembered why Hyunjin wasn’t allowed in their kitchen anymore: “You mean because-“ – “DON’T REMIND ME!” – “Alright, I won’t but yeah sure, I can help you. Let’s just wait for the next time, the others go out for a few hours and we have the dorm to ourselves.”

That day came sooner than expected, bot dancers declining when asked if they wanted to join the others. Felix had already picked out a few easy recipes that Hyunjin could choose from and had made sure they’d also have the necessary ingredients. As soon as the door shut behind their friends, the older was pouncing on the Aussie like an excited puppy. Laughing, both made their way to the kitchen, where Felix laid out the tools Hyunjin would need. They picked a recipe and talked it through step by step before the older kicked his dongsaeng out, stating: “Alright, I got this now. Thanks, Lix.” – “You really don’t want me to stay?” – “Nope, but you need to try and give me feedback later.” – “Alright, if you need help just yell”, the younger sighed in defeat, worried their dorm would catch fire if he wasn’t in the kitchen too. He convinced himself that Hyunjin was old enough to do things on his own or would at least get Felix as soon as trouble started, so the Aussie prepared himself to be back in the kitchen within the next two minutes. Those two minutes passed and then another two. After that, he dared to go and play videogames to pass the time. As a precaution, he only put one headphone on and could hear the occasional clanking noises, accompanied by muffled curses. It never got bad enough though for Felix to go check on Hyunjin.

Almost an hour passed and Felix was starting to get worried since he would’ve been done with that recipe in around twenty to thirty minutes. But soon enough, the older popped up next to him begging for the Aussie to come to the table and try. The younger caught a short glimpse at the kitchen which to his surprise seemed….spotless? “Deja vu?”, he chuckled and Hyunjin flushed bright red, mumbling: “Sorry, I had to clean the crime-scene first before letting you come here.” They both broke into a laugh, images of the older’s last cooking attempt flashing in their minds. At least it was already cleaned up and they weren’t risking a scolding from Chan, should the others come back before they got the chance to clean. “Are you not gonna eat?”, the Aussie frowned when Hyunjin only sat one plate on the table in front of his dongsaeng. The older looked at the ground a bit ashamed before he admitted: “I might have gotten carried away, snacking while working, now I’m really full but relieved I at least left enough for one serving.” They laughed again because Felix didn’t judge, he was the same when it came to cookie dough. To say the younger wasn’t a bit hesitant about his first few bites would be a lie but he bravely picked up his chopsticks and dug in. The vegetables were only slightly burned, the sauce was a bit spicy but that could also just be Felix not being Korean and lastly, the meat was still a bit rosy inside, not to badly though. Hyunjin kept watching him expectantly, waiting for either Felix’ approval or his disapproval. At least he hadn’t pulled a disgusted face so far but his expression didn’t give anything away. “Alright, ready for the critique?”, the older nodded cautiously, “So first thing, keep an eye on the veggies when you put them in the pan, second, while you very generously fried the veggies, you could have been a bit more generous with how long you fried the meat. It wasn’t raw, so that’s fine, but it also wasn’t completely done. Otherwise, I don’t really have complaints, just don’t snack as much while cooking because I would have loved eating together and clean the kitchen after the meal, so it’s still warm when you serve it”, the younger concluded, patting his hyung’s head before the older darted of to do a small victory dance in the living room. The Aussie chuckled and went to clean his plate, noticing the kitchen indeed was spotless.

 Felix’ POV.:

Getting Hyunjin to calm down again was a difficult task and I only now realized how hard his lack of cooking skill was on him. We still had some time to spare till the other members would come back home, so we decided to watch Ratatouille together since it suited the occasion well. Sometime around halfway through the movie, my stomach started rumbling loudly. I was glad Hyunjin didn’t hear it because that’d be embarrassing, so I adjusted the volume to ensure it would stay that way. Carefully palming my stomach, I turned my focus back to the TV. It wasn’t painful or anything, so I just thought I was digesting. Only five minutes later, I started second-guessing my assumption because a dull ache had settled in the pit of my stomach and my meal just didn’t seam to sit right. I glanced over at Hyunjin, finding him seemingly perfectly fine although he had been snacking on the same food as me. It was probably just the spice getting to me, that’s why he was fine and I wasn’t handling it as well as he was. When we paused the movie to take a toilet-break, I went to get myself some water, which I hoped would do the trick. Apparently, it didn’t and when we resumed our movie, I could feel the food at the back of my throat while the nausea was rising steadily. It didn’t feel like I needed to throw up, it was just sitting there making my swallow convulsively. Despite the discomfort, I tried to just ride it out and focus back on the movie.

Everything seemed to go well, until my hyung decided it was cuddle time and pressed himself against me. His head ended up on my middle and the added pressure didn’t help my queasiness. Now I was certain I would be throwing up sometime tonight, the only question was when. That question was answered only a few minutes later when my mouth started to water and my throat burned from my quiet acidic burps, that I had been trying to muffle against my hand for a while now. Hurriedly scrambling to my feet, I shoved Hyunjin off of me before I darted down the hallway. My hand was firmly clamped over my mouth while my throat contracted with unproductive gags. I made it to the toilet just in time, bruising my knees on the bathroom tiles, as the first wave of my meal made its reappearance. It didn’t feel any less spicy the second time and the burning sensation in my throat brought tears to my eyes. My stomach was cramping badly now and I could feel it squirm under the hand I had placed on my middle. Hyunjin was by my side in an instant, still shocked from my sudden escape. Glancing at his face, I could see the worry etched in his features before I had to duck my head back into the toilet bowl as my stomach contracted again, sending a larger wave up my throat. It made me choke and no amount of coughing helped me catch my breath again. There was a hand on my back, firmly patting between my shoulderblades, and taking a shuddering breath, I shot my hyung a grateful look. There was a long silence but my stomach didn’t seem to want anything else out. “Are you okay?”, Hyunjin asked hesitantly. I shrugged because honestly, I didn’t know: “My stomach’s kinda upset but I don’t know if I need to be sick again.” – “Was it the food?” That question was expected but again I didn’t know. He had eaten the same stuff, right? “You ate it too, right? Do you feel okay?”, I replied. Lurching back over the bowl as a wave of nausea washed over me, I couldn’t understand his words as I was too focused on not choking on my stomach contents again. The chunks tickling my throat triggered another gag and I didn’t even get a breath in between.

Though it had seemed like the stream wouldn’t end, it eventually did and I flopped with my back against the bathtub waiting to catch my breath. I looked up at Hyunjin questioningly and he repeated that he had at least eaten bits of the different foods and was feeling perfectly fine, asking if maybe I was sick. “I don’t think so, I felt fine all day, no headache, muscle-aches or fever, at least I don’t think I have one”, I rasped and let Hyunjin press the backs of his fingers against my forehead. He shook his head, confirming: “Sweaty and a bit warm but not feverish.” He continued to study me with his brows furrowed only to witness me struggle back onto my knees, heaving dryly. My throat was straining, getting more irritated as I continued to gag uselessly. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get anything else up, so I started to press my fist into my middle and sure enough, it did the trick. I was still panting when I suddenly remembered something: “Hyung, did you also try the meat or just the other stuff?” It had looked a bit undercooked, I just hadn’t thought much of it. Not getting a reply, I waited till it felt safe to move and then sat back to look at my friend. He was biting his lip, looking extremely guilty and that was all the answer I needed.

He sat with me through my entire puking session, apologizing profusely although I tried to assure him I wasn’t mad or anything. At some point I just gave up because my throat hurt too much to talk. Hyunjin helped me back to the couch and made me comfortable with a heating pad, a bucket strategically placed next to me. He also fetched me some water and peppermint tea before we continued to watch TV as a distraction, though we switched to something that didn’t have anything to do with food. I was still way to queasy for that. Exhausted from the whole ordeal, I soon fell asleep with my feet in my hyung’s lap. I didn’t even hear our friends get back home.

 Chan’s POV.:

To say I was surprised to find my dongsaengs in a typical ‘we-have-a-sickie layout’ would be an understatement. Both had seemed fine and perfectly healthy when we left but the heating pad Felix was clutching to his middle and the bucket we literally only used as sick-bucked told me things had changed. The younger seemed to be asleep, so I raised my eyebrow at Hyunjin questioningly, while shushing our other members so they wouldn’t wake the sick Aussie up. It was to no avail and soon, Felix sat up, giving us a confused look. When we all joined them in front of the TV, Hyunjin admitted he had done something he wasn’t supposed to do and told us how he had made food, asking Felix for his opinion. Although Felix said it was fine and that it had even tasted quite good (considering it was made by Hyunjin), the older dancer was roasted relentlessly, unable to defend himself against the teasing. “Guys, please don’t bring up my cooking skills again”, he whined. Minho laughed at him devilishly asking: “Why? Felix did that too.” I had to admit that was actually pretty funny but Felix didn’t seem too happy about it. “Hyuuuung! In a week that joke will probably be hilarious but please shut up or I might do it again”, he whimpered. He did end up doing it again multiple times during the following night and it only stopped in the late afternoon of the next day but Hyunjin was there the entire time, making it up to the younger by taking care of him. We decided together, that Felix and me would be teaching him how to cook but not without our supervision to avoid a repetition of this incident.

[be-the-spark-flyboy]

Bad At Love

Call It What You Want (3/?)

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Med student!Poe x reader

A/N: finallyyyyy Im gonna slowburn the shit outta this (gif not mine btw and I’m terrible at summaries)

Chapter summary: you spend your free weekend the trio. Mondays are the absolute worst.

Warning: swearing, a terrible relationship, one bad pun(that I do not regret)

Word count: ~1.6k

—-

“Yeah but don’t over mix it,” You instruct Finn as he siftes flour into the mixing bowl, mixing it in with the eggs and sugar.

Rey and Poe sit at the dining table, watching the two of you bake. After melting a spatula by accident, Finn had banned Rey from the kitchen for the rest of the day. Poe wasn’t allowed in from the beginning, much to his chagrin, but Finn had insisted, saying that it was the best decision, if he still wanted to have a kitchen by the end of the day.

So it was left with you and Finn. The plan was to make cookies and popcorn and watch holiday movies the whole weekend.

Usually, you would spend your weekends alone, or with Jessika, binge watching netflix shows or working. Jessika calls you boring for that, but if you went out to parties like she did, you’d probably be hiding away from everyone else anyways. So this was a much better option for you.

Rey had insisted that you spend the day with her at Finn’s place. Somehow that had turned into a sleepover and here you are in her pajamas making cookies in the kitchen. You really enjoy spending time with the three of them and you’re really glad Rey cared about you enough to practically drag your antisocial ass into their plans.

“Are you done yet?” Rey whines loudly from her seat.

“We haven’t even put it in the oven!” Finn exclaims, exasperated.

“We could just eat the cookie dough,” Poe chips in much to Reys delight but both Finn and you simultaneously shoot down the suggestion.

“Poe, you’re a med student, you should know better!” Finn adds on as Poe slumps in his seat, pouting. The truth was, you and Finn had already eaten a tiny bit of cookie dough, just to taste test. You know the children will insist on having some too, if they found out you did. “Go pick a movie to put on, at least,”

Rey perks up again, sprinting out of her seat, “Oh we’re watching Home Alone!” Poe sprints after her, yelling, “What no! We’ve watched it a million times already!”

Literal children.

The cookies turn out pretty good in the end. Finn makes Rey and Poe set up the rest of the things, just to keep them away from the kitchen.

Before you know it, you are watching Home Alone, snuggled up in a comfortable blanket with Rey. A huge warm bowl of carmel, butter popcorn sits on your lap. Peaceful and comfortable. Until Rey swipes the whole bowl from you, “I love you, but leave some for the rest of us,”

You try to snatch It back, almost practically wailing, “I made cookies for you, you evil woman,” you hear snickering from the other couch and whip your head around, screeching, “Don’t laugh at me!”

Poe completely loses it and Finn casually pushes him off when he falls in top of him laughing, while you continue glaring at them. Rey makes use of the distraction and shoves a handful of popcorn in her mouth. “We made those cookies, give me some credit too!” Finn exclaims, offended by your statement.

“Okay fine, our cookies,” you concede.

“Hey I helped too!” Rey exclaimes.

“Oh yes, the secret ingredient. One melted spatula,” you snark her.

“Oh burn! Pun intended,” Poe chimes in.

Unsurprisingly, this is how the entire evening goes. The four of you spend it bickering playfully instead of watching the movie, but you weren’t complaining.

—-

Poe Dameron hated being alone, more than anything. Once, he was a kid, who had parents who loved him and a place he called home. Then suddenly he was moving to live with his godmother in an entirely different state, in a big house that just never felt like home. But at least he had Finn and Rey.

Then he’d gone to college and Finn and Rey had gotten together. They weren’t big on PDA or anything. They never did anything to make Poe feel uncomfortable or left out. But Poe couldn’t help but feel like an intruder sometimes. Somedays he’d catch them in the couch together, cuddling, watching a movie at night. And he’d just slink along the dark and shut himself in his room without uttering a single word to them. Intruder.

In a way, he had always been jealous of them. It had always been Finn and Rey, even before he became part of their duo. He just wanted to have a bond like theirs with someone. Someone who would be willing to put him before anybody else. He wanted to be the first person someone would run to if they have a problem or the first person someone would call when they have a piece of happy news to share. He wanted to be someone’s first choice, to belong with someone.

But somehow, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t even come close to finding something like that. He’d had his fair share of bad relationships, in his rush to find that someone. He had so much to give, no one to give to.

“Hello?” Carefully manicured fingers snap infront of his face. Poe startles slightly. Great, he zoned out again. “You’re not even listening to me,” Sarah leans back into her chair, displeasure etched on her face.

“No no, I’m listening. Just tired,” he takes a swig of his coffee.

Whatever he has with Sarah, he knew it wouldn’t last. They don’t work together and he was aware of it. But at this point, having something felt better than nothing. He knew she didn’t love him. If she did, Poe would’ve given anything to make it work.

Yes, he was aware of how desperate he sounded.

“Yeah, whatever,” she dismisses him with a wave. “You wanna go back to my place for the night?” A sultry smile spreads in her face, fingers lacing with his, on top of the table. Sarah was a good girlfriend sometimes. She’d buy him coffee, ask him how his day was, be nice to him. But that was only if she wanted something in return.

Poe sighs heavily, “I can’t tonight. Sorry babe,” babe. It sounds so fake to his own ears. There was once when the endearment felt sweet on his tongue, and he wanted to say it, every chance he got. Now, it feels like a lie. Like he’s fooling himself.

Warm fingers withdraw from his, and the smile slips right off her face. “Alright then,” her words are clipped, nothing like the tone used on a lover. Sarah collects her belongings from the table, her cup of coffee lays half-empty beside his. “Have fun, studying,” She snaps, rising from her seat abruptly, and marching out of the coffee shop. Poe doesn’t try to stop her.

He hasn’t been over to her place in weeks. He wasn’t actually busy tonight, he just didn’t want to go. He hadn’t wanted to for some time. Maybe he was finally sick of his own girlfriend treating him like, as Finn liked to call it, a booty call. Blowing up his phone when she felt like it, then leaving him high and dry for as long as she wanted after that. Finn just doesn’t understand why Poe would let himself be treated like that. To be honest, Poe doesn’t as well.

—-

Mondays suck. You particularly hate this monday, after the sleepover you had at Finn’s over the weekend. The four of you had passed out on the couch that night, crashing from sugar high after eating way too many cookies and popcorn for just four people. Although Finn still insists it was just the right. You had so much fun nonetheless.

Your professor’s droning had already put half the people in the lecture hall to sleep. You try your best to stay awake, although you know you are fighting a losing battle. The guy beside you had long since given up, it seems. His head is resting on the table and he is fast asleep.

You had managed to spend an entire semester not uttering a single word to the guy who had been sitting next to you for literally every single lecture. That was how bad you were at making friends. Maybe you had smiled at the tall, dark haired dude, once, at the beginning of the semester, but that was it.

Maybe part of the reason he chose to sit beside you was because he was just as quite as you. He mostly kept to himself. Occasionally you’d see him talk to one or two people here and there, but that was it. You weren’t complaining, really. You were perfectly content with finishing the whole semester without uttering a single word to him. But it seemed your professor had a different plan.

Your professor slams his palm on the front desk to get everyone’s attention. A few figures jump at the sudden noise and a few others groan, but everyone was awake.

“I know the topic is a little dry but come on, guys,” he says. “I’m making an announcement about the final assessment, at least pay attention to that,” Your professor was pretty cool. He was willing to go above and beyond for anyone who asked for help although the lectures literally bored everyone to hell. You fish out your notebook from your bag, ready to jot down whatever he was going to say. “The final assessment, will be done in pairs,” In pairs? Why had god abandoned you? Who were you going to ask? You didn’t know anyone in the class. You take it back, your professor was not cool.

Thankfully before you could start going partner hunting, the guy beside you turns to face you and he asks, “Hey, would you mind pairing up with me for this assignment?” You don’t hesitate before agreeing, relieved by the turn of events.

He flashes you a smile, “I’m Ben Solo,”

—-

The Dameron taglist (open): @writefightandflightclub @arkofblake @yougottakeeponkeepinon @multifandomlife22 @skymerons @smol-peter-parker @rae-rae-patcha @demigod-dragonrider-schoolidol @spider-starry @hkmultifandom @cloud-leader @elmoakepoke @staringmoony @valhallavalkyrie9 @the-cry-of-youth

[sparklingichigo]

Experimental Magic Gone Wrong

Part 1

One fine day in Purgatory hall, of course, the human girls are hanging out there. Of course, Haruka and Ichigo are just being good friends and decide to help Luke and Simeon with cooking and other stuff. At the same time, Solomon is making this new potion in a form of candies. It was just an experiment but little did he know, it's an experiment gone wrong...

Solomon: and done! It looks cool! Oh no, I need the toilet! [runs to the toilet]

Meanwhile out there, Luke asks Ichigo and Haruka to look for Solomon because lunch is ready. Of course, they looked for him but instead, they found these beautiful candies inside his room.

Ichigo: Ooh candies!

Haruka: So pretty! Do they taste as good as they look?

Ichigo: Well there's only one way to find out.

The two tried the candies, overall nothing happens to them and the day went on normally but when they return to the house of lamentation, something weird happens!

Haruka: Okay, Satan is tall but I don't remember him being this tall...

Ichigo: He's not even that tall-

Satan: .... [blinks confusedly]

Asmo: Hey what's.... sheep?

Satan: Who are these sheep? Do they belong to someone?

Ichigo: well dang... you can't even recognize me?!

Through the eyes of the brothers, it's just aggressive baa-ing and hoof knocking so they do find it adorable.

Asmo: And her color is pink! Whoever owns this sheep is missing out!

Ichigo: [smacks Asmo with her hoof] SHUT IT!

Asmo: Gurl, why are you so- *sees a hair clip on her* wait Ichigo?

Ichigo: Yeah, it's me!

Asmo: Oh my goodness! Sis why are you a sheep?! Don't tell me that's actually Haruka?

Haruka : [nods]

Satan: She's also a sheep? [picks Haruka up]

Asmo: Well I'm guessing it's Solomon's fault but for now let's take care of them until he finds an antidote

So the day went on with them being sheep. Lucifer is obviously shocked by it and instantly calls the purgatory hall to ask for the cure.

Simeon: ...I have no idea what you're talking about...

Lucifer: they're clearly a sheep right now and they just got home from purgatory hall!

Simeon: Well...

Luke: Oh no... did I accidentally put something in the food.....

Lucifer: YOU WHAT?!

Luke: no no no no I swear!! I checked the ingredients! There's nothing harmful!

Lucifer: ....then it's Solomon...

Solomon: what? Why is everyone staring at me...

Luke: ....What did you do to them?!

Solomon: I don't know?!?!?!

Luke: They went to look for you, they must've eaten or drank something or smell something from your room!

Solomon:... they went to my room?

Luke: Yeah, I told them to look for you because lunch is ready!

Solomon: ...ah... OH NO, THE CANDIES!

Lucifer: What candies?!

Solomon: I kinda...make experimental candies/potions to show someone's inner animals. It's just something I found on the internet...

Lucifer:...

Luke:...

Simeon:...

Lucifer: [sigh] Please find an antidote soon :))

Solomon: Y-yes sir! [fear intensifies]

Lucifer hangs up and tells them about the antidote.

Belphie: Can't she stay like this? She's really fluffy- :D

Ichigo:... I DON'T WANNA LIVE MY LIFE GETTING CHASED MY BEEL?!?! WTF-

Beel: [Pets Ichigo so she'd calm down] There there...

Ichigo: You're not gonna eat me aren't you?!

Beel: Yeah I won't-

Ichigo: w-wait you understand me?!

Beel: I...have an ability to talk to animals :D

Haruka: Well... I'm gonna stay with Satan since it's safer-

Beel: Uhm... I'm not sure about that...

Haruka: What do you mean, Beel?

Beel: He has cats...

Haruka: ... O-O oh no

Beel: Or you can stay with Asmo :D

Haruka: [shakes her head]

Beel: Uhm..... Lucifer?

Haruka: [scared sheep noises]

Beel: Then... Uhm...

Mammon: She can stay with me!

Haruka: ABSOLUTELY NOT! [smacks Mammon with her hoof]

Mammon: What was that for?!

Levi: I mean if she wants to, my room's open-

Haruka:...

Satan: Uhm... you're gonna abandon her for your games so no-

Belphie: Can I-

Ichigo: [horns Belphie] NO!

Belphie: Heh, if you're jealous just say so, I only love this fluffy sheep anyways~

Ichigo: [groans in frustration but it sounds like more baa-ing]

Lucifer: Ichigo, Ichigo, calm down....

Ichigo: y-yes sir- [quiets down]

Haruka: You know what....maybe I should stay over with purgatory hall

Beel: Hmmm purgatory hall...

Satan: Purgatory hall? Really?

Beel: I mean she can't tolerate 90% of us. As much as I want to take care of her as well..... [glances at Ichigo]

Satan: Right, an aggressive jealous sheep- understandable

Ichigo: [offended sheep noises]

Belphie: [Bringing Ichigo away before more chaos happens]

Haruka: Yeah, purgatory hall. Someone take me there, please!! [give them cute sheep eyes]

Beel: I guess it is safer^^ Let's go then!

Satan: I'll go to!

Ichigo: then who the heck is gonna take care of your damn cats?!?!

Satan: why is she baa-ing aggressively??

Beel: Well... Nah you wouldn't understand anyway, I'll just take her there. You'll stay here with the others. Okay? ^^

Satan: Why not? She's my girlfriend, isn't she?

Beel: [losing his braincells] I'm her friend too and I don't want any more chaos after this, please? :(

Lucifer: Satan, I think that's enough^^

Satan: [totally not listening]

Lucifer: ^^ please let Beel take Haruka to purgatory hall and stop bothering him about it!

As Satan and Lucifer end up arguing, Beel and Haruka decide to go to the purgatory hall that second. The others help them by distracting Satan. Once they're there Luke opens the door.

Luke: Beel! Haruka! You're here!

Beel: Yeah, she asked me to take her to purgatory hall since it's safer for her.

Luke: Of course it is. Unlike those demons! Come on in!

The two went in and they only find Simeon in there. Of course, the two are wondering where did Solomon go.

Simeon: Well Solomon is busy finding the antidote. So what brings you here?

Beel: Haruka prefers to stay here since it's safer and I agree as well, right Haruka?

Haruka: That's right! [happy sheep noises]

Simeon; Well, she's welcome here, I guess the three of us end up taking care of you, huh?

Haruka: [nods]

Beel: Alright then, guess I'll just drop her by and-

Luke: Before you go! Here! [gives Beel a box] These are for you and Ichigo, I just baked them!

Beel: Oh! Thank you! [accepts the box] I'll be off now^^

Luke: Bye!!

Simeon: Have a safe trip!

[whitewitchdani]

Laters, Baby: Chapter 7

Read Chapter 6 Here

Word Count: 2248

Pairing: Winchester!Sister x Lucifer

Warnings: language, angst, canon typical violence, fluff

A/N: I hope you guys like chapter 7! As always let me know what you think and if you’d like to be tagged! :)

Laters, Baby Masterlist

“This is a horrible idea.” Dean deadpanned. 

“Do you have any better ideas, Dean? Because I don’t, Cas doesn’t, and I only told Bobby to look up anything he could about soulmates; we don’t need him freaking out over this. Anyways we’re human and can’t just waltz into Hell without either being dead or with some form of demonic assistance. This is our only option.” Sam gave his brother a sympathetic look and continued to gather the summoning supplies.

“How do we know he’ll even help us?”

“Well Crowley wants Lucifer gone and if we retrieve Y/N it may throw him off balance enough for him to make a mistake. Also, from my observations it seemed Crowley always did tend to favor Y/N out of all of you which may make him more inclined to retrieve her from Hell.” Cas stated nonchalantly as he supervised Sam preparing the summoning ritual.

“Okay, it’s ready.” Sam placed the bowl of ingredients on top of the sigil and used a knife to cut his hand, bleeding into the bowl, “Et ad congregandum... eos corum me.” He completed the ritual by dropping a lit match into the bowl, igniting the ingredients. The men looked around, awaiting the arrival of the crossroads demon. 

“You know, demons do carry cellphones these days. Summoning is so 14th century.” The hunters and the angel spun around, finding a man clad in all black standing behind them. 

“Crowley.” Dean grumbled.

“Moose, Squirrel, and your pet angel; lovely. Well, what is it that was so important that it required a summoning? And where’s Moosette? Never seen her too far from you lot.”

All the men cast their eyes downward as they were reminded that Y/N was, in fact, not there. Sam was the one to reply, “Well, Crowley, that’s the reason we called.”

“What? Little sister run away? I’m not a babysitter in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Will you shut up for two minutes Crowley? This is important.” Dean growled.

“Testy, testy. All right, get on with it.” 

Dean sighed, “She’s gone. Taken actually.”

“And why do you need me? Isn’t that what you two do? Guns blazing to save the damsel in distress?”

“Because we can’t go where they took her. But you can.” Sam informed the demon.

“I don’t...” The men waited for the dots to connect in Crowley’s head. “Wait, Hell? Y/N’s in Hell? Why the hell is your sister in Hell?”

“That is... complicated.” Sam explained. 

“If you are wanting me to go into Hell to retrieve her when I’m currently public enemy #1 you bloody well better uncomplicate it.” 

“Lucifer has her Crowley. Meg grabbed her from a park and took her to him in Hell. We have no idea where in Hell she’s being kept but it won’t be too far from wherever Lucifer is and is probably pretty well guarded.” Sam rubbed the back of his neck. 

“But why, Moose? You or Squirrel I’d understand but your sister has been relatively quiet in most of this apocalypse business.”

“Y/N is,” Cas began but was cut off with dirty looks from both Winchester brothers. “The whole of perdition already knows most likely, he should too if he’s going to attempt to retrieve her.” Dean still looked skeptical but Sam nodded. Crowley looked genuinely curious, what could be so important? “Y/N was crafted by God to be a soulmate; something incredibly rare in itself. However, even more rare, she was crafted for an angel, more specifically an archangel. She is meant to be the soulmate to Lucifer.”

Crowley’s eyes looked as if they were going to explode from his head. The boys didn’t blame him; their reactions were similar. “Lucifer has a sodding soulmate? And it’s a Winchester? And I thought nothing could surprise me anymore. So, you want me to go into Hell and get her. I have an inkling of where she’s most likely being kept if he’s being civil towards her. Why should I do this?”

“Because if we take Lucifer’s soulmate from him it should throw his general bearing off, making him weak until he recalibrates from being in her presence. The longer they are together, the weaker they will be when they are apart; at least until the soul connection is completed.” Castiel almost whispered the last sentence, not wanting the brothers to overreact. Too late.

“Completed? What do you mean by the soul connection being completed Cas?” Dean asked incredulously. 

“Consummated, Dean. Lucifer and Y/N must consummate the connection for them to be actually bound and connected by the soul. However, neither party can forcefully complete the bond. So Lucifer cannot force her by magic or any other manner to complete it, it has to be completely consensual,” Cas informed the group. Sam’s face went white while Crowley smirked and Dean looked confused.

“Consummate. You mean...”

“Horizontal tango, squirrel.” Crowley laughed.

“Yes. Crowley put it rather crudely, but yes. Your sister would have to have intercourse with Lucifer to complete the bond.” 

“Cas, please don’t say intercourse. Especially when you’re talking about my sister.” Dean rubbed a hand down his face. This angel was going to kill him. Again. “Well Crowley, will you do it or not?” Crowley looked skeptical. Why would he go to the number one place he should avoid for the Winchesters?

“I understand your hesitation. But you said you might know where she is being kept which gives you an advantage. You should do this because it’s an opportunity to weaken Lucifer, which is one step closer to defeating him. Also because, why I am unaware, you seem to have a soft spot for Y/N and she is currently in Hell. With Lucifer. Those two things together are not good.” Cas deadpanned to the crossroads demon. 

“Don’t read my mind, wings. Makes me feel violated.” Crowley paused, “Bloody hell, alright. I’ll go. But I make no guarantees. I will save my own hide if it comes down to getting her out or staying alive. Deal?”

Dean and Sam looked at each other and had one of their silent conversations. They were both skeptical and Crowley’s last statement didn’t help that. “Fine, deal. Just please, Crowley. Try to get her out.” Sam pleaded with the demon as they shook hands.

“I’m a man of my word Sam. I will do everything in my power to retrieve her. Like the angel said, for some reason I actually like the female version of you.” With that, Crowley snapped his fingers and disappeared and all Sam, Dean, and Castiel could do was wait. Wait for a demon to rescue their sister from the devil. 

They were screwed.

It had been a day since you had woken up in Hell, and you hadn’t seen hide or hair of Lucifer since he brought you to this room. You were utterly confused. For being the devil, Lucifer was being awfully nice to you. He healed you, treated you well, and gave you these nice chambers; it made no sense. You expected wrath and rudeness, not kindness and a bit of domesticity. What was it exactly that Lucifer wanted from you?

Your stomach growled. Oh yeah, while Lucifer had healed you, you still hadn’t eaten in over a day. You made your way into the kitchen of the small... apartment? You still weren’t sure what to call this place. You checked the cabinets: empty. Then the fridge: also empty. You rolled your eyes, what happened to this place having everything I needed? you thought to yourself. This meant you had to deal with one of the demons standing outside the door. Marvelous.

You walked to the ornate door and took a deep breath. You were completely unarmed and had to ask a demon to get food for you, this was ridiculous. You opened the door to see the back of a large man with dark skin in a suit on the other side. He turned to face you and flashed his already dark eyes onyx when they met yours. “What are you doing? You know you can’t leave these chambers.”

“Yes I’m aware but your boss neglected to put food in this place. I’m human and have to eat every once in a while to, ya know, live. So, can you get me some?”

The man rolled his eyes. He was obviously less than thrilled with his job assignment. “Seriously? Why should I do anything for you, Winchester? Wait until the King returns and I’m sure he’d do it for you.” 

Your already thin patience was becoming nonexistent. “Look, its not like I have much of a choice in this. I haven’t eaten in over a day and Lucifer told me to come to you for anything I need...”

“James.” He sighed.

“James. So do your damn job. You know, I wonder, if I exorcised you while in Hell, would it work? Would it force you from your vessel and to a different part of Hell or would it just be unpleasant? Shall we find out?”

He flashed his eyes black at the huntress once more, “Don’t even think about it, Winchester. I’m here to make sure you don’t leave, not be your errand boy.”

You shrugged and began chanting, “Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spirtus, omnis satanica-” That was as far as you got in the exorcism before the demon lunged into the room, grabbing you by the throat and pinning you to the wall. You attempted to buck the demon off, but he punched you in the face once, twice, three times and stalled your struggle.

“You know, when I first saw Meg bring you down here I was excited. Finally, another Winchester after big bro made the big angelic escape; it should be fun. But no, Lucifer brings you down here and treats you like royalty. Why? You’re human, a hunter, and a Winchester. Maybe he isn’t the leader we thought he was. Oh well, at least I get to kill you. I’ll be a goddamn hero to most for it.”

Your vision was beginning to darken at the edges. You weren’t going to be conscious much longer, and dead not long after that. As you were beginning to teeter into unconsciousness, the pressure was suddenly gone and you fell to the ground. After a few seconds, you gasped a big breath and began to cough. You looked up at your savior and through your blurred vision saw an interesting sight: Lucifer holding the demon off the ground by the throat and looking pissed. 

“Now James, this is not what I assigned you to do. Last time I checked I said to guard the door and get her the things she needed, not to choke the life out of her against the wall. Do you know why she’s down here James?” The demon shook his head and Lucifer flashed his eyes red, “That’s because you are insignificant and not privy to such information. You’re a demon, I’m the devil, and I’m tired of this conversation.” Lucifer snapped the fingers of his free hand and the demon turned to dust. He fanned away the remnants of the demon floating in his face and turned to the coughing woman on the floor, “Are you alright?”

You attempted to stand but fell to your knees, that demon did a number on you. “Peachy,” you were able to rasp out, flashing him a sarcastic “OK” sign with your hand. 

Lucifer rolled his eyes as you continued to cough, reaching his hand out to you. “C’mon kid, let’s get you up.”  He grabbed your left hand and pulled you to your feet, leading you to the bed in the other room. “Go on, get in.”

You looked at the devil quizzically but climbed into the king size bed, sitting up against the headboard. The mattress was unlike anything you had ever felt before; a lifetime of squeezing onto uncomfortable motel beds with Sam made this feel like an actual cloud. You sighed and closed your eyes as you sunk down into the bed, feeling Lucifer sit next to you. “Are you alright?” he repeated. 

“I’m fine, Lucifer. I’ve had worse.” You sat in silence for a moment as you picked at a loose stitch on the comforter. You looked back up at the devil, unable to keep your questions to yourself any longer. “I don’t understand what’s going on. Why do you care? Why am I here? Why are you being so nice to me?”

Lucifer sighed, “I will tell you everything, Y/N. I promise. But not right now. Right now, you need to sleep and I need to deal with my demon problems. It’s so hard to find good help these days.” You let out a small laugh, which made the devil smile, something he’d noticed himself doing a lot since you arrived in Hell. He pushed a stray hair behind your ear, “Get some sleep, angel. I’ll be back in a couple hours.” Kissing your forehead, he stood and headed for the throne room.

You watched as Lucifer left your chambers, a part of you wishing he would stay. Your eyes widened at your own realization. You were beginning to see him differently. In the day you’d been in Hell Lucifer had been great to you, healing you, saving you, and now he was pushing hair behind your ears and kissing your forehead and calling you angel. He was becoming less like the devil, and more like your soulmate.

Read Chapter 8 Here

Tag List:

@lovesamwinchester​ @tomhiddleston-is-mischief​ @loco-latte​ @stuckinsaudi1​ @sugar-nico​

[i-am-a-bad-influence-writes]

Hayloft - Part 2

Series Masterlist - Bucky Masterlist - Full Masterlist

Summary: A young girl finds a soldier hiding in the hayloft on her father’s farm. Intrigued, she visits him more and more until her father finds out and puts him to work. As they grow closer, something else grows too.

Pairing: James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes x OC Jenny Richelle “Ricky” Hill

Warning: Strong language, inaccurate war description

Author’s note: Based on the song Hayloft by Mother Mother and the lovestory of my grandparents. I am Dutch and the war was a bit different here, so I will be basing this on the stories I’ve heard about my grandparents.

Word count: 2433

‘What are you reading Jenny?‘ ‘What’s it to you James?‘ ‘Just curious, that’s all.‘ He watches as a smile starts tugging on the corners of her lips. She tries to surppres it, but the sparkle in her eyes is clear as day. ‘Of sons and lovers,‘ she hums, showing him the front, ‘do you know it?‘ ‘Heard of it, haven’t had the chance to read it,‘ he answers, ‘will you read it to me?‘

From that moment on, she’d read to him every Friday and Sunday. Sometimes on Wednesdays if he’d look at her nicely. Though Jenny’s father would rather have her spend time with other lads who are a little more wealthy, he didn’t mind for the time being. After all, the two seemed to be great friends. Meanwhile, Jenny was falling hard and fast. She hadn’t known this feeling before. The butterflies in her stomach when he’d wink at her, the racing of her heart when he’d touch her skin, the way she got light headed when he’d tease her. She could deal with Michelle, the pictures, and the fear of being caught if she knew she could come home to James.  The pictures on the cork board at her work kept changing. Eventually, Timothy’s picture disappeared as he lived a town over and couldn’t possibly still be here. James and Johnny’s pictures were moved up to make them more prominent, but with their messy stubble, weathered faces, and much longer locks they were barely recognizable from them. Jenny continuously send secret letters to James and Johnny’s relatives and friends under her own name. When anyone asked about it, she just said she was catching up with pen pals. Then one day a strange letter arrived. Jenny hadn’t seen the handwriting before. As usual, she gathered the men in the living room to read them their letters and burn them right after. They weren’t allowed to keep them in fear they would be found if they were searched. And so she got to the strange letter. It read.

“Dear Jenny,

Thank you for your wonderful letter. I am grateful to hear you are safe and sound. It has been a while. Please say hi to him for me and tell me that I miss him. Tell him I’m not angry anymore and I understand why he left us when he did. There’s no shame in it, I just wish I could visit to see his face again. Tell him I got into the army. It’s not the position I wanted, but I get to represent my country. Please don’t laugh at me when you see my face.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Yours sincerely,

Steve Rogers“

‘Who is Steve Rogers,‘ Jenny asks James, but when she looks up from the letter she can see the tears in his eyes. ‘Are you okay James?‘ ‘He’s my best friend,‘ James sniffles with a smile, ‘I used to be better at everything, but now he’s finally outdone me.‘ He looks proud and nostalgic as he swallows his tears away. ‘You know, I haven’t heard people call me James in such a long time because he always used to call me Bucky.‘ ‘That’s a nice nickname,‘ Jenny smiles and takes a seat next to him on the couch while the others leave, having thrown their letters in the fire. She hands James his. He laughs when he reads it again. ‘He probably spend hours on this,‘ he chuckles, ‘he never knew how to use his words. I always had to help him find friends or a date. Last time I saw him we went to a fair and I was supposed to leave for the war the next day. He wanted to fight so bad, but he’s build like a toothpick and there’s no way they’re letting someone like that in.‘ Jenny hands him a piece of paper. ‘I wrote down the return address for you, might you ever want to write him again,‘ she tells him. James looks at her in disbelieve. ‘You are a goddamn angel,‘ he smiles and throws his arms around her, engulfing her in a tight hug, ‘you are the best thing that could’ve happened to me.‘ She laughs and pushes him off a little. ‘You’re crushing me,‘ she chuckles when he lets go of her. Alpine wanders into the living room and jumps onto James’ lap. Jenny scratches her behind her ear with a smile while James admired her. ‘I like Bucky. It’s a nice nickname. Fits you way better than James.‘ ‘How come?‘ ‘James is way too smooth,‘ she eyebrows knit together a little while she tries to explain it, ‘it’s what most of those soldiers walking around town look like. Bucky is a bit more rugged and strong. It’s a handsome name.‘ He watches her face change to a bit of mischief. ‘You’re going to be the death of me,‘ he chuckles. ‘I thought I was an angel,‘ she bats her eyes innocently, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. ‘Don’t forget to burn that letter. I’m going to help mother out with dinner.‘ And she’s gone while James feels his cheeks heat up. Alpine looks up at him with a judgmental look. ‘Don’t say it, I know,‘ he sighs, talking to the cat, ‘this isn’t going to end well.‘

‘Good morning gents,‘ Jenny chirps, opening the door to the shed to bring their breakfast, ‘I got some jam for you today.‘ Johnny almost jumps out of his bed. ‘Good morning Jenny, how does it feel to be old,‘ he teases her, poking at her side. ‘Ah, stop it,‘ she laughs at the tickling, ‘I’m not old. Call James old!‘ ‘I’m 23, not a fossil,‘ he chuckles in a rough morning voice. ‘Is it your birthday,‘ Timothy asks, peeking from under his covers. ‘Yeah, I’m 22 today,‘ she smiles, pushing Johnny’s face away, ‘so my father bought jam from the neighbors and my mom is making a cake.‘ ‘Cake,‘ James asks in disbelieve. It had been ages since he had eaten cake. Most people don’t have money to acquire the ingredients. ‘Don’t expect too much from it,‘ she smiles, ‘it’s just custard and rusk.‘ ‘Honestly, that’s better than I expected,‘ he smiles, ‘I’ve heard people make fig cakes these days.‘ ‘Oh, I’ve heard of those,‘ Johnny laughs, ‘heard they’re hard enough to bash someone’s head in.‘ James watches Jenny’s smile a she talks to Johnny before her shift. She looks so good in her navy, knee-length skirt; navy, fitted waistcoat; and ivory blouse. As for today she’s holding a jacket in the same navy color over her arm. The nights had become colder and longer. Winter is coming and they all know it. The shed will be a lot colder in the following months. ‘I’ll be back earlier today, I only have a half shift,‘ Jenny tells them with a smile, ‘enjoy the jam.‘ ‘Thank you.‘

Though the days might be colder as winter approaches, the work has gotten harder. It’s harvest time and the boys are busy beyond compare. They work until they’re covered in sweat and only stop when misses Hill comes outside to give them water. The two younger boys in the family help them with some smaller tasks while Penny, the other daughter, sits by the tree behind the farmhouse and knits. Around twelve, misses Hill comes outside with lunch and sets it down by Penny. They boys sit in a circle with her while she continues to knit. James watches what she’s doing and notices the small mountain of knitted materials next to her. ‘Say Penny, what are you making?‘ She looks up from her work. ‘Oh, mother told me to knit some sweaters because the weather is getting colder,‘ she tells him, ‘mother normally does it, but she’s busy sewing jackets.‘ ‘Sewing jackets?‘ ‘Yeah, you don’t think we’re going to let you guys freeze to death do you,‘ she grins and hands him one of the sweaters to show him, ‘you should be happy Jenny has a job. She’s terrible at knitting and sewing.‘ James takes a look at the sweater. They’re just simple, white sweaters. Probably made from the wool of the sheep that stand in the stables. ‘We’re going to dye them once they’re done so you all have your own,‘ she hums, continuing with her work. ‘How wil you dye them? Isn’t that terribly expensive these days,‘ Timothy asks her a bit concerned. ‘It’s fine. We’re going to use wild berries and some other things like coffee grounds,‘ she explains to him, ‘we’re not exactly short on money, but it’s good to be creative in these times.‘ ‘How’d you guys end up hiding stowaways,‘ James ask, taking a big bite out of his sandwich. ‘Well, Johnny was here with Jenny when we heard soldiers were going to check every house for young gents who didn’t join the army,‘ she says, giving Johnny a small smile, ‘so we made him hide in the crawl space under the house until things calmed down, but it turns out they weren’t going to check us because we need the help on the farm so the men that were here would be safe. Besides, they already took our brother away.‘ She doesn’t look far as sad as Jenny does when talking about him. ‘So who wants what color? I’ll be able to make brown, blue, and red.‘ ‘I’d like brown,‘ Timothy mumbles. ‘I’ll take blue,‘ Johnny grins. ‘I guess that leaves red for me,‘ James smiles at her, eating the last few bites of his sandwich before getting up again. ‘Let’s get back to work.‘ Johnny sighs loudly. ‘No fun that one,‘ he jokes to Penny. They hear something on the gravel and Wesley and Nathan jump up. The group sees Jenny stepping off her bike and putting it against the fence like she does every day. James looks at her like the world just got a little brighter. The sunshine in his life returned and seems to just look at him. ‘Ah, did I miss lunch,‘ she laughs as her brothers pull her towards the group, ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier.‘ She presses a kiss to everyone’s cheek, but stops for a second after kissing James’ cheek and smiles. She starts rubbing his cheek with her thumb and he can only think of what her lipstick stain on his cheek might look like. ‘It’s fine,‘ he grumbles, ‘how was your day?‘ Without realizing it, he puts an arm around her waist while she keeps scrubbing at his cheek. ‘Gosh, terrible,‘ she grins, ‘they took half the pictures off the cork-board. It’s horrific to see them take them off and see the poor lads being dragged down the street. Don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.‘ She looks satisfied at his cheek and takes a step back, realizing they all have stains on their cheeks. ‘You guys should wash up.‘ ‘Why don’t we get the same treatment as James,‘ Johnny whines. She steps over to him, grabs his jaw, and violently scrubs his face. ‘Wait, no, I surrender. Stop!‘ The group laughs for a second. ‘Oi, back to work lads,‘ mister Hill calls as he steps out of the house.

After dinner it’s time for the improvised cake. Jenny turns an, to James adorable, shade of red when they start singing Happy Birthday to her. She looks with bright eyes at the candles on top of the cake and closes her eyes with her hands folded together before blowing them out. James can’t take his eyes off of her. Misses Hill divides the cake evenly between the nine of them and everyone is quiet at the sweet taste. ‘It’s great mom,‘ Jenny smiles at her mother, ‘perfect birthday.‘ Misses Hill walks over to her daughter and hands her a small, wrapped package. ‘Your grandmother send this over.‘ Jenny’s eyes shine as she opens the package. Everyone looks curiously at the small box as she opens it. Inside is a dainty, golden necklace with a golden coin on it. Jenny flips it over to see the back of it and smiles. ‘She got it engraved,‘ she smiles, tears of joy poking her eyes as she shows her mother. ‘That’s wonderful sweetheart,‘ her mother answers, ‘shall I put it on for you?‘ Jenny nods and hands the necklace to her mother who helps her put it on while she holds up her hair. The whole scene looks enchanting to James. In fact, it looks enchanting to all of them. She lets her hair fall down and shows her sister the coin. ‘Look, its an angel riding a Pegasus,‘ she smiles. Penny gives it a small glance and shrugs. It’s not special to her, but it means the world to Jenny. 

The dinner comes to an end and James and Jenny end up reading on the couch as they often do these days. Alpine is curled up between them and comfortably purrs as both James and Jenny pet her gently. But is James actually reading? He seems to be awing at Jenny’s foccussed face. Heart shaped eyes almost pop out of his skull. ‘Stop looking at me,‘ Jenny whispers at him. He closes his book and pretends to be offended. ‘I was not looking at you.‘ ‘Oh please, you’re a terrible liar,‘ Jenny says as she puts her book down as well. ‘Do you want to go look at the stars from the hayloft?‘ She sighs and puts her book on the coffee table. ‘Fine, but bring a blanket this time. I found hay everywhere last time,‘ she sighs. Alpine follows as the two make their way to the hayloft and open the small window to look outside at she night sky while laying on the hay. James puts the blanket over the hay and arranges it so they can sit comfortably. He sits down first and takes her hand to pull her onto his chest. She turns a bright shade of red when she lands and looks up at his face. ‘You’re adorable,‘ he smiles, feeling tingles going through his whole body. ‘S-stop that,‘ she mumbles, trying to push herself away but his arm has her captured. ‘Hey, where’d my confident Jenny go,‘ he teases.  ‘Oh go fuck yourself,‘ she grins. ‘Gladly, through I’d rather fuck you.‘ She stares with wide eyes into his as a smug smirk plays on his lips. ‘Fuck it,‘ she mumbles and straddles him, dipping down to connect his lips with hers. ‘My dad is going to shoot you.‘ ‘Angel, that only makes it more exciting.‘

[calixddm101706]

Holiday Spent Together.

The holiday season was upon the Titans so they all decided to take a break from anything work related.

Kori and Dick were in their apartment. They wanted to spend their holidays there.

Jaime went home to spend holidays with his family, Gar came with him because Jaime treats him like family, they're best friends.

Donna also went home to themyscira.

The boy wonder was also going to spend holidays with his family until this happened.

He was walking in the hallway with his bag of clothes and other stuff. He entered the common room and became shocked with what he saw.

Sitting in the couch, was Raven......

He was shocked but then remembered that she didn't have a regular family. She didn't want to go with the others because she didn't want to disrupt their family bonding during the holidays. He now felt sad for the empath. Raven sensed him so she looked back and saw him just standing there staring at her, consumed by his thoughts.

"Umm....Damian? Are you okay?" She asks. Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Oh! Umm..I'm just thinking about something." He lied, he didn't want to remind of her of her family issues.

"Where are you going?" She asks, looking at his bag then back at him.

"Oh, I'm going home for the holidays." He informs. "Oh..." She says softly, now feeling sad, remembering her loneliness. Damian immediately realizes what he had done.

"Great going in not reminding her genius!" Damian scolds himself.

"Have fun.." She says then goes back to her book.

Damian felt really guilty now, he didn't want to leave her alone. He was going to invite her to come with him to the manor but he knew he'll never hear the end of it from his brothers.

He got another idea.....

"Wait there!" He said to her which surprised the young mage. He ran to the hallway and grabbed his phone and called his father.

"Hello Damian, what's wrong?" Bruce asks from the other side of the phone.

"I've decided to stay in fhe tower." Damian informs, Bruce was definitely shocked by the sudden statement and change of mind.

"Why?" Bruce asks, Damian didn't want to tell his father his reason or else he'd never hear the end of it, so he just lied...

"I have decided that I want to have some peace and quiet alone." He says.

"Really? How are you supposed to that with Raven there, she is there, isn't she?" Bruce says teasingly with a smug. He knew Raven didn't have a normal family, so he deduced it already.

He can see Damian's shocked face on the other side of the phone.

"I understand now why you want to stay." Bruce jokes, "Father!" Damian says pissed.

"Ok fine, you can stay, Merry Christmas Damian." Bruce says, "You too father." The ex assassin ended the call and went back in the common room.

Once he got back in Raven immediately faced him. "Guess what?" Damian asks with a grin. Raven just shrugged.

"You won't be alone this holiday." Damian informs, Raven quickly understands what he was implying.

"You're staying here?! What does your father think of this?" She asks shocked.

"Yes, I....felt bad for you. I didn't want you to be alone. Also don't worry of my father, he approves......weirdly." He said softly, cheeks staring to blush crimson red.

Raven smiles at his words, "Thank you Damian." She says sincerely, Damian smiles in return.

"Now I will put my belongings back in my room but after that we can do anything you want." He says before leaving the room. Raven chuckles at his charms. She gets up from the couch and heads out of the common room.

After a while Damian went to Raven's room, he knocked on her door and waited for a response.

She opened her door and saw Damian wearing his usual red hoodie, while she was wearing her usual attire which was her cloak and leotard.

They stared at each other for a few seconds before Damian broke the silence between them.

"Umm......what do you want to umm....do?" Damian asks shyly.

"Umm.....I don't know, probably make a meal." She suggested.

"So cook?" Damian asked for clearance.

She nodded, they both chuckled because of the other's charms.

They both headed down to the kitchen and looked around.

"What do you want to cook?" Damian asks while looking through some cabinets.

"I don't know, probably just something easy, I'm not the best when it comes to food." She said.

"Well how about some waffles?" Damian suggests as he finds the waffle mix in one of the cupboards.

Raven being a huge fan of waffle says yes immediately.

They bring out the ingredients and things they needed and they put it in the kitchen island.

Once everything was out they started making.

Raven was in charge of putting eggs in the bowl, she was still learning how.

She hit the egg on the side of the bowl, it didn't crack, she tried again, nothing.

Damian noticed her problem so he helped. He walked up to her, he wanted to grab the egg in her hand but ends up holding her hand instead. Raven looks up and meets his eyes, their eyes lock, they stare at each other for a while.

They snap back into reality, Damian quickly retreats his hand back from hers, Raven processes what just had happened.

She looks back at Damian when he starts talking but does not make eye contact with the ex assassin.

"Umm.......so this is how you....umm....crack some eggs." Damian said, uncomfortable and heart raising rapidly.

"Oh okay." She says, she watches him crack the eggs but she her mind really isn't on the eggs.

They continue making the waffles in silence, awkward silence.

They didn't talk, only mumbling "excuse me" every now and then when going the other's direction or way.

After an hour as passed, the waffles were ready to be eaten.

They put the snacks in a plate, got some drinks and just stayed at the common room.

They sat in different seats and ate in silence, staring at the window, the awkward tension was fading but was still there.

Raven couldn't stand the silence, she didn't like the awkwardness between them, so she talked.

"Umm.....Damian?" She says, turning her head to where the boy wonder is. Grabbing his attention easily, he turns his head to look at the young mage.

"Umm...yes?" He asks.

"Why is it so awkward now? I mean like, we just stared at each other. What happened?" She asks,

Damian looks to the floor, "I don't actually know, it just became awkward all of the sudden and It wouldn't go back to how it was before." He says, also clueless to the situation.

"Can we just go back to how it was before?" Raven asks desperately, she couldn't handle the tension any longer. Damian looks back up to her.

"Umm....sure." Damian replies, Raven smiles in return.

"Anyways, these waffles are good." She changed the subject.

"Yes, I agree."

"Where'd you learn to cook good waffles?" Raven asks curiously.

Damian looks down to the floor again, "When you introduced the snack to me I enjoyed it, so I......learned to make it." Damian says embarrassed.

Raven laughs, "Why are you so embarrassed?" She asks.

"I don't actually know."

With that, Damian starts laughing as well because of his own silliness, also because Raven's laughing.

After they calmed down from the intense laughter they started eating their meals once more.

When they finished, they've decided to open the gifts they have gotten each other.

Raven gave Damian's gift first, Damian opened it. It was a new sword holder.

Damian looked stunned, he looks up to Raven, who was smiling.

"Thank you." He says, acknowledging the present.

"You're welcome!" She replies.

Damian hands Raven his gift to her. She opens it, and gets stunned when she saw what it was.

It was a necklace, with the word Raven written in diamonds.

Raven looks up to Damian with a stunned face.

"What. The. Hell." was the only thing she could say.

Damian got worried, "Do you not like it?".

"No! It's not that, I love it. I'm just.....its just...so beautiful, must've been expensive." She says, still stunned.

"Money is not a problem."  He says plainly.

"Yes it is! This are real diamonds!" She says.

"No its not, also, I've made sure that its diamonds." He says, Raven raises an eyebrow in confusion.

"Because diamonds is special.....and valuable, that's why your name is in diamonds, because like you, its special and valuable." Damian says, his cheeks start to redden, the same thing with Raven's.

Tears start to form in the young mage's eyes.

"Thank you so much, Damian!" She says, he smiles in return.

She runs to his arms, she hugs him tightly. Damian was shocked at first, but then slowly wraps his arms around her figure.

They separate but not fully, their eyes meet, but its not awkward anymore, its comfortable.

They slowly move towards the other, the gap between them slowly decreasing until it was fully gone.

Their lips moved in sync, they kissed with no care in the world, the only thing that mattered was them, and them only.

They separated for air, they continue to stare at each other, falling deep in each other's eyes.

They lean until their foreheads were touching. They stayed like that for a few minutes.

"Also, I didn't learn to cook waffles because I enjoyed it."

Raven raises her eyebrow once more.

"Its because I wanted to cook it for you someday." He admits.

Raven let's out a heartwarming smile in return.

After that, they just stayed in the common room cuddling, enjoying the other's presence while watching the snow fall to the ground.

What matters during the holidays is not where you spend it, how many gifts you get, or what the situation is.

The thing that matters is the people you hold dear and the meaning of that.